Beauty and Beast

It was 2006 when typhoons Milenyo and Reming both hit the country.

The Bicol region was one of Milenyo’s hardest hit areas. Having not yet fully recovered from Milenyo’s aftermath, the region was once again hit by a typhoon that was twice as powerful as Milenyo. The strong winds and the heavy rains triggered an unforeseen massive landslide that killed more than a thousand people. While everyone was sitting comfortably in their homes in Manila, the 1814 Mayon eruption that wiped out the whole town of Cagsaua has repeated itself and eradicated not just one town. All that remains from lush rice fields and sturdy houses is a broad black dessert and the stench of bodies decaying.

Beauty and beast

Houses used to stand here

Seeing something on TV is far different from being able to experience and to see it in person. This was an eye opener for me. Each person has a sad experience to tell but what moved me most was the story of a kid whose family was wiped out by the flood together with their house. The boy was able to escape the flood that swept a portion of their house. But realizing that his family is gone, he decides to join them and jumped into the raging mud and water. I am still wondering what was running in this boy's mind.

Can you book my next flight?

Inday,

I’ve been trying to look for something interesting to share to you. I have been unsuccessful for several days until yesterday.
I left home in a good mood and had a relaxing drive going to a meeting in Pasay City. Several hundred meters from my destination traffic built up. It should have been a five minute drive from where I was to the venue of the meeting. My temper started to go up until I saw a sign.

He is my source of power.


Later in the day, I was driving back to the office when I saw a very interesting Travel and Tours office. The name of this friend of mine is very unique that it came as a surprise when I saw a Travel and Tours office named after her. She is based in Davao and the office is in Quezon City. What are the odds for that to happen? Amazing! Although I have to clear with her maybe sa kanya nga ito. Perhaps she can help me in booking my succeeding flights to Davao. ;p

My friend in P. Tuazon, Quezon City


And I thought she is in Davao


Hope all is well with you Inday and please get well.

Ayo! Ayo!

The voice can be deceiving

Inday,

Guess what, Dodong got promoted. He’s not just a driving anymore, he is now a collector as well. Great isn’t it? ;p Well it is 8:07 p.m. now and I am still at the office. Was already planning to leave but our boss instructed us to stay, not clarifying why, just stay.

Yesterday morning, I was at the Maynilad Water office for a defensive driving seminar our company conducted for Maynilad. It was a struggle talking to people because I had a headache. I think it was due to lack of sleep because I only had a few hours sleep the night before. My headache was distracting me the whole day but I had a moment of relief during lunch when I saw something that reminded me of a friend in the southern part of the Philippines. What’s interesting is that this friend of mine has her way of reminding me of her, but I sense that she is unaware of this. So we had lunch at The Old Spaghetti House along Katipunan Road in Quezon City, I asked for the menu and when I opened it this is what I saw…

Much for Lunch


This gave me a slight relief of my headache. I wonder how this friend of mine is doing. I hope that she is eating well since she made her presence felt to me over lunch.

Last Saturday, I was invited by my colleagues from my previous employer to go in a comedy bar. We went to Zirkoh, a comedy bar owned by TV personality Allan K. I was hesitant at first because I was trying to recover the expenses I made for my Kadayawan Festival trip last August. Since my friends assured me it will be fun, I just neglected the Php 500.00 entrance (non-consumable) and Php 85.00/bottle red horse. Ang cheap no? But they were correct, I had a great time. There were performers who you would think they were female if you would just listen to their voices. Legit ang boses.

Opening act at Zirkoh


Pambansang Ilong


Regine Smith (boses Regine Velasquez, mukhang Pepe Smith)


Congressman Poohkyaw made an unexpected appearance. Ang galing din niya. What I find impressive with stand-up comedians is how fast they can come up with punch lines.


But the main highlight of the night for me and my male colleagues was Rufa Mae Quinto. She is jaw dropping. I was speechless… until now. ;p I feel I am drowning when I am staring, probably ogling, at her.


At the end of the night, we spent more than Php 1,000.00 for 12 bottles of beer and a serving of onion rings. Whew. Would I go back? If Rufa Mae will be there I would definitely go back. Haha. ;p

Ayo! Ayo!

Forever Young

Inday,

There was a birthday party I attended two several weeks ago that I did not expect I will enjoy. It was the 50th birthday celebration of a “tita” (she’s not really a relative but I just call her tita) and I thought that we would just have dinner. I was looking forward to the dinner because the caterer, Classic Cuisine, serves excellent crispy kare-kare (to my palette’s disappointment, they did not serve kare-kare). Anyway, other than the delicious food, the highlight of the party was the variety show Tita Girly and her friends prepared for those invited to the birthday.

