Markable.me

Enroll Now at Pizzacademia!

2012-05-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

Davao is starting to become one big Hawaiian pizza; sliced into different parts, with chunks of hams as big business establishments, Pineapples as pop stores and cheese for restaurants or food stalls. Apparently, that means food is just about everywhere here in Davao. Competition would then bake the pizza; the cheese melts and eventually doubles its scope. This is probably the reason why every now and then we hear about a new restaurant chain opening up around the city.

Ehem..ehemm..I hate metaphors!

And what do you know? (That's just to say. . ) There’s a new pizza joint in town!

So a couple of weeks ago we were invited to enroll into a food tasting course in Pizzacademia. At first, you would think that it’s a place where you’ll be taught about how to make a pizza. But just to make it clear, it’s a place where you’ll be taught on how to eat a pizza. And that is with gusto and bobbing heads because they offer really good ones.

Sicilian Pizza, Pizza Romano, JB's Quatro Stagione, Beer Drinker's Pizza, Jacob's choice, Jordan's Pizza Primavera, and Pizza Napoletana; these are the somehow unfamiliar yet unique names of their Pizzas. I’d like to say sorry in advance; I don’t really know anything about pizzas except that they would always beg me to eat them. *Poor Pizzas* But I have a couple of theories on how these pizzas were named. Listen carefully and. . .

Pizza Napoletana is for the descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte or maybe to those people who’re mad at the world. So if you’re quite of a tyrant or you are that someone who spearheads center-right political movements then this pizza is for you! The pizza is delicious and has a strong spicy taste just like how bloody mad Napoleon was a hundred of years ago.

Sicilian Pizza, well it sounds spicy? Is it spicy? It sounds like it came from Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Ohh...it rhymes! I’m so sili. (Haha. Shet! Ang korni.)

Pizza Romano! This pizza is meant for the roman gods. So if you feel like you're the son of Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Artemis then this pizza is probably of your test. Just don’t forget to bring with you a photocopy of the result of your DNA Taste. Ohh..Did you notice? LOL

Jordan's Pizza Primavera is made by Jordan, thus its name. That should be obvious! Primavera on the other hand, I think, just to make it sound vain. You know prima donna right? Okay then meet her sister Prima Vera! Cornehh level 2...hahaha.

Beer Drinker's Pizza is well, for beer drinker’s a.k.a boozers, drunkards and ‘Sunog Baga's’. A pizza specially made for people with abdominal obesity. O__O Or maybe not! lelz

I’m quite puzzled by their Prego’s pizza. Yung totoo, is it ideally for pregnant women? LOL

Okay I'm done with my theories! Pass your papers. :p

Now back on track, let me talk about the deal. For a regular 12″ pizza, the price ranges from P160 to P350. No kidding! It’s so affordable. And not just that, aside from Pizzas they also offer Nachos and "Pop Steak". Nomnomnom. . Pop Steak. Oh, wow! I don't know how to describe it but it's like a sandwich with "fried steak" or whatever and a gravy sauce in it. My instant favorite!

Pizza Academia is located at A. Loyola St. Corner N. Torrest St., it’s near two schools (University of Southeastern Philippines and Stella Maris Academy of Davao), thus its name. Apparently, the place lives up to your expectations. It has an old school ambiance and reminds you well of one of your classroom be it in high school or elementary.

Here's what I posted on their post-it board/wall/whatever. XD

Overall, the dining experience offered at Pizzacademia is ideally for students who wanted to get away from academic pressures. And if my theories were right, then it’s also good for Europeans, Mediterranean, Boozers, Romans and Pregnant women. I mean, everyone. XD

Photos by: DJ Tadena & Faust Principe

The Adventures of TAR: Secret of the Fireflies!

2012-05-23T00:42:00.000-07:00

So...I thought I must tell you that I'm taking a break from my 366 Day Project. Well, it's been 4 months since I stopped creating those adorable monster characters. Not that I'm tired of making them. But while it's really time consuming to create those freakin monsters, it was the writing part that discourages me the most. Maybe I find it hard to think of a story related to the characters which I mindlessly draw. Yeah, I draw uninspired most of the time. Or might prolly because I have other blogs to maintain and there's school which takes most of my time and energy. I'm maybe tired. I don't know, the hell with that!

So I figured out - I'd STOP! ?Just take a break. . (have a kitkat), that kind of STOP hopefully.

