Into the Butterfly. REINERIO A. ALBA.

I love Alice Feiring's Wines! :)

2012-01-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

It felt like I toured the famous vineyards from France, to Italy, Spain and tasted all the Barolos, Riojas, Domaine de la Romanée-Contis, among other wines! Thanks to my weekend reading: Alice Feiring's book "The Battle for Wine and Love: or How I Saved the World from Parkerization." It's a very very enlightening introductory piece on wines for someone like myself who only differentiates between red and white. :) I super love this book!

I really wish I could get to experience the vineyard visits Feiring did in this book!

Reading the book also made me interested in the kind of wines that gets into films or films that have them in some scenes. Check this link: http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-movies-with-wine.php

What is Tom Hardy's Fight in "Warrior?"

2011-12-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

Ok. Ok. There you got me. Who would have thought I'd be crying my eyes out towards the end of the sports drama film "Warrior" by director Gavin O'Connor. Tom Hardy as Tommy Riordan charging with a broken shoulder at his brother Brendan Conlon (played by Joel Edgerton) just about did it for me. WTF, UFC with a story to boot! :)

For all the high testosterone running in the film, the film surprisingly sets you up for an honest-to-goodness tearjerking moments towards the end. And it is unabashedly unapologetic for it. And one is definitely won over because of it. One's initial reaction to it would be, oh no, not another Rocky film. But no, this is definitely richer in story. If you are going to be conscious about crying openly watching it, it is best advised to watch this alone.
Mark Isham's scoring for this hits the mark. And director O'Connor has definitely made this film, despite its drama, an ode to joy.

Joyce Penas Pilarsky's Hot Cocktail Dresses in Fashionweek Spring/Summer 2012

2011-11-23T03:29:00.000-08:00

Last October, I watched the Ready-To-Wear fashion show during the Philippine Fashionweek Spring/Summer 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.

The show highlighted the works of twelve designers namely Emi Alexander Englis, Harley Ruedas, Jian Lasala, John Guarnes, Louis Claparols, Mike Lavarez, Nixon Marquez, Reian Mata, Ricky Abad, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Ziggy Savella, and Joyce Penas Pilarsky.

Very summer-ready and eye-catching are the 10-piece collection presented by Germany-based Filipina artist/fashion designer Joyce Penas Pilarsky. On seeing the cut-out patterns on the colorful taffetta and matte-silk cocktail dresses, I was at once reminded of Bulacan's famous pastillas wrappers. And my hunches were proven right when Joyce Pilarsky confirmed this herself after the show, saying that she has drawn inspiration from the said wrappers and its intricate designs, among others.

Joyce Pilarsky also volunteered that she used laser to cut the design patterns into the cloths. I would say that Pilarsky's adaptation of the idea of the colorful pastillas wrappers as something that one can, in fact, wear for the summer/spring, is noteworthy, ingenuously tweaking "delicateness" and "intricateness" as something one can actually slip into, adding freshness and choice to an otherwise drab wardrobe. The collection also tastefully put "pride of place" as the message of the inspiration behind the dresses, without being preachy about it. Interestingly, Pilarsky also designs her own accessories, and these accessories wonderfully accentuated each collection, with the models emerging onto the catwalk as summer/spring goddesses of sorts.

At the finale of the 12-designer RTW show, Pilarksy came out wearing a version from her collection: a cocktail dress in radiant fuchsia and lemon yellow hue.

Email Joyce Pilarsky at jpilarsky@yahoo.com

See photos below:

Joyce Penas Pilarsky at the end of the show

In Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

2011-08-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

This long weekend (Aug. 29 being a National Heroes Day holiday and Aug. 30, Eid ul Fitr), I had the chance to hie off to Laiya in San Juan, Batangas for a white beach experience in that area. And yes, to bond as well with my cousin Meilani and nephews.

The Rizal statue in front of the municipal building in San Juan, Batangas,
and the landmark right before you turn for the Laiya beaches.

Acuatico Beach Resort was fully booked when we got there, and so we had to find a night's accommodation at the nearby White Cove.

We had a fill of the waves by the beachfront of White Cove.

The next day, we went back to Acuatico Beach Resort (http://www.acuaticoresort.com.ph/ ) where my cousin and nephews stayed for two more nights while I headed back to Manila with my sisters.

I'd recommend Acuatico Beach Resort to anyone wanting a kind of a Boracay experience (though a quieter one) in Batangas, that is without crossing the sea to get to an island. The travel to San Juan takes all of 3 hours, good traffic allowing.

For details on getting there and other stuff such as rates and rooms, check the Acuatico Beach Resort web site: http://www.acuaticoresort.com.ph/

Cagayanos' Days of Faith

2011-07-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines — The image of Our Lady of Manaoag in a procession with the images of Our Lady of La Naval, and Our Lady of Piat? In June this year, Cagayanos and visitors to Tuguegarao City witnessed anew the parade of 12 famous Marian icons from the northern part of the country during the “3rd Marian Voyage of Peace and Love” from June 28-30.

The said voyage was the fitting centerpiece event of the 428th “Aggao nac Cagayan” (Araw ng Cagayan) or Cagayan foundation day whose over-all celebration was presided over by Governor Alvaro T. Antonio playing up the theme “Fiesta ta Bannag,” which means “feast at the river.”

The Voyage was organized by the Cagayan North Convention & Visitors Bureau (CNCVB), the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, and the Department of Tourism (DoT), in cooperation with the provincial government, as a project to bolster Cagayan’s campaign as a pilgrimage center.

Department of Tourism, Region 2 Regional Director, Blessida Diwa said that the 12 Marian Images have been stationed at the following Tuguegarao schools and are open for public devotion: Our Lady of La Naval from Antipolo, Rizal at St. Paul University Philippines; Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage from Antipolo, Rizal at University of Cagayan Valley; Our Lady of Manaoag from Manaoag, Pangasinan at Cagayan State University; Our Lady of Namacpacan from Luna, La Union at the University of St. Louis Tuguegarao; Our Lady of Badoc from Badoc, Ilocos Norte at Linao National High School; Nuestra Senora del Mar de Cautiva from Sto. Tomas La Union at Tuguegarao Northeast Central School; Our Lady of Charity from Agoo at La Union- Tuguegarao East Central; Our Lady of Fatima from Valenzuela City, Metro Manila at Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines; Nuestra Senora de Caridad from Bantay, Ilocos Sur at Tuguegarao West Central School; Our Lady of Guibang from Gamu National Shrine- Isabela at Cagayan National High School; and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception from Malolos, Bulacan at Tuguegarao North Central School.

At the helm of the Marian icons is the brown-skinned image of Our Lady of the Visitation from Piat, Cagayan, patroness of the Cagayan province (the only other popular brown Marian image in the group is Antipolo’s Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage).

Read more from Manila Bulletin where it was originally published.

Happy Feet Brothers Ramonito & Laudito Mata from Bukidnon

2011-07-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

Theirs is a story worth hearing.

Two poor brothers from the faraway land of Bukidnon get to watch the "Happy Feet" film. They try imitating the tap dancing that they have seen, and eventually get enough courage to audition for "Pilipinas (and why does this not have an "'s" as it should have?) Got Talent." They perform without a formal knowledge of tap dancing, and worse, without the right shoes for it. One of the talent show's judges, the Comedy Queen, cries on learning the brothers' story, and promises on national TV that she will buy them their tap shoes if they get past the audition. The brothers get all three nods from the judges, and the Comedy Queen makes good her promise, flying over to Bukidnon to buy the tap shoes for the brothers herself. With the right shoes, the brothers display enough talent to proceed all the way to the grand finals. On finals night, they bag the second prize.

This is the story of Ramonito & Laudito Mata from Bukidnon. We await the next pages of their story. And, we pray, on happiest feet.

photo from http://happyfeetpgt.blogspot.com/

PHL's First Sentro Rizal Created by NCCA

2011-06-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal, The National Commission for Culture and the Arts formally opened the country's very first Sentro Rizal at the NCCA Building in Intramuros, Manila on June 28, 2011.

The event was witnessed by NCCA Board Commissioners, diplomats, and National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, who delivered the keynote message, said that the Sentro Rizal would greatly help Overseas Filipino Workers who are the "invisible minority" abroad. "Sentro Rizal will be invaluable in fostering international exchange, dialogue and understanding. Today, we have the capability to bring the greatness of our heritage to the world."

Last June 12, Angara himself was in Madrid, Spain to open the first Sentro Rizal abroad. The second Sentro Rizal outside the country was opened in Prague on June 19.

The creation of Sentro Rizal is in accordance with Sec. 42 of the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 or R.A. No. 10066, which specifies a center " whose main purpose is the promotion of Philippine arts, culture and language throughout the world."

The Sentro Rizal, envisioned as the Philippine counterpart of France's Alliance Française, Spain's Instituto Cervantes, and Germany's Goethe-Institut, is expected to offer Filipino language courses for children and adults, as well as exhibits, small concerts, poetry reading, Philippine cuisine lessons in all Sentro Rizal branches.

The creation of Sentro Rizal at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts building is seen to encourage the creation of other Sentro Rizal centers not only throughout the country, but also in other countries "where there are children of overseas Filipino workers who need to be educated about their roots, as well as developed countries where there are large Filipino communities."

Download the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009

A roundtable discussion followed the opening of the Sentro Rizal on the following topics: "The Role of the NCCA in the 21st Century" by NCCA Chair Felipe M. de Leon, Jr.; "The Role of the Cultural Worker of the 21st Century" by Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera; "The Role of the Artist of the 21st Century" by F. Sionil Jose.

Also, an exhibit of oil works by Filipino artist Leonardo Cruz was opened at the NCCA Gallery. The said works depict key scenes in Jose Rizal’s "Noli Me Tangere," and were originally exhibited in 2007 at the Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, during the 146th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal.

Local libraries, offices, and groups with the capacity to create a Sentro Rizal and independently undertake its stated goals are encouraged to open such a center. For details on setting up a Sentro Rizal in your localities, please get in touch with the office of Ms. Marlene Ruth Sanchez, NCCA Deputy Executive Director at info@ncca.gov.ph or at tel. (02) 5272193.

The Street Art of Brian Barrios

2011-04-15T00:26:00.000-07:00

I only started noticing these eyecatching street art late in 2010 dotting the McArthur highway (Valenzuela) on my way to and from my Manila office. One day, in February, I finally had the chance to photograph most of it and immediately posted most of it in my facebook account. It soon got comments including one from poet Angelo Suarez who had been most helpful in helping me identify the artist behind it. Angelo suggested that I get in touch with Pilipinas Street Plan (PSP), specifically Mark Salvatus, a cross-disciplinary artist based in Manila and a core member of an artist-run initiative called TUTOK, as well as co-founder of PSP under the Boy Agimat tag. Salvatus has been instrumental in helping me get to know finally the mystery Valenzuela street artist. Most of these street art/post-graffiti (http://www.theroguesgallery.net/post-graffiti/ ) are casually in wall spaces where MMDA art are, or walls of ruins that most often does surprise the passersby. On closer inspection, one would find that they are drawn on Manila paper, then wheatpasted on the walls instead of drawn or spraypainted directly on the walls (via stencil) much like the famous works of Banksy. To my mind, this being the artwork's material, and considering the pollution and weather it is subjected to daily, makes these works of art poignantly ephemeral. Brian Barrio's works capture spontaneous moments of individuals and groups, and for me, are always emotionally charged: a father carrying a son on his shoulders, a father hugging a son, a mother carrying her child, and always drawn in a manner that (at least, to my mind) sculptor Napoleon Abueva would have drawn in had Abueva chosen the medium (not meant to disparage Abueva here, I love Abueva). And these works coming from a 16 year old teener! Interesting, too, to note is that most of the drawings feature characters that are smiling. And then I came upon Brian Barrio's blog site, which explains the "smiles." I am glad to have captured a photo of most of his works in the streets of Valenzuela while they are still intact. Valenzuelanons, take note, Brian Barrios is a fellow Valenzuelanon after all! (and have your photo ops with the works while you can before the July rain takes them away).

And am the more glad because I was able to engage Brian Barrios in a short light interview, which I am posting here:

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Rei Alba (RA): Anu ba modelo mo? Actual na tao or sa isip lang?

Brian Barrios (BB): May reference ako. Pictures.

RA: Bat ayaw mo na pintahan mismo ung pader?

BB: Hindi pa ako sanay. Magprapraktis nga ako mag-paint sa canvas ngayon e.

RA: Ah oks. At saka mas matagal kang andun nakatayo, masita ka pa for graffiti nga :)

BB: Oo. Tama.

RA: Panu un? May dala kang balde ng pandikit at tambo ng walis?

BB: Oo.

RA: Anu time mo ba usually nilalagay?

BB: Gabi po.

RA: Super gabi?

BB: Hindi naman, basta dumilim na. Mga 6 o 7.

RA: Buti di ka nahuhuli. As in super bilis mo lang magdikit?

BB: Hindi naman ako natatakot mahuli e. Sa tingin ko hindi naman ilegal ang ginagawa ko.

RA: May mga naninita ba sayo?

BB: Wala

RA: Ikaw lang talaga ang nagdidikit? Walang barkada?

BB: Wala e. Wala kase akong kaibigan na interested sa ginagawa ko. Isa rin sa dahilan kaya ako nag-street art ay para mgakaroon ng mga kaibigan na mahihilig sa art.

RA: Ba't un bang mga kaibigan mong iba, anu hilig?

BB: Computer. Dotadota

RA: Nag dodota ka rin ba?

BB: Hindi. Internet lang.

RA: Nagba-bastketball ka rin?

BB: Oo.

RA: Ga'no katagal ka magdrawing ng isang tao or figure?

BB: Isang buong araw. Minsan dalawang araw, kalahating araw. Depende sa gagawin ko

RA: Sa salas nyo?

BB: Sa kwarto ko, kwarto namin. Parang studio ko na rin.

RA: Nag-background music ka ba habang drawing? O walang istorbo?

BB: Radyo. Ahaha. Simple lang. Ahahha.

RA: Nagbe-break ka naman para kumain or tuloy tuloy?

BB: May break syempre.

RA: May sketch ka muna sa pencil? Tapos pentelpen ba ung black?

BB: Paint po yun, latex paint. Opo sketch muna.

RA: Nakaka ilang lata ka ng latex paint? Ung maliit lang ba un? Puro black lang ?

BB: Actually, 2 lata ng maliit lang ang nauubos ko ngayon. 2 lata palang sa ngayon.

RA: Ilang brush meron ka para magawa un?

BB: Apat: Number 1, 3, 7.

RA: Tapos alin dun sa na piktyuran ko ang pinakauna mong nagawa?

BB: Eto
http://prodyeksmile.blogspot.com/2010/10/i-just-need-somebody-to-love.html
Medyo hindi pa ayos yung gawa ko dyan.

BB: Yung Smile Project pala, positivity ang motibo ko dun. Kaya ginawa ko yun, kase karamihan ng mga street artist ngayon, medyo negative ang tingin sa kanila. So, naisip ko mas mganda kung gagawin kong medyo postive yung ipinararating nung mga gawa ko.

RA: Alin na ung first na work mo na part ng Smile Project?

BB: Yung sa may Fatima.

RA: Yung may camera?

BB: Oo kasali din yun, pati yung mag ama.

RA: Mga kelan pa yun?

BB: Mga October 2010.

RA: Panu mo pinipili ang space mo pala?

BB: Basta pader na maraming makakakita.
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So, without further ado, here are Brian Barrios' works.
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Location: near RT before PSB bank coming from Malanday.

Location: by the Honda store across Novo (coming from Malanday)

Location: Junkshop in Karuhatan after Sabino Funeral house.

Location: BBB post near BPI bank. (Status: Gone forever, discarded)

Location: Malanday

Location: at the landing of the footbridge across South supermarket (McArthur highway).

Location: Malinta, before Security Bank

* Most recently, Brian Barrios participated in his first group exhibition with co-PSP members titled "RepubliCAN: an Exhibition of Spraycans and Works Based on Street Art" last April 8, 2011 at The Collective in Malugay Street in Makati City.

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For the latest on STREET ART, read Beyond Graffiti.

Alter Space, a Filipino-made Online Game for the Environment

2011-02-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

Well, someone in this planet soon enough would have thought of it.

