My Private Twin Life

Reminiscing Baguio

2009-11-26T21:52:00.007+08:00

This is a long overdue entry...

For some quality bonding time with my parents, Baguio was a favorite family destination every since I was a child.

On this recent trip, I had to reminisce the good old days where my sisters and I go on a boat ride (P120) around Burnham Park, stroll around the market for goodies, vegetables and just enjoy the chilly weather of the Pine City.

I choose to pedal this Swan boat with my mom for 30 minutes. A great leg exercise! Funny though that a sari-sari store/boat roams around the waters selling junk food, softdrinks and balut!

One discovery on this trip is the buffet dinner at Hotel Elizabeth where they serve vegetarian dishes. Their food is so healthy and cheap! Although my dad was unhappy for he is a meat lover, my mom and I tried all the different dishes served on the table. Burp!

I always look forward to our yearly Baguio family trip and this time it was so different because all my siblings are abroad and I am the only one living in the Philippines...

Next blog: My European trip...

Be A Volunteer!

2009-10-03T21:38:00.006+08:00

Today I spent my time and energy as a volunteer of Operation GK Walang Iwanan for Ondoy typhoon victims at the RFM Gym in Pioneer St. Mandaluyong. The relief operation was well-organized by the Gawad Kalinga and Go Negosyo groups. When we came in, they asked us to register our names and IDs were given to us. There was also a free popcorn for the volunteers!

A lot of work had to be done in the gym---repacking the rice, canned goods, noodles, bottled water, tying up the bags. There was really no time to sit back and relax. We literally were sweating buckets of pawis without realizing it. I was a bagger, a "repacker" and a kargadora all at the same time!

Sure, my back was aching and my muscles were hurting but serving the poor and thinking of the welfare of the victims were more important in this time of national crisis.

Volunteer and serve...that's the way to do it!

Cleaning Up Ondoy's Wrath

2009-09-30T08:21:00.004+08:00

Every Filipino is a victim of super typhoon, Ondoy. In my family home, this was the first time that water came inside our garden. I had to show this to my sisters abroad because since they migrated this year, this was one for the records for they stayed in this place for 30 years and never encountered anything like this.

In our condo, water came inside our unit. I was not there but the neighbor said it was knee high and the street was waist deep.

Power and water were cut off from all units. Since our unit was on the first floor, all my appliances were "swimming." My DVDs were floating. I had to say goodbye to my two computers. RIP Mac G5! :)

The greatest lesson is not to be attached with material wealth. I didn't feel any "loss" because the safety of my loved ones were more important. Good thing my family was not harmed or taken away from nature's wrath. Time to clean up...

Crazy Videos featuring Momoy Palaboy

2009-09-21T19:33:00.007+08:00

I want you to laugh so I put these crazy videos from the funny tandem of Momoy Palaboy. They are You Tube stars, now appearing in television. This is their "live " performance. Also, hear them sing their original new hit song, Who are you Momoy? Keep on smiling...

A Delightful Food Trip @ "Kusina Salud"

2009-09-17T21:47:00.011+08:00

One of my memorable childhood getaways was going to the resthouse of my best friend in Laguna. Our agenda would always be weekend sleepovers, girlie talks and bonding moments with REAL friends! My friend married a chef so the resthouse is now Kusina Salud.

It is a fusion of French-Filipino cuisine with the ingredients coming from San Pablo City. The best time to go there is during Sundays where they have an eat-all you can buffet! The ambience is so relaxing especially if you check out their antiques, exotic plants and aviary. Also, walk around their wonderful garden and you'll learn to love Mother Earth!

They have a lot of delicious concoction from the talented Chef Pol Poblador. I won't share the menu with you because you have to visit the place to see what I mean.

My fave is their Pako (fern) salad! Super thumbs up!

This is the location map. Go and experience Kusina Salud! It is better to call for reservations to serve you better :)

KUSINA SALUD

Cell: 0921-7726985
Laguna: 049-5736155
kusinasalud@gmail.com

Discovering "Sulyap" by Surprise

2009-09-12T20:32:00.013+08:00

A rainy morning in Manila led me to go out of town in San Pablo, Laguna. I was to bring some old friends to my fave resto, Kusina Salud. After a sumptous buffet lunch (on my next blog), a childhood friend suggested we pass by Sulyap Cafe and Gallery (Brgy Del Remedio, Cocoland Compound, San Pablo City, Laguna). It is one of the newest attractions in the area.

We were surprised by this delighful discovery. The museum had loads of antiques and furnitures during the Spanish times. Name it, they have it! Vintage toy cars, electric fans, old wooden desks, long-lost photographs, etc.

Sulyap is like going back in time where our forefathers lived. It is a great escape from our busy and hectic life in the city. The place has a five-year rehabilitation plan, privately owned by a former wine merchant who wanted to preserve our cultural heritage.

After walking around the museum, a cafe stands nearby---the house is built in restored Filipino grandiose style! It's a good place for a romantic evening date.

You can contact Roy Empalmado, the prorietor at tel (049) 5629740 or email rarewine@lycos.com. He is also a wine expert and has the best wines in his cellar!

My Crocs on a Jeepney Top Ride/Top Load!

2009-09-07T07:28:00.019+08:00

An example of a Philippine-made jeepney.

I have always been a "safe" person. But this time, I had to try sitting on top of a jeepney after some persuasion from my friends. This is called "Top Ride/Top Load!" The experience is quite exciting! You have to watch out for the branches/leaves that would sweep your face or hold on to dear life while passing over a curve street! It's like a roller coaster ride without the seat belt or any safety gadget. Hear the winds in the video :)

Crazy for Crocs Presents Momoy Palaboy

2009-08-26T10:40:00.026+08:00

CRAZY FOR CROCS

I seldom go to events as I prefer to socialize with old friends or my closely-knit family. In public gatherings, I normally just observe the events and jot down interesting people or ideas for my creative projects. I prefer to be low profile or just be invisible in the maddening crowd. I never register or put my name for raffle giveaways.

Since I love watching and making movies, I was curious to attend the "Crazy for Crocs" at the Hard Rock Cafe. The prodding of the organizers nailed it. Persistence has its advantages so I went to see it for myself.

Crocs is an innovative shoe trendsetter company. Almost every feet has one! Nowadays, since digital cameras are "in" and almost anyone can be a filmmaker, they put up an online video contest where challenges are set for the craziest video in town! For this week, the challenge is: You have to make your own funny interpretation of a song!

I guess the inspiration behind this is the Youtube sensation duo Momoy Palaboy who were in the house that night to perform their wackiest lip synching accompanied by their popular facial expressions and choreography! Everyone was beaming with laughter at their funny antics :)

My being an "invisible" person that night was put to a test. I was discovered and became a reluctant star of the night, LOL! How? The organizer listed my sister's name instead of my name. In short, I had to claim the raffle prize on stage!

I know my friends would be envious because I now have a new pair of Trailbreak! I can use this comfy shoes for my travels and shooting. Yes, I am crazy for Crocs. What a lucky reluctant STAR I am!

Here are the rules for CRAZY FOR CROCS VIDEO CHALLENGE MECHANICS:

How do I join?

The contest is open to all Filipinos currently residing in the country, aged 18 and above.
Contestants may visit www.crazy4crocs.com to register and to see the current weekly video challenge and the current monthly video challenge.
Contestants should fill out the online entry form and post the link of their video at www.crazy4crocs.com to complete the challenge for a particular week or month.
Videos not related to the specified challenge and those containing lewd, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate content will not be approved as official entries.
All employees of Crocs, All Condition Gear, partner advertising and promotional agencies, the partner printing company and employees of participating Crocs concept stores including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity of affinity are disqualified from joining this consumer promo.

How can I win?

Popular online voting at www.crazy4crocs.com will be used to determine the weekly and monthly winners. Visitors will be asked to enter a valid e-mail address for verification prior to voting. Each visitor will be allowed to vote only once for each particular challenge. Each vote will be equal to 1 point for a particular entry.

What are the prizes?

Winners of the weekly video challenges will take home one (1) brand new Canon PowerShot A470. Winners of the monthly video challenge will take home a cash prize of P100,000.

How do I know if I won?

Weekly and monthly winners will also be posted on the website (www.crazy4crocs.com)
Winners will be notified through email, registered mail and through the phone.

Sea Shots

2009-08-24T08:46:00.001+08:00

I am in love with the sea. I can just stay there all day and night staring at the waters and feeling the breezy air...

While on a location shoot, took these photos during my free time and that's my feet under the waters of Punta Malabrigo, Batangas...

On my next visit, I plan to check on the corals and swim with the sea creatures :)

The Artists Have Spoken

2009-08-07T22:50:00.008+08:00

Today, I supported the call to protest the undeserving names listed in the newest batch of our National Artists. A wreath signifying the death of the National Artist Awards was laid down at the NCCA building located in Intramuros, Manila.

Growing up, I have read the lives of our National Artists. They have made great sacrifices, undergone tremendous hardships and experienced roller-coaster rides in their artistic journeys. I salute them for continuing their passion, no matter how unpopular their career path might be.

The government's decision of putting mediocre people and giving them blind honor is an insult to us Filipinos.

Noise barrage, black outfits and old friends came together to speak out...long live our deserving National Artists! Mediocrity is a no-no!

8/7/2009

"A gathering of artists and arts supporters to eulogize the death of a meaningful National Artist Awards."

Thank You, Tita CORY!

2009-08-04T09:28:00.009+08:00

The death of President Cory Aquino marked a big loss for Filipinos all over the world. She symbolized DEMOCRACY. She was instrumental in giving us freedom and hope.

The famous "L" sign---"Laban!" which means "Fight!" Almost all of my generation have made this "L" sign to overthrow dictatorship during rallies.

Cory is a Kulasa (we both studied our elementary at St. Scholastica's College). Growing up, we were exposed to rallies against the Marcos dictatorship. We would walk to the streets for peaceful protests. Tita Cory would visit our campus and campaign during the snap elections. We were all in our uniforms---innocent and hopeful.

In the Cory wall outside of the Manila Cathedral, I just wrote, "THANK YOU" because whatever freedom we have now as a people---it is all because of the willpower of Ninoy and Cory.

I saw this flowers from the Macapagal family and I don't think they are welcome by the Aquino family to attend the wake/funeral. The flowers were outside of the Manila Cathedral, put in some unforgettable place :)

This is inside the Manila Cathedral with Cory's coffin. I never shoot at wakes/funerals but this is a historical event that I want to capture. I am lucky because I got in the church in just 10 minutes! Some of my friends lined up for four hours just to give their respect.

Rest well, Tita Cory! Thank you for guiding our country to democracy.

A Unique Classroom

2009-08-02T21:03:00.005+08:00

I started teaching film in 2001. But before my "formal" teaching post, my mentor let me takeover his class for about two weeks because he had to shoot a documentary in Washington DC, USA. I enjoyed the experience and promised myself that someday I will teach in a public university---to give back any knowledge my mentors gave me. So, with so much idealism and hope, I taught for four years at a public university in Manila. On my first foray at teaching, I had about 50 students per class (taught 3 classes that semester)! The building was a bit old and dilapidated. No aircon. No chairs. The students had to sit on the floor to listen to my lecture. I had to "donate" an electric fan and DVD player to make my class enjoyable. I also brought my own DVDs which were all original and were bought in different parts of the globe so my students can enjoy and learn about world cinema. I am proud of my students in that batch/university because they have become my "colleagues" now.

