INZATIABLE

SUMMER FUN IN ANILAO BATANGAS

2014-05-30T15:57:00.000+08:00

All the while I thought that Anilao is one of the municipality in Batangas. Until recently, I learned that Anilao is just a barangay under the town of Mabini. Believe it!

We stayed at Eagle Point Resort, famous for their various water sports activites particulary scuba diving.

The resort has two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, a bar, spacious dining area and superb food!

EAGLE POINT RESORT'S LOBBY

ONE OF THE ROOMS IN EAGLE POINT RESORT

EAGLE POINT RESORT'S JACUZZI

VIEWDECK

We were welcomed and accommodated by the resort's Marketing Manager and treated us to lunch.

We also went to Sepoc beach, which you can reach by boat for approximately 25 minutes .

SOMBRERO ISLAND

MAMI O, FIDES, ATE MICHELLE AND ME

When we arrived at the the island, I initially did a jumpshot and all of us became camwhores in an instant. Hahaha!

WITH ALEX, ATE GINA, MAMI O AND FIDES

The island is so beautiful.

Of course we never missed the opportunity to swim and try kayaking. Super enjoy!

ATE GINA, ME AND MAMI O

ATE GINA, ME AND ALEX

ME AND KUYA ROCHIE

Of course, we also made a dip in one of their pool. The succeeding photos are courtesy of my officemate Alex.

Summer is indeed here!

FOR OLD TIME'S SAKE...

2014-01-07T13:57:00.000+08:00

Seeing good old friends brings such immense feelings, what more seeing them during the holidays.

Last December 28, me and my high school friends once again held a Christmas Party slash get together. It's just a simple gathering but this year, I see to it that more people will attend the said rendezvous.

Everybody brought their own share for the party, be it food or drinks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

It was a night of catching up, laughter all for old time's sake.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

PAOLO AND BILL
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

ME, CAROL AND ZELDA
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

FROM L-R
BRIAN, PAOLO, MAEL, BILL AND RYAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

Some even came with their husbands, girlfriends and child.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

FROM L-R
BRIAN, BILL, STEPHEN, PAOLO, RYAN AND MAEL
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZELDA

Aiming for more attendees next year!

LEYTE, AFTER THE SUPER TYPHOON YOLANDA

2013-11-26T18:41:00.000+08:00

I just got back from Bohol when someone told me that the show is planning to go to Tacloban, Leyte for a medical mission and relief operation.

It's been 2-weeks since the super typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan hit the Philippines particularly the provinces of Leyte, Cebu and Palawan leaving many Filipinos homeless.

I am not a first timer in Leyte as I've already seen it's beauty last 2011 and even years before that.

PHOTO TAKEN LAST 2011

TOWN OF JAVIER, LEYTE - TAKEN LAST 2011

When our plane landed on the runway of Tacloban Airport, I was in a complete shock. Stunned. The airport is a total mess. There is water on the floor, a big hole in the roof.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRIAM DELA CRUZ

From the airport, we travelled one and a half hour to reach the house where we will all be staying for the next four days. As we proceed, all we can see is the hideous aftermath of what happened to the province...houses, business establishments, churches...all destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda.

The house is owned by one of our volunteer doctor's cousin situated in the town of Tanauan. This house also became the shelter of some foreign volunteers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRIAM DELA CRUZ

We conducted our medical mission and relief operation in four towns namely Tolosa, Tanauan, Dulag and Dagami.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRIAM DELA CRUZ

WITH PEOPLE FROM LINGKOD KAPAMILYA

Aside from medical assistance, we also conducted psychological help for children that were traumatized by the super typhoon.

ME AND ALEX

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRIAM DELA CRUZ

On the last day of in Tacloban, as soon as the dawn paints some color in the sky...it felt like a ray of light being shown to all the people of Leyte. That it's never too late, that there is still hope.