There's now Alter Space, the first Filipino-made environmental awareness Facebook game (http://www.facebook.com/AlterSpaceGame)

And AZKALS' Anton del Rosario even endorses it

ALTER SPACE is a Facebook game developed by Cleanergy of AboitizPower. AboitizPower, Philippines' major producer of Cleanergy.

Basic energy-saving tips are said to be gained by young students in the said online game such as the following:

(1) Turn off the lights and other appliances when not in use.

(2) Do not plug in so many wires in one socket.

(3) Use fluorescent lights instead of light bulbs.

(4) Defrosting our ref and freezers when thick ice starts to build up because it consumes more power.

(5) Open the windows to breathe in fresh air, rather than using the airconditioner all the time.

Emily Abrera on EDSA 25 (People Power)

2011-02-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

Emily Abrera, current Chair of the board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and one of the commissioners of the Edsa People Power Commission (EPPC), gave a talk before the employees of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in Intramuros, Monday, 21 February 2011.

The talk was part of the commemoration of events leading up to February 25 or what is now known as EDSA People Power anniversary. This year, the title and theme of the celebration is “EDSA 25: Filipino Ako, Ako ang Lakas ng Pagbabago.”

“And to think that people were able to walk up and offer flower in the face of these gigantic metal machine, if you think about it, it is so ephemeral and so poetic a gesture. That is art, is it not? And art in that time could stop army tanks dead in their tracks. Art is more powerful than we think. So the kind of work you are involved with is so powerful,” says Abrera.

In closing, Abrera recited an ecumenical prayer, which she said she was tasked to prepare, and will be delivered on Feb. 25. Here we quote briefly: “Father of all ages / You gave us the discernment to tell right from wrong / The strength of will to change for the better / The fortitude to surmount challenges / The perseverance to stay at the back of goodness. / Father, you gave us the freedom to shape our own destiny / In unity and solidarity / And you sent us the heroes to light our way / 25 years ago, / We showed you Father that these gifts you generously gave us were not in vain / When we, your people rose as one and in loving trust took our first step towards transformation.”

Abrera is part of the now seven-man team of commissioners sworn into office by President Benigno Aquino III on Feb. 3. The other members of the Commission include its chairman, Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa, Jr. , former Trade Secretary Jose Pardo, actor-singer-composer Ogie Alcasid, Milagros Kilayko, Christopher Carrion, and former Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) chair Cesar Sarino.

Executive Order No. 82. (s. 1999) created the EDSA People Power Commission to institutionalize the legacy of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
As a dedicated organization, the EPPC is tasked to institute activities and concerted action that will serve to enshrine EDSA People Power as a continuing and permanent source of inspiration for future generations.

On December 22, 2010, President Aquino issued Executive Order No. 17, which streamlines the role of the commission and whittled down the number of its members from 25 to just seven.
EDSA People Power has become a historic uprising in February 1986 that toppled the decades-old Marcos regime and catapulted Corazon “Cory” Aquino, the President’s mother, to the presidency that time.

See Video

My Travel to Cebu!

2011-01-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

Roman orator Seneca once said that “travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” And indeed, this Christmas season break affords one the best time to fulfill that much-hoped for travel around the country as there is nothing like a new place to enliven work-weary bodies for the coming new year.

Cebu, for one, is a great start for a new traveler, Cebu being synonymous with the Magellan’s cross, the crispy lechon (which according to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain is the best slow roasted lechon he had tasted), the Sinulog Festival, the nine-day fiesta celebration in honor of Sto. Nino falling on the third Sunday of January. Tagged as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is also a well-known trading center even prior to the coming of both Magellan and Legazpi in its shores. Cebu (Sugbo) is the name given to the city, the metropolis, the island, the province. This Visayan province is made up of 48 municipalities and five thriving cities: its capital Cebu, Toledo, Lapu-lapu, Danao, and Mandaue.

This writer, for one, happily had a chance to revisit Cebu anew during the 11th San Miguel Brewery Inc's National Beer Drinking Contest held at the Parkmall in Mandaue City last November 19.

On our first day, we headed out for a river cruise in Bgy. Bojo in Aloguinsan, the Cebu town, which is known for its Kinsan Festival or the annual festival held on the second Sunday of June celebrating the place’s harvest of the grayish-colored fish abundant only in its waters. The 1.3 km. long Bojo River, which is fed by the headwaters from Kawasan and the spring of Bojo, serves as the feeding and breeding ground for fishes in the town because of its thick mangrove cover. When overfishing plagued the river, eco-tourism saved the community with its fishermen afterwards trained on river cruise tourism and bird watching skills. Our group was welcomed with local songs by the members of the community, and served with welcome drinks of fresh buko juice while we listened to a short lecture on the river cruise, on the 71 species of local birds, and on the objectives of the 52-member Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Aloguinsan-River-Eco-Cultural-Tour/321967567122), which runs the tour. Afterwards, an interesting short local ritual called “palina,” involving an incense-smelling smoke wafting from dried coconut husks, was performed for all the guests as a way of requesting the river spirit to give the visitors a safe passage through the river. One rides a small banca for a P100 peso and the fishermen-turned boatmen inform its passenger on the different mangrove species in the area along with its bird population. One’s ride experience beautifully peaks as the boat nears the end of the river and is paddled further out into the Tañon Strait, which cinematically reminds one of a scene from Lord of the Rings.

Afterwards, our group had a hearty lunch of humba and tinolang manok at the nearby The Farmhouse, which is also the community’s model for natural farming, and waste management in the area.

For the night, our group headed out to Mango Avenue in Cebu City to get a taste of the area’s night life, first warming up with cold San Mig Light and Red Horse beers at Numero Doce bar before transferring to the very chic Z bar, the first full-scale organic architecture designed by design maven Kenneth Cobonpue, in Banilad, Cebu. Guests will always be amazed by its local interior, which is impressively defined by a latticework of bamboo twigs, and black-painted steel that warmly “cocoons” its guests.

On our second day, our group visited the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City, the very church that has housed the famous image of Sto.Niño since 1565. The icon is also the oldest Catholic relic in the country. History-wise, it was the Catholic Cebuano’s devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebu that started the long line of devotions to the Child Jesus in the country because the Augustinians from Cebu brought the devotion to Manila, Iloilo, Laguna and Tacloban. Now, no Catholic house’s altar in the country is without an image of the Sto. Niño or the child Christ.

Next, our group proceeded to Fort San Pedro or Fuerza de San Pedro, a military defence structure, built under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi in 1738. Located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City, the fort is the smallest, oldest triangular fort in the country, and calls to mind Fort Santiago in Manila.

Our group then visited the Parian (one of several ones spread around the country) area, the old Chinese district of Cebu, which started out as a small community of Chinese traders in the 16th century until it grew into the residential headquarters of the most dynamic entrepreneurs of Cebu and also where the wealthiest families of the city resided. The Japanese occupation during World War II though left only a few houses and structures in the present Parian: a small chapel nearby dedicated to San Juan, which pales in comparison to the once grand church of San Juan Bautista, a fire station where the church's convent once was, and the Yap-San Diego ancestral house originally owned by Chinese merchant Juan Yap, and is currently under the name of San Diego descendant, and dance artist Val San Diego. The latest main attraction to the Parian area is the grand bronze tableau done by artist Eduardo Castrillo in 1997, which visually re-tells Cebu’s history from Rajah Humabon’s time to the beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calungsod.

Lunch was mouth-watering as usual in one of the “dampa”-style seafood restaurants near the Lapu-Lapu shrine in Punta Engaño, Mactan. One, of course, should not miss ordering the delicious “saang” or spider conch here. After the lunch, we were able to finally see the 20-meter bronze statue of Lapu-lapu, the native chieftain of Mactan Island who defeated Ferdinand Magellan during the historic Battle of Mactan in 1521. Lapu-lapu is represented here dressed in loin cloth, with a sword on his right hand, and a shield on his left. Interestingly, the Lapu-Lapu Shrine is inside a plaza known as the Magellan Shrine Park that speaks volumes of the conciliatory nature of Cebuanos. Later, some of us even had a relaxing massage at Essence Spa along the highway on our way back to the city. Some even took to shopping in the Taboan market for the dried “danggits” (spinefoot fish), and squids as “pasalubongs” back home.

Perfectly capping our last night in Cebu was the 11th San Miguel Brewery Inc's National Beer Drinking Contest held at the Parkmall in Mandaue City. We witnessed how all the national finalists of this one-of-a-kind beer drinking event in the country psyched themselves up for what seemed to be the biggest contest of their lives, huddling quietly and praying intensely together before proceeding on stage, enduring last minute jitters, men of diverse economic background, staking their all in this night of nights to drink up the fastest for a chance to win an average of P100T per person. In the end, ”Team Naunsyame” (in English, Team Derailed) of Caloocan City prevailed by clocking a group beer drinking record of 53.8 seconds with no penalties. Team Naunsyame is composed of team members Ramil Asistio, Roberto Aban, Rommel Monzon, Rolando Monzon, and Paul Peregrino, prevailed. The team bagged the 500,000 grand cash prize. The looks on their faces, of course, were priceless!

As for me, with such memories to take back home, I definitely left Cebu feeling like I was half a million richer, too!

“Time” Names Mark Zuckerberg Person of the Year

2010-12-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

Time magazine has named Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg Time’s 2010 Person of the Year.

My hats off to Mark Zuckerberg who even dismissed the David Fincher film "The Social Network" as a work of fiction. For creating Facebook, he is one of the world’s youngest billionaires to date. The film "The Social Network," Zuckerberg voices out, boxes him in as someone who built Facebook just to get girls, or to get into clubs. Zuckerberg agrees only to the clothes that his character wore in the film, claiming those as being very much his own.

"They [the film's creators] just can't wrap their head around the idea that someone might build something because they like building things," Zuckerberg tells The Guardian's Ben Child.

And why was Mark Elliot Zuckerberg chosen?

“For connecting more than half a billion people and mapping the social relations among them; for creating a new system of exchanging information; and for changing how we all live our lives, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is Time’s 2010 Person of the Year,” explains Time.

All Facebook users, all together now! "Amen!" Congratulations Mark! (yes, I am on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/reinerioalba)

Ophelia Dimalanta, The Varsitarian Amihans, Thomasian Writers Guild, The Flame

2010-11-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

Poetess Ophelia Dimalanta succumbed to stroke last November 4, and UST made a fitting tribute for her last Nov. 8 at the UST chapel. Ma'am Ophie's "literary children" and all UST students who became her students came in droves. As I said in my FB account, Ma'am Ophie Dimalanta did bring all her "children" together that night at the UST Chapel. Ma'am Ophie, there was, of course, my Sans Rival moment with you in Dumaguete, and, looking back, you made me realize, by paving the way to my Silliman workshop experience, how much, also, my father supported me at that time. Thank you Ma'am! Rest in Glorious Peace!

Read about some of the tributes for her:
By Lito Zulueta
By Jun Lana
By J. Neil Garcia
By Susan Lara
By Ramil Gulle

And for those of you who are in the dark about her, here is some info on Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta from The Varsitarian.

Photos:

With J. Neil Garcia (middle). Photo by Benjamin Pulta

And here, in this photo below, are my co-V Amihans, The Flame staff, Thomasian Writers Guild (TWG) members gathering anew for dear Ma'am Ophie.


From left: Benjamin Pulta (V Special Reports Editor, TWG), Jun Lana (The Flame, TWG), Nerisa Guevara (TWG), Georgina Nava (The Flame, TWG), Ramil Gulle (V Associate Editor, TWG)), Ralph Galan (TWG), Marj de Castro (The Flame, TWG), Reinerio Alba (V Literary Editor, The Flame, TWG), Jo LOntoc (V News, The Flame, TWG), Alma Anonas (The Flame, TWG), Alex Capiz (The Flame, TWG), Ivy Nicholas (V Literary, The Flame, TWG), Chris Cahilig (V Filipino, TWG)), Noel Rodriguez (V Sports Editor). Photo courtesy of Jilson Tiu (The Varsitarian)

Hey October!

2010-10-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Blessings came my way and I thank the Universe for letting me be clear about my wishes, and henceforth allowing for the fulfillment of them:)

Ok, let's start with the latest that's happened to me this October. First off, there's the exhibit of TUP Alumni, (most of whom have become my friends, and even co-kumpares, and am glad to have reconnected with them) titled IMPLODE, which opened last Oct. 14 (runs until Nov. 28) at the Main Gallery of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Am here with a Mac Valdezco work

...and then, there was my bonding day with my mother at the Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point, San Fernando La Union (Oct. 12-13)

...and then, before that (Oct. 8-11), there was Viaje del Galeon, a trip aboard Super Ferry 20 bound for Cebu with at least 200 plus student leaders from all over the country, and with the image of the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje at that.

...and then, on Oct. 7, I came to see first-hand the Galeon Andalucia, a replica of a 16th century galeon ship at Pier 15 (details here )

...and then there was the my birthday celebration last Sept. 24!

So, I am truly grateful!

And by the way, tomorrow, Oct. 16, I mark the first year anniversary of my travel to Spain (Santiago de Compostela), and I am wonderfully grateful for this. :)

Inception, Finally!

2010-08-03T01:03:00.000-07:00

I was able to finally watch "Inception!" Christopher Nolan has definitely turned "The Matrix" on its head. This film definitely made me re-read, revisit Jorge Luis Borges' "The Circular Ruins."

Pied Fantail 2

2010-07-27T00:43:00.000-07:00

This entry is about my second encounter with a Pied Fantail!

This time though, unlike my first Pied Fantail encounter where I was 16 feet away, I was able to grab a hold of one. It flitted through the Fire Exit into our office's hallway in the 6th floor.

Excuse the glee in my face here: (don't worry D.E.N.R. people, I released it as soon as my officemate Leon Pangilinan photographed us. Hehe.).

Is it dead or alive? :)

(Read about my first encounter with a Pied Fantail)

San Mig Light Party All Night & DJ Matt Darey

2010-07-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

Last June 25, I was able to hear firsthand top UK-based DJ Matt Darey's brand of club music at SMX beside Mall of Asia.

San Mig Light, the country’s number-one low-calorie beer brand, ushered that night a new level of partying as it held its first-ever, 12-hour (6pm to 6am) marathon club music event.

Highlighting the occasion was the arrival of top UK-based Matt Darey, one of the pioneers in today’s dance scene, who shared for the first time with Filipino clubbers his own brand of house, trance, breaks and progressive music among his other hits. Darey, who has sold over two million copies of his singles and albums worldwide, spinned with Malaysian-based DJ John Boy and our very own Karl Ty.

Apart from setting the mood for the dusk-till-dawn party with the finest club music, San Mig Light has adorned the 3,000-person capacity venue of SMX with elements that make the ultimate clubbing experience.

Imagine laser light shows, mirror dancers, pole dancers, fashion shows featuring celebrities Iwa Moto, Fabio Ide and foreign male and female models, plus a bevy of eye candies including Isabelle Oli and San Mig Light endorsers Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera toasting to the good life with like-minded partyphiles.

Cash prizes plus LCD televisions and cell phones were raffled off to party-goers.

Also launched that night was an inter-university DJ competition, which allowed Filipino DJs to perform under the same roof with DJs Darey, Lee and Ty.

Competing schools were Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle’s College of St. Benilde and Mapua Institute of Technology. The main winner in the competition received P35,000 cash, a gig in White Avenue in Tomas Morato, Quezon City and a free party package from San Mig Light. The next best DJ won a cash prize of P15,000.

San Mig Light also introduced the Dance Off Competition, which threw in P25,000 cash to the contestant with the best moves.

San Mig Light also gave away P25,000 for the “Last Man Clubbing” in the Party All Night revelry.

Interactive booths including the DJ Hero Booth and the San Mig Light Bucket Cards completed the fun. Guests had their photos taken and posted their souvenir shots in the San Mig Light Bucket Room at the web access area situated in the party vicinity.

The San Mig Light Party All Night fever also spreads in Cagayan de Oro on July 24 to 25 and Cebu on August 28 to 29.

Know more of the club music party authority, San Mig Light. Log on to www.sanmiglight.com.ph.

Happy Horse Red Horse 2

2010-06-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

I just had to put it here. :) This was only my second "happy horse" encounter after my first encounter with it in Oct. 2008 (see my previous entry on it). This was during the birthday blowout of Nelson at the videoke bar Synderz in Malate.