After four years, I stopped teaching to concentrate on my film debut. But the teaching bug has bitten me so when my alma mater invited me, I said yes right away. All in all, I have taught in five schools! Since I value education, I don't have the guts to turn down any teaching invite. I am quite passionate in my "art" that is why I love to share my experiences to young people.

Right now, this is our classroom---so different from my 1st teaching experience. My students sit on bean bags. We have a big HDTV LCD television for film screenings with matching Dolby surround sound and a centralized winter cold aircon.

They look so serious in the picture here. Maybe because it is a writing class---they are doing an exercise to hone their writing skills. But believe me, pictures can be deceiving because most of them are wacky and playful! Their seriousness is only for a "show." LOL. I'm posting their pictures as a way to get back at them for coming to class late and not submitting their assignments on time :)

I love teaching and the level of difficulty for each student varies but what the heck, I am living my dream!

An Old Lighthouse @ Malabrigo

2009-07-13T20:15:00.008+08:00

Parola ng Malabrigo

This beautiful lighthouse was built in 1891 during the Spanish era. Located at Lobo, Batangas, (3-4 hours from Manila) it used to guide the local people during their travels/fishing in the seas. Now, it is like an "abandoned" property with no security guards or Navy personnel to "man" the place. When we got here, there was not a single soul in the vicinity to sway us away so we had all the time and freedom to snap our camera in all directions :)

Old is beautiful! I really appreciate this architectural structure. So lucky to have passed by this lighthouse during an ocular visit for a movie shoot.

Kids at Lobo, Batangas

2009-06-29T22:49:00.010+08:00

One of the perks of my job is travelling to different places, looking for the best location and "actors" that will stir the creative senses. The goal is to share it with an audience on the big screen in a cinematic way. While it can be tiring---wandering to a road less travelled and no maps to guide you, the journey is worth it especially when you meet strangers who in their silence, speaks a thousand words...

I have taken shots of some kids I met while walking in Lobo, Batangas during a location hunt...

My Other Workplace

2009-06-13T21:38:00.008+08:00

Aside from being holed up in a classroom once a week, my other playground is an editing suite. After a tiring shoot, we all blissfully head up to a post production office to see how a simple idea comes to life in moving images. For days, we compile our shots into one cohesive story/presentation.

I have an editor who digitizes our tapes into computer files. Look at my watch, it past 9pm but we are still working to meet a deadline---on a weekend!

I also have my production assistant who has been with me since Day 1 of the shoot. He knows the "ins and outs" of the shot lists so he briefs the editor on where to get the good takes. He makes my job easier.

This is my "Mother Lily"---my producer. She is like the mother hen of all the production staff. She controls the whims, tantrums and moods of everyone. In short, she trouble shoots and is the designated savior of the production.

My job is to enjoy and have fun tinkering with actors, creatives, and the audience---"Direk" is often the name I hear when they call me :)

Catch THE MALE VOICE on May 31 @ RCBC

2009-05-24T21:52:00.015+08:00

Last Saturday, it was a bonding moment with an old college friend. We ate dinner at CPK because I was longing for their BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad then we proceeded to RCBC to watch an original production of the New Voice Company--- THE MALE VOICE. I was going to "cultivate" her appreciation for the arts because she was clueless about these kind of plays. It was a different gimmick from our usual barkada getaways.

At the reception table, my friend who owns Kodak stores around the city pointed at the poster and said, "So this is the play we are going to watch? The posters are displayed in my stores and I didn't know who put them?!" Apparently a loyal customer from a TVC (television commercial) company requested her saleslady to post it. The customer is always right, in this case :)

We arrived a little bit late (which is a no-no for theatergoers) and good thing the minute we sat on our seats, the show began in 3o seconds. We were just right in the nick of time!

I am not a critic nor do I aspire to be one. I just go to the plays to support my friends who are passionate about their craft. Honestly, I am not a "fan" of the medium because everything for me is "long shot" although I appreciate the actor's vulnerability while he shows his "reality" to a live audience.

Anyway, four decent and capable actors are in The Male Voice: Tommy Abuel, Michael Williams, Joel Trinidad and Joaqui Valdes.

I have met them in different events although I will remain faceless to them. A distant relative introduced me to Joaqui during a Cinemalaya screening. I've talked with Mr. Abuel over some film projects. I've seen Michael in some Repertory plays and admired him in NVC's Into the Woods. Even before Joel became a popular theater actor, I was inside this room when he auditioned for a lead role in a film created by a master director. At that time, I knew he had a great potential but things didn't go as planned. I bet wonderful things came into his life much greater than any film role...

Watching TMV, the powerful presence of Mr. Abuel is enough to lure you to RCBC. His portrayal of a Muntinlupa convict in "Apat Ang Sulok ng Kalayaan ni Bobby (Freedom Has Four Corners)" is a rare masterpiece. Real acting = Tommy Abuel.

I truly enjoyed laughing at Williams' portrayal of a successful gay make-up artist in "Victor/ Victoria." His lines are so witty, it brought a lot of happy tears and loud chuckles in the audience.

Joaqui with his good looks tried to play a "star" macho dancer. He really looks "good" on the surface but acting-wise he made a much lingering and memorable performance in Into the Woods than TMV. He is still young and is "teachable" so we expect him to be a much better actor in the future.

Joel has mastered the "English language" medium in the theater. He has a certain "magic"---his "bald" appearance shows intensity that unconsciously, you follow him wherever he goes onstage.

BTW, this is an original production so go catch TMV and listen to the rants of the male species!

========

For 15 years, the New Voice Company managed to stage shows that are socially provocative and entertaining. TMV will have a limited run on May 31 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium (RCBC Theater) at 8 p.m. (Call 896-5497, or email nvc@pldtdsl.net).

Lomo Loco @ the Sanuk Sand Castle Challenge

2009-05-21T08:00:00.013+08:00

Last weekend, my friends invited me to check out the Sanuk Sand Castle Challenge---they are bringing the beach to the city! Knowing how I love the sea, I gladly came with my Lomo Fisheye camera...

It was exciting to see fine, white sand in the middle of Boni High Street amidst the intense rays of the summer sun...

The competing teams were given 8 cubic meters of sand, buckets, showels, water to "sculp" their masterpiece. Their best tool: IMAGINATION! And it is Filipino ingenuity at its best!

And the winner is...the Orange team!

Sanuk means "happiness" in Thai. I first saw a Sanuk footwear comfortably worn by a male friend a year ago. Eye-catching and hip, it makes one wonder how it was "built" with its distinctive design.

I think my Lomo and Sanuk blend well together with these fisheye photos I have taken :)

Images I Saw in Davao

2009-05-16T08:55:00.004+08:00

This is the controversial "David." Heard lots of stories about this image---some conservatives found it blasphemous---they tried putting some leaves to cover his manhood. I saw the real "David" when it went to a "tour" in a Toronto museum and found it a magnificent work of art! I love the contours of his body, perfect! David is my man! :)

On my second time to Jack's Ridge, I checked this figures again. There's something wonderful about using your bare hands to create art. I love seeing the lights at the ridge even though it came from the cemetery hehe.

We went to this shrine---Holy Infant of Prague. Prayed for more blessings...

Over at Marco Polo hotel, I shot this deer inside their bar. And there are lots of them! Tsk tsk hunters :( What's nice about the location of Marco Polo is my favorite shopping center---Aldevinco is just across! So before and after my event at Marco Polo, I was at Aldevinco three times in just one day LOL. The next day, we went back for last-minute shopping.

My Davao trip wouldn't be complete without eating durian! So after a busy day, my friends and I went to a street corner to ravish fresh durians (ate different varieties) with softdrinks as our chaser! The experience is really heavenly :)

Chilling at Pearl Farm, Davao

2009-05-06T11:06:00.017+08:00

On my second trip to Davao, I only had one goal---go snorkeling! I am Pisces-born so throw me to the water and I will be there all day, under the sea, looking at the marvelous corals, bright fishes, sometimes finding Nemo and a lot more :)

So I headed to the Pearl Farm and joined their morning Coral tour (P550, 3 hours). Boarding is at a Samal Island dock where a boat will transport the guests to a 45-minute trip to the resort.

While cruising, we saw these birds...

We were welcomed at the Parola Bar. Drinks were served and a guide gathered us to show the resort map and to describe the amenities of the area.

This is the infinity pool in front of the Maranao restaurant.

This is the Samal House where guests can stay for the night...

I stayed in this hut all day, reading my book, listening to my Ipod and taking a quick nap.

This is my point of view while I lay down into my perfect getaway so far from Manila...

For the coral tour, we were brought to two snorkelling sites. I was with five Korean tourists and was the only local who joined the underwater escapade. A certified diver gave us a little introduction on the signs we should use while underwater and showed us how to fix our fins, masks, etc.

I brought my new snorkelling gear because I was really excited to test the Davao waters. I remember during my first Davao trip some years back, I also brought my own snorkelling gear but did not have the opportunity to take a dip because my trip was work-related---no time to go to the beach. Now, it was PURE LEISURE! Check out the waters...

After four hours of snorkelling, it was time to eat a sumptuous lunch---buffet style! Burp...burp...burp!

Who wants to taste Davao's sweet pomelo? So delicious!

Walking around the area, I took a self portrait---it was so hot that I had to wear a bandana over my head :)

I will definitely go back to Davao again and try another adventure---their Zipline!

Thai Food in HK

2009-04-20T10:39:00.005+08:00

We arrived at HK mid-morning and settled into our hotel around lunch time. We contacted a relative who is based there as flight stewardness. She told us to meet at HSBC, near the Central MTR and she will bring us to a Thai restaurant. While waiting, an old college classmate of my sister who works at HSBC met us to chitchat. She tells us that the world financial crisis is affecting everyone, jobs are being cut and any time, one can lose a job. But my concern was my growling stomach! When I'm hungry, I am like a two-year old, ready to throw a tantrum!

We went to this food alley where different international cuisines are being served. People eat there at 1pm so we were lucky that we arrived early. My relative tells me that the area is sometimes called "rat alley" because of the obvious reason, hehe.

We settled in Good Luck, a Thai resto. One of the best Thai restos in Manila where I always visit is People's Palace. I discovered it with my cousins when it was first holed up at Malate so many years ago. Now, it is located at Greenbelt 3 and a favorite meeting place of my best friends.

Here are the food pics from Good Luck in HK:

Chicken Pandan

Pomelo Salad

Chicken Satay

Pad Thai

My fave soup of all time: Tom Yung Goong!

After eating, my take on this resto: "Burp!"

The Art of Animation

2009-04-11T04:45:00.010+08:00

Welcome to Disneyland's Opera House where the Art of Animation is housed. For animators, it is a place of "worship." You see your favorite animated films in their "infant" stage. I have always been amazed with artists. Their "baby" all started from an idea and through their creativity and greatness, blossomed into the "real" thing.

