Miss Mash

Do-It-Yourself Bicol Roadtrip (Part 2): 5 Things To Do in Albay

2016-05-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

We checked in at Balmar Hometel at Daraga, Albay. The Hometel is owned by my friend's auntie. The rate is 435 pesos per head. We were 6 in the room. There were 3 beds and one bathroom. It’s relatively roomy for 6 people. You can reach them at (02)3462973 or 0906-591-0785 or 0932-879-1791.

Here are 5 things you can do in Daraga and Legazpi, Albay:

1. Take a pic with the glorious Mayon Volcano

It’s not a Bicol Roadtrip without a picture with the magnificent-looking Mayon Volcano. It’s a perfect-coned volcano that really needs no further introduction.

2. Visit Landmark Places - Daraga Church and Cagsawa Ruins

Daraga Church or Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church (Our Lady of the Gate) is located in the municipality of Daraga, Albay. It’s a beautiful old church with the view of the grand Mayon Volcano.

Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of a Franciscan Church and a reminder of the most violent eruption of Mayon Volcano. Today it stands as one of the most famous landmarks in Bicol. The glorious content of postcards from the region.

3. Go cam-whoring in Misibis Eco Park

I don’t know if this place could be reached by public transport. The place is an hour drive from the center of Legazpi. The place looks amazing! I would have loved to spend more time here but we needed to leave early. Entrance fee in Misibis Eco Park is 25 pesos per person.

Misibis Amphitheater

Misibis Church

Note: The Misibis Bay is different from the Eco Park. Misibis Bay is a luxury resort and a few-minute walk from the Eco Park.

4. Try Bicol Delicacies

Of couse, you must try Pinangat! Some say it’s different from Laing; some say they’re the same. I’m confused, really. All I know is that from someone who hails from Camarines, Norte, the Pinangat I tried in Legaspi was the best. Visit Dad’s Special Pinangat. It’s cheap and delicious! And don't forget to try Bicol Express.

We visited 1st Colonial Grill. The food was okay. It’s the ice cream you should try. They were legit flavored-ice creams. We tried these flavors: gabi, sili, pili, tinutong na kanin, kamote, malunggay, cucumber, salabat and kalamansi. They were all worth a try. My favorite was pili ice cream. It tastes like an ice cream I’ll buy everyday and I just really love pili when used in desserts.

Try the streetfood as well! Here we were on the streets near Pacific Mall, Legazpi.

5. Enjoy the scenery

Support our local tourism industry. Visit the Bicol Region!

Do-It-Yourself Bicol Roadtrip (Part 1): Burias Island, Masbate

2016-05-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Note: This is the first part of a two-part blog of our 3-day Bicol (Masbate and Albay) Roadtrip.

Getting to Burias Island, Masbate

I would have loved to share how to get there by commuting, but we traveled by car. If you’re commuting, there are buses that will take you to Naga. Less heavy traffic, it takes 8 hours to get there from Manila. From the terminal, take a jeepney to get to Pasacao Port. For a more detailed way on how to get to Pasacao, visit Lakwatsero Blog.

If you’re bringing a car, you can leave it in Pasacao Port for 6 pesos per hour. We left ours there for 33 hours (forgive the rhyme).

From Pasacao Port, Naga, we took a lantsa/boat to get to Burias Island, San Pascual. The boat ride takes two (2) hours. Fare is 80 pesos per person. Burias, San Pascual is where the Tourism Office is located, but that’s not really where the activities are concentrated. In the Tourism Office, you would have to pay:

Environmental Fee - 50 pesos per person
Usage Fee - 10 pesos per person

SOMBRERO ISLAND

Tip: Water and food are expensive on Sombrero Island. If you’re tight on the budget, you can eat first in Burias before traveling and checking in at Sombrero. We also bought our drinking water in Burias because they said water was expensive, but we bought one and the price was regular.

I think the accommodation in Sombrero Island is relatively new. They have a lot to improve on their services. I would have preferred that they inform guests upon checking in of all the fees that have to be paid. I honestly didn’t know who was in charge of the place. I think a small community handles the guests, but it’s hard to tell who’s the point person. On a positive note, they’re pretty chill and they pretty much leave you alone.

Maybe the services were like that because they’re not used to people checking in on the cottages. You can just pay the entrance fee and set up a tent. There are comfort rooms and you just have to pay 50 pesos per gallon of water. There’s also a karinderya (small store) for your other needs. Burias Island is unspoiled and raw so don’t expect to get pampered.

This is what we spent on Sombrero Island:

Entrance - 30 pesos for 6 people
Cottage - 3000 pesos (accommodated 6 people)
Extra drum of water - 300 pesos
Food* - refer below

PROS AND CONS

Note: There is no alternative accommodation on Sombrero Island.
The cottage was big enough for 6 people. It has one bathroom. It was a comfortable stay despite a lot of missing amenities.

CONS

I do hope that they no longer ask for an entrance fee when you’re about to check in on one of their cottages. That doesn’t make sense to me. But again, I think they’re really just used to people spending overnight on their tents; hence, the entrance fee.

I was okay with 3,000 pesos for a small cottage for 6 of us for 24 hours. What was not okay was there were just 2 pillows and no blankets.

They have a problem with electricity supply because of a typhoon so the power supply is cut off half of the day (from 6 AM to before it’s dark -- if I remember it right).

They also have a problem with water supply. They get their water all the way from Burias. So if you consume your 1 drum of water included in your cottage fee, you would have to pay an additional 300 pesos for another drum.

MAJOR PRO

All criticisms aside, Sombrero Island has an amazing view, shore line, water, sand, and vibes. It is unspoiled and raw and really beautiful. Only a few people were on the island when we visited. There was a huge young group who were there with us, around 20 of them, but even then the island didn’t look crowded. I would come back, really. I think all my criticisms are due to the fact that they don’t have a lot of people managing the area. Also, they have a water and power supply problem because of their remote location. The fact that there were people accommodating you is already a big plus for tourism. If you don’t want to spend as much, bring a tent. Anyway, I like the chill vibe as always. You just check in, take care of yourself and enjoy.

ISLAND HOPPING

Supposedly, from Burias, you start your island hopping, but we opted to go straight to Sombrero Island to leave our things and freshen up. Because of this change, we were asked to pay an additional 500 pesos on top of the 4,000 pesos we had to pay for the boat ride services. The amount covers the travel from Burias to Sombrero Island and then back, and the island hopping. There were 2 persons (Kuya Bernardo and Kuya Yolando) in charge of our motorized boat and they stayed with us the entire time - around 28 hours.

We just went to 2 islands. Our priority was Animasola, and it was a little far from Sombrero. I think the boat ride took us more than an hour. It was worth it. The rock formations are amazing. We had our lunch there (we brought our own lunch).

Part of Animasola Island

Then we went to the Tinalisayan Sandbar. By the time we got there, it was high tide so we didn’t see any sandbar.

We returned to Sombrero, had some booze fix, swimming, dinner, more booze, then capped off the night lounging on the sand and under the stars. We left early morning to catch our 9 am boat ride from San Pascual to Pasacao Port.

SUMMARY OF COST

Boat Services
For Island Hopping - 4,500 pesos for 6 of us (usual rate is 4,000)
Tip - 300 pesos
*Food - 120 pesos per person per meal.

Kuya Bernardo, one of the kuya’s in charge of our boat was in charge of our food. I don’t know if you can order food from Sombrero people, but when we needed dinner and breakfast, Kuya Bernardo took care of it. So our payment for boat services included food.

Tourism Fees
Environmental Fee - 50 pesos per person
Usage Fee - 10 pesos per person

Lantsa from Pasacao, Naga to Burias, San Pascual - 80 pesos per person, one way

Sombrero Island
Entrance - 5 pesos per person
Cottage - 3000 pesos (accommodated 6 people)
Extra drum of water - 300 pesos

Others
Pasacao Port Parking - 198 pesos for 33 hours
Toll, back and forth - 572 pesos
Gas (for our entire Bicol Trip) - 3,000 pesos

* * *

Thanks for reading! Enjoy your trip!

Mt. Pamitinan Travel Guide

2016-02-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

How to Get to Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez Rizal

Our meet up place was in McDo, Kia Theater, Cubao. We walked our way to Farmers Market to ride a van going to Rodriguez, Rizal. Fare is 50 pesos per person.

From where you'll alight, you can just ride a tricycle or jeepney to get to Brgy. Wawa. In our case, we rented the same van for 330 pesos for a special trip to get to Brgy. Wawa. There were 11 of us.

Once you arrive, you would have to sign up, fill in a waiver and pay the environmental fee of 2 pesos per person in Brgy. Wawa/Tourism Office. You would be assigned a tour guide. In our case, there were 11 of us in a group. We were assigned 2 tour guides, Kuya Tomas is the main one, and Kuya Jimmy was his auxiliary.

It’s the Cliiiiiiiimb!

We started the trek at around 9AM. Pretty late compared to those who arrive when the sun was not yet up. This bridge will be the start of your trek.

The trail is very beginner-friendly, but don't be fooled... it's still pretty challenging.

For rock climbing enthusiasts (and daredevils I must say), there's this part where you can rock climb.

There's a part near halfway the trail where you can rest and buy buko or melon juice for 15 pesos per cup.

It took us two and a half hours to get to the summit. I think we were slower than regular. It was a combination of a lot of factors, like there was actually a lot of people hiking during that time. Di lang sa Manila uso ang heavy traffic. Some of the paths were really narrow so we did a lot of waiting for other people to pass.

Summit 1

We reached summit one, had our lunch, waited for our turn to take pictures. The group before us --- I think they were more than 10 in a group --- took a long time to take their pictures. One of them maybe had 10 poses. We waited, I think, for 30 minutes. We were very patient and even cheered for them when they make their poses, may it be awkward or more awkward. :)

When it was our turn, we took just 1 to 2 shots each. We were very sensitive to those other groups waiting in line, knowing that our group was pretty huge. Unfortunately for us, the group after us were an impatient bunch. Anyway, they didn’t rain on our parade. We left and went to the second summit.

Second Summit

Fro the second summit, you have to use a rope to get to the top. We chose not to get to the second summit. The sun was really high at that point. It was past 12 noon. The lines were long. And we just couldn’t wait any longer, knowing that the group before us in the first summit was also waiting in line, and there was another huge group currently taking their pictures. We left and started our descent. Boo! But honestly, summit 1 was more than enough for me. The view is almost the same.

We started our descent. We took a different route going down. It took us another 2 1/2 hours to descend. This was where we exited.

Here’s some Wawa Dam pictures.

How our day went (these are approximations)

Departure from Cubao	6:45 AM
Arrival at Brgy Hall	8:30 AM
Finished Registration*	9:00 AM
Start trek	9:00 AM
Summit	11:30 AM
Finished with lunch, photo op	1:00 PM
Start Descent	1:00 PM
Arrival at Brgy Hall	3:30 PM
Departure from Rizal (after bath)	4:30 PM
Arrival at Cubao	6:00 PM

Note: We were relatively slow in pace. Read other blogs and you’ll know you can do this trip way faster than we did. We were just really taking our time.

*It took us a long time to register. The lines were long. And also, they ran out of barangay-registered tour guides (yung may ID as the locals say) so we had to do some waiting and convincing for some people to be our tour guide for the day.

COST


Van fare, Cubao to Rodriguez, Rizal (and back to Manila)	50 pesos each
Rodriguez Rizal to Brgy. Wawa	10 pesos trike/jeep*
Environmental Fee	2 pesos each
Brgy donation	Any amount**
Melon/Buko juice (optional of course)	15 pesos each
Tour guide	We paid 500 pesos each tour guide***
Bath (again, optional)	25 pesos each

* In our case, we rented the same van for 330 pesos for 11 people
**We gave 100 pesos. We’re generally generous, plus there were a lot of us.
*** We always pay 500 pesos per tour guide wherever we go. But according to other blogs, 400 pesos per tour guide is the usual rate. Just make an additional pay if you're doing a twin hike to Mt. Binacayan.

Going home, we rented the same van we rode going to Rodriguez, Rizal, then Brgy. Wawa. If you want to do the same, just get the kuya driver's phone number and talk to him about picking you up from Brgy. Wawa to Cubao.We paid kuya driver 1000 pesos.

Hope you find this post useful! Good luck on your next hike! Please be extra careful. And enjoy! Please remember "to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures". Let's all do our part to make sure that other people, especially the next generation, will get to enjoy this adventure.

3-Day Stay in Low-key Mindoro (Bongabong & Bulalacao)

2015-11-25T10:20:00.001-08:00

For this year’s sembreak, we sailed to Mindoro. Well, we didn’t really ‘sail’. But unlike our usual roadtrips, this time we were mostly traveling by water. A welcomed first for our law school #squad since we usually travel north to the boondocks.

Mindoro trip satisfied more than I expected. It’s the kind of vacation I needed. Satiated my wanderlust. Relaxed my stressed mind.