So, without further ado, here. :)

Philippine Elections 2010; Noynoy Aquino-President

2010-05-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

The Philippines held its very first automated election last May 10, 2010 and boy, Filipinos from all walks of life did troop to the school/precincts to stake their claim as to who should lead this country after GMA, unfazed by the "unknown" PCOS machine.

I did vote and was glad that I did. The resulting vote for Noynoy Aquino was so overwhelming that Inquirer columnist Amando Doronila even wrote the column "Wave of yellow votes so massive, sinks rivals"

I even documented my own journey that day. View it here:

Busy April 2010! Dance Xchange 2010; Boracay

2010-05-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderfully interesting and busy April!

One, I took on the job of being a liaison officer (in plain words, first-rate "yaya") to the delegation from Japan (the Senju Kabuki Dance Company) as part of the 2nd International Dance Workshop and Festival,” and two, I participated in the teambuilding of the office I work for.

The first was held in Capiz, Roxas City from April 15-20, 2010. It was the first time I took on such a job, which included meeting them at the airport upon arrival and sending them off as well. The “Dance Xchange 2010 was organized by the National Committee on Dance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in celebration of the International Dance Day and in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 154, declaring every last week of April as the “National Dance Week.”

This huge event was participated in by 10 foreign dance groups including the Big Dance Company of England, Senju Dance Company of Japan, Dancemode Studio of Hong Kong, Mira Dance Company of Korea, Badan Budaya Univarsiti of Malaysia, Aswara Dancers of Malaysia, SIFAS of Singapore, Sri-Lankan Dancers, Lan Yang Dancers of Taiwan, the American Dance Center of Chicago and the Philippine dance companies from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR, namely Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, University of Cordillera Dance Troupe, Next to Innocence, Sinukwan Kapampangan, Poseidon Dance Theatre, Samleyaw Dance Theatre, Double J Fullforce, USA Kawilihan Dance Company, Madayaw Cultural Ensemble, Capitol University Dance Troupe, Quezon City Ballet of the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, TUP Kalinangan Dance Troupe, Professional Dance Teachers Association, Powerdance, Hwa Yi Ethnic Dance Center, and by more than a thousand workshop participants from the different parts of the Philippines.

What was amazing about this event was the outreach programs each dance group did aside from the dance workshops they conducted for the local participants. I had to match the energy of my group, whose kabuki dance session was warmly received by local dance teachers, as we transferred from one venue to another. It was quite a high to see locals eagerly attending to see all these different dances from different countries. The high point of the event was the closing ceremonies where each dance group performed another dance group's dance. Imagine my Japanese group performing the Singapore dance and so on for the rest of the groups!

A video clip of this event can be viewed at the facebook account of The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (I suggest you click "LIKE" to get faster updates from the NCCA).

Here is the video:

And here are just two of my hundred photos :) from the said event:

The Senju Kabuki Dance Company

Big Dance Company (England)

Dagway Sigmahanon

Here is a sample of the Dagway Sigmahanon performance:

The VMA Poseidon Dance Theater

The second major event I participated in was the NCCA Teambuilding in Boracay. Wow! It was a blast and we all worked together towards clarifying our thrust for the next five years or so.

Here is just one of my hundred :) other photos from Boracay:

Arts Sphere Chamber Ensemble in the 4th ASEAN Festival of the Arts

2010-03-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

From March 22-27, the Philippines hosted artists from the ASEAN members to participate in the 4th ASEAN Festival of the Arts. I was privileged to have been chosen to be the Liaison Officer assigned to Singapore (Singapore will be hosting the festival in 2012).

Singapore sent over the Arts Sphere Chamber Ensemble, which was a fairly young organization. Arts Sphere was established in mid 2007, with an aim to strongly establish the genre of Chinese chamber ensemble. Within a short period of time, in 2008, the ensemble drew national attention by clinching first prize in the National Chinese Music Competition organized by the Singapore National Arts Council. In the Following year, the ensemble clinched the first prize in the 2009 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, Instrumental Folk Solo/Group Competition.

The rest of the ASEAN artists who participated made the festival the colourful tapestry that it is and made participants and audiences alike prouder that we share that one ASEAN culture and dream.

Here goes the ASEAN Song:

"Raise our flag high, sky high Embrace the pride in our heart ASEAN we are bonded as one Look-in out-ward to the world. For peace, our goal from the very start And prosperity to last. We dare to dream we care to share. Together for ASEAN we dare to dream, we care to share for it's the way of ASEAN

Go ASEAN brothers and sisters!

Here's my prized photo with my babies from the Arts Sphere Chamber Ensemble :)

See the rest of the photos here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3582455&id=525367919#!/album.php?aid=159300&id=525367919

Rodrigo Alba, My Father

2010-01-04T01:41:00.000-08:00

Being at the wake of your own father, or perhaps of anyone dear to you, is a surreal thing. Amidst the flurry of people coming in and out and talking to you, of food and stories being passed around, there, in the center of it all, is the casket. My father died on December 23, 2009, succumbing to septic shock and heart failure after months of hospitalization.

I remember that early on as a child, my every night's prayers would have, on the top of my wish list, a prayer that my parents would have the longest life ("mahabang mahabang buhay"), which I would utter with all my heart. Looking back, I only regret now that I did not include "healthy" in that nightly prayer. Hence, with my mother as my only living parent now, I have resurrected that prayer of mine and have included and underlined the words "HEALTHY," "HAPPY,", and "LOVE-FILLED" to longest life.

Talking with one of those who came to the wake and one who lost her father at an early age, we've agreed that Death, as far as all humans are concerned, will always be the last unknown frontier for us, and that no one will ever be too prepared for it.

Not one of us was present when Tatay breathed his last. Although my brother Renan was only a few floors away from my father's hospital room. Although we were all on our way. In the end, we all either missed his death by several minutes or even an hour. Perhaps, (and more to console ourselves), we thought that was how he wanted to go. It gave us comfort that we were able to sing as a family around his bed the previous night (his favorite videoke songs, including Christmas songs), and that later during the wake, I learned that my brother Renan was able to sing to my father one last song ("Ang Panginoon ang aking Pastol, 'di ako magkukulang...), an hour prior to his death.

I watched as the hospital staff prepared him for the morgue. Binding his arms with styropore tape across his chest, then his legs, then closing up his mouth.

In one of those nights during the wake when I took a rest, I had a low point. Forgive this cliche bu I suddenly questioned the point in living one's life when everyone else, in the end, will succumb to death. It was a text message that pulled me out from that abysmal despair (Sunny, thank you for this): "Love is your God connection and it is your gift to the world. Through love, you express your divinity and share your light. Be gentle with yourselves, and hold yourself and all others in the light of Love and Compassion always."

It was then that I recalled all my memories of my father. I remembered the love, which my father showed each of us while growing up, expressing it however, imperfectly. Wala naman talaga kase manual on parenting, di ba? And how he loved our mother as well. The text message pinned it down. Life only makes sense when there is love as it is also Love that makes Life possible.

And as I said in the eulogy I managed to deliver for Tatay, he taught us how to love, and that is more than enough. And I am much consoled by it.

Red Horse MUZIKLABAN the Indie Film Challenge 2009 Winners!

2009-12-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, I got the opportunity to attend the awards night of the first Red Horse Beer MUZIKLABAN Indie Film Challenge at Nomnomnom Bar in Tomas Morato.

Without a doubt, Red Horse Beer MUZIKLABAN has successfully opened the stage for amateur rock band players from all over the Philippines to show their mettle, grit, and rock power. Now on its 11th year, Red Horse Beer MUZIKLABAN has pushed the envelope further by accomodating kindred "strong spirited" interests such as tattoo art, extreme sports, and yes, independent filmmaking.

This year, for the very first Red Horse Beer MUZIKLABAN Indie Film Challenge, the SMB group challenged Filipino indie filmmakers to come up with a 5-minute film around the theme: "The Legend of the Happy Horse". (I had my own encounter with the said "Happy Horse" myself in 2008. See my previous blog entry on it: http://intothebutterfly.blogspot.com/2008/11/red-horse-beer-and-its-smiling-horse.html)

R.A. Rivera, one of the most sought-after video directors in the country and an indie film maker, joins Pepe Smith, Ricky Sta Ana, Armand Mariano in crafting this year's MUZIKLABAN component.

"“Red Horse Beer including the indie film category in this competition is already, in itself, a solid contribution to this field as it affords the opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to be exposed to new viewers and for their talent and skills to be recognized. This prospect of providing a platform to other fellow filmmakers was the deciding factor for me in joining this project. As most filmmakers would attest, it’s not just about being able to improve your art, but it’s more importantly about being able to tell a story and having people enjoy or relate or retell that story - and that is the biggest reward of making a film," explains R.A. Rivera.

The Winners are :

"Kwentong Gidiyap" by Miko Livelo
Winner of the OPEN CATEGORY
Age : 24 years old
School Graduated : Fine Arts & Design at University of Santo Tomas ‘08
Current Work : Motion Graphics Designer at Mad Banana
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/mikopunch?v=app_2392950137&ref=ts

"Ang Inumin ng Tunay na Lalake" by Jet Leyco
Winner of the NOVICE CATEGORY
Age : 22 yrs. Old
School : Far Eastern University 09
Employer : Wassacre Films
Watch the short film here: http://www.youtube.com/user/praxkerberus#p/a/u/0/c1bx5G7xW0A

"Pagtitimpi" by Jan Parma
Viewers Choice Award
School : Ateneo De Manila University , Communications, Film Production student
http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/jparma?v=app_2392950137&viewas=766620248

FACEBOOK PAGE OF MUZIKLABAN INDIE FILM CHALLENGE :
http://www.facebook.com/kathleen.cervantes?v=feed&story_fbid=182927709411#/pages/Makati-City/Muziklaban-Indie-Film-Challenge/82110873943

NAWAN: Peace Conference, Kalinaw-Mindanaw in Davao

2009-11-20T21:32:00.000-08:00

Let me just put in this commercial:)

http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/announcements/announcement.php?i=1737
Peace Conference Nawan: Kalinaw-Mindanaw in Davao City!
NCCA 11.18.2009
The Inter-committee members from the Mindanao cluster of the NCCA and sectoral leaders from the region initiates and organizes a conference titled "Nawan: Kalinaw-Mindanaw" Advancing Co-initiatives for Peace in Mindanao in Regency Inn in Davao City from Nov. 20-22, 2009.

An exhibit of art works expressing the shared aspirations of the culturally diverse peoples of Mindanao opens the conference.

The project also features a simultaneous film showing event and live performance showcase, including a book fair.

The project aims to mobilize active support and participation from major stakeholders in the areas of culture, arts, and peace-building initiatives in Mindanao.

The keynote address will be given by Grace Rebollos, President of Western Mindanao State University.

For the first day, paper presenters are Col. Ernesto Ruiz Aradanas, Brigade Commander of the 603rd IB at Camp Iranun (formerly Camp Abubakar) in Barira, Maguindanao; and Shamira Gotoc, editor of http://www.clickmindanao.org. Panel discussants to these papers include Era Colmo-Espana, tribal chieftain in Kidapawan; Mayor Alex Tomawis of Barira, Maguindanao; and Fr. Rey Jaectin of Pagadian City. Also presenting her paper is Irene Santiago, chair of the Mindanao Commission on Women followed by Dr. Mario Agujam of Mindanao State University-General Santos City. The sharing of experiences will be lead by Ma. Cecilia "Geejay" Arriola-Langlois of Mebuyan, visual artist Cris Rollo, Tausug artist Edwin Tantalie, playwright and filmmaker Arnel Mardoquio, Alma Uy, chair of the Tagum City Tourism Council, and Datu Docris Daug, Tagabawa local chieftain. The second day begins with the presentation of the draft conference output for incorporation into the sub-regional planning workshops of the participants. The conference is aimed at creating a strategic development and action plan for advancing arts and culture to achieve peace in Mindanao. At the conclusion of the conference, NCCA Commissioner Ricky de Ungria will lead in the reading of the NAWAN declaration crafted by the participants, capped by a solidarity message from NCCA Executive Director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez.

The exhibit, titled “Hulagway ug Kaamguhan: Dalit sa Kamindanawan,” shows traditional and contemporary visual arts in Mindanao, along with a film festival showcasing works by Mindanao filmmakers that celebrate the multicultural complexity of the homeland through “Tan-aw, Lantaw Mindanaw: Cinemagining Mindanao.”

In the evenings, participants are enjoined to watch CCP-Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Madonna Brava ng Mindanao,” Don Pagusara’s adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children,” a searing indictment of war; traditional performances of the Teduray community of Maguindanao; and the showcase performance of contemporary dance artists from General Santos and Koronadal.

Nawan is sponsored/funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. It is organized also by the Filipino-Chinese Heritage and Cultural Society, Inc., of Davao City.

Conference Director is Nestor Horfilla, executive director of Mindulani, the cultural network in Mindanao.

For further details, please email Mr. Nestor Horfilla at nthorfilla@yahoo.com.ph

Happily Sleepless in Galicia, Spain

2009-10-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

At the moment, I am still pinching myself just to check if I am indeed here in Spain. I am deeply thankful to the universe for this gift. The power of dreams is great and so is the power of words. I remember that I had already told myself years ago that if I'd be going to Europe for the first time, then it would be in Spain. Years came by and I had forgotten about it. And then this Seminar on Sustainable Cultural Tourism here in Santiago de Compostela came, and then I am here, and I am awed. As soon as I held the invitation letter in my hands, my heart beat faster, and I knew then that I had to apply. I had to go through some seeming obstacles, but then a moment came when I knew that the universe is dead serious in proceeding with its gift for me, asserting itself at each opportunity, and is merely checking if it was indeed me at the other end receiving, wide-eyed and ready. And I realize that I am ready for it. And I am thankful that I've attracted back this dream at this point of my life when I am ready for it. And more than ever, I am deeply thankful.

So, I am here in beautiful Santiago de Compostela and I had the chance to connect with 20 plus other people from this side of the planet and from Asia (with my co-participants in the seminar from Vietnam, Cambodia, East Timor and Sri Lanka). Again, I am deeply thankful.

Interestingly, on Oct 25, on my 9th day here, I received this amazing email from my good friend Annie Luis (who also wished for me to get this Spanish opportunity), sharing a blog entry by Jason Mraz which resonated deeply within me:
_____________

Rei,

Just wanted to share this blog entry from our gorgeous Jason Mraz! Hoping Spain's great! Enjoy!!!!
-annie

4 Leaves Left

“I thought about one of my favorite Sufi poems, which says that God long ago drew a circle in the sand exactly around the spot where you are standing right now. I was never not coming here. This was never not going to happen."
— Elizabeth Gilbert

I’ve never been lucky enough to find a four-leaf clover. I’ve been gifted plenty, but I never found one on my own accord down on my hands and knees. Then again, I’ve never committed to a long look. But I will admit that in all my years in this child body, whenever I found myself stooped in the grass, fingering between blades of green and those greener, I always hoped that that day’s first charmed discovery would be made by me.

In all of life, failure in the finding never got me down. The upset shows itself as a sign that that my luck would show up as something different, and perhaps a much larger version of itself. So, there was rarely a need to squander a precious moment and/or add a rare and mutant flower to the vision board.

I apply the same theory to never winning the lottery. I know I’m not supposed to get my millions for free. For this I am always eager to earn it.

There were plenty of jobs where I wasn’t hired, many of them in music and theatre. Rejection left me bouncing off of so many NO’s that I learned to be encouraged by the defeats. I found I had more talents to cultivate, more songs to write, more moxie to move. I was always complete in knowing I was moving in the right direction.

Yesterday I sprawled across an infinite patch of tropical clover on a near deserted stretch of one of Maui’s sacred shores, basking in a pink grapefruit sunrise. I warmed and awakened every sense and chakra taking sips of the new day, gulps of air and gasps of soul soothing ginger as tea. In my mind I harmonized with the crow of the cock and purred along with the hush and shush of the swaying palms in a Pakalani filled paradise. I pulled wild hairs from my eyes and allowed my body to dry itself of the sweat fostered a few minutes before in the steamy pre-dawn sauna.

Naked, I acknowledged the elements for granting me such a blessed life. With nothing to offer the world in that moment, my naked newborn self offered up love, laughter, and gratitude. From far out to sea, God, on a cruise ship perhaps, sighed as if to say “well done” and returned the love and gratitude in a breeze, and, on my behalf, cleverly kept the world as it is.