Here is Elvis na napakawalan sa kusina


Tita Girly and friends dancing


The Birthday Kiss


When she was just about to blow her candle and making her wish, guests started to tap their glasses na parang wedding. It was fun. Tita also looked happy with her birthday. Previously have an impression that birthday parties for this age will not be so interesting for me, but I had a great time. Sana sa 50th birthday mo eh ma-invite ako at mag enjoy din tayo like this. Haha.

Ayo! Ayo!

Behave and Be Good

Inday,

It has been a while since I last made an update, ang dami lang nangyari in work that took my time in making updates. Before giving some updates, I first have a chismis to share na kung malaman mo eh baka matulungan mo ako in helping this friend of mine.

Meron akong friend who is currently torn, he currently has a relationship that he and his current girlfriend is trying to fix, which they are close to achieving, but met this person whom for some reason he feels na nag-click lang sila (let’s name them kiat-kiat and durian). Why they clicked? It is possible na nag-click sila because they are both undergoing some concerns on their respective relationships, pwede rin nag-kaintindihan lang sila kaya nag-click bigla after just meeting twice or feeling lang ng guy friend ko na nag-click sila. Sana lang hindi yung last ang dahilan. Anyway, his girlfriend is starting to sense that he may be losing interest in the relationship. I cannot fully say that he is but what I know is that he appears to be in a stage na nag-iisip kung tama na ba yung napili niyang significant other. Ayaw niyang eventually matali and magkaroon ng regrets later on na may pinalagpas na mga tao. Alam mo my friend can’t get enough of this new person he met, parang droga ba. His dilemma now is he wants to get to know durian more at kung meron pang level higher dito eh ok lang but is restrained to because of kiat-kiat. He could take his time and wait what will happen between him and kiat-kiat kaso durian may no longer be available kasi meron nang mga taong from durain’s past na binabalikan siya whom I sense she still has strong feelings for. My friend is torn, he’s thinking of taking a huge risk but is afraid to because of many concerns that include the distance ni durian na hindi niya mapapalaki at maalagaan all the time. Anyway, bahala nalang si batman at si Lord sa magiging tadhana at kapalaran nitong friend ko.

Oh my Gulay!


This is a resto I discovered in Baguio that only serves vegetables, super healthy dishes. The place is called Oh My Gulay! What I like about this place aside from the food is the ambiance and art works that surrounds the restaurant. The place is owned by national artist Kidlat Tahimik and has displayed several of his works there. Also, the place becomes a meeting place for artists in Baguio where they get to share their works. It also acts as an art gallery. I took the photo a few years back, it caught my attention in this particular time because of how serene and/or relaxing the place appears to be at ang sarap umupo, view art works, be inspired and think. I really need to think hard sa gusto ko maging kapalaran ngayon.

Idagdag sa bucket list


This may sound morbid but did you know that my friend and durian already has a bucket list. Imagine they just met but now they are preparing a list of things to do together before they die (pwede rin together or mauna si durian then immediately after si friend ko). The list is already long and recently nadagdagan but na-check check na naman ung mga dinagdag. Well although the place above is already over rated, but I think it will also be nice if this was included in their bucket list, sit down on the powdery sands of Boracay with a shake on hand and just watch people walk as the sun sets.

Anyway, this will be all for now since I have to take a bath and go to work Inday. Before I go, kiat-kiat told my friend to “behave” before my friend left for Davao, durian on the other hand told him to “be good” when they separated in the airport. Wala lang, just sharing.

Ayo! Ayo!

A godfather again?

Inday,

How do you choose a godparent for your child? I was invited to be a Godfather for two of my nephews this year and I am wondering why my cousins chose me. Is it because I can be a good role model for their children, do I appear to be generous, do they see me as a father figure that their children can run to or do they just find me handsome? Haha.

When I was a kid, I was dreaming of a Godparent who would always give me gifts on my birthdays and Christmas, or a godparent who would always give me “aguinaldos” on Christmas and New Year. But being an adult now, I am not sure if I can be the ideal Godparent I had when I was a kid. Magastos pala ang maging ganon. Hopefully I would be able to make up to my godchildren.

Sleeping Soundly

Proud Dad

I gave two pairs of baby sneakers to Noah because that is the collection I want to start now. Let’s see if I would be able to influence him on this interest I have now. Wanted to give him a camera since that is my ultimate interest, but he is just too young to be able to use one. Haha.