I have to say that this trip is a very humbling experience. Made me realize to appreciate more what I have in life, not to whine on what I don't have, that we are born to help one another specially in times of crisis and that our hopes are as high as the sky. That no matter what happens, we can still manage to smile and just brush it off our shoulders as if nothing happened. That's the Filipino spirit.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. ROWIE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE BUENVIAJE

I pray for the fast recovery of Leyte as well as the other provinces hit by the typhoon.

Bangon Pilipinas!

YOU CAN NEVER SHAKE BOHOL

2013-11-26T12:31:00.000+08:00

This was my second time to step foot on Bohol and it really saddens me that the province experienced an earthquake with 7.2 magnitude.

It's really depressing to see some of the historical churces that was destroyed because of the tragedy. I pray for Bohol's fast recovery.

The famous Baclayon Chruch

One of the church fronting the Loboc River

Bohol's prominent attraction, the Chocolate Hills

EXPLORING BANGKOK: DAY 2

2013-11-18T13:26:00.000+08:00

Araw ng Linggo, ikalawang araw namin sa Bangkok. Maganda at maaliwalas ang panahon.

Medyo natagalan kami ni Rose na magdecide kung saan kami mamamasyal. Yung mga lugar kasi na gusto naming puntahan tulad ng Floating Market at Little India ay malayong-malayo sa hostel na tinutuluyan namin. Pagkatapos ng ilang oras na pagdapa sa kama at pag-iinternet at pagcheck sa mapa kung saan maganda pumunta, pareho kami sumang-ayon na sa Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Dahil medyo gamay na namin ni Rose ang pagkocommute gamit ang bus at MRT, hindi na kami nahirapan pumunta sa Chatuchak. Isang sakay lang ng MRT ang ginawa namin at pagkatapos ng tatlumpung minuto, narating na din namin sya.

Sana kasing ayos ng sistema ng MRT ng Bangkok ang sitema ng MRT natin dito sa Pilinas.Sa tingin ko, kaya naman kung talagang ipapatupad ng maayos, mahigpit at talagang matututo tayong mga Pilipinong maging disiplinado.

Sa sarili kong opinyon, ang Chatuchak Weekend Market ay maikukumpara ko sa Tutuban at Divisoria natin sa Pilipinas.

Ang pagkakaiba nga lang, MAS MALINIS ITO! Hindi ko tuloy naiwasang tanungin ang sarili ko at si Rose...kung kaya ng Bangkok na magkaroon ng ganito kalinis na palengke, tiangge, pamilihan na pinupuntahan ng libu-libong tao kasama na ang mga turista...BAKIT HINDI KAYANG GAWIN NG PILIPINAS?

Tuloy ang kwento. Mula sa pagkain, damit, aksesorya, sapatos...lahat makikita mo sa Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Bumili kami ni Rose ng Mochi, ang ice cream ng japan. (Sa pagkakaalam ko, lol)

Dapat pag pupunta ka ng Chatuchak, meron kang Tumbler para paglagyan ng tubig o kaya maghanda ng pera pambili ng mga mineral water kasi ang init!

Sa kakalibot namin, syempre nagutom kami. Ayun, kain na naman. Iba talaga ang Thai Food. Ang sarap! Actaully, di ako partikular sa pagkain, basta masarap sa panlasa ko, ayos na ako dun kahit di ko alam ang tawag. Hahaha.

Matapos ang halos isang araw na pag-iikot, paglalakad, pagtingin sa mga kung ano-ano...sa wakas nakapamili na din kami at nagdesisyon na umuwi na kasi masakit na ang mga paa namin.

Pagdating sa hostel, nagpahinga muna ako ng sandali at nagyosi sa rooftop bago maligo. May date kasi ako. Naks.

At matapos ang halos isang oras, dumating na yung bisita ko, date ko. Paul ang pangalan nya, isang Canadian. Sa pagkakatanda ko, nasa kwarenta na ang edad nya. Mabait, intelehente at cute siyempre. Isa siyang teacher sa isang International School sa Pilipinas at nasa Bangkok katulad ko para sa isang maikling bakasyon.