My gaze turned to the clover and I quietly remarked at how it wasn’t the traditional Irish Shamrock I usually familiar my eyes with. This tropical ground cover was so expansive you might miss it over its normalcy. Yet, what I noticed was how each and every little stem had only two pairs of pedals popping out of the sprout. The deeper I looked through the filter of appreciation, the more I realized I wasn’t just sitting on a grassy knoll, but resting rather, almost retired in the enlightenment, enveloped on a prairie in perfect company among thousands of 4-leaf clovers.

Luck is all around me.
Love is all there is.

May every situation be summed up in a smile.
-Jason
----

Cheers to you Annie! Cheers to you Jason! And cheers to all those who find the love around them!

Beyonce Wins 2009 Video of the Year and Shows Real Class!

2009-09-14T04:25:00.001-07:00

Wow! For those who watched the recent MTV VMA, we all know the stunt pulled by Kanye West over Taylor Swift, stealing her precious thank you moment when Swift won the Best Female Video. But before everything's completely ruined, Beyonce herself got the chance to go up on stage to claim her Video of the Year (Single Ladies)award, made her thank you speech short, called Taylor Swift from backstage, giving Taylor Swift her moment. Classy classy Beyonce!

Here's the video:

A Unique & a Joyful Wedding Entrance!

2009-08-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! I came across this video of a wedding dance. And I was so happy watching it! The joy of the dance was so infectious it made me dance in front of my monitor. Haha. :) Am sharing it here and I wish you happiness as well! The title of the video is JK Wedding Entrance Dance.

On Loving

2009-06-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

I was reading through an entry of Migs in his blog:http://manilagayguy.net/ titled "Twenty Four and Loveless Yet," and I was particularly happy to read about the response Migs posted culled from the blog http://corpcloset.blogspot.com:

Here it is:

--
"its also sad that some people feel that romantic love is lacking in their lives. and some complain of being lonely, lonesome, alone...

perhaps some of these people focus too much on what they don't have, i.e. no love in their lives. and whining about it just makes the thought expand. always mentioning this will just reinforce it further, a vicious cycle.

so turn it around. stop thinking you don't have love. stop focusing on what is lacking in your life. start by recognizing that there are so many people around us who love us and whom we can love back! family, friends, people we work with... then you become thankful sincerely of what you already have: this wonderful people around.

Then start loving. It's an action word. start focusing your energies on making people you love happy: your father and mother, especially your parents, your grandparents, your officemates, your friends and barkada. spend time with them, make them laugh, make them feel appreciated. then extend to other people in dire need of loving: the poor, the elderly, the abandoned, the orphans and widows. just keep on loving and loving.

this way, you stop focusing on what you don't have and you start focusing on loving people around. you end up sending signals of love to the universe. and that is what the universe will give back to you. love, in all its forms, perhaps including romantic love.

----

All together now, say with me, "I love love love!" :)

My Niece's Drawings

2009-06-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I had a fun time with my niece Hannah, 4 years old. She had her pen and paper with her, and so I asked her to draw things randomly. After drawing one, she'd show it to me, and then ask me for another thing to draw. And I was amazed by the mental images she had of the things I told her to draw! Among other things, I was floored by her rendition of McDonald's! I try to take her there whenever I can, and she always waves a goodbye to the McDonald's arch post outside when we leave. And yet, for the local fastfood chain Jollibee, she opted to draw the mascot itself. Also, there is her perspective of the airplane (which now, I recognize as the plane that she frequently sees in the dreamboard of her Tita Erel pasted on the room's wall). And the horse! I taught she'd find it very difficult. But she showed me her horse and I was awed.

I am speechless. And proud. :)

Here it is (click image to enlarge):

A Camel in Ilocos

2009-04-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I recall that my early surprises in my zoo visits were seeing a long necked giraffe, a tiger, a lion, a hippo, an alligator in Manila Zoo--these were never before seen animals for me, animals that were only seen in books and National Geographic tv features. They were all, should I dare term it, Overseas Animals (OA)! Then also, two years ago, I remember my very first sighting of a brown bear and a llama (a llama! imagine that!) in Tagaytay.

On my recent trip to Ilocos with my friends (April 15-19, 2009), I was surprised to see, this time, a camel! :) This was in Ilocos Sur, in Baluarte Zoo, the once private resthouse of Gov. Chavit Singson now turned into a zoo open to the public.

So, here's my photo with a camel. Yes, the one eating the grass. Haha.:)

Ivan Roxas

2009-04-13T02:54:00.000-07:00

This last Lent, I took to reading the book Understanding Art and I came across a hundred and one artists (French, Italian, English and American) from the 14th to the present century. I was amazed, among others, by Paul Delaroche's The Execution of Lady Jane Gray, and specially by the virtuosity of John Singleton Copley for doing portraits that appeared so real. I wondered suddenly if there was any Filipino artist, dead or living, who even had a bit of Copley or Delaroche in him. Then I remembered my officemate and artist Ryan Arengo telling me about seeing an Ivan Roxas painting up close, one that made the hairs on his arms stand. And today, googling Ivan Roxas, I came across this self-portrait: Died Broken Hearted. The silk around the man's waist so fools the eye, I am reminded of the curtain painted by Adrian Van Der Spelt (Flower Still Life With Curtain,1658) that looked so real one could thumb it. And the red cloth on the woman in this Roxas' painting recalls a familiar painting. Running through the other works of Delaroche, I saw the painting: Joan of Arc in Prison, 1824.

Here, I've posted Roxas' painting and that of Delaroche's.

Ivan Roxas,Died Broken Hearted

Paul Delaroche,Joan of Arc in Prison, 1824.

Ivan Roxas was born in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines, on June 26, 1978 and graduated at the University of Sto. Tomas, (a fellow Thomasian), College of Fine Arts, Major in Painting in 2000.

Living Spectacularly!

2009-03-17T20:52:00.003-07:00

I came across this message of Brazilian theatre director, writer and politician Augusto Boal (born April 16, 1931 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) for the World Theater Day this March 2009.

Brazilian theater director Augusto Boal developed The Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) during the 1950s and 1960s. In an effort to transform theater from the "monologue" of traditional performance into a "dialogue" between audience and stage, Boal experimented with many kinds of interactive theater. His explorations were based on the assumption that dialogue is the common, healthy dynamic between all humans, that all human beings desire and are capable of dialogue, and that when a dialogue becomes a monologue, oppression ensues. Theater then becomes an extraordinary tool for transforming monologue into dialogue. "While some people make theater," says Boal, "we all are theater." -(from an introduction to Boal by Douglas L. Paterson on Webster's World of Cultural Democracy in 1996.)

And it made a lot of sense. And among the things he said that resonated most with me was that we do not become citizens of our respective societies until we are able to change it, and always, of course, for the better.

So, here is the full text of that message:

_________________________________

"All human societies are “spectacular*” in their daily life and produce “spectacles” at special moments. They are “spectacular” as a form of social organization and produce “spectacles” like the one you have come to see.

Even if one is unaware of it, human relationships are structured in a theatrical way. The use of space, body language, choice of words and voice modulation, the confrontation of ideas and passions, everything that we demonstrate on the stage, we live in our lives. We are theatre!

Weddings and funerals are “spectacles”, but so, also, are daily rituals so familiar that we are not conscious of this. Occasions of pomp and circumstance, but also the morning coffee, the exchanged good-mornings, timid love and storms of passion, a senate session or a diplomatic meeting - all is theatre.

One of the main functions of our art is to make people sensitive to the “spectacles” of daily life in which the actors are their own spectators, performances in which the stage and the stalls coincide. We are all artists. By doing theatre, we learn to see what is obvious but what we usually can’t see because we are only used to looking at it. What is familiar to us becomes unseen: doing theatre throws light on the stage of daily life.

Last September, we were surprised by a theatrical revelation: we, who thought that we were living in a safe world, despite wars, genocide, slaughter and torture which certainly exist, but far from us in remote and wild places. We, who were living in security with our money invested in some respectable bank or in some honest trader’s hands in the stock exchange were told that this money did not exist, that it was virtual, a fictitious invention by some economists who were not fictitious at all and neither reliable nor respectable. Everything was just bad theatre, a dark plot in which a few people won a lot and many people lost all. Some politicians from rich countries held secret meetings in which they found some magic solutions. And we, the victims of their decisions, have remained spectators in the last row of the balcony.

Twenty years ago, I staged Racine’s Phèdre in Rio de Janeiro. The stage setting was poor: cow skins on the ground, bamboos around. Before each presentation, I used to say to my actors: “The fiction we created day by day is over. When you cross those bamboos, none of you will have the right to lie. Theatre is the Hidden Truth”.

When we look beyond appearances, we see oppressors and oppressed people, in all societies, ethnic groups, genders, social classes and casts; we see an unfair and cruel world. We have to create another world because we know it is possible. But it is up to us to build this other world with our hands and by acting on the stage and in our own life.

Participate in the “spectacle” which is about to begin and once you are back home, with your friends act your own plays and look at what you were never able to see: that which is obvious. Theatre is not just an event; it is a way of life!

We are all actors: being a citizen is not living in society, it is changing it."

Augusto Boal

Working on a Mission

2009-02-09T23:22:00.000-08:00

For a week in February, I had a fruitful week learning and immersing myself in new knowledge, allowing myself as well the company of people who have opened themselves in the areas of financial planning.

I met in person a qualifying member in the Million Dollar Round Table (yes, that premier association of financial professionals), and I became an instant fan. She has such a passion within her, plus enthusiasm, and sincere concern for her clients and even strangers, that I'd buy a policy from her outright anytime. Just like her, I see my position as a financial advisor more as a mission--a mission to help Filipinos be educated about their finances and to be responsible with their money and future.

I'm definitely thankful for this encounter!

Financially Marvelous 2009 for Me!

2009-01-07T02:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I received this fab message from a friend during the holiday season: "The best use of our life is to love people and the best expression of that love is our time to do it."

I say thank you 2008 because it was also a great year for me and now I'm looking forward to this, as they put it, Ox (oks) na Ox (oks) year!

Carlos de leon Esguerra, the Filipino Photographer

2008-12-11T02:19:00.000-08:00

Dec. 11, 2008- Last Dec. 11, I had the privilege of attending the lecture on "Landscape Photography" by renowned photographer Carlos de Leon Esguerra. He is a Filipino who was born in Taytay, Rizal, Philippines and is now based in Elmshurst, Queens, New York, USA.

He was recently in the Philippines to receive the "Pamana ng Filipino" award at Malacañang Palace. The simple ceremonies was held at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang and also marked the opening of the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and the International Migrants’ Day (Dec. 10).The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas is a biennial event institutionalized in Dec. 1991 by virtue of EO 498.

His co-awardees include Amelita Besa and Romeo Dorotan, (New York); Bayani de Leon, (New York); Federico Hizon, (Singapore); Libertito Pelayo, (New York); Dr. Teresita Ramos, (Honolulu); and Engr. Nilo Villarin, ( Washington).

The awardees were evaluated by Philippine consulates and embassies prior to the final selection by the technical committee.

Esguerra studied Business and Economics at the University of the Philippines, and obtained his MBA from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. He worked for more than 30 years as a programmer analyst at IBM Corporation in New York and later founded his own company, CLE Systems, Inc. Since retiring from the said company, he has since devoted his time to his passion: photography.

Some of Esguerra's photos have been published in several international magazines and publications such as Interior Design Magazine, Photo Life Magazine, Best of Photography Annual, Spa Magazine, Popular Photography and Imaging, Photo Life Magazine, Hasselblad's FORUM Magazine and Shutterbug Magazine. He is recognized by many as the modern-day Ansel Adams.

In his lecture, he said that what he considers greatly in any photography, past all the technicalities, is still the "soul" of the picture or what takes in the viewer.

See samples of Carlos de Leon Esguerra's photography at his web site: http://www.carlosesguerra.com

Moymoy Palaboy, New Print Models for a Stomach Acid Product!

2008-12-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

On my way to my LRT ride yesterday, I saw this mint new tarpaulin ad of the now famous Moymoy Palaboy!

The brothers behind Moymoy Palaboy are now print models for a new stomach acid product !

For those who do not know Moymoy Palaboy (yet), just key in the name MoyMoy Palaboy via google and you are bound to discover that Moymoy Palaboy is the name of the two lip-synching Filipino siblings: 25-year old James Ronald Obeso(a.k.a. Moymoy) and his younger brother Rofil (22 years old, and the one who dons the unruly wig). Moymoy Palaboy debuted on the Internet in February 2007 and has since had a cult following among netizens, capturing sizeable hits and views for their uploaded videos of lip-synched music.

The most-watched Moymoy video is still the brothers’ versions of the Spice Girls’ song “Wannabe,” now with more than 4 million views and counting.

Since launching their lip-synching careers from their Pasay apartment, the two have gained popularity and are now seen as mainstays in the Iyo Tube portion of Bubble Gang, a popular GMA-7 show. And to think they just did their YouTube gig on a whim!

My hats off to these two guys!

Here is the "Wannabe" video:

The (Smiling) Happy Horse of Red Horse Beer!

2008-11-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

I thought it was all wild talk when I first heard about it: the smiling/happy horse of the local Red Horse beer. But I encountered David, a tourist from Germany who I met in Manila telling me about that particular happy horse again, which he said he saw in Palawan during his visit there. That encounter was in August 2008.

Then in October (2008), two months after, I visited the Callao cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan for the second time. We stayed at the government-run Callao Resort. We ordered beer, and lo and behold, there it was: the red horse beer bottle with the smiling horse on it! We all quickly took turns inspecting it and found that the red horse bottle with the happy horse image had a red print for its text. And instead of the words "Experience that distinctive full-flavored taste and extra satisfying strength of a world-class premium strong beer," it merely states "FOR THAT DISTINCT FULL-FLAVORED TASTE" written in all capital texts. And where the regular Red Horse image had sharper features, the happy Red Horse image is plumpier, and its mane, a mere series of lines. I was told by my beer buddies that night that there is one such bottle of happy horse for every dozen of such beers. They said the bottle with the smiling red horse image also has the strongest brew, hence it makes you happier, too, at the quickest time. Hmm. I drank it but I did not experience any difference in both taste and effect. Oh well, at least I have photos here as proof of that encounter with the Happy Horse. Yes, it is not a story full of horsesh_t, after all. Hehe :)

Shaira Luna, the PROMIL gifted child

2008-11-12T22:56:00.000-08:00

It was one of those blast-from-your-childhood-days moments. Together with my journalist friend Roel Hoang Manipon, I was able to attend the re-activation of the 90-year old milk brand Milkmaid at the fab resto Felix in Greenbelt 5 (Nov. 12, 2008). Imagine that--a brand from way waaay back! There, I was also able to meet anew Chef Florabel Co, who I initially came to know in 2004 at Le Souffle in Top of the Citi when they participated in the lamb food fest challenge organized by the Meat and Livestock Australia. I distinctly remembered eating and writing about the Seared Australian Lamb Loin in fig sauce. The sweetness of the fig sauce was rightfully complemented by the Rose Mount Shiraz that Chef Co personally recommended.

But what highlighted the event for me was seeing Shaira Luna herself carrying a Canon camera. Shaira, for those not familiar to her, was one of the original Promil Gifted Children, age eight, and titled junior anatomist in that 1995 TV commercial where she uttered the now famous lines "Heart. It is a hollow muscular organ located between the lungs..." I think, because of that TV commercial, every Filipino couple had since fancied about having a genius child in the family. And I do remember uttering those same lines as a comic relief around my friends just when everyone had run out of things to talk about. Shaira was a chubby child then, of course. Now she has prettily thinned out (it must be the heavy camera, hehe) but she retained the dimples and her beautiful eyes. She was baffled that I looked so familiar and was trying to remember where we've crossed paths before (I definitely must be getting oh so famous, haha). I told her that the first time I saw her all grown up was during the fiesta in my hometown province in Gumaca, Quezon two or three years ago, and I very much doubt that she had even seen a shadow of my hair at that time. And so there, happy that we've finally met, we exchanged contact numbers, and now, I'm waiting for her approval in facebook (nope, I have not turned hetero people). Googling her later that afternoon, I found out that she nearly became the youngest doctor at age 19 (taking up B.S. Human Biology at the DLSU Manila when she was 13) before she decided to call it quits to pursue a career in photography. Online info shows that she even hosted a segment in ABS-CBN’s Alas Singko Y Media and produced her own segments for Maganda Umaga Bayan until 2003. Well, the brain knows no bounds, but I'm happy for Shaira that she has, at least, found the center of her heart.

