Northern Cebu Trip Part II - Malapascua Island

How many islands do we have again?

It's 7,107 if I'm not mistaken. :)

Cebu is not just famous for its food and culture but it is also rich with islands waiting to be discovered. Thanks again to Travel Factor, I was able to travel the northern part of Cebu. First in our itinerary - Malapascua Island.

I have to blame the weather again. It is because of Santi, we arrived in Malapascua late night. This ruined all our plans for that day. But then again, we are thankful that somehow our trip pushed through. We landed in Mactan airport safely and of course, arrived in Malapascua safe and sound. After a long trip to the port, (plus the 45min boat ride to the island) we quickly put down our bags and went to Maldito Bar and Restaurant.

Resto is equipped with drinks (soft and hard), smiling cebuanos, and a raggae band ready to play songs for you all night!

So much for that. I was so hungry I didn't even find time to take pictures of the food that was served so let's just call it a night.

*yawn*
say good morning to Malapascua!

Where is everybody?
Well, they all went out to the ocean for snorkeling. I wasn't in the mood that time, and all I wanted to do is tour the island and take pictures.

Glad I did it!

Northern Cebu Trip Part I

It was Saturday morning, everyone in Travel Factor particularly "US" who are going to Cebu were FRANTIC whether our flight is canceled or delayed. Called someone, and someone called the other so on and so forth. Finally, got a call from Tyx telling us to go to the airport. We are finally seeing some hope. I went straight to the gate and found that our flight is not included in the canceled list. There I saw Bates, sitting on the floor and we waited for a couple of hours more.

Finally, they opened the counter bound for Cebu. And as always, well considering the weather conditions last Saturday, of course, the flight is delayed. From 8AM departure, our flight has changed to 11:45AM to 12:30PM the latest. It doesn't matter anymore. What we're happy about is the fact that we are going and our weekend is going to be as meaningful as ever.

Mass of Mask!

I was outside Silay Airport wandering around. I walked back and fort looking for a ride when I saw this 2 men, holding a banner. I thought it was for me and I thought those two guys were Ai and Arvin..welcoming me back! (just joking!).

Banner says "Welcome MIguel Zubiri" and on and on. There was sort of a commotion going on behind me, and there I saw Miguel Zubiri. I was 20 steps in front of him. The thought came accross me, was he also here for Masskara? or something else? Nah! Anyway, yeah I was standing in his way and so I walked away and went outside again. A man approached me and told me that they have a shuttle going to the city. This part is exciting really. I love commuting, especially if I'm in some place else, like of course -- BACOLOD!

We were on our way to the city when the driver asked his passengers "San Kayu?" in ilonggo. Hehehe! Of course I learned a little from my Mom. Since I was suppose to meet Ai first in their office, I answered "Manong, diri sa Convergys". Hahaha! with the ilonggo accent o'course!

So, Manong dropped me off at Convergys. It was 7AM and the sun is up and shinning! I said to myself "wow! Ganda ng panahon ngayon!". Loved the heat of the sun. I mean, it has been raining in Manila so I really miss this kind of weather.

My access doesn't work in Bacolod site so I knocked at the door. He knew I'm with the company coz he saw me wearing my badge. I asked if he could get Ai for me. He let me in. I went straight to the reception and greet them! "Hi I'm L.A from Convergys Manila. Would you know if Ai's here?" Well, surprisingly the receptionist recognized me. "Welcome back Mam!". Of course I thank her for welcoming me. LOL.

Ai came right on time. We went first to her office to drop my things. She asked if I want to tour the site. I said "I already did right, 10months ago!". She wanted me to see the different masks that employees made in celebration of Masskara Festival.

Ops floor has never been this lively and colorful!

Kari na sa Bacolod

It was October 16th of Friday. I went to the airport 5hrs earlier my flight bound for Bacolod. I was so hyped up. The Cebu Pacific counters are still close and they won’t be open till 2:30AM. I took a cart and walked to the waiting area. Geesh! It was so full of people! I couldn’t find a small space for me to hung-out for a while so I decided to go up and eat. I was satisfied when I saw Dimsum n’ Dumplings. I figured my tummy could use a real warm food so I ordered their special Arroz Caldo. I stayed there for a couple of hours, but time seems to run real slow.

I went down again to check if there’s at least one free seat in the waiting area . There were a lot, actually. Thing is, people occupied all rows. They just lied there sleeping heavily not giving any space to other people. I lost hope of finding one, so I just sat down on the floor, turned on my ipod, stared at the people as they come in and look for their spot then, I fell asleep. By the way, I traveled to Bacolod all alone. 