Ayo! Ayo!

Final Moments of my camera

Inday,

There is a hole in the wall steakhouse I discovered sometime June where there is excellent steak, generous servings of food and most important of all, cheap. The place is called "Everything at Steak". I like it a lot that there are now many places in Manila where you can get excellent food with prices friendly on your pocket. You just have to be adventurous and patient to find them. The T-Bone Steak that comes with a cup of rice and generous side dish costs only Php 195.00.

Pumpkin soup (Php 120.00 ata, I can't remember the price)

My T-Bone (Php 195.00)

My camera died two weeks ago, brought it to the service center but the repair would cost half of its price when I purchased it. The repair cost would also let me buy a new point and shoot camera so I am torn whether to have it repaired or just buy a new one. The problem with buying a new one though is that I still don't have cash and I could just save the cash to buy a new DSLR. Oh well, bahala na muna si Lord.

Here are the last shots I was able to take with my camera before it gave up.

It's time for french fries

Warming up before the drinking climax

Something new I discovered

The FINAL shot

For the meantime din, the lolo cam is always with me.

Ayo! Ayo!

From Quiapo to Laguna

Inday,

Dodong is going old school again. I went to Hidalgo last Saturday to buy several rolls of film. In case you are not yet familiar with the place, Hidalgo is a street in Quiapo, Manila where you can buy cameras, photo supplies and other camera accessories very cheap. If there is “Banawe” for car parts, there is a “Hidalgo” for photo supplies. Hidalgo is a photographer’s heaven. Ako feeling photographer lang but I also regard this as a heaven because I get to buy films cheap. How cheap? For films that are being sold for at least Php 100.00 in malls, I can get it for half the price here. Similarly, I was able to buy a camera for my sister that costs around Php 32K in the mall less than half the price (I just bought it for her, it was her money). To give you an idea how it looks like, Hidalgo looks like a public market. It is a small street near the Quiapo Church and Plaza Miranda (I hope you are familiar with your Philippine History) where stores selling photo supplies and camera repairs are to be found side by side. Then, in the middle of the street and right in front of these stores are vendors selling clothes, fruits, kakanin, carinderias, etc. As I said, it is a market.

It has been more than a year since I last visited Hidalgo, the last time I think was when I bought my sister’s camera. I had two objectives last Saturday, first was to buy fresh stock of films and the other was to buy a spare battery for my old school lolo cam. First objective was successful, bought 20 rolls of films. The second objective on the other hand was not because it turns out that the battery I was using for my old school cam is already phased out. I went into most of the stores along that street but all said they had none. However there was one shop that I suspect to be selling that particular battery but the owner refused to sell one for me because I did not buy films from him. Before I purchased my films, I first went inside his shop to canvass. When I came back to ask if he is selling the battery I was looking for I saw him stare at my left hand (the hand that was holding the 20 rolls of films that I bought) then looked back at me and answered it was out of stock; he then mumbled something in Chinese after. If I was only Chinese then I may have understood what he mumbled.

Quiapo. I took this photo two weeks ago when my camera was still working, I happened to pass by the area on my way home. On the right is the Quiapo Church, the church where the famous Black Nazarene is kept. Then in front of the church or the middle part of the photo is Plaza Miranda. Hidalgo st. is also almost in front of the Quiapo Church.

I spent the rest of the weekend in Lake Caliraya in Laguna. Lake Caliraya is a man-made lake built in 1939 by US Army Engineers with the approval of late President Manuel L. Quezon intended to generate hydroelectric power for Southern Luzon. The photos below were taken a few years back when I went to Caliraya with my cousins. Our family from my father side was already staying in Pansol, Laguna during that time. I got bored and asked my cousins if they were interested to go on a road trip. I borrowed my uncle’s FX so that the seven of us would fit in. Take note that we were seven, three were seated in front (I was the driver), two in the middle then another two at the back. They were all couples and I looked like a tour guide during that trip.

Caliraya Lake

Ang mga turistang couples (My cousins in blue and yellow are ADDU graduates)

We went to several towns in Laguna during that road trip and our joy ride included a visit to the Japanese Garden near the Caliraya Lake. Via Cavinti, Laguna, one would be able to pass by the entrance of the Japanese Garden on his way up to the lake.

Japanese Garden

A small cemetery inside the Japanese Garden

Shrine honoring Japanese war veterans

There are other interesting places I was able to visit in Laguna. I will try to compile the photos and would share them to you on another entry. For the mean time, I will now get some sleep.