Check Shaira's works at www.shairaluna.tk or www.viewcards.com.ph

Imelda Marcos Portrait by Basuki Abdullah

2008-11-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

Finally! Here is my photo with the famous portrait of Imelda Marcos, done in 1977 by Basuki Abdullah (Indonesian painter). This is a huge painting (288.53 cm X 171.45 cm) and is on display at the National Museum of the Filipino People, Philippines (until January 15, 2009). This was one of the paintings that was almost destroyed at the height of the EDSA Revolution in 1986. The painting is on exhibit as part of the exhibit "Days of Drawing, Portraits of Passage." Hurry, run, take a glider, and take a closer look! :)

The National Museum of the Filipino People is located at the Executive House Bldg., P. Burgos st. cor. Taft Ave., Ermita Manila,1000. Call 527-12-15 / 527-0278 / 528-4912. ENTRANCE FEES: Adults - P100.00 each, Students - P 30.00 each upon presentation of ID(For students enrolled in Philippine schools only); Open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays; MUSEUM HOURS:10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (NO NOON BREAK); FREE ADMISSION: Sundays (Walk-ins only; No Group Tours)

Meeting Judy Ann Santos in a French Gallery

2008-10-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

Oct. 29, 2008 -
She was wearing a red dress and black heels. When she entered through the front door of the Alliance Total Gallery, one would have thought that one was already a part of a shoot for her latest TV endorsement of a slimming supplement. Almost everyone did look her way. It was Judy Ann Santos, the country's most recognizable actress to date who could cry copious tears at the drop of a hat. She arrived to support the exhibit of her fiance: fellow actor, host, and TV model Ryan Agoncillo.

The exhibit, titled "EPSON PRO: Partnership of Art and Technology," showcases EPSON printer-reproduced works of eight of the country's premier photographers and graphic designers such as BenCab, Bien Bautista, George Tapan, Jun de Leon, Quincy Castillo, Drew Europeo, Robert Alejandro, including Agoncillo. Two of Agoncillo's photographs were on exhibit: "Pagsulong," a 7 by 10.5 color photograph and "Tagak," a 9 x 6 color photograph. Agoncillo had previously exhibited the two works at the Meralco theater lobby during the premier of Santos' movie "Ploning," and was shot in Palawan during the filming of the said movie.

Judy Ann Santos had visibly become sexier and had that confidence about her. She initially had Ryan's hands locked in hers but was soon introduced to and engaged in a conversation with the tall National Artist for visual arts Bencab himself. Bencab, later, also was seen being photographed with her in front of his works: "Concealed/Revealed 1" and "Concealed/Revealed II". Seeing that Bencab did a photo-op with "the" Judy Ann Santos, who were we not to follow suit? But, of course, in such a French-y gathering, our group reined in our excitement and decided to wait a little bit longer for her to mingle around, and only made our move when we spotted her next in front of Agoncillo's work.

I personally have respect for Judy Ann Santos now, especially for producing "Ploning" herself, and because it was a noteworthy film. One can forgive her other films, but "Ploning" definitely merits a place in Philippine cinema history. And I was, myself, visibly glad that I finally did meet her in the flesh that night, a night beautifully imprinted on my mind.

*The exhibit, organized by EXTANT PR SYSTEMS, INC and headed by Ms. EVAN CARIAGA (tel. nos. 527-0478 / 536-5720), runs from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, 2008. Portion of the exhibit sales will be donated to the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe"

2008-10-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I still get goosebumps every time I watch Fantasia's performance during the American Idol's finals. The song was hers through and through. This song was co-written by former American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray.

Watch it with me again :)

Swagat Indian Cuisine restaurant Celebrates Diwali Festival

2008-10-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

Oct. 24 - The thought of experiencing my first Diwali Festival in an Indian restaurant was too good an experience to pass up. So, one Friday night, I braved the traffic going to Makati to head to the Swagat Indian Cuisine restaurant.

"Swagat," I will soon learn is a Hindi word, which means "welcome." From the facade of the restaurant, one would have thought that the lettering of the restaurant's name was too plain-looking to merit attention. But inside, one's spirit is easily lifted by the vari-hued colors of the interior starting with the foil chains that criss-cross the ceiling, the tie-dyed cloths that line the corners of the walls, posters and small pieces of mirrors that flicker here and there, which all seemed to dance along the music coming from the modern Indian singers' videos being played on the television, and made warmer by the technicolor Christmas lights that cascade down the front glass window, and frame all posters in the walls as well. In one of the walls, one reads the cutout letters announcing "Diwali Festival."

Deepavali, or Diwali, is a major Indian festival, and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights signify the victory of good over the evil within every individual. The word "deepavali" comes also from the lighted rows (avali) of lamps (deepa) that greeted King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest. Today, Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November.

"So, there is no exact date for it each year, but this year it falls on Oct. 28" explains Komal Khanchandani, who proudly says that she is the owner, manager and cook of the restaurant. "If I were in India, I would have celebrated this event with my family but since I'm in the Philippines now, I am celebrating it yearly my Filipino friends and everyone who eats here." And Khanchandani further explains that the festival is akin to the Christian's Christmas event where everyone eats good food, buys new dress, and gives gifts to one another. The one special mark of the event, she says, is the giving of sweets to all who celebrate the said occasion. During this time, too, her restaurant gives discounts to her customers.

Khanchandani, or Komal to her friends, arrived in Manila from India with her husband Sanjay in 1981. Finding that there's not enough restaurant offering true Indian home-cooked meals in the country, and prodded in part her husband's expatriate Indian friends, they initially put up Sangam, a hole-in-the-wall Indian carinderia in Makati. But seeing their growing clientele, in 2003, the couple finally decided to open Swagat Indian Cuisine in a bigger location in Rada. Since then, the restaurant has been opened to the public from 11am to 11pm and foot traffic has been nonstop that most diners would call in advance to reserve seats, especially at meal times.

For that evening, Khanchandani had to excuse herself at once as she was to cook it all: for appetizers, there was mixed pakora or deep fried sliced onions, chilies and potatoes rolled in chickpeas flour. I dipped one pakora, which tasted like an upscale empanada, in mint sauce and was pleasantly surprised by its interesting flavour in my mouth. I also ate pappadom masala, which is a thin deep fried crisp lentil wafer served with onion and tomato bits, and which is definitely better than nachos. I became an instant fan, too, of the bhel puri, puffed rice bits (like noodle bits) served with various chutneys, and wonderfully crunchy. For the main course, we were served the machi palak, or fish cooked with spinach, and chicken kadai, with a big chili on top of it. This was accompanied by two plates of rice meal: the shrimp biryani, and the unbelievably hot methi matter pullow, which is a bit green, colored by the fenugreek leaves, with green peas. Wonderfully taming all the spiciness in my food is my glass of strawberry lassi or sweetened yogurt drink flavoured with milk and strawberry. For dessert, we had the privilege of tasting Khanchandani's much sought-after homemade ice cream or kulfi. Khanchandani says it takes all of five hours to make it and yes, it's easily one of the restaurant's bestsellers. So, I took my sweet time eating my kulfi! Biting into my last spoonful of the ice cream, in my mind, I saw several arrows of lights, lights of happiness, indeed! Happy Diwali Festival everyone!

Swagat Indian Cuisine restaurant is located in FCC Building on Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati (tel. 752-5669).

Love of Siam (Rak Haeng Siam) in Cinemanila 2008

2008-10-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

I just had to write this down. I was so taken by the film although it's all of two and a half hours running time. As part of the Cinemanila 2008 lineup of films, I watched Love of Siam (Rak Haeng Siam), a Thai film written and directed by Chukiat Sakveerakul. The last gay-themed film that I liked was Chansons d'Amour and now, I think, Love of Siam is going to be my all time favorite gay-themed film.

Love of Siam stars Mario Maurer (of German and Chinese descent and oh so heartachingly cute) who plays Tong and the equally charming Witwisit "Pitchy" Hiranyawongkul who plays pianist/composer/singer Mew.

I did some googling on Love of Siam and found out that the film is a first of sorts. At 150 minutes, the film is markedly longer than most Thai films, and another is that it is a drama film, which is rare in the Thai industry, which mainly produces horror, comedy, action and (heterosexual) teen romance films. And, of course, it is gay-themed though nothing hinted at that fact in its promotional posters in Thailand. Director Sakveerakul said that this was intentional as he did not want to limit the audience of the film to gay audiences. His instincts proved him right. Released in Thai cinemas on November 22, 2007, and opening on 146 screens, the film was a commercial hit earning a total of US$1,305,125 on its third week, and earned good reviews as well from the critics. It also dominated Thailand's 2007 film awards season, winning the Best Picture category in all major national film award events, including the Thailand National Film Association Awards, Starpics Magazine's Starpics Awards, the Bangkok Critics Assembly Awards, Star Entertainment Awards. And more importantly, Love of Siam is now also Thailand's official entry to the Best Foreign Language Film for the 81st Oscars Awards.

But to go back into why I sooo loved the film, I just had to say that director Chukiat Sakveerakul had such a good material in his hands, a great amount of sensibility both in dialogues and direction (showing Thai culture as it is today), and he was blessed with very good actors as well. He has shown not only the "young" love between two teenager males but also the love of a mother for her lost daughter, for her husband, showing as well an unrequited love...of a young girl falling for a gay friend, and of love on the friendship level. Sakveerakul's unraveling of the story is so much like the special gift giving style he showed at the onset of the film where Tong initially gave a piece of paper to Mew. Mew finds out that that piece of paper leads to another clue in a piece of paper that leads to a part of a gift, then another paper that has a clue that leads to another piece of the gift until one finds the gift itself.

At the end of watching the film, the Filipino viewers that night in Cinemanila 2008(which were all so openly appreciative and affected by the film judging by their reactions during the entire run of the film) were gifted with the beauty of the story of the film itself. And gays in the country, no matter how jaded or highly-sexed, I'm sure, would, in their hearts of hearts, find themselves awashed clean, remembering a special love in their lives, re-awakened anew by how strange and wonderful love could really be upon watching this beautiful beautiful gift of a film.

P.S.
My favorite part would be that bed scene where Mew explains the source of his loneliness to Tong-- about his fear of losing a loved one and the pain that goes with loving that person. At the same time, Mew has learned to accept that it is impossible for anyone to go through life without loving anyone. Then Tong enfolds Mew in his arms and lets Mew to rest partly on his chest.

A Visit to The Rafe Store (Rafe Totengco) in Greenbelt

2008-10-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

I finally had the chance to visit the Greenbelt (Makati city) branch of bag designer/maven Rafe (pronounced Ra-fee) Totengco. Yes, Rafe Totengco is a Filipino (raised in Bacolod) who previously designed for Schizo, a clothing line under Sari-Sari Store prior to his leaving for New York in 1989 to study at New York's Fashion Institute and Technology. The Rafe Store opened in March 2008 and I finally did get to see his bags up close on my birthday. Of course, I had a grand time doing so with the helpful assistance of amiable staff Mitch. Rafe Totengco has been based in New York for almost 18 years now and his bag creations have been seen in the arms and hands of Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Giselle Bundchen, Adriana Lima,among others. In Rafe Totengco's recent blog, I read that he did a collaboration with Amy Smilovic, the designer of Tibi, on a limited edition collection of bags. If only for his bags, I would have loved being a girl! :) I wish I'd bump into Rafe Totengco himself on his next visit in the country.

Eating Healthy at Healthy Shabu Shabu

2008-09-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

The Healthy Shabu Shabu branch at Shangri-la mall recently invited media people and their kids to a Kids' Workshop on learning the basics of eating shabu shabu or the Japanese variant of the Chinese hotpot. Shabu shabu, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced beef and vegetables cooked briefly in simmering broth at the table. The word "shabu shabu" itself is said to refer to the sound of the ingredients as they are swished back and forth in the water or broth.

In her welcome message, owner Candy Hwang explained that making children eat healthy and finding eating places outside the house for them is proving to be quite a challenge for parents these days. Hwang, who is a mother of two kids herself, stressed the importance of developing a healthy eating habit among children by bringing them to dining places that encourage them to eat healthier food.

"Letting them prepare their own food, like what we do in Healthy Shabu Shabu, is a good experience that instills in them some of the basics of good nutrition. We can teach them about balanced eating, high and low calorie meals, low-cholesterol foods, and nutritious yet tasty meals," explains Hwang.

Hwang views the cooking involved in their restaurant as an interactive activity that allows kids to choose which next ingredient to put into the boiling pot.

The workshop proper was facilitated by Vicky Barrera, mother of three and owner of Tiny Kitchen. The first step involved choosing which shabu shabu platter to have, namely: the vegetable platter, and the seafood platter and the optional high protein diet from the beef and lamb platter. Barrera started off by asking the kids present at the tablet to identify the ingredients to be cooked before them. From the vegetable platter, the kids corectly identified the green (or Baguio petchay) and white Chinese cabbage; black mushroom and carrots and tomato, along with the beancurd, meatballs, and crops such as sweet corn and yam. From the seafood platter, the kids identified the shrimp, squid, mussels, sea cucumber, and fish. The platters come with a serving of noodles: vermicelli or the flat white egg noodle.

With white aprons around their waists, the participants and guests learned that the secret to having a perfect shabu shabu was in knowing how to boil which ingredients first, without overcooking any of them. For the vegetable platter, for one, Barrera advised the eager and hungry guests to put the sweet corn and yam first since they need the longer cooking period to soften. One could then eventually add pieces of the leaf vegetables and beancurd along with the meatballs and beancurd (ingredients should not be left boiling for more than 30 seconds). The vermicelli noodles should follow next, which should be boiled not longer than 20 seconds. To make the soup flavorful, one should add in the shrimp, squid, mussels, sea cucumber. The fish should not be boiled for more than a minute. The egg noodles were added last though by that time, the participants were already busy eating their fill of the cooked ingredients that were dipped in a barbecue sauce made from chopped garlic, onion, chili, special base sauce and spices.

But are the pots safe for the kids? I did try touching the surface of one pot and was surprised that it was not hot to the touch even as the ingredients were boiling. The attending waiter said that the pots were made of special material to ensure that skin burns arising from accidental touching of the surface of the pots would not occur (just do not turn silly and dip your finger into the boiling water). Hwang stressed that their restaurants use electric stoves controlled by a remote instead of the traditional LPGs and with the cords neatly tucked from sight.

After having our fill of the shabu shabu meal that lunch time, we were treated to black gulaman halo halo for dessert. And my Nanay (Mom to you zozi creatures), who I brought along, obviously, could not be happier!

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Healthy Shabu Shabu has branches at Powerplant Mall (Tel. No 898.3979/895.6300), The Podium (Tel. Nos. 914.1028-29), SM Mall of Asia (Tel. Nos. 556.0354-55), Robinsons Galleria (Tel. Nos. 633.1979/632.1634), SM North The Block (Tel. Nos. 442.0036-37), Alabang Town Center (Tel Nos. 850.6633/850.6976), Robinsons Midtown (Tel. Nos. 526.2981/529.3983) and Shangri La Plaza Mall (Tel Nos. 910.3272/632.7532).

The KFC Shrimp Surfers TV ad in the Philippines

2008-09-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

My latest fave TV commercial, of course, is the one by KFC introducing their shrimp meal (KFC Shrimp Surfers) to its Filipino customers. For those who have yet to see it, this TV ad involves a group of male friends in a meeting room. One of them suspects that someone in their group is gay, and another comes up with a faster way of identifying this gay friend by pulling out the new KFC Shrimp Surfers. The gay in the group literally squealed with delight, with a pointing finger to match, modulating his voice to its base level just as fast when he became aware that his friends had found him out. But the heartwarming thing his guy friends did in the end was to give him a group hug, saying outright that they accept him for what he is. So, my congratulations to the advertising agent of KFC who did this KFC Shrimp Surfers ad and to KFC as well for being this cool about gayness in the Philippines.

Here's the TV ad:

Philippine birds: Pied Fantails in our backyard!

2008-09-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

I didn't know what kind of bird it was. I became aware of its presence in our backyard garden in April 2008. I was taking my afternoon siesta then when I awoke to its metallic raspy chirping (I remember hearing those same bird sounds when I took a vacation in Siquijor island years ago). I tried to look for it from inside my room and peeking from the window, saw it: a black and white bird. I was so used to seeing the common Eurasian tree sparrow that this bird's presence was a welcome sight. I had tried getting a photo of it at that time but it was too swift for me.