May dala syang alak kaya uminom muna kami sa rooftop. Nagkwentuhan at kinilala ang isa't-isa.

Pagkatapos namin uminom sa hostel, nagpunta na kami sa Gay District ng Bangkok upang uminom ulit at magkwentuhan. May pinuntahan din kaming club na pwede ka sumayaw.

Alas-tres na ng madaling araw nang mapagdesisyunan namin na umuwi na.

Pero dahil gusto pa namin makasama ang isa't-isa, nagpunta kami sa Pinnacle Hotel, isa sa malalaking hotel sa Bangkok na malapit lang sa hostel na tinutuluyan namin ni Rose. Kumuha kami dun ng kwarto. At sabi nga sa kasabihan, the rest is history.

EXPLORING BANGKOK DAY 1

2013-10-23T18:39:00.000+08:00

Para sa post na ito, gagamit ako ng Tagalog...kung bakit ay malalaman niyo sa pagbasa niyo sa post ko.

Noong nakaraang Oktubre 10, 2013 umalis ako kasama ang kaibigan at dati kong katrabaho na si Rose papuntang Bangkok, Thailand. Halos isang taon din ang hinintay namin simula nang mai-book namin ito sa Cebu Pacific.

Pasado alas-diyes ng gabi na kami nakalipad dahil nagkaroon ng konting delay. Nakarating kami sa Bangkok mga bandang ala-una na ng madaling araw.

SI ROSE AT AKO

ANG LUGAW NG TAPA KING

Hindi ito ang unang beses na nakapunta ako sa bansang Thailand pero ito ang unang tapak ko sa Bangkok dahil noong 2007 sa Phuket, Thailand ako nagpunta.

Sa airport pa lang, namangha na ako. Malayong-malayo sa itsura, pagiging moderno at pagiging malinis kumpara sa airport natin sa Pilipinas.

Dahil lagpas alas-dose na ng hatinggabi, hindi na kami pwede sumakay ng train papunta sa hotel namin. Wala kaming choice ni Rose kung hindi mag-taxi. Ang sa wari ko, parang nasa malayong lugar or bandang probinsya ang airport ng Thailand kasi dumaan kami ng expressway. Siguro para iwas traffic sa mga paalis at parating ng Thailand.

Sa isang backpacker hostel lang kami tumuloy ni Rose kasi nga nagtitipid kami at saka hindi naman ganon kapraktikal gumastos ng malaking halaga para sa isang kwarto na tutulugan mo lang naman di ba? ETZzzz Hostel ang pangalan ng hostel na tinuluyan namin. Maayos naman siya at malinis. Isang bukod na kwarto ang kinuha namin ni Rose para sa aming dalawa pero meron din namang dorm type kung mas nagtitipid ka talaga. Cute din ang interior. may rooftop pa kung saan pwede ka tumambay, uminom at magyosi. May common area din para sa mga hindi nagyoyosi.

Kinabukasan, maaga kami gumising ni Rose. Siyempre pareho kaming excited na makita at mamasyal sa Bangkok. Una sa listahan namin ay ang Grand Palace at ang Wat Pho kung saan makikita ang pinakamalaking reclining Buddha sa Thailand.

Dahil malaki ang nagastos namin ni Rose sa taxi, sabi namin na mamamasyal kami ng naka-commute. Mas adventure kaya yun. Isang ordianry bus ang sinakyan namin ni Rose. Wala man itong aircon, hindi naman tulad ng ordinaryong bus natin dito sa Pilipinas. Bukod sa hindi siksikan sa pasahero, malinis din ang bus nila.

Maraming turista ang nadatnan namin sa Grand Palace, may mga European at meron din naman mula sa Asya. Pero dahil may bayad na 500 Baht nagkasundo kami ni Rose na wag na lang tumuloy. Hehehe.