First RoRo Trip Ever

It was APEC week in Manila (and I honestly didn’t want to be a part of all the crazy). We left Tuesday night, right before the start of the declared holiday. We departed from Manila 7pm and arrived in Batangas at 10pm. Reina Delas Flores of Montenegro Lines departed past 10:30 pm.

It was my first time on board a RoRo. I did expect to get scared since I fear being in the middle of the ocean, or space, or anything endless really. But the whole ride was okay. I didn’t get sea sick or scared. Just a little anxious at first. The RoRo trip lasted for 3 hours.

Inside RoRo Pilot House

My friend, Cindee, befriended the officers manning the vessel. We stayed in the Pilot House (or Bridge as they call it abroad). There were two officers there who explained to us the different apparatus they use. I remember the radar and forgot everything else. Very educational really. For a first-timer, a visit to the Pilot House was pretty spectacular.

Day 1 in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro

We arrived in Calapan, Mindoro around 2am. Since we were starving, we stopped at this roadside eatery. They serve goto, mami and bibingka. They also give salabat for free. That was the nicest salabat I tasted. Their goto was different. It looked more like papaitan, but really delicious. I would probably be looking for this goto one of these days after a booze fix. Their bibingka was simple and tasty and cheap. We ordered 7 gotos and 4 bibingkas. It only cost us 280 pesos all in all.

By the way, the couple who run this gotohan sent their 3 children to school using their income from this small business. So a plea to all travelers who care to listen: when you go to the provinces, spend your money on these small businesses. They need and deserve it more.

We drove from Calapan to Bongabong.

Our first day in Bongabong, Mindoro was pretty laid back. We just rested, talked, ate and ate some more. Thank you to Cindee Guno's family for their warm welcome and for spoiling us.

The latter part of the day was spent on Lito Camo’s beach house, which he offered for free. Thanks to Niño Liwanag for arranging this accomodation for us and for accompanying us on most of the places we visited.

Lito Camo's Beach House

We capped off the night lying by the beach, chatting, looking at the stars -- one of my favorite parts of this trip.

Day 2 in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro

We woke up at 4am to start our day.We traveled to Bulalacao by car, had a brief courtesy call with the Bulalacao Mayor. He arranged for our boat ride for our island hopping. Again. For free. A lot of freebies for this trip.

Island Hopping. By island hopping, we mean 2 islands. The islands are separated a little far from each other. And we didn’t get to go to the other islands because of the huge waves that day.

Aslom Island. There’s nothing much on this island. It’s actually mostly privately owned and still under construction. We were still allowed on some parts however. It was windy here. I can imagine a lot of water activities, like windsurfing, that travelers may patronize. We just had our lunch there and left.

Aslom Island

Tambaron Island. This is the highlight of our trip. We were the only ones in Tambaron (except for the caretakers of course). Imagine an entire island all to yourself. It was beyond words. The pictures cannot capture the serenity that this island has left me.

We were accommodated by Tambaron Green Beach Resort. (See below for cost and contact details)

You can go to the other side of the island by trekking for 15 minutes or so, or you can go there by boat. It is as beautiful. I don’t know if there are accommodations available on the other side. We just had our photo op and went back.

Tambaron Island

You can go swimming and boating in Tambaron. Here’s a picture of my friends as I watch them own that part of the sea. They were the only ones there. I mean...it was beyond amazing.

Tambaron Island

Mandatory sunset pose!

Tambaron Island

And of course drinking session near a bonfire, by the sea, under the stars. What more can I ask for?

I woke up at 5 am, sat by the shore alone, watched the light breaking through the darkness as I hear the calm waves hit the sand, deep in my thoughts. No pictures. Just me, and the ocean, and the sky. It was my favorite part.

Day 3 in Bongabong, Mindoro

We had our breakfast in Melzar’s Restaurant. Very scenic. Food needs improvement.

We went around Bongabong, Mindoro. We lounged by the river...

Bongabong Mindoro

We walked around...

And we went up this lighthouse.

Bongabong Lighthouse

It was my first time to ever go up a lighthouse. Usually pictures are just taken with lighthouses as backdrop.. We were allowed to go up and I have to say...it scared the hell out of me. I’m not afraid of heights or of narrow places; I anticipated that kind of steel ladder; I’ve always wanted to go up a lighthouse; but I didn’t expect it to shake so much as we climbed up. There were 6 of us who were supposed to go up and I seriously didn’t think that the lighthouse could carry all the weight of 6 people, but I went up anyways because #YOLO. Two of us fortunately yielded so I breathed a little. I was still scared since it shook a lot when somebody was using the ladder. That lighthouse seems short, but it felt like forever climbing up the ladder. The thrill was nice though. And that’s a part of my non-existing bucketlist crossed out.

We departed from Mindoro at 4am November 21, 2015. If I felt anxious on my first RoRo ride, I was asleep the entire trip on my second.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Cost
What we spent during our entire trip. Note: The table below does not contain our expenses for food (except for the one in Tambaron).

	Expenses
RoRo Fare - Montenegro Lines (for Private Car, one way)	1,600 pesos approx. (Depends what car you have)
RoRo Fare (one way)	192 pesos per head (No fee for the driver)
Gas (Manila to Batangas,Batangas to Manila, around Mindoro )	2, 000 pesos approx
Toll fee	600 pesos approx.
Tambaron Resort Overnight Dorm	350 pesos per head
Boat ride fee fromTambaron Island to Fish Port*	700 pesos
Dinner in Tambaron Island	1, 500 pesos (Enough for 8 people)
Tips	600 pesos

*We got a free boat ride from Bulalacao fish port to Tambaron. If you want to go to Tambaron Green Beach Resort, you can just contact them and they will arrange the boat ride for you (back and forth). Here are their contact details:

Mt. Sipit Ulang Dayhike

2015-09-27T06:37:00.001-07:00

Mt.Sipit Ulang was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t even know this mountain exists until last week. They said Mt. Sipit Ulang's Paniki trail is a recently opened trail. In fact, Pinoymountaineer just recently blogged about this mountain last August 31, 2015. Just barely a month ago.

Mt.Sipit Ulang is located at Brgy. Mascap, Rodriguez, Rizal. We went there by car.

TIP #1: For those who would bring a car, you can park for free near the barangay hall.

We planned to be there by 7am, but because of few bumps in the road, we arrived at 9:30am.

TIP #2: Arrive at around 7am or 8am to enjoy the entirety of the Paniki trail. Because we started the trail around 9:45am, the tour guides made us take the Banayad trail halfway to arrive at the summit by noon. [We did ask them to take us to a route where we would arrive at the summit by noon since we plan to be home early.]

Once you arrive in the barangay hall, you would have to register and pay 50pesos each for environmental fee. For the tour guide fee, they recommend 400pesos.

The Tour Guides

We had two tour guides, Pogs and Meljoe. They were substitute tour guides since all the regular tour guides were already taken when we arrived. Pogs and Meljoe were to be taken as one since they merely tag teamed as newbies. We paid them 500pesos each. We thoroughly enjoyed their company. I think they are cut to become regular tour guides. They are two of the best I’ve met so far. They were enthusiastic, patient,and communicate really well.

The Trails

There are two trails. The Banayad and Paniki trails. The Banayad trail is the easier one and is recommended to take for the descent. The Paniki trail is the more challenging trail going up.

You would have to enter some caves...

climb this tall ladder...

and rock scramble...

It was not that exhausting because you would have to pause from time to time to let your companions catch up because sometimes you can’t do the task all together. If you don’t mind getting dirty, tight places and interesting obstacle courses, you would definitely enjoy Mt. Sipit Ulang.

TIP #3: Bring some gloves. The rocks are really sharp. Anyway, I had no bruises in my hand so you’ll survive without one. But really, bring one to make things easier for you, especially in maneuvering in the sipit ulang rock formation in the summit.

There are a few stops like this along the way.

And a lot more of breathtaking views.

The Summit

For the summit, you would have to climb the sipit ulang rock formation. I’m telling you, it’s not an easy climb. It takes guts to do. Just trust your tour guide. Make sure you hold on tightly, that you have a good foothold, and voila! Epic summit shots!

It's achievable. Just be really careful. One slip can be fatal. Take your time.

Itinerary.

Pinoymountaineer's itinerary compared to how our day went.

Pinoymountaineer's itinerary

0400 Take van from Cubao to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal
0530 ETA Rodriguez, Rizal; take trike to Brgy. Mascap
0630 Arrival at Brgy. Mascap. Register at barangay hall
0700 Start trek up Hapunang Banoi via Paniki Trail
0930 ETA summit. Explore rock formations
1000 Retreat to the benches - possible lunch stop*
1030 Start descent via the Banayad Trail
1200 Back at Brgy. Mascap. Tidy up.
1300 Head back to Rodriguez town (or proceed to Mt. Ayaas)
1400 Back in Eastwood, Rodriguez. Take van back to Manila
1530 Back in Manila.

How our day went

6:30 am - Left McDo Bustillos
9:30 am - Arrival at Masicap (we got lost plenty of times so it might take you a shorter time)
9:45 am - Start hike
12 noon - Summit
12-1pm - Lunch and wait for your turn for summit photo op
1pm - 2pm - Summit Photo Op (Because we were the last group and no one was waiting for us to finish. Plus it’s really hard to maneuver in the summit)
2pm-3pm - Descent
5:30 - Back in Manila

Budget

I spent a total of 500pesos. 200pesos for gas. 50 pesos for environmental fee. 200 pesos for tour guide fee. 50pesos for food.

Kwentong Atty. Amurao

2015-08-01T11:34:00.001-07:00

This post is a tribute to my most favorite law professor, Atty. Amurao. He passed away last Thursday. Atty. Amurao was well-known for being one of the most -- if not the most -- feared professor in San Beda Law. He is also one of the most loved and respected.

Photo Credit: LSG San Beda Law Mendiola

Unlike the others, I’m not going to say that Atty. Amurao taught me how to persevere nor would I say that he instilled in me the discipline needed to study and love the law. He didn’t inculcate in me the importance of getting back up after failing. I already knew all those before I had him as my Criminal Law 2 professor.

But why do I respect him so much? And why do I feel so heartbroken that he would no longer walk the halls of San Beda? Because I idolize him. He didn’t compromise. From the very first meeting to the last, he was consistent with his ethics and professionalism. His dedication to teaching is immeasurable.

***

Lahat naman ng recit sa law school, nakakakaba, pero iba talaga yung kaba sa klase ng isang Atty. Amurao. Yung puso ko parang lalabas sa dibdib ko sa sobrang tibok. At hindi yun nawala. Usually, masasanay ka sa prof at magiging kampante, pero kay Atty. Amurao, hindi. Hanggang huling araw ng klase, malala pa rin yung pagkabog ng puso ko.

Kahit matanda na sya, palagi syang pumapasok. Hindi sya na-late ng more than 15 minutes. Nagbibigay sya ng grade as low as 60, pero kung tuloy-tuloy ang recit mo at wala kang sinabing mali, hindi nya ipagkakait ang 100. Ilang taon na rin akong nasa law school. Marami na kong recit na nakita na sobrang galing pero hanggang 85 lang ang binibigay na highest ng professor. Hindi ganun si Atty. Amurao. Kung deserve mo ang perfect score, yun ang isusulat nya sa classcard mo.

Kahit may Amurao Notes, tadtad pa rin ng 65, 70 at 75 ang recit grades ko. Nakalimang sunod-sunod na bokyang recit ako sa kanya bago ko nakatikim ng 100. Bago yun, naisip kong di ko kaya. Nagalit ako sa kanya. Pero nung nakatikim ako ng una kong 100, sobrang saya ko! Eventually, na-realize ko na kaya ko. Naintindihan ko na gusto nya lang akong matuto.

Matututo ka talaga sa kanya. Kanina nga, nagbibigay ng eulogy yung isa sa mga Beda profs at nabanggit nya yung Art. 247 ng Revised Penal Code. Alam mo yung article number pa lang, naalala ko na agad yung lessons namin. Kasi sobrang tatatak talaga yung mga recitations sa kanya. Syempre marami na kong nakalimutan, pero sa subject nya talaga ko pinakamaraming naaalala.

Sa ibang prof, swerte na yung matawag ka ng 3 beses sa buong semester. Kay Atty. Amurao, 3 beses bawat meeting. Sa ibang prof, pwede kang magbasa ng libro, maghabol ng aral habang nagkla-klase. Kay Atty. Amurao, kelangan makinig ka sa kanya. Hindi sya umuulit kapag nasabi na nya yung tanong. Kelangan din mabilis ka sumagot kasi huminto ka lang ng mga 3 segundo, magtatawag na sya ng sunod na estudyante.

Madalas nilang sabihing malupit sya, pero kung tutuusin, hindi naman eh. Hindi sya sumisigaw. Hindi sya namamahiya. Reasonable ang mga tanong nya sa recit at sa exam. Kaya lang talaga, pag mali ka sa recit, upo ka kaagad. Pag di maayos ang sagot mo sa essay sa exam, 2 over 10 ang score mo. At least may partial points! Minsan nga sa iba wala.

Malupit ba kung nage-expect ang prof na ibigay mo sa kanya yung tamang sagot sa tanong nya? Mabait si sir. Mahirap lang talaga magtanong. Mataas lang ang standard. At yun ang dahilan kung bakit maraming takot at umiiwas sa klase nya.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ma-imagine ang law school life ko nang hindi ko naging prof si Atty. Amurao. The Amurao Experience, so far, is the best part of my law school years. It was the most trying and the most fulfilling time. I am very honored to have passed his subject -- one of the only two students in our class who did -- and be called an Amurao Baby.

I would never forget our small encounter in the hallway. I would never forget that smile. Hindi sya ngumingiti sa loob ng classroom kaya sobrang pinapahalagahan naming mga naging estudyante nya yung simpleng ngiti nya sa labas.

I know he was old, but I can’t shake the feeling that he was gone too soon. Wala man lang kaming picture together. Hindi ko man lang sa kanya mapagmamalaki yung grade ko sa Criminal Law sa Bar Exam. Alam ko magiging maayos ang score ko sa Criminal Law. I was taught by the best.

Sir, more than anything, thank you for tearing my confidence down so it had nowhere else to go but up. Thank you for reminding me how to turn fear to inspiration, frustration to hardwork. You are one of my heroes. I’ll keep you in my heart. I feel so privileged to have been under your tutelage. Thank you, sir. Rest in His loving arms.

ILOCOS ROADTRIP: Paoay and Vigan

2015-07-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

" I can't say I wasn't hoping for it, but I didn't see it coming." -- Jessi Kirby, Golden

Our trip to Ilocos was definitely unplanned. We were running out of things to do in La Union so we decided to drive to Ilocos. It was my first time in Ilocos, and I can say that our trip was definitely one for the books. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte

We arrived in Suba, Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte at 5:30 pm. We had the place to ourselves!

First up,

4X4 ride!!!

I had never ridden a 4x4. It was my first time and it was epic! Mostly thanks to our “tour guide” slash “driver” slash "photographer" slash VICE MAYOR of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. We had no idea at first that he is the vice-mayor of the town. We only found out after he had already driven the 4x4, took our photos, taught us how to sandboard, and became the best possible tour guide to our group. Vice Mayor Jessie Galano is thus far the coolest executive official I've ever met. I don't know if he only does this tour guide-thing for votes. Anyway, he knew we were not voters of Ilocos and the entire sand dunes was practically empty for him to put up a show. My conclusion is that: he's just cool like that.

Vice-Mayor Jessie gave us the ultimate experience of riding the 4x4. You really have to hold tightly because you’re going to be thrown out if you don’t.

4x4 ride (already includes sandboarding) costs 2,500 pesos. The truck will fit 5 people. The fee is fixed regardless of how many you are in the group, so long as you don't exceed 5. There were 8 of us so we rented 2 trucks.

Sandboarding

It’s actually easier than it looks. Though I fell flat on my behind twice, it was manageable. Sandboarding is probably my favorite experience during this La Union-Ilocos trip. It was fun and scary and fulfilling. And again, we had the whole sand dunes to ourselves! There were young boys assisting our “tour guide” and watching us sandboard which made the experience pretty awesome. It was like having a supportive audience.

Picture-Perfect

The quality photos are probably creditable to the magic of GoPro, but I swear, the place is really amazing. I loved the sunset! One of the best sunset experiences of my life. Great sunset with great friends.

Owning Vigan, Ilocos Sur

We arrived in Vigan at 11pm. And again, just like Suba Sand Dunes, we had Calle Crisologo to ourselves. No annoying photobombers. I never wanted to go to Vigan. I could not imagine a half-day travel just to visit Calle Crisologo. But combined with our sand dunes trip, it was definitely worth a visit.

LA UNION TRIP: FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, HALO HALO DE ILOKO, SURFING

2015-07-06T07:36:00.003-07:00

Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel Review

I was really looking forward to staying in Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel. I heard about its “hip” reputation long time ago. When we arrived, I can say I was a little disappointed. For 780 pesos a day (on weekends for kubo dorms), I expected more. But I think the place kind of grew on me on the second day.

During our stop in La Union, we practically just stayed inside the hostel. I guess the best thing about the place is the feeling of relaxation. It’s very laid back. You can do nothing the whole day and not feel guilty that you’re wasting time (at least for 2 days).

Pros and Cons of Staying in Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel

Cons:

Costly compared to other hostels

Common bathroom. For 780 pesos each, a group of 10 deserves its own comfort room. There are only 2 showers for girls and 2 showers for boys. The good thing is that there are only a few dorms; each accommodates 8 persons.

If there are only a few of you, you’d have to share the room/kubo with strangers. (This can be one of the pros)

The rooms are not air-conditioned. If you’re not used to fan rooms, or when the sun is unforgiving, your stay would be difficult. (Their website sufficiently informs you that they provide fan rooms.)

For 8 persons, the kubo room is small. You’ll definitely be crowded. (But if you’ll be staying outside most of the time, then that’s fine.)

Free breakfast does not include protein choices.

Pros:

Very hip! There are hammocks, bean bags, kulambo/mosquito net, cool lanterns, etc.
It's an artists beach. If you're an artist or feeling-artist, then it's the best option for you.

The decors are amazing. It looks great on pictures!

There were 10 of us and we were allowed to stay in 1 kubo. #closeness

Food tastes great. You don’t have to leave the place for a food trip.

Free breakfast (cereals, fruits, coffee, juice, a lot of jams and bread)

It’s a little far (still walking distance) from the surfing spot, which is great for me. The part of the beach fronting the hotel feels exclusive.

When there are no customers in the restaurant, the hostel feels exclusive to guests like us. The place feels so much bigger that way. You’ll get to experience this every morning. It gets crowded at night.

I would not recommend Flotsam and Jetsam if you’re looking for a place of comfort. But if you’re looking for experience and some cool vibe, it’s definitely a must-go to place. Check out their rates here.

La Union Surfing

I thoroughly enjoyed surfing in La Union. I actually have no idea on what kind of waves are good for surfing, but I had a relatively easy time riding those waves so I think they’re great. Also, La Union is not as crowded as Baler -- at least during the times I'd been in these two surfing spots. Maybe the difference in the crowd was due to the fact that I visited Baler in April, and La Union in June.

Halo Halo De Iloko

We had our lunch in Halo Halo De Iloko. I highly recommend their pancit, especially if you’re with a group. Their Pancit En Grande was worth the price. The other dishes are okay, not outstanding.

The halo halo? Nothing extraordinary. Costly for something normal. Normal for a resto with halo halo in its name. The place looks great though. Great interior decor! Very meticulous! It's like every piece inside was well-thought of. Just to see the place, I would pay for a higher price than usual. Anyway, experience is what is being bought nowadays.

We Know Nothing: Game of Thrones Season 5 Finale Recap

2015-06-16T01:51:00.001-07:00

I had to write this to move on.

Warning: If you have not watched Season 5, Episode 10 of Game of Thrones, this contains major spoilers.

Watching Thrones and waiting for the Starks reunion have been excruciating. One, that’s impossible because half of them are dead. Two, the rest are in a tight spot. Bran and Snow almost had a reunion back then. Arya almost reunited with her mother and brother during the Red Wedding. Can I have a mini-reunion? Even just two Starks together, please.

I don't own rights to this photo

Jon Snow

Let me start with that ending. I’m not going to rave about it that much. We all have the same speculations. The only question is how. I believe that one of these 3 will do the trick.

Ghost photo credit: http://rebloggy.com

Let’s hope that it is no coincidence that Melisandre was back in Castle Black before that betrayal. It has also been widely speculated that Snow is a warg and probably have warged into Ghost before he died. I have not read the book, but they said that Snow’s last word in the book is “Ghost”. Or it can be this king of white walker, though I think that’s a long shot. But what do I know? All I know is that the story would make less sense without our favorite bastard.

He can’t be dead. He just can’t be. Not because I’m attached to his character, but because he looks delicious on TV. I kid! But because he’s the main protagonist on the battle against white walkers and because he is a crucial part of the story. Along with everybody else, I believe in that “R+L=J” fan theory. That was just a cliffhanger. That’s all there is to it. He’ll live in one way or another. It would be nice if he’ll still be in the body of Kit Harrington. Kit has said that he won’t be back next season. That can be a lie. Or truth... But that doesn’t mean he won’t be back next next season, like Bran. Gahd, I hope he's not dead!

Arya Stark

After everything that happened to our favorite Starks, it’s great to see that there’s someone out for revenge for us. I don’t want you to be no one, Arya. I want you to kill all who have wronged your family and tell them that you are Arya Stark. Go get them, Arya!

Sansa Stark and Theon

Theon Greyjoy finally grew his dick back. I hope they truly escaped. I can’t take a scene where either of them is being skinned by crazy Ramsay. Sansa has suffered enough. Give her a break!

Stannis

It has been written by one of the articles I’ve read that this episode was about the consequences of leadership. Stannis, Jon Snow, Daenerys and Cersei. One is dead. One we’re all denying to be dead. Another soon to be abducted. And the last one shamed by her subjects. Stannis Baratheon...How crazy was he to go to battle with hungry and exhausted men? Well, he burned his sweet daughter for power. He is crazy. I kind of feel sorry for him though. I think he knew he was fighting a losing battle, but he has done too many terrible things already to back out. He knew that battle was his death sentence and he brought all his men with him. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this scene.

I don't own rights to this photo

Slaughter.

Myrcella

I didn’t want her dead mostly because she’s pretty, and seems to be the sweetest Lannister. She barely had a screen time, but I guess it’s how you die in Thrones that matters. Poor Jamie... Finally one of his children accepted him, only to have her taken away right at that moment. Go get them, Jamie!

Brienne

Of course, you missed the candle! Glad that another character got to avenge somebody. Now go find Sansa.

This Dorne girl

She’s funny.

I don't own rights to this photo

Daenerys

After that epic escape, Drogon was just done for the day. Daenerys while looking for something to eat found herself surrounded by Dothraki-looking men. I found Dany doing an Olivia Pope. She dropped her ring. When you're about to be abducted, leave a trail. Presence of mind under pressure.

I don't own rights to this photo

Cersei

ALL THE AWARDS FOR LENA HEADEY!!! I have loved Cersei ever since this scene.

I don't own rights to this photo

She’s not a role model. Definitely. But she’s one of the more interesting characters. I love to hate her. I hate that I love her. That walk was brutal! But you have got to love GRRM's sense of history. Go get them, Cersei. All of them!

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Game of Thrones is entertainment at its finest. You have wars, incest, direwolves, kings, princesses, giants, zombies, nudity, mutilation, dragons, great actors, movie-quality production and a killer plot. If you're not watching this show, I don't know what you're doing with your life.

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“My readers should know better than to take anything as gospel." - George R.R. Martin

Mt. Daraitan Climb - Travel Guide

2015-06-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

How to commute to Daraitan

- Ride an SUV in Starmall, Shaw to get to Tanay, Rizal (70 pesos)
- Take a tricycle from Tanay to Brgy. Daraitan (125 pesos)
- pay 30 pesos per trike to cross the bridge
- sometimes you’d have to cross the river by raft (10 pesos per head)
- Once you’re in the barangay hall of Daraitan, you would have to register and secure a guide.

Note: It took us 3 hours from the time the SUV departed Shaw to the time we started the climb. Don’t be surprised that the trike ride would last one hour.

What to expect

A lot of blogs would say that this climb is for beginners. I am no expert so I won’t be rating. But what I would say is that for someone who exercises almost regularly, it was still a challenge. It’s not the usual beginner’s climb that you just do a lot of regular walking. It’s a lot of uphill trek. Be ready to carry your weight. I’ve done a good amount of hiking in college, all beginner’s climb. Mt. Daraitan was the hardest beginner’s climb for me, maybe I just grew older. It’s of course achievable. I’m just saying it’s no walk in the park.

Tips:

1. The first 2/5 of the trek is the hardest. Just push through it and you’ll be fine. You'll get used to it after.

2. If you can avoid carrying tons of things, do so. It’s almost uphill from start to finish, so if you can lessen your weight, it would be easier.

3.You can take a bath in the barangay hall and there are bathrooms for a fee near Tinipak. Bring extra clothes.

4. For my size, 2 liters of water was just right for the entire trip. There’s water for sale near Tinipak River, but that’s at the end of the entire trek.

5. There's a man selling ice cream for 25 pesos.

6. It’s a long walk to get to Tinipak River, but it’s worth it. You’re already there and you probably smell, go take a dip.

Budget plan (per head)

- SUV to Tanay - P70 (P140 back and forth)
- Tricycle to Brg. Daraitan - P125 (P250 back and forth)
- Bridge Fee - P10
- Guide Fee - P100 (It actually depends how many you are in a group. 500 pesos is the usual pay. But to me, that seems inadequate because they will stay with you the entire day.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total P500

Additional cost if you are going to hike to Tinipak River, Quezon:

- 5 pesos per head - Entrance
- 10 pesos per head - Trike to get to the barangay hall (it’s a long walk from the river to the trike bay; even longer if you would walk to get to the barangay hall)

This is how our day went (Rough ITINERARY for you)

630 - Departure from Shaw (plus waiting time for the van to be full)
8:00 - Arrival in Tanay
9:00 - Arrival in Daraitan, registration
9:30 - Start trek up Mt. Daraitan
12:00 nn - Summit arrival, lunch, photo op
13:00 - Start descent to Tinipak River
15:00 Arrival at Tinipak River.
17:00 - Walk and Trike back to Brgy. Daritan
19:00 - Departure, head back to Tanay, Rizal via tricycle
20:00 - Tanay
22:00 - Manila (with moderate traffic)

Pangasinan Roadtrip - Hundred Islands and Bolinao Escapade

2015-05-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

The itinerary for our Pangasinan weekend roadtrip is to go to Dagupan, Alaminos and Bolinao.

We left Manila by Friday night and arrived in Dagupan to get some rest in my friend’s place. Saturday morning, we traveled to Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Hundred Islands

I’ve read about Hundred Islands in my elementary textbooks, but I’ve never really had the chance to get there until last weekend.

They said it was better to explore the islands during the morning since in the afternoon, there's already low tide and there are activities you won’t get to experience, like cliff diving. But we arrived around 11am so we really had no choice but to experience it during the afternoon under the scorching heat of the sun. If you’re arriving around the same time, it’s better to eat first (if you’re not bringing any food) since there’s really no food choices on these islands.

Arranging Your Hundred Islands Tour

To start your Hundred Islands tour, you would have to get to Lucap Wharf. If you’re traveling by car like we did, there’s a free parking lot. Once you’re there, go to the tourism office, talk to one of the officers, and you would need to fill out a form. You would be assisted by the officer.

Costs:

(1) Boat fee: It depends.

Determine how many you are and what kind of boat you need . There are small (1-5 persons), medium(6-10 persons) and large boats (11-15). Determine whether you’re renting the boat for a Day Tour, Overnight or you’re using it as a Service Boat. If you hire a Service Boat, your assigned tour guide will stay with you during your entire trip. Here are the rates:

Grabbed from keeping traces.blogspot.com

(2) 250 PhP per person for snorkeling

If you’re going snorkeling, you would have to pay 250 pesos for each person for the equipments.

(3) Insurance - 10 PhP per person

(4) Registraion/Envirnonmental Fee - 40 pesos per person

What to do in Hudred Islands

- There’s an activity in each of the major islands. In Governor’s Island, you can visit the PBB house and climb to the view deck to take a picture.

Among the other activities you can try are:

- Island Hopping
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Cliff Diving
- Zipline

Don’t worry. You can just ask your tour guides on what you can do in each of the island. You would have to pay additional fees for other activities like snorkeling and zipline. Cliff diving is for free, but make sure you have a vest. No vest, no cliff dive.

We didn’t get to experience the cliff diving since there was low tide, but we swam in the Imelda Cave which is the underground river -- also a bat cave -- where people do the cliff dive.

There are other islands/islets you can go to. In our case, after snorkeling, we just passed by these islands since we were already exhausted. We proceeded to Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Bolinao Pangasinan

We stayed in my friend’s cousin’s place in Bolinao. Ate Cute was the most gracious host anyone could ever ask for. She also accompanied us in Patar Beach and Bolinao Lighthouse. I like seeing lighthouses so that was really fun for me.

In Patar Beach, cottages only cost 700 pesos.

To end our Pangasinan trip, we planned to go to Manaoag Church, but it was already late in the evening so we weren’t able to pass by.

Pangasinan is just a few hours from Manila. If you’re broke like us, you can definitely visit these places since for a small budget, there are plenty of activities you can do and plenty of places you can visit.

Day Trip in Minalungao National Park

2015-05-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who has a great place in Nueva Ecija. She told us that we were always welcome to visit so when I saw a post in Looloo about Minalungao National Park, I immediately bookmarked it. Prior to reading that post, I never knew this place existed.

I went to Nueva Ecija with my law school friends. It was our Christmas break and we were broke (Hashtag Student Life) so we opted for Nueva Ecija for the second time. This time we planned to go to Minalungao.

From my friend’s place in Nueva Ecija, we traveled by car to Minalungao. Halfway our trip, we did ask ourselves if we were on the right track. It was a very remote place Only a few people were there when we arrived. The children around the area can be your tour guides. Just generously pay them after the tour.

What to do in Minalungao National Park?

We did some rock climbing (for lack of a better term). We really didn’t expect that we would so we were not wearing appropriate outfits. One of us is in a dress, one in a formal wear. My slippers were slippery.

There is a cave, but it’s not much and it doesn’t look that safe to me.

Some of us did some swimming.

The fun part was rafting. We rented the raft for 600 pesos. It actually costs more, but we got it for a cheaper price because we only used it for a few minutes. It costs more (P800) but you would have it for the whole day.

We didn’t experience the thousand steps since it was already reaching nighttime.

What made Minalungao fun for us?

We didn’t know what to expect so everything we did became so much more exciting. Being in unsuitable clothes, climbing rocks was definitely a challenge. We also enjoyed the rafting. The greatest part is that there were only a few people around so the place was really serene.

Photo credit: Minalungao National Park Facebook Account

What you see in the picture, the color of the water, that is the actual color. The place really has this pristine quality. I can’t imagine this place being crowded.

Would I recommend Minalungao National Park?

It depends. If you intend to go there from a farther place, let’s say Manila, don’t expect a lot. What you see in the pictures is practically the entire thing. It's a small place. But still, you would definitely enjoy it too if you just want to relax, rent a raft, chill and swim for the day. If you’re coming from a much nearer place like Nueva Ecija, you should definitely go and support and love your own. It's a must for you if you're from Nueva Ecija since it's your very own hidden treasure.

Sagada Weekend Experience

2015-05-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt to blog about my traveling experience. A lot of blog sites helped me set up itineraries for our travels so I thought I would blog about my adventures too, hopefully, to give others information they’re seeking before they begin their trips.

Bus to Sagada

We left Manila, by car, around 10pm Friday and arrived in Baguio around 3am. We left the car in Baguio to travel to Sagada by bus.

According to my researches, buses to Sagada leave at 4am or 4:30am so we went to GL Lizardo Bus Station around that time and queued, but the first bus arrived at the bus station around 5am. By that time, there were already so many people. There was a few commotion since so many people waited and queued for how many minutes, almost an hour, and there was no proper assistance on who should board first so people went a little kru kru. I think only 1/5 was able to ride that first bus to Sagada. We were among the few. My friend literally had to fight for our spots because we were the first ones there. I don’t know the schedule of the next trip. The GL Bus Station is not yet properly equipped to handle so many tourists, especially during the weekends.

Lodging - Ligaya’s House and Cottages

We wanted to reserve one of the cottages but it was fully booked. We got one of the houses for 300 pesos per head. Ligaya’s is a little far from the town proper, but we didn’t mind. They provided transportation for a cost. Since there were a lot of us, we were splitting costs so it was very minimal. Here’s their more responsive contact number: 0920-784-9633

Sagada Saturday

When you arrive in Sagada, you would have to go to the Tourism Office and pay an environmental fee. They will also give you a piece of paper outlining the places to go and at what cost. We received our copy from our hosts from Ligaya’s. It’s the same for everyone.

From Saturday lunch to afternoon, we visited the Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Lumiang Burial Caves and Sumaguing Cave. Spelunking at Sumaguing Cave is a must. You have to experience it for yourselves. It’s a lot of fun especially when you’re with friends (or maybe significant others). It may be a little tough for children.

Sagada Dinner

For our dinner in Sagada, we had some trouble looking for a place. There were so many people in all the famous places. We walked down the entire strip. We ended up having our dinner in Sagada Brew. That was probably one of the worst dining experiences I had. We waited for more than an hour for our food. I think the next table waited for 2 hours because we were already eating while they were still waiting. It was horrible. The food didn’t even taste that good. They should do something about their terrible service.

Mt. Kiltepan Experience

Before we arrived in Sagada, there were already a lot of news articles about how tourists ruined Mt. Kiltepan and Sagada in general. I was ready to be disappointed, but I wasn’t. It was around 5am when we left Ligaya’s House to go to Kiltepan via van. There were numerous cars lined up to get to the peak. It was like Manila traffic all over again. Did that disappoint me? Not entirely. From the way I see it, it’s a great thing. Tourists of Sagada waking up early in the morning chasing the sun. It was quite an experience.

What is horrible, however, are the noisy tourists. I didn’t mind that we were cramped up, but what annoyed me is the noise. Can they just take a selfie and SHUT THE FUCK UP? I don’t understand it. You traveled so far to witness this sunrise and all you’re seeing are your faces on your phone.

Good thing I am used to shutting down the world to focus. And I can clearly remember those few minutes when the sun started peaking through the mountain, when the first non-violent rays hit my face, and when the sun finally showed its entirety. That glorious circle. You can look at it directly for the first few minutes without hurting your eyes.

It was a magnificent sunrise above a glorious sea of clouds. That. That cannot be taken away by any noise.

Sagada Breakfast - Misty Lodge

Misty Lodge breakfast redeemed Sagada dining experience for us. There were very few people when we had our breakfast there. There were just two groups, including ours. No horrible long waiting and the food was great.

Departure

We were planning to go to Bomod-ok Falls -- but blame it on our tiring lives maybe -- but we decided to go home earlier. By the way, there are no buses leaving past 2pm they said. We shopped before leaving. It was another 6-hour ride to Baguio.

Cost:

I spent around 3,000 pesos for the whole trip. That already includes:
- Gas (Manila-Baguio and back)
- Bus fare from Baguio to Sagada and back (220 pesos per ride)
- Meals (around 200 pesos each meal for famous places) you can go cheaper
- 300 pesos for lodging (2D1N)
- Tour prices and Guide fees (it will depend on your itinerary)

Quotes from "That Thing Called Tadhana"

2015-02-19T02:06:00.001-08:00

(Photo credit belongs to owner)

“Alam mo yung sinasabi nila na kung kayo, kayo talaga? Kung kayo, babalik sya sayo. Tangina! Nakakagago yun eh! Ano yun? Iaasa ko na lang sa hangin? Sa tadhana? Sa isang bagay na hindi ko nakikita yung future nyo ng taong mahal na mahal mo?” – Mace

(Mace’s Version)

“Para sakin kung mahal mo, habulin mo, dapat ipaglaban mo yun. Wag mong hintayin na may magtulak sa kanya pabalik sayo. Hatakin mo hangga’t kaya mo. Wag kang susuko. Wag kang bibitaw. Sorry. Mahal ko eh.” – Mace

“Kung hindi ka na nya mahal, hindi ka na nya mahal.” – Mace

“Hindi na kita mahal. Makakaalis ka na. 7 words. Yung 8 years namin, nagawa nyang tapusin sa 7 words.” – Mace

“Hindi ka na nya mahal. Yun na yun. Ano pang di malinaw dun?” – Anthony

“Sabihin naman nya sakin kung bakit. Ipaliwanag naman nya kung ano yung nagawa ko. Ano ba yung nagawa ko?” – Mace

“ Kung sinabi ba nya sayo kung bakit, may magbabago ba? Bottomline: hindi ka na nya mahal.” – Anthony

“Pano ba makalimot?” – Mace

“… Gano katagal yun?” – Mace

“…Importante pa ba yun? Ang mahalaga nakalimutan.” – Anthony

“Ikaw naman yung bahala dyan. Nasa sayo yan. Pwede kang uminom gabi-gabi. Pwede kang umiyak gabi-gabi. Makipag-date kung kani-kanino. Makipag-sex sa kung sino-sinong lalaki. Ikaw…O pwede ka ring makahanap ng new love.” – Anthony

“There are all kinds of love in this world. But never the same love twice.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald.

“Pag nagkakapera ka, diba parang gusto mo na lang gumawa ng pera? Tapos mare-realize mo…Eh, 8 years na pala.” – Anthony

“Aren’t we supposed to be great by this time?” – Mace

“To the great people we could have been.” – Mace

“Parang ayaw ko naman yatang mag-cheers dyan.” – Anthony

“To the great people we are today.” – Mace

“Sinungaling.” – Anthony

“To the great people we will be?” – Mace

“To the great people we will be.” – Anthony

“Alam mo sa totoo lang ikaw napanaginipan din kita eh. Pero medyo corny. Nasa Session Road tayo naglalakad.” – Anthony

“Oh talaga? Tapos?” – Mace

“Yun lang. Walang bungee jumping, bilang-bilang, bitaw-bitaw, wala. Marami lang tao tapos naglalakad lang tayo sa Session Road.” – Anthony

“Makaka-recover pa ba ko?" – Mace

“Makaka-recover ka.” – Anthony

“Sure na sure ka dyan ah.” – Mace

“ Alam mo kasi yung pagmamahal na ganyan, yung love na pinapakita mo kung gano ka-overwhelming, parang imposibleng walang puntahan. Babalik at mababalik yun sayo, not necessarily sa taong pinagbibigyan mo. Pero sigurado ko babalik sayo yun.” – Anthony

“Tulad nga nung sabi ni John Lloyd, ‘Kaya tayo iniiwan nung mga taong mahal natin kasi may paparating na bago na magmamahal satin at magpapa-realize satin kung bakit naging mali yung dati, magpapa-realize din satin kung pano tayo dapat mahalin.’” – Anthony

“…Dun ko sinigaw lahat. Lahat ng galit ko. Lahat ng sakit. Lahat ng gusto kong sabihin sa kanya na di ko nasabi. Lahat. Pero hindi nawala lahat ng sakit pero at least nabawasan.” – Anthony

“Ang wish ko...na sana hindi ko na sya mahalin.” – Mace

“Nandyan pa ba yung shooting star? Kasi kung nandyan pa sya, gusto kong mag-thank you sa kanya kasi hindi ako nag-iisa. Malungkot lang ako pero hindi ako mag-isa ngayon.” – Mace

“Nung umabot tayo sa dulo ng Session Road, anong nangyari sa panaginip mo?” – Mace

“Hindi ko na naabutan yun eh. Nagising na ko. Pero kung dudugtungan ko yun…tumingin ka sakin dahan-dahan, tapos sinabi mong, ‘Kakalimutan ko na sya.’” – Anthony

“Kakalimutan ko na sya.” - Mace

(Anthony’s version)
“Sabi mo nga, bakit mo ipapaubaya sa hangin, sa tadhana, sa isang bagay na hindi mo naman nakikita… na kung mahal mo, habulin mo, wag mo hintayin na may magtulak sa kanya pabalik sayo. Hatakin mo. Hanggang kaya mo wag kang bibitaw. Eh sorry. Mahal kita eh.” – Anthony

Thoughts on "That Thing Called Tadhana"

2015-02-19T01:59:00.000-08:00

“The Arrow with a Heart Pierced Through Him”

“The Arrow with a Heart Pierced Through Him” is a lot like “The Missing Piece Meets Big O” by Shel Silverstein.

(Photo credit belongs to owner)

“The Missing Piece Meets Big O” is one of my favorite short clips in the Internet. It portrays how sometimes we look for somebody to complete us but what we really need to do is to complete ourselves first before we find our match. You can watch this short story here.

Suitcase Symbolism

(Photo credit belongs to owner)

Their 3 suitcases symbolize their emotional baggage. Sabi nga ni Mace laman nun yung “buong buhay nya”. Mace let Anthony carry some of her baggage and Anthony had a piece of her life. One of my favorite scenes is when Mace was carrying her suitcases up and down staircases.

Before that scene, Anthony asked, “Anong gusto mo?” Mace replied, “Makalimot.” This conversation was followed by the staircase scene where the two were saying, “Mabigat. Pero mabagal. Pero kaya.” Ganyan ang paglimot. Mabigat. Mabagal. Pero kaya. Near the end, they both lost their luggage.

One More Chance References

I love “One More Chance” just like everybody else. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi naman ako masyadong naka-relate kay Popoy at Basha. Yung character ni Maja, yun yung paborito ko. Parehas silang maganda pero mas tumagos talaga sakin ‘tong “That Thing Called Tadhana”.

University of the Philippines References

“Tadhana” ang school hymn ng UP. Mas memorize pa namin yan kesa sa “UP Naming Mahal”. Nung tumugtog sa closing credits (bukod pa dun sa ringtone scene), sobrang daming feels.

At siguradong marami samin ang naka-relate sa sinabi ni Anthony, “Pagdating ko ng UP…akala ko magaling na ko eh, marunong lang pala.”

Baguio and Sagada

(Photo credit: juice.ph)

I’ve been to Baguio just five times and those escapades are five of the most memorable moments of my life. I remember standing before those paintings in BenCab Museum (where Mace and Anthony stood) thinking what those two paintings meant. If I were to go back there someday and I know I would, it will be as meaningful as all the other times. And Sagada… never been there. I plan to go this summer.

Shooting Stars

I have a fascination for shooting stars (and Saturn) so that shooting star scene…major plus points!

7 words

“Hindi na kita mahal. Makakaalis ka na. 7 words. Yung 8 years namin, nagawa nyang tapusin sa 7 words.” – Mace

This is all in the past and all is well now. But that line just reminded me of what I went through. Before my 4-year relationship ended, I tried reaching out and my efforts proved futile. In the end, I just wanted an explanation but still to no avail. I gave up and just asked, “Break na ba tayo. Yes or no?” I got a reply. He said, “Yes”. Yes, the word yes can be as heartbreaking as a no. Well, Mace, you got 7 words. I got one. Beat that!

I wanted an explanation but as Anthony Lagdameo said, “ Kung sinabi ba nya sayo kung bakit, may magbabago ba?” With or without explanation, you move on eventually.

JM De Guzman!

(Photo credit belongs to owner)

Anak ng tokwa! Ang pogi! Nakakamatay yung ngiti at titig nya! Holy Mother! Tagos sa screen! Hindi OA. Sakto lang. Gusto kong habang nagde-develop yung istorya, pakislap nang pakislap yung mata nya. Move over, John Lloyd Cruz.

Best Scenes For Me

First – When Mace told Anthony about her dream and Anthony told her about his.

“Yun lang. Walang bungee jumping, bilang-bilang, bitaw-bitaw, wala.”

It was his way of comforting her. Alam mo yung ang taas ng emosyon ni Mace tapos basag trip si Anthony? Wala lang. Ang saya. Ang simple. Ang sweet.

Second – Akbay scene

(Photo credit belongs to owner)

Para sakin ito yung climax nung movie. Paka-simpleng climax. Pero tagos sa puso. Ang saya. Ang simple. Ang sweet.

Hugot Lines

“Sasamahan ba kita kung di ka chicks?” ---- Honesty!

“Aren’t we supposed to be great by this time?” ---- Tagos!

“Eh sorry. Mahal kita eh.” ---- Ayun na!

And because I collect quotes, I personally wrote down all my favorite lines. Here.

This film is a must-watch. It gave me hope that Filipino moviegoers would start patronizing stories and not personalities. Cheers to more quality Filipino movies!

* * * * *

Ba't di pa sabihin ang hindi mo maamin? Ipauubaya na lang ba 'to sa hangin? - Tadhana, Up Dharma Down

HIMYM Finale Rants

2014-04-10T10:03:00.001-07:00

I knew the mother was going to die, but I didn't see Ted and Robin getting back together in that way. I didn't like it. I felt cheated.

Ted was a believer of love, but in the end, I felt like he only settled with the mother because Robin has always been the love of his life. And if Robin was the love of his life, it's just so sad that it took them so long to get back together.

The ending makes sense, perfect sense actually. But only for Ted - why he was telling the story... just everything. But the ending did not make sense for Barney and Robin. I'm happy with Barney and his daughter but I was rooting for him to find love too. And Robin, poor Robin, she waited for more than a decade for Ted. That. Is. Just. So. Sad. We followed her story too for years, only for her to end as a back-up wife.

I've already made my peace with how HIMYM ended. A lot of articles defended the ending. They make valid points. I actually agree with them, especially with this one: 5 Criticisms Of How I Met Your Mother‘s Ending (And Why They’re Invalid)

But that finale was missing one key ingredient: the SPEECH. I hope there was a big speech about Ted's love for Tracy, especially when she died. A speech just like what Tracy did in the episode entitled "How Your Mother Met Me". Tracy deserves it. There was nothing in that finale that I could hold on to so I could stop thinking that Ted merely settled with Tracy and that Tracy was somehow The One, even if it was only for a short amount of time. There was no big speech about love. The finale had to be defended by fans when it could have easily been written to perfection just like other episodes.

Still, thank you for 9 seasons, HIMYM. We loved you. It's the end of an era indeed. You will be missed.

* * *

Hi, Max. It's me. Sorry to interrupt. I know you're probably up there playing baseball with your dad. Uhm, look, I've got a situation here. I think that I have been holding myself back from falling in love again. And I think it's because I can't let you go. But you're not here anymore so I have to ask this: Would it be okay if I moved on? I realize that you have no way of answering that, but.... Oh, okay, I will take that as yes. In that case, I should get back in there. I guess this is it. For real this time. Bye, Max. - Tracy, HIMYM, S09E16

For more HIMYM quotes for the entire 9 seasons, click here.

Quotes from Perks of Being a Wallflower MOVIE

2012-12-20T05:43:00.001-08:00

Photo credit belongs to owner

You see things and you understand. You’re a wallflower. – Patrick

Welcome to the island of misfit toys. - Sam

Why do nice people choose the wrong people to date? - Charlie

We accept the love we think we deserve. – Mr. Anderson

Can we make them know that they deserve more? – Charlie

We can try. – Mr. Anderson

I feel infinite.

Credit belongs to owner

Write about us.

I want to make sure that the first person you kiss loves you. – Sam

Credit belongs to owner

So how’s your first relationship going? - Patrick

It's so bad that sometimes I fantasize that one of us is dying of cancer. – Charlie

Touch my friends again, and I'll blind you. - Charlie

Why can’t you save anybody? – Patrick

Fail me and you get me next semester. - Patrick

Why do I, and everyone I love, pick people who treat us like we're nothing? - Sam

We accept the love we think we deserve. – Charlie

Then why didn’t you ever ask me out? - Sam

I, uhm, I just didn’t think that you wanted that. - Charlie

Well, what did you want? - Sam

I just wanted you to be happy. - Charlie

Don’t you get it, Charlie? I can’t feel that. It’s really sweet and everything but you can't just sit there and put everybody's lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love. I don’t want to be somebody’s crush. I want people to like the real me. - Sam

Credit belongs to owner

I don't know if I will have the time to write any more letters, because I might be too busy trying to participate. So if this does end up being the last letter, I just want you to know that I was in a bad place before I started high school and you helped me. Even if you didn't know what I was talking about or know someone who's gone through it, you made me not feel alone. Because I know there are people who say all these things don't happen. And there are people who forget what it's like to be 16 when they turn 17. I know these will all be stories someday. And our pictures will become old photographs. We'll all become somebody's mom or dad. But right now these moments are not stories. This is happening. I am here and I am looking at her. And she is so beautiful.

I can see it. This one moment when you know you're not a sad story. You are alive, and you stand up and see the lights on the buildings and everything that makes you wonder. And you're listening to that song and that drive with the people you love most in this world. And in this moment, I swear, we are infinite. - Charlie

Photo credit belongs to owner

Phone Conversation with Dugo-Dugo Gang

2012-03-08T01:09:00.006-08:00

2:30 pm, today, our landline phone rang and nobody was around to answer it. I took the call and a man answered the phone asking, “Andyan ba si mama mo?” I didn’t find this unusual since (1) almost all calls that our phone receives are for mama and (2) some of them usually just ask the same question.

I told the guy she’s not around and asked for a name. He said, “Hindi…andito si mama mo…” And he mumbled about mama being in a hospital and that I had to wait to talk to somebody else. I was alarmed at this point because (1) I did not clearly hear what he said; (2) mama might really be in the hospital; and (3) I’ve heard of this on TV and this might be a Dugo-Dugo gang modus operandi. I was immediately vigilant. But of course I had to be entirely sure.

So I asked again, “Sino ho sila?”

He asked me back, “Ilang taon ka na? May iba bang pwedeng makausap dyan?”

I innocently said, “Wala pong ibang tao."

He said, “Parang 10 years old ka lang? Ilang taon ka na?”

Well my voice could really sound younger at times. But ten? really? I doubted. I was thinking that I answered the phone with my mature voice. I brushed it off though. Still, I gave my real age, I said, “22 po.” I thought it won’t do any harm. They were making sure I was alone and (maybe) that I was young.

Then he mumbled again about mama being in the hospital and that I needed to talk to someone. My knees were shaking at this point. I don’t know if from nerves or I was anxious of what I’d be hearing and doing next.

Then, a woman talked to me. She said a name I didn’t catch. She said – this time, clearly – mama had an accident and was in the hospital. Then she asked for my name and she said they’ll get my mama to talk to me. So I got the impression that this must be or she’s pretending to be from the hospital. I said my name, Pauline, and she heard it wrong. She said “Coreen?” I didn’t bother correct her. If mama was really with them, which that time I was sure was not the case, she would know that she doesn’t have a child named Coreen.

There was some babbling on the other line that seemed like they were getting my mother so I could talk to her. I grabbed the chance to ask the female voice again.

I asked, “Sino po ulit ‘to?”

She said, “Catherine Chua. Sa police station ‘to.”

I asked, “Anong police station?”

I was under the impression that they were trying to make an impression that they were in a hospital. So why were they in a police station?

She said, “Manila”

I asked again, “Anong police station sa Manila?”

She did not answer and prattled again about talking to my mother.

Then I said the smartest thing I could say.

With the most sarcastic tone I could muster, I said, “Really?”

Then I shouted (and I was thinking I should do this just like how I see it in the movies), “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?”

Then she started cursing me saying, “Ano? Putang ina nito. Anong sabi mong tanga-tanga ka? …” I forgot the rest but they were filled with curses and her voice was breaking which filled me with immense satisfaction. Then she hung up the phone.

Once Upon A Time Quotes

2012-01-31T08:40:00.005-08:00

SEASON 1

Episode 1: Pilot

You found me. - Snow White
- ...You never have to worry. I will always find you. - Prince Charming

I shall destroy your happinness, if it's the last thing I do. - Evil Queen

There's no point. The future is written. - Snow White
- No, I refuse to believe that. Good can't just lose. - Prince David

What do you think stories are for? ...they're way for us to deal with our world, though, they don't always make sense. - MM

I gave the book to him because I wanted Henry to have the most important thing anyone can have: hope. Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a very powerful thing. - MM

I know why you gave me away. You wanted to give me my best chance. - Henry
- ...You're right about one thing, though, I wanted you to have your best chance, but it's not with me. - Emma

Episode 2: The Thing You Love Most

All power comes with a price!- Maleficent

Revenge is a dark and lonely road. Once you go down it, there's no heading back - Henry, Evil Queen's father
- What is there for me to head back to? - EQ

How far are you willing to go? - Rumpelstiltskin
- As far as it takes. - EQ

Her very existence mocks me! - EQ
- If the price is a hole that will never be filled, why do it? - Henry, EQ's father

Power is seductive but so is love. - Henry, EQ Father

I think the very fact that you want to leave is why you have to stay; you care about him. - MM

There is one simple reason I stayed here: you. I wanted to get to know you. - Emma to Henry

It is a lot to ask anyone to believe in. But there are a lot of crazy things in this world so what do I know? Maybe it is true. - Emma swan

Episode 3: Snow Falls

No matter what you do, I will always find you. - Prince Charming

Not having a happy ending is painful enough but giving someone unrealistic hope is far worse. - Emma

You, you saved me. - Snow and Prince Charming
- It's the honorable thing to do. - Prince Charming and Snow

...not having someone...well, that's the worst curse imaginable. - Regina

Episode 4: The Price of Gold

All magic comes at a price. - Rumpelstiltskin

In order for something to grow, Miss Swan, it needs roots and you... dont have any. People don't change. They only fool themselves into believing they can. - Regina

No one thinks that I can do this. No one thinks I can do anything. Maybe, they're right. - Ashley
- Screw them! - Emma

But ultimately whatever you're considering doing or giving up, the choice is yours. - Emma

People are gonna tell you who you are your whole life. You just gotta punch back and say, 'no, this is who I am'. You want people to look at you differently? make them! You wanna change things? You gonna have to go out there and change them yourselves because there are no fairygodmothers in this world. - Emma

All I did was get married. - Cinderella
- All you did was show that anyone can change her life. - Snow

You see, contracts, deals, well they're the very foundation of all civilized existence. - Mr. Gold

Episode 5: That Still Small Voice

Good is another word for weak. - Jiminy's father

We steal from them and they steal from someone else. -
- It's called an economy. - Jimmy's Mother

Or what? you'll ruin my life? You'll do your worst? Because I will always do my best. - Dr. Hopper

Episode 6: The Shepherd

But generally speaking, if you think something you wanna do is wrong...it probably is. - Emma

As poor as we are, love is something I can afford. - James

Oh, everyone has a choice, dearie. Just make sure it's the right one.- Rumpel

The right thing to do was not to lead me on! - MM

Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone when you don't give a crap what they think. - Doctor

Have you ever walked in a situation where you know exactly what's going to happen? and then you go in to it anyway. And then when what you're afraid of happens, you kick yourself because you should've known better. But that's just who you are, so you keep punishing yourself. - MM
- No. - Doctor

Episode 7: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

There's nothing wrong with being cautious. - Emma
- Oh true, true, but, Emma, that wall of yours...it may keep out pain but it may also keep out love - MM

They say that dreams...dreams are memories, memories of another life. - Mr. Gold

I don't know why I let myself get caught up with her - Graham
- Because it was easy...and safe. - Emma

Episode 8: Desperate Souls

That's the thing about children, before you know it, you lose them. - Mr. Gold

Good loses. Good always loses because good has to play fair. Evil doesn't. - Henry

Two people with a common goal can accomplish many things. Two people with a common enemy can accomplish even more. - Mr. Gold

We all lose out heroes at some point. - Regina

I know how to recognize a desperate soul. - Dark One

You didn't pick a great friend in Mr. Gold, Miss Swan, but he does make a superlative enemy. Enjoy that! - Regina

Episode 9: True North

Just a name. But I generally find that's all one needs.- Gold

The truth can be painful, Emma, but it can also be cathartic. - MM

I offered your children everything, whatever their hearts desired, and they still chose uncertainty because of their blind faith in you. Tell me why? Why did your children refused me? - EQ
- Because we're a family, and family always finds one another. - Hansel and Gretel's father

I don't know. I don't think giving up might be the best plan. I think I need to let go. - Emma

Hey, I didn't catch your name! - Emma
- That's cause I didn't give it. - August

Episode 10: 7:15 A.M.

I can't get him out of my head...I wish there is a magic cure. - MM

What can I do for you? - Rumpel
- I need a cure... a broken heart. - Snow
- Aah, the most painful of afflictions. - Rumpel

Love makes us sick, haunts our dreams, destroys our days. Love has killed more than any disease. - Rumpel

Being around you is too painful. -MM

Love is a disease, and like all diseases, it can be vanquished in one of two ways: a cure or death. - King George

...it'll break his heart and that will cure him. - King George

What if your pain could be erased? - Snow
- I don't want my pain erased; as wretched as it is, I need my pain. It makes me who I am. It makes me Grumpy. - Grumpy

Episode 11: Fruit of the Poisonous Tree

Don't let your feelings cloud your judgment. - Regina

Sometimes doing a bad thing for a good reason is okay, right? - Sidney

Love makes people do foolish things. - King

Be careful. Emotional entanglements could lead us down very dangerous paths. - Mr. Gold

I don't know what I'll do without you. - EQ
- You would never have to find out. - Genie

Well, if you can't beat her, drink. - Sidney

Episode 12: Skin Deep

Oh well, I'm a difficult man to love. - Gold

Let's just say, bad things tend to happen to bad people. - Gold
- Is that a threat? - Emma
- Observation. - Gold

I like to watch the wheel, helps me forget. - Rumpel
- Forget what? - Belle
- I guess it worked. - Rumpel

I always wanted to be brave. I figured: do the brave thing and bravery will follow. - Belle

To me, love is layered. Love is a mystery to be uncovered, I could never truly give my heart to someone as superficial as he. - Belle

Love. It's like a delicate flame. And once it's gone, it's gone forever. - Gold

True love's kiss will break any curse. - EQ

What's the point of being together if we're not together? - Ashley
- I get it. Loving someone you can't be with. It's a terrible terrible burden. - MM

I always thought that if two people were supposed to be together, they'd find a way. But David, if this is our way, I think we should find another one. - MM

You are freeing yourself! You could have had happiness if you just believed that someone could want you. But you couldn't take the chance. - Belle

All you'll have is an empty heart and a chipped cup. - Belle

Episode 13: What Happened to Frederick

Maybe we've been fighting too hard to recapture old memories when we should have been making new ones instead. - Kathryn

We all have our own tragedies. Lost love being the worst. - Princess

Water is a very powerful thing. Cultures as old as time have worshipped it. It flows throughout all lands connecting the entire world. If anything had mystical properties, if anything have magic, well I say it would be water. - August

True love isn't easy, but it must be fought for. Because once you find it, it can never be replaced. - Prince Charming

Some people will stop at nothing to destroy the happiness of others. - Princess

Episode 14: Dreamy

You can do anything as long as you can dream it. - Dreamy/Grumpy

I've had my heart broken enough to know when somebody's reaching out. - Belle

Isn't that what life's about? Holding on to your good memories? - Grumpy

You control what changes in your life. Never let your self forget, you're special. - Nova

I don't think it's love. It's a dream. We need to put it away. - Grumpy
- I don't wanna put it away! - Nova
- I'm not your dream, Nova. - Grumpy

I cant stand in the way of your happiness. - Grumpy
- You are my happiness! - Nova

Episode 15: Red-Handed

I'm staying with you. I'll stay with you all night, and for all the nights to come. - Red
- You'll do that for me? - Peter
- I'll do anything for you. - Red

I said that you wanted me to turn in to you. But what I meant was I don't know how to be you. You're a tough act to follow. - Red

Episode 16: Heart of Darkness

She is a woman whose had her heart broken and that can make you do unspeakable things. - Regina

There are some people, like you and me, we can go on faith; but others, like Emma, they need proof. - AWB

But I've always believed that evil isn't born, it's made. - Evil Queen

Evil doesn't always look evil. Sometimes, it's staring right at us and we don't even realize it. - Regina

As I recall, you don't exactly approve of my methods. - Mr. Gold
- I approve of your results. - Emma
- ...And you're willing to go as far as it takes? - Mr. Gold
- Farther. - Emma
- Now we're talking. - Mr. Gold

Episode 17: Hat Trick

Perhaps you're the one that's mad. - Jefferson
- Really? - Emma
- What's crazier than seeing without believing? - Jefferson

History books are based on history. - Emma
- Story books are based on what? Imagination? Where does that come from? It has to come from somewhere. You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants a magical solution for their problem and everyone refuses to believe in magic. Now get it to work!- Jefferson

Here's the thing, Jefferson. This is it! This is the real world. - Emma
- 'A' real world. How arrogant are you to think yours is the only one... - Jefferson

Episode 18: The Stable Boy

Why can't I just be myself? - Regina
- Oh, because you can be so much more. - Cora

Perception is everything,not just in the courtroom but in life. - Mr. Gold

Love, true love is magic, not just any magic, the most powerful magic of all. It creates happiness. - Regina

You know when I get struck by a (writer's) block? I usually reread what I've done rather than plow ahead blindly.- AWB

Love is weakness, Regina. It feels real now, at the start, it always does. But it's an illusion. It fades. And then you're left with nothing but power. True power endures, and then you don't have to rely anyone to get what you want. - Cora

Sometimes it's hard to see what's right in front of us. - AWB

Episode 19: The Return

Sometimes, other priorities assert themselves. - AWB

The intent was perfectly clear. - Regina
- Oh, let's not talk about intent! Intent is meaningless. - Mr. Gold
- Intent is everything. - Regina

You know what we had...it wasn't 'it' for you, maybe for both of us. I can't blame you for just being the first one to see it. - Kathryn
- You are, ah...kind of amazing. - David

Are you proposing on working with Regina or against her? - Gold
- I don't know, maybe, diagonally. - Emma

He goes by August. He's a writer - typewriter wrapped in an enigma wrapped in stubble. - Emma

Are you really that unhappy, Bae? I can conjure anything you desire. Name it! What do you want? - Rumpelstiltskin
- I want my father. - Baelfire
- All I want is your happiness, Bae. If you find a way, I'll do it. - Rumpelstiltskin
- Good... (shake hands) the deal is struck. - Baelfire

Can you do it? Can you leave everything here behind for the unknown? - Blue Fairy
- If it means I'll get my father back, then yes. - Baelfire
- You're a very good son, Baelfire. You are the part of him that keeps him human. That little light inside of him that still glows, that's his love for you. - Blue Fairy

When I looked at you and I saw that you didn't believe me... - MM
- I know. I am so sorry. - David
- I know...I know. - MM
- But I love you. - David
- And that...is what makes it all so sad. - MM

Anger between a parent and a child is the most natural thing in the world. - Dr. Hopper

I let him go. I've spent my entire life since trying to fix it and now he's finally here, I just don't know what to do. - Gold
- Be honest. Just tell him what you told me and ask him for forgiveness. And when you're face-to-face, you'll know what to do. - Dr. Hopper
- Honesty has never been the best color of me. - Gold
- There's no other way. - Dr. Hopper

Papa please! It's the only way we can be together. Papa please! - Baelfire
I can't! - Rumperlstiltskin
You coward! You promised! You break our deal! - Baelfire

You were always right. I was a coward and I never should've let you go. I know it's little consolation but I just want you to know that ever since you left, ever since you crossed the barriers of time and space, in every waking moment, I've been looking for you. And now that I've finally found you, I know I can't make up for the past, for the lost time. All I can do is to ask you to do what you've always done and that's to be the bigger man. And forgive me. I'm so sorry son. I'm so sorry, Bae...my boy, my beautiful boy, can you truly truly forgive me? - Gold

You took my son but I will get him back. - Rumpelstiltsin
- I didn't take your son. - Blue Fairy
- You took my son and I will get him back! - Rumpelstiltsin
- You drove him away. - Blue Fairy

Episode 20: The Stranger

-Remember, Pinocchio, be brave, truthful, and unselfish, so long as you do that, you will always remain a real boy. - Blue Fairy

But I forgive you, even if you can't admit what you did, I forgive you anyway. Your life must be filled with such incredible loneliness if your only joy comes from destroying everyone else's happiness. It's so sad, Mayor Mills, because despite what you think, it won't make you happy. It's only going to leave a giant hole in your heart. - MM

No matter what you do, Snow White will have her happy ending. She and Prince Charming will be together. The curse will end. Good will win. - Henry

Sometimes, we have to lie to protect the people we love. - Geppetto

Your denial is more powerful than I thought. It's preventing you from seeing the truth. - AWB

You're our only hope. - AWB
- Then you're all screwed. - Emma

Episode 21: An Apple Red As Blood

Losing my life for love, that's a sacrifice I am happy to make. - Prince Charming

Whatever she did to you, leave her alone and take my life instead. - Prince Charming

Why should I trust you now? - Jefferson
- You shouldn't. But it's the only offer you've got. - Regina

She doesn't want to see so she doesn't. - AWB

You might not believe in the curse, or in me, but I believe in you. - Henry

Episode 22: A Land Without Magic

I gave up my heart so that the Queen would spare Snow's. Don't let my sacrifice be in vain. Find her. - Huntsman

I was wrong... about you, about me, about everything. I didn't believe in you. And I wish I had a good reason why. But it's like I keep making this wrong decisions and I don't understand why they keep happening. You know, ever since I woke up in that coma, my life hasn't made a lick sense, except for you. What I'm feeling, it's love, Mary Margaret. - David

What do you know (about) true love - Prince Charming
- Well, not so much as you perhaps, but not so little as you might think. - Rumpelstiltskin
- You? You love someone? - David
- It was a brief flicker of light amidst the notion of darkness. - Rumpelstiltkin

That's the thing about true love, dearie. It can slip through your fingers. It's the most powerful magic in the world. The only magic powerful enough to break any curse. It must be protected at all cost. - Rumpelstiltskin

I saved some for a rainy day. - Mr. Gold
- Well, it's storming like a bitch. - Emma

Henry, when I gave you this book, it was because I knew...I know life doesn't always have a happy ending but I thought... - MM

I'm a fan of true love, dearie, and more importantly...what it creates. - Rumpelstiltskin

Will you marry me? - Prince Charming
- What do you think? - Snow White

Magic is coming. - Gold
- Why? - Belle
- Why? because magic is power. - Gold

SEASON 2

Episode 1: Broken

But if we haven't sent you away, you would have been cursed too. - Snow
- But we would've been together. Which curse is worse? - Emma

Deny it all you want! I l know love when I see it. - Sleeping Beauty
- You're wrong. - Mulan

You toyed with words like you do with people. You're still a man who makes wrong choice. - Belle

You must leave because despite what you hope, I'm still a monster. - Rumpelstiltskin
- Don't you see? It's exactly the reason I have to stay - Belle

Episode 2: We Are Both

Power is freedom. - Cora

Look, I get wanting to leave here... I do. And I get that it's easier to let go of bad memories but ... even bad memories are part of us. - Charming

How did it feel to use magic? - Rumpelstiltskin
- It doesn't matter, I'll never use it again. - EQ
- Why not? - Rumpelstiltskin
- Because I loved it! - EQ
- You discovered who you are! You can do so much now "if you let me show you how..." - Rumpelstiltskin

I shouldn't have brought you here...That was... I don't know how to love very well... - Regina/ EQ

But I know, I remember... that if you hold on to someone too hard... that doesn't make them love you - Regina/EQ

Episode 3: Lady of the Lake

It's dangerous to confuse vengeance with justice. - Mulan, Once Upon A Time

Family is everything, my dear. Losing all hope of having one...there is no greater misery. - King George

I've been left too. Anyting is better than nothing. She'll spend her whole life wondering why you left her. Not knowing is the worst. - - Henry

That's what parents do. They put their children first. Someday, you will understand. - Prince charming's mother

Episode 4: The Crocodile

You don't need power, Rumpel. You need courage...to let me in. - Belle

A man unwilling to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets - Hook

Well, I don't lie. - Rumpelstiltskin
- There is a difference between literal truth and honesty of the heart. Nothing taught me that more than this curse. - Charming

You let him go. - Rumpelstiltskin
- I let my misery cloud my judgment. - Milah
- Why were you so miserable? - Rumpelstiltskin
- Because I never loved you! - Milah

You may be more powerful now, demon, but you're no less than a coward. - Hook

We may sit in our library and yet be in all quarters of the earth - Rumpelstiltskin

I came because you're right about me. I am a coward. I have been my entire life. I tried to make up for it by collecting power. The power became so important that I couldn't let go... - Rumpelstiltskin

Because I'm still a coward. Magic has become a crutch that I can't walk without. - Rumpelstiltskin

I have lost so much that I love. I didn't want to lose you again without you knowing everything. Goodbye, Belle. - Rumpelstiltskin
Do you, uhm. Have you ever had a hamburger? - Belle
Yes, of course. - Rumpelstiltskin
Well, I haven't. But I hear that Granny's makes some great one. Maybe, we can try it sometimes. - Belle
I would like that. - Rumpelstiltskin

Episode 5: The Doctor

It's just that...magic is the way I've always gotten everything - Regina
- It sounds like, it's also the way you've lost everything - Dr. Hopper

Nothing is innocent. - Rumpelstitlskin

So long as you live in the past, you'll never find your future. - Rumpelstitlskin

Let me go. - Daniel
- No, no, I won't lose you again. Without you, I'm lost. - Regina
- Daniel, Daniel, come back to me. - Regina
- I can't. - Daniel
- But I love you. - Regina
- Then love again. - Daniel

Episode 6: Tallahassee

This is about us getting home to our loved ones... - Snow
- I have no loved ones. If I fail, you can still go on. - Aurora

I've spent many years in Neverland, home of the losy boys. They all share the same look in their eyes. The look you got when you've been left alone. - Hook
- Oh well, my world ain't Neverland. - Emma
- An orphan's an orphan - Hook

Are you sure? This is...what you really want? - Emma
- All I really want is you. - Neal

Because the victors get to tell the story. - Giant

Episode 7: Child of the Moon

And once one controls something, one no longer need fear it. - Gold

I didn't lose my family today, I protected it. - Red
- Thank you. - Snow
- My mother wanted me to choose between being a wolf and being a human. Granny did too. You were the only person whoever thought it was okay for me to be both. - Red
- Because that's who you are. - Snow

Episode 8: Into the Deep

I'm done reading about heroes. I wanna be one. - Henry
- Sometimes being one is knowing when not to run into the fire. - David

I'm not as stupid as you think nor my loyalty so easily bought! You can bring me a hundred meals and make me a hundred promises but I will never help you! - Aurora

We could spend all day trying to figure out why each of us should feel guilty but it will not help us get home. - Snow

I had to see you. - Charming
- You're in a sleeping curse. - Snow
- It was worth it. - Charming

Episode 9: Queen of Hearts

After you killed Daniel, you told me something I've never forgot: love is weakness. Mother, you are my weakness because I love you. That's why I couldn't risk taking you to the new land with me. Your grip on my heart is just too strong. With what I need to do, I can't have any weakness. - Evil Queen

Oh, you foolish girl, don't you know? Love is weakness. - Cora
No, it's strength. - Emma

Memorable Romantic Movie Quotes

2011-12-06T23:57:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorite lines from some romantic movies I've watched so far.

10 Things I Hate About You

I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots, and the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick; it even makes me rhyme. I hate it, I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry. I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

50 First Dates

Can I have one last first kiss? – Lucy

500 Days of Summer

Look, I know you think she was the one, but I don't. Now, I think you're just remembering the good stuff. Next time you look back, I, uh, I really think you should look again. – Rachel
You weren't wrong, Tom. You were just wrong about me. – Summer
I woke up one morning and I just knew. - Summer
Knew what? - Tom
What I was never sure of with you. - Summer
Every day you make me proud. But today you get a card.
What happened? Why - why didn't they work out? - Tom
What always happens: life. - Summer
Have I seen you before? – Autumn

…I haven't seen you? – Tom

You must not have been looking. - Autumn

Adjustment Bureau

Most people live life on the path we set for them; too afraid to explore any other. But once in a while people like you come along who knock down all the obstacles we put your way. People who realize freewill is a gift you'll never know how to use until you fight for it. I think that's the Chairman's real plan that maybe one day we won't write the plan, you will.

A Lot Like Love

If it isn't love, it was a lot like it.

Accidental Husband

Love is supposed to nourish you.
You can't find something when you don't know what you're looking for.
Sparks cause fires, and fires will burn your house down, so if you keep searching for good all sparky, you sure to get burned.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

You know what's wrong with you, Miss Whoever-You-Are? You're chicken, you've got no guts. You're afraid to stick out your chin and say, "Okay, life's a fact, people do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that's the only chance anybody's got for real happiness." You call yourself a free spirit, a wild thing, and you're terrified somebody's going to stick you in a cage. Well, baby, you're already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it's not bounded in the west by Tulip, Texas, or in the east by Somaliland. It's wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself. - Paul

Bridesmaids

You made me feel that you really like me which was really unfair. Then you go home with me… then you just left like it was nothing.

Crazy Stupid Love

I'm so mad at you. I'm really mad at you for what you did. But I'm mad at myself too. Because I should not have jumped out of that car - I should have fought for you. Because you fight for your soul mates. – Cal
I'm wildly unhappy, and I'm trying to buy it, and it's not working. - Cal
I will never stop trying. Because when you find the one... you never give up. - Cal

Date Night

I'd do it again you know? Us, you, me the kids, all of it. I'd do it again. I'd choose you every time. – Phil

Easy A

I might even lose my virginity to him. I don't know when will it happen. You know, maybe in five minutes, or tonight, or sixth months from now, or maybe on the night of our wedding. But the really amazing this is, it is nobody's goddamn business. – Olive
Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in 80's movies? I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life. - Olive

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

This is it, Joel. It's going to be gone soon. - Clementine
I know. - Joel
What do we do? - Clementine
Enjoy it. - Joel
I can't see anything that I don't like about you. - Joel
But you will! But you will. You know, you will think of things. And I'll get bored with you and feel trapped because that's what happens with me. - Clementine
Okay. - Joel
Okay. - Clementine
What a loss to spend that much time with someone, only to find out that she's a stranger.

Flipped

(aside from book quotes)

It was like I wasn't even important enough to hold a grudge against.

Fools Rush In

Love is a gift...not an obligation. - Isabel
You will never know love unless you surrender to it.
You look lost. There are signs everywhere to help you find your way.

Friends with Benefits

What I lack in experience I make up for in clichés.
I really have to stop buying into this bullshit Hollywood cliche of true love. Shut up, Katherine Heigl, you stupid, little liar! – Jamie
Why do women think the only way to get men to do what they want is to manipulate them? - Dylan
History, personal experience, romantic comedies. - Jamie

Girl Next Door

Because in your heart you know, that the juice is worth the squeeze.

How Do You Know

You need to figure out what it is you want and learn how to ask for it.
We are all just one small adjustment away from making our lives work.

If Only

Some of the charms are old and some are new. That's a musical note, a violin. This one is a flower, what is no sense of matter at all, except it was exquisite much like yourself. Let's see... the train that we took today. And... that's the Eiffel Tower that you've always wanted to see. And... this frying pan, cause you are the only person that I know that can actually do the flipping thing. And... this one's a heart... my heart... it's yours now. – Ian
It doesn't matter if you have five minutes or fifty years. Samantha if not for today, if not for you I would never have known love at all... So thank you for being the person who taught me to love... and to be love. - Ian
I don't know what to say. - Samantha
You don't have to say anything... I just wanted to tell you. - Ian

Juno

I mean for real cause you're like the coolest person I've ever met and you don't even have to try. – Juno
I try really hard actually - Bleeker
In my opinion the best thing you can you do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you, the right person will still think the sun shines out of your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with. - Juno

Just Like Heaven

You saved lives. - David
Yeah... including my own. I saved my life, for later. I just... I never thought there wouldn't be a later. - Elizabeth

Letters to Juliet

You can't go on forever; at some point you have to stop.
Then why is it that I feel like a schoolboy on Sunday. It is nearly tomorrow and I don't want to go. - Charlie

Me, either. And I always liked school. - Sophie

When we're speaking about love, there's never too late.
Sophie/Juliet's letter: Dear Claire, "What" and "If" are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if? What if? What if? I don't know how your story ended but if what you felt then was true love, then it's never too late. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart. I don't know what a love like Juliet's feels like - love to leave loved ones for, love to cross oceans for but I'd like to believe if I ever were to feel it, that I will have the courage to seize it. And, Claire, if you didn't, I hope one day that you will. All my love, Juliet

Life As We Know It

Look, having somebody help you doesn't mean that you failed; it just means that you're not in it alone. - Messer

Love Actually

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around.
True love lasts a lifetime.
It's my favorite part of the day, driving you.

It's the saddest part of my day, leaving you.

But for now, let me say without hope or agenda, just because it's Christmas and at Christmas you tell the truth to me, you are perfect. And my wasted heart will love you. Until you look like this [picture of a mummy]. Merry Christmas.
I should have told her everyday because she's perfect everyday.

Love and Other Drugs

I have never known anyone who actually believed that I was enough. Until I met you. And then you made me believe it too. So unfortunately I need you. And you need me. - Jamie

No, I don't. - Maggie

Yes, you do.- Jamie

No, I don't- Maggie

Yes, you do.- Jamie

Stop it, stop saying that. – Maggie

You need someone to take care of you. – Jamie

No, I don't! - Maggie

Everybody does.- Jamie

I'm gonna need you more than you need me. – Maggie

That’s okay. – Jamie

No it's not! It isn't … I have places to go! - Maggie

You'll go there. I just may have to carry you. - Jamie

I can't ask you to do that. - Maggie

You didn't. - Jamie

You meet thousands of people, and none of them really touched you; and then you meet one person and your life is changed forever.

No Strings Attached

The worst thing you can do in life is to say 'no' to love. - Adam's dad
You give me premature ventricular contractions...you make my heart skip a beat. - Emma
You have a good heart...try to keep it. - Adam's dad
We don't pick who we fall in love with and it never happens like it should. - Adam's dad
I love you. I'm totally and completely in love with you. I don't care if you think it's too late I’m telling you anyway. - Emma

Wait. You should know if you come any closer I’m not letting you go - Adam

One Day

(aside from book quotes)

Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today. I'll always remember it.

Pretty Woman

You're late. - Vivian
You're stunning. - Edward
You're forgiven. - Vivian
People put you down enough, you start to believe it. - Vivian
I think you are a very bright, very special woman. - Edward
The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that? - Vivian

Pride and Prejudice

If, however, your feelings have changed, I will have to tell you: you have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love I love I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on. - Darcy

Serendipity

You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries. They only ask one question after a man died: "Did he have passion?" - Dean

Sex and the City

Some love stories aren't epic novels. Some are short stories. But that does not make them any less filled with love. - Carrie

Sex and the City 2

It was not exactly love at first sight but it turns out it was love.

Something Borrowed

You're an asshole! - Rachel
Yeah, maybe I am. But I’m the only asshole here who gives a shit about you. – Ethan

Tangled

Would this break her heart and crash her soul? - Rapunzel

Of course! But you just got to do it. - Flynn Rider/Eugene

Well that's the good part I guess, you get to go find a new dream. - Eugene
And the thing is I’m not scared anymore… - Rapunzel

I'm starting to. - Eugene

You're my new dream. - Eugene

And you are mine. – Rapunzel

Titanic

Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me... it brought me to you. And I'm thankful for that, Rose. I'm thankful. You must do me this honor. Promise me you'll survive. That you won't give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless. Promise me now, Rose, and never let go of that promise. - Jack

The Break-up

I just don't know how we got here. Our entire relationship, I have gone above and beyond for you, for us. I've cooked, I've picked your shit up off the floor, I've laid your clothes out for you like you're a four year old. I support you, I supported your work. If we ever had dinner or anything I did the plans, I take care of everything. And I just don't feel like you appreciate any of it. I don't feel you appreciate me. All I want is to know, is for you to show me that you care. - Brooke
Why didn't you just say that to me? – Gary
I tried. I've tried. - Brooke
Never like that, you might have said some things that meant to imply that, but I'm not a mind reader... - Gary

The Notebook

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That's what I hope to give you forever. - Noah

The Switch

Look at us, running around. Always rushed, always late. I guess that's why they call it the human race.

The Tourist

Invite me to dinner, Frank? - Elise
What? - Fran … - Elise
Would you like to have dinner? - Frank
Women don't like questions. - Elise
Join me for dinner. - Fran
Too demanding. - Elise
Join me for dinner? - Frank
Another question. - Elise
I'm having dinner, if you'd care to join me. – Frank
She wanted to teach me that people have two sides. A good side, a bad side, a past, a future. And that we must embrace both in someone we love. And I tried. - Elise

Valentine's Day

All we really want is love's confusing joy.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

…only unfulfilled love can be romantic – Juan Antonio

When Harry Met Sally

I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. – Harry

When in Rome

It only takes a moment to see true beauty.
You may be talented but you're not irreplaceable.
You cannot learn from my mistakes, You gonna have to go out there and make your own. You can get your heart broken or you could have the greatest love affair the world has ever known.
The passion is in the risk. It’s like I always say, if you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly.

Laws are Laws

2011-12-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

One of the most hilarious moments of all the seasons of Amazing Race is when Season 5's Colin and Christie had a conversation with one Filipino taxi driver. Their dialogue went like this:

Christie: We need to hurry! We're far behind. We need to win. Go as fast as you can!

Taxi driver: It is prohibited to go beyond 100 kph in this highway.

Colin and Christie: oh.

Taxi driver: So I have no choice but to break the law.

Colin and Christie: Yes!

* * *

It shows how hospitable we are; how even our taxi drivers can speak decent English; how humorous we could be; and how willing we are to help other people, especially foreigners, especially reality show contestants visiting our country. Nothing wrong with these, I guess. But our propensity to break our own law is another story; and to do it with what seems like jubilation in front of foreigners and international TV is downright shameful.

For the benefit of the doubt, maybe the driver was just excited. But in no case is this incidence extraordinary. Filipinos break our own laws because of manifold reasons. It could be because (a) we are certain we will not be caught; (b) we don't fear our own punishments; or (c) because it's a norm. Maybe, it's all these and more.

But don't expect other people in other countries to do the same things we do. To them, laws are laws.

In the face of a predicament of another Filipino sentenced to 'death penalty without reprieve' in China, for drug trafficking, don't expect leniency. Drugs are drugs. It ruins lives and put other innocent lives in danger.

This is not the first case where a kababayan is sentenced to death because of drug trafficking. We should have learned the first time or the second or the third...

Whatever reason they have for doing what they did is beside the point. It's illegal and I'm quite certain they know that. Not that I don't sympathize, but what is wrong is wrong. Our leniency towards law implementation does not extend to other territories. We must respect their laws even if we don't respect ours.

On Gay Rights

2011-11-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

"There are people who have said that I’m being brave for being openly supportive of gay marriage, gay adoption, basically of gay rights, but with all due respect, I humbly dissent. I’m not being brave. I’m being a decent human being. And I don’t think I should receive an award for that or for merely stating what I believe to be true, that love is a human experience not a political statement. However, I acknowledge that sadly we live in a world where not everybody feels the same. My family and I will help the good fight continue until that long awaited moment arrives, when our rights are equal and when the political limits on love have been smashed." – Anne Hathaway

This is one of the most compelling statements I’ve ever encountered. I first came across this statement of Anne Hathaway in Tumblr. It has gained thousands of ‘likes’ and reposts.

Some assent to her views and some question it. Of course, I share her views and I appreciate her advocacy.

Also, I think this is a proof of how statements – more so, advocacy – of prominent people could be so influential. Anne Hathaway – from how I see it – is a good person; and a good person fighting for a cause would somehow equate to it being a worthy one. She was able to give confidence to those she’s advocating for and to those who have the same belief.

On gay rights: I believe in the love of my God, that my God is an understanding God. I refuse to acquiesce that He would punish people because of their gender-preference. You could be the straightest guy on earth but also the most evil one. It doesn’t matter what inclination you have as long as you’re a good person.

On gay marriages: I believe in love, whatever kind it is as long as it’s true. And if a gay marriage is founded on love, by all means, let it be.

* * *

Prejudice is just ignorance. - Blaine, Glee Season 2

Quotes from the Hunger Games Series

2011-11-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

I was hesitant to read the Hunger Games Series at first. The plot seemed to be all action-packed and I was not interested in that kind of novels. But my friends reassured me that it wasn't what I thought it was so I read the three books in ‘one-seating’.

The first book is a page-turner; the second book is as enticing as the first; the third book, in my opinion, is a letdown but still provides an interesting conclusion to the story.

* * *

These are my favorite lines from the Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins:

HUNGER GAMES

· I also want to tell him how much I already miss him. But that wouldn't be fair on my part.- Katniss

· I take his hand, holding on tightly, preparing for the cameras, and dreading the moment when I finally have to let go. - Katniss

· She has no idea. The effect she can have. - Peeta Mellark

· Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there. - Katniss

· Stupid people are dangerous. - Katniss

· "Deep in the meadow, hidden far away

A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray

Forget your woes and let your troubles lay

And when it's morning again, they'll wash away

Here it's safe, here it's warm

Here the daisies guard you from every harm

Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true

Here is the place where I love you."

-Katniss

· Well, I don't have much competition here. - Peeta

You don't have much competition anywhere. - Katniss

· No, it happened. And right when your song ended, I knew - just like your mother - I was a goner. - Peeta

CATCHING FIRE

· I always channel my emotions into my work. That way I don't hurt anyone but myself. -Cinna

· You know, you could live a thousand lifetimes and not deserve him. - Haymitch

· “It's not necessary. My nightmares are usually about losing you,” he says. “I'm okay once I realize you're here." — Peeta

· Because, sometimes, things happen to people and they're not equipped to deal with them. -Katniss

· "Highly unlikely but not impossible."

· Hey. I just wanted to make sure you got home. - Katniss

I live three houses away from you. - Peeta

MOCKINGJAY

· Some walks you have to take alone.

· They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you. -Finnick

· "You're still trying to protect me. Real or not real," he whispers. "Real," I answer. "Because that's what you and I do, protect each other."

· "I knew you'd kiss me."; "How?" I say. Because I didn't know myself.; "Because I am in pain," He say's. "That's the only way I get your attention." -Gale

· Please feel free to take this personally- Johanna

· "You love me. Real or not real?" I tell him, "Real."

Remembering the Maguindanao Massacre

2011-11-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

It was a crime so heinous that everyone wanted to see justice be served instantly. But two years has passed and justice for the deceased is still beyond reach.

Dying is a given. But to die the way they did is inexplicably unfathomable. Heartless. And all for what? The desire to stay in power? Unimaginable. Unforgivable. Evil.

Let us not forget the 57 people whose lives were wasted because of the continued existence of the climate of impunity and warlordism in our country. May those responsible for this crime, who thinks they are beyond the reach of law, be punished for what they had done -- for ruthlessly murdering those women, journalists and other unknowing victims.

May this never happen again. Let us not forget. Justice for the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre!

Lola Aurelia and the Power of Kindness and Social Media

2011-11-22T22:10:00.001-08:00

Photo by Reddie Js (Reposted from Facebook)

Netizens have sympathized with this image of Lola Aurelia with a note on her back stating that a certain Luis Matias is missing. Lolo Luis is Lola Aurelia's husband. It turns out, he had been missing for two weeks prior to the day this picture by Reddie Js went viral.

For the entire day of November 22, 2011, my news feed was filled with the picture. The news was such a hit that it reached national media attention. The evening broadcasts featured the story with the good news that Lolo Matias was found near a train station in Quirino. Lola Aurelia and Lolo Matias were reunited, and as they say, it was the best news for that day.

This story is overwhelming.

Lola Aurelia and her dedication to find her husband through her own meager way... I will no longer speak of the power of love for the picture and videos of their reunion can already speak for themselves.

The power of kindness is another story. Reddie Js, the one who took the picture, posted and asked his friends to share. This exemplifies what a simple act of kindness and concern can do. He did not know her yet he took it upon himself to, first, talk to her. She was a stranger but he talked to her and had enough compassion to ask her story. How many among us would actually stop our busy lives and do what he did? I hope all of us will emulate him and do our random - or maybe not so random - good deed everyday.

But this success story would not have been possible if not for the thousands of people who shared the post and contributed to its being viral. Time and time again, social media has proven to be useful in terms of information dissemination and, sometimes, inciting actions. We are aware how negative these social networking sites can be, but this positive side of the coin, in my opinion, far outweighs its defects.

A happy ending to a good story, it's what everybody wants and needs to hear these days.