www.byahengbarok.com

2010-05-29T13:58:00.004+08:00

Yup! That's right! I now have my own domain and transferred my travel blog to Wordpress. You can check out www.byahengbarok.com for further updates about my trips!

My Facebook Status Updates during the Holy Week

2010-04-04T16:48:00.016+08:00

Since Facebook is blocked in China, I decided to store my status updates in my mobile phone for later posting. (Hehehe! Adik lang!) Well, technically, I can post status updates using my Blackberry (thank God for smartphones!), but decided not to so I can take a break from the Facebook world.

But...

Here they are now. Below are the status updates I saved in my phone... May they give you a peek on how our Holy Week 2010 in China went...

March 28, 2010, 11:30pm
Arrived in Pudong International Airport 15 minutes early... It's now time to look for a place to sleep... here inside the airport.

March 29, 2010, 12:01am
Hmmm... Parang nagsasara ang airport nila dito sa Shanghai! Pano na 'yan, san kami matutulog?

March 29, 2010, 12:16am
Finally, an English-speaking airport staff! Whew! She said we still have to go out towards the arrival area and transfer to the third floor to get to the departure area. Ahhh... Oo nga naman noh...

March 29, 2010, 12:46am
Time to sleep... Lights out! But wait... Ang iingay nila!!! There's a group of old Chinese women a few rows from us having a conversation. Hmmm, conversation kaya 'yun? Parang nag-aaway naman ang tono nila?

March 29, 2010, 3:10am
Brrrr... Can somebody please turn the air-conditioning units off?

March 29, 2010, 5:38am
It's getting noisier and noisier. It's high time we should wake up... People are already pouring in the airport.

March 29, 2010, 6:10am
Weird! Paano ba mag-check-in? Nakapila na silang lahat, wala namang tao sa counter... Nyaiks! Kanino kami pwedeng magtanong...

March 29, 6:15am
Ay, ang sosi... Sa machine pala kami magche-check-in.

March 29, 10:11am
Welcome to Xi'an, China!!!

March 29, 10:58am
Arrived at the Han Yang Ling Museum... Teka, ano nga ba ulit ang makikita namin dito?

March 29, 2010, 11:15am
Finally, after a few picture-taking at the complex, we made a decision not to explore the Underground Museum and save ourselves RMB40 worth of entrance fee. Mahal din 'yan ha, especially kung wala pa kami masyadong yuan na pera!

March 29, 2010, 12:18am
Lunch time... Oh no! Puro gulay :(

March 29, 2010, 1:44pm
SIGH... Hindi pa man namin nakikita ang mga Terracotta Warriors, ang dami na naming ginagastos :(

March 29, 2010, 2:08pm
Hmmm... Bakit kami ayaw papasukin sa gate? May ticket naman kami :(

March 29, 2010, 2:25pm
Yahoo! We got ourselves an English-speaking guide. Ok na 'to for RMB 100 kesa naman mawawala-wala kami sa loob at mapagod sa kakalakad nang walang katuturan...

March 29, 2010, 2:51pm
On this historic day in 1974, we met one of the 7 farmers who discovered the Terracotta Warriors! We are face-to-face with history!

March 29, 2010, 4:29pm
The entire Terracotta Warriors has not been fully excavated & replaired. mokong, mag-archeology ka na lang sa college, please!

March 30, 2010, 11:38am
Cruising the expressway, temperature at 6-degrees, visibility at approximately 50 to 70 meters. Good luck sa Great Wall of China namin.

March 30, 2010, 11:49am
I was wrong... Visibility at 30 to 50 meters only. Good luck talag sa pictures namin. Saang pader yan?

March 30, 2010, 2:30pm
Ano pa ang silbi ng UWA, kung ang kukugaan mo rin lang naman.... Parang butterfly silk! Ampf!

March 30, 2010, 3:30pm
Now, I have a reason to go back to the Great Wall of China. Next time, I'm gonna make sure it's spring.

March 30, 2010, 3:45pm
Parang weather proof lang ang camera ko! Pero hindi... Don't give up on me, Cosme!

March 31, 2010, 8:15am
I'm seriously thinking of going back to Beijing. Maybe this is where we should treat Mama. What do you think, Ate and Bong?

March 31, 2010, 8:45am
The sun is shining! Kainis! Ba't nde ka umaraw kahapon? :(

March 31, 2010, 1:05pm
Waaaahhhhh!!!! Sa laki ng Tianenmen Square, hindi na kami magkita-kita! Pagod na kami kakalakad!

March 31, 2010, 2:16pm
Waaaahhhhh! Finally, we saw Os and Laiza!

March 31, 2010, 3:05pm
Ano ba 'to? Puro gate... Asan na ang Forbidden City? Hello???

March 31, 2010, 3:15pm
At the 3rd gate (or 4th gate, whatever!), we can't go on any longer. Pahinga na sa steps... I went up a bit to take a picture. Thank God for long lenses!

March 31, 2010, 3:17pm
I asked a Japanese tourist with a Nikon cam hanging from his neck to take a photo of me using my camera... Used all possible sign languages to let him know what I want him to do... While I was posing, and he was focusing, he asked, "Do you have a flash?" Lekat! Marunong naman palang mag-english 'tong hapon na 'to! Hayyyy....

March 31, 2010, 3:44pm
All tourists are now heading towards the exit... Asan na si Alia? Hayyyy.... Ang lamig na.

March 31, 2010, 4:15pm
Success si Flying Bangui!!! Naabot nya hanggang dun sa garden :( I envy her... Pero hindi ko na talaga kayang maglakad. Matanda na ako... At excuse me, hindi kami magka-age ni Flying Bangui, she's younger... By a year! Hahahaha!

March 31, 2010, 5:25pm
Yehey! Nakita na namin si Tita Roselle!!! Pero asan na ang "the egg"? ASAN NA?!?!

April 1, 2010, 7:15am
Bullocks! The sun is shining and I can see blue skies :( Breaks my heart that we didn't get to see the Great Wall at this weather. Hayyyy.... Aatakihin na ako sa puso...

April 1, 2010, 8:30am
Change of itinerary, mga adik! Yahoo! Isa lang ang nasabi ni Issa sa amin, "You're all such brats!"

April 1, 2010, 9:40am
On our way to the Great Wall of China! :)

April 1, 2010, 11:10am
We got our confirmation email from elong.net... Surprised to see that the cost ofticket is now full price. Gone are the sale tickets... :(

April 1, 2010, 1:49pm
Tantantinin... Need to rush back to Issa's apartment...

April 1, 2010, 5:40pm
Finally, train left the station... This is it! Start na ang 18-hour journey namin. Ampf!

April 1, 2010, 6:30pm
O, akala koba,super disiplinado sila (I read it in a forum somewhere) at hindi sila katulad ng mga Pinoy na walang kadisipli-displina at all... O, eh ba't "no smoking" na nga, ang dami nilang nag-i-smoke sa loob ng tren! Hello? Disiplina ba 'to? Ang daming signs na "no smoking"!!!

April 1, 2010, 7:30pm
Lord, ba't ang ingay?

April 1, 2010, 7:50pm
Dinner time...

April 1, 2010, 8:30pm
Oh, no... There's a group of friends in the next row that are super ingay. OA sa ingay, parang sa kanila ang buong coach!

April 1, 2010, 9:30pm
Mokong and I should attempt to sleep... Pero pano? There's a group of rowdy people and we're just 1 row of seat away from them. Promise, ang ingay!

April 1, 2010, 10:31pm
Promise, proud talagaako na Pilipino ako...

April 2, 2010, 12:12am
Dose oras na lang, matatapos din ang ordeal na to!

My status updates are incomplete... It doesn't say anything about our tour in the Temple of Heaven, or the fact that we cancelled our tour of the Beijing Zoo just so we can see the Great Wall again. Not even the chaos that we have to go through with our changes in itinerary. It also doesn't say much about the Shanghai leg of our trip. Kahit pala magse-save lang ng status updates, nakakapagod din pala! Hehehe!

Well, I'll be posting a more detailed rundown of our entire Holy Week adventure soon... with photos, of course. Hope you can find the time to read and view them later on...

Thanks, everyone! Hope everybody had a great holy week :)

The Look

2009-11-05T15:48:00.003+08:00

You see that look? You only see that from children whose only refuge is a mother's embrace and sweet words. My son used to look at me that way. But he's all grown up now, living his own life. I'm not bitter. I'm just beginning to accept that my new role now is to stay at the background.

The photos above are my niece and my grandson. Yup! I am a certified grandmother... But Carla (Mom above) is a niece from a second cousin. So, technically, I am not their official grandmother. Hehehe! I'm just in denial.

The rest of my grandchildren's photos are in my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/134/Dahil_Lola_na_Ako

November 1, 2009

2009-11-01T23:01:00.002+08:00

I don’t usually go to cemeteries during November 1 or 2. The closest relative I have whose buried here in Metro Manila is my Mom’s grandmother. We never even met her. Though we were able to visit her tomb at the Manila South Cemetery a couple of times, my siblings and I never accompanied our Mom during the first of November.

But since my 6-week hiatus has made me bored and depressed, I decided to join my Mom in visiting her grandmother’s tomb today. I saw the November 1 event as an opportunity for me to take photographs.

So, by 8am, we were on our way to the Manila South Cemetery in Makati City. Good thing it was just near where I work, so I know the fastest route getting there. We only stayed a few minutes at my great grandmother’s tomb. We barely stayed for an hour. But it’s enough for me to take photographs. He! He! He!

We went back home to eat an early lunch. By 11am, we boarded a G-Liner bus bound for Taytay. This time, we are going to visit ‘Ta Rosie and her husband, ‘To Rudy, at the Sto. Rosario Memorial Park. ‘Ta Rosie is Mom’s cousin who died last year.

Though it was my first time to commute to such a far-off place since my major operation, surprisingly, I never had any difficulty. But it was one hell of a tiring day for me. At least, I got to do what I’ve wanted to do for 6 weeks now. And honestly, I feel so alive! He! He! He!

Don’t worry, I didn’t just take photos. Promise, I said a prayer or two for them.

Complete set of photos are in Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/132/November_1_2009

To My Fellow Freelancers

2009-09-22T15:00:00.005+08:00

When I started as a freelance trainee Production Assistant for Unitel 13 years ago, my parents were very much against it, especially my mom. She has no qualms with whatever industry I was getting into, but she had issues with the term “freelance.” As a government employee in all her working years, she knew the importance of having a regular-paying job with benefits. But, of course, my love for production work got the better of me despite all her objections. To make the long story short, she forced me to continue contributing voluntarily to my SSS and my PhilHealth (MediCare during that time). Uh-huh, “forced” is the correct term. She even applied for my personal health card and even paid for the first few months just to get it started!

As a freelancer with so much work to do, it is always an effort (with a capital E!) to go to these different offices and follow-up on the paperwork and pay the contributions through the banks (even if it is just a block away). I am blessed to have a Mom who reminded me, via scolding (oh, yes!), to pay my contributions and make sure all my accounts are updated.

It was annoying, really. But of course, it was all for my advantage in the long run. I have benefited from all her bickering when I was hospitalized twice and my son, twice (nagpaparamihan ‘ata kaming mag-ina!).

My recent “trip” to the hospital and a mishap with my health card gave me quite a panic a few days ago. When we got the final billing from the hospital, I realized that I didn’t have enough cash with me to pay all the bills. I was limited from withdrawing the maximum amount of each of my ATM cards as we can’t make a large withdrawal from the bank because it was a holiday! I originally assumed that my health card plus my PhilHealth were enough to cover for everything. If ever there were additional payments, I’m sure it was something I can manage. It was a morning full of phone calls with my health card coordinator (because he failed to drop by at the hospital) and the hospital’s billing department. It turned out that I was right all along and it was the coordinator’s failure to coordinate properly why a miscommunication with the hospital’s billing department has occurred. To sum it all up, everything was settled accordingly and we only had to pay the 15K excess.

In that momentary state of panic, I realized that despite the fact that I “readied” myself financially before the operation, without my health card and PhilHealth, I could have swiped out most of my savings in a jiffy. (Pa’no na ang camera bag ko? Ang D700 ko? Ang matching traveling suitcases namin ni Mokong? Ang 12.1-inch na HP laptop ko? Hehehe!)

I’m not writing this to promote my health card (I didn’t even mention what health card it was that I used) or discuss the operation that I had. I’m just writing this because I know how much it would cost for us to get sick. “Us” would mean the freelance people from production who doesn’t know how to say “no” from work, available every 24/7, and often de-prioritizes eating, resting and sleeping to give way for more work to be done. (O, diba?! Tayong-tayo yun!) And I know for a fact that most of you haven’t even fixed your SSS numbers yet or your contributions, or your PhilHealth, or even applied for a health card. Maybe, it’s high time to consider doing it now. (Naks! Parang tag line lang sa print ad!)

Seriously, some of you are living by yourselves here in Metro Manila with families too far from you for comfort and help. Some of you are even bread-winners. And because I have worked with you and will still work with you, I, obviously, care.

So, first thing tomorrow, check your SSS and PhilHealth. And scout for a health card applicable for you (and your family). Promise, it would be for your own good.

The "Old"

The "New"

P.S. You may probably think that my hospitalization was easier for me because I am now an in-house LP. Nope. The health card I used was the same health card my Mom applied for 9 years ago. As for my PhilHealth, I have made an advance payment for one year since December 2008. Again, I was still a freelance then.
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Ride the Zorb!!!

2009-09-15T09:05:00.009+08:00

When Mokong saw photos of the Zorb displayed at their booth, he said, "Mommy, gusto ko nito!" Thinking that this was just a spur of the moment decision, I told him, "Bukas, sa birthday mo." But really, I just said that to end the conversation so we can move on strolling along the Boracay shores.

Before sleeping that night, we plot out what we will do the next day to celebrate Mokong's birthday. After all the plans have been made, he asked, "Eh 'yung malaking ball?" Quickly, I replied, "Gusto mo ba talaga nun?" He said, "Oo, Mommy."

So the next day, exactly on his birthday, we went straight to the Zorb booth at Station 2 near D'Mall and booked ourselves for the Hydro-Ride.

And the rest... Well, let the photos & the video tell you the story.

Complete set of photos are in Francis's Multiply site: http://femtamayo.multiply.com/photos/album/57

Honestly, between the two of us, I am the one happier. Not because I had a blast riding the Zorb with my son... But because I am so very glad to have a son with an adventurous soul!

Happy birthday, Mokong! Wishing you more adventures to come. :)

Francis in Thailand (The 2nd Time Around)

2009-05-17T18:56:00.004+08:00

Finally, I'm halfway done uploading photos in my son's Multiply site. Halfway 'coz I've only uploaded the Thailand leg of our 2009 Holy Week trip. 'Yung Laos, hopefully, next week na (sana!).

Here are a few of his photos in his second trip to Thailand (last year was in Bangkok and Phuket). The complete set are in his Multiply site. See the links below.

With a little girl from the Hmong tribe

Wat Phrathet Doi Suthep

More photos of the Chiang Mai leg at his Multiply site:
http://femtamayo.multiply.com/photos/album/53/2009-04-04-07_Chiang_Mai_Thailand

With the long-neck Karen Hilltribe

Golden Triangle

More photos of the Chiang Rai leg at his Multiply site:

http://femtamayo.multiply.com/photos/album/54/2009-04-07-08_Chiang_Rai_Thailand

Rimnunm Guesthouse

On a boat going to Huay Xai, Laos

More photos of the Chiang Khong leg at his Multiply site: http://femtamayo.multiply.com/photos/album/55/2009-04-08-09_Chiang_Khong_Thailand

Photos were taken by me, Os and Roselle.

Leah

2009-05-02T22:57:00.002+08:00

Thanks to Amy for asking me to join this photo shoot... Or else, wala na naman akong photo for my 30th Week of my 52 Weeks of Frozen Time project.

All photos taken last May 2, 2009 @ Rogue Studio in Makati City.

More photos at my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/95/Leah

Souksan van peemi!!!

2009-04-10T23:13:00.002+08:00

Oh, spare me!
_

Commercial break muna from all the travel photos I've been posting lately.
_

This time, I'm posting photos that I feel "captured the moment." Hehehe! These were all taken during the start of the Lao New Year while we were having snacks at a restaurant by the banks of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos (ay... travel photos pa rin pala 'to. hehehe!). Although we have our own version of water splashing during the San Juan Day celebration here in the Philippines, we were still fascinated watching these boys wait up on girls passing by and splash water at them. We stayed for more than an hour, constantly clicking on every passers-by, trying to capture their different expressions. Eating at the restaurant was such a distraction from this photo op. Hehehe!
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Kebs! I'm not posting these for a critique... I just enjoyed taking their photos, as much as we enjoyed watching them.
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Souksan van peemi!!!
_

... Happy new year in Lao :)

More splashin' photos at my Multiply site:

http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/97/Souksan_van_peemi_

Touring Chiang Mai (The Usual Way)

2009-04-06T18:39:00.007+08:00

Today, we decided to rent a vehicle to bring us around Chiang Mai, the capital of the Chiang Mai Province, and visit the usual tourist spots. (Yes, haven’t you noticed? We’ve already crept out from our “adventure traveling” style.) We met with Mr. Tee yesterday, through Pat of Same Same Guesthouse, and he was kind enough to give us pointers on where we should rather go and what places we can forego.
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Although Mr. Tee’s transport is a mere pick-up truck converted into a, sort of, jeepney, it was still a treat having him as our driver. Not only does he speak good English, but he understands how thrifty we all are for this trip. He keeps on recommending us to where the best deals are, and usually get freebies from his friends and then gives them to us. Hehehe!

Anyway, the first stop for the day, according to Mr. Tee, should be the farthest, the Doi Pui Villages of the Hmong Tribe. Yippeee!!! I quickly changed my lens to 50mm and told Os to prepare the reflector we brought. This is it! My first on-the-field use of my 50mm with the Hmong tribe and I simply can’t wait.

From the parking lot, we had to trek for several minutes to get to the Hmong Tribe. The trek wasn’t strenuous as the paths were lined up with vendors selling souvenir items. As usual, we stopped, looked and rummaged through the stuff in front of us, making Mr. Tee come back for us for several times, probably thinking we were lost.
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_Finally, we arrived at the Hmong Tribe and we were greeted by children all dressed-up in their traditional Hmong costumes. We were a bit worried, though, that these children will ask us for tips after taking their photos, but Mr. Tee said, we’re not required to give any. However, when we photographed a group of children, or should we say, when we had an impromptu pictorial with a group of children, it took us roughly 30 minutes to get all the angles we wanted. We really did plan to give them a tip as we enjoyed taking their photos. I’d like to believe they enjoyed having us take their photos as well as they keep taking turns in holding the reflector for us. But, Mr. Tee beat us into paying them. We tried to pay Mr. Tee back, but he won’t accept it anymore. He must have pitied us, probably thinking that we’re really, really poor with all the bargaining he witnessed from us. Hehehe! Or, he’s simply a very kind man, which we witnessed later on by the number of foreigners who greeted him out on the streets of Chiang Mai. He does have a lot of foreigner friends.

Our next stop was the Bhubhing Palace. This is the royal winter residence of the Royal Family. (Ha?! May winter sa Thailand???? Hehehe!) It also serves as a guesthouse for state visitors from abroad, which became a disadvantage when we were there. The guesthouse was closed from the public, but the rest of the palace grounds were open. The estate has a flower garden, a rose garden, a fern garden, a butterfly, a bird sanctuary and a water reservoir. For some, these may all be such great sites, but really, we’re not too interested with these. I, personally, felt that the 50-baht entrance fee we paid was a waste. There’s nothing much to see and we had to walk through the entire estate under the scorching heat of the sun. (As usual, we opted to walk than renting a cart for 300-baht that can only accommodate 4 people! Mahal!)