Pagkatapos namin sa Grand Palace ay dumiretso kami sa Wat Pho. Marami pa ding turista. May bayad din dito pero dahil 100 Baht lang, pinasok na namin ni Rose.

Kailangan mong magtanggal ng sapatos pagpasok mo sa templo kung nasan ang Reclining Buddha. Grabe, sobrang namangha ako sa laki nya at sa disenyo ng templo. Sabi nila, ang talampakan daw ng Buddha ay gawa sa Mother of Pearl. Sosyal!

Nabusog din ang mga mata namin ni Rose sa disenyo ng mga templo at sa dami ng Buddha sa loob ng Wat Pho. Inisip ko tuloy na sa atin sa Pilipinas, ang mga templo at museo tulad nun eh bihira nating puntahang mga Pilipino maging ng mga turista.

Pagkatapos naming mamasyal sa Grand Palace at Wat Pho, medyo nagutom kami. Buti na lang may nakita kaming ale na nagtitinda ng murang thai food sa bangketa kaya ayun bumili kami ni Rose at kumain.

Pagkatapos kumain ay may nadaanan naman kaming parke kung saan may nag-alok sa amin ng mga patuka sa ibon na nakalagay sa supot. Sabi ko kay Rose malamang may bayad pero dahil natuwa siya dahil bigla siya kinuyog ng mga kalapati, nakisali na din ako.

Sinubukan din namin sumakay ng Tuk Tuk, para itong tricycle natin dito sa Pilipinas.

Medyo mainit ang klima sa Thailand, parang kapareho lang dito sa Pilipinas. Pero masarap ang mga pagkain nila kahit yung mga nasa bangketa lang.

Oras na para bumalik kami sa hostel kasi sobrang pagod na ang mga paa namin. Nung nagtanong-tanong kami kung ano ang pinakamadaling paraan para makauwi, itinuro sa amin na sumakay ng bangka.

Habang naglalakad kami papunta sa sakayan ng bangka, may nadaanan kaming ale na nagtitinda ng nilagang mais at pritong itolog ng pugo. Ang cute! Siyempre bumili ako. In fairness, masarap!

Hindi naman bago sa amin na sumakay ng bangka pero ang habol namin eh siyempre maexperience ang kultura ng bansang Thailand na pinuntahan namin kaya yun, nagbangka kami.

EXPLORING MISIBIS BAY RESORT

2013-09-23T14:05:00.001+08:00

I heard about Misibis Bay from a TV show in TV5 with the same title.

As far as I know, Misibis Bay Resort is one of the most high-end hotel resort in Legaspi, Albay and maybe in the Philippines.

Travelling FOR FREE is one of the perks of my job!

I flew to Legaspi once again. Sad to say, I still haven't had the chance to see the beauty of Mayon Volcano at its fullest plus, the weather was not that good.

MAYON VOLCANO

This time around, my destination is...yes Misibis Bay Resort.

Upon arrival at the Legaspi Airport, there are shuttles that will take you to Misibis Bay Resort. Going there will eat up more less an hour so I suggest you take the earliest flight, that's 7:50am in Manila.

The cheapest room rate is amounting to Php14,000+ for two persons per night while the most expensive is their Luxury Villa that cost Php65,000 a night.

Trivia, when Hollywood star Zac Efron visited the Philippines this year, he stayed in Misibis Bay Resort.

The food is superb!

If you're the type of person who wants relaxation and privacy and wanted to get the value of your money, Misibis Bay Resort is the best place for you!

To know more about Misibis Bay Resort, check out their website below.

http://misibisbay.com/

EXPLORING MACAU

2013-09-03T16:22:00.000+08:00

This is my first and truly memorable out of the country experience.

Last June, I was given an assigment for Father's Day about an OFW father who works in Macau as a security guard and haven't seen his family since he got there. Of course I couldn't contain my excitement the moment I found out that I'll be flying to Macau. But the catch, I was told that I'm just gonna stay there...OVERNGHT!