Here are some characters from Disney and Pixar's animated films that have entertained us from childhood to old age :)

Mickey and Friends

Dumbo

Snow White

Aladdin

Cinderella

The Incredibles

Belle

Beauty and the Beast

Cars

Ratatouille

I love animation. I remember my dad bought me a Fisher Price film projector where I can watch 8mm Disney films like Snow White, Cinderella, etc by cranking it by my bare hands. It was my fantasy world. Maybe that is one reason why I went into moviemaking. Whenever I travel abroad, I always try to look for that toy but cannot find a similar one. My toy just got lost during my childhood years and cannot remember if we gave it away :(

I saw the IMAX version of "Beauty and Beast" on New Year's Day in Canada years ago. It blew me away watching it on an eight-story screen size. It was also a sweet screening because every woman was given by a plastic red rose (which looked real) at the cinema. I still have it until now. I also got a big picture of Belle framed in my room. I think all girls dream of being a princess someday, waiting for the right guy to sweep them off their feet hehe.

One of the oldest animators I met was Ray Harryhausen (responsible for the animation in Mighty Joe Young, Jason and the Argonauts, The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, Clash of the Titans) in a festival in Hiroshima, Japan. He is the "father" of stop motion animation. It was an enlightening trip. I saw his passion discussing his films. He lectured to a large crowd and no one is allowed to take pictures of his creations or record his demonstration. Even at an old age, he breathes and lives animation. He would tell stories on how he used his parent's garage to make his films. He is quite an inspiration. (If you watch Monsters Inc, there's a place called Harryhausen--a homage to a great man!)

Animation is a long and tedious process. It is also a lonely job. Most of the time you are alone doodling your craft. I have always admired animators and artists for they bring us back to our happy and carefree childhood years with their heartfelt and entertaining imagination.

Hail to the animators!

Welcome to HK Disneyland!

2009-04-01T21:28:00.015+08:00

My first trip to Disneyland was two years ago at Los Angeles and I was into my early 30s! I spent the whole day touring the place and checking the fun rides. It was a moment I would never forget for it brought a lasting "adult" experience in a kid-at-heart like me. I vowed to visit Hong Kong's version and it happened last month.

Guys playing the drums...

Our HK sojourn was a family trip. My sister and dad were more concerned with shopping at the Causeway Bay than seeing the sights so I forced my mom to come with me. It was a good decision though. We bonded together and we were both like 10-year-old little children enjoying our big playground.

We arrived at lunchtime so the first thing I did was to look for a map and the schedule of the shows so I can plan our iterinary. Our first stop: the Starliner Diner. Our stomachs were growling so bad that we had to pacify it by ordering Cheeseburger and Chicken Wings (HK$ 104).

After a delicious fatty meal, I had to look for my favorite ride---the Space Mountain! We were so lucky that there were no long lines! I have always looked forward in repeating this space blast experience since I enjoyed this thrilling ride in LA. Since I also wanted to check out some talents in the theater, I made sure to catch the show, "Festival of the Lion King." The show was entertaining and very commercial in nature.

We cruised over the river to visit "Tarzan's Treehouse." We learned about Tarzan's history and life in the jungle. We saw his things just like any esteemed hero erected in any museum. This is not an "exciting" adventure so you can pass it for some important magical tales.

A great discovery is "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh." I was clueless about this place. I just saw children and adults lining up so I also lined up. Boy oh boy, it was a "live" storybook experience! I totally enjoyed it. The ride is so simple yet magical! If you have a kid, make sure to visit Pooh here.

Exactly at 3:30 PM came "Disney on Parade." All Disney characters were showing their "acting skills" to the crowd! Below are Mickey and Friends, The Little Mermaid and the gang from Toy Story.

After the rides, I took a break, sat on a bench and ate a Mickey Head ice cream (HK$18). See my band aid? Got it when I was in the NAIA restroom on my way to HK. The lock is so old, got a deep cut when I closed the door :( Blood poured out of my finger and it was so ouchy!

Here is a video of the carousel during its test run. My mom and I didn't let this pass. We happily picked our own horses and rode the carousel!

At 7:30PM, all guests were on the Main Street to savor the evening's fireworks---the last magical presentation of the day! After the fireworks, we went to our respective bus coaches and went back to our hotel. I will never grow tired of visiting theme parks even when I'm 60! :)

The "Toy Story" Zoetrope

2009-03-27T08:09:00.011+08:00

When I was growing up, my parents would bring my sisters and I to different summer lessons so we can do something productive. It started with swimming, the following year, art lessons and finally, yearly tennis summer workshops until we finish our grade school years. In tennis, we even joined competitions and I would meet my sister in the finals! After I won my first trophy, I knew I had to stop being "competitive." I was happy playing the sport, the win boosted my confidence but the most important lesson is to be content with the simple things. There was one match when I was up against a daughter of a stage father who was shouting vindictive words towards her daughter when she was making errors. Even if I was leading the match, I gave way and let the poor girl win. I wanted to end the girl's misery. Looking back, those "hardcore" junior players whom I have competed before are all gone from the tennis limelight. We have our different careers now and I am happy I made the decision early on to just enjoy the sport.
As I grew old, I began to choose the summer workshops I would like to take part in. In 1996, I enrolled in an intensive animation workshop. It was fun learning the basics of animation. I used a 16mm film camera and I appreciated every frame on the screen because for one second, I had to make 24 drawings or 24 movements!

The short film I made travelled to different film festivals from Amsterdam to Japan. Those trips were one of my first travels abroad.

My recent trip to Hong Kong Disneyland reminded me of my animation workshop. There's a" modern" Zoetrope from the "Toy Story"---one of the first fully computer generated animated films. It is also one of my fave films.

In reality, the figures of Buzz, Woody and Jessie are all static but once the spinning disk moves, it provides an illusion that they are creating movements. The strobe lights also helps with the persistence of vision which is a phenomenon of the eye to see an illusion. The animation is shown before your eyes LIVE!

Here's the video:

You Are in Hong Kong When...

2009-03-18T09:22:00.015+08:00

You know you are in Hong Kong when...

You walk on your left side, traffic is also on your left side which makes me so confused because I've been living in Manila all my life and we use the right side of the road always. Even in school as preschoolers, "walk to your right" is our general rule. The "left" rule is the Brit's influence :)

You pass by this bridge on your way out to the HK airport...

Condo living is a must...

You meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a parade in Disneyland!

You are on a shopping mecca with brand name stores! Spending my day at Causeway Bay or Nathan Road is heavenly :)

One of the oldest transportation is the Sampan boat ride. My late grandmother would tell my mom stories of riding the Sampan when she used to work there when my mom was in her teens.

You use a toilet with this kind of small space! The only movement you can do is to sit down and stand up only! (This was taken in a restaurant.)

You get to see a marker where our great hero, Dr. Jose Rizal once held a clinic in a busy street near the Central MTR. Of course, the marker is so small (right side of the maroon building), no one can notice it!

You get to see lots of Filipina workers on a Sunday morning going to their favorite park!

Bakery Fair 2009

2009-03-04T11:50:00.009+08:00

I try to be open when attending fairs. When I was visiting Canada, my late grandmother would always ask me to accompany her to the weekend flea market. There I would see vintage collectibles and also see some new stuff---everything and anything are all there! So when I got an invite to attend this year's Bakery Fair at the World Trade Center, I said yes right away. It was just a walking distance from my family home and I was also curious about the appetizing possibilities of wheat because I love to eat! And so I present to you the different faces of bread...

Different cakes on display...
The winning cake: Angkor Wat
3rd Prize winner...so cute for children's parties :)
Belgian chocolates :)

They say ""wheat is the staff of life." In the food pyramid alone, bread is the most essential for the needed fiber and carbohydrates of our body. It claims to have more nutrients and vitamins.
An icing on the cake: Baking and cooking demos!

Bakery Fair is a biennial (every two years) event that showcases the best in bakery, confectionery and food industries of the Philippines. This year, hundreds of exhibitors held booths to show and sell their products. Many cooking and product demos took place. US Wheat Associates is an allied supporter of the organizer of the Bakery Fair 2009 event, Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association (FCBAI).

Why Corregidor is Important in our History...

2009-02-25T10:06:00.021+08:00

Last weekend, my mom had a reunion with her high school classmates (Class of '69) at the historic Corregidor. Since I haven't visited this important place, I tagged along with around 28 mid-50s adults (mostly young grandparents LOL) and became their official photographer in their "school" field trip.

My two grandfathers served in the World War II. One lolo (grandfather) was a medical doctor who walked during the Death March at Bataan. He would tell me stories on how he survived the war. His name is in a marker at Tagaytay City. When he was alive, he would bring us there, proudly showing his name. He died when he was 97 years old!

On the otherhand, my groovy lolo was a runner in Tarlac. During his teen years, he would do errands for the Americans. He is still alive and might be one lucky Veteran because he might be one of the recipients of the proposed $198 million compensation for Filipino war veterans under the US Senate's economic stimulus package.

Ruins were preserved to respect the US and Filipino soldiers.

Old Cinema

So why is Corregidor important for the Filipinos and Americans? During World War II, when we were battling the Japanese Army, our puppet government was in Manila but the real government was holding office in the island and at a tunnel! And yes, General Douglas MacArthur, the man who said, "I shall return," was based in Corregidor.

At the time of Pearl Harbor, MacArthur's ground forces consisted of the Philippine Army of 10 divisions and supporting troops, with a total strength of about 100,000, and a US Regular Army contingent of more than 25,000. Of the latter force, the largest unit was the Philippine Division, consisting of one American regiment and two Philippine Scout regiments. http://worldwar2history.info/Bataan/

Our tour guide, Mr. Alfonso is also a veteran, very witty and if you don't pay attention to his "lecture," he would say, "Sasabutan kita!" (I'll pull your hair!) He's into his early 70s but still sharp, working and gwapo (handsome) for his age. He proudly shares that he has a mixture of Spanish, American and Filipino blood. He states that Corregidor with its strategic location was one of the last places to surrender to the Japanese Army.

I saw a lot of artilleries and the most exciting for me is walking inside the Malinta Tunnel to witness the light and sound presentation written and directed by the late National Artist Lamberto Avellana entitled, "The Malinta Experience." It is the National Artist's final tribute "to valor, peace and international understanding."

Inside the Malinta Tunnel...My lolo was under USAFFE that's why I took this pic from National Artist Lamberto Avellana's presentation.

At the Pacific War Memorial Museum...

Airplane

Philippine Money

I suggest that if your grandparents are still alive, make a family trip to Corregidor. Inquire at the CCP Bay Terminal re the day trip or overnight stay and relive our history. The entire Corregidor tour is worth it!

For tour packages, visit http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/ Email:corregidortours@suncruises.com.ph and Tel: (632) 5275555 ext 4511 to 13.

My Gisele Bundchen Sand Fem @ Corregidor

2009-02-21T21:24:00.010+08:00

I first had my flip flops during my first trip to Boracay. My fave "footwear" went on to travel from Los Angeles, USA, Singapore, Bangkok and Macau and to local destinations like Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Baguio, etc.