Next, we went to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple with 309 steps to get to the pagodas. There’s a tram, though, but we climbed the entire 309 steps, pausing most of the time to pose. Now, that takes away the strain from the leg muscles.

There’s a 30-baht entrance fee at the temple, but if you ask me, we could have easily gotten away. Pero wag naman sana tayong dishonest kay Lord, diba? Or in this case, kay Buddha. Bad yun!

We spent quite a few minutes walking through the temples and pagodas, taking photos and taking time out to rest. It was hot and humid, so a mere step requires too much of an effort.

Sure, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is such an interesting temple and it is a must for tourist and travelers to see. But we’ve seen one too many temples last year, it was tiring to see so many temples and pagodas in one lifetime. Hehehe!

After touring the entire place, we asked Mr. Tee if we could pass by a Catholic Church. It was Palm Sunday and since we’ve already seen a lot of Buddhist temples, it’s high time we visit our own church.

He brought us to the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was closed though. But Mr. Tee, being the over-attentive tourist guide / driver that he is, looked for the caretaker and asked if they could have the church opened so we can go inside. Bibo talaga si Mr. Tee! Not only was the church doors opened for us, but the parish priest also came out to greet us.

Our tour ended here. We asked Mr. Tee to bring us back to the Cha Da’s Guesthouse. Years ago, we would have toured other places as long as there’s still daylight. Today, we finished the entire tour by 3pm and we’re all so beat already. We spent the rest of the afternoon in our rooms either resting or sleeping. Matatanda na kasi!!!

More photos at my Multiply site:
Hmong - http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/87/Hmong
Bhubhing Palace - http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/89
Wat Phrathet Doi Suthep - http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/90

Hmong

2009-04-06T09:26:00.001+08:00

Hmong is a tribal village in Doi Pui, Chiang Mai, Thailand that we visited last April 6, 2009. Took photos of the children dressed in their traditional Hmong clothes...

Didn't I say I don't like taking portraits?

More photos at my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/87/Hmong

14th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

2009-02-15T16:46:00.000+08:00

Went there with my son, Francis, and Holy Week friends, Os, Roselle and Ces. Truly a great Valentine's date!

More photos @ my Multiply site:

Feb. 14 Morning Photos

Feb. 14 Evening Photos

Home on a Sunday

2009-02-08T10:28:00.000+08:00

Finally, after 3 weeks of working during weekends, I finally got one weekend free!!! Yipeee! Well, technically, not a weekend, just one Sunday. But it's better than nothing...

And though I'll be fixing a storyboard later for a feasibility meeting tomorrow morning, again, it's better than nothing...

Used to waking up at 6am, I turned the TV on (gazhhh, i so missed it) and pulled out the DVDs i bought a month ago pa for a one-long day of DVD marathon.

My first film: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

SIGH... Such a beautiful movie with such great lines. I had to stop, pause and play back several scenes! Hehehe! And here are my favorites:

"We're meant to lose the people we love, how else do we know how important they are to us."

"You can be mad as a mad dog with the way things went, you can swear and curse fates, but when it comes to the end, you have to let go."

"For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. "

This is gonna be a great Sunday...

BRONZE!!!

2009-02-01T20:09:00.004+08:00

Just came home from the Smart Prada Taekwondo Championships @ Don Bosco Makati. As much as I wanted to give a blow-by-blow account of the day's happenings, I'll refrain from doing so. I'm on my way now to the office for a 12 midnight pull-out to Nasugbu, Batangas for a TVC shoot tomorrow and on Tuesday. But since I'm such a proud momma at this very moment, I'll just share with you one tiny, little bit of good news:
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FRANCIS WON BRONZE!!!!
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Yahoo!!!!

Caylabne Bay Resort

2009-01-25T17:02:00.001+08:00

Shot these photos during a location check at Caylabne Bay Resort last January 23, 2009 for Project "Sizzle." Buti na lang, di na-approve. Or else, it would take a while before I could post these photos here. Hehehe! Obvious ba?! We had fun while we worked. :)

More photos in my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/75/Caylabne_Bay_Resort

When Do You Stop Helping?

2009-01-20T17:37:00.001+08:00

By nature, I'd like to be left alone and let me figure out things and go through situations on my own -- my time and my terms. This has been a common complaint from good friends who knew (and sometimes, never knew at all) that I have gone through diffucult times. More often than not, they'll hear about this incident long after I've passed through them and survived.
_

On the other hand, I like helping out friends in whatever way I can. Sometimes, I even have to go out of my way just to make sure that I am there when needed. Everything for them without expecting anything back.

But then, when you've helped so much, so much more than what you can actually give, would it be okay to stop helping? When you've drained too much energy and there's nothing left for your own sake, would it be okay to say you've helped enough? Is it right to draw a line when you help a friend in need?

In my case, he's not even a friend...

And when I am inflicted with a moment of selfishness, I am reminded of the help I had when I was the one in need... There was none.

_
So, why then should I help now?

I have given my fair share of help. But obviously, it's not enough.

Why should I continue helping?

Because whether I admit to the truth or not, he is a part of my life. Because with whatever I have gone through in the past, I have survied them and I am honestly okay now. Because compared to the two of us, I ended up the better person.

But is being better also means we do not stop helping?

Ooops, Sorry...

2009-01-16T21:17:00.000+08:00

I never should have felt superbly stupid last Sunday. There was a valid reason why things didn't turn out the way I expected them to be.

My questions now are:

Why is it so hard for people to simply say what they have in mind? Why is it so difficult to say exactly what they're feeling? Are there no words to describe it perfectly? Can't a simple but definite black and white answer do? Gray answers make the situation complicated and worse, you know.

Sorry for last Sunday. You could have just blurted out the truth. Period.

Now, I really feel superbly stupid to the highest level for sending the text message I sent.

Ooops, sorry.

You Learn

2009-01-12T17:12:00.001+08:00

Feeling superbly stupid from the text message I sent to the one that pisses me off for so many days now, I spent the entire day working with music playing through my laptop. In times like this, I usually try to correlate songs with what I'm feeling. Hmmm... Walang bagay.

Until I got to this old Alanis Morisette song. While silently singing to its lyrics (huh? pano yun?), I realized, this song fits me today. I quickly searched for the lyrics online... And there you go! Bagay nga...

You live, you learn

You love, you learn

You cry, you learn

You lose, you learn

You bleed, you learn

You scream, you learn

You grieve, you learn

You choke, you learn

You laugh, you learn

You choose, you learn

You pray, you learn

You ask, you learn

You live, you learn

But then, alam mo na naman 'to noon pa, diba, Barok? So, get your act together and F-O-C-U-S!!! You don't need parasites in your life that drain your strength and enthusiam. You know you're better than this now.

You are Bold and Fearless

2009-01-10T23:30:00.001+08:00

Just how much of these things are true. Hmmm... Found this in Facebook and thought of posting it here. (You may also check out:
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/results/?result=Audreygladys)

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life. You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone.Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

Not a Good Way to Start the Year

2009-01-04T20:39:00.002+08:00

This is not a good way to start the year... Hmp!

Sometimes, no matter how high our spirits are, someone will really try to make us feel bad. Worse, unworthy.

I marked today as my last day of "patiently" waiting to talk with this someone who's making me feel bad right now. Yes, despite the fact that he makes me feel bad, I felt it was important to talk with him face-to-face and set things straight. It would make me feel better to put things out in the open, discuss all issues, and end as good friends. Yes, as good friends.

This is one of my life's lessons that I give value to. When something is wrong, or someone has done me wrong, I would rather set things straight immediately. No procrastinations. The agony of prolonging it makes the situation worse actually.

But what if that person prefers to cool it off first and spends time on their own to figure things out? ARGGGHHHH!!! I hate that... I hate it so much...

And as much as I wanted to say "ok, i understand," I simply can't accept it. And based on past experiences, this will get worse. And already, I'm consuming all of my powers to keep myself cool and refrain from making things worse.

I hate what this does to me right now. It's making my supposedly positive outlook in 2009 start off in a bad light. Nakakainis.

I shouldn't be around people like this.

I really don't need this.

After almost a decade of being like this, I have finally started being okay. ARGGGHHHH.... I don't need this right now.

Looking forward to a busy schedule at work to keep my mind off this.

I really don't need this now.

And I really don't need him right now.

New Year's Resolution

2009-01-01T22:42:00.005+08:00

A couple of nights ago, I browsed through my blogs and realized that for the past year (as if that was ages ago), I made myself a "realistic" new year's resolution. Yup, realistic. No grand changes, no elaborate wishes, etc. Plain and simple resolutions that I thought then would be manageable.

Here's what I wrote last January 2, 2008:

1. Update my blogsites every so often, at least, once a month

Done! I've been religiously updating my Multiply and Blogspot sites this year despite my hectic schedule. Of course, there were more entries made while I was in hybernation (from work). And more photos were uploaded than write-ups in my journals. Well, at least, it's updated!

2. Go out and have fun with my son, at least, once a month. (If schedule doesn't permit this, hmmm.... once in two months?)

Well, this didn't happen much... But I'd like to believe that I was able to spend a considerable amount of time given the schedule I had the past year. They may only be a few dates, but I hoped they made a mark in my son's mind.

Let's see... I'll try to enumerate them on a monthly basis:

January - Busy

February - Busy

March - With the Holy Week trip, my son and I were able to go, tour and experience 4 different Asian countries: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore.

April - Since there weren't too much work during this month, I was able to spend more time with my son as I brought him to school for his swimming and taekwondo summer classes.

May - Took time out from my shoot and attended my son's Taekwondo promotion test at the Ateneo de Manila University. It's like a culminating activity of some sort that all Taekwondo students go through so they can be promoted into a higher belt. Of course, my son became a yellow-belter.

June - Hectic! Hectic! Hectic! So, whenever I can, I bring my son along at work so I can spend more time with him. Well, technically, he plays his Game Boy as I do my work. At least, we get to eat lunch together!

July - Went out malling with him. Also brought him to the Manila Ocean Park.

August - Guilty as hell for going to Sagada without tagging him along... Still, I got to spend time with him when he joined his first ever taekwondo tournament. Although he lost, we, together with the rest of my family, spent the day at the mall and in Tagaytay.

September - We were in Hong Kong and Macau for his 7th birthday!!!

October - Spent more time with my son by bringing him along in my photo shoots. He served as my "assistant," clicking the remote control whenever I take night photos.

November - Busy

December - Kawawa naman, he had to sleep through Christmas Eve instead of opening his gifts at home. He spent the night with me at the hospital during Christmas Eve. He left after lunch on Christmas Day so he could open his gifts at home... which I never got to see.
_

SIGH... I feel so guilty!

3. Lose 30 to 40 pounds within a year (Now, this is the understatement of the year... Tingnan nga natin...)
_

Hahaha! I lost about 10 to 15 pounds alone in the 5 days I got sick last week cause I couldn't eat anything. Parang ayoko naman yatang magpa-payat ng ganon. Hehehe! Don't worry, whatever I lost back then, I got them all back in one day once I went back to my normal eating habits! HAYYYYY.... Wag na, take this out in any new year's resolution. This is unrealistic. Hehehe!

So, am I making a list of resolutions for 2009?

Nope.

Not that I can't keep up with my own list... But who needs a new year's resolution when you can simply change your ways at any day of the year. It doesn't have to be a new year... It could be on the middle of the year, for pete's sake! If I really need to change, I should change today. Right now. Not 365 days later.

I guess, my 2008 has been so blessed that I feel there's no need to make any drastic changes. Maybe, maintain what worked well? Oh, except for spending more time with my son. Yeah, I should definitely do more of this.

I'll Be Okay

2008-12-31T19:47:00.017+08:00

I don't know when and I don't know how exactly I got here.. All I know is, little by little, I've been thinking more happy thoughts than I used to. I've started writing and blogging about better stuff, gradually taking out all the bittersweet melancholic nonsense that was so characteristic of my earlier blogs. It felt like I woke up one day with a renewed and a more positive perspective in life... although not really knowing when that morning was.

Last night, I was browsing through my blogspot and came across some entries I posted earlier this year. Surprisingly, there were more "feel good" entries than those that harbor the "dark side of me." Hmmm... I tried to trackback so I can determine when exactly this new found happiness began.

I wonder if this started late 2007 when I began listening and understanding Daughtry's songs (yes, I am a fan!). His songs, well, some, were like Alanis Morisette's, full of angst. Others, full of hope and the need to move on. I particularly like this one song, "Over You," but at that time, it never really felt like it was really over. The lyrics, though, were so inspirational.

"Well, I never saw it coming, I should have started running a long, long time ago! And I never thought I'd doubt you, I'm better off without you more than you, more than you know. I'm slowly getting closure, I guess it's really over, I'm finally gettin' better. Now, I'm picking up the pieces from spending all of these years putting my heart back together. 'Cause the day I thought I'd never get through, I got over you!!!"

I wonder if the two-week-four-countries trip I had with my friends had something to do with this "happiness" as well. People who knew me 6 to 8 years ago would never have guessed that one day, I will be able to travel abroad at my own expense (yes, definitely, not work-related). Although my friends and I, together with my son, have travelled to Asian countries in 2007, the places we went to, the length of time we were on vacation, and the money we had to spend made the 2008 Holy Week adventure quite a quantum leap! (Only a European adventure would top this! Hahaha!) But is financial gain a true gauge to measure happiness?

I wonder if the last stop we made in Singapore made all the difference in my life. Despite being the one who makes the itinerary for our trips, I really cannot dictate where we should go and where we shouldn't. It's a decision we all had to agree on. Since the cheapest flight back to Manila that we could get was getting through Singapore first, I had to prepare myself, emotionally, to set my foot on the place that played a major part on my life's sudden twist of events almost a decade ago. Naks!

We only had a day and a half in Singapore. Since most of us have been to Singapore or were too broke to make more tours, we decided to spend the day separately. I was more than pleased with that. If I were to go back down memory lane, I would definitely want to do it alone... Well, not technically. I was with my son who served as my strength all throughout the Singapore leg.

And I survived Singapore! I have planned to write this on my blog for several months now. Up to today, I am still too ecstatic to even write a title about it. Yes, I still can't get over the fact that I have survived Singapore. Yahoo!!!

I wonder if the photos I had of our Holy Week adventure slapped on to my face what happiness really meant. Although I've seen our photos about a hundred times already, I remember the day when it finally dawned on me how this one photo of a jumping shot became a perfect photo of my current state of being. It was my jumping shot at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I entitled that photo as "Lovin' my life... finally! And this is my new portrait: happy and free as a bird with God right behind me." Isn't that photo so me now???

I wonder if this happiness is brought about by the fact that I finally realized, life is better now. A ghost from the past came alive and slightly (yes, slightly) came back into my life. I have deeply pondered on whether he should know the truth, but decided, things might be better left unsaid. I have a better life, he doesn't. It seemed like a fleeting victory on my part but really, do we have to gauge our success based on other's failures. He was a part of my life and whether I admit it or not, whatever happens to him, still matters to me. But then again, he was never a part of my misery before. So even if I triumph on his losses now, it still doesn't make any difference. He didn't do me any wrong.

I wonder if the great sunrise I witnessed at Bantayan Island, Cebu was instrumental in making me realize how insignificant I am to all the great wonders that this world has to offer... That my problems are so small compared to whatever the Lord has suffered to save me from being as depressed as I was. No, I was unworthy. I found myself sitting by the beach, in silence, greatful for the magnificent sunrise, not only of that day, but also of my life.

I wonder if the projects I had these past two years helped in seeing me through my most difficult times. Sure, it helped a lot. But having no projects at all when my director was on vacation didn't exactly pushed me back to my "milieu of unfathomable darkness."

Maybe "Cosme" has something to do with this as well... But then, I also believe in what Ate Faye wrote a couple of months back: "I've been wanting something, but can't have it, so I've been getting substitutes for it, food, shopping... but of course, they can't make my happy... no, they can make me happy, because happiness is based on outside forces, but inside, I'm not really happy. There's no joy." (taken from Ate Faye's "Kilala mo ba si Joy?" blog entry. And I know, in my heart, I have joy and inner peace... Definitely something that "Cosme" can never provide.

SIGH... After all is said and done, I still don't know when exactly I started being okay. All I know is that in 2008, I started being okay.

And in 2009, i'll be okay as well. No, better. Definitely.

It's been almost a decade now... I deserve to be okay.

"Fate has a way of changing just when you don't want it to... Throw away the chains, let love fly away. Till love comes again, I'll be okay..."

-- Amanda Marshall "I'll be Okay"

Be Thankful

2008-12-29T19:43:00.003+08:00

Having had the time (too much time, actually) to ponder on what I should be thankful for in 2008, I realized that I simply cannot limit this with a mere list. I’ve been extremely blessed these past few years and 2008 has been an extension of these blessings that continuously pour into my life. I am humbled, by the mere thought of it, of how different life had turned out for me. Truly, I am loved.

But still, I’m gonna come up with a list… Basta, gusto ko eh!

I am thankful for the good health I’ve had throughout the entire year making me able to do my work properly. Although I got sick and spent Christmas Eve and Day in the hospital (got admitted on the 23rd and was discharged on the 27th), I believe its God’s way of saying, “There’s peace in silence, my child…” I am well now and will be able to welcome the great new year with a bang! (‘Wag lang masyadong malakas, please. Masakit pa rin sa ears… Hehehe!)

I am thankful for the 11 months and 10 days of nicotine abstinence. Although I faltered, God gave me back my strength to control myself the very next day. I am now on my 13th day.

I am thankful for the all the work and projects I’ve done. Although some tested the limits of my physical capacities, others challenged my mental and emotional abilities. More importantly, though, each and every project had its lesson to learn. And they were definitely well-learnt.

I am thankful for the few good men and women in my life called friends; those who stayed with me then and continue to believe in me now. Their support makes everyday a bearable day (which I realized, of course, on my very first day in Hong Kong! Hehehe!).

I am thankful for friends who have been enlightened; may they continue to hold their stand and enjoy the new challenges of life. (To you, I’m just a text away…)

I am thankful for all those who sent Christmas greetings through text, e-mail and yes, cards! The boring Christmas Eve and Day I’ve had in the hospital seemed tolerable after all. Forgive me if I had not returned most of your text messages, I was probably too groggy on my medz at that time. Pasensya rin to those who texted my Globe phone, merry Christmas na lang po. My phone was low in battery when I was admitted to the hospital and wasn’t able to charge it until I got back home. Since it’s a Jurassic phone, I lost all my messages.

I am thankful for all the opportunities to travel to different Asian countries with my son. Who would have thought 6 to 8 years ago that I’ll be able to do all these… with my son pa! God is truly amazing… And every time I think of it, I know that all my prayers of gratitude will never be enough.

I am thankful for my family who has steadily stood behind me in all these years. My life is good now because of all of your love.

I am thankful for my camera, yes, Cosme! For it not have been through typhoon Cosme, I wouldn’t have marveled on God’s great creation. Photography paved the way in re-discovering ME… The one I’ve set aside to give way to the parent in me. May I continue to be an instrument in showing others how blessed we all are because of all of God’s gifts.

I am thankful for them – they rocked my world, brought the storms in my life… But I am more thankful for the patience and understanding; I have survived them and continue to survive them… I am a true-blue survivor.

I am thankful for my son who’s turning out to be a fine, young boy. He’s my rock, my reason for being and my savior.