Ayo! Ayo!

Film is not dead

Inday,

My trusted camera crashed Friday night. I don’t know why. All I can remember was that I was playing with its settings, found something interesting that would create “artsy-fartsy” photos then when I tried using it again, it won’t turn on. As a result, I was not able to capture incriminating moments of my colleagues like I always do. How unfortunate.

I brought my daily companion camera to the service center this afternoon. Since I am used to having a camera with me always, I took my old bulky and heavy camera that was handed down from my grandfather to my dad, then from my dad to me when I was in grade 5. Imagine how old this cam is? Despite of its age, it still takes good photos. The only downside is it is costly because I have to buy film and have it developed. Also, I have to finish a roll, actually five rolls, before have it developed so that it will be cheaper. But the wait and anticipation on how the photo would turn out is fun, exciting and rewarding if it turns out great.

I also love looking at photographs that were taken on film. There is a unique sensation or feeling that it brings me. The colors are also very different from photos taken from a digital camera. I don’t know if I am sad that I won’t be able to use my daily pocket digital camera or excited that I would again be able to use my old film camera, I find it bittersweet. Was looking at some of my photos that I took on film while I was writing this and I feel inspired, which is good. May start shooting on film again… need to save up again Dodong.

This is my nephew during the funeral of my grandmother. It was raining that afternoon which explains his rain coat.

This photo was taken in Davao City. I forgot where exactly but I know it’s on the side of Ateneo de Davao facing the Marco Polo Hotel. It just so happened that the three of us were in Davao, I was attending a family function while they just got down from Mt. Apo. We decided to meet up and have a drink at a place behind Ateneo.

There is a restaurant in Baguio City called “Oh My Gulay” that serves vegetarian food. It is owned by the national artist Kidlat Tahimik. I like going to this place because of the delicious food and “artistic environment”. Dapat lang because it is owned by a national artist. I took this photo after I finished my salad and pasta.

My friend has a tattoo on his back that he kept from his parents for quite a while. When he decided to show it to his parents, the reaction of his mom upon seeing his tattoo was “Ang laki!” (It’s big!)

Went to Atok, Benguet to volunteer helping coffee farmers and be immersed on how they live. I was there several friends and met interesting people like Redg (the guy in the middle). He is a CoffeeAider, he organizes trips similar to what I joined to.

I like what I am seeing here, I think I really need to start shooting in film again. Surprisingly, despite the presence of digital cameras there are a lot of film enthusiasts coming out, maybe it’s time for me to join this group again. Film is not dead!

Ayo! Ayo!

I am barbaric!

Inday,

In movies, you always see barbarians having big meals, whole roasted pork on the table, big whole piece of turkey or chicken that they eat with their hands. This sort of happened to me last week when I had a whole chicken just to myself. Yes, 1 whole chicken all for Dodong.

Chicken all you can

When I was still a young little boy, I remember of always going to Max’s for lunch or dinner and would always have the Chicken Dinner platter with rolls instead of rice. We would always go to Max’s when my parents want to eat outside kaya I had a phase wherein nagsawa ako with this fried chicken place. But this is gone now, what I have at the moment is a strong craving for this juicy and tasty “sarap to the bones” chicken. It is very timely that in celebration of its 65th year of frying chicken Max’s Friend Chicken has a “Chicken All-You-Can” promo for only Php 165.00. When I saw the billboard of this promo, I said to myself that I have to try it to satisfy my craving; I had my chance last week.

"Chicken arena"

The Chicken All-You-Can promo is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. I arrived in Max's a little before 9:30 p.m. so I only had 30 minutes to eat as many chicken as i can. Did you know that Max's Fried Chicken was named after Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher, and that the special chicken recipe we all enjoy now was created by his niece Ruby? Now you do.

1st round

Chicken are served ¼ piece at a time, the waiters would offer another piece once you finish the first one. My rice and chicken was served, but before I can start, I had to prepare the perennial perfect match for Max’s fried chicken, Jufran Banana Ketchup with Worcestershire sauce (Mother's Best Hot Sauce is optional). With the special sauce ready, I started to eat.

1 whole

I finished a whole chicken. I thought it would be easy but it was not. Despite the struggle, the challenge of eating a whole chicken was very satisfying and filling. How I wish that Inday was able to join me in this barbaric-like meal, maybe soon.

Anyway, Ayo! Ayo! Muna for now.

Lola Basyang: Hindi ka na estudyante iho!