With deep regrets, I had to retire it. The sole had become thinner and softer which makes walking very uncomfortable. And if you're a wandering traveller, your feet leads you to different magical places! You have to pamper your feet with the best footwear to enjoy any journey!

I have discovered a new line called Ipanema Gisele Bundchen Seeds Collection. I am a practical person. I don't go ga-ga over a star's product endorsement. GB is quite a popular figure in the fashion industry, not because of her beauty but her strong environmental advocacy. I have never been fashion conscious. I buy things because of the quality, not because it is advertised in glossy magazines. So when my eyes first caught the GB Seeds Sandal Fem, it was totally love at first sight. The style is so feminine but at the same time, the material is tailor made for long walks.

My Ipanema's first destination is Corregidor. Spot my GB Seeds in the photos below :)

My verdict on my first try with my GB: Two thumbs up! Lucky for my newest flip flop for it would go places! I'm bringing her with me on my next travels :)

Sagada Images On My Mind

2009-02-20T01:02:00.007+08:00

I'm ending my Sagada series with images that I found interesting during my three-day stay.

That's me shooting myself hehe...

I saw this man walking on my way to the St. Mary's Episcopal Church...

At the cemetery...

This tomb stands out!

I've noticed that when you walk around Sagada, there are a lot of blank markers. Really made me curious but haven't gotten any answer from the residents I interviewed.

A lone orange tree...

Beautiful clouds...

Sagada's Post Office...really laid back :0

Yoghurt House

2009-02-15T17:59:00.006+08:00

It is a MUST that if you are in Sagada, you should make it a point to have a meal at Yoghurt House. The place is intimate, conversations should be hush-hush or everyone will hear your stories! On one corner is a shelf full of old books for sale. Black and white photographs are also on display showcasing the old Igorot life and the Sagada papermoney trail. The images give you a short history of the Mountain Province right inside this cozy resto!

For lunch, I tried their Chicken Rosti (chicken on top of fried shredded potato fries) and it really made me full! No rice!

This is the best yoghurt I have tasted! Fresh, soothing and so delicious!

For dessert, I also tried their Banana Cheese Crepe, oh la la :)

I was having long conversations with my best high school friend so we ordered a hot lychee tea to compliment our never-ending storytelling. This tea is so right to enjoy Sagada's cold weather!

This is one place that you will never forget in your lifetime. Yoghurt House is unique and gives you a yearning to come back over and over again.

Sagada Bus Ride

2009-02-11T10:58:00.008+08:00

In Baguio, there is a bus stop solely for Sagada and Bontoc. The trip is six hours long. So from Manila-Sagada, it takes about 12 hours of land travel one-way! The bus fee from Baguio to Sagada is P 236 pesos ($6).

Half-way thru the trip, one stops at Morning Star where travellers are given around 2o minutes to grab their lunch. We ate Chicken Adobo and Pinapaitan around P180 ($4). This is not a gourmet or stylish restaurant but for our growling stomachs, this place would suffice.

Snacks and drinks are also available at the bus stop. This is also where you take time to relieve nature's call. Get ready for P3-5 coins to use the comfort rooms. Some foreigners have to ask our bus conductor for some coins because they didn't bring any. And when you travel with a group, one hates waiting because they are still in the CR! Hehe.

After the long, tedius, sometimes bumpy ride, seeing nature at work is priceless! BTW, the bus has no airconditioner but since we are up in the mountains, the breezy cold fresh air is God-sent :)

These Mountains Have Spoken...

2009-02-06T00:25:00.006+08:00

I'm at a loss for words for the beauty of nature. Everything is crafted perfectly by our Maker. Shot these photos during a long, one lane, bumpy, non-airconditioned bus ride to Sagada. Life is beautiful!

Sunrise and Sunset @ Sagada

2009-02-01T08:04:00.013+08:00

I was on the bus at this time...the sun and clouds were enticing me to continue my journey :)

Waking up at 5am, I walked around the St. Mary's Episcopal Church and saw these blue skies.

Around late afternoon, I stopped by the cemetery to explore :)

A basketball court greeted me on my arrival at Sagada.

The sun is saying goodbye now...

Terraces Going to Sagada

2009-01-29T08:19:00.010+08:00

These are the sights that bewildered me on my way to the zig zag roads of Sagada. Our bus even stopped not to let a pedestrian pass but for a snake to cross the road! Talk about love for nature and respect for animal rights!

Living in the city all my life makes me want to be with nature in my retirement age (which is about three decades from now, hehe)---have a simple life, plant and toil the land. Twin would like to be a farmer someday :)

An Overnight Stop in Baguio

2009-01-26T11:21:00.004+08:00

Baguio City has become decongested with flyovers and buildings all in the name of modernization. I miss the old Baguio. My family regularly hides off to the City Of Pines for the cool weather and fresh strawberries. This time I came with a friend. Our main goal is to visit Sagada which is a six-hour bus ride from Baguio. (From Manila to Baguio, travel time is also six hours).

Since it was such a short visit because we had to get ready early in the morning to catch a bus to Sagada, I just walked at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto and chilled at the Session Road for dessert.
I realized that I was getting old because climbing to the grotto made me stop several times to catch my breath.

In the afternoon, the fog slowly crept in the city making it visibly hard to see the area---good thing to lessen the eyesore of modernization :)

The Session Road is so much alive at night. Baguio was 7 C degrees when I came so it was abnormally freezing for someone who lives in Manila with an average of 32 C temperature.

To enjoy the cold night, I had lychee tea and mango tango dessert. The prices are so cheap that our bill amounted to only around P200 ($4) plus their promo beer drinks.

Next: Travelling to Sagada

Road to Sagada

2009-01-21T00:25:00.006+08:00

Sagada is a six-hour bus ride from Baguio City. The long trip is worth it---you see the clouds on eye level (sometimes below eye level hehe) ! One thing for sure, when you're on top of the mountain---you're on top of the world! Sagada's fresh, cool breeze will easily make you a frozen delight :)

Money Tree for Prosperity @ Wynn Macau

2009-01-11T00:18:00.005+08:00

Giant screen, grand chandelier, gold hand-crafted money tree mesmerize the guests at Wynn Macau. People throw coins and make wishes for prosperity!

Dancing Fountain @ Wynn Macau

2009-01-08T08:11:00.004+08:00

Outside of the Wynn hotel in Macau, one can see this attraction regularly. They play a variety of popular songs and tourists/guests are treated to this spectacle every night!

Retirement Home No. 1: Farm Masters Village

2009-01-07T06:23:00.015+08:00

At my early stage, I am looking for a "retirement" place where I can be with nature, relax without the buzz of city life and just write my scripts. No cellphones. No internet. No unnecessary distractions.

I do not have a province so I'm longing to have a lot! One of the places where I would grow old (I've listed about four "homes" here and abroad) is the Farm Masters Village in San Miguel, Bulacan. I witnessed seeing these mango trees grow from seedlings to an orchard! During harvesting season, these numerous mango varieties are just within your reach, tempting you like Eve to get and eat them with your bare hands :)

For 2009, my project is to start building one of my retirement homes LOL. And this is going to be my view! Aside from the nature side of this place (they also have a tilapia fishpond), amenities like swimming pool and basketball court are also in the area.

Farm Masters Village

Magsaysay Ave. Brgy. Pulong Bayabas, San Miguel, Bulacan

"Barangay Pulong Bayabas is 3 kilometers away from the town center with a newly constructed highway leading to Biak-na-Bato, declared by the government to be a National Shrine expected to draw foreign and local tourists alike."

How to get here:
The town is around 75 kms. north of Manila, the business center of the country.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION:
Route #1: From North Luzon Expressway at Balintawak Exit. Take the exit at Sta. Rita (approximately 30 minutes). Just follow the Cagayan Valley Road passing through the towns of Plaridel, Pulilan, Baliuag, San Rafael and San Ildefonso.

Route #2: (SOON) From North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), take expressway - PROPOSED PLARIDEL BYPASS, this will pass thru other towns of Bulacan including San Miguel Bulacan (Fastest Way)

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: (BUS)
Take the buses that ply the Cagayan Valley Road route. Some of these buses are Baliwag Transit, ES Transport, and Five Star Transport. The buses will reach the town in about 2 hours.

Hotel Hopping @ Macau

2009-01-04T19:14:00.014+08:00

Colorful lights at Grand Lisboa

When you've enjoyed casino or hotel hopping at Las Vegas, definitely, you would want to try doing the same thing in Macau. My real intention of going to Macau was to compare it with the Las Vegas strip. I was in Las Vegas in December 2007 and recently I was in Macau December 2008.

In Macau, you travel by foot to see the cultural and entertainment sights. The top two pictures are my point of view going to the Wynn hotel. I passed by the "pedicabs" and walked underground.

When I arrived at the Wynn hotel, their dancing fountain was performing right before my eyes. A fire was also part of the cast. It was an enjoyable site, the dancing and singing parts, hehe. I was in the live audience. LOL. Back in Vegas, since it was winter time, I can only watch the fountain show from my hotel window since it was freezing crazy.

Took some souvenir shots at the Grand Imperial hotel. Of course, I am no queen and have no intentions of living in a palace. Simple life lang ako.

To reach the Venetian, we had to take a bus. It was kinda far from the Macau center since it was a reclaimed area. There are streetmospheres everywhere. You see them on floor, windows, etc performing, singing Italian arias. Pinoy talents are not allowed to reveal their true identity. They undergo intensive training to have an Italian accept and part of their script is to tell the guests that they have an Italian blood---which is totally a puzzle since they look very Pinoy!

A good friend who works at the Venetian toured us to the room where Celine Dion stays. The suite has its own massage room. Even the bathroom has its own big LCD TV. Big, spacious and elegant! Here are the over acting bathrobes hehe...

If you are into high-end shopping, most expensive stores are at the Venetian. When I was there, some stores had a 50 % off sale so I got a Florsheim shoes for my dad and for myself, a good-looking watch from _______ which I should only wear daw for special occassions because holduppers in Manila can be tempted to get it according to my friend LOL.

Venetian is connected to the Four Seasons so we took a coffee break at their cafe. The servers were mostly Pinoys and they were really helpful to tell me what's delicious or not in their menu.

Carolers were singing Christmas songs at the Four Seasons and it was really a joyous holiday for me!

Dining at Fernando's

2009-01-03T22:15:00.012+08:00

When a friend learned that I was going to Macau, she suggested that I visit this famous Portuguese restaurant, Fernando's located at 9 Praia de Hac Sa (tel +853 882 264). It takes about a 20-minute bus ride from The Venetian to Fernando's (one of the farthest place I visited in Macau) but we waited for about 40 minutes more at the bus stop for there were no buses going to Hac Sa Beach at that time! So by the time we arrived at Fernando's, our stomachs were all growling and we were all dying to eat!

On the walls are currencies from different countries, calling cards and handwritten graffitti proudly saying that these customers have eaten at Fernando's! On the ceiling are fans, no airconditioner, dearie! The breezy air coming from the beach greets every customer.