Do I need to ask for anything more? Yes.

I pray for strength so I may continue to fight the good fight and serve as a living testament of how powerful God’s love is – that it pierces through even to the most stubborn and unfaithful.

Cheers to a great 2008! May we all have a better and brighter 2009!

Paalam...

2008-12-13T23:36:00.000+08:00

I Got my Starbucks Planner!!!

2008-12-05T21:05:00.000+08:00

Yun lang...

Christmas at Policarpio Street

2008-12-01T23:33:00.001+08:00

In the spirit of Christmas, I decided to drop by the famous Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong City with my son.

It was kinda disappointing though as there were only a few houses adorned with Christmas decorations. But though these houses were few, they were all elaborately and so expensively designed with all sorts of Christmas paraphernalia. It was still worth the trip.

More and larger Policarpio Street photos are in my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/63

NCP @ Subic

2008-11-30T23:51:00.001+08:00

Since I wasn't able to go with Os and Roselle to Zamboanga City, I decided to join the Nikon Club Philippines in their model photo shoot @ Subic, Olongapo City, Zambales. These set photos, though, are landscapes and sceneries lang taken at the Waterfront near Dady Ed's Bar, Subic Bay Yatch Club, and Mangrove Graveyard. I have yet to photoshop the photos I took of the models. (Paano kaya gawin 'yun?)

More photos can be viewed in my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/62/NCP_Subic

Avilon Zoo

2008-11-23T22:22:00.000+08:00

Here's the second part of the Saturday shoot with the Nikon Club of the Philippines members at the Avilon Zoo in Rodriguez, Rizal.

C&Cs are welcome :-)

Larger photos are in my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/60

Wawa Dam

2008-11-23T21:33:00.000+08:00

Joined the NCP for an early call time, 4:30am (shooting ba itu ng TVC?), to have a sunrise shoot at Wawa Dam.

Wawa naman kami sa Wawa Dam. Di na nga sumilip ang Haring Araw, ang dami pang manong na naningil ng kung anuanu-anong fees!!! Grrr...

But despite these letdowns, it was still a great morning shooting with the NCP members.

Larger photos are in my Multiply site: http://byahengbarok.multiply.com/photos/album/59/Wawa_Dam

What a Way to Start the Week

2008-11-03T10:12:00.004+08:00

I bring my son to school every morning for his 7am class. Usually, I would go straight to work, with or without something to work on that needed early attention. I just like being at work earlier than most people and enjoying my quiet little time to check personal e-mails, update and be updated on the different social networking sites that I belong to, drink coffee without having to rush it, etc.

Working on 3 different projects right now meant that by 9am, my phones will start ringing (eh, 2 pa mobile phones ko!), e-mails about work will start pouring in, co-workers will start talking with you about work or whatever, and a gazillion things about this and that will have to be done right away.

So, when I got to work at exactly 7:30am, I went on with my usual routine. Took out my mug from my locker, went to the pantry and made my coffee. Went back to my table, pulled out my laptop from my bag and... Geez! I froze! Where the hell is my power cord?!

Waaahhhhh!!!! I left it at home!!!

Maybe my battery will last until my brother could bring my power cord here in Makati. So, I called up home hoping he has a meeting somewhere in Makati this morning. But I was out of luck. He doesn't have any meeting.

No choice.

I got my sling bag, made one last look at my coffee, and left the office.

It took a few minutes before I could get a cab. When I finally got into one, rain suddenly poured. Whew! Close call. Since it was still a bit early, it only took 20 minutes for me to get to my place. I asked the cab driver if it was okay for him to go back to Makati later, he politely declined saying that traffic will be worse by the time we go back. Yup, I have to stress politely because not many drivers will decline the way he did. Ok, no problem.

As soon as I got my power cord, I left the house and hoped that a sidecar (de padyak) would be somewhere out on the street so I can go to the main road faster. There was none. And if all bad luck really comes in three, the rain suddely poured. Grrr...

I got to the main road and waited for a cab. It was already 8am and by this time, cabs are really choosy especially if your destination is Makati. A jeepney pulled in front of me. Hayyy, eto na lang. So I went back to work in the same route and modes of transportation I usually take every morning. That's 3 jeepney rides, 1 tricycle ride and 1 block to walk to.

Haggard!!!

When I got to my table, I looked at my comfort drink and hoped it was still warm enough to really comfort me. Syempre, it was not. Frustrated, I went back to the pantry and made myself a new mug of coffee.

Kainis! What a way to start my week!

Of Life, Death and Hearing Aids

2008-11-01T16:59:00.002+08:00

I was meaning to write the first part of this entry a couple of weeks ago... But since work started to get in the way, writing about a death in the family was pushed to the back of my priorities. Until another family member died...

- O -

Two weeks ago, I got a call from my second cousin looking for my mom. My mom wasn't at home at that time so I just got her message. My 'Ta Rosie (Mom's cousin) was rushed to the United Doctors' Medical Center due to high blood, pnuemonia, diabetis, etc. Too many complications.

When my Mom arrived, she called my second cousin immediately to know exactly what appened (since I'm so useless for family stuff like this). My aunt was already in a critical condition solely dependent on a life support system. My Mom rushed to the hospital. 'Ta Rosie was her nearest relative here in Manila, and probably closest na rin as we've lived in the same street for more than 30 years.

When my Mom got home from the hospital, we finally had a clear picture of how serious 'Ta Rosie's condition was, even the cost of staying in an ICU and the medicines needed every 3 hours or so. My Mom started calling relatives in Bohol, Davao and in the States to inform them of this bad news.

By nighttime, my second cousin called my Mom again. They were asking my Mom to decide if they should pull the plug or not. Odd really, because at that point in time, my Mom was the farthest relative my 'Ta Rosie had. The decision to pull the plug should really come from 'To Rudy (the husband) and the children. But obviously, it was a hard decision for them to make. My Mom, also, cannot decide at all. The next few minutes were spent on the phone crying.

Don't grieve for me. I didn't cry. I have always been "indifferent" with death, causing me to think that there might be something seriously wrong with me. When my Lola Naling died a few months ago, I felt no sadness, I shed no tears. I blamed it on the fact that since she lived in the States and came here to Manila for short vacations, we never became close. But 'Ta Rosie was a close relative. I grew up frequenting their house which was a just a few meters away from us. Still, I felt quite normal.

The one that bothered me most was how my cousins were having a hard time deciding to pull the plug or not. I even saw it from my Mom. Being the tactless and insensitive creature that I am, I turned to my son and said: "Francis, listen. If other people will ask you this question (without telling or explaining to him what the question was), you tell them YES! Understand?" "Opo," was his reply even if he didn't understand what we were talking about. I just hope that when he grows up, and able to discuss things like this, he will understand why I want him to say yes.

To make the long story short, the family decided to pull the plug. My aunt held on to dear life for more than 12 hours before finally giving her last breath. I only went to the wake twice, for just a few hours. But it was enough to see how 'Ta Rosie's death affected 'To Rudy's condition. He looked gravely thin and he seemed to be in such a frail condition.

- O -

In all the commotion that a sudden death brings to a family, my Mom was the one diligently updating relatives from all parts of the country, and even the world. And even if she was worried to be the one to announce to her aunt, my Lola Dading, that 'Ta Rosie died, she found an effective way of telling her, without causing another death in the family. (Hehehe!) Of course, it wasn't easy. Not only was it emotionally difficult to say it, but to do it a soft manner while shouting....? Confused? Lola Dading can't hear quite well anymore. Quite well... Hmmm... She recognizes a few words but it's really difficult to let a sentence pass through her.

- O -

A few days ago, we got a call again from our cousins informing us that 'To Rudy was rushed in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. He constantly needed blood transfusion and our cousins were asking us to donate blood as a form of payment to the blood they're getting from the hospital.

Sorry for being so insensitive, but I jokingly told my Mom, "Ano ba naman si 'To Rudy, di pa nga nakakarecover mga anak n'ya eh... Di pa nga tapos magbayad sa ospital at sa punerarya."

But even though I joked about the current scenario, it was also a clear indication of how true love ends... it never ends. Naks! We can look at it as 'Ta Rosie wanting 'To Rudy to be with him, or 'To Rudy not wanting to live a life without 'Ta Rosie. Whatever it may be, I found it romantic.

Today, November 1, 'To Rudy died.

- O -

Commercial:

My Mom immediately called Lola Dading in Bohol. While crying, she was shouting over the phone so Lola Dading can hear what she had to say. Remember, my Lola Dading is almost deaf. When you hear my Mom shouts over the phone, it becomes so irritating. She keeps on repeating her words, getting louder with each and every word. My brother and I were telling her to talk with other people in Bohol. But Lola Dading was all alone at the house.

My Mom finally gave up. She'll just have to call her later when she thinks that other companions at her house have arrived. Before putting down the phone, my Mom heard Lola Dading said in a very Boholano tone: "Bilhan mo ng ensyor si Ro-de."

And my Mom burst into a laughter while she cried.

- O -

Mommy: Francis...

Mokong: Yes? (Looking up from his gameboy)

Mommy: Pag ganyan na si Mommy, bilhan mo naman ako ng hearing aid ha...

Mokong: Ok. Ano yun?

The Concept of Losing

2008-10-15T08:39:00.005+08:00

At what point in our lives do we understand the concept of losing? At what age do we realize that there's actually pain in losing?

When my son was younger, he cried a lot whenever he lost a game. In playing Monopoly with him, I'd usually get the higher bills everytime he needed to pay me or the bank. This way, he wouldn't feel that he's losing based on the number of 1-dollar bills that he's still holding. Eventually, of course, all his 1-dollar bill will be used up. Expect World War III to start by then.

Whenever my son goes into his tantrums, my Mom would usually say, "Hay, naku! Nag-mana sa Mommy n'ya!" Hehehe! At first, we manipulated the game so he can end up the winner, just like what they did to me when I was younger. But really, that's not the way to raise a child.

Little by little, I tried to make him understand that not everybody end up as winners. Losers gain a lot, too. Whether we end up as winners or losers is not what's important, how we played the game and how we gave our best are the things that matter.

When Francis first joined a taekwondo tournament, I silently objected to it. Not only was I a swimming advocate, but I felt he was still too much of a baby for such type of competition. But he insisted, and I could really see in his eyes how genuinely he wants to join the tournament.

He lost his first tournament. I don't even think he understood what the whole tournament was all about at that time when he had a fight. We left the venue immediately after his fight and watched "Batman," which he had been longing to see for several weeks at that time. We also went to Tagaytay and spent the rest of the afternoon for a much-needed bonding moment. At the end of the day, I honestly think he has forgotten all about the tournament he just had and the fact that he lost.

Yesterday, my son joined his second tournament. I still didn't want him to join any tournament as I feel his kicks still lack strength. But as usual, he insisted. Not that I often give in to his wishes, but I also cannot think of any reasons why I should prevent him from joining one. Win or lose, I think he will benefit from it both ways.

I try not to be the kind of parent who shout their hearts out whenever their children are playing or performing. I'm the quiet one. My son gets easily distracted so I just spent the entire time watching the game through my camera lens.

Like any other parent, I also wished for my son to win. Or at least, move on to the next elimination round. But his opponent was far more advanced. Despite being a yellow-belter, he was used to doing headshots (well, that's what I heard other parents say).

I wanted to close my eyes everytime my son receives a kick on his face. But I also don't want to stop taking shots as I might miss a good kick from my him. In fairness, his taekwondo skills have improved. There's more effort in kicking his opponent instead of simply throwing his legs aimlessly, as in his first tournament.

But headshots are two points each. My son lost.

From where I sat, I could see his coach talking to him, and my son drinking water. Is he scolding my son? Is he consoling my son? Is my son crying? I'm too far away to know.

My son gathered up his stuff and went straight to our seats. Still several meters away, I could see how hard he was trying to pull back his tears. But when he saw me, he walked faster, then ran towards me, embraced me and cried.

Have you ever had that experience? I did. And the most recent one was just a year ago when my friends and I climed down from an unsuccessful attempt to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu. I had no trouble climbing up, but the climbing down was extremely difficult for me. To make the long story short, when I reached Timpohon Gate and saw my friends, all the tears I held back came out in one surge. I knew my time of pretending to be strong was up, I can now be myself with them.

My son had the same moment. He knew he could just let go right there in my arms. It took several minutes before he stopped crying. Thank Heavens for PSPs, they make problems go away in a snap.

After a while though, I asked my son why he cried. But everytime he starts to say something, his eyes get watery so he goes back to playing his PSP. I offered reasons on why he cried, but he kept silent. Until I asked him if it was about my brother's promise of a Micro Game Boy should he win his fight. Ayun, he started crying again.

When we left the stadium for lunch, I asked again why he cried, not fully satisfied with the Game Boy Micro reason. He softly said, "natalo kasi ako, nahihiya ako."

I wanted to console my son with kind, comforting and encouraging words, but I, too, had a lump in my throat. I remembered Ate Faye's blog entry: "It pains me to realize that I had no control over things, over her. No control at all." As much as I want to protect my son from everything else that might hurt him, I simply can't. More than the physical pain he must have experienced during the fight, how can you ease his emotional pain?

We spent the rest of the day roaming around MOA, capped with the fireworks display at night, which Francis was looking forward to all afternoon. Somehow, it feels different this time. My son was happy with the fireworks display, but I also knew that he still feels disappointed from losing his game.

"And as a mom, I just watch like a hawk and go to her when she needs me... I need to let her fight her own battles, it's not at easy as it seems." -- Still from Ate Faye's Mommy Randoms blog entry.

Postscript:

Mommy: Francis, wala kang taekwondo practice sa Tuesday and Thursday kasi exams ha, sabi ng coach mo.

Francis: Ok.

Mommy: Sa Saturday na daw, aattend ka ba?

Francis: Opo.

Mommy: Ayaw mong mag-absent?

Francis: (nods his head)

Mommy: Sasali ka pa ba sa tournament? (with a tone of sarcasm)

Francis: Opo.

Mommy: Pa rin?

Francis: Opo. Sabi ni coach, tama daw 'yung ginawa ko (pertaining to the talk he and his coach had after his fight). Sa November, may tournament daw uli.
Mommy: Ha? Sasali ka pa rin dun? (naka-recover na kaya sya nun?)

Francis: Oo. (with a matter-of-fact tone... and take note, hindi na sya "opo").

Postscript #2:
I referred to events that happened yesterday, but the tournament was really last Saturday pa. I just couldn't get myself to write about this without having a lump stuck in my throat and a tear forming at the corner of my eye.

52 Weeks of Frozen Time

2008-10-12T17:56:00.005+08:00

We learn by practice. Period.

As much as I want to practice freezing time everyday, my work (what else is new?) limits me to do this. Limit, but not stop.

So, from now on, I will take photos and practice as much I can. Every week, I will choose one photo (out of how many or how few I'll be able to shoot) which I will upload here. That one photo should be my best for that week... Well, at least best for me. Camera details will be in the description portion.

And you!!! Yes, you!!! You are all very welcome to make C&Cs. The more C&Cs, the better, thus, helping me improve. Good and bad? I'm here to learn.My only rule for this "personal project/contest" is that the photo to be uploded should have been taken during the current week (from Sunday to Saturday). Parang photo diary, pero weekly nga lang.

By next year, around this time, I should have been able to upload 52 photos. And I should have improved by then? Sana... Let's see.

Covered week: October 5 to October 11; Camera Model: Nikon D80 (as if I'll be having a new camera model anytime soon! hehehe!; Flash Mode: No Flash; Focal Length: 50mm; F-Number: F/22;E xposure Time: 1/90 sec.; ISO Speed: ISO-800; Metering Mode: Pattern; Exposure Program: Shutter Priority; Exposure Compensation: 0 step; Date/Time Taken: 10/11/2008, 7:34am; "Unphotoshopped" except for putting in my watermark

"In learning and straightway practicing is there not pleasure also?" -- Confucious

First Day Back at Work

2008-10-10T10:42:00.000+08:00

Today is my first official day back at work. Although I've already been making timetables, researching references & fixing treatments these past few weeks, I did all these at the comfort of my own home. But since we already have an awarded project and today is the first scheduled meeting, I have no choice but to go to work.

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad I have a project. I've been hibernating for almost 6 weeks now and it's high time to go back working my ass off. But resting can also be addicting. It's like a drug that overpowered me. Not only was I able to watch TV at anytime, go online for hours, or sleep like there's no tomorrow, but finally, I had all the time in my hands to be able to do the things I've always planned on doing.

I had 2 trips during my hibernation -- one, with my Holy Week friends in Bantayan & Malapascua, Cebu; and two, with my son for our birthday celebrations in Hong Kong & Macau. What's so special about that? Two trips without mobile phones, that's why! Now, how often that does that happen? (Like... Never!)

I was also able to enroll myself in a photography workshop that I've been eyeing since July. Having so much time in my hands, I was able to concentrate more in doing my assignments. I also made use of the opportunity to scout the metro and practice shooting on my own taking pleasure in the discoveries I made which I, initially, thought could only be done by serious hobbyists and pros (but mine's nothing pro-like, still learning...).

So, despite the six-week hiatus from work, in a way, I was still busy -- blogging and cataloguing my files and photos which I can't seem to do for several months now (and I'm still not finished); fixing my papers and payments for PAG-IBIG, SSS, etc (the burden of a freelancer); going to a
doctor for check-ups (and we're still not done yet); spending sleepless nights to finish an assignment for my workshop... Marami pa. It's like I had to rush and finish everything up before my director gets back here in Manila, or else, everything will be pending again as to when he will have another vacation.

And today, all of a sudden, I'm in a state of panic. I felt everything that I planned on doing before this "vacation" started hasn't been fully accomplished yet. I'm going back to work, whether I like it or not.

I like it. Going back to work, that is. But can you blame me if I'm having an anxiety attack right now? Yup, I'm worried that previous plans I made may not push through again and I'll fall back to the same ditch of home-work-home routine. I'm worried that I won't get to see new found friends and re-establish my life back since my son has obviously started to establish his life without me. I'm worried that I will stack my camera inside a cabinet and forget I even have one (remember my Nikon F-301?).

SIGH...

Isipin ko na lang... If I don't work, I can't travel. If I don't work, I can't buy the flash and the lens that I like. If I don't work, I can't send my son to school.

SIGH...

Eto na, nagbibihis na po... Getting ready to go to work.

Mugs

2008-10-01T23:50:00.000+08:00

Thank Heavens for an assignment we had in my photography workshop, I was able to try out a crude do-it-yourself lighting set-up to take photos of some kitchenware. Since I kinda liked the result, I did the same crude lighting set-up again, this time, to photograph my mug collection.

Yes, mugs.

My mug collection started in 2000 when I bought myself a souvenir from Sagada, Mountain Province. Being a coffee addict, it was only natural for me to buy a coffee mug. But when I got back to Manila, I felt the mug was too artistically-made to be used merely for my morning coffee. Wag na lang. I opted to display it.

Since then, I've been buying all sorts of mugs from all places I've been to, here and abroad (some of my mugs were given to me). Yup, instead of pins, keychains, or refrigerator magnets, I collect mugs. Unfortunately, not all provinces or cities have souvenir mugs. In their absense, I opt for shot glasses. And if there's still none, anything that kinda looks like a mug will do. Hehehe!

I still lack a lot of mugs. SIGH... So, if you happen to go to these places, pwede ba akong magpabili? Hehehe. Or does that mean I'm going back to these places? (I wouldn't mind, really!)

- Rizal (oo, ang lapit, diba?)

- Cavite (sa dinami-dami na nang napuntahan ko sa Cavite, wala talaga akong mug nila!)