Magandang umaga Inday!

Metro Manila did not expect for Basyang to hit the metropolis. Worse, residents did not expect for it to be that strong; all I believe were unprepared. Past forecasts were far from accurate; PAGASA declares a signal no. 3 over Metro Manila but neither winds nor rain were experienced. There was also a time when it was sunny all day contrary to the declared signal no. 2. These I assume were some of the reasons why people took Basyang lightly.

Gloomy Tuesday afternoon (deadma lang ang mga tao sa threat ni Basyang)

When the winds started to pick up, I was in my room busy surfing the net. I can hear the winds starting to howl. I was neglecting all these until electricity was cut-off. It was only then that I realized that Basyang is not a weakling Lola. Sleeping was a struggle because of the strong noise; Basyang blowing hard over Metro Manila is creating. But most importantly I was concerned that something may hit Simone because she was parked outside of the house, completely vulnerable to the wrath of Basyang.

Morning came and the first thing I did was to check on Simone. I was very glad that nothing happened to her. What surprised me however was the effect Basyang had on our small village, mostly uprooted trees and fallen branches of old trees. Sayang.

Doggie roof

A poor dog lost the roof of its house. Kawawa naman siya kasi I am sure the dog was cold and wet on Tuesday night. Also, I hope this roof did not hit someone or something when it was flying its way to our lawn.

Basyang even reached Bicol

More branches

Wednesday morning made me and my sister realize we are no longer students and how student life is in a way better than work. If we were still students then we would have stayed home or go to the mall on Wednesday since classes were suspended. Unfortunately, graduate na ta so kailangan ng kumayod. No instant vacation for you Dodong.

Dreaming to be rich moment

Another beer match

Imagine an infinity pool 55 stories above ground? What a perfect match with a cold beer! This infinity pool is on the top of the recently opened Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. I definitely would have to go to this place! Save up Dodong!

Ayo! Ayo!

OMG! Ohh! Ohh! Ohh!

Inday,

Drove to Manila last Thursday and would just like to share how the almost down-town Manila looks like (because there is a more down-town). The photo below was taken along Aurora Avenue, approaching the intersection leading to the crib of President Noy-Noy. You would see two different worlds; on the right are the old houses reflective of the old Manila and on the left is the LRT line 2 which shows the progress we are currently undertaking. From the four train lines here in Manila, line 2 for me is the most non-3rd world. I’ll try to ride this again and take photos so you’ll know why.

Old and the new

I enjoy eating in food courts because it lets me travel the Philippines through the different flavors I can find in a food court plus it is cheap. I can decide to go to Davao and be in Ilocos in a few steps. Last Thursday, I was supposed to go to the gym but was not able to because I brought jeans instead of shorts. Brilliant! Since I was already there, I decided to have dinner instead. I felt going to Ilocos and be adventurous and so I did. ;p

Melting pot of Filipino flavors

When I hear Ilocos the food that immediately comes to my mind is Papaitan, it’s the insides of a goat cooked in the juice of the grass the goat has digested. I already know how it tastes like and would like to try something new. The lady suggested that I try the Sinanglaw, which is cow insides cooked in a special broth. What is in the broth? I do not know. I’ll see if I have an Ilocano friend from whom I can ask. For my dessert, I had an Ilocos Empanada.

Sinanglaw and Empanada

It was the eve of Usher’s concert and was curious on why the stage has not yet been put up in the SM concert grounds. There were several explanations I was thinking of. One was that the stage contractor has been very efficient with its work that it can finish the stage in one day. Another was that SM want’s to maximize the sales it can generate from parking fees on the SM Concert ground. Neither was correct because the concert ground used was the open space behind the SMX Convention Center and not on where I was standing. Another smart moment for Dodong.

“SM Concert Grounds”

Was browsing through some of the photos I took and found two photos that I wanted to share one is of a child in the new NAIA terminal 2 and another is of a fire truck that is “Out of Service”.

Hello

I was waiting for my relatives to check-in for their flight going back to Davao when I saw this kid who’s lining up with her mother. Wala lang, ang cute lang niya maglaro. ;p

Out of Service

The photo of the fire truck was taken in Pritil, Manila a highly populated area of illegal dwellers that is highly prone to fire. I find the irony here both funny and dangerous. It’s funny because of the big sign that says the truck is “Out of Service”. Dangerous because the truck would not be able to respond in case there would be a fire. Dahil dikit-dikit ang mga bahay dito, a small fire can be like a bush fire that can spread very quickly.

Ayo! Ayo!