--

Together with me is my cameraman, Jeff. We flew via Air Asia Airline in Clark International Airport around 7:30am and arrived in Hongkong International Airport close to 10am.

ME UPON ARRIVING AT HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

It was my first time in Hongkong. Personally, I don't really have plans of going to Hongkong nor Macau. I don't know why.

But what can I say, honestly their airport is huge and clean compared to ours.

We had our breakfast in McDonalds. You might be wondering why we didn't try to eat authentic Hongkong food, well first we're really really hungry and yes we don't have the luxury of time.

After eating, we made our way out of the airport and headed straight to the bus bay and got on a double decker bus to get to the ferry station then cross the sea to get to Macau. The bus ride is approximately an hour or so. The bus fare will cost you HK $40.

The ferry station is jampacked with lots of people mostly Chinese I suppose and some foreigners as well all eager to get to Macau.

At this point, I thought of smoking so I checked the vicinity for designated smoking areas and fortunately I found one.

The ferry trip was a torture. The waves are uneasy and made us all dizzy. And that was a long one hour for me.

FERRY TICKET AMOUNTING TO HK $172

Finally, we arrived in Macau around 1pm. We immediately contacted our OFW daddy and started to get on with our job.

Macau is a small country compared to the Philippines but unlike in our country, (sorry to say this) you can tell that Macau make good use of their people's money. I saw it with my own eyes, with their buildings, their roads and even with their streetlights. no wonder it was dubbed as "Small Las Vegas"

Prior arriving in Macau, I made an initial coordination with my friend Lea who is now living in Macau with her Filipino husband Jeff. We agreed to meet up at the famous ruins of St. Paul, a famous landmark in Macau.

ME AND LEA CORAZON

It was nice seeing Lea. The last time I saw her is when I attended their civil wedding in the Philippines last September of 2012.Our meet up was short but sweet I must say.

THE BUSY STREET OF MACAU

MCDONALDS ION MACAU

We finished our work at exactly 2:30am. Me and my cameraman were tired, hungry and almost sleepless. Having said that, we got into a 4am ferry trip back to Hongkong so we can catch up with our 9am flight back to Philippines.

ME AND KUYA JEFF AT HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

My Hongkong and Macau experience is one of a kind. Talk about hitting two birds in one stone. One trip, two countries.

IVER'S 3RD BIRTHDAY

2013-09-02T15:25:00.000+08:00

It's my grandson's 3rd birthday last Saturday, August 31, 2013.

The party was held at McDonald's Supima in Meycauayan, Bulacan. It's a Mickey Mouse themed party. From the colors of the balloons, cupcakes, souvenirs and even the birthday cake, all were designed and patterned to the Disney Character.

TOWER OF MICKEY MOUSE CUPCAKES

THESE ARE NOT SUNDAES, THEY ARE TOWELS

IVER'S MICKEY MOUSE CAKE

Relatives and friends all gathered that day to celebrate Iver's birthday.

IVER ENJOYING HIS SPAGHETTI AND FRIES

It's nice to see my classmated again from high school...this time they're with their own family.

(FROM L-R) INNO, SABINA, CAROL AND BRIAN

GRACE, JEFF AND THEIR SON JUAQUIN

JN, RACHELLE AND THEIR BABY

Happy birthday Iver. May you have more birthdays to come.

PROUD PARENTS, MAEL AND ZELDA WITH THE BIRTHDAY BOY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!

2013-08-29T14:52:00.002+08:00

At the eve of August 28, I attended my best friend Paul's birthday at BK 101 in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

ME AND THE BIRTHDAY BOY, PAUL

BK 101 CRISPY TENGA

Among the well wishers in his 30th birthday, it's only Liezel that I know.

PAUL, ME AND LIEZEL

Happy Birthday Paul!!!