- Nueva Vizcaya

- Siquijor

- Antique

- Capiz

- Guimaras

- Bataan (kahit Corregidor na nga lang uli eh)

- Zambales (ilang beses na ba akong nag-shooting sa Subic?)

- Quezon

- Agusan del Norte- El Nido, Palawan (although meron na naman ako ng Palawan)

Adik ba ako sa mga mugs? Kasi naman, I realized recently that my mug collection represents the different stages of my life. Uh-huh. So, instead of being regular souvenirs, I treat them as my trophies from battling the many adversities of my complicated life. Simply put, these mugs are my mugs of accomplishments.

Drama! Eto na nga ang mga photos ng mugs ko...

Individual photos of my mugs are in my Byaheng Barok Multiply site.

Hong Kong & Macau Photos in Multiply

2008-09-19T18:17:00.002+08:00

Finally, after several days of hybernation, tapos na akong mag-upload ng photos namin sa Multiply. Mokong's set are, of course, his photos in the different tourist spots we went to. My set are all the practice shots I made for my photography workshop (sana, tama nga!). Hope you can check out these links:

Francis' Emmanuel's Multiply Site

Sept. 12 - Hong Kong Day 1
Sept. 13 - 7th Birthday in Disneyland
Sept. 14 - Ocean Park
Sept. 15 - Holy Cow, Macau!
Sept. 18 - I Took These Photos!

Byaheng Barok's Multiply Site

From Avenue of the Stars to The Peak
Disney!!!
Ocean Park
Holy Cow, Macau!

Akin ang Macau

2008-09-14T23:53:00.001+08:00

That's exactly how this trip was like. The Hong Kong leg is all for Francis, and the Macau leg is all for me: "Sa 'yo ang Hong Kong, akin ang Macau." Syempre, para di naman ako lugi sa trip na 'to. But being on foot for the entire Hong Kong leg, hindi pa man nakakarating ng Macau, lugi na ako. Still, I tried to make the best out of this trip, since Macau was suppose to be a gift for myself.

Getting into Macau from Hong Kong is easy as 1-2-3. There are two major ports with several ferries that ply the Macau-Hong Kong route. The one nearer the City Econo Guest House where Francis and I stayed while in Hong Kong is located near the Royal Pacific Hotel. Although it's nearer, a Pexer advised me to take the one near Sheung Wen Station instead since I have a kid in tow.

Buti na nga lang, I followed her advise. As soon as we got off at Sheung Wan Station, signages can be found where the ferries to Macau are located. What's even better was we didn't have to leave the building where we got off! The Shueng Wan Station was at the underground level, while the ferry port was at the topmost level. Cool! Puro lang kami escalator.

Schedules aren't a problem too. There are ferries leaving for Macau every 15 minutes! We bought tickets for a 4:45pm trip since we were walking slower than usual (pagod na ang mga tiil namin!!!) and we still have to pass by the immigration area. The 30-minute leeway we gave ourselves was just enough. Five minutes after we got to the pre-departure area, we were already called on to board the ferry.

The ferry is big enough and clean. Unlike most of the ferries here, theirs is, of course, well-maintained. So, even if you book a seat in the economy class, it still feels like you're taking a plane ride unless, you look out at your window. Promise! There's no foul smell of grease or oil eminating in the air or even noise from the machine roaring down below.

There are seat numbers, too, so there's no need to hurry to save a seat. There's a huge area for big luggages as well so you can sit comfortably for the less than an hour trip.

Unfortunately, when we got to Macau, all the banks were close. Nyaiks! I didn't have any Patacas with me. But there's no need to worry, according to the Customer Service personnel, I can simply use my Hong Kong dollars to pay my way to the hotel. Hong Kong dollars are very much used in Macau.

I brought a Chinese translation of the hotel where we're staying so I never had a hard time communicating with the driver. They also have a computation table ready to convert the cost of the fare to Hong Kong dollars. In no time, we were pointed to a street towards East Asia Hotel.

We rested for more than an hour in our room before finally going out to look for a restaurant and have dinner. I brought my camera and my tripod along just in case we pass by something worthy enough to take a photo of.

We walked along the Avenida Almeida Ribeiro to look for a decent place to eat. We still don't have any patacas so we're also on a look out for a money changer.

Luckily, there was one open several meters before reaching the Largo do Senado. While looking at the exchange rates, a man asked me "Ano po ba ang ipapapalit n'yo?" Hayyy, salamat! Pilipino ang guard! We exchanged our remaining Hong Kong dollars to patacas. And then Francis said, "yehey, may pera na tayo, pwede na tayong mag-taxi!" Kawawang bata. He's just as tired as I am.

We saw the "M" signage not far from the Largo do Senado. I think it's high time we have dinner in a place that Francis loves best, McDonald's.

Right after dinner, I begged Francis to allow me to take just one photo along the way. Of course, that one photo became several photos, but it was all the same building, the General Post Office. I wanted to take more photos of the buildings at Largo de Senado, but taking another step farther away from our route back to the hotel is such a painful process. Pagod na rin talaga ako.

My son and I went back to the hotel to have an early rest, dreading the long walks we need to do the next day.

Ocean Park, Hong Kong

2008-09-14T17:09:00.001+08:00

If I were given a choice, I would scrap the entire Ocean Park tour and spend the rest of the day in our room sleeping. But I don't. I have already bought two discounted Ocean Park tickets from Miss Jenny of the City Econo Guest House and Francis was already looking forward to going to Ocean Park, even if he has no idea what he would see there.

So, back at the MTR, we took the train to get to the Admiralty Station. We went straight to Exit B and looked for Bus No. 629 that will go directly to Ocean Park. Using our Octopus cards to pay the fare, we boarded this double-decker bus and chose seats on the upper deck.

The moment we got off the bus right in front of the main entrance, I knew this tour would be such a waste. Sana, nag-Ngong Ping 360 na lang kami. Better, we stayed at the guesthouse and slept.

But we're here now, so we'll just have to make the most of our time while we're here.

As soon as we passed the huge main entrance of Ocean Park, the pathway leading to the rest of the park became surprisingly narrow. Hmmm...

We tried to queue up first to ride the Sky Star but when we got in line, we were told by the park attendant that from the point where we were standing up to the Sky Star ride will take out 90 minutes. Ha? 90 minutes? That's an hour and a half! Ang tagal naman. We queued in line pa rin thinking that it might be an exaggeration. But 15 minutes under the sun and we're still moving slowly, we decided to scrap the idea and move on to the next attraction.

We went straight to take the Cable Car so we can transfer to the Headland area of the park. This isn't Francis' first time to take the cable car, but surprisingly, he's more afraid now. He has difficulty transferring from one seat to the next so I can take a photo of him in all directions. I don't know exactly why, but maybe, this is higher than the cable cars in Singapore? Or he's more aware of his fears now? Or is it simply because the windows of our cable car are wide open? Whatever the reason may be, fact is, he now fears high places.

But then, when he saw the Ocean Park Tower, he practically begged me to queue in line so we can ride in it. I really didn't want to since we've already taken this same ride in Singapore and there's really nothing spectacular to see on top. But due to insistent Francis' demand, we took the ride.

Right after this, we ate a bit and rested somewhere near the Boardwalk area. We were killing time since the show at the Ocean Theatre is still an hour away.

"Sea Dreams," the show's title at the Ocean Theatre, is a parade of exhibitions that the park's marine mammals can do. If you have been to other similar parks before, then there's nothing new to see in this show. We waited for almost an hour for the show to start. We were already sitting on the bleachers and it was like a hundred degrees out there. When the show ended, Francis enjoyed it a lot, of course. I did a lot of shooting so I guess I benefitted from it also. But really, we could have done something else.

That's one of the disappointing aspects of being at the Ocean Park. They're not on schedule! Before we took the cable car, we were waiting for Whiskers to have a photo with him near the Lowland Cable Car Plaza. The schedule said 10am to 5pm. We were waiting for 30 minutes and even inquired from the park attendants near the area about the schedule. We were told to just wait. Eh, 10:30am na kaya! We left without seeing Whiskers at all.

And then there's this "Sea Dreams" show. The show should have started at 11:30am, but it started way past 12noon already! Hayyyy! Mali ba ang relo ko?

After eating hotdogs at the Ocean Theatre, Francis wanted to see the Talking Tree he saw in the map. It was kinda far so I told him that it would be the last place that we will go to before heading back to the guesthouse. He's okay with it.

Unfortunately, we got lost and ended up at the Pacific Pier. Since we're there, we went inside to check out what the place has to offer. Well, the pier houses some marine mammals where guests are allowed to feed them. They even have an underground viewing area of the pool. But other than the bottom parts of the sea lions swimming, there's nothing much to see.

Finally, we saw the escalators that wiill bring us down near the Tai Shue Wan entrance area. Francis kept on asking me to hurry up as he was so excited to see what the Talking Tree was all about.

When we finally got there, nyek! Eto lang 'yun? For all the trouble of getting here and walking way past our route, eto lang pala yung talking tree? It's a tree alright, with eyes, ear, nose and lips. It has a cockatoo bird above which did most of the talking. Francis said, "hindi naman 'yung tree ang nagto-talk, 'yung bird eh!" Hehehe!

After resting a bit at the entrance of the Aviary, we headed out to the Flamingo Pond. A few pictures after, we were inside the fully-airconditioned Treasure Place to buy souvenirs... Pero wala namang nabili. Nagpalamig lang.

Finally, we were out. We went straight to the bus stop to take Bus Number 629 that will bring us back to Admiralty Station. Hayyyy... Sayang ang araw.

So, will I recommend this to kids and other travellers? Hmmm... Depends.

Francis and I have gone to Subic's Ocean Adventure, Manila's Ocean Park, Kuala Lumpur's Aquaria and Singapore's Underwater World. Let's just say, I enjoyed them more than I enjoyed Hong Kong's Ocean Park. Here, there are so many pathways where you can see nothing except for galvanized sheets covering the sides. Not much activity to think we were there on a Sunday.

But, if it's your first time out of the country and first time in a marine park, then do check this out.

BUT!!!! Again... If you have a kid, and have already visited Disneyland, try other tourist spots then. For sure, there's a lot more enjoyable things to do even for kids.

Teary-Eyed at Disneyland

2008-09-13T23:17:00.004+08:00

When I decided to spend Mokong’s birthday in Disneyland, I was a bit worried that he might not enjoy it. His list of beloved cartoon characters started with Superman way back 2003, then Batman in 2004, then Spiderman from 2005 to 2007. This year, he started going gaga over Pokemon and very recently, Naruto. Disney characters doesn’t seem to have a place anywhere in his system.

But when he saw the Disney-inspired train which we took to get to Disneyland, he became very, very excited. As soon as we got off the Disney station and climbed the stairs to the huge complex entrance, he was grinning from ear to ear and kept on saying, “Wow, Disneyland!” I didn’t even have to say, “Francis, picture.” He was the one who asked me, “Mommy, picture mo ako.” I was so happy because I can really see in his eyes how happy he was. Even when we were already walking towards the fountain area, Francis simply can’t contain his excitement. He kept blabbing how he would like to have a picture with Mickey Mouse, that he would finally get to see Mickey Mouse in person, etc, etc. That’s when I got teary-eyed.

My sister and I grew up with Disney and Sanrio characters all our childhood life. Our father used to work in Japan and all the gifts and pasalubongs we had were all adorned with Disney and Sanrio characters. But we never get to see Disneyland.

That’s when I realized I am a much better parent than my father was. Sure, he worked hard in another country to be able to provide for our needs, but he never really spent quality time with us when he’s here. I am working just as hard, but I also knew when to play with my son. I don’t think I ever felt the way Francis felt today.

Unmindful of how it might affect my son, I told Francis, “See, Francis, you’re so blessed. I never had this when I was younger. Hindi ‘to ginawa sa ‘kin ng tatay ko.” Nonchalantly, he replied, “Yes, Mommy, I’m so happy!” Buti na lang, he didn’t heard the angst from what I just said.

The rest of the day was just like any Disneyland experience. It was exciting and tiring. We lined up for a photo with some Disney characters, got into some rides (even the Space Mountain which Francis now dreads), watched stage shows, etc. The end of the day was capped by the fireworks display behind Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

When everything was over and we were walking towards the exit, Francis was telling me how much he loved the fireworks display, how he dreaded taking another roller coaster ride, how he liked Stitch talking with the audience, how he liked Tarzan’s treehouse, how he loved the Lion King show… He just won’t stop. If Francis could smile more than his already ear-to-ear grin as he talked, he would have done so. He was really very happy.

And that’s when I got teary-eyed again. Because I, too, was happy to see him THIS happy.

Happy birthday, Francis!

The Peak

2008-09-12T23:53:00.000+08:00

I chose to go to The Peak because I think the Peak Tram is worth seeing, plus, I know I'll be able to take photos of the cityscape at night.

So, immediately after our stroll at the Avenue of the Stars, my son and I went back to the MTR to get to the Peak Tram terminal. From the Tsim Sha Tsui Station, we took the same Tsuen Wan Line to get to the Central Station. Since the information I got from PEX were so detailed, we went out of the Central Station through the J2 exit. From there, we turned right and cross through the Chater Garden until we reached the Garden Road. Even the landmarks that we would pass by, the Bank of China Tower and the Citibank Plaza, were all stated in PEX, so it wasn't really hard finding the Peak Tram terminal at all (lakad ka nga lang nang lakad, man!). The signages all over the streets are a lot of help too!

If walking is a bit of a problem for you, I suggest you take a cab from wherever you're coming from. The Garden Road is an uphill so aside from the tired and caloussed feet that you already have from walking all over Hong Kong, sore muscle from walking uphill will further kill you.

My son and I bought the Peak Tram Sky Pass which consists of the fare to take the Peak Tram with a return trip (which is wrong because we could have used our Octopus card for this!) and entrance fee to The Peak Tower Sky Terrace. The Peak Tram Sky Pass costs HKD 48 for adults and HKD 23 for children 3 to 11 years old and senior citizens from 65 years old and above.

Riding The Peak Tram is an experience itself. The tram's design was maintained to look like the one used in the 1800s. Aside from the tram, the ride of going uphill is great as well. Seated on a slanted position, you'll get a chance to see how the view from the window changes from concrete wall, to trees, to buildings, to cityscape. Francis, amazed at the scenery outside his window, kept firing his camera too.

A few minutes later, we reached The Peak Tower. We were ushered into this souvenir store to get into the mall. I was suppose to buy souvenir items during this time, but I thought, it was too early to buy souvenirs yet. And besides, the items might be more expensive here. But, of course, I would regret that decision later on as prices here are relatively cheaper than in other tourist spots area in Hong Kong, plus, I never got to go to any other souvenir shops after this. SIGH.

Anyway, my son and I decided to take a stroll inside the mall. We were taking our time as we were already tired from too much walking. We ate at Burger King because my son's choices of food are quite limited to fastfood stuff. We also went outside the park as Francis was so fascinated with the fountain area. That's when I realized how weird the clouds were. It seemed like they were rain clouds but the heat of the sun was so intense, I'm sure it wouldn't rain. When you look at the horizon, you couldn't see much of the Kowloon side. Is it foggy today? Or is this pure smog? UGH! Whatever it was, raindrops started falling. So, my son and I ran back to the mall.

Saddened by the idea that I might not be able to take photos of the cityscape because of the rain, we strolled more inside the mall, not really knowing where else to go. Tired from walking around, we tried to get to the Sky Terrace and check if there's an area there where we could stay out of the rain.

Syempre, there's none. It was one huge viewing deck and there's no where to run to if the rain pours down. Luckily, the rain stopped. I made a quick "location check" of the entire viewing deck. Ba't ganon? Parang ang kapal ng clouds all over. It really looked like it's gonna rain. And it's really so hard to see the Kowloon side, how the hell I'm gonna take my photos? Finally, I chose a spot in this one corner which I thought would be able to give me a good view of the city. Wanting to reserve the spot, I set up my tripod and waited... And waited... And waited... It was only 5pm then and I thought sunsets will happen around 6pm. Hindi pala. Good thing I brought Mokong's gameboy so he can while away the time as I waited for night fall.

Finally, the sun sets and the influx of tourists came as well. Hayyyy... Buti na lang, I was there early. But really, the clouds are so panget. Di bale, I was here for practice, right? So, practice shooting then! Fire!

Avenue of the Stars, Hong Kong

2008-09-12T23:06:00.000+08:00

Today's first in the itinerary is the Avenue of the Stars and the Waterfront Promenade.

I wasn't really hot about Hong Kong movie stars, but it was the only tourist spot I can think of that I can pair with The Peak that wouldn't make me rush from one place to the next. I initially wanted to go to the Ngong Ping 360 but climbing the steps towards the Giant Buddha might be too time consuming and we might not be able to make it to The Peak by sun down. I wanted to take night photos of the city from The Peak and I just deemed it more important than Ngong Ping 360. I'll just have to try it then when I get a chance to go back to Hong Kong again.

Anyway, back to the Avenue of the Stars and the Waterfront Promenade.

Since our guesthouse was just a stone's throw away from the Jordan MTR station, my son and I took the MTR to get to the next station, Tsim Sha Tsui. There are a lot of tourist spots in this area such as the Museum of Art, the Space Museum, etc, etc, but all these fell short on my list of places to go to. I was more interested to make a "location check" of the Waterfront Promenade as it is the venue for the Symphony of Lights by 7:30pm. Again, it's all because of wanting to practice taking night photos.

It wasn't very hard to find the Avenue of the Stars. As soon as we got out of the Tsim Sha Tsui Station, there are a lot of signages pointing us to the right direction. The MTR system is also so effective that some of its exit points are connected to the underground levels of some shopping centers that we didn't have to go out and walk under the scorching heat of the sun. Pero lakad kiti lakad pa rin ang mga tiil! Gazh!

When we got to the Avenue of the Stars, it was a little bit disappointing. I was expecting ala-Hollywood style of Avenue of the Stars, but it was just a very simple waterfront promenade situated behind a shopping center, very much like our own promenade at the back of the SM Mall of Asia. Sure, "stars" are all lined up on the promenade but since Hong Kong actors doesn't ring a bell to me, it wasn't such a thrill being there.

Dying from the glaring heat of the sun, my son and I decided to go to The Peak earlier than what I planned. We stopped by at the Space Museum, not to check it out, but just to rest our legs from the long walk we just had. Sayang, nag-Ngong Ping 360 na lang sana kami.

City Econo Guest House, Hong Kong

2008-09-12T22:47:00.005+08:00

I found the City Econo Guest House from PEX. Although Os pointed a nearer guesthouse at the Tsim Sha Tsui area, the USA Hotel, I decided to go for the City Econo Guest House based on the raving reviews from the Pexers who stayed there. I found 1 negative comment though but I figured that was probably from a person who wasn't used to staying in guesthouses.

The City Econo Guest House can be reached from the airport by taking either the bus or the train. According to the guesthouse's website, bus numbers A21 and A22 will bring us to the Jordan MTR Station, the 14th bus stop. But since we couldn't find the bus stops at the airport, my son and I decided to the take the MTR. Although there were four train interchanges, the C2 exit at the Jordan Station was just a few meters away from the entrance of the City Econo Guest House.

The City Econo Guest House is situated near the busy area of Nathan Road. The road where it's at, Pilkhem Street, is very much like any of the streets we have at Binondo. So, if you're looking for hotels found at the Nathan Road, I don't think the City Econo Guest House is for you.

Even the building entrance may be a shock to others with no experience at all staying at guesthouses or pension inns. The entrance was filthy and narrow. The elevator looked like it could never ever get to the 6th floor. Now I understand why one mother in PEX gave negative comments on this guesthouse. It really looked kinda gross.