These fresh, hot breads came from their own bakery! It was my first time to eat grilled sardines (their size is five times bigger than our local canned sardines) and boy, the bread and sardines compliment one other, with camote on the side. The fishbones were also a bit big, took me some time to remove it :)

Also unforgettable finds are the clams and the grilled cattlefishes. All dishes that were served on our table were gone in a minute! Delicious is an understatement in this famous dining place.

This trip is really worth it because of the suckling pig! I do not care about high cholesterol or high blood, I had to taste this specialty! My verdict: I am in heaven :) Crunchy, tasty, meaty!

They have only one dessert that I was familiar with and so I ordered their flan---has the right sweetness and "softness." Yummy!

Eating at a Portuguese restaurant for the first time and Fernando's being the "annointed" one is one of my highs in this trip. I'm glad I listened to my friend's advice. The servers are well-trained and know how to "communicate" with the tourists and expats. They show you pictures to make sure you ordered the right meal.

FYI, they only accept cash (HK dollars, Patacas or US dollars), no credit cards. I had run out of HK and Patacas currencies and they willingly accepted my US dollars. Thank goodness :)

Jolly Season at Senado Square

2008-12-28T21:01:00.012+08:00

The Senado Square. I could just sit there and watch people all day .

It was Christmas time when I visited Macau for a little bonding with some family members. A sister is migrating soon to another country. We made it a point to travel together since this would be our last trip together. I have been to Hong Kong several times. This is my first time to visit Macau. I got to know the place because of the way it was marketed---the newest Las Vegas strip.

Last year, I had a great time in Las Vegas checking out the sights, entertainment, hotels and casinos. I even experienced a sandstorm along the Mojave desert! So when I learned that Macau is trying to be a copycat of Las Vegas, I had to go there and spot the difference.

My first stop is the Senado Square---Macau's urban center for centuries. It is a few blocks from my hotel, walking distance. The former Portuguese colony is so convenient for tourists. Walk around and voila, you can see all the nicest spots---St. Dominic Church, Ruins of St. Paul's, etc.

Most of the stores from clothes (Bossini, Giordano) to beauty products (Sasa, Watson's) are located there. Starbucks and McDonalds are also in the area.

St. Dominic's Church

Ruins of St. Paul's

But Macau is not just about casinos. They have a rich culture. Within your steps are beautiful churches like the St. Dominic's Church (yellow) built during the 1590's and the Ruins of St Paul's built in 1602. I made sure to visit these churches so I can whisper three wishes to heaven :)

One of my biggest discoveries while walking around the Senado Square is the Portuguese Egg Tart! The bread is like a croissant with a delicious flan inside! So yummy, I keep on munching these goodies for MOP 7.

I enjoyed Senado Square a lot. It is a mixture of business, culture and newfound discoveries. Shopping, restaurants and sights are all in one place!

My Window Images from Manila to Macau

2008-12-17T19:16:00.011+08:00

Students of Notre Dame of Tacurong College

2008-12-15T01:03:00.004+08:00

Every time I get to visit the different schools around the county, I make it a point to shoot and document the students because they are my audience. In far away Sultan Kudarat, I get to see this sign: Speak English Be Global inside the Notre Dame of Tacurong College. I guess this is the influence of the Americans, colonizing us to believe that their language is much superior than ours.

Since Sultan Kudarat's image is somewhat tarnished by bombings and numerous military checkpoints, I noticed that the students lack a certain glow that I normally see in most universities I visited in Metro Manila. Fear of violence? When I asked them if it was true that they are indeed bombings in their town, they said yes. They even gave the date of the latest bombing incident-- as a trivia. I asked if they know any victims. "Yes," was their curt reply. There was no feeling of loss or pain. I guess you become numb with abnormal situations if they become normal circumstances.

Here I asked them to pose...for peace and prosperity! Had a great time with these teens. They were very curious about my line of work and the best part, I also got to learn from them!

The Grand Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat

2008-12-14T23:28:00.007+08:00

While at Tacurong, got an invite to peek at the half-a-billion peso Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat. At that time, the Kalimudan festival was ongoing. While the people were waiting for a free concert by Kitchie Nadal, we hided off to the offices of Gov. Suharto T. Mangudadat, Vice Gov. Donato A. Ligo and representatives 1st District w/ Tacurong City Rep. Datu Pax S. Mangudadatu and 2nd District Rep. Arnulfo F. Go. One word to describe the "palace"--- GRAND!

My gang walking towards the entrance...

This is the small-scale model of the provincial capitol...they are building a sports arena near the "palace."

I was waiting for Aladdin and his flying rug to come down and meet us...

Extravagant chandellier...

A photo contest exhibit near the lobby.

This the office of the governor. His family portrait is hanging on the wall---his five young, gorgeous sons are enough to form a basketball team!

This is where the officials and guests dine when they have meetings...

One of the receiving areas...

Gold is everywhere!

This is the chair of Datu Pax when he was entroned. When you sit on it, your feet will not touch the floor---believe me, the legs are so tall, I tried sitting on it!

It is a bit surreal to see how grand this provincial capitol is. You have to see it for your self. They have a tennis court on top of the building, a helipad, a prayer room with a nice view, etc. The people at the tourism office are hospitable and cooperative. I bet they will be glad to tour you or your group.

Irvir, no need to defend your hometown. Met some students there and I was really glad I visited the area. Btw, I tasted your pineapples (B/G3? forgot the name) and really loved it! Went back several times to the fruit stalls so I can bring them back to Manila, but the variety I want was always out of stock :(

My Secret Trip to Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat

2008-12-04T18:08:00.025+08:00

I got a call inviting me to visit General Santos City for a forum with some students. The voice sounded desperate because some of the invitees backed out. Since it was my first time to go there and I felt I have this calling for spreading film literacy, I said yes. In a span of a day, my airplane ticket and hotel arrangements were made. There was no turning back.

This is my point of view (POV) all alone waiting for my flight to General Santos City at the Centennial Terminal 2 ...was reading Twilight book at 5am!

I dropped by the General Santos City Hall and saw people fixing the building's Christmas decorations.

When the travel arrangements were finalized, I realized that I haven't really read the DETAILS. It said, I will land at the General Santos City airport and travel by road via a two-hour drive to TACURONG, SULTAN KUDARAT! The road leading to Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat.

It became a secret mission. I did not inform my family that I was going to Sultan Kudarat because the mere mention of the place, my parents would say NO right away. They would not allow me to travel any near the place because of its image as a haven for bombings and kidnappings. But if I let fear conquer me, it would be a sorry loss for the students. So, Tacurong, here I come!I arrived around lunch time. The heat is different from the Manila weather. It is much hotter with the sun grilling you with his intense rays. Our host brought us to this carinderia type of restaurant known as 5R. On their menu is palaka (frog)---garlic, buttered, adobo! I wanted to try it because the only "weird" part I have tasted in Manila is deep fried frog legs at the President's at Chinatown, Binondo and boy, I love it---tastes like spicy friend chicken!

The frog specialty was unavailable so we settled for the traditional type---pancit, chopsuey, and buttered chicken. The carinderia was operated by an old couple. The service was slow because there were no helpers. While the man was cooking, he was also serving and cleaning the table! On the otherhand, the woman was taking orders at the same time, washing the mountainous dishes. We were really patient because it was a world so different from the Manila life. Life is so simple...

I stayed at this newly built pension house. It was comfortable with aircon, cable et al. I tried their lomi for P50 ($1) and was surprised because it was one of the best ones I have tasted. One thing I was amazed from this trip was seeing long, colorful flags posted in different establishments.I learned that the flags were put up because of a Muslim wedding ceremony---to lead the guests to the affair. I saw around three flags on different venues one Saturday so I guess Muslims love getting married! At my pension house alone, a wedding was taking place and I had to ask the girls for a souvenir shot :) One of the highlights of my trip is visiting the provincial capitol. Our host told me to "walk in faith." I was clueless about her words of wisdom. Yun pala, we went down to one checkpoint and walked MANY kilometers to go the capitol. The huge highway was not lighted and it was only the stars and moon guiding us. There were a lot of people flocking to the capitol because of the Kalimudan festival. "Walk in faith" because one really has to pray very hard that we don't meet a hardcore lunatic who will throw a grenade at us!

Everyone wanted to get inside the half-a-billion pesos newly built Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat. Security was very tight, people were shoving each other to get in!

I asked this Rambo for photo-op. In Manila, we don't have this kind of soldiers---they are designated for war-torn provinces.

When we reached the entrance of the blockade, it was straight out of the movie---people were pushing to get in and it was like a stampede. I felt like I was in a can of sardines. Armallite-laden soldiers were checking everyone. A soldier even stopped me to check my handbag. After the long walk, we awarded ourselves with a stop at a durian eatery. It was heavenly--- opening the durian right before our eyes, savoring its freshness and gulping softdrinks as its chaser. The seller gave us a tip: to remove the durian smell on our hands, we have to use the shell of the durian, put water on it and use it as our basin to wash our hands. The smell daw would go away!

I thought my adventure will end on my last day. But no, on my flight back home, the bellboy knocked on my room, got my belongings and went straight to the parking lot. I followed him. When I asked him who will bring me to the airport--he pointed to a man wearing a blue jacket. The man was unfamiliar for I have met the REAL driver who will bring me to the airport. I asked the man the name of the person he was looking for. He did not give a name. I went to the front desk to double check. The girl said the man asked for my room number and asked if I were from Manila. So they concluded, I was the guest he was looking for. Normally, I would go to the stranger for I am really clueless about these things. I have no sense of direction and I always get lost so a man picking me up to bring to me to the "airport" is a big blessing. But realizing that he did not know the passenger's name made me think twice. I called up our host to check if they sent someone to pick me up. She answered: "The driver is still at the school. Who could be that man!?" And so, I rushed to my room and prayed the fastest rosary I have ever recited LOL.

I came home in one piece although the flight was delayed for an hour. The first time I saw my parents, I shared my secret that I was at Sultan Kudarat and not at General Santos City as my earlier press release. I was happy with my mission, sharing, interacting and meeting the students and wouldn't change it for anything. There would be adventures that cater only to a one-time experience and this would definitely be my last. No more secrets...

For Art's Sake...A Market by Artists

2008-12-01T20:43:00.007+08:00

Last weekend, I went to the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex to check the event, "For Art's Sake"---a market by artists to test their entrepreneurial skills!

One-of-a-kind products from paintings, ceramics, folk art, jewelries and even recycled clothes/books were on sale.

The booth of ballet dancer Lisa Macuja was a big hit with crowd. She was selling old family stuff---toys, clothes, cheap books with prices ranging from P20-P100 (less than US$2). She also gave away a new Iphone as a raffle prize for her "customers."

Some products were for export and can only be found in the Artist Market like the beautiful ceramic vases and some mango bites goodies.

According to theater director Cris Millado who manned the ceramic booth, these vases are sold at Potterybarn---one of my favorite stores in the US! He said we can never see these decorative artworks in the local market. And because of his brother Calvin's sales talk, got one vase for my living room!

The market also featured unique food specialties like barako coffee, tahong and kalabasa chips (really delicious). While shopping, an ethnic band performed to entertain the buying crowd.

These hand-crafted drums are sold at P5000 (US $ 100), made by the performers above.

The Artist Market was held for only one day but the good thing about it is talents/products were uniquely discovered that eventful Saturday!