PAUL AND HIS BIRTHDAY CAKE

FROM CANADA WITH LOVE

2013-08-24T15:37:00.000+08:00

After staying and living in Canada for years, Leah Rose arrived last week of July for her month-long vacation here in the Philippines.

ME, CAROL AND LEAH ROSE

(FROM L-R) DIAN, YNALD, ME, LEAH ROSE, BILL, CAROL AND HER BOYFRIEND JUN

LEAH ROSE AND YNALD

And what do you excpect, super catching up!

Too bad Paolo and her girlfriend weren't there that night.

GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT

2013-08-24T15:23:00.000+08:00

After attending Dai's baby shower, i decide to ask my neighbor Marvi for a drink.

Before getting drunk, I got into a motor accident.

Talk about being lucky. Indeed, I considered having 9 wounds and scratches lucky aside from being paralyze or worse dead.

DAI'S BABY SHOWER

2013-08-24T15:07:00.004+08:00

Baby shower is like the new party you go to specially when you're in your 30's.

Last July 20, my friends and I went to Dai's baby shower held in their residence.

It was another night of catching up, mingling with your close friends and of course wishing Dai a safe and sound delivery.

(FROM L-R) CAROL, MAEL, YNALD, MELODY, RYAN AND ZELDA

(FROM L-R) DAI WITH CAROL, MAEL AND ZELDA

From us, congratulations Dai and of course Cholo.


DAI, THE SOON TO BE MOTHER. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DAI ESCALONA-ASIS)

FOUR CELEBRATIONS!

2013-07-21T21:52:00.000+08:00

We often try to celebrate two occasions in one event...how about four? Hehehe.

Last Saturday, July 13, 2013 me and my friends met once again to celebrate not one but four important events which is Zelda's, Clarice' and Jolay's birthday and Melody's baby shower.

It was a night of fun, laughter, catching up and of course food. We held it in a small yet cozy restaurant in Fairview.

And just like what they say, let the good times roll!

THE CELEBRANTS -- MELODY, ZELDA, JOLAY AND CLARICE

THE ART OF VENTOSA

2013-07-21T20:15:00.000+08:00

I have to be thankful with some perks I'm getting with my kind of job.

For the first time I experienced the art of Ventosa, which as far as I know is an ancient way to relax and sooth the body from all the toxins and stress with the help of cups and fire.

With the suction from the cups, it left red marks on my back that lasted for a week.

I guess i'll settle with the normal massage.

JACQUES WILLIAM'S CHRISTENING

2013-05-31T13:57:00.000+08:00

My friend Musngi, rather Grace gave birth to her second child Jacques William.

Last February 23, 2013 we (Zelda, Mael, their child Iver and Clarice) attended his christening that took place at St. Paul the Apostle in Quezon City.

JEFF, GRACE WITH BABY JACQUES AND CLARICE

ZELDA AND CLARICE

The reception was held at Shangri-la Finest Chinese Cuisine along West Avenue.

Welcome to the Christian world Jacques!

MEETING JANINE TUGONON

2013-05-31T13:37:00.000+08:00

What are the odds of meeting and interviewing a beauty queen?

Last April, I had the chance not only to meet but interview 2012 Miss Universe 1st Runner Up Janine Tugunon.

What can I say...she's tall, lean, sexy with a very beautiful face. Truly a beauty queen!

We talked about her experienced during the recently held pageant and her love for ballet.

She's so graceful and confident doing ballet. I just learned that she entered Ballet School Manila but only for a time.

Till we meet again Janine.

TURNING FOUR...

2013-04-22T14:09:00.000+08:00

Please forgive me for this post.

I told my self that I'll throw out a simple celebration after my third year of being single and vowed to do it yearly until I find "HIM"

This coming May 6, 2013...I'm officially single for four years. Beat that huh! Hehehe. Unless, someone comes along. (I hope)

Happy 4 years of being single! Cheers!

PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.POLITIFACT.COM

MAGALAWA ISLAND

2013-04-10T19:24:00.000+08:00

Instead of going to Puerto Galera, I decided (together with my friends/colleagues) to spend my Holy Week vacation in a beautiful island called Magalawa in Palauig, Zambales.

WEDNESDAY

I met up with Jessie, Rose, Joyce and Kuya Otep at Starbucks in Petron along NLEX around 9am.

It was a very very long and tiring drive to Palauig, Zambales. We had two stops, one in Subic where we went to Puregold to buy some food (We're afraid of getting hungry, hehehe) and the next one was at Iba where we had our late lunch.

ME, ROSE, JESSIE, KUYA OTEP, JOYCE AND KUYA LEONARD

We arrived at the Port past 5pm I think. The boat ride going to Magalawa island is just around 10 mintues.

Once we reached the shore, we were welcomed by the owner of Armada Resort where we will be spending our next four days in the island. The owner asked us to have our dinner. The food, oh delicioso!

Since we're all tired from the trip, we all just hang out had a chitchat along the shore while listening to the waves with the full moon above us.

THURSDAY

A beautiful sunrise greeted us the next morning.

We had our breakfast first then went straight to the beach to get some tan and swim.

The water in the island is home to a lot of starfish and jelly fish.

JOYCE, ME AND JESSIE

FRIDAY

To put to use the portable griller that I brought, we grilled some hotdogs and bbq's by the beach.

SATURDAY

We did snorkeling. Super fun fun fun!!!

SUNDAY

Our last day in the island, as much as we wanted to stay we have to face the reality that the vacation is over.

...

Personally, spending your vacation in Magalawa island particularly in Armada Resort (there is another resort but I highly recommend Armada) is a very wise thing.

First, you just have to bear the long drive and the rough road but amidst that, a beautiful island with powdery white sand that's almost close to Boracay awaits every tourist.

The accommodation in Armada Resort is so reasonable. For 5 days and four nights, each of us only spent Php 5,500.00 and that is inclusive of the AC Room, full board meal during your entire stay, boat transfer to and from the island and the snorkeling. What more can you ask for?

For those who want to experience the beauty of Magalawa Island, contact Alvin or Miss Grace at +639209483303

MAMA'S BIRTHDAY 2013

2013-04-02T18:58:00.001+08:00

Last year, me and my family just ate out to celebrate my mom's birthday. This year, I thought that we (family) should spend it out of town...and so we did.

It only took me one phone call to make the reservations at Pamarta Bali Beach Resort located in Morong, Bataan. The reason why I chose Pamarta Bali among the many resorts in that vicinity is because of its Bali inspired theme.

We left our house in Meycauayan, Bulacan at 9am of Saturday, March 16, 2013 and arrived at the resort past 1pm.

The resort doesn't have a restaurant yet so you have to bring your own food with you. There are grillers which you can use for free. If you can spare some Php 200.00 (not sure with the amount) you can have an access to cook food using a gas range.

Unfortunately, there were no more air-conditioned rooms so I settled for their Small Nipa Hut which is a fan room type of accommodation.

The resort boasts a lot of Buddha structures, an infinity pool, a clean shower area and rest room.

PAMARTA BALI'S INFINITY POOL

My mom also enjoyed their jacuzzi.

JERIC AND MAMA

JERIC AND HER GIRLFRIEND VERLYN

Our family rented a boat for Php 150.00/ person. The boatman took us to this Pawikan Sanctuary just a few meters away from the resort then to the snorkeling area.

THE DELA CRUZ FAMILY WITH VERLYN

MAMA AND PAPA

JOEL AND MAMA

We also tried snorkeling but since Mama is not a big fan of snorkeling so she just stayed with me on the boat.

It was indeed a very memorable birthday experience not only for my mom but for the entire family.

BELTING IT OUT...