I woke up and saw that Cebu Pac people are getting ready. Finally, its 2:30AM they flashed Flight 5J 473 to Bacolod on the TV screen! I was first to check-in!

It was only 3AM and my flight is not until 4:55AM. Chaikofi just opened. I thought I could use a cup of coffee. I went to airport straight from work and didn’t have any sleep at all. So yeah, I need coffee. I killed some time at the smoking area. Smoking and coffee has kept me calm after all this excitement.

I was getting bored...

We boarded the plane @ 4:30AM.

Waiting, waiting…I’m waiting all by myself. Reminisced the time we went to Bacolod last year. I realized that I am traveling alone. Though I’ll be with friends when I get there, still I wished I’m with the same people I was with the last time. Well, so much for that. There are a lot of things for me to look forward to when I get there. A great experience awaits me!

Finally, our plane just landed. I’m back in Bacolod after 10 months. I am proud to say that this is the home of my great grandfathers and is also a proud home of Convergys.

And, what was I excited about?

What is that great experience awaiting me?

It’s MASSKARA FESTIVAL baby!

A Remarkable Feeling

I've been frustrated since last sunday. friends have been volunteering to different private sectors in order to make a change -- help our brothers and sisters who were badly hit by the typhoon, Ondoy, while i on the other hand couldn't do anything. Couldn't leave the house, prolly afraid of getting scolded by my Dad if doing so.

I kept telling myself. I HAVE A CHOICE. I'm no longer a kid.HELLOOOOO!

Still, I decided to stay home. Watched the news in every news channel available, checking - refreshing my fb page for any update on my MIA friend, who by the way is now back online...yey! Eden, we were so worried about you! :), Looking for any inspirational prayers and post it here in my tumblr in anyway I can thinking that somehow I'd be able to send a message to my friends, prayed hard that night -- and basically doing the same thing again the next day.

But this afternoon, i felt relieved. I went to the office early enough to kick start the packing of goods. While I place the noodles in those pails I thought of the person who will receive it. While we load those pails to be delivered to our fellow colleagues I thought of the smile it would bring them.

I'd love to be there in person and be the one handing out those goods to them not because I want people to see me help them. No! but because I want to feel that sense of human in me. I'm sure, it would be a remarkable feeling. Priceless I should say.

So tomorrow, no matter how much rain it would fall I will go back and finish what we started...and then I'll pray again -- to bless those goods, bless the people behind this drive and bless all those who helped out.

It's really nice to see how many good samaritans we have in our country we thought we have lost. ^_^

In My Life

It was Tuesday night when I got a text from my boss inviting us to watch In My Life. It was before the concert when she mentioned to us that she want to watch it with us and it was before Punta Fuego when she again, reminded us how she's dying to see the movie.

It was Wednesday afternoon, we're suppose to watch it @3:30PM (as indicated in the ticket) when the lady told us that screening time is 3:00 PM. We already missed the first part of the movie, but didn't mind at all anyway.

I've never denied how much I love Vilma Santos. I've watched some of her classic movies and it was in Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan when I first fell in-love with her acting (not in a lesbiana way...). I can name a few filipino actresses who are on my list and these are, Sharon, Maricel Soriano and of course, Vilma...and not to mention Hilda Koronel. But we're here to talk about Vilma's movie. LOL.

So what's the film all about:(i'm tired writing a better summary so i'll just get it from mb.com)
In My Life -- is about a controlling single mother (Shirley played by Vilma) whose three children have grown detached from her – and she from the rest of the world – and how a visit to her only son (Mark played by Luis Manzano) in New York leads to a painful realization and, ultimately, a fresh start for her loved ones and for herself.

Ok, here we go!

Vilma never fails me. She never ever fail in making the audience WOW with her peformance. Hands down to John Lloyd who's gay acting is SUPERB. I like the scene where he puts his hand on his face and said "ang damot mo...damot damot mo..." to Vilma. I was like -- That is so gay! Galing...galing mo JLC!

Anyway, as we get to know Shirley more in the movie, the more I realized how similar her character is to my mother. Shirley is as controlling, as my mom (i hope mom takes this as a compliment.LOL). So it is obvious how much tears I shed while watching the drama scenes. Coz, I can relate!