Dating My Mom at the Manila Ocean Park

2008-11-16T17:18:00.013+08:00

I had to take time off to bring my mom to the Manila Ocean Park. She booked my schedule a month in advance for the "tour," hehe. It is so easy to get there, from Roxas Blvd, just go near the Luneta Grandstand, and voila, the newest oceanarium is within your reach!

I was with my mom, her sisters and my late grandmother when we visited the Biodome de Montreal in Canada. The biodome was built in a stadium used in the 1976 Olympics. It was converted into four different ecological habitats - rain forest, polar, marine and forest. It was great to see the ecosystem at work! Cute penguins too! I won't compare the two but at least we now have a new attraction to enjoy.

Here are the "Dont's" of our local ocean park:

This is the dome in the middle of the waiting area and ticket booth.

These are cool colorful seats for the visitors.

It's lunch time, folks! Fishes gorge up their meal.

And now, presenting the marine life...

A blue starfish where visitors can touch...

Yellowtail coris

Longhorn cowfish

Lionfish

Estuarine Stonefish

Finding Nemo...Carpet Anemone

Surge Damselfish

Sharks

Porcupinefish

Pajama Cardinalfish (They are very deadma...not moving at all!)

Snubhose Pampano

Spotted Garden Eel---aren't they cool!

Friendly Stingrays

This is my favorite---a hospitable stingray :)

The Oceanarium
Opens Mon - Friday 10AM to 9PM
Sat - Sun 9AM to 9PM
Adults P400 (If Manila resident, P360---bring your ID)

Discovering La Mesa Ecopark

2008-11-04T19:31:00.012+08:00

La Mesa Ecopark is a new discovery for me. It is a surprise that it is located at Quezon City's East Fairview Subdivision! Yes, you enter a village :)

The La Mesa Watershed has 2000 hectares of forest and the watershed is the primary source of drinking water of 12 million city residents. The Ecopark is a good hideaway from the chaos of city life. Fresh, breezy air, tall trees, a lagoon where you can fish, clear blue skies greet every soul who walks on the park.

In this lagoon, I saw a man fishing using a bamboo pole (you can rent it for P20). Families can have picnics too. There is also a mountain bike trail for the adventurers. A big swimming pool (P80 adult entrance fee) awaits the guests. Other amenities include boating and butterfly trail.

To reach this level, lots of sweat and aching legs hounded us. But it is worth it! One can just sit all day and have a terrific time with nature! It is pure bliss.

From the lagoon, a stairway leads you to the dam. As you puff and huff your way with every step (quite steep), when you reach the top, you get to see the dam but there is a sign: NO CAMERA/VIDEO TAKING! But I still managed to click on my cellphone camera. May location hunting si Direk e.

Visit http://www.lamesaecopark.com/index.php for more information

One Lakers Game at Staples Center

2008-10-30T01:16:00.012+08:00

I have watched basketball games since I was in grade school. Blame it on my dad who was a Toyota fan then years after, our TV set was always glued on every Ginebra game. The never-say-die attitude of Big J's team was an inspiration for its fans.

Back in college, I made it a point to watch the intense rivalry of De La Salle University and Ateneo LIVE on the court. Animo forever! I have also watched PBA games because a high school friend's dad used to manage the Astrodome so we have VIP seats when we watch the games live.

During my US trip, a childhood friend (former UAAP basketball player) gifted us with tickets ($100) to a Lakers game. At the Staples Center, I enjoyed checking the souvenir shop, seeing different kinds of Lakers memorabilia! The items were a bit expensive but what the hell, still got some stuff :) The most exciting experience for me aside from seeing Kobe play was the video clip shown to the audience!

When you go inside the arena, at first, you will see a normal basketball court---the players practicing their shots, and spectators going to their respective seats. We were a bit early so we got to see the place filled to the rafters. When the game was about to start, suddenly, there was blackout! A humongous white cloth (circular in shape) came down the court. It became an instant movie theater! A special video on Lakers' 60th year was projected to the big screen. Had some goosebumps watching it. Fabulous concept! The Americans really know how to give a fantastic show! To the max ang entertainment value! You can watch the video below...

Hey, its Magic Johnson!

Inside the arena...

Before the game...

Kobe Bryant shooting a freethrow...

AWESOME Lakers 60th year video!

The Sta. Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2008-10-30T00:15:00.009+08:00

These images have spoken...no explanations needed :)

Photos courtesy of the Twins

Location: The Sta. Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California USA
December 2007

A Storm in California (back in 2007)

2008-10-27T22:10:00.016+08:00

December is the season for family reunions. We grew up in the Philippines so all my relatives were excited to enjoy the winter season with us. We were all gearing up to go to Lake Tahoe for some snowboarding and skiing. Havent experienced it on the mountain slopes. A cabin of more than five rooms were already rented. Ski gears were already packed and serviced at REI (one of my favorite stores!)

Suddenly, a storm hit California! And since the Americans were unfamiliar with natural disasters, highways were closed down. Their world has literally stopped. All broadcast news suggested that we STAY at home! (In Manila, any Filipino can face any disaster, sanay na e, kahit ilang castastrophe pa, tuloy ang ligaya!).

Our plans changed drastically and we just gathered at an aunt's resthouse in Roseville, Sacramento for the family get-together. But since we were determined to see snow in California, we pleaded with my aunt and uncle to drive us near a snow area for picture taking!

A bleakful sky...

Pure white...

Surreal weather...

Photos courtesy of Twin Sister :)

The "Mystery Spot" Experience in Santa Cruz

2008-10-27T13:15:00.024+08:00

At the Mystery Spot, every law on gravity remains haywire. It is intriguing. It is crazy. It is entertaining. It is out of this world. This 150 feet in diameter tourist spot is located in the Sta. Cruz mountains. Driving there is a bit hunted---no passerbys in sight! We were surrounded by long trees and we were the only car on the road! We were just listening to the car's GPS for directions and sometimes the signal would be disconnected. Mystery was really in the air for this trip!

The trees are slanted. I wonder why?

We were early for our tour. I saw a Broom man, he was sweeping the leaves, not minding the visitors. I approached him and asked if we can go in. "No, just wait..." was his answer. It was winter time in California and since I was brought up in the tropics, the weather was uncomfortable for me. So we just sat on the bench and later, checked their gift shop.

Finally, our time has come to walk inside the Mystery Spot. Guess who approached us? The Broom man is also the Tour Guide! LOL. To think he was indifferent to his customers earlier.

The tour guide's "attitude" turned 360 degree during the tour. He was funny, authoritative, and kinda brainwashed us to believe all the wonders of the Mystery Spot! The tour took us to different "illusions"--- a cue ball rolling on its own, changing sizes of people, being balanced in an uneven table etc. Each visitor can experience this weird phenomenon inside the Mystery Spot.

Ball going uphill or an optical illusion?

Here a ball rolls uphill and then it moves back to its original place by some undefined force of its own. It was magical to see, haha!

The man in red photo was taken during the 1950s. The Broom Man-Tour Guide was shot during our tour last December 2007. Look they are both unbalanced and slanted and I tried that too!

Anti-gravitational forces caused by UFOs or aliens? Were we brainwashed into thinking there's some magnetic force? Spaceship buried below? Carbon dioxide seeps out of Earth? These are the theories given to us. But I know there is a scientific explanation somewhere...Hehe.

My take on this: Sige na nga, magpaloko tayo sa mga Kano! (Let's ride on their crazy theories). The experience is really fun and entertaining! If you have a senior citizen with you, the steps are kinda steep (its a mountain!) and it can be tiring if you're not physically fit. Some also feels dizzy after the tour. A good hiking or rubbershoes can be helpful too. Entrance costs $6 each. Below is the owner's explanation...

"Originally, we wanted to get the level ground below here for a summer home or mountain cabin, but the gentleman we were buying it from would not sell the level ground unless we purchased a strip across the entire south end of his property, including this hillside.
Finally, we bought the entire piece, mainly to get the level ground, and as we were helping the surveyor along the north line, we noted the compass to vary a small amount on the transit and spoke to him about it at that time. He said we might get that variation along a barbed wire fence or some mineral in the ground and let it pass at that.
On thinking it over later, there was no barbed wire fence near where we were at the time, and as far as we knew, no excessive mineral in this ground; so we took our own small hand compass and went up over the north line to try and check on it. The variation there was not great enough that we could tell anything about it with the point of the hill and through the brush.
On returning, we came down the little canyon or draw above here. In so doing felt very light headed or top heavy, felt like something trying to force us right off the hill. We sat down for a while to try and overcome that feeling. While sitting there we happened to look at the compass again. There, the compass had varied enough that we needed nothing to compare it with to tell that it was not correct.
We began to check from that, and we found the more checked the more we found, until we found we had this spot of ground here. About one hundred fifty feet in diameter, that so far, we have not found any instrument absolutely correct over. A portable radio will play any place over it, but with very little variation, being the nearest correct that we have found."
- Mr. Prather Original owner

465 Mystery Spot Rd Santa Cruz, CA 95065(831) 423-8897

Zig Zagging on Lombard Street

2008-10-26T23:58:00.011+08:00

When you go to San Francisco, one of the places to check out is America's most crooked street---Lombard St. The experience is "cute." Steep curves, dangerous slopes, and curious tourists peeping right through your homes! One can also get a glimpse of the Bay Area, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Alcatraz.

The street is one-way paved with bricks. My relatives brought us here to experience the zig-zag effect---reminded me of a road trip to Baguio minus the death-defying speed of the Pinoys drivers. Each car passing by Lombard St. drives so slow---to savor and savor and savor the sights. Yes, it can cause a traffic! Hehe.

The speed limit is 5 mph! (8 km/h). Trivia: Alfred Hitchcock chose to make 900 Lombard Street the home of John "Scottie" Ferguson in the suspense film, "Vertigo."

"Some of the classiest and most expensive Real Estate in the city, exists on Lombard Street. This Russian Hill neighborhood, somehow possesses stately mansions, condos and townhouses, even with the endless array of tourists pouring down the street every day. In the spring and through the entire summer, Lombard Street is alive with color, as the chrysanthemums, and other well tended flowers are in full bloom." http://www.sftravel.com/

This is the best way to get a souvenir shot---when the cars are going down and people are strolling on the sidewalk. They say people can get killed rolling down Lombard Street!

The WORST Caller

2008-10-24T23:59:00.007+08:00

I was in my “Do Not Disturb Me” mode, staying in my small abode doing some serious writing. My cellphone rang. The number was not registered in my directory. I answered it, thinking that it was another invite for me to go to a school event or something connected to a project I was concocting.

The guy knows my first name. He said it confidently. He spoke fluent English just like any university graduate who was into his mid-30s or early 40s. In my mind, I was thinking that this phone call might be the project I was waiting for (have a lot of unexpected pending projects kasi).

He was talking alien to me, giving details that made me really clueless. I was waiting for the right cue---film, screening, project---words that I knew I could comprehend but they were not coming out from his mouth. He then confirmed a price: P3,500. What?! Then he blurted out: Escort service. One night only. I was jolted. Me?! He suddenly felt that I was the wrong person. He then checked my name again. I said, “Yes, that’s correct.”