Trying to keep my spirits up, I recalled some of the reviews I read about other guesthouses in the internet. A lot of foreigners complained about these type of guesthouses in Hong Kong, but there were also some who posted their personal photos of their rooms which I think looked decent anyway. A lot of these guesthouses rent the entire floors from old and not-so-well-maintained buildings and simply beautify their specific floors. I figured, this might be the same case for this guesthouse.

As soon as the elevator door opened, the entire scenario looked different. It was like we were in a different building.

The lobby or reception area, if you can call it that, is small but very, very clean. I was met by Jenny, the one I was corresponding with via e-mail. We were ushered to Room 612 along a very narrow, but well-ventilated hallway. At the end of the hall is Room 612.

Our room is, well, small and narrow. It has a double bed, aircon, a small table, a chair, a TV and 1 bathroom. I really don't want to be anal about the size of the room because, really, when I think about it, the available space to walk around the room is just about the same amount of space I have in our room in Manila. Francis, though, laughed when he saw the bathroom. "Ang liit, Mommy, hindi kasya si Ate Norma!" referring to his yaya (bastos 'tong bata na 'to!)

But the room is comfortable, very cool and squeaky clean, I have nothing to complain (just don't open your windows). It's good enough to stay for a good night sleep, which is our purpose of staying here.

The City Econo Guest House also has a refrigerator along the hallway where anyone can store their bottled drinks (just make sure it's properly named!). They also have their own pantry with microwave, water heater, sink, mugs, spoons, etc. Not bad at all.

As a bonus, they sell Disneyland and Ocean Park tickets at a discounted price, HKD 10 less than the original price.

So, would I recommend this place to other travellers? Yes!!! But only if they're very much aware about guest houses and pension inns in Asia.

First Time Mong Mag-MRT, ‘Neng?

2008-09-12T22:35:00.001+08:00

Ever since I booked our flight last February, I've been plotting out our itinerary with more details than necessary. Thank goodness for deligious Pexers who are so familiar with Hong Kong, they have answered all possible questions that you can think of without having to ask it. The specific bus numbers, MTR stations, the look & current design of the Octopus card, where to turn left & right when you're at a certain road, etc, etc. As such, our itinerary was so detailed it could never ever come close to any of the itineraries I've done for the Holy Week Travellers.

I made a detailed itinerary because it was my first time to travel alone in a foreign country. Well, technically, I'm not alone. Pero wala naman kasing mako-contribute ang anak ko for finding directions or even making decisions. Although my son and I already went to Puerto Galera on our own for a 3-day get-away, it was booked through a service-oriented resort. The moment I got to the Manila office of Coco Beach Resort, ni hindi ko na nahawakan ang bagahe namin.

Anywayze, back to our Hong Kong trip. As much as I thought I have prepared myself for this trip, nothing had prepared me for the complications of riding the MTR, Hong Kong's version of our MRT (but a lot, lot better!). Dahil first day namin sa Hong Kong, I made a lot of booboos riding the MTR. Hehehe!

Booboo # 1: "Nothing to declare here." Sucess! I didn't get lost looking for the immigration & baggage claim areas. We’re actually here at the arrival hall! But wait! I need to find the "Airport Express Counter” or the “Customer Service Counter" so I can buy an Octopus card. I saw a kiosk just outside the door after the customs area. Mukha namang bilihan ng card yung kiosk. Kaya lang, may ibang design yung cards, baka generic lang. So I went to the Airport Information Desk and asked the female manning the counter. Sus! Yung kiosk nga na may iba't ibang card ang bilihan ng Octopus card! Anube!

Booboo # 2: "Load 300 please." That's how much I told the female from the kiosk to load in my Octopus card. "300? You can easy load anywhere," says the pakialamerang female in her broken English with Chinese accent. "Yes, 300," with conviction ko syang sinagot. "Even children?" "Yes!" Ba't ba? Eh, mayaman ako! Hehehe! Pero hindi pumayag si pakialamerang girl. HKD 250 lang ang niload nya sa akin, HKD 170 naman kay Mokong. Mahaderang 'to! Hmp! Nilayasan ko nga sya pero with a smile naman and I said my thank you. Nung nakalayo na kami, I took out my kodikong itinerary. Nyek! Oo nga, tig-100 HKD lang nga dapat ang binili namin ni Mokong. Ba't ko ba naisip na 300? Ano 'to, load ng celfone? Duh!!! Anyway, pwede namang mareimburse yun eh.

Booboo # 3: "Mommy, sa'n ba tayo pupunta?" Hayyyy... Hindi ko rin talaga alam. According to the City Econo Guesthouse website, just take bus no. 21 or 22A and get off at Jordan Road. Eh, san ang sakayan ng bus? Nyaiks, anong gagawin ko? “Taxi na lang kaya, Mommy?” asked Mokong. Pero wala akong Chinese translation nung guesthouse namin, baka di pa kami magkaintindihan ng driver, uminit pa ulo ko. Hayyy... Sa sobrang detailed ng itinerary ko, kulang pa din pala! Mga 5 minutes kaming nakatayo sa gitna ng arrival hall trying to figure out what to do. Hayyy... I miss my adik friends.

Booboo # 4: "Mommy, trains to the city o". Oo nga naman, sa 5 minutes naming itinayo doon, nasa harap lang kami ng sakayan ng train. "Ok, anak, check natin MTR map." In fairness, pwede naman talagang mag-MTR going to our guesthouse. Maraming lang kasing MTR interchange kaya hindi ko kinareer yun while I did my research in Manila. Pero dahil hindi ko na alam kung saan kami sasakay ng bus, sige, "trains to the city" na kami. I got myself a map of the MTR system and studied it.

Booboo # 5: Based on the MTR map, 4 times kaming magpapalit ng train. From the airport, baba kami sa Tsing Yi. From there, we change train using the Tung Chung Line to go to Lai King. From Lai King, we change train uli using the Tsuen Wan Line to get to Jordan. Finally, eto na yung last stop. Pero wait, baka naman may iba pang faster route 'coz I can see a nearer interchange. Kaya lang, I also read somewhere in PEX na hindi kayang lakarin yung distance na ‘yun from one station to the next. Hmmm... Tanong ko nga sa Customer Service. I waited until she's not attending to any customer when I approached her. Baka may makaintindi kasi sa amin na shushunga-shunga kami. Hehehe! I asked her how to get to Jordan, pero I also told her how I planned to do it (para mukha namang may alam ako sa Hong Kong). Parang nagtaka sya sa gusto kong gawin sa buhay pero dahil limited lang siguro ang English nya at baka magtagal at lumalim pa ang misunderstanding namin, nag-yes na lang sya. Pero syempre, later during the day (when we went to Central to get to the Peak Tram), nung medyo sanay na akong mag-MTR, nun ko lang na-realize na pwede naman palang lakarin yung mahabang distance na sabi sa PEX eh hindi pwedeng lakarin. Eh, di sana, twice lang kami nag-change trains. Hayyyy…

Booboo # 6: "San sinusuksok 'yung card? Wait, Francis, wala yung magsa-swipe ng card natin?" So, balik uli ako dun sa girl na pinagtanungan ko ng papuntang Jordan. "Miss, I use this for there?" Sabay turo, of course, sa tracks. "Yes" ang very eager n'yang sagot. Pero sa’n ko nga isa-swipe ang card? Syempre, hindi ko na tinanong ‘yun sa kanya. Feeling ko, obvious na obvious nang shushunga-shunga nga ako dahil this is the second time I went to her for a question. Oh, well, pag may sumita na lang sa amin kung pano kami naka-sakay ng train without swiping our Octopus cards, deadma. Finally, the train arrived. Taray, ganda ng seats! Pero sa'n nga ini-swipe ang card? Di pa rin ako mapakali, diba, kahit na seating pretty na ako sa loob ng train! I tried to relax. Promise, pag may nanita, I'll just cross the bridge when we get there. And then, I saw the sign! Free airport shuttle naman pala itu!!! So, kahit magdamag akong maghanap ng card swiping machines, good luck kung may makita talaga ako!

Booboo # 7: Kung nawala siguro yung kodiko kong brochure na may map ng MTR system, maninirahan na lang siguro ako dun! Kahit 1 station lang ang ita-travel naming mag-ina, puro kaya ako double check at triple check kung tama ang ginagawa namin. Maliban sa brochure, maya't maya din ang pagche-check ko sa lighted MTR map system na naka-display sa loob ng MTR. Hayyyy… First time ko bang mag-train?

Booboo # 8: “Next stop: Lai King.” It’s just one station away from the Tsing Yi Station where we can change trains that will go to Jordan. An influx of commuter went straight to the lift. Sunod naman kami ng anak ko. In fairness, I saw a sign at the elevator door that says “Level 1 Tsuen Wan Line.” That’s the train we need to get into to reach Jordan. But when we reached Level 1, parang lahat ng arrows ng trains, pabalik sa taas! Ha? Bumaba kami para umakyat uli? We scouted the area first thinking that we might have missed a different sign. Pero wala talaga. So, I went to the Customer Service Area and asked where the trains to Jordan are. As usual, broken English uli, “that wide entrance, there, far entrance, go up.” “Ah, ok, thanks!” Hmmm… Sa’n kaya ‘yung wide entrance na ‘yun? Eto kayang swiping machine na wider ang entrance than the rest of the card swiping machines? Pero ang layo ng turo nung girl, so I went to the other end. When I got to the end, escalator uli going upstairs! Eh, parang dyan nga kami galing. So, I went back to the card swiping machine with the wider entrance to check it out, hagdan going upstairs din! Hayyy… San ba talaga kami? Balik uli kami dun sa dulo. And during all these back and forth scouting, I was dragging all my stuff around, syempre, kasama din si Mokong. Finally, may naawa na siguro sa akin na kanina pa kami nakikitang paikot-ikot, “Ate, sa’n ba kayo?” YAHHHOOO!!! Pinoy ka, Ate? Eh, kung di ba naman ako isang libu’t isang gaga, tinagalog na nga ako, tatanungin ko pa kung Pinoy s’ya! In fairness, tinulungan naman n’ya ako. Dun nga kami sa card swiping machine with a wider entrance. Hayyyy… Did I say I so miss my adik friends?

Booboo # 8: Finally, we were able to get to Jordan, find our guesthouse, and rested for about an hour. Our first itinerary for the day was to go to the Avenue of the Stars. As usual, we had to go there via MTR. Since I had so many booboos in the morning, I decided to study the MTR map carefully and read all the signs at the stations. In fairness, nakarating naman kami ng Tsim Sha Tsui Station nang walang aberya. We didn’t bother to go to the other points of interest near the Tsim Sha Tsui area. I was more concerned kasi to take night photos at The Peak so by 3pm, we were back in the Tsim Sha Tsui Station to make our way to the Central Station. “O, Francis, alam mo na kung pa’no ‘to, ha. Ikaw na hahawak ng card mo.” When we got to the card swiping machines and tapped our Octopus cards, walang nangyari sa mga harang. Hindi bumukas! Ha? Did I do something wrong again? Kahit ‘yung kay Francis, ayaw din magbukas. Wait, Francis, baka iba ‘yung entrance ng mga Octopus card holders. Ikot na naman kami. Parang isa lang naman ang entrance. Try ulit. Promise, ayaw mag-bukas. So, I went to the Customer Service Area. Ay, ang daming tao… Hiya akong magtanong. Try ko na lang ulit card, pero promise, hindi talaga nag-open! Hindi ko na kaya! I will swallow my pride and ask the guy at the Customer Service Area booth (buti na lang, wala nang pila!). The guy checked the balance of our cards. Syempre, ang dami pang load so imposibleng naubusan kaming mga-ina. Then the guy said, “Tap then push.” hah hA Ha? “Tap,” sabay palo sa desk nya, and “push,” sabay action ng push with both hands. Ahhhh… Ipupush pala ‘yun para mag-open. Hayyy…. Ang tanga mo, Barok!

Booboo # 9: Finally, the Peak Tram. I bought the packaged ticket so we can take the tram to get to the Peak and allow us entry to the Sky Terrace. Maayos naman naming nairaos ang buong Peak Tram at Sky Terrace experience. Nung pauwi na kami and took the Peak Tram again to get back down to the city, naloka ako sa isang girl na forever nakatayo sa likod ng driver. Hindi ba sya nahihirapan na nakatayo forever eh naka-slant pababa ang position ng tram? ‘Yun naman pala, papara kasi sya sa isa sa mga stops ng tram. Ay, pwede pala ‘yun? Oo, naman... Kasi, public transportation din naman ang tram. Hayyyy... At parang with “hallelujah” light ang mga pangyayari nung na-realize ko na public transportation nga ang tram. Eh, di syempre, pwedeng gamitin ang Octopus card! At ‘yun nga ang ginamit ni girl na nakatayo sa likod ng driver.

Hayyy… Unang araw pa lang ‘to pero parang ang haba-haba na nang itinagal ko sa Hong Kong. Ano pa kaya ang ibang pwede pang mangyari sa mga susunod na araw?

P.S.:
Huling hirit sa MTR… Added on September 13.

Booboo # 10: Second day. Disneyland. Pauwi na kami from a long and tiring day in Disneyland. By this time, hustler na ako dapat sa MTR. That’s what I thought. As soon as we got off the Disney train, dali-dali lahat ng tao to get to the other train at the Sunny Bay Station. Kami rin ng anak ko. We were so tired and we wanted to be the first in the train so we can get seats. In fairness, konti lang ang nakipila sa amin. The rest of the crowd are on the other side. Confidently in queue at the Tung Chung Line, my son and I waited patiently for the trains to come. “Mommy, trains to the city ulit o,” pointed out my son at the other side. “Hindi, dito tayo, anak. Ayan, o, Tung Chung.” When the trains came, we were able to seat comfortably inside. Ang konti nalang kasi ng tao. When I checked the status of our direction in the lighted MTR map system inside the train, that’s when it dawned on me that we were in the wrong train! We were going to the Tung Chung Station! That’s the end of the line of the Tung Chung Line! Tama nga si Mokong. Dun kami dapat sa “trains to the city!” Tung Chung Line pa rin’yun pero opposite direction! Di bale, don’t panic. We can always interchange at the Tung Chung Station.

Booboo # 11: Tung Chung Station. Since nasa wrong side kami, we quickly transferred to the other side so we can take the train to get back to the city. Ay, ba’t ganon? Walang pila? As much as I wanted to ask any Customer Service personnel or kahit janitor na nga lang, parang wala nang tao. Parang buong station, sarado na. Nyaiks! Ang layo pa naman ng Tung Chung sa city. Kung magta-taxi kami pabalik ng Jordan, magkano kaya aabutin? I finally saw the electronic signage that flashes “Trains to the city will depart first at platform 1”. Hmmm… Ano kaya yun? Promise, wala talagang ibang nakapila sa kinakatayuan namin. Pero sa kabila, dun sa train na binabaan namin, may mga sumasakay! Hmmm… “Trains to the city will depart first at platform 1.” Ahhhh…. So, yung train na sinakyan namin is at platform 1 pala and it will be the one to go to the city! Hayyyyyy… Buhay!

Weather Update

2008-09-11T15:12:00.002+08:00

I just came back from the Sto. Domingo area at Quezon Avenue to have my photos developed. Hindi naman masyadong masaya ang maglakad under the rain!!! Will the weather in Hong Kong and Macau be like this too? Hindi 'ata ako na-gets ni Lord. Ang prayer ko, "Lord, have mercy." What he heard ata was "Lord, have marce"... Wehhhh!!! Tama na, corny na ako. :P

Anywayze, despite the numerous weather forecast websites available in the net, we, in production, rely on a few "credible" ones. But, Direk Matthew, being a British, believes more in the forecasts of BBC. And in fairness to him, so far, with all the forecasts BBC had during our should-we-shoot-or-cancel-tomorrow decision-makings, it only failed once.

So, when I got home, I quickly checked all these "credible" websites again. And I really, really love the look of the 5-day weather forecast from BBC.
_

SIGH... Kino-convince ko lang ba ang sarili ko?

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2008-09-11T09:04:00.010+08:00

Rain, rain, go away... Come again late next week!

When "Marce" was reported entering the Philippine responsibility a couple of days ago, I panicked. I quickly counted the number of days when it was assumed to make a landfall. Since then, I've been monitoring the weather reports in PAGASA, Accuweather, BBC, CNN and Weather.com. Daig ko pa ang may shooting sa location!

Earlier this week, I prayed that the rains would come, just so I can have a clear weather by this weekend. But when "Marce" came to the picture, and it rained like cats and dogs yesterday, I got depressed. If "Marce" will be leaving this weekend, than it means it's gonna be in Hong Kong by the time we get there. Waaaahhhhh!!!! Of course, with a different name.

Although I was prepared to tour Hong Kong and Macau under the rain, still, it would be such a hassle. Just imagine, I'll be bringing my camera with me, my tripod, a 7-year-old kid & his change of clothes, an umbrella, 2 liters of bottled water, and all my other kikay stuff! Sa dami ng dala ko, alas-1 pa lang, mainit na ang ulo ko!!! Grrr... And then I won't be able to take photos pa 'cause of the rain. SIGH... Parusa!

But, lo and behold! When I checked the PAGASA website this morning, "Marce" has now moved 230 kms east of Basco, Batanes. So, it has moved north east, away from Hong Kong and Macau! EAST!!!! Yehey!!!

Accuweather also reports of partly sunny and cloudy skies for the entire weekend. I'll take that then get soak under the rain and my son and I won't be able to do anything while in Hong Kong and Macau.

Pray! Pray! Pray! That's what I'm gonna do from this very minute until we touch back down at the NAIA on Monday night. Please, please, please. I've been planning this trip for ages now and I just wanted it to be perfect.

It's my son's 7th birthday on Saturday and since I never had that much time this year and the previous year to spend time with him, I wanted a birthday gift of simply spending great time with him. The last time we travelled together, na kami lang talaga, was in 2005 pa when we went to Puerto Galera. This trip is our first out-of-the-country get-away na kaming dalawa lang. Sure, it's great travelling with the "adikkks", but there's really nothing to beat an ultimate bonding trip with my son.

Rain, rain, go away... Come again late next week!

Cosme Was Born Here

2008-09-07T23:18:00.002+08:00

Cosme Was Born Here: This set of photos pays "homage" to the very spot where "Cosme" was born.

Way back May 16th this year, my staff and I went to the old breakwater at CCP to check on the setmen around 1am. Our shoot calltime was at 3am but we wanted to make sure that everything was ready at the location by the time the rest of the crew gets there.

As soon as I came out of the van, I knew I had to take a photo of the well-lit images in front of me. I only had my ever-reliable Olympus Stylus 720SW then, but I was able to take photos naman that I am happy with (click here for those photos). However, I also knew I would have been happier if I had a DSLR then.

And that's when I realized I wanted to go back to photography.

"Cosme" was the name of the typhoon while we were shooting Project "Kiss" at the Manila Bay. Yes, we braved and survived "Cosme" because "Kiss" had a scheduled product launch. It was also my talent fee from "Kiss" that I used to buy my Nikon D80 with. So, I guess, it's only right to name my camera "Cosme."

Having bought a not-so-high-end-but-I'm-quite-happy-with-it-anyway tripod and an ML-L3 remote control for my shutter release last week, I decided to go to CCP and take photos of the sunset. Since I didn't have a photo buddy with me, I brought my son along who carried the tripod all the way through (magaan lang tripod ko, ok!).