Finally, hands down to the writers of this film and one of them is the director herself, Olivia Lamasan. She has again, created a masterpiece.

The intense drama scenes and emotions in this movie will definitely stir up the audience.

This is a must-see movie!

Smile with Bacolod

Less than 3 weeks to go before Masskara Festival begins.

I will experience it for the first time in the city of smiles, Bacolod.
Home of my forefathers.

I am also trying to list down all the pasalubongs I will buy, yet all I could think of are Napoleones and Mascovado (for my coffee!). Will also look for new masskara designed shirts as my souvenir!

I can't wait!

Fish-eye photo

But no, I'm not using a fish-eye lens. It just so happens that early morning of September 18th while I was waiting for the girls, I decided to pick up my camera and put on my 50mm lens. I also, grabbed a piece of truffles I bought from Truffettes de France. Just out of boredom, I looked at the peephole at our room's door. It was a sunny day and the light rays beautifully reflects through its tiny mirror.

I took a picture focusing closely on the peephole, making it look as if i used a fish-eye lens. I had a couple of shots, and this one, was way better than the others.

Then I thought I've improved on what kind of pictures I am taking now.
I know that people can do this, my answer is: I DON'T CARE.

Photo by: Leslie Pomicpic
Place: Room 4A, Club Punta Fuego

OUTJAM!

It started out as a simple plan, that became larger than life event. With only 2 months to prepare, the pains of pre-event planning, the agony of sleepless nights and countless of other pocket events that squeezed in our schedules down to the last minutes, we managed to keep our heads focused, kept our acts together, despite of the misunderstandings to end the event exactly how we wanted it to end --- WITH A BANG!

And so this blog, is purely for those who have extended their help, those who have supported us numerous times and never let us down, those who managed to extend their patience amidst the stress that our team was facing, to those who believed in us, to the guy named Jasper, who was brave enough to propose to his gf on stage and to our motherly director, who has always been our strength and our life-support managed to keep the teams' head held up high.

This is something to BRAG about!

We are the first to do it!

and we did it in this historical dome called Araneta Coliseum.

My first big project...and it had to be a concert. It has taken so much energy out of me, but it was all worth it. I've learned a lot of things as I went through tough times being the project head for the concert. I have no knowledge whatsoever in handling big events, not even this, but what i only have, is motivation and perseverance to pursue this despite of numerous feedback that haunted us, till the day of the event.

It's all over now. What is left are smiles from people who were there with their loved ones, over a thousand photos to cherish, and a memory that could lasts a life time.

We simply are THE BEST!

till the next event. :D

A Remarkable Landmark

It was a sunny Saturday. Pat, Eden and I decided to go to the American War Memorial at The Fort - Global City. The Fort, is one of my favorite places here in Manila and visiting this landmark, somehow, excites me. It was my first time to visit this place and lucky that I wasn't the only one. We were worried though that since, we brought our cameras with us, they might ask us to get and pay for a permit.

While we were at the entrance gate, I argued with Pat to talk to the security since she was the one driving. The guard, greet us with a "Good Afternoon" and smiled and asked for her license. I couldn't wait any longer and jumped into asking the question "can we take pictures?". He said yes, just as long as it's for personal use. He gave us a list of reminders on what not to do inside the memorial.

As I was saying, Pat was our driver. We slowed down for a bit, to get a glimpse of these beautiful headstones in cross-shape made of marble. To me, it was one remarkable landmark!

Headstones made of marble.

Engraved in these walls are the names of the men and women,
who faught for the freedom of our country.

The grass looks as if it is inviting us to lie down..but unfortunately, we are not allowed to do so.

I am so proud we have a landmark that is beautiful like this.

Gettin' High @ High Street

After an hour and a half spent in American War Memorial, it was as if it's automatic, that we go to this beautiful tambayan of The Fort. High Street's full of people yesterday and they're all having a good day. Thinking of where we're gonna have our lunch, (and because eden and i were crying to eat!) we decided to have lunch at non-other than Texas Roadhouse Grill.

My! It's been a long time since we had our lunch here!

(btw, we were so hungry we didn't get to take a picture. so i copied this in google.)

and here's my lunch!

Grilled Pork Belly with Mushroom on top!

At last! BUSOG! **burp** oops excuse me! LOL

After having lunch, we went out for a walk and as I was saying, High Street is full of people. When you go to Krispy Kreme, there's not much seats left, same with Italliani's and Brother's Burger. Lots of kids running around playing with their mommies, yappies with their adorable dogs, and studes hanging out with their friends. Just like this kid right here!

We also dropped by Hobbes and Landes coz the two were craving for a FROYO. I was so full I didn't bother buying one. I like this store a lot. Aside from delicious FROYO, the store offers educational toys for kids and board games for the young and young at heart. I also love the ceramic cups displayed at the far end of the store. Didn't get to take photos though, and didn't bother asking whether it is ok to take pictures or not.

I love this photo of me and eden right here! It shows that we really are having a good time!

thanks Pat! nice shot!

Oh well!
Weekend is love isn't it?!

Bokeh it is!

You can see my photoblog here.

Yes, I know I'm suppose to buy the lens today, but I just couldn't wait to get my hands on this precious lil' thing called nikkor 50mm.

So, after paying a visit to JT yesterday, I went back to Glorietta 5 and met up with my ever so dearest friends, Pat, Sam, and Eden, (and we're missing you nonie..).

Here are my first shots with my new baby!

Dinner at Sbarro's

David's cute and uber mini paperclip sink



Twisted red!
I saw Carla's station full of balloons! I forgot! it's her birthday pala.
Happy Birthday!





Josh's TGIF balloon.



and here are some of my portrait shots!

Here's Eden


and Patreng

I so so so love my new lens! Now, I can't wait to take more photos!

The Woman Who Changed Asia

Got myself a copy!

How about you?

Do You Know Paulino Alcantara?

If it wasn't for my sisters who got hooked up with this game, I wouldn't even get the chance to know Paulino Alcantara.

Paulino Alcantara was the first filipino and asian to play for FC Barcelona and European Club. Yes! Am talking about football here! Hmmm..I dunno with you guys but that's a fun fact for me! LOL

You can read everything about Paulino HERE.

Wow! Now isn't that something to be proud of?!

I wish there's more Paulinos in our generation.

My New Addiction

This -- is what I do. CSI MIAMI MARATHON
Watch them as they solve crimes.

Gala A La Mode

It's been a while since I went out alone. I filed for a 1-day leave last week and was glad that my boss approved it. So, I decided to go to High Street, my favorite place to hang-out here in Manila. And before I went berserk, at Pancake House (because of their delicious food!) I went to Fully Booked and see what is the best book for me to read for this week! I ran into some of Paulo Coelho's masterpice, The Zahir. The moment I read the first 2 pages of the book, I grabbed it right away!


I was surprised at myself, not having stayed at the Photography Books section that long. Because really, I get bored reading some of it these days. If you ask me, the D80 Manual was just put into waste. The excitement of using my camera (from the first days of my d80) was so high that I didn't even bother reading it until now, and so when you look at the manual, it's still brand new. LOL!


All these reading got me really hungry, so I finally went out of the store and went straight to Pancake House. The girl was about to hand me the menu when I told her "No need for the menu. I'll just have a Sunrise Steak with garlic rice, Green Mango Shake and Brownie A La Mode for desert." My eyes were twinkling, and lips were smiling like a 5 year old kid, saying "puhleeeeaaassssh". And so after 15min of waiting, they finally served my meal. I was so hungry that I forgot to take a picture of my sunrise steak...shaks!

And, for the first time, I took a perfect food shot of my all-time favorite desert!

I was so happy when I finally loaded the photos here in my laptop. I was like "yes! nakuha ko rin sa wakas!". Because, really, I get frustrated whenever I take pictures of whatever food we order. It always ends up underexposed, dark, and so on and so forth. But this, this - is just so beautiful for me. I don't know with you guys, but I really like my shot here. It makes me want to have another go! LOL


Well so much for food photography, I gotta get some rest, my itinerary's full the rest of the week!

Longing for someone...

SOMS-time

Boy, was I quiet lately. ahahaha! That's what happens when you drown yourself with work. So I needed a break from a week living in Taytay, (don't ever ask where exactly in Taytay), and a week of looooooong hours of stay at the office.

I've been twittering about having lunch at SOMS lately. I've been craving so much for thai food, that I hallucinated in the middle of work (just kidding...). Nonie, Pat and Eden joined me last Sunday for a food fest only the three of us can do, except for Eden, who doesn't eat that much.

So here's what we ordered: Garlic Beef, Red Chicken Curry, Pad Thai, Siomai, Chicken Pandan, Spring Rolls and Mango Sticky Rice. Too bad they ran out of Shrimp Cake (my heart sank!). So I had to stick with Siomai instead! Of course, 2 garlic rice for me is an all-time favorite. Again, it never fails! :D

Unfortunately, there are no pictures to post, coz when I looked at it everything's blurry, and underexposed...so food photography is really not my thing. Or, probably due to my "hunger-strike" tummy, that I didn't concentrate too much at my shots. Oh well!

So here we are, after stuffing ourselves! Ang linis at halatang busog! LOL! Good thing I'm not in this photo. Joke! And there's Nonie, trying to finish her sticky rice, and waiting for her spring rolls..and she just finished her Pad Thai. whoah!

So here's a photo of SOMS.
It was taken right after I finished my 2 garlic rice, garlic beef
and siomai. burrrrp!
*excuse me*

What would you do?

What would you feel when you found out that
you just made someone's day?
Like u made them smile, and all?
CHEEEZ WHIZ! LOL

Michael Jackson

So kamustahin natin ang maagap na pagtext ni KR na Patay na nga si Michael Jackson. No really - thanks for the update. Being in Taytay for 1week kept us from all the chismis and happenings outside.

Anyway, my idol, the Legend - Michael Jackson

May You Rest in Peace.

Almost Over

It's almost over...

I can feel it.

Sunday would be the last day.

Then..

It's time to go home to my family.

Noon maliit pa ko...

umamin ang gumagawa nito noon....

True Love is...

Dear Diary....

Peppery moments and a pair of flops!

I finally got the pictures from Nonie. Too bad I didn't bring mine that night. Good thing there's Nonie's ever dependable camera!

You can also read my previous blog here about the weekend I had at Rockwell. With only a couple of hours sleep...the craving woke me up. Not even the weather can stop me from going!

Let's start with Pinay, waiting for her Beef Pepper Rice...
with extra beef and extra sunny-side up and
extra rice! yummy - daming extra! ahahaha!


After chit-chatting, aaah....the order's here!


oh where's the sunny-side up?
ah there!

Ok...after making-up for our cravings..or my cravings..Nonie and I went to Fully Booked, the usual stuff that we do every time we go to the mall. There's not much book that really interests me - prolly because I got busy texting somebody all of a sudden. Ok so off to Make Your Own Havaianas at Rockwell Tent.

So here we are waiting outside for our turn.

Finally, we're in!



Ok! So we made it!
Now, we're on to making our havis!



After almost an hour of tinkering, wondering what colors to
choose, for a pair of tops, soles
and pins - I finally got my own!

and here's Nonie and Me...

Thanks Nonie for the captured moments!

Araw ng Kalayaan

Happy Independence Day to all the hardworking Filipino Men and Women all over the world. This is our day.

L - O - V - E

Sing with me!

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Now don't you miss these, Little Rascals....

Weekend @ Rockwell

Nonie and I went to Rockwell last night. We had dinner at Pepper Lunch and I ordered that delicious Beef Pepper Rice that I've been craving for weeks now. After dinner, we went to Fully Booked. No book really excites me so we decided to go to Rockwell Tent. On our way, we passed by Diether Ocampo - ok and we were like pasulyap-sulyap! Ok fine! He's HOTTTT! And what was going on with our minds! (uhmm mr.ocampo i seem to have dropped my bra...) LOL!

Anyway, enough with the naughtiness that hit us! Someone has been texting me all afternoon..texted each other all the way to Rockwell Tent. While waiting he's still texting me and while making our own havis he's still texting me...haaay hirap humanap ng lovelife!

Nonie and I spent like 30min in choosing the best design for our havis! It's nice to see that people everywhere looked so happy and excited to wear their flipflops. The mood was great and was even happier with songs from Francis M and other pinoy artist playing at the background.

Met Ejohn and Aia -- guys who make havis! We were like "this is such a happy place noh!" and Aia said "we're happy that you are here!" aw touch!

Ok so the Khaki Red was almost out of stock. So I asked Ejohn to look for the remaining ones and I'll just pick one from what they have. Ejohn surprised me! Khaki Red in his hands! Thrilling! Some pins were already out of stock though - like Tarsier and Beach so I ended up choosing Noypi and Lomo.

How they holed my slippers draw my attention. I was like a kid waiting for my precious prize! And when it's finally done - TADA...it looked as if it's ready to stroll the beach! (ehem preferably - Calaguas!) LOL!

I'll definitely won't miss the next Make Your Own Havaianas!
Happy!