He suddenly became apologetic, saying that he saw my name and my cellphone listed at this escort service website. I even have a picture on it. He said the date I joined the network, etc. I was getting pissed with his explanations. I told him I was not familiar with the website and I don’t give my cellphone to people (that’s why my blog name has the word, PRIVATE because I love my privacy!)

At that moment, he was shrinking daw from embarrassment (Aside from his ego, I was hoping his p_n_s shrank permanently!) He is not like that daw. He was feeling really small with the way "things" were happening between us. But he was still confident that "we could be real friends." “Let’s start from the beginning. Let me introduce myself, blah blah…” He sounded desperate---really, really desperate to have a friend. How can I be friends with someone who seems to treat human beings so lowly? 3.5K is way too cheap for my company, haha.

How sad for this person to “pay” someone for company or for some quick casual sex. The word “relationship” is meaningless. There is no love. There is no joy or fulfillment in everyday existence. Life is empty. I would have wanted to enlighten him that life shouldn’t be that way. Life is so much fun especially when you are with the people you love! But on second thoughts, I remembered my parents’ reminder when I was kid: Don’t talk to strangers. Haha. Besides this was really a bad joke to my "me time" day.

With a kind rejection, I told him I am not the person he was looking for. There was a long silence. You can feel he was losing his battle. I said the kindest, “Bye,” hoping he wouldn’t get traumatize by my rejection. If this guy is willing to shed out thousands of money to have a female escort then his self-esteem must be down to the lowest level! What an unhappy, bleakful existence in this wonderful world. I have never "paid" anyone to be my friend. And I am so lucky I have the truest friends in this world who have been staying in my circle through thick or thin :)

I have lost my cellphone three times but I have always retained my old number. But in case the WORST caller rings me again, or new “customers” contact me for “bookings,” I have no choice but to change my number! And that number has been with me for more than a decade. Tsk, tsk, tsk…all because of this newfound “job” in escort service! LOL!

3.5K is way too cheap for this legs! I deserve a better deal. HAHA

Milenyo 2006 and My Garden 2008

2008-10-19T13:15:00.021+08:00

The super typhoon Milenyo last 2006 was very memorable for me. On that day, we lost electricity, communictation and most heartbreaking of all---our favorite mango tree! The tree was sentimental for all of us---it was with us for more than three decades. We have the same age :) The tree witnessed all our family history from the day I was born. I grew up playing "house" under its branches. As a young kid, my siblings and I would climb up to pick baby mangoes. We also had a big swing under it to enjoy the breezy air. In the neighborhood, we were the only one with an old tree that was seen from the street. When it was fruit bearing time, people from all walks of life would knock on our gate, asking for our baby mangoes for free! So when Milenyo hit us, the "death" of our mango tree was well-documentated. Suddenly, we had no shade in our house and the memories of growing up faded away.

But I never gave up on nature. Since Milenyo happened, I wanted our garden to be like a "jungle." We planted diffrent plants and trees---not knowing if it would bear fruit or if it will live, haha. Every morning, I walk to our garden to be refreshed---thankful for another fine day! Flowers, butterflies, my pet parrot and Pipay (mini pinscher) greet me and it feels so good to be one with nature. The parrot came into our life by accident. There was a big typhoon, years before Milenyo and he just landed on our "departed" mango tree. We caught him and has been a member of our family for a decade now :0

I am no green thumb but I got a Davao pomelo tree from Tagaytay City, don't know if it would bear fruit (in my wildest dreams!). We also have banana, santol, langka, atis, mango---all in its infant stages. Maybe it would take another decade or so to see its fruits or maybe not see them at all. But I planted them for our next generation. I've been in the city all my life and I would want my future family members (nieces, nephews, future kids) to experience what we had---trees to climb up and play! Hmmm...nature...

ABSENCE MAKES PRESENCE An Exhibit

2008-10-17T21:30:00.012+08:00

ABSENCE MAKES PRESENCE

When I visit Cubao X (Marikina Shoe Expo) near Gateway, most of the time I just stayed at Blacksoup because the owners are old friends. Our common denominator---we were all Mowelfund-trained filmmakers but was molded in different eras. Aside from their cafe serving delicious pasta and sandwiches, Blacksoup has a gallery for upcoming artists. They have an ongoing exhibit right now called, ABSENCE MAKES PRESENCE.

My friend, JJ, who has changed her name to Jazel Kristin is showing her cut-outs and collages artworks. When she jetsetted to Europe, the French artists said she was more "marketable" if she changed her name from JJ to Jazel. (Her boyfriend is a French TV commercial director, hence she is always out of the country visiting her beau, ergo, she can shoot all the awesome landscapes of Europe!) No, I'm not envious, hehe.

I met JJ at a directing workshop. We were classmates and we just clicked in an instant! We would comment on each other's exercise, give a pat on each other's back through good or bad times. Even if we do not see each other often, we make it a point to come to each other's "art" event. I was the first visitor at the exhibit, hoping that I would be the first to leave because I am never comfortable socializing with the so-called "artists," hehe.

Here she looks so haggard, haha, while I bumped into her accidentally at the restroom. She just came from a shoot, had to buy the pica pica food at a grocery store because the caterer backed out and the exhibit was opening in ten minutes!

Most photographs came from her trips to Spain, France, and the Philippines. A nice thing about JJ's este Jazel's artworks are the fusion of her imaginative cut-outs and her unique photos. She also used a lomo fish-eye camera to give a circular shape in some European sceneries. If you look closely at her work, one can see the old Quiapo Church or a sorbetero trolly (ice cream) taken from UP Diliman roaming the streets of Paris! (Sorry, no pictures here---you have to visit Blacksoup to see for yourself LOL).

Cua pao, siomai, empanada and chips welcomed the guests especially prepared by Chef JJ, LOL.

Do check out Cubao X to see all the other artsy, specialty and antique shops. Of course, the place is known for its exquisite and affordable Marikina shoes. The local shoe stores are still operational up to now! Very cheap thrills @ Cubao X!

Lying Low...

2008-10-17T01:20:00.010+08:00

I am restructuring my so-called life. I am not teaching "formally" until mid-2009. I never thought that I would be "off" from my teaching career but I am now and will be that way for the next nine months. But invitations to screen films and to deliver "inspiring" messages to students never stops.

This afternoon, I went to St. Paul's Pasig to meet their Video Production and Journalism high school students. It was my first time to visit this all-girls' school located near ULTRA. I was invited by a college classmate who was notorious as a pasaway (wild) student during our time. From my recollection, she was never serious in her studies and was a very-happy-go-lucky gal. But lo and behold, she is now the head of a some "department" there! She was very formal in her uniform, wanted to take her pic to show our college buddies how this "wild" girl is now a respected, very "decent" teacher, inspiring her students for 12 years! But she declined the photo op, hehe.

The most striking sights I saw and I wanted to shrink from embarassment---my name was all over the school grounds from the invitation, blackboard, and even the door!
While walking along the corridor, I saw an arch of colorful balloons and saw a woman statue. My friend told me the woman is called Mary of the Poor. I also went to an all-girls school in Manila and statues of saints and Our Lady are normal "tourist spots" in the premises. I guess it serves as a reminder and a guide for the wild and sinful girls to act like "angels" :)

The screening and talk went well. Had Q & A for over an hour. I had to encourage them to actively enter the entertainment field because there are only a few decent women directors, writers and producers. Positions we thought would be for women such as production designers and make-up artists, in reality, belong to the "male" species. We women continue to struggle and fight for our right to be in production...

Lying low in teaching now gives me TIME to do more creative stuff and I bet I''ll be cooking something creative soon!

My Local Visits 2008

2008-10-16T09:41:00.010+08:00

I love travelling abroad for recreational and "educational" purposes. But I also make it a point to visit the local spots---ang ganda yata ng Pilipinas! (Philippines is so beautiful!)

Pagsanjan Falls. A high school friend based in Pasadena, California was in town so we brought her to "shooting the rapids." It was my first time to be in the area and I was amazed by the number of tourists visiting Laguna. There were buses loaded with Korean and Japanese nationalities enjoying the two-hour river trip. The boatmen were organized, respectful and friendly even to local tourists. The boat trip costs less than P1000 each.

I chanced upon this Angel (he's smiling in all angles) when a relative invited us to come to his resort, also in Laguna. But since I am not good with names, I forgot the resort name! I hope my family will not disown me for forgetting, haha. The place has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and comfortable airconditioned rooms that looks like hotel rooms. Good place for corporate workshops and team building seminars. Below is a plant called, birds of paradise which I love seeing because it reminds me of my trip with my childhood friends in Putol, Laguna.

Kusina Salud. The place is known for its Pinoy-French style cuisine made famous by Chef Pol Poblador and his wife, Nina Tesoro Poblador. Known for their authentic menu with a local flavor, I will show here the ambience of the place. The food photos are all over the net, so there is no need for me to emphasize its sumptuous specialities. They also have a Day Spa.

Their motto: Filipino food served in a Filipino home. I grew up visiting this place on weekends, sometimes sleeping over just to relax and commune with nature.

It is located at 285 Brgy Sta Cruz, Putol, San Pablo City, 83 km from Manila. You can take a Lucena bus, tell the driver to take you down at Kusina Salud (there's a big signage) then take a tricyle and you'll be delivered safely to this "not-so-secret" paradise. Cell: 0921-7726985, Laguna: 049-5736155, kusinasalud@gmail.com

Puerto Princesa. One of the cleanest cities in the world. The city government's anti-littering campaign is so successful that every local resident put into their hearts that garbage should only be put on the thrash bin and nothing else! You don't see candy wrappers or cigarette butts on the streets! There is a huge penalty for anyone who litters!

The island is preserved like a "virgin." No commercial establishments. All peace and quiet. Throw me at a beach and I'll be gone in a snap---snorkelling and swimming! I'm a Pisces. A tip: throw a piece of bread and different kinds of colorful fishes will swamp over you and gorge your "offering." We become friends instantly!

FYI, I used a Lomo Fisheye No. 2 for the Puerto Princesa trip. For Kusina Salud, just my old reliable N73 Nokia cellphone :)

The Real Rosebud

2008-10-13T09:53:00.019+08:00

One of my prized possessions is a book about the film, "Citizen Kane." I don't think a lot of people have this BIG book (14 x 10.5 inches!) and I am really a lucky one! Got this in a National Bookstore sale for P90!!! It was piled with a lot of "junk" books and found this treasure underneath them.
It is one of the best films I have seen so far and even if I have watched it many times, I am still in awe with the talent of Orson Welles as a director. He made this debut film in 1941 when he was 25 years old. Very versatile---he was the actor, director and co-writer.

"The 25-year old Welles was at first unprepared for the demands of acting before a camera. Having acted on stage for many years and directed and produced radio broadcasts, he was an able director. However, with film, unlike live performance, it is essential that actors hit their chalk marks, and this was something Welles found difficult to do. After completing his scenes during rehearsal he would ask for constructive criticism from the cast, gaining confidence in his ability to move before the camera. Sometimes he would watch another actor move through his own scene just to get an idea of what he looked like on film. In return, he would scrutinize the actors' movements and insist on perfection."

A little trivia: Welles broke his ankle while filming the scene in which Kane chases Gettys down the stairs of Susan Alexander's apartment the night before the election. A real pro, he continued directing in a wheelchair!

The American Film Institute placed this film at number one of the 100 GREATEST U.S. MOVIES OF ALL TIME in 1997 and 2007!

"Citizen Kane" unfolds before our eyes through the recollections of many people in multiple flashbacks searching for cinema's greatest secret: Rosebud.

The symbolic sled 'Rosebud' used in the film was bought for $60,500 by film director Steven Spielberg in 1982. Spielberg commented, "Rosebud will go over my typewriter to remind me that quality in movies comes first." (Wikipedia)

Below is a postcard I have from Absolut---Rosebud is a vodka bottle!

Look at how Welles destroys the stage for his camera placement! Shooting from the floor enhances the stature of the actor and is a perspective that was employed repeatedly for Welles' screen appearances.

Welles had nine different sets of false teeth and implants made to change his appearance and facial structure in order to simulate the human aging process. He is even made into a 70-year old man! Beat that!

Here he directs a scene in a fin de siecle brothel that was ultimately cut from "Citizen Kane." The original screenplay was censored by the Production Code Office for depicting Georgie as a madam and for setting a scene in her brothel. The scene introducing Georgie had to be rewritten, elilmating Georgie completely and replacing the prostitutes with dancing girls.

The camerawork of this film is excellent and should be the guide of our current crop of filmmakers. If your debut film is like Welles, you don't have to make another film. I bet you're going to be in history books if you are a genius like Welles!

A politico should copy this stage design---great presence for anyone who's speaking/campaigning during election fever!

The poster magnet I got from Duty Free Phils. for $1.

Kid At Heart

2008-10-09T15:39:00.028+08:00

Collecting women action figures started by accident when I first travelled to the United States of America in 2001. I went to 'Toys R Us' and saw the Michelle Yeoh (Lu Shu Yien) character in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." By impulse, I bought it and the rest is history.

Bunty of Chicken Run! Saw this on sale at a toy store in SM Fairview for P200!

I started collecting these toys based on the women I saw in the movies. No TV character for me :) So for those who want to "gift" me with a toy: WOMEN MOVIE ACTION FIGURE ONLY!

The Incredibles family is a gift from my New Jersey-based cousin.

My fave toys are Lu Shu Bien (the rubberized outfit has slowly disintegrated), Trinity of Matrix and The Bride from "Kill Bill." The only boxes I opened are Lu Shu and Trinity, both are in my condo, for my eyes to see only, hehe.

This is a Barbie Catwoman from a garage sale from Canada. My mom gets me these second-hand toys even if I do not need it. I guess its the excitement of finding something "valuable" in a cheaper way. Spending $5 is way better than the $30 toy I requested. My biggest regret is I saw a Catwoman collector's item at Fully Booked, had second thoughts on buying it. When I realized I really want it, it was gone on my next visit :(

Another Catwoman, not the version I saw at Fully Booked.

Lucy of The Chronicles of Narnia courtesy of my cousin from Canada

I have not opened these boxes, dunno why. Maybe, in the future, when I have my kids, we will play with them together. I just hope the plastic/rubber does not disintegrate soon LOL.

Look, Wonder Woman is in shorts!

Marge, Betty Bop and Olive Oil are the newest members of my Toy family. Got them during my trip to Universal Studios and Disneyland last December 2007. And of course, since we are in the movies, our good friend Oscar has to be there!

This robot is impulse buying...found it cute even if it is a "he." Exception to the rule :)

A Film "Missionary"

2008-10-07T20:49:00.020+08:00

I have been spreading the "gospel" of independent filmmaking all over the country. I guess it is just sheer passion on my part to do something proactive because I want to develop a new, critical audience willing to open their minds to new possibilities of storytelling techniques. My philosophy is to bring these films to the "needy." Literally, I bring these digital films and show this to a "makeshift" theater cum classroom.

I always say YES to school invites. Sometimes I even use my personal funds to fly to Cebu or Davao just to screen important indie films or to meet these young, idealistic students. I am a city girl all my life, without a province to boost so I long to see laid back, tranquil, nature-laden communities and interact with the people.

I enjoyed my visit to UP Mindanao because the school was surrounded by trees and carabaos! Imagine the carabaos were a window away listening to my lecture LOL :)

At Holy Angels University in Pampanga, we had a night screening---al fresco!

At the Holy Trinity College, Puerto Princesa, we had simultaneous screening in four different venues :) I was like a ping pong ball, huffing and puffing, going up and down the building rushing to my next talk. Kapagod. (Tiring).

In Bicol, all our screenings were full house. And the local food was fantastic!

In all the places I visited, one can see the yearning in the eyes of the students that they need these new kind of entertainment. They are hungry for more.

Reach out and good things will always come your way...that's a guarantee!

Here are some pics of our film screenings:

Bicol! See their happiness :0

Welcome to Puerto Princesa City! Still using colored chalk :)

Holy Trinity College students

Andy Bais, star of "Saan Nagtatago si Happiness?" with Davao Press

Calabarzon students at De La Salle Lipa, Batangas

The Manila Times School of Journalism, Intramuros

De La Salle University, Manila

Even had a screening at Tacoma, Washington USA for a

Filipino-American event but was there in spirit only :)

These are just some of the pics I got, did not have the time to document all the other schools/venues (and they were so many places)!

Going to the Theater for Friends' Sake

2008-10-06T08:28:00.012+08:00

Tracing my "art" history, theater watching was first than cinema. It was like "cutting classes" with the high school gang. Since my childhood friend's father was a board member of Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), we would sneak out in all of their plays wearing our school uniform, even staying in unauthorized places inside the CCP Main Theater so we can get a glimpse of the play. Most of the plays were directed by Nonon Padilla.

Our School Uniform

Sadly, the theater bug didn't hit me. I would only go if a friend invited me or I get complimentary tickets from family and colleagues. Everything for me are long shots and fade outs in cinematic terms. I get sleepy unless there is an outstanding performance. It is really a big effort on my part to drag myself into theater.

Photo Courtesy of Jun Aves

But a friend is always a friend no matter the distance or time. I have a cousin who used to be a taong bayan with no lines during the TP days I was sneaking in. Even though he was not a "star," we would still go to the backstage and congratulate him, to give him a little boost, hehe. He is now a popular TV personality and yes, I would still surprise him and visit his set at the ABS CBN compound.

There was this time when a colleague played different roles in different dates so I had to see the play three times!!! I didn't know how I survived watching but I am still alive.

Another occasion, I had to drag my film director friend and his wife to surprise a friend who was performing in a play. We travelled to a two-hour horrendous traffic and when we got to the venue, all tickets were sold-out! The ticket sellers told us to just go home. We had no chance of getting in. What!? And I cannot contact this performer-friend because it was gonna be a surprise visit. We pleaded with the "powerful tripping" sellers that we can pay anything just to be inside, even if we just stand all throughout the play. Ayaw pa rin. (Request denied)

Good thing, the playwright recognized me, then saw I was with a bigwig director hehe so he told the ladies to sell tickets to us. Mission accomplished, we got in.

This time, a high school friend who I last saw during our graduation (1992) is playing in the orchestra of "West Side Story." We have lost touch until I saw her in Facebook. She is a violin protege. Everyday after our class, she is off to her musical lessons. It was part of her daily habit. She is such a simple, quiet girl compared to my outgoing nature haha, but we knew she was going to make it. We made a pact that she was going to play in my wedding day (whenever that may be, haha). So when we got in touch again, she reminded me of our pact, haha.

Finally, after more than a decade, I heard her play. Never saw her holding her violin since she was at the pit, but hearing her music brought back a lot of fun, high school memories.

Text from my friend after the play.

I never really cared if a play is good or bad or if the actors are standouts or so-so performers. I am just there to support my friends with or without an applause, with or without the spotlight. Presence is more important.

Out of the Box Education

2008-10-04T22:05:00.020+08:00

BARANGGAY OUTREACH SCREENING

My first unofficial teaching experience was when my mentor went to Washington DC, USA to shoot a Smithsonian exhibition and asked me to take over his class for a month. I enjoyed the experience. I promised myself that I would first teach at a public school since they are hungrier for knowledge and more resilient by nature.

I started teaching at a public Manila university in 2001. I was handling 50 students per class (three sections, earning P100 per hour LOL!). They sit on the floor because they lack chairs. I had to bring my own electric fan, DVD player and my original DVD collection of films which I buy on my travels abroad. Some students have no budget for food because of their poor conditions, and once they "sweet" talk me, I treat them to a hearty meal! In short, teaching for me is kawanggawa (charity).

After four years, I felt my mission was accomplished. My students were doing well in the entertainment industry and I felt that they should be the one going back to their school---pay it forward. It was time to move to my alma mater (You do not apply for a teaching position but they invite you to teach---that's how they value your worth).

This time, all the needs of my class are given like a manna from heaven. Our rooms are air conditioned (it was that way since I was a college student in 1992). Name it, all equipment are available and top of the line. Whatever gadget I request, the school buys! It is such a comfortable learning environment.

But you see, we should never close our eyes to reality. So what I do is bring my "rich" class to an underprivileged baranggay and let them mingle with the community. We educate the people by showing relevant films, enlightening them, instilling in their minds that film is a national treasure. It can help shape and mold the character of a nation. We are also educated by their simple, sincere lifestyle and happy outlook in life!

Cinema has the power to awaken our consciousness. It is our hope that through our baranggay screening, our people be pushed to do positive action in their current situation in life through cinema.

Reach the poor...that's my silent motto.

My Secret Life

2008-10-03T21:39:00.000+08:00

A Film Archivist

One of my top secret missions is volunteering at the Mowelfund film archive. There, I can be alone---be my real self, away from the maddening, chaotic crowd. I don't have a title. I am just a silent worker. My first archive experience: Manuel Conde!

I found refuge cleaning the still photo negatives of Manuel Conde's "Genghis Khan," knowing its history as the first Filipino film to compete at the Venice Film Festival and one of the local films embraced by Hollywood. Also, I got to see & touch the negatives of Conde's "Juan Tamad" series! There's a certain magic seeing with your very own eyes the works of one film master. Its like the force is creeping inside you, reminding you to treasure our colorful film history.

Today, I cleaned up old cans that have been piled up for ages at the Mowelfund so we can "recycle" them for other film prints that is in need of a canned "home." I "discovered" the can used by Raymond Red in his feature debut film, "Bayani" starring Julio Diaz. Red is the first Filipino Cannes winner for his short film, "Anino" starring John Arcilla, Ronnie Lazaro and Eddie Garcia.

Here are our gadgets: scraper, mask, old newspapers, tissue paper, water, paintbrush. Mind you, we had to scrap every sticker, masking tape, packing tape on the can and it is a tedious process! Hated the tapes because they were unfriendly to an "archivist"---you pull the tape, they get torn into tiny bits and pieces but the problem is still there---they are still "stuck" to the can! You scrape and scrape even with your own hands until the tapes are gone! Whew!

But it was truly a very fulfilling experience! You feel like a hero for one day.