And yesterday, after hearing its familiar bird call again, I rushed to get my Canon (a Powershot A620) and, finally, I was able to get a photo of this bird. I couldn't get close enough as our two hyperactive dogs were there ready to smother me with their profuse show of canine love. I think I was about 16 feet away when I took the shot (hence, forgive the quality of this photo). And as soon as I could, I searched for a matching photo in the internet (I checked http://www.birdwatch.ph) and finally I was able to identify the bird: a pied fantail!(Rhipidura javanica)

According to wikipedia: "Fantails are small insectivorous birds of southern Asia and Australasia belonging to the genus Rhipidura in the monotypic family Rhipiduridae. Most of the species are about 15 to 18 cm long, specialist aerial feeders, and named as "fantails." The notes from birdwatch.ph says that its habitat include parks, residential areas, thickets and mangroves, and are common in most open areas, constantly flitting out of and among branches, fanning its long white-tipped tail.

The great thing was, that I got a photo, too, of the female pied fantail. Tim Fisher and Nigel Hicks in their book "Birds of the Philippines" said that the fantails occur singly in pairs or small groups. The http://www.birdforum.net described the female of it as having "rusty brown rump, upper tail coverts and wings," and a smaller breast band blotched with white. (do correct me if I have the wrong female bird here).

It's a good thing perhaps that my mother had planted some red hibiscus (which she pruned 'til it grew tall like a tree) in the garden and two Christmas palms and a pair of heliconias. Spiders love spinning their webs around their canopy of leaves. And perhaps the birds could have had their fill of flies in the dung of the pigeons, which my brother kept near the area as well. Haha. What a thought.

So, here they are: the fantail couple in my backyard.

Top 10 Filipino TV Commercials and Memories

2008-09-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

During a lunch with friends, conversation drifted to television and eventually to favorite or memorable TV commercials one remembers. There was a brief pause and then the answers came flooding in.

The first replies had everyone instantly in stitches. One mentioned the TV commercial of Ola detergent bar and proceeded to sing the song at once complete with the wave of the hands. Another butted in with the song from White Castle whiskey TV commercial that had the guys in the group chorusing about the signature red two-piece suit worn by the woman riding the white horse. The others in the group looked on in puzzlement, quick to say that it was a Jurassic piece of ad for them. In an instant, hands were all over the necks of the ones “in denial.”

Admittedly, being asked about one’s favorite TV commercials through the years inevitably opens trunks of memories. Preacher Pierce Harris could not have put it more aptly when he wrote in his column at the Atlanta Journal that memory is like a child walking along a seashore—“you never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things.”

Surfing through some of the local message boards revealed such “treasured” memories. In one such message board, we encounter people happily recalling TV commercials made for 680 Home Appliances and the ditty “why don’t you shop around with your friends…” or of the Bear Brand “Look at my mole” grandfather. These are mentioned in the same breath as the TV commercials by both La Germania and Tecnogas ranges. There is also the rubbing alcohol ad that popularized the lines: “Di lang pampamilya, pang-Sports pa!” In another, there is a mention of the deathless ad of lion-tiger katol where this white guy delivers the memorable line: “sa lion-tiger katol, lamok ay laging teypok.”

The Lion-Tiger katol ad is a proof that local ad agencies had been capitalizing on humor early on and the revival of this has been noted by John Hunt, film jury president during the Cannes 25th year International Ad Festival held in Cannes, France. "I've seen more humor back in advertising. Maybe we're allowed to be a little lighter, which I think is a happy return from a few years ago when you felt guilty if you laughed."

It serves us to remember that in 1984, it was humor, too, that clinched for the ad of San Miguel Beer the very first Creative Guild Television Ad of the Year award. The TV commercials showed, among others, the late Bert “Tawa” Marcelo, Rico Puno, and the late boxer “Flash Elorde” right in the middle of deciding on the best “pulutan” to order that would go best with their beers, firing off with suggestions of “inihaw na pusit,” two plates of “kalderetang maanghang,” three large bowls of “crispy pata” until, at last, Elorde butted in to tell the waiter “Bigyan mo kami ng isang platitong mani.” (Give us one plate of nuts.) The line “isang platitong mani” became a favorite catchphrase among Filipinos when placing their orders at restaurants that it even became the title of a local movie.

The Philippine Advertising Counsellor that created the said TV commercial was obviously in tune with what advertising guru David Ogilvy himself preached. Ogilvy cited “slices of life” and “dashes of humor” as among several elements that make TV commercials register in the minds of the market it is trying to capture. Taking more than a hint, San Miguel Corp. pulled a stunt anew in 1988 and came up with its Gold Eagle Beer commercial hit involving Christopher de Leon and the late Jay Ilagan in a billiards game—who wouldn’t remember the lines “Abangan mo sa right corner pocket, sumakay ka pa!” (Wait for it at the corner right pocket. You can even ride the stick.)

One such TV commercial that capitalized on humor was the Fita biscuits ad where a guy gave half of his biscuit to an old lady who turned out to be a fairy. The storyline concluded with the guy being rewarded with half of a red sportscar. Seen on another level though, there is definitely more than humor to the said commercial as TV audiences related to the value of generosity ingenuously floated in the said ad. Value-laden ads, obviously, almost always score a ten from TV audiences as evidenced by the easily recognizable dialogue in a TV ad between a grandfather and his supposed granddaughter:

"San ka ba galing, Gina?"
"Lo, Karen po..."
"Kasi, ang tagal na nating di nagkikita, Gina"
"Lo, Karen po...."
"O sige, kain na, Gina."
"Karen po!"
"Ito, para sa paborito kong apo... si Karen!"

Back on the table that lunch time day with my friends, one was quick to contribute the hit 45-seconder Sarsi cola commercial in 1989 that came with a song that opened with the lines “Hindi ka ba natatawa, o kaya’y nagtataka? Ganoon nga ba’ng talaga? Pare-pareho na lang ba?...” (Don’t you find it funny, or don’t you wonder? Are things really that way? Is everything the same?), praising its production values as well and the way it played up the Filipinos’ sense of pride. Others in the group claimed the TV commercials like the Jollibee’s “Isa pa, isa pang chicken joy” ad, the Carlo-infatuated hotdog-eating girl, or the Coca-cola “ito ang beat sabay-sabay” ad as belonging more to their milleau. Everyone was in agreement though on the popularity of “Tolits” of the Tide commercial series or of “Aling Oba” of the Surf commercial series. The “queens” in the group were not to be left out and threw into the discussion the PLDT commercial involving “Billy”and further raved about the Pond’s commercial involving two guys holding hands in public.

Having had our fill each of an afternoon of discussion and remembrances of TV commercials we all have grown to love through the years, we headed back to our own work desks convinced of the creative energy involved in TV commercials and the power of the same not only in involving us individually in the products being sold but, more importantly, in reflecting and hearkening to otherwise forgotten aspects of ourselves as well.

(See related topic: The KFC Shrimp Surfers TV ad in the Philippines)

The Discovery of God

2008-09-19T02:11:00.000-07:00

The Discovery of God: Abraham and the Birth of Monotheism by David Klinghoffer

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting and engaging read on Abraham's life. I had to read slowly through the first three chapters but after that, I had a grand time reading through it. Klinghoffer is not an academician discussing the bible but is one who takes you into his journey of discoveries. I am thankful for this book because now I am able to understand more why Sodom and Gomorrah was burned down. And that satan is not necessarily the demon we've created in our graphics but is, in fact, merely the "accuser" within us.

View all my reviews.

Tahong chips, ampalaya chips, calabasa crispy strips, etc.

2008-09-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my journalist friend Roel Hoang Manipon brought with him tahong chips (local mussels grounded and fried), bottled and ready to eat adobong tahong, calabasa (squash) crispy strips, and even ampalaya (bitter gourd) chips. They were all from Bacoor, Cavite. The tahong chips and adobo were processed by the Ocean Fresh Tahong Products located in Siniguelasan, Bacoor, Cavite (tel. no. 046-434-1824 / 0918-6199689). The ampalaya chips is a product of Farm Delight (tel. no. 046-434-1824 / 0918-6199689). Roel informed me that they were also toured to old houses in the area and that he tasted some great halo-halo, whose ingredients had been handed down from one generation to another. I'll link you to his article once he's written it.

I tried the ampalaya chips and it has a bitter aftertaste, but nevertheless, is a true gourmet find (I suppose the part of the ampalaya that went into it were the leaves. A bit of a warning though: I felt a little dizzy eating this chips). The adobo tahong, too, was a bit peppery for me. The rest of Roel's treats I heartily ate away.

The Greeks in the Philippines

2008-09-18T02:52:00.000-07:00

To regular Manila commuters, Adamson University is easily identifiable as one among the string of educational institutions that dot Taft avenue, along with Manila Science High School in the corner of United Nations Avenue to Sta. Isabel College down to the Philippine Normal University near SM Manila.

Others may have even referred to it simply as the school near Masagana supermarket. But only a few, aside from its students, knew that Adamson University was founded by the Greeks. This is among the interesting and eye-opening facts that one learns from the 151-page commemorative hardbound book, which the University published under current president Rev. Fr. Gregorio L. Bañaga, Jr. to detail its 75th year of existence in the country.

On the cover of the book is the digitally composed group picture of Vincentian priests, the Adamsons and some members of the faculty, a picture that dates back to the late 1800s. At the lower half of the cover is the 1948 photo of the St. Vincent Building. On the back cover is the St. Vincent Building (the University) as is stands today in San Marcelino street.

The story of the Adamson University is ingeniously presented under 75 chapters, which the editorial team referred to as 75 “touchstones” or standards against which the University’s success can be measured.

A Grecian Mind
Appropriately, the chapters start with “The Adamopolous Odyssey” presented in a two-page timeline form ably helped by a sprinkling of pictures serving as a brief backgrounder on the University founder himself George Lucas Adamopoulos. Readers come to know about Adamopoulos’ birth in Parnassus, Greece in 1899, to his completion of his degree in Chemistry at the University of Athens, to the changing of his surname to Adamson (“poulos” means son in Greek) in Australia in 1928, to his employment in a distillery in Albay, Bicol, and to his eventual establishment of the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry in Manila in June 1932. It was Adamson’s firm belief that what the country’s educated sector needed to learn was “applied chemistry” for the Philippines to benefit from its wealth of natural resources that either lay unused or were amassed for export. Adamson saw the opportunity to manufacture such raw resources.

Following the principle “a maximum amount of practical education in a minimum amount of time,” George Lucas Adamson, together with his cousins Alexander Athos, and George Athos Adamson, started teaching a night class in a one-lecture room setup at the Paterno Building on Plaza Goiti, Sta.Cruz in Manila. They also created the Adamson Technical High School, which employed the teaching methods and techniques of top European schools at that time. The secondary education offered a variety of specialization courses that by 1935 it numbered to 40 including sugar technology, commercial preparation of fruits and vegetables, mining and metallurgy, ceramics, soap-making, leather and tanning, essences and foods, and glass manufacture, among others. The Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry held its first commencement exercises on June 30, 1934 with 76 graduates, four of whom were women. For a newly-established Philippine Commonwealth, this development was a big push towards the country’s goals of becoming an industrialized nation. The School eventually evolved into the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry and Engineering in 1936, and finally into the Adamson University in 1941. The University grew and with the Philippine government’s thrust of nationalizing all alien-controlled schools, Adamson, not a Filipino citizen himself, saw it prudent to turn it over to the Vincentian priests on December 4, 1964. The rest, as they say, is history.

Adamson Under the Vincentians
And who were the Vincentians? The Vincentians arrived in the country in 1862 tasked as they were by ecclesiastical authorities to educate the future priests in the Philippines. Almost sixty percent of the Philippine ecclesiastical hierarchy were trained by them. Among the alumni of the Vincentian-run seminaries were Cardinal Rufino Santos, Cardinal Julio Rosales, Cardinal Jaime L. Sin. The Daughters of Charity, who were also under the Vincentians, runs today’s Colegio de Sta. Isabel, the school beside Adamson University (interestingly, the book states that the College was originally established to educate orphans of Spanish officers, and later on, girls from poor families).

To date, the Vincentians actively runs the Adamson University with its ten colleges offering over 50 courses. The University also currently has a Basic Education department comprised of high school and grade school units with computer subjects, along with the St. Vincent School of Theology, which offers graduate courses.

Overall, this commemorative book provides a stimulating and easy read on the interesting history of Adamson University, helped by a good layout. One gets amused, for example, by the story involving alumnus Andrew de Real who, on being reprimanded for his exuberance inside the school library, declared that he’ll someday build a library where one could laugh to his hearts content. Thus, was born the popular comedy bar in Malate called The Library. Adding further to the readability of the book are light-hearted short features on the Adamson students’ casual fashion sense, their favorite hang-outs, and snacks available around the campus.

More importantly, the book has clarified for the readers Adamson University’s key place in the history of the country’s crucial stages at becoming an industrialized nation, and is a fitting ode to a Greek who made the school’s existence possible.

Frog Legs!

2008-09-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

Whoa! It's my first time to eat fried frog legs, that oh so loved cuisine of the French and the Vietnamese! And the verdict? Well, as the cliché goes...it "tastes like chicken." Hehe. Well, wikipedia has an explanation for the cliché (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tastes_like_chicken): that chicken, in truth, has a bland taste because of its lower levels of glutamates or that which makes food savory. Hence, anything that tastes bland would be referred to as tasting like chicken.

In any case, I finished two frog legs that evening. (My dear friends Myra and Amiya helped me eat the rest, of course. And thank you Ms. Bubbles for this treat!)

Filipino writers go blogging to draw readers in

2008-09-16T03:12:00.000-07:00

Sept. 16- I attended the Pistang Panitik lecture at the SMX beside Mall of Asia. Present were Filipino writer/bloggers Marnes Kilates, Dean Alfar, Vlad Gonzales and Sonny Villafania.

This happened within the event Manila International Book Fair (already on its 29th year). There were at least fifteen people who attended the lecture. It was basically meant to let people know that some of our Filipino writers have happily found a kind of second space for their writings, no longer bound by the question of where to put their writings when there are no available publishers around. For Dean Alfar, blogging, he said, reacquainted him with his writing gift, having had to set aside his creative guns to work for an advertising agency. Then his closest cousin died and when he finally started on his keys in his laptop, the words just flowed out. There was no turning back for him since then.

During the open forum, writer Abdon "Jun" Balde, Jr. asked if the writers in the panel were not afraid of de-valuing their creative work (i.e. novels, poetry) by posting it online. That their work would lose their value in print and people would no longer buy the printed copy. Alfar answered it by saying initially that he did not have such a fear, and went on to explain that, in fact, most writers in the U.S. had gone into posting whole novels online. But instead of losing out in print sales, the sales of their books actually went up. People did buy the real thing when they read it online and liked it.

I share Alfar's views on this. After the said talk, I went around. If you were there yourself, it would have seemed like Solomon's treasures, and any bibliophile would have hyperventilated and panicked. And the good news is, tadah: that Filipinos came and bought books. I saw students calculating in their minds what they could buy with their extra allowance, old people in wheelchair followed by their maids, mothers with their kids. Powerbooks and National Bookstore had the largest booths, but the other printing houses, whether school based (UST, U.P., St. Paul,) or private ones, did have their fair share of the sales (which, come to think of it, shouldn't be so surprising, as branches of Booksale, that second-hand bookstore, have already cropped up everywhere...which means they're thriving...which means Filipinos are buying books...and reading).

Developing the Filipinos' love for reading is still at the core of these writers's reason for going online, they admitted, and not for the blogging money. And yes, they are letting the world know that they exist in this corner of the world.

I left the book fair with a sudden craving for dark chocolates.

Ma'am C

2008-09-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sept 13, 2008- She was my Chemistry teacher in high school. And a very good one at that. By a chance encounter with a dance group from my high school visiting my current office, I was able to get her mobile phone. We had planned on meeting two Saturdays ago. The first Saturday I had a flu. The second Saturday I was in a wedding event in Island Cove as one of the coordinators for my events group. So there, finally, we met in Gateway, Cubao. Ma'am C texted that she'd meet me in Body Shop. I was hoping secretly that she would look more or less as I had remembered her. And Ma'am C was as I had remembered her, only this time, she was in casual clothes: she was wearing a dark pink top and had her back to me cupping both hands to her nose. When she turned to face me, Ma'am C immediately gave her hands for me to smell (which I did) telling me that it was the same lotion they put on her at the salon, where she had her nails done just hours ago. She had dark pink nails. Ma'am C had remained single. All I could initially tell her was that she was "preserved."

I took her to Starbucks where I immediately started my barrage of questions on each of my classmates or whoever I managed to remember. I learned that they had a mini reunion in Music 21 in Malate in 2004. I asked about E, A, G, R, N, and all the other classmates I could think off. Most of them had families, one was in Australia, one in Dubai, two in the United States. She had mentioned C and J as the two who had been in touch the most times with her. We started to peel away at the years we had not seen each other. We then watched local film "For the First Time," one that was partly shot in Santorini, Greece. She had started to talk more just as the film was about to start, and then broke off from talks about my batchmates and started to talk about going home sometimes to her condo unit only to stare at the lizard on the ceiling. The previous Monday she said, she found herself crying. She stopped her story when the first scenes came on view.

We finished the film, had dinner and talked some more about my classmates, us her students, and then it came-- a line or two about her P7,000 monthly take home salary (less all the loans she took). I rode a cab with her to Monumento where she took another ride to Bulacan. Before boarding, I gave her a tight hug, her spirits somehow lifted.

Reunions always border on the surreal, don't you think so? For one, it's like taking out your photo albums accidentally and suddenly remembering bits and pieces of memories from all the photos, only this time, one's memory is supplied with other surprising information. There were the pots of plants being hurled down from the school's top floor by some of my male batchmates during the Junior & Senior Dance Ball. There was the issue of our fourth year adviser Ms. M (who died from a heart attack) getting jealous over the attention our class gave Ma'am C, who was then our third year adviser.

For now, such memories acquaint themselves with my older memories, the former creating a cushion of space for it.

Love Songs (Les Chansons d'Amour)

2008-09-12T02:58:00.000-07:00

Sept. 11 - I was able to watch the opening film of the 11th Cine Europa with my friends (Myra, Amiya, Noee, Che, Rein and her friend Rod, Ms. Bubbles & her husband) at Shangri-La Mall in Shaw boulevard.

The film was "Love Songs" (Les Chansons d'Amour) by Christophe Honoré.

The Cine Europa booklet states:

"This modernist musical about love and loss in Paris centers around a young couple, Ismael (Louis Garrel) and Julie (Ludivine Sagnier), who in the hope of sparking their stalled relationship, enter a playful yet emotionally laced threesome with Alice (Clotilde Hesme). When tragedy strikes, these young Parisians are forced to deal with the fragility of life and love. For Ismael, this means (after the death) negotiating through the advances of Julies' sister and a young college student (Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet)--one of whom may offer him redemption."

It was a beautiful film. The singing was initially off putting but the direction was brilliantly. In my mind, I was imagining a film of my own, with a story strung together around the songs of the local band "Aegis" songs like "Halik" etc. sprinkled with, let's say, Jessa Zaragoza songs and a few ones from Noel Cabangon thrown in. But I digress. Seventy percent into the film and I felt, like the rest of the audience perhaps, that I could not really guess how the film would end, and it was exhiliratingly engaging towards the end. And when the closing scene came, I was absolutely smitten by the film.

This is a spoiler for those who haven't seen the film but I would say that the last words from Ismael were the ones which will be most quoted by the audience:
"Love me less but love me for a long time"
...words that were sealed by a kiss no less. (I wish I had the original french words).

Catch all the other films until Sept. 21. Check the screening schedule at www.delphl.ec.europa.eu or call Shangri-La cinema.

Reinerio Alba At Large

2008-09-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Leaders Filipinos Deserve

2008-09-10T00:11:00.000-07:00

Last Sept. 4, I brought along my sister Sheryl, and officemate and friend Myra, to attend the Leadership Forum organized by the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) secretariat in Asian Institute of Management, Makati City.

I have been wanting to see Pampanga priest-turned-governor Panlilio in person along with the polio-stricken Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela. Their David vs. Goliath stories have been well covered by the media (and thank God/Goddess for that): in 2007, Panlilio, or "Among Ed" among his supporters, went against incumbent Governor Mark Lapid and board member Lilia “Baby" Pineda; Padaca against Faustino Dy Jr. in 2004. Both had only the solid faith and support of their constituents for the alternative leadership/politics they were offering. And win they did.

That evening forum in Makati brought Padaca and Panlilio anew with new-found allies such as Ifugao's Gov. Teddy Baguilat, Mayors Jesse Robredo of Naga City and Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. The forum became a venue for the young people (who paid P100 each)to listen to their struggles and their current experiences being in the shoes of leaders in their particular towns and provinces. We later learned that their group earlier visited Mapua school where they also gave talks.

Gov. Panlilio was the first to arrive and he proceeded to sit directly at the front row by himself. Since we were just a row away from him, we asked him for a quick photo shoot, shameless photo animals that we were. I only managed to say "Good evening, po," and briefly contemplated touching his hand to my forehead when the camera clicked. Then a group of three approached him, then a group of five, a couple, then a grand queue. One would have thought that no less than Ate Vi was there.

Padaca arrived just after the opening remarks was delivered. And all heads did turn to her direction when the host announced her name. Oddly, though she was in crutches, she seemed to have floated altogether tackling that strip of floor from the back of the room onto the stage. All that time, she had this smile that seemed to bless each face it met, and one's heart felt comforted at once (ok, it might just be me exaggerating but the whole room of about 200 people came to a calming joyousness when she began walking, something akin perhaps to seeing Pope John Paul II walk right by you, when he was alive, of course). No wonder, she won over the hearts of the people of Isabela (in 2004 she had at least 40,000 votes over Dy).

And so each told their story. And they were the proof and the story. In the end, listening to all their stories put the fire back in one's faith that there is still hope for the country, that there is hope in wishing for good governance in the Philippines, that there are good people who are willing to put up a good fight and be the good changes that they want to see in the country. That good Filipino leaders are not a thing of the past. That if a cluster of bad people can bring ruin to our country, then good people can buck the dirty brand of politics this country has seen and make smart changes. That is if Filipinos would support these good leaders, we will have the government we finally deserve.

These local officials have banded together under the Kaya Natin! a movement for genuine change and ethical leadership started by Harvey Keh of the Ateneo School of Government. You all will be hearing more of this movement as they are set to tour around schools and other institutions in the country. The Kaya Natin! movement calls for a platform of ethical leadership, good governance, transparency, social accountability and electoral reforms.

Eryyne Eryyna, the 11-year Old Actress in "Congkak"

2008-09-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

Sept 1, 2008 - Eryyne Eryyna, the 11-year old child actress in the Malaysian film "Congkak" made a courtesy call at our office with her director Ahmad Idham. Mr. Idham is also the director of the movie Mr. Cinderella where he also acted.

Eryyne speaks fluent English and looks a bit like my niece Sofia. I asked her about the paint they used on her body. She said that it was airbrushed onto her and took all of two hours to apply. She said it had been fun for her acting in the movie and had not been scared at all. The film is about a haunted house and a family who survived through it. The "congkak" or the "sungka" we know here in the Philippines, is featured in the film.

"Congkak" will have its regular commercial run in the Philippines on Sept. 10. For details, go to http://movies.mwig.com or search for it in youtube.

Human Encounters 101: Foreigners in the Philippines

2008-08-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

Aug 29, 2008(Friday)- It was quite an encounter. I was just about to leave the office to meet my friends in Robinson Manila when I received a call on my mobile phone. It was Roel Hoang Manipon, my journalist friend, and fellow lover of life and knowledge. He said he met two foreigners (one German guy and one Spanish woman) by the gate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in Intramuros. He asked if I could bring them along with me since I was just about to have dinner and the couple were looking for a place where they could eat. I obliged and relented eventually (perhaps for having nothing better to do, hehe, telling myself that this was something new). I met them and, after a brief introduction of sorts, Roel left them to my care just like that.

David is a teacher from south of Germany (i still couldn't get the exact name of his town to this day) and Nai is a marketing person from Madrid. I took them to Robinson's Manila where we met the rest of my friends (Jenny, Myra, Nydia, and Rene). We decided to take them to this strip of grill "houses" along malate, in front of Tia Maria's. They ordered mostly veggie barbecues (tofu, eggplant, tomatoes) while we had "sisig". They initially begged off when we told them that "sisig" was the meat and skin off a pig's head, but they got curious and eventually tasted it and found it delicious. Afterwards, we headed for the videoke bar Synder's in Nakpil where I sang Freddie Aguilar's "Anak" for them (they heard it back in Coron, Palawan, where they also met the legend himself, Pepe Smith). Nai graciously relented to our request and sang The Police's "Roxanne" and Shakira's "Te Dejo Madrid." Later, they left ahead and met a friend in Penguin's Cafe while we stayed on singing to our heart's content.

The next day, we (Nydia and I) met them by lunch time at Quiapo church. I told them about what little I know of the Black Nazarene and the annual procession every January. David was amazed to find Jollibee beside the church itself (commerce & religion do mix). Outside, Nai bought the seven colored candle (at P20). Randomly, she handed out candles to us: green candle (money & good fortune) to Nydia; red candle (good health & for family) to me; and orange candle (career & success) to David. Afterwards, they both bought the pirated CD of Freddie Aguilar at the Carriedo street. Then I bought unripe mango along the way and they were surprised by its sourness. I also had them taste the "panutsa" with peanuts. Then, we walked over to the Ongpin street (the Sta.Cruz side) and met Myra. We had a very late lunch at Chuankee restaurant or the Fireman's Cafe beside the Binondo church in Ongpin still. David tried the beef noodle while Nai ordered for lumpia and fried tofu. I got the kiampong and shared some siomai with Myra. They insisted on paying the bill. Afterwards, they asked if we know how to get to Makati for a cockfight derby. We asked them for the exact address in their Lonely Planet guide. We squeezed ourselves inside a cab going to Tambo, Parañaque but there wasn't any cockfight scheduled for that day. We were told that we could catch one in Zapote, Alabang, so off we zoomed. Myra had to ask the lady at the entrance if we could get in for free as we were only there to see the show and not to gamble. We were allowed free entrance and we got seats in the balcony section (second floor) where we got a good view of the fight. The crowd expectedly were men and they were curious at first with our presence but then went back immediately to placing their bets when the cocks appeared inside the ring. David had a grand time catching some of it on his digicam. Fifteen minutes later and we were all a bit disoriented with our first cockfight, specially after seeing blood squirting from at least 6 pairs of fighting cocks lacerated as they were by the "tarik" or blade in their feet. Then you had the whole buzz of the "kristos" dealing out fast hand signals to bettors left and right. "Shocked" was the word I had when David asked me how I felt. We took the bus out of there. I fell asleep in mid travel and when I woke up, we were already in Buendia. We then transfered to a bus going to Ayala because they said they wanted to see Makati. They were amused to see this side of the country. Passing through Landmark, David bought a pair of brown Dupé slippers, immediately throwing the Thai flip flop he had. We settled into eating dinner at Fuzion where they had this bed set up outside. David & Nai only had salad as they were still full from the Binondo lunch. The Filipino that I am, I ordered the rice meal arroz ala cubana. :) Nai amused us when she went around barefoot while waiting for our food to arrive. She came back asking us about the salary that the lowest paid and the highest paid Filipino worker were getting in the country. We told her at least P300 a day for a minimum wage earner. She made some calculations in her head and told us that the amount was just the price of 6 or 7 magazines in the nearby stall. They told us that they were surprised to encounter the two faces of the Philippines: the one earlier in Quiapo and that of Makati. David said that in Germany, one would not see that much disparity in terms of lifestyle among his people. We then left to catch the MRT because they said they wanted to experience it for themselves, so we walked to the Ayala MRT station. We all got off at Taft avenue and got a cab. Nai immediately asked the cab driver to load the Freddie Aguilar cd onto the player. We dropped off David in his hotel in Heritage, and (how amusing that) with Freddie Aguilar singing in the background, the mood became a bit sad. Nai exchanged email addresses with David. They were not even a couple. They just met in Palawan. They had a handshake as a last parting act. On the way, Nai said that, previously, when she emailed her friends about her visits in other countries prior to the Philippines, she wrote them 6 pages of writing, but with her Philippine visit, she said she would perhaps just manage to write them a paragraph (because she couldn't tell them exactly about her good experience here, and she wouldn't know where to start). She gave each of us a tight hug, and when we last saw her entering the gate, she saw a familiar face outside and talked with the person awhile. We sped off into the night, very much thankful for the encounter.

Looking back, I thought, in whatever skin we are in, we are still, after all, residents of this planet, a planet that is at once really really big, and really really small. And each encounter with another human being, no matter how far removed from us, is but an occassion at becoming more human.

Real Estate in the Philippines: Face to face with the Fil-Estate King

2008-08-27T03:32:00.000-07:00

Aug 22 (2008), Ortigas.-- I attended the launch of the "new" Fil-Estate at the Mega Tent along Meralco Avenue.

It was a great event and old and new agents alike celebrated the strong comeback of the real estate giant. Fil-Estate Chair Robert John L. Sobrepeña was there to proudly announce to his Fil-Estate family about Fil-Estate's new found thrust:

"All our sales will be conducted with the new and effective Pre-Development system. This means that our products will be available for sale only when they are fully funded and substantially completed...Gone are the pre-selling days of model units and fancy brochures. I believe that if there is a risk on any project, it must be squarely on the shoulders of the developers."

As most would know, Fil-Estate was the hardest hit during the real estate slump, and many projects were of course affected. Sobrepeña assures people that they are now taking the reins again and taking up the challenge of developing real estate with the clients' best interest in mind, hence the new tag line : Real Estate, Real People.

I've been to the sites and they were incredible!(the photo above is the one near St. Luke's Hospital in Quezon City--it's a condo but it's in a townhouse style). In case you want to see their best projects to date, do go quickly to leisurehomes.multiply.com

And of course, I just got to have a snapshot of Mr. Sobrepeña with me that night. :)

Meeting the "Dayo" Creators One Rainy Friday in August

2008-08-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Hey! :) Last Aug. 15, 2008, I got the chance to interview and meet in person Mr. Jessie Lasaten (the one in mocha polo) and his group at their office in Greenbelt Mansion in Makati. Wow! I had a grand tour of their office and I even got to see the resin figures they made of the main characters of their latest film "Dayo" (foreigner).

The film is the first all digital animation film made locally and they'll be entering it for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. It's a story about Bubuy and his adventures in Elementalia where he meets creatures like the local mananangal (winged half creatures). Mr. Lasaten says the budget for the film reached a total of $1million. They showed me a preview of the said film and I was amazed and proud that, finally, a 4-year old production company took on such a project.

What pushed Mr. Lasaten to do the film, he said, was that he was able to do, this time, a full orchestra score for "Dayo." He admitted that it had always been his frustration. Saludo naman ako sa kanya. Ang mga pelikula kaseng Filipino di ba lagi na lang isang kanta lang sa buong pelikula na yun. Un na nga ung title, paulit ulit pang pinapatugtog throughout the film, haayy. Hehe.

With me in the photo here are director Robert Quilao (in black shirt) and Erwin Escubio, finance director.

You can view a sample trailer of "Dayo" at http://www.dayomovie.com/

P.S. Also, I wrote an article on Lasaten and his team and the Dayo project. Do await for it in the November issue of Entrepreneur (Philippines) magazine.

Meeting the SEXY MOM!

2008-08-14T02:34:00.000-07:00

Last July 1, 2008, I was able to attend the seminar "Riding the Web 2.0 Wave: Issues and Challenges in Research and Advocacy Today. This was sponsored by the Institute for Labor Studies and Vibal Foundation at the DOLE Ople Hall in Intramuros, Manila.

Being involved in a government web site myself as a content editor (www.ncca.gov.ph), I soaked up all that was discussed during the seminar. Web 2.0, coined by O'Reilly Media in 2004, is a phrase used to describe a change in the way people use the internet. I was particularly taken by the presentation of speaker Robert Matthew Romero. He said that these days, we have become our own broadcaster, our own DJs, our own publisher. Because of the internet, people have ceased being merely an audience. Instead, we have become participants and collaborators, with our content contributions becoming the media. WE HAVE BECOME THE MEDIA. He pointed to currently existing Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, wikis, social networking sites (flickr, friendster, multiply, facebook), social bookmarking (http://del.icio.us/.), RSS (really simple syndication, which makes it possible for people to keep up with web sites in an automated manner), and mashups (hybridb applications, i.e. google earth project). Romero posed the challenge to government agencies to take advantage of these Web 2.0 technologies to bridge what he termed as the Digital Divide. And that the sooner government agencies start using the Web 2.0 technologies to extend their services to the public, the sooner will the end users benefit. In relation to this, the participants were introduced to Wikipilipinas, the country's own online encyclopedia built by the readers themselves. This knowledge sharing and dynamic content building was also exemplified for the participants in the web site http://www.filipiniana.net/

The highlight of my attendance to the said seminar, of course, was my encounter with the Sexy Mom herself. Ask any blogger, and chances are, they've heard of Sexy Mom. Sexy Mom is Ms. Dine Racoma whose own web site has already attracted 331195 visitors (as of Aug 14, 2008 when I checked)based on the blog counter that said: "since 2006". Try googling "sexy mom," and her web site comes up on top of the list. Yes, she candidly admitted that she has received flak for the label "sexy mom" as one reader had once confronted her. But she explained that her reason for using "sexy mom" was far from what that reader had harangued her for. She explained that she started that blog after retiring from the corporate world. She became conscious of her figure, and one time, she asked her children if she had started to look fat. They replied that she was the sexiest mom for them. Hence, the now famous tag for her site. But lest you think she was writing sleazy material, go check http://dine.racoma.com.ph. She writes about almost anything, sharing with the readers lessons in her experiences, even by merely writing about her granddaughters. And rather than take a beating from that angry reader, she has since shared her knowledge and energy with a web site that is helping erase the sleazy image attached with the word Filipina. She happily talked about the web site http://filipinaimages.com/, which she co-founded with Noemi Dado and Lorna Dietz. The site is a collaborative effort of all bloggers who believe that the Filipina deserves a more empowered, better image online. Her presence for that afternoon's seminar was by itself already a proof of her message. That yes, Filipinas are sexy, but more importantly, that Filipinas had, all along, been carrying worthier labels. So, I was happy that afternoon to discover, so to speak, a proud sexy Filipina mom. And this photo here is my proof of that. Don't you just love us here? :)

Mermaid in Atimonan, Quezon

2008-05-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

I am sharing this photo of a mermaid's statue in Barangay Angeles, Atimonan, Quezon, which, my sister was able to capture in her camera. I searched through the google for other such similar mermaids by the sea. Of course, there's the famous Little Mermaid in Copenhagen Denmark. But the only other mermaid by the sea I've seen is the one in Mazatlan, Mexico (the Grand Cayman mermaid is in the sea floor). I think the local barangay should make something out of this. It definitely is a spot worth visiting.

Hello Fabulous 2008!

2008-01-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hello fabulous 2008! Wow, I've been quiet here for the last three months. So many things have happened since then. Hmm, let me start with what I've been doing these days.

For one, my "The Secret" audio files (by Rhonda Byrne) are on a constant play in my phone. I play it on my way to work and back while in transit. I'm really happy that I came upon Byrne's book. And I'm keeping the audio files on my phone to help me remember "to remember." It clarified things for me and helped me tilt my mind towards prosperity, bliss, with love being the fulcrum to all my dreams and aspirations. Nah, not the romantic love, but love in its true form. If one is able to stay in this frequency of love, one can attract every wonderful thing, experience, person (even all the money) one wants. That's the secret let out of the bag, which is not really a secret. We just had to be reminded of that one important ingredient in living a truly magnificent life. I'm happy to report, too, that last Jan. 12, I've attended the seminar "How to be Truly Rich" by Bo Sanchez with my sisters and friends. We re-learned about tithing (10%), about allotting 20% of one's income for one's wealth fund, then another 20% of it for emergency fund every month...about being financially secure, -intelligent, and -responsible in essence. And that we are created for wealth and not for poverty. But the one message that he said that made perfect sense, too, is that "the purpose of wealth is to love." So, these days, I'm keen about building my wealth, and adding upon my Vision or Dream Board, which is a board where I put all my wished-for things: car (BMW M5 or M6, Toyota Prius); watch (Rolex perpetual oyster); house designs, dream vacations with my family (leaning tower in Tuscany, or the Fountain of Trevi in Rome, or the whole of Europe, for that matter, Disneyland California, a talk with Oprah Winfrey, or Bono, or Madonna, or Daniel Radcliffe, or Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, etc.). These are practically anything I've longed for or secretly wished in my life, even my dream of having my own corporation that helps Filipinos realize their wealth powers and their significance in this planet. And I am telling you that I am having a grand time sourcing these photos and pasting them onto my dream board, which is in fact, my computer. You should see all these photos as they show up one by one on my screensaver! Hehe. I know that in time I'll manifest each of these desires. I've also just watched a National Geographic Channel show on aliens (I missed the title) and it was a great discussion in the sense that it brought the talk of aliens to us mankind here back on the planet; that we are, in fact, the aliens, with the bacteria coming from Mars reaching the earth eons ago inside an asteroid. That we should, in fact, no longer need to look outside earth in search of aliens, but that we should realize that we are the heirs to such so-called "aliens". This was followed the next day by a show titled "Birth of the Universe," and this all the more reminded me of the core stuff humankind and all things here on earth are made of: essentially the same materials that can be found in stars, in all things spread out in the universe, and that we are still very much part of this creative process, which the universe is still undergoing. We are o-n-e with this creative process. The sooner we realize this, the sooner all of us will experience and set off our magnificent lives.

I'm in this frequency right now and I am elatedly happy! I wish you the same frequency of love wherever you are! :)

My Zygote Day

2007-09-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Sunday), I spent half a day reading Suzanne Finnamore's The Zygote Chronicles. I love love love Suzanne Finnamore for this!

Reading Finnamore's book made me wish my mom was a writer then. Or for that matter, that everyone's mom should have been a writer so that during the period when our moms became pregnant, something great like Finnamore's book would have been written for us to look back on...something for us to really reflect on the moment our humanoid brains finally kick in or even before we make a mess of everything. No matter how disillusioned or embittered you've become, I think you could've easily grown a heart just knowing that your mom made efforts to record her thoughts (we hope not so anti-you) while you were a cutesie yolk up to the day she delivered you out into this world (and the cake would be the day she publishes it into a book, dedicated, no less, to you). Finnamore made me burst into laughter reading passages from her book. Absolutely brilliant! I would kiss her hand when I see her! If she allows me. :)

olivia

2007-09-11T22:47:00.001-07:00

I just read this book by Ian Falconer today! And I sooooo love it!

"What is Rei?"

2007-09-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

The following is a letter I received from a long-time friend:

"hi friends.

i need your help.

i am trying to recover my old yahoo http://us.f521.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=manilaroughs@yahoo.com) it turns out my secret question is "what is rei?"

i've run out of ideas to the possible answers.i really hope you guys can help because i've been using that email account since i started using e-mail for my stories. so that's roughly five years of background .

i stopped using it two years ago when i changed the password after the tribune was raided. but unfortunately in my panic i forgot the new password i used."

Benjamin B. Pulta

____

Here is my response:

September 6, 2007

Dear Benjie,

Pareng papalabs Benjie, if this letter is true, this would be, to date, the most and only endearing letter you've written to me since we've known each other, and I would say, a most unusual one. Haha. But before I run the risk of being labeled as an egotistical maniac, o kaya primera klase ilusyonada, I will proceed in leading you to the possible answers to your question. I am not promising to lead you to any correct answers here but I will try.

First, there is the task of answering "What is Rei?" I will help you answer this only in the context that I think (and I will assume) I am the same Rei being referred to here. Admittedly, I am not prepared to answer why a standard question like "Who is Rei?" has become "What is Rei?" At best, I can only assume that the "what" in this question is merely a convenient word used and makes the question easier to answer. I could answer: "It is a name." Or if I have the time, I would further volunteer "It is a short name for Reinerio." As to the question "Who is Rei," I can, of course, devote a line, a paragraph or even a book in an effort to answer it and yet never fully come to a definitive answer still.

But, before I get carried away, this is clearly, not a question for me to answer. This is a question, which you created for yourself Benjie and hence must be answered by you alone. To answer this would involve all your thoughts on Rei at the time that you created your yahoo account. And it would greatly help to remember why the hell, in the first place, you chose to put in "What is Rei?" as your secret question? Bakit nga ba? Secondly, would you be able to remember your emotional state at that particular time? Were you happy? Were you angry? Were you hungry? Were you crazy at that time? Whether as a whim or as a well-thought out secret question, I trust that you still are able to remember. I know that you can trust your instincts on this one. I will suppose that, five years ago, in 2002, I, or your idea of a Rei is already a well-formed enough idea or concept for you to put it in as a secret question for your yahoo account. I think it would help to remember what was Rei for you in the year 2002. Where was Rei and what was Rei at that time in your life that such a Rei would merit such a position as to be a key to a password that would unlock your most important documents? What were your word or thought associations with the Rei idea, or more importantly, your substitute words or ideas for Rei? Was Rei substituted for any of the following template question words from yahoo then: "favorite pet," "favorite subject," "favorite game"?

In any case, I will not and do not think that you created the said "key" question out of any spite for me. Otherwise, why bother associating Rei with something that you have to significantly remember, sometime, at one point. Hence, this explains the flattery in my heart in receiving this question letter from you. I am so happy in receiving this letter that I do not even mind if the possible and eventual answers to the question "What is Rei?" would include "baluga," "bakla," "kulot," "negro," "negrong bakla," "faggot," or other such words for low life creatures you can think of. I do not mind at all. If Rei earned those associations, then Rei would take them. And if the answers to the question would turn out to be "gorgeous," "darna," "dyesebel," I'd be in cloud 9 and I'd probably treat you to an ice cream sometime soon. The important thing for me Benj is that you put forth the question and I am answering it here as best as I could. Or that you are trying to remember as best as you can. Rei was there. Rei is here. And I think that is all that should matter. Cheers!

Always,
Rei

P.S. Happy Birthday!

Quentin Tarantino in the Philippines: So, Quentin Tarantino it is!

2007-08-28T03:01:00.000-07:00

Hi. Sorry if I haven't visited for such a long time. So many things have happened the past two months that I haven't really taken the time to write things down.

There was the ASEAN Performance and Arts Workshop (July 26 to August 8, 2007) where I met a wonderful batch of Asian artists from ASEAN member nations. The range of arts experiences they all brought with them were all so varied and enriching that I knew I could not win any "Best in Talent" award if there ever was one during the cultural night. I am humbled and elated again by the thought that the universe had, again, found a way to bring me into such an experience with Asian artists. I had many constraints holding me back from leaving the country at that point (and well, for this period) but I guess I needed that experience, too, to bring me back to my other self...the creative self, which is my more powerful self. So, the universe found a way, and I cannot imagine the elaborate means and ways the universe bothered itself with bringing in these artists to my side of the planet-from the manifestation of the invitations to each country, to the processing of the tickets of the various artists, to their actual presence there in the workshop with me. I am in awe again of the power of the universe in actualizing things, when I least expect it, but just at the exact moment when I am ready for it.

Then, the following Wednesday (August 15), just when I thought I had missed out on seeing Quentin Tarantino (yes, the director) in person, I encountered him in Malacanang where an event involving my office was held. So, that explains the photo here. :) I could not possibly have maneuvered or even afford, at the least, any encounter with him (I don't even have a visa to go the United States). But hey, the photo is here and I could just raise my kisses to the universe.

And last August 17-18, I was sent to a two-day seminar that I was not even intent on attending (a seminar on good citizenship, imagine that). But then again, there I encountered, for the first time, the idea on "social artistry" espoused by Jean Houston, author of "A Passion for the Possible." And I know in my heart I made the right decision in coming to that seminar despite the typhoon that passed through the city that day.

So, again, my soul is delighted to write these things here.

the world we live in

2007-06-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

From Eric Butterworth's You Make the Difference

" What is the world like to you at this moment --your world? Actually, no two of us live in the same world at any time. Your neighbor may be having a headache, so his or her present world is pain-clouded. Your child may be out playing in a world of all laughter and fun. Your business associate may be poring over charts and statistics, planning a new campaign -- a world both thoughtful and serious.

And you--what of you? Is your world happy, harmonius, healthy? One thing is sure. If anything is making you less than happy right now, it is not likely to be doing so a week, a month, or a year from now. Can you remember what was bothering you a year ago today? Of course not. Your world is constantly changing, and thus a tremendous technique that can give you mastery over life's ups and downs is this: in the face of whatever seems to be irritating or worrisome, say emphatically, "This too shall pass."

You see, your world is made in the image and likeness of whatever you most consistently believe in or give attention to. It follows then that you cannot think one thing and get another. If you are thinking trouble, you will get trouble. Fortunately, the reverse is also true by reason of the same law. If you think health, joy, peace, and love, you will get more of them."

french viewing and tessa prieto

2007-06-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Last June 8 (2007, Friday), I was able to get my hands on a few tickets (thanks to Ms. Weckerle) for the show "Company 9.81," an aerial acrobat show by artist Eric Lecomte. This was a part of the French Spring 2007 events this year.

I originally intended for my niece to watch a repeat (as rumours had it) of the fascinating show "Pokemon Crew" because she was so much into percussive dance these days. But there were no repeat shows that night for these incredible dancers who seemed to have gums for bones. Let me backtrack a bit here. I watched the Pokemon Crew (the current group to bag the hip hop dance world title) performance last June 6 and I was mesmerized by the six guys (read: eyes fixed on their abs). Ten minutes into the show and I realized how generous the universe can really get. I did not have to fly out of the country to watch these guys. All I had to do was to be there (and bug my friend Sid for tickets).

Anyway, so there we were at the Little Theater. I have center orchestra tickets but I gave my mom, niece and three other girl officemates the ones nearest to the stage while I huddled with my sister Nymph (real sister, as in blood sister) further back. A few minutes into the performance and I heard a swish of a gown to my left. Lo and behold, there was Tessa Prieto in her signature fabulosa gown. That was my first sighting of Tessa (deep down I knew that I'd meet her one way or another) and I wasn't dissapointed-- she came like a princess. And so, on with the show. Lecomte was the king of weightlessness on stage: sliding like a fish onto the floor then swinging on a limb next like there was no danger beneath him, or that the whole stage itself was water into which he floated effortlessly.

The crowd loved him and we all gave him a generous amount of applause at the end of the show. A few minutes later he re-emerged and wrote something on the slides projected on the wall. The audience could not read clearly what he wrote and so he blurted out "salamat po" and that, of course, earned him another round of applause. There was a forum that followed where the members of the audience did get the chance to ask Lecomte questions. Among Lecomte's answers was his fascination with gravity and that other show he did in the mirror facade of an actual building a few stories off the ground. No, he did not have any special diet: he ate what he could. And no, he did not go to the gym. But yes, certainly, he did have some accidents in the past. He said he's also open to teaching the kind of acrobat skill he performs if there'd be classes that would result from a cultural agreement between France and the Philippines. And just when we thought we had heard all that we had wanted to hear, Tessa raised her hands. She had managed to move forward to the center seats, and there, in her orange gown, asked about the red balloon that Lecomte used in his performance and how it flew about on the stage and up into the beehive-like coverings of the Little Theater ceiling. Lecomte responded that it was a trick and as all tricks are trade secrets, he could not reveal how he'd done it. But he told Tessa that if she would be that insistent, he would later tell her about it backstage. That, of course, went well with the crowd.

Later, I learned from my officemate and friend Sonja that seated in the same row with them was a snooty French guy (who was gorgeous, nonetheless, the time I sneeked a peak at him later). Sonja told me that, at one point during the show, when my other officemates were commenting briefly on the performance, the guy suddenly told them to stop talking. And their mouths, of course, went promptly into their pharynxes. I told them later that they should have told the guy "arret por vous!" or some other bit of french words they could muster. After all, the performance was a totally visual one, not an aural experience. Anyway, they decided to enjoy the rest of the night and went straight towards Lecomte at the stage and had their photos taken promptly with him.

I went ahead through the side exit, and before long, Tessa was also exiting the same side. Of, course, the kikay that I am, I went and asked to be photographed with her. And of course, my nanay, my sister, and my officemates and friends: Caleta and India (true amigas that they were) followed suit. For that moment, at least, we were weightless. :)