Click here for more of the photos I took and uploaded in Byaheng Barok Multiply site. Will definitely appreciate C&Cs for improvement.

Mokong & Stariray

2008-09-07T21:34:00.004+08:00

Last week, my son and I were shopping for a new pair of rubber shoes. On our way to the counter, we passed by the babies' shoes section and he found this really cute & tiny pair of blue shoes with pink heart at the middle. Francis said, "Mommy, let's buy this... For the baby."

He! He! He! Before you panic, that baby, of course, is Stariray.

So, just this afternoon, Francis & I went to Bang's house so Francis can give the shoes to Stariray himself.

He's so fond of Stariray, but he was also firm in saying "no" when I told him we'll be bringing Stariray home to live with us. Seloso? He! He! He!

Anywayze, here's a peek into their photos (as usual, I brought my camera with me).

Nagchi-chismisan na, ke babata pa!

Turuan bang mag-game boy agad ang Stariray?

More photos are in my son's Multiply account. Click here to view those photos.

Cebu Photos in Multiply

2008-09-05T16:06:00.003+08:00

Finally, I'm done uploading photos of our Cebu trip in our Holy Week Multiply site. Stories about our trip na lang ang kulang. Yahoo!!!

Hopefully, by next week, I can start fixing our photos from our 2008 Holy Week trip. Sana. He! He! He!

Anywayze, here's the link in our Multiply site for Cebu photos:

To Bantayan Island, Cebu

Bantayan Tour

Malapascua Island

This notice is posted all over
Ging-Ging's Restaurant in Malapascua Island

Don't Panic, Barok

2008-09-04T18:40:00.002+08:00

I was suppose to write about hospitals today.

While I was there this morning, I thought of how much I like being in the hospital -- the smell, the squeaky clean surroundings, the white-colored uniform of the people working there -- everything in it. Oh, this doesn't mean that I'm hoping to get sick and be a patient in the hospital. It's just that there's this little something in me that still longs to be a doctor. Yup, I wanted to be a doctor. Seriously. But family matters, health issues and school possibilities "prevented" me from pursuing this path. Instead, I opted for a course that seemed "new" and "acceptable".

Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed taking up Communication Arts and more importantly, being a part of Artistang Artlets in UST. If I had not taken up an AB course or joined AA, then I wouldn't be where I am today.

But this entry isn't about my college life. It's about my being in the hospital. I was there for a simple should-have-been-once-a-year-check-up-but-never-really-bothered-to-do-so with my doctor.

I like my doctor... a lot. She's very soft-spoken (being an Ilonggo) and very motherly-like. She takes time in explaining things to me and never makes me panic for anything. As a matter of fact, she gave me permission to travel even if I was in my first trimester of pregnancy. He! He! He!

Anywayze, I went to her since I've been "feeling" something different these past several months. I just really wanna make sure that it's normal.

But it was not.

She checked me up, not once, but twice. She wasn't quite sure with the first one so she had to double check and do it all over again. Really, it bothered her. So, she asked me to have an ultrasound. But, the ultrasound was inconclusive. She now wants to wait for the results of the test she made, which will come out on Tuesday. No problem, I'll just have to go back on Tuesday then. She warned me, though, that there might be a need for a biopsy.

Ha? Biopsy? Ano yun? Of course, I heard about it and I knew about it... But I never really bothered to understand what it's all about. Malay ko ba...

I quickly searched for it in my Blackberry (kasi nasa hospital pa nga ako) so I can learn more about it. It's basically a simple procedure. But you see, I've never really been sick to the point where I need to be hospitalized. I only got to stay in a hospital when I gave birth to my son. Other than that, I just had the typical flu, cough, colds and skin allergies. Nothing serious. So the sound of a "biopsy" is something scary for me.

Without being too medical and technical (haven't talked to my sister about this yet), my cervix has bumps all around the linings of its wall. It should have been smooth, my doctor said. She doesn't know what these bumps are and she's bothered that there's so many of it. It didn't look normal.

The best way to know what these bumps are is by taking a sample. I would have to be put under anesthesia when this needs to be done. (Oh no, not again? Maraming glutaphos na naman ang kelangan ko?) Only then can she know what these bumps are and how it should be treated. Alright then, we'll just have to discuss it when we get the results on Tuesday.

So, I left, feeling weird and bothered. But, I don't think I can do anything much about my situation. Wait na lang ako until Tuesday for the results.

Depressed, I went to Quiapo to buy myself a tripod, a new UV filter, a lenspen and a remote control for shutter release. Weeee!!!!! :)

Ber is Here

2008-09-01T21:29:00.001+08:00

While shopping for a new pair shoes for my son in the nearby mall, I nonchalantly hum to the tune of the song playing inside the mall. When the song ended, it was only then that I realized I was humming "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." SIGH...

As much as I try not to get depressed to the idea that Christmas is nearing, I just can't help but be "worried" that the current year is about to end. So where did I go to this year? What happened to me? Definitely, nowhere. I am still at the exact place where I was last year.

And that worries me a lot... Being stuck.

But more importantly, have I really made an effort to move on?

Malapascua Island

2008-08-30T21:58:00.001+08:00

Finally, I am finished sorting out the photos we had during our "holyweekly" trip in Malapascua Island, Cebu. I've uploaded most of them in my Byaheng Barok Multiply site. BUT!!! I haven't uploaded anything yet in the Holy Week Travellers' site. Ooops! I guess that's where I will concentrate on these next few days. Oh, well...

Anywayze, most of my Malapascua Island photos are practice shots. C&Cs are definitely be welcome.

Sunset near the lighthouse

In front of Dano Beach Resort

Heart talaga?

Mugs of Accomplishment

2008-08-30T14:31:00.010+08:00

My mugs are scattered all over the house. Yup, these are my coffee mugs bought from all the travels I did in the past decade with some given by friends. If other people collect postcards, keychains, pins, antiques, etc. from their travels, coffee mugs are a perfect fit for me. Since I love coffee as much as I love travelling, these mugs are soooo me.

I begged my Mom to vacate several shelves in our living room area so I can situate all my mugs in one place. They used to be in my room, all beautifully arranged as if I have a shrine. But since the number of my mugs kept growing for each trip I made, I had to find a larger area to keep them safe and, uh, well-displayed.

Yup, this time around, I wanted all of them displayed instead of taking shelter in my room. These mugs are my trophies, not merely of my travel accomplishments, but also of battling my life's difficulties. These mugs are a constant reminder that I am blessed.

A decade ago, I dreamt of travelling and seeing the world. But mishaps in life happened and well, I was in a deep shit -- emotionally, financially, professionally. Name it, I gathered all the bad luck in the world. Who would have thought that when I decided to have my son on my own while in a great financial crisis and such an emotional basket case, I will be able to travel throughout the country and in some Asian countries... and with my son at that?

I am truly blessed. The Lord, not once since I had my son, did I feel I have been forsaken. He provided even before I knew I needed something. Nope, I'm not religious. My family and close friends can attest to my non-attendance in church activities. Mabibilang lang sa daliri kung kelan ako nag-simba. But it doesn't mean that I don't pray. Each day is an opportunity for me to thank the Lord for the life I've been living now.

Enough of the sentimental talk. Back to my mugs.

I decided to take pictures of my mugs. But I wasn't happy with the result, but I've posted them anyway. I'll just wait then when my director gets back so I can borrow lights from him (for free!) and take proper photos of my mugs. (Ang arte!) But for now, I'll just have to make do with the picture I took this morning.

Unfortunately, my mugs aren't complete. There are provinces in the Philippines that I've been to that didn't make mugs as souvenirs. Sometimes, I settle with shotglasses and penholders. Lately, I discovered the ceramic city mugs from Starbucks, which can be a great alternative should there no other mugs to buy.

To date, I have a total of 44 mugs, 11 shot glasses, 3 penholders and 1 toothpick holder. Hehehe! And the number, definitely, won't stop there.

P.S.: This is how important my mugs are. A couple of years ago, a fire broke out from a neighbor's house. The house on fire was like 5 houses away from us. Since the fire was spreading quickly, we immediately packed clothes, shoes and important documents and brought them out on the street. When I finished brining out the necessities and went back to my room, I suddenly had a dilemma. Still in my room were my books and notes from graduate school (at that time, I was suppose to write my thesis and these books were so fundamental in my studies), CDs (original ha!), photo albums, memorabilia from my college theater guild, and my mugs. I was still contemplating then as to which of my things should I bring out next when my Mom told me that the fire has already moved to the next house, that's four houses away. Shocked, I slowly sat down on my bed, not really knowing what to do. What should I bring out next? Teary-eyed, I made a decision. CDs can go, I can always download music from the internet. Photo albums can go, most of my travel photos are uploaded in the net. Books can go, I might never even get to finish my thesis. Mugs are it then. But if I bring them out now, there's a great possibility that some will break from all the commotion happening. I took as many mugs that my hands can handle and sat back down on my bed. I can't let any of it break. I finally heard sirens outside. I slowly placed back all of my mugs in my "shrine" and went out. I watched as the firemen tried to put the fire out. Silently, I prayed... And honestly, it wasn't a prayer for the safety of other people's lives and belongings. It was a prayer not to be in a dilemma about my mugs again. Adik!!!

Island Hopping Photos in Virgin Island and Bantayan Sanctuary, Cebu

2008-08-29T23:36:00.001+08:00

Virgin Island

Here are some of our photos during our island hopping tour at the Virgin Island and Bantayan Sanctuary. For the complete set of photos, I have yet to update the Holy Week Travellers' site, although I have already uploaded edited photos in my Byaheng Barok Multiply site. Some of the photos there were the ones I took from my camera. There were a few taken by Os and Roselle (or else, wala na naman akong picture! Hehehe!).

Near the Bantayan Sanctuary

Jumping shot ko! Yipee!!!

Photos in Sta. Fe & Bantayan Towns, Bantayan Island, Cebu

2008-08-29T23:02:00.004+08:00

Now that we already had our picture party, I have the complete set of all the photos we took in our Cebu "holyweekly" trip. (Deadma na sa camera ni Ramil, I'm sure, puro face n'ya lang yung nasa camera n'ya. Hehehe!) So, here's the first (super!) edited batch in my Multiply site: Sta. Fe and Bantayan towns in Bantayan Island, Cebu. Some of the photos were from Os' and Roselle's camera, or else, wala na naman akong picture sa sarili kong album (parang Sagada! Hehehe!)

Morning jumping shot

Photo taken by Os Sevilla

Stariray's Picture Party

2008-08-28T14:23:00.007+08:00

We had our usual picture party last night. But, instead of viewing the slideshows of our recent Bantayan and Malapascua adventure, we ended up taking more photographs... Not of us, but of Stariray!!! Kawawang bata... She can't sleep cause the first batch of would-be Ninangs who saw her played with her as if she's a doll -- dressing her up, giving her different hair styles, etc. She got so tired that she ended up sleeping on her own, at the bed, without being carried. And when the second batch of would-be Ninangs came, no type and level of noise can wake her up from her deep sleep. She was too tired to wake up even for her milk! He! He! He!

Ang cute!!! Inggit ako :-(

Costume change number one

Fashionista

Sleeping soundly while holding Mommy's hand
_

Click here for more of Stariray's photos during our picture party.

And She was 88...

2008-08-27T14:57:00.002+08:00

My Lola Naling died the other day. Oh, I'm not grieving so don't send me condolences. I barely knew her. She was the sister of my grandfather and she lived in different places here and abroad so I never get to spend that much time with her. I knew her simply because she would stay at our house whenever she's here in Manila.

Last August 2, while I was on my way to Sagada, Mountain Province, I received a call from my brother telling me that Lola Naling had an accident and she was in a critical condition in a hospital back in the States.

A couple of days ago, relatives in the States decided to "pull the plug" as my Lola's conditioned worsened. Even if she gets better, life would definitely be a whole lot different from how she used to live it.

She died at the good age of 88.

This morning, my mom set straight the story on my Lola's accident. She said, according to our relatives, my Lola booked for a group tour going to Colorado bringing a stroller-type of luggage. While pulling her luggage, she accidentally tripped on a platform and fell down. Hands still holding her luggage's handle, the luggage swung up into the air and landed straight on her back.

What a good way to die.

Don't get me wrong, but I'm glad she died the way that she did -- she died while she was out for another travel adventure.

That's why I barely know her. She was always in some place travelling, sometimes alone, sometimes with her sister, Lola Edith. When I was younger, I remember her calling my Mom saying she'll be in Manila for a vacation. A few days after, she's there outside our house, knocking. And it's not like we had to prepare for her visit. Oftentimes, she's out meeting other people or going to other places. She always had some place to go to.

I envy her. Old age never made her stop travelling. Old age became a part of the adventure. And though she died accidentally, at least, she did while doing what she love most. That's life living to the fullest.

Great Blogsites on Macau!

2008-08-25T19:57:00.002+08:00

For several days now, I have kept myself busy plotting an itinerary for my next destination: Hong Kong and Macau. Not realizing it 'til this morning, most of the stuff I have researched were all for my Hong Kong leg. And for Macau? Nada. I haven't even booked an accommodation yet!

In panic, I quickly searched the PinoyExchange site (it's really a great resource for anything under the sun). But since there are almost 200 discussion pages on Macau alone, I got tired when I reached page 18.

I also searched Google for a "one day itinerary in Macau" and I came across these two great sites:

My Travel Diary: Two Days One Night in Macau

Taking on the world, one day at a time: Macau Walking Tour (Part One)

Taking on the world, one day at a time: Macau Walking Tour (Part Two)

Both blogs are worth checking out. It has photos, descriptions, and other important details that any first-time tourist in Macau will appreciate. It's like having a brochure at hand with correct calculations on the time spent for each tourist spot. It was perfect for an "un-harrassed walking tour to take photos of Macau's architecture with a kid in tow". So perfect for me!

Hmmm... But how do I trackback to their sites?

Daño Beach Resort, Malapascua Island, Cebu

2008-08-23T18:42:00.009+08:00

For our Malapascua Island leg, Laiza originally booked us at Blue Coral Beach Resort. No downpayment was given (unlike in Bantayan Island) and we just depended on the booking made thru a celphone call. Unfortunately, when we got there, there were no rooms available. One, it was only 10am and we would still have to wait for the other guests to check out before we can check in at 12nn. Two, the reservations were made to another staff who left for Boracay and never gave any instructions or messages regarding our arrival. SIGH... Instead of making a big deal out of this, Laiza and two other friends scouted the rest of the island for another resort that could accommodate all eight of us.

Os taking photos of Malapascua Island
from the Reception Area of Blue Coral Resort

We ended up at Daño Beach Resort at the far end of the island.

_
Daño Beach Resort is very much like Budyong Beach Resort in Bantayan Island. Its cottages are also duplex types (well, at least, the ones that we rented) that are made of concrete, wood and nipa. We were lucky to get 2 duplex units beside each other (hehehe, and we're neighbors again!). Since it's the lean season, the original PhP 1,000 room for two was given to us for PhP 800 only (yipeee!).

Being at the far end of the island is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It's an advantage because there were lesser people there, plus, it's a good location for sunrise photos (but during the morning when we were there, it was cloudy). It's a disadvantage because we had to walk a bit to get to the nicer restaurants. But then again, Malapascua is such a small island, everything else is just walking distance.

Chismisan sa kapit-bahay in the morning... and in evening.

We weren't able to get that much contact details of Daño Beach Resort when we were there. The contact details that I have here were searched from the internet when we got back here. I sure hope this is updated:

+63 915 6661584 or +63 927 3817894. Lemuel Daño is the manager.

For more photos of Daño Beach Resort, please visit my Byaheng Barok Multiply site.

Budyong Beach Resort, Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

2008-08-23T16:11:00.008+08:00

During the planning stages of our Cebu "holyweekly" trip, I was harrassed with three projects. As much as I want to make a career out of doing our itinerary, I simply didn't have time in my hands. But being the addict that I truly am, I still found time last June to squeeze in one research at Google, a resort in Bantayan Island. And the first blog I clicked with a photo of a resort and contact details in Bantayan Island, I immediately downloaded it and e-mailed to the rest of my friends.

Eventually, it was Laiza who planned the itinerary, made bookings for the accommodation and contacted all our modes of transportation. And Budyong Resort, the one I saw in the internet, was not a disappointment at all.

The resort has individual and duplex-type of cottages, some are fan-cooled, some with air- conditioning units. At first glance, the cottages seemed to be made of nipa (we got there at night), very much like how rooms were like in Camiguin Seaside Lodge. The thought of "tuko" (large lizard) crawling our ceilings scared the hell out of us. But no, the rooms were a combination of concrete, wood and nipa. It has basic amenities, but it's comfortable.

As of last June, the room rates that Laiza e-mailed to us were:

Aircon rooms:

good for 2 - Ps. 1,200

good for 4 - Ps. 1,400

good for 6 - Ps. 2,000

Fan rooms:

good for 2 - Ps. 500

good for 4 - Ps. 1000

Extra pax in a room is Ps. 150

We stayed in a duplex-cottage, very beach front. So beach front that during high tide, the sea was just several meters away from our window. It was great. We could sleep listening to the sound of the waves.... Hmmm... Well, we thought so.

Our first night was spent constantly checking out the scenario outside our window. The winds were too strong and the trees rocked back and forth. Even the galvanized sheets on the roof sound like it'll get ripped off at anytime. We thought there was a storm coming. Good luck! And we're really here at the beach front! But there was no rain, it was just all wind. We desperately tried to sleep, but it was kinda hard hearing so many "windy" sounds.

The second night was more peaceful. It was the kind of night when you can just sleep right there on the beach.

Our beach is also a good location for a great sunrise, although Kota Beach Resort is better simply because it's nearer to a gazebo which can be a good subject for sunrise photographs.

Swimming in front of our cottage is also great. Whether it's high tide or low tide, the water is clean and cool. There are also staff who regularly clean the beach.

The resort is just walking distance from the town plaza. So even if their restaurant was closed during Saturdays (no staff working on Saturdays because the owners are Adventists), going to a restaurant towards the plaza wasn't a problem.

All in all, the Budyong Beach Resort is really a great place to stay. It has a great location, a super-duper helpful staff, and contacts with van and boat transfers. But more importantly, it's cheap. For a fan-cooled room for 4 pax, the cost per person would only be PhP 250.00. Not bad, not bad at all.

Here's Budyong Beach Resort's contact number: (032) 438-5700, 438-9040. They have a website, but the last time I checked, it wasn't working.

More photos of the resort from my Byaheng Barok Multiply site.

Frustrated with Blogger

2008-08-20T18:27:00.004+08:00

I've been with Blogger for several years now and with all the social networking and blog sites available in the internet, I find Blogger to be the most user-friendly and reliable of all.

Being a busy-bee these past few months, I seldom get to update my two sites: Byaheng Barok and Holy Week Travellers. But now that I got all the time in the world, I made use of this time to update these two sites, both the content and the design.

With Byaheng Barok, I have updated my Adsense account and post entries, as you can see. With the Holy Week Travellers, I wanted to changed the design layout. Posting new entries will have to be done later this weekend.

But luck of all lucks, I accidentally clicked on "Revert to Classic Template" for my Holy Week Travellers account. It didn't seem to be a problem as reverting back to an upgraded template is also just a click away. Well, it was suppose to...

When I got to the "Customized Design" at the Template section, there was no "Upgrade Template" button. I searched frantically for it as I didn't like the look of any of the classic templates provided by Blogger... But to no avail.

I also searched in Blogger help and other internet sites but everything points out to clicking the "Upgrade Template". There were no queries answered that pertain to this particular problem. I reckon that this is only a problem encountered today. All the post entries I read were dated today.