2013-03-02T22:04:00.001+08:00

Last February, an online contest in Facebook was put up in preparation and promotion of Himig Handog Love Songs.

To join the contest, one must sing any song. His/her performace will be recorded and uploaded in the Love OPM Page of Facebook.

Since I can carry a tune, I tried it out.

The deadline will be this coming March 8, 2013. The winner will be determined with the video with the most likes.

I chose to sing KUNG WALA NA by Jaya. The song is the OST of Separada starring Maricel Soriano.

Feel free to like it. Here's the link and I hope you'll like it.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=127872060723271&set=vb.117858148391329&type=2&theater

PATCHED THINGS UP...

2013-02-22T22:33:00.000+08:00

We had a sort of misunderstanding, and because we're too busy with our individual work we never had the time to patch things up.

A week ago, as I stepped outside ABSCBN, someone called my name and when I turned around to look for the person...surprisingly, it was Ian.

Ian's name may ring a bell on you, that's because we were classmates when we were still in College. Actually we're good friends.

You remember the saying that time heals all wounds...well that happened that day.

Ian went to ABSCBN for a directorial project, afterwhich we caught up with each other.

As we sat puffing our cigarettes and drinking our juices...we exchanged apologies. We also updated one another with stories about our careers, family, friends, lovelife and of course sex.

PEÑARANDA-REGALADO NUPTIAL

2013-01-22T16:10:00.000+08:00

Late post...

Another friend from highschool tied the knot with his long time girlfriend that he met when while taking up his course at UP Diliman.

THE GROOM, ALDOUS WITH JOLAY AND BRIAN

THE DASHING BRIDE, LJ

Aldous and LJ got married in the Parish of Holy Sacrifice.

The reception was followed at the Bahay ng Almuni, both venues inside the UP campus.

I was with some of our classmates from highschool like Brian, Jolay, Mael, Melody and Ryan who was one of the entourage and Clarice whom I have to give credit to for the photos.

THE NEWLYWEDS, LJ AND ALDOUS

JOALY, MELODY, RYAN, ME AND CLARICE

After the wedding ceremony, we decided to grab some streetfoods before heading to the reception.

To Aldous and LJ, congratulations and best wishes!

JOIE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

2013-01-21T12:17:00.002+08:00

You will if you really are getting old if you are now attending kid's party that's been thrown by your friends for their child.

Last Saturday, I went to Jollibee near Meycauayan Tollgate to attend the first birthday of the daughter of my friend Jonna Mae.

Together with me is Rachelle with his husband, Zelda, Mael and of course their son Iver.

RACHELLE AND HER HUSBAND

WITH THE BIRTHDAY GIRL, JOIE

THE MUSIC OF MY LIFE PART 1

2013-01-19T19:14:00.000+08:00

i must say, music is my life and the lyrics of it...my story.
this is just the first installment. hope you can find time to read this and know my story base on the title of the songs that means so much to me...

i used to be THE MAN WHO CAN'T BE MOVED...as if trapped to my yesterday and hoping for him to want me back again in his life.
i tried to reach out to him asking to UNBREAK MY HEART but my plea was not heard.

for more than three years since we parted ways, i've experienced FOUR SEASONS OF LONELINESS. and it really is lonesome. to make it worse, memories of him haunts me, engraved in my memory like a TATTOO.

i told myslelf that my longing for him will soon be over and keep telling myself "yes, i can find SOMEONE LIKE YOU"

my quest for a new love went on for days, days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months and months to years. with the long wait, i could use of SOMEONE TO CALL MY LOVER.

one thing that i have to be thankful for is that he made me become a FIGHTER, stronger, wiser and better than before.

everyday, there will come a time when i think about love and kept telling myself that i dont want to be LONELY NO MORE and I DONT WANNA CRY.

time helped me with everything. it let me heal and mend my broken heart, learn and understand what love is and just like the old cliche, i accepted the fact that everything happens for a reason.

now, that person who broke my heart is now SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW.