Night with The Reo Brothers

Watched a concert with friends last night.

We scored tickets to The Reo Brothers of Tacloban show sponsored by the Rotary Club of Iloilo South. I didn't know who they were or what the concert theme was so I pretty much had no expectations of how it's going to be.

Only when the show was about to start that I learned that it was about these 4 brothers who originated from Tacloban. They left home in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda and tried their luck in Mega Manila. They sought the help of this talent managet who gave them his card in on of their gigs back home. With some make-over, packaging and branding, they transformed themselves into a band playing 60s and 70s music.

After long, they were already getting gigs in Manila and even abroad. And they've earned the privilege of being the first ever Pinoy band to play at the Legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, the home of the Beatles.

As I listened to them, I felt like I was transported back to the 70s. The music was just electrifying. It had this great vibe into it that makes you want to groove and just sing along. People, old and young were dancing to the tune of The Beatles, the Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Elvis and all those other artists whose songs have been immortalized by lazy Sunday Rewind of songs of the past.

It was a great night of indulgence. And as I laid myself to sleep, I try to relive the moment and savor the experience. What a great way to end your day!

The Tooth Shall Be Set Free

The Boz complained that his tooth was wiggling and it was making it difficult for him to chew on his food. Since he didn't want to go to the dentist, we dealt with it with a thread. Yep! Tied it with a thread and with the element of surprise, voila! The tooth has been set free. Problem solved!

The Fault in Our Stars

"What a slut time is. She screws everybody.”

The Fault In Our Stars is a teenage love story. But if you are a parent, it's hard reading this story without having to think of how far you would will yourself to sacrifice for the sake of your sick child. It's just heart breaking. It hurts to see your child suffer the consequences of something that is not of his or even your own doing. That your lot is predetermined and all you can do is live with it, cope with it and hope that you can buy yourself some time to accept the inevitable. And when it's time, no matter how hard you've psyched yourself up that things are happening for the better, you still find yourself hopeful. That you had another day, another chance, another free pass. Then you fall into the pit of rethinking things over and over again, analyzing what you could have done differently to alter the course of things. 

The ordeal that Gus and Hazel Grace had to go through, it's tough. To be sick for a very long time and have practice-dying episodes over and over again, will definitely give you a different perspective of dying. You get to become one of the few lucky ones who get to embrace the eventuality of their demise and really prepare for it. I guess this is where the value of a support group figures into the picture. When you are sick, beyond anything that you can handle, you look for help, where help is available. You need all the reinforcement that you can get to help you fortify your resolve, to give you that outlook that keeps you afloat amidst the bitter realities of your illness. With their help, the pain will be more bearable and you will begin to see things in a more rational manner. Then you get to start planning things, pick what you want to wear for your own funeral, be in on the decision making on how you would want things to go the day you leave. Even hold your own pre-funeral eulogy which I think is sad, but makes perfect sense. After all, shouldn't the departed hear what people around him is supposed to say about him while he is still present? It really struck a chord for me. With my mom diagnosed with cancer, it led me to thinking how I'd eulogize her and how much of what I would have wanted to say I've already told her while she is still here.We're not really people who like to talk about dying or making plans for how things should be dealt with when it's time to go. I would not want her to think that I'd love to see her go. But if I'd have it my way, I would want her to know, in a few words or so, how much she means to me and how her loss would leave a void in my life that none could ever replace.

The Fault In Our Stars  also made me realize that losing my son and my husband could be the death of me. I don't know if I would ever survive it knowing that as I think about it now, I could picture my whole world crumbling down and me sinking into an oblivion I would not want to resurface from.

I'd like to say a prayer for all the families out there battling cancer. I pray for strength so they could carry on and resolve to move forward. Keep the faith! 

Starting Over Again

I've been into watching Tagalog movies of late. It all started with On the Job, which I watched because it was highly publicized and got some good reviews from esteemed film critics (whose opinion about the movie I don't quite share, just saying). And then there's Bride-For-Rent . I am not a KimXi fan but since my new supervisor loves Kim and Xian and I wanted us to have something to talk about other than work, I did go and watched it. (Happy that I did, picked up some great advice about marriage from the side stories of couples that they interjected into the movie). And then, there's Starting Over Again. This one, I really wanted to see, and I'm glad I did.

From rappler.com :

In Starting Over Again, former lovers Ginny (Tony Gonzaga) and Marco (Piolo Pascual) have long gone their separate ways, but the circumstances of their breakup have left both of them with unanswered questions.

When Ginny receives a postdated letter from Marco, she sees it as a second chance to rekindle what she had lost with her former boyfriend. And when a business venture brings the two together, Ginny takes every opportunity to win Marco back, even if it means stepping in between him and Patty (Iza Calzado), his current girlfriend.

Unlike most mainstream love stories, the details of Ginny and Marco’s break-up are mostly kept secret. But as the film cautiously moves forward, their past is slowly unraveled. We move backwards and forwards through their relationship and soon discover that even the most endearing of love stories can be riddled with flaws.

The movie is not without its flaws. I found Toni's soft-toned unblemished face too distracting. Thank God Piolo's pores were visible on screen. That could have been more bothersome! I love Toni's antics, all the when-things-can-go-wrong-it-will-go-wrong moments. Her crying, though, was too theatrical, for me, it was anything but au naturel in contrast to Piolo's eyes brimmed with tears. It was a bit distracting seeing Bryan Santos fiddling his phone through most of his scenes. Was he even in character or he was just being himself? Beauty Gonzales did justice to being the Bisaya roommate/ friend. But you could tell that she was super-conscious during her "Ang Hope parang drugs yan, nakaka-addict" scene. I didn't like idea of the OFW mom leaving her family and starting a new life abroad. Personal preference, just don't like it. With a construction project like that, I can't believe there were only a handful of people at work, but then of course that's one detail you can let pass (for budget considerations, perhaps?).

There were lots of things that I love about the movie. I love Iza's character Patty. She makes a believable Ilongga, or at least the epitomized version - composed, slow to anger, maasikaso and all. There's background music in almost all of the scenes, it served the purpose of putting on a lively vibe into the scenes. So I guess it helped to induce the emotions that it needed to elicit from the audience. I love the wackiness of the story, the metaphors, the special participation of several characters towards the end of the movie and the last scene, the perfect! 

I have to say that the movie has mass appeal. What makes it click is you can easily see yourself into one or many of the situations in the story. [SPOILER ALERT] A girl, finding herself falling deeply in love with someone she admires. And then, the guy slips into mediocrity, content and without any desire to pursue his dreams. It's disheartening and frustrating, especially when the girl sees that the guy is actually okay with it because he knows that he's got someone who loves him no matter what.  And couldn't so much as broach the topic without hurting the guy's ego, she leaves without telling him the real reason why. And that breaks his heart. And then, she returns and she sees that he's a changed man, and she realizes that she still has feelings for him and wants to pursue him again. Which brings to mind a quote in another Tagalog movie starring John Lloyd and Bea. When John Lloyd said, "She loved me at my worst, you had me at my best."

I appreciate the fact that the movie didn't have to end the way Tagalog movies always do - for the couple to get back together. Because in reality, you don't always end up with your ex without having to cause havoc in the lives of others. I appreciate that they chose to take that path. Because love does not always have to be spectacular. It may not be exciting. But it could be certain. And secure. The kind of love that you would like to nurture and see through eternity.

I look forward to seeing more Tagalog movies this year. I hope they keep it interesting so more and more people would want to go and watch it in the cinemas rather than somewhere else!

Tangkilikin nating and sariling atin!

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

Saw this cool video on the many ways you can wear a scarf.  Cool!

37th National Milo Marathon

Today marks another milestone in my life. I ran my first 5K Milo marathon. It was not much of a run really as I walked most of the way.  

It was raining really hard last night and I was kind of hoping Boz would concede and just let us sleep the night away. But then, when I woke him up at around 4:30 am, he was just his excited self. He was just so into it; I couldn't bear to dampen his spirit by playing the righteous, health-buff mom that I should be. 

We went off to a good start. While waiting for a jeepney to take us to the starting line, my boss' car passed by. She was also joining the marathon. And so we were able to hitch a ride and avoid getting soaked in the rain before even getting to the venue. 

On the way, our boss was trying to talk us out of the race. The rain was starting to pour real hard. She asked if we were really wanted to continue despite the rain. And that's when Boz, without any hesitated blurted out, "katamaran gd ya sa inyo!" (You're all so lazy!) And that was enough to keep up from even thinking of quitting before the race started. 

When we arrived at the starting line, a throng of runners were already there. Mostly students in their teens who were with friends and classmates. There were a few parents who were braving the rain with their children. And of course, there were the serious runners too. 

When the gun went off, it just started a frenzy, everyone started to run. After a while, I couldn't see Boz and Rosemary anymore. Everybody just went ahead and run. And I did too. But a few meters, I just succumbed to the reality that I was just not fit to run this particular race. And as expected, I walked the rest of the way. After a more meters, I rendezvoused with Boz and Rosemary. My baby boy was already feeling the exhaustion after the first few meters of running. 

That's when I played the role that I was meant to play in this race - the supportive and encouraging mom. I wanted Boz to feel that he was not alone, that he's got someone to finish the race with him. As an only child, I hadn't miss out on the opportunities that I wanted to take. But because my parents were busy with "matters of consequences" I always had to fight my battles alone. There were times when I would feel that I could have done better or delivered more if I had someone to boost my morale. I wanted to give Boz that. And I know that I did not disappoint him today. 

When we crossed the finish line, I could not help but feel relieved that it was finally over. I didn't reach my goal of finishing the race for less than an hour. Just the same, I consider it a feat to be one of the many who made it to the end. Perhaps, next year, I'll do better. 

On to the next race!

Home (2009)

During the Earth Day celebration, we watched the documentary film Home. It featured the facts about how man has pilfered the earth's resources to sustain its needs and wants. There is the alarming 80:20 ratio which tells us that 80% of the energy requirement of the world is consumed by 20% of the population. While those who are at the forefront of industrialization and commercialization require more, the rest have nothing left to partake. The film shows the permanent damage caused by the incessant demand for oil and the destruction of the forests. We all are aware of these things happening. But to actually see it happen is daunting. It gives one a reason to care more and to do something about the situation. It helps one understand the plight of environmental activists who call for drastic measures to effect real and meaningful change.

You can download the film from YouTube and you can start your own environmental awareness campaign. Small efforts will go a long way to saving the earth and making it more habitable for the generations to come. 

Click here to watch the film.

This Thing Called Mobile Blogging

Trying to check out this new app. Let's see how it goes..

Kesz Valdez Featured in CNN

Fate has a way of picking people up when they are down and out and give them a new lease on life. And because these are exceptional people, they use their lives to show their gratitude to the universe by paying it forward.

Even at an early age of 14, Kesz Valdez is showing the world that  no one can be too young or too old to do something for others.

More Fun in the Philippines #3

My take on the It's more fun in the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism. This picture was taken at Balay Negrense in Silay City.

More Fun in the Philippines #2

My take on the It's more fun in the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism. This picture was taken at Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique.

More Fun in the Philippines #1

My take on the It's more fun in the Philippines campaign of the Department of Tourism. This picture was taken at the Sira-an Hot Springs Resort in Anini-y, Antique.

Support Juan Time

From the Philippine Star Editorial - About Time

Tardiness is not just an act of discourtesy but also inefficient time management.

The Department of Science and Technology will launch today Project Juan Time, which aims to synchronize all time pieces with the Philippine Standard Time (PST) and therefore adopting one time (or as the project suggests, Juan Time) within the country. The new time campaign seeks to reinstill the value of time among Filipinos by breaking free from the common habit of always being late for appointments.

From the DOST Press Release:

“PST, the country’s official time, sets only one common time in the archipelago’s more than 7,100 islands,” DOST Sec. Mario Montejo says. “Juan Time reminds Filipinos that keeping to the PST avoids the difficulties of having confusing, unsynchronized time.”

“With Juan Time, Filipino time will come to mean ‘on time’ and no longer late,” Montejo added.

Support Juan Time and be punctual in all your appointments!

Dengue-rous!

Hold on tight, you know it's a little bit denguerous

It's got what it takes to make you meet your end

The mouth of a lover that hit like heat

You know it's a little bit denguerous!

Pilipinas, Tara Na! v.1

They've released the version 1 of Pilipinas, Tara Na!, the updated version of the promotional song and music video entitled "Wow Philippines, Byahe Tayo". The original was launched in 2003 by the Department of Tourism as part of its campaign to encourage domestic tourism and spread the word about the country's beautiful destinations. Byahe Tayo featured 21 artists including big names in the Philippine music industry like Ms. Lea Salonga and Ms. Sharon Cuneta. The updated versions (they will release 3) are being put together by Prescriptions PR (also the team behind the original) and Smart Communications to feature 57 Pinoy music artists and entertainment personalities.

Roxie Says:
Version 1 retains most of the interesting lyrics of the original and incorporated new attractions as well. It brings to light local industries such as weaving and wood carving. It also showcases local products like abaca from Bicol, pearls from Sulu and delicacies from all over the country. I tried to watch it a couple of times. I wanted to check if the Version 1 had the same effect on me as the original. I'm very familiar with the original even in my sleep as it has accompanied me in all of my trips top and from Bacolod via the Ocean Jet Fastcrafts (if I hadn't know better, I'd say it was Ocean Jet's official jingle too!). The impact on me of Version 1 is not quite the same as the original. There were this elements in the original that leaves me this sense of Pinoy pride and yearning for all the things that I still need to experience in my country everytime I watched it: the forcefulness of Kiko Magalona's brand of rap, Jolina, Janno, Ogie and the Apo's rapport with the camera, April Boy's masa appeal and the zooming out on world class talent Ms. Lea Salonga. I also liked that at one glance you get to see all the artists who collaborated for the projects in the last few frames of the video. It was like a show of force and commitment which I find very captivating. But that's just me.

Nonetheless, I am happy that they are making these new versions. It just shows how effective the original was! The voices of new talents and performing artists will make the song more contemporary and more appealing to today's listener and revitalize the agency's campaign. I hope that the two other versions will have more elements not seen in the original and V1!

Check out the original version and tell me what you think of the new one!

Damires Hills, Janiuay, Iloilo

My 6-year old son loved his trip to Damires Hills with his cousins a few weeks back that he could't stop talking about it. "It's easy going there," he says. "You pass by Cabatuan and when you reach the plaza, you turn right. Then you pass by Bridge Bolo and Bride Damires. The entrance fee is P50.00 and you pay P55.00 for a swim in the pool. There huts available for rent but I don't know the rates. Construction is on-going for more picnic huts. There aren't any other recreational activities available but it's okay by me; I'm more than happy to dip in the pool. The pool is small. Uncle Wilson scolded me when I hopped my way to the middle portion of the pool; I just wanted to if I can manage a swim in the deeper par

t of the pool. So I just stayed in the shallow part together with my cousins and played with out water guns. Uncle Wilson brought Jollibee spaghetti and chicken meals for everyone so that's what we ate for lunch. I wish we can go there too."

Boz's vivid description of Damires Hills enticed the weekend getawayers in Miki and me that we decided to give the place a try last Sunday. Despite the gloomy weather with Typhoon Bebeng inching upward to Luzon, we heeded to Boz's request.

True to Boz's instruction, we made it to Cabatuan. He skipped the part the we had to reach Janiuay plaza and turn right when we see the Janiuay District Hospital. We wasn't quite accurate with the two bridges too, bridge Bolo turned out to be the Jibolo Bridge and bridge Damires was the bridge leading to Brgy. Damires. Nonetheless, we give him credit for remembering landmarks even at his very your age.

The resort was packed during our visit. It's a good thing I called the resort a day prior to the trip to reserve a picnic hut. They placed us near the pool with an umbrella-type cogon hut which seats around four people. We weren't so happy about it as we were expecting one of the bigger cottage with bench-type seats and a hammock. We asked if we could transfer if one of their reservations didn't come through, but our request never got served (even with the Gumamela cottage remaining empty for the whole duration of our trip, hmp!).

Boz, like any other kid, spent most of his time in the pool. The rest of us, roamed around to take pictures and inspected the place. There were plants growing everywhere: short and stout papayas, bananas and tropical plants that reminded me of my childhood. There's a canteen that served short orders and snacks. For lunch, they have a selection of lutong bahay dishes. Set meals were impressively delightful and reasonably priced. One can get a set lunch (rice, viand and drinks) for as low as P80.00. For entertainment, they have videoke for those who want to just belt it out and long strolls to other parts of the resort which were yet under construction.

After the photo ops and the mandatory dip in the pool for Boz's sake, there's nothing much left to do but doze off and just enjoy some peace and quiet before heading back to the city.

All in all, Boz enjoyed the trip. And I'm glad we went there too. I hope though that they will have more outdoor activities to do in the resort to make the trip more fun and exciting. I'm thinking zipline, horseback riding and rock climbing perhaps?

Check out some snapshots I took during our trip here.

Ako'y Isang Mabuting Pilipino

Rock on, Noel Cabangon!

One of the songs performed during the proclamation of President Noynoy Aquino.

Here's the lyrics:

Ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang Bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkunin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

Tumatawid ako sa tamang tawiran
Sumasakay ako sa tamang sakayan
Pumipila at hindi nakikipag-unahan
At ‘di ako pasiga-siga sa lansangan.

Nagbaba at nagsasakay ako sa tamang sakayan
‘di na makahambalang parang walang pakiaalam.
Pinagbibigyan Kong mga tumatawid sa kalsada
Humihinto ako kapag ang ilaw ay pula.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

‘Di ako nagongotong o nagbibigay ng lagay

Ticket lamang ang tinatangap kung binibigay

Ako’y nakatayo dun mismo sa kanto
At ‘di nagtatago sa ilalim ng puno.

‘Di ako nagkakalat ng Basura sa lansangan.
‘di bumubuga nga usok ang aking sasakyan
Inaayos kong mga kalat sa basurahan
Inaalagan ko ang ating kapaligiran

‘Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

Lagi akong nakikinig sa aking mga magulang
Kaya’t pag-aaral ay aking pinagbubutihan
‘di ako gumagamit ng bawal na gamot.
O kaya’y tumatambay at sa eskwela’y di pumapasok.

Pinagtatangol ko ang aking karangalan
‘pagkat ito lamang ang tangi kong kayamanan
‘di ko binabenta ang aking kinabukasan
Ang boto ko’y aking pinahahalagahan.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin
Ako’y isang tapat at totoong lingkod ng bayan
Pabor o lagay ay ‘di ko pinapayagan
Tapat ang serbisyo ko sa mamamayaan
Di ko binubulsa ang pera ng Bayan

Pinagtatangol ko ang mamamayang Pilipino
Mga karapatan nila’y kinikilala ko
Ginagalang ko ang aking kapwa tao
Pinaglalaban Kong ang Dangal ng bayan ko.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin.

Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino

Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino

Ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin
Pagkat ako’y ilang mabuting Pilipino

Panatang makabayan
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang lupang sinilangan
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi
Ako’y tkanyang kinukopkop
At tinutulungan upang maging malakas
Maligaya, at kapakipakinabang
Bilang ganti diringin ko
Ang payo ng aking mga magulang
Sunsundin ko ang mga tungkulin ang aking paaralan
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin
Ng isang mamamayng makabayan
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan
Ang walang pagiimbot at buong katapan
Sisikapin ko maging isang tunay na Pilipino
Sa isip sa salita at sa gawa

Aquino names Cabinet members - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Aquino names Cabinet members - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

1. Paquito Ochoa Jr., Executive Secretary

2. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs

3. Cesar Purisima, Secretary of Department of Finance

4. Leila de Lima, Secretary of Department of Justice

5. Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary of Department of National Defense

6. Bro. Armin Luistro, Secretary of Department of Education

7. Florencio Abad, Secretary of Department of Budget and Management

8. Cayetano Paderanga Jr., Secretary of National Economic Development Authority

9. Proceso Alcala, Secretary of Department of Agriculture

10. Ramon Paje, Secretary of Department Environment and Natural Resources

11. Jose "Ping" de Jesus, Secretary of Department of Transportations and Communications.

12. Rosalinda Baldoz, Secretary of Department of Labor and Employment

13. Enrique Ona, Secretary of Department of Health

14. Alberto Lim, Secretary of Department of Tourism

15. Gregory Domingo, Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry

16. Corazon Soliman, Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development

17. Mario Montejo, Secretary of Department of Science and Technology

18. Jose Rene Almendras, Secretary of Department of Energy

19. Rogelio Singson, Secretary of Department of Public Works and Highways

20. Virgilio de los Reyes, Secretary of Department of Agrarian Reform

21. Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on peace process

22. Julia Abad, presidential management staff chief

23. Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesman

24. Eduardo de Mesa, presidential legal counsel

25. Patricia Liguanan, Chairman of Commission on Higher Education

26. Kim Jacinto-Henares, Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue

27. Benigno Aquino III, Secretary of Department of Interior and Local Government

Official Program Aquino Inaugural (Excerpts)

Kitakits!
Official Program Aquino Inaugural (Excerpts)

Stumped by Jejenese? Try the online Jejenator!

Stumbled upon this article on spot.ph. I don't get jejenese. So I guess I have to thank the likes of Cybergeek Jared Guissmo Asuncion for putting up a site that helps me understand jejemons and their cryptic messages.

Presenting, the Jologs-inator! (Try it here.)

normal: bakit ganyan ka magsalita?
translation: Y gNyN~ U mGSliTA, n0h?