SIGH... I hope Blogger will be able to fix this soon... Sooner than tomorrow I hope.

Improving or Tsamba?

2008-08-20T10:50:00.000+08:00

Recently, I've started joining e-groups, discussion boards and other social networking sites related to photography. I seldom post queries or photos since I'm not too confident with my photography skills yet.

But since I wanted to know from other photographers if the photographs I have taken so far are on the right track, I braved posting several photos of my recent Paco Park practice. Much to my disappointment, only one gave a comment. Still, I'm quite thankful that a handful passed by my Multiply site to take a look at the other photos I took. Whatever their opinions were, I had no idea.

So, when I took photos of the beaches of Bantayan and Malapascua Islands during nighttime, I decided to post these photos again in Digital Photography Philippines' Multiply site. I didn't post everything, just the photos I thought looked best. And here's what the other's got to say about it:

Night for Day in Digital Photography Philippines

So, am I happy now?

Nope, not quite.

I was trained with film SLRs way back in college. No matter how frustrating it was to practice and not seeing whether you did right or wrong until you had the film processed and developed, it was more comforting to know that a good photograph was taken because it was shot with the correct settings and composition. I corrected mine using Adobe Photoshop CS3. Though the changes I made were limited to rotating and cropping to adjusting the brightness and curves of the photographs, I, somehow, feel like the photograph isn't mine. Is that normal?

Oh, well... I guess I'll just have to keep on practicing then.

Bantayan and Malapascua Expenses (as of August 2008)

2008-08-19T09:32:00.003+08:00

Availing the Cebu Pacific promo sale, the Holy Week Travellers went on a "holyweekly" trip to the Islands of Bantayan and Malapascua in Cebu last August 15-18. Below are the costs of our transportation, accommodation, etc. Hope this helps you in your future trips!

Day 1

Taxi fare to NAIA Terminal 3 - PhP 100.00

Terminal fee at NAIA Terminal 3 - PhP 200.00

Plane fare from Manila to Cebu - PhP 1,374.00

Private van from Mactan International Airport to Hagnaya Port - PhP 3,000.00 (divided by 8
pax, PhP 375.00 each)

Private boat from Hagnaya Port to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island - PhP 2,400 (divided by 8 pax, PhP 300.00 each)

Porters - PhP 50

Tricycle from Sta. Fe Resort to Budyong Resort - PhP 150.00 (divided by 8 pax, PhP 18.75 each)

Accommodation at Budyong Resort - PhP 1,000.00 (divided by 4 pax, PhP 250.00 each)

Day 2

Island hopping in Virgin Island (aka Pulo Diyot) and Bantayan Marine Sanctuary - PhP 2,000.00 (shared by 8 pax, includes entrance fee and other expenses used for cooking at Virgin Island, PhP 250.00 each)

Cooking fee - PhP 220.00 (shared by 8 pax, PhP 27.50)

Accommodation at Budyong Resort - PhP 1,000.00 (divided by 4 pax, PhP 250.00)

Day 3

Tip given to Budyong Resort staff - PhP 500.00 (divided by 8 pax, PhP 62.50 each)

Private boat from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island - PhP 3,500.00 (divided by 8 pax, PhP 437.50)

Island hopping - PhP 250.00 per pax (additional PhP 100.00 for snorkel rental)

Accommodation at Dano's Beach Resort - PhP 800 (divided by 2 pax, PhP 400.00 each)
_
Day 4

Private boat from Malapascua Island to Maya Port - PhP 700.00 (divided by 8 pax, PhP 87.50 each)

Private van from Maya Port to Mactan International Airport - PhP 3,000.00 (divided by 8 pax, PhP 375.00 each)

Terminal fee at Mactan International Airport - PhP 200.00

Plane fare from Cebu to Manila - PhP 1,374.00
_

GRAND TOTAL - PhP 6,381.75

Less PhP 2,748.00 for airfare = 3,633.75 pocket money

** Didn't include costs of food here. There's a wide variety of food choices in both Bantayan and Malapascua Islands from a 25-peso chicken barbeque and 10-peso rice to a 250-peso eat-all-you-can dinner.

Night for Day

2008-08-18T21:00:00.002+08:00

Went to Malapascua and Bantayan Islands in Cebu this past weekend and took advantage of the scenery to shoot more photos. This set consists of photos were taken during nighttime -- some with longer exposure, others with adjustments made in Adobe Photoshop CS3 (brightness and curve only). More photos in my Multiply site with camera settings in the description portion. C&Cs are welcome.

The Empty Beach

Taken using shutter priority setting at 25
seconds with aperture at F/3.8 using ISO 100. Adjusted brightness to +150 using Adobe
Photoshop CS3.

Bright and Sunny during Nighttime
Taken using aperture setting at F/3.5 with 17.5 seconds exposure using ISO 100. Adjusted brightness to +150 using Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Shadows
Taken using aperture setting at F/3.5 with 10 seconds exposure using ISO 400. Adjusted brightness to +150 using Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Was It A Morning Like This?

2008-08-17T19:11:00.003+08:00

Yesterday's sunrise was disappointing. Today's is simply spectacular.

For the first time in almost a decade of travelling, I'm glad I have this "travel sickness" of waking up way before I'm suppose to. Yup, for today, the calltime for breakfast was at 9am and I had set up my alarms at 8am. I wanted so much to wake up late and take advantage of a normal vacation without having to worry about projects left in Manila.

But, I woke up at 5:30am. And I'm glad I did.

If you're familiar with Gospel music or Sandi Patti, then you probably have heard the song "Was it a morning like this?" And that's exactly what I wanted to sing when I saw the blue and orange sky outside my window. But I didn't sing the song... baka umulan!

I stood up, got my camera and brisk-walked towards the beach. I even got to the side of Kota Beach Resort while taking photographs! (Ooops! Binantayan pa ako ni Manong Guard!)

Here are some of my sunrise photos on my second day at Bantayan Island. Sayang, if only I had a tripod and a filter.

More of my sunrise photos in my Byaheng Barok Multiply site.

P.S.: And if you want to know Sandi Patti's "Was it a morning like this?", here's a link I found in YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ8Ui-YhRKA

Underwater in Virgin Island, Bantayan, Cebu

2008-08-16T22:14:00.001+08:00

Fooling around underwater style using my Olympus Stylus 725 SW point-and-shoot camera. Hehehe!

The Sunrise that Never Was

2008-08-16T19:40:00.001+08:00

Although we had an 8am calltime for our breakfast, my usual "travel sickness" got the better of me. I woke up an hour before my mobile phones' alarm tone set off. 6am.

Unable to go back to sleep, I decided to go out and bring my camera. I'll just have to make use of this time to take photos of the beach then.

Unfortunately, it was cloudy. The sunrise was all covered up and there were so many gray clouds above me. So, I just took photos of the beach and everything else that happend that morning.

By the time the sun was all up, the gray clouds miraculously disappeared. Good. At least, we will have a great, sunny day for our island hopping.

Coffee, anyone?

Finally, the sun came out!

Crabs for breakfast? Why not?

My other sunrise and morning photos of Bantayan Island are in my Byaheng Barok Multiply site.

Paco Park

2008-08-14T21:35:00.006+08:00

On this Thursday morning, bored from staying too much at home (I don't have a project, that's why), I decided to go to Paco Park to take pictures. It seemed a perfect place to shoot compared to Intramuros (lagi na lang may nag-shu-shoot dun), Rizal Park (mapagkamalan pa akong photographer na nagde-develop ng instant photos), or Quiapo/Binondo (dare to take your camera out). With Paco Park, everything is confined within its walls and not many people would usually go there. I'm pretty sure I'll have the privacy I need. But when I got there, kamusta naman, the entire park is undergoing renovation! Oh, well...

The rest of my photos are in my Multiply site. C&Cs are welcome (but be gentle, hehehe) :-)

Also took photos in black and white. Sana, tama. Click here to see the black and white photos in Multiply.

New Ringtone

2008-08-11T21:41:00.004+08:00

For the longest time, I had the introduction part of the song "A Thousand Miles" as my Blackberry ringtone. I've been wanting to change it but I can't seem to find the perfect song as my ringtone. Either they're too modern, gone old, too cheesy, too loud... Nothing seems to be perfect.

Until one boring day, I chanced upon the lyrics of a year-old song. I knew the song enough to hum along with the tune, but not to sing the lyrics (not that I sing in real life). Since then, it has become a favorite song.

And that part of the lyrics that says:

"Don’t close your eyes, Don’t close your eyes

This is your life, are you who you want to be

This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be

When the world was younger and you had everything to lose"

...That has to be a part of my ringtone!

Time for a reflection?

First Taekwondo Tournament

2008-08-10T23:55:00.001+08:00

Today is Francis' first ever tournament. Whatever the title or event that was, I really didn't care. It was a tournament, alright, and Francis will be in it.

If I had my way, I never would have allowed my son to be in the tournament. He's still a baby and he's still too young to be in a fight. But it was my son who insisted in joining this tournament, very much like how he insisted on enrolling in taekwondo versus swimming a couple of months back.

So, with reluctant zealousness over his first official fight, we went to SM Sta. Rosa.

We were told that we should be there before 10am, but we we're late. As soon as we arrived at the Activity Area of the mall, parents who recognized Francis zoomed their way towards us and asked "Naku, tinawag na ba si Francis?" "Alam n'yo na ba kung anong armor s'ya?," "Ba't ngayon lang kayo?" But even before I could get irritated by these questions, each of them were helping me get Francis dressed into his taekwondo uniform. Touched naman ako.

He got dressed in record time and we were directed inside the tournament area where some of the other Bosconians were doing a warm-up. Not sure of where I should position Francis, I told him to run towards his coach and ask him where to stay.

True enough, Francis' name had already been called and he needed to fight right away. The coach asked his assistant to let Francis do a warm-up. But two 45-kicks later, he was already summoned to fight. Nyek! Instant?!

Francis looked disoriented on what's happening around him. I'm not even sure if he understood that he's already in a competition. Everything had been too fast since we arrived, I can imagine it might have seemed like a blur for him. But there's no backing out now, he's here right now in the tournament area, being introduced to his opponent.

I readied my camera to take photos of Francis. Despite the fact that I hated setting my camera in ISO 1600, I had no choice. He was too far away from me to get a decent shot. Not even fully satisfied with the settings I made, I kept firing away as Francis' fight already began.

I don't know a lot about taekwondo. I had no idea if he was making points or not. It was only when I heard his coach shouting "Francis, sumipa ka! Sipa! Matatalo ka n'yan!" did I realize that he's really not making any scores.

After 12 shots later, yes, 12 continuous shots, the fight was over. Francis' score is 1, and his opponent's is 8. In other words, talo.

I didn't know what I should feel at that time. Should I be disappointed over his loss? Should I treat it as a challenge so he'll do better in his next fight? Or should I just see the cuteness of the entire scenario -- it's Francis' first fight and there's really no point in getting too serious with it?

Before I could even process it, he was already ushered outside the tournament area. He's ready to go, according to the Asst. Coach.

As fast as we got him dressed into his taekwondo uniform, we had him changed into his normal clothes. Since I'm not the type of Mom who makes small talks with other parents, we left the tournament area immediately.

To summarize, the travel from our house to SM Sta. Rosa had been longer and more tedious than the actual time spent at the tournament. Hehehe!

As a consolation, I treated my family (well, more like Francis since he didn't get to see this before) to watch "The Dark Knight" and a late lunch in Tagaytay. Instead of going home and feeling lost (because we really did lose), I decided to make the most of the rest of the day.

Click HERE to see more of Francis' photos in his first tournament and in Tagaytay.

Sagada Expenses (as of August 2008)

2008-08-06T22:04:00.006+08:00

Day 1

Fare from Manila to Baguio via Victory Liner - PhP 455.00
Taxi fare from Victory Liner Terminal to Dangwa Terminal - PhP 40.00 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 10.00 each)
Breakfast at Dangwa Terminal - PhP 50.00
Fare from Dangwa Terminal to Sagada via Lizardo bus - PhP 220.00
Accommodation at Sagada Guesthouse - PhP 1,200.00 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 300.00 each)
Lunch at Sagada Guesthouse - PhP 90.00
Environmental fee at Sagada - PhP 10.00
Guide for Lumiang and Sumaguing Cave - PhP 400.00 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 100 each)
Tip for Guide - PhP 100.00 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 25 each)
Dinner (Lucky Me Batchoy) - PhP 30.00

Sub-Total for Day 1 - PhP 1,290.00

Jane & Val posing along the highway during one of the bus stops on our way to Sagada.

Day 2

Breakfast at Sagada Guesthouse - PhP 90.00
Guide for Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins and Botong Waterfalls - PhP 400.00 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 100 each)
Tip for Guide - PhP 100 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 25 each)**
Bread / merienda along the way - PhP 30.00
Lunch at Yoghurt House - PhP 170.00
Water - PhP 20.00
Souvenir shirts - PhP 320.00 (colored shirts at PhP 170.00, white shirts at PhP 150.00)
Accommodation at Sagada Guesthouse - PhP 1,200.00 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 300.00 each)

** Rich kami! Mahilig kaming magbigay ng tip!!!

Sub-Total for Day 2 - PhP 1,055.00

Jane, Val & Yumi during our souvenir shopping in RJ Souvenirs, Sagada

Day 3

Breakfast at Strawberry Cafe - PhP 40.00
More souvenir shirts - PhP 260.00 (sando shirts for kids at PhP 130.00 each)
Bus fare from Sagada to Baguio - PhP 220.00
Lunch during one of the bus stops - PhP 50.00
Pasalubong shopping at the market - PhP 300.00
Taxi fare from Dangwa to Victory Liner - PhP 50.00 (shared by 4 pax, PhP 12.50 each)

Sub-Total for Day 3 - PhP 882.50

** No more dinner! We still have loads of bread from Sagada. Hehehe!

Our Lizardo Bus bound for Baguio City

GRAND TOTAL = PhP 3,227.50

Love 'Em All

2008-08-05T21:41:00.000+08:00

The Sagada trip was the first time I used my camera in action, that is, during travelling.

Sure, I brought and used it for several times during TV commercial shoots, but usually, there was a "safe" place where I can put my camera when I need to do something urgent. And since TV commercial shoots use delicate and expensive film camera equipments, any crew I leave my camera with will surely know how to handle it properly.

But bringing a camera during a trip is another story. Being new to this hobby (again!), I didn't have that much accessories yet to ensure the safety of my camera. Not only were they expensive, but this Sagada trip was also kinda unplanned. In short, I had no choice but to rely on whatever I had at home.

So, here's a list of the stuff I bought with me in Sagada:

1. Unomat Video-Photo Bag -- This was an old camera bag I bought in Quiapo way back in 2004(?) which I bought just so I can store my Nikon F-301 camera properly. It was the last time I used my film camera. He! He! He!

2. Rubbermaid Waterproof Sling Bag -- Waterproof bags were introduced to me and my friends in 2005 when our guides from the De Oro Mountain Explorers of Misamis Oriental used it to keep our cameras and mobile phones dry as we traversed the Kweba de Oro. Not only did the bag looked cool, but it would be very useful for us, especially since we frequent beaches and island hoppings. So, the following year, we either bought a smaller version of that waterproof bag or Pelican cases at various sizes.

Since I've been bringing my son along during my Holy Week trips, I decided to buy a new waterproof bag, this time, bigger and with a strap. I just bought this Rubbermaid Waterproof Sling Bag just a couple of weeks ago, and the timing was just perfect.

3. Water-resistant jacket bought from ukay-ukay -- Yup! Yup! Yup! This jacket has been with me for several years now and it has been very effective during rainy shoots and stormy island hoppings.
_

4. Umbrella -- It's the rainy season! Who goes out without one these days?
_

5. Olympus Stylus 725 SW -- When unsure of the weather and the terrain, use this camera. It's my one-year old waterproof and shockproof point-and-shoot camera.

So, here's me fully geared up. Unomat Video-Photo Bag inside the Rubbermaid Waterproof Sling Bag which I can just place anywhere (on the soil, on the mud, wherever!) as I take photos fully covered (and my camera protected) with my water-resistant jacket and umbrella.
_

Do I love my stuff? I love 'em all!!! They served their purpose perfectly.

Much Ado About Nothing

2008-08-04T08:51:00.001+08:00

12:30am.

I woke up all sweaty despite the cold air that envelops Sagada. An effect of the "hilot" (local massage) we had this evening probably. I pulled down my 3-layered blanket, so it wouldn't be too warm for me, and tried to go back to sleep.

But I can't.

Despite the closed windows, I could still hear the roar of the winds outside. The glass shatters ocassionally when the winds come in too strong. If the winds are like music, I am listening to heavy metal and rock combined.

Was it also like this the other night? I was too tired to notice anything I didn't even know at what point I fell asleep. I'm trying to remember what the scenario was like when I suddenly woke up at 4am yesterday. No, I don't think I heard these winds yesterday morning.

When we met Orion Daoas (our guide) yesterday, he said there were two storms coming. When we had our manghihilot over earlier, she said that a storm, out of the two, has already entered the Philippines. As a matter of fact, the buses bound for Sagada has already made more than the usual stopovers to let the fog, rain & winds pass by.

Being a natural worrier, doubled more when I became a parent, I thought of our bus trip to Baguio later today. Would it be safe? The bus trip we had from Baguio to Sagada had been a breeze, despite the rains and the near-zero visibility due to the thick fog on the mountains, because I knew that there were no typhoons coming. And now that the low pressure area forecasted these past few days had turned into typhoons with names, should I start worrying?

As the oldest from our group and the perpetrator of this trip, I feel responsible for the "kids" that I am with. Sure, they're all old enough to make their own decisions and we all came here at our own free will, but that doesn't stop me from worrying. Somehow, I feel responsible for them.

1:53am.

I am writing this entry in the e-mail application of my Blackberry, ready to be sent to my blog when the GPRS signal goes stronger.

The winds seem to have stopped now.

4:05am.

I didn't want to open my eyes and face the reality... The roar of the winds are getting stronger again. Should I wake up the kids and discuss with them the possibility of postponing our trip back to the city for safety reasons? Or, at least, take the third to the last trip to ensure that there will be two more buses more to save us, just in case we run into some problems on the mountain roads?

6:30am.

The winds seem to have stopped. But I could hear the rain getting louder and louder.

7:45am.

I decided to sit up and look out at my window. The winds have stopped now. The skies paused from pouring more rain. Somehow, it seemed like it's gonna be a great day after all.

SIGH... Much ado about nothing.

Can I sleep now?

Lumiang and Sumaguing Caves, Sagada, Mountain Province

2008-08-02T23:27:00.009+08:00

Starting any tour in Sagada by 4pm is already considered too late. But what else can we do? Our Lizardo bus from Baguio City arrived here in Sagada a little before 3pm. Then, we had to check-in and eat such a late lunch at the Sagada Guesthouse. By the time we went back to the Tourist Information Center at the Municipal Hall to meet up with our guide, it was already half past four.

The last schedule to go inside the Sumaging Cave should be at 5pm. This way, food establishments are still open after tourists traverse the caves for two full hours. It gives ample time before the 9pm curfew imposed in Sagada.

Pero... Pasaway kami.

At half past four, we met up with our guide, Orion. After the usual introductions, I asked him if we could go to the Lumiang Cave first. Naturally, he said, as it would be too dark already by the time we finish with the Sumaguing Cave. By then, we won't be able to appreciate the Lumiang Cave in total darkness. Hmmm... Pilosopo 'to ha!

It was drizzling a lot as we walked towards the Lumiang Cave. We were armed with umbrellas and water-resistant jackets hoping to make the trek more bearable. As much as I wanted to bring out my camera and start shooting, I dare not to. So, we just depended on my other water-proof point-and-shoot Olympus camera which Val carried and used.

If my memory served me right, Lumiang Cave is somewhere beside the road, going downhill. But my memory was wrong. Matanda na kasi eh! It was such a long way downhill and the slippery soil and pouring rain made it worse. Ugh! But after a thousand complaints of how slippery and dirty the trail was, and a slight tinge of muscle ache I must say, we made it through the entrance of the Lumiang Cave. There, it was exactly how I remember it.

Lumiang Burial Cave

After a few minutes, we headed back up to the main road to start walking again towards the Sumaguing Cave. According to Orion, finally, we're halfway.

With feet numbed from icy raindrops, teeth chattered uncontrollably from the cold weather, and muscles tensed from trekking, the sight of a small building with the words "Sagada Cave" in front gave us a huge relief. We went there to make last-minute preparations and leave some stuff behind that we won't be needing inside the cave.

It was already 5:30pm when we reached the Sumaguing Cave's entrance. Beyond, it was pitch black. So, Orion fired up his Petromax... A few minutes after, the adventure began...

Going down the slippery rocks and fertilized bats' shit was so hard. Being flat-footed with no sense of balance in my system, this was difficult for me. Aside from the fact that I doubled my weight from the first time I went here, I also had to think of the equipment I had on my back everytime I make a step. SIGH... Didn't I promised myself not to make anymore trekkings, cavings or something-to-this-effect last year? Didn't I tell myself that Mount Kinabalu was the last stretch for me and that will be the last time I'll be crying because of an "adventure"? Then, what the hell am I doing here?!

I desperately try not to think of any other disheartening thoughts and concentrated on every step I take. Good. Because in no time, Orion asked all of us to take off our sandals and slippers. Yahoo!!! We're here!!!

Rock formations

Jane's solo pic: Wag kang gagalaw kahit manigas ka sa lamig...

And then everything else seemed easy...

King's Curtain Rock Formation

Ooops! Sorry, I forgot what these rock formations are called.

Until we needed to go back up... SIGH!

Go, Yumi, Go!

We arrived in Sagada Cave store a little before 9pm, all drenched, cold and dead tired. Since there would be no more establishments open by the time we get to town, we opted to buy cup noodles at this store and eat them later at the guesthouse. After washing up and resting for a few minutes, we started walking back towards town. Still, a long way back to town.

We arrived at the Sagada Guesthouse before 10pm. Of course, it was already closed. Worried that no one would open the front door for us, we knocked continuously until Manong emerged from the restuarant area. He was worried. He was so worried about our whereabouts that he was about to report us missing by 10pm at the police station. He wasn't angry or anything. Just plain worried, very much like how parents would worry minus the shouting. Nyaiks! Sorry po...

Overall, the day had been a great one. It was such a long day coming from a 13-hour bus trip going straight to the caves of Sagada. It was long all right, but as I've said, it had been a pretty darn great one.

Sagada Guesthouse

2008-08-02T23:22:00.002+08:00

When my Holy Week friends and I went to Sagada during the peak season of, when else, the Holy Week 2000, we ran out of rooms and beds to stay in. The Tourist Information Center at the Sagada Municipal Hall referred us to St. Theodore's Hospital.

Yep, during peak season, the hospital, school and even the municipal hall, open their doors to travellers with dormitory-type accommodations. They usually charge the same rate as in the other dormitories in Sagada. They have stacks of thin matresses and comforters ready for disposal at any time.

But we never stayed at the hospital. Our guide then, Daiw, referred us to the school. It seemed a better choice.

Since Jane, Val, Yumi and I are here in Sagada on a lean season, I wasn't worried as to where we could stay. Top-of-the-mind choice is the St. Joseph's Inn. I recommended this dormitory-type of accommodation to the girls to make the cost of the entire trip cheaper. The idea of sharing a bathroom with others doesn't seem to please them.

My second choice is the Sagada Guesthouse. Having eaten here a lot way back in 2000, it seemed like a good guesthouse to be in. Other than knowing that they have rooms with its own bathroom, I know nothing else about the place.

But, Sagada Guesthouse, obviously, won. When we got there, they have a room available for 4 people for PhP 1,200 only. We checked out the room first before making a confirmation. Seemed like a decent place, so we took it.

The Sagada Guesthouse is a good choice as it has its own restaurant and mini-grocery store. It is also located at the center of the town so everything else is near. Plus, they have a super caring manong at the front desk who got so worried when we didn't come home at 10pm today... He was about to report us missing at the police station. Hehehe!

Click HERE for more of our photos of the Sagada Guesthouse.

OOOPS! I did it again!

2008-08-02T17:00:00.002+08:00

Sagada, Mountain Province is more than a tourist destination for me. It was where I was born... Well, not physically... But it is the place that awakened the adventurous side of me.

When I set foot in Sagada, Mountain Province with my Holy Week friends way back in 2000, I know nothing of the place. "It's just above Baguio" was the description given to me. Wanting to get away from too much work and take advantage of the long holiday, I readily joined them. To wherever we are going, however we are going, and whatever we are doing, I couldn't care less. I was too excited to even care.

Sagada is a tourist destination for all levels of adventure enthusiats. The spelunking, trekking, climbing, and God-knows-what activities that I did there were all a first for me. But despite the dirt I had to put my hands on, the scratches I had to get used to, and the muscle aches I had to endure, it had been a great trip. Not only did that trip brought friends closer, but it also became the basis on how we would plot out our later trips during the Holy Week.

So when the idea of going out-of-town came to my co-freelancers' minds, I immediately suggested Sagada. There were several supporters to the place, but in the end, only three came: Jane, Val and Yumi. The brave ones, I must say.

Our original schedule was to leave Manila via Victory Liner in Cubao on July 31. But due to heavy rains and still some unfinished work in our projects, we postponed a day later. Finally, by 1am early this morning, Jane, Val, Yumi and I met at the bus station.

The bus schedule we got that would sit all of us in one row was already at 2am. Not bad, we would still be able to get to Sagada during day time.

The bus ride went smoothly and on schedule. By 8am, we were already in Victory Liner Baguio City. We immediately hailed a cab to get to the Dangwa Terminal. When we got there, we were lucky enough to buy tickets for an 8:30am trip. We took a quick breakfast before boarding the non-aircon bus.

The bus ride to Sagada was way better than what my Holy Week friends and I had 8 years ago. Since it was peak season then, all hell broke lose just to get a seat inside the bus. Although my friends and I got to seat together at the end row, it was quite difficult to get to our seats as we needed to pass by loads of baggages, chickens (yes, chickens!), and other passengers seated on the aisle. This time, though, it's a whole lot different. There were seat numbers being followed and there were jump seats on the aisle for other passengers to seat on. Surprisingly, there were no chickens this time.

It was a little before 3pm when I saw such a familiar sight, the Sagada Weaving shop. It was where I bought my only-used-thrice woven backpack on our way back from the Kiltepan Tower. Used only thrice as I didn't want to wear it out. Yeah, that's how special Sagada is to me. I still remember those small details.

For several years now I've been dreaming of going back here. Back to where it all began. And that day has finally arrived. We have finally arrived in Sagada. I just can't wait to do all the spelunking, trekking, and climbing, combined with dirt in my fingertips, scratches and muscle aches, all over again.

Drumroll, please... And let the adventure begins...

No Classes!

2008-07-28T10:13:00.002+08:00

Monday... Gotta wake up early... It's the first day of the week... It's harder to commute going to school... And it's not good to start this new week by being tardy.

So, before 7am, my son and I were already crossing the street towards the gates of DBTC... Only to be stopped by a magtataho at the gate.

"Ma'am, walang pasok."

NYEK! So, that's why there's no sidecar parked in front of the little school near our house... That's why we never had difficulty taking a ride... And that's why we never encountered traffic... Cause there's no classes in all levels of elementary and high school.

SIGH...

So, we both went back home and Francis played at the playground na lang as I practice taking photos of him... Better let him play at the playground, then spend the time playing PSP and Game Boy. Hmp!

More of his photos in Francis' multiply site.

Zuma

2008-07-27T01:53:00.007+08:00

I've been playing Zuma since late last year. And early this year, I have finished the game about 3 times already. Addict ba ako? Oo!

Being a naturally-born addict, I decided to play the game again and try to finish it in one continuous game. Yup, starting from Level 1 to Level 13, with no stopping. Hehehe! Addict nga ako!

So, last night, I opened Zuma, clicked on Adventure and started with Level 1. I've passed through all the different levels with no difficulty... Until I got to Level 10. That was when I started losing balls into the skull. With teary eyes and uncontrollable-shaking hands, I still managed to finish Level 13-1 in no time (or should I say at 2am today). Yahoo! I finished with 860,850 points, still with 10 more lives! Hehehe!

SIGH... See how I've been spending my non-working days? Such a waste of time! And I even bothered to put it here in my blog?!

This is what happens when a workaholic suddenly runs out of projects. Hehehe!

Penge na nga ako ng project! :P

Every Parent's Worst Nightmare

2008-07-25T12:46:00.000+08:00

I found this link in one of the many yahoogroups I belong to. This one simply can't be ignored.

http://melquita.multiply.com/photos/album/348/HELP_My_Nephew_Was_Abducted

Saw this on the news last night. I'm glad it has gotten media attention. Let's just hope and pray that the kid will soon be found.

Ay, bungal!

2008-07-23T22:37:00.000+08:00

As soon as I got home, my son told me to wrap his tooth in a piece of paper and place it under his pillow when he sleeps so that the Tooth Fairy can get it. Funny, he still remembers this story he read from one of his books last school year. And here's the YouTube link to that:

Francis' Reading

Accomplishments of an Unfruitful Day

2008-07-22T19:15:00.001+08:00

Have you ever had a day when you're doing so many things at the same time that the day has passed you by without you even realizing it? That's exactly how my every day is like since I went back to production.

But these days, my schedules have now become "unhectic". With my director leaving for a 2-month vacation this August, we have stopped bidding for new projects and are now on the finishing stages of our current ones. Goody! I'll be able to attend to some personal stuff I've been putting on hold since late 2006! Hehehe!

So, today is the day that I am starting my own personal errands.

As soon as I dropped my son off at school, I should have gone straight to work and hang around (updating my Friendster, Multiply and Facebook!) until real work starts at 10am. But since we have nothing until 12nn today, I decided to take a jeepney and head to Quiapo.

My first stop for the day was the PAG-IBIG branch office somewhere in Lawton (yup, I don't know exactly where it is... my Mom just said, it's near the LRT!). I wanted to check out how feasible it was for me to get a housing loan. Yes, a housing loan. At age 33, I finally gave serious thought about buying a house. Ooops! In my case, it should be a condominium unit (inquiring and canvassing from home developers last week made me realize I won't be able to live anywhere outside of Metro Manila... but that's another blog entry).

I found the PAG-IBIG branch office with no difficulty. Since I arrived early, the queue wasn't that long yet. And when my turn came, I was glad that I ended up with a kind-looking middle-aged man who seemed to be "happy" enough to be of service to the PAG-IBIG members. After asking me a few questions, he searched his computer for my files. He printed a summary of my contributions for each of the company I worked in for the past 12 years. Good. I've got enough and decent contributions. BUT! According to him, they do not allow voluntary memberships anymore. HUWHAT?! So, even if I pay a lump sum to all the months I lacked contributions, I wouldn't be able to make use of my PAG-IBIG anymore for a housing loan?! Grrr... He said I should try to go to the Kamias branch since my last employer remitted my contributions there. They may be able to help and allow me to continue my contributions. Oh, well... There goes my trip to the PAG-IBIG. I'll have to allot another day again just to go to the Kamias branch. Grrr...

Not wanting to make this day go to waste, I decided to drop by the nearby SSS branch and update my contributions as well. But even this fallback plan to make this day fruitful went down the drain. Displayed on the glass doors of this SSS branch is a white paper with bold writings "No updates/print-outs on contributions, loan applications, etc. Please check www.sss.gov.ph". Ugh!!!

Since I still have so much time in my hands (it was only 9am), I decided to go to Hidalgo and buy an extra battery for my Nikon camera. Lo and behold! When I got to Hidalgo, most of the camera stores are still closed! Syempre, 9am pa nga lang...

I went to a nearby pizza joint and ate brunch, even though I wasn't hungry. I had no choice given the limited number of places I could kill time. What? Inside the Quiapo Church? You gotta be kiddin' me? Hehehe!

After brunch, I roamed around the nearby mall and department store to kill time. I kept circling 'round and 'round 'til my feet ached from walking. Buti na lang, the clock stroke 11! Yahoo!!! Mayer's is now officially open.

I finally got to work before 12nn, too surprised that I have gone to so many places and the day isn't halfway done yet. I would love to say I have accomplished so much just this morning, but really, buying the battery was the only substantial thing that happened.

SIGH... What a day... And I'm just starting this day.

Is it you?

2008-07-21T15:27:00.001+08:00

Is it really you? Or is it my imagination playing tricks on me again?

I have rehearsed this scenario in my mind for the longest time. When I get to see you again, I would know how to act, I would know what to say, I would know how to pretend. But for the many times I have played this "meeting" in my mind, there's really no preparing when that time indeed comes.

For two days now, I have shut my eyes and my mind everytime I think of the possibility that it would really be you. For two days, it all seemed like you're one big blur.

Until today...

If you were just an inch away from me, I know you would have heard me gasp when I realized it could really be you. I saw how you looked at me, and I know that look very well. My heart pounds as if a giant walks on the ground where I am standing. No, I am not scared of you. I am worried of whatever will come out of this.

It would be nice to tell you in person, "Hey, it's okay, I have no hard feelings," so I can unload you of any burden that you might have these past few years... I know you would also want to hear me say, "Don't worry, I got your back... I've been taking care of 'us' for the longest time now and we're doing okay so far," as it might release you from your guilt, if there were any.

No, I am not being sarcastic. And it may be hard to comprehend, but honestly, I never blamed you, not once, for whatever circumstance I am in right now. My life turned out this way because of the choices I made, because of the path I took. I do not regret this life now. My life has more meaning because of the wrong decisions I made in the past.

I feel saddenned, though, of how you have become. At the back of my mind, I have wished that you have used these past years to make yourself better... Hoping the dark years have made you wiser. It seemed like they didn't. What has happened to all those years?

I am now guilt-stricken. Was my impact so huge and devastating that you couldn't get out from that dark world? Was it all my fault? It may be such an understatement, but yes, I know what's it like. I've been there. But I got out of it. Have you?

Is saying sorry at this point in time can suffice to all that you've suffered these past years?

I do not wish for anything to come out of this. I just want us to be civil, if not friends. I do not hold no grudges against you and I also do not wish for us to be closer.

Definitely, not closer.

I am okay with the distance between us.

I am okay that my son and I have lived 7 years without you around.

I know he needs you... and I can see how important it will be for his own identity and self-esteem to know you. I do not disagree that one day, the two of you will have to meet and get to know each other. I am just not ready to having this day today. Are you?

Get a grip of your life. Stand tall from life's adversities. I was there once, but I made it through. There's no reason for you to be stuck there.

A Day with Francis

2008-07-20T19:36:00.003+08:00

After my son and I had our vacation during the Holy Week, I was still able to spend a lot more time with him as I only had one project lined up. And that was good. Because of my unhectic" schedule, I was able to balance work and motherhood. What's even better was that I was able to bring my son to his two summer sports classes: swimming and taekwondo.

But vacations, summer classes and tuition fees, all put together for two months, could really put a hole in your pocket. So, when projects start coming in by May, I squeezed them all in my director's calendar, giving up our highly-treasured weekends... with his knowledge and permission, of course.

Having schedules these past 9 weekends (with an 18-hour work during weekdays) had disoriented me from my son's schedules and activities. So, on my first weekend off, we graced the streets of the metro and spent an entire day together.

Our first stop was the Gateway Mall in Cubao.

My original plan of window shopping and canvassing brought me to the plasticky gardens of Parkway Residences. Ooops! I do not mean any insult but their "landscaped" pathway towards their model units really consists of plastic ornamental plants! Hehehe! Anyway, Francis and I went to look at these model units and we we're even given a cost estimate by one sales person. Although I won't be buying a condominium unit anytime soon, this "biglang liko" trip to the model units continues to prove that my son and I will fit perfectly in this living condition than an abode in the far-flung provinces.

I also got to buy this waterproof bag that I've been meaning to buy for ages, but never had the time to drop by at the mall. And now that the time is here, I wasted no second to scout for it at the ground level of the Gateway Mall. Finally, I found the Stoked outlet! As usual, I chose the non-attention-catching color of all, gray.

Well, Francis also had his share of shopping. He bought 2 (yup, not 1, but 2!) water bottles. Of course, the ones with characters: Superman and Pokemon. He also begged me to buy a Naruto game for his Game Boy. Surprised, I didn't even know he likes Naruto now! He said he still likes Pokemon and still know all of the characters in it... But he's watching more of Naruto now. Huh? When did that happen? A few months ago, he just dumped Spiderman (his all time favorite for the past 4 years) for Pokemon, and now it's Pokemon's turn to be dumped!? Whatever! I still didn't buy him the Naruto game. This will only increase his game time.

After this, I decided to go straight to the Manila Ocean Park. I've been meaning to go to this place since it opened late last year. I had even planned on bringing my two nephews there if only they had not gone home to Pampanga earlier.

Anyway, due to a wrong decision on which direction the cab driver should take, my son and I ended up going to St. Claire's Hospital instead. Bang gave birth last night and I wasn't able to join the other Holyweekers when they visited her last night. Since I'm so near her area, I instructed the cab driver to the hospital. Good thing we didn't get lost.

Bang is doing really well for someone who just had a C-section. Ugh! We also got to see her daughter, Nikola Star, at the nursery. Yup, that's her name, pang-star ang dating! She looks just like Bang, actually. We took several photos of her, which consists mostly of her yawning. Francis used my other camera to take a video of her, yawning still. Antukin!

After visiting Bang, we finally headed to Manila Ocean Park. This time, for real. The line to buy the tickets was kinda long, being a weekend. After more than half an hour of waiting, finally, we were inside the Oceanarium.

Francis was so excited running from one area to the next that I could barely keep up taking photographs of him. And this was suppose to be my practice shoot! He had fun looking through some aquariums, but since there were too many people, he ignored the ones where he can't squeeze in. I took a few quick shots of the different underwater creatures we saw with Francis constantly reminding me not to use my flash. We stayed a bit longer at the Little Tikes playground set up at the end of the tour, which I think he enjoyed more.

As usual, a photo with the sign! Thanks for wonders of cropping.

Di kita ibang tao! Hehehe!

Grrr! Ang daming tao!

Finally, a solo!

The entire Oceanarium walk through had been pretty quick. We got in a little after 5pm and we're done way before 7pm. It was a little too disappointing for me.

With feet tired from walking the whole day, my son and I took a cab home. It was a good, long day and we ended it with a great (and unhealthy) meal from McDonald's 24-hour delivery. Hehehe!

And a Star is Born!

2008-07-19T19:09:00.001+08:00

By 8:30pm this evening, I got a text message from Ellen.

Bang already gave birth.

It's a baby girl at 6.7 pounds. Looks very much like Bang and fair-skinned pa!

Can't wait to see the star...

Congrats, Bang! Enjoy the journey towards motherhood!

My Lakbayan Grade in B!!!

2008-06-04T19:05:00.000+08:00

My Lakbayan grade is B!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.