But that didn't stop me from drawing though. :-D

I mean, if you're really passionate about something you just can't stop it! You can snap out of it for a moment but when days pass by? You'll surely feel bad about yourself. So what I did instead was create illustrations, concept art for a new project. Yes, another project!

Like, I've always wanted to make an animated feature film or be part of making one. My Pixar or Studio Ghibli dream seems so far away from now but I hope I'll make it that far. And like everyone else, I should start with a small but a kick-ass production.

So I thought about making an animated short film of my own. It's still a plan, so I might end up creating a web comics out of the material instead (while studying).

Here are my concept arts and character study for the animated short film I plan to make someday, I hope. While I wish I could do it this year, this month, this week or even today, I'm still not equipped and skilled to do animation yet. I'm not in a hurry, besides I still have Project 366 to finish.

TAR playing with fireflies!

I've finished writing the story of the new project though. Below's the synopsis!

Some sketches for TAR. .

Synopsis: The story is about a young Tarsier named TAR. He lives in a village where fireflies serves as guardians of the night. It lights their way and keeps peace around the village. Although Tarsiers are said to be insectivorous, they're not allowed to eat the fireflies because its said to be a forest spirit they call "Guardians" and is considered sacred by them. Around twilight, TAR spotted humans armed with dagger, guns, torches and one with a shiny thing that produces a beam of light (flashlight) in the forest. He followed them and noticed that they were looking for something. When the beam of the man's flashlight was shone into his eyes, TAR startled and tried to leap to another tree but he fell into the ground. He thought he'd land with a thud but instead he fell onto something soft. And it was YUNA, a white eaglet who was being chased by the humans. When humans noticed them, another chase began with TAR riding on YUNA's back. Unfortunately, YUNA was captured and TAR felt responsible. When nightfall came TAR braved himself and tried to save YUNA by jumping over the man who was carrying YUNA and startled him. Unfortunately, together with YUNA, the man also dropped the torch causing a forest fire. Together with a big part of the forest, fireflies are gone too. Because of his actions, TAR was not allowed to come back to their village without searching for the fireflies. His mission is to find them to restore the balance on their ecosystem. Together with YUNA, TAR will go through series of adventures to discover the secret of the fireflies.

YUNA, waiting for TAR to climb up where he's at.

Uhm..I guess I need your opinion about my overall style! Is it close to Studio Ghibli's? LOL. I mean, is it good? On what areas should I focus for improvement? What else can you say?

I hope the project would make me get closer to my dream job at Pixar or Studio Ghibli. :-) For some reasons, it's really hard to land a job there, but I am determined.

Browny and Me

2012-05-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

They say there's nothing like the experience of raising your first dog. You get the hell out of your house, wander off somewhere in your village, lie down under a tree and walk off into the sunset together. Just you and your dog best friend. But that's not my experience! Browny’s not even the first dog in the family. If my memory serves me right, Browny is the 4th dog in our family.

The former dogs didn't even seem like ours because after a few months, my Grandpa would ask my Uncle to take them all away far from us. My Grandpa doesn’t really like dogs or any animal running or playing around the house. He didn’t even like us playing around at all. That's why, whenever we pass by him we walk with great caution and always make it sure that he won't have anything to say about us. Yeah, he's quite of a terror at home, too strict but that's his nature. But anyway. . .

My Uncle Allan, who lives at the province, would then bring the puppies to our farm and train them as guard dogs. Many years passed, they grew up there and probably died there too. I don’t really know that because I never asked anyone about what happened to those poor dogs. But this Browny, he happened to have stayed with us long enough for us to consider him family. And I’m not really the kind of person who gets attached to animals way too easily. Not until, Browny happened.

Right from the start Browny isn’t even my dog. One night, my cousin Min and I were discussing about owning a dog for some reason (which I couldn’t recall) and the next morning her classmate and our Uncle’s colleague brought one puppy each to the house. My cousin revealed to me though that she called her classmate to accept the puppy she offered to her during their biology class. Our Uncle Danny's colleague, on the other hand, may have overheard us that night.

Everything happened so fast and we never really expected to have two dogs exactly a day after discussing about owning just one. We were so excited! My cousin kept the puppies that day and it was up to her to decide which of the two puppies she’s gonna choose. Not that I have no say about the decision or the puppies but I left it to her since it was really her idea. Although honestly, I was just playing safe because if anything shit happens - at least nobody's gonna blame me. Sorry cuz! :-)

Unfortunately she was not allowed to keep two puppies at the same time because “owning a dog comes with great responsibility.” Says so my uncle. Sounds so cliché right? But that’s exactly what my Uncle said and he’s quoted for that.

Morning came and my cousin decided to keep the brown one. And yep, that’s Browny. A cute hairy brown puppy! In case you wanna know the other one was mostly white with lighter brown spots around its body – we didn’t had the chance to name him because we couldn’t really think of any name that suits him well. That's probably why we picked the brown one because he gave a good first impression. Forget it! He actually pissed on the floor. "Sonofabitch!!". I was about to spank him when he gave me an innocent, wide-eyed expression.

It felt like he was saying. . .

"Just look at me! Just look how adorable I am! Oh come on..you stupid asshole! Can you hurt something as adorable as me?"

And I was like. .
"The bastard's got his way of escaping punishments huh?"
"Ahhh...forget it!"

I then went looking for some old rug and cleaned his mess. And the other dog? Well, he was given back to his owner the next day.

I would actually have preferred the brown puppy too. But that’s just because he’s cuter, chubbier and hairier than the other one - or well, trying to.

As for the name, we really didn't thought about it. We just called him Browny right away. We didn't even care if there are other brownies out there. Because on that day, I knew that there was something special about Browny. Whatever it is, I was looking forward to it.

And I can't wait for that day where I can walk Browny up to the place in our village where one can behold one of the most breathtaking sunsets. Just Browny and Me, best of friends, watching the sunset together.

TO BE CONTINUED. . .

The Super Moon

2012-05-15T00:57:00.004-07:00

At this point, I'm pretty sure some LUNA-tic have already learned one of life's valuable lesson. And that is the harsh reality behind the flaring rays of stardom. She who ruled the primetime night is now reeling after the demise of her once shining light. She was once a star but now nothing but a cold and beaming satellite. Indeed! FAME is something that doesn't last forever. And truth be told, her direction is going the other way around. Spinning and revolving around the dark axis of Midgard. She might be on the forefront among other heavenly bodies. But one may look bigger, act better and appear wiser; still when daylight comes the rays of truth will heal those who were attacked by meteorites.

This is simply the tale of the moon, that once envied the sun, became a star, and transformed back into a moon. Her name is LUNA and she is someone who's appreciated only at night. She became bitter for years and wanted to shine back, but "One Must Wait" she thought. She shifted herself into an axis where she was a nobody, in a place where she could hardly be seen.

But this year rumor spread and many have anticipated for her return. But an unpredictable turn of events ruined her most awaited comeback. And it was then, when she snapped out of her calm light! Because of EARTH.

Earth happened to pass by and caught her by chance. Luna was red. .and mad. So he gave her a special attention. Luna couldn't help it! And with all her might she lit herself 16 percent brighter than her average self. Then she blew beams on earth which landed mostly on Earth's face or was it Luna's lover(?), Blackhole, who showered meteorites leaving dark spots on the earth's surface.

All of what happened isn't very clear to everyone though. In fact, the only evidence Astronomers ought to have couldn't be found because, they say "Our cameras don't work". Oh no!!!

Today, Luna swings about 221,802 miles from Earth, offering sky watchers a magnificent view of her bigger and brighter self. The Earth, on the other hand, had been physically and verbally beaten up. Poor old fella!

He knelt on the ground, looked up to the universe and promised that he will never give up. And I hope soon enough the final verdict will be out.

With all the attention. . .this is how the moon feels now. . .

Evilly grinning from behind her super light. .
THE SUPER MOON

Looking Back and Looking Forward!

2012-04-24T07:31:00.001-07:00

“I've blamed myself enough for all the mistakes I've done during college.” And funny how I said that as though I'm already done with college. To tell you upfront, I'm still in college (that should be obvious) but most of my batch-mates are graduating (or have graduated) already. I really thought college was going to be an easy peasy affair.

But NO! Hell no. At first it was a delightful experience – everything’s new and seems alright. It actually felt like you’re just in high school. Taking breaks, naps, skip boring classes and play around from time to time. But as you slowly welcome changes you will realize the harsh reality that College can be an arena for gladiatorial combat. It’s not like how you thought it would be. Not when you’ve entered a State University.

It’s the survival of the fittest, I say. A few of you might disagree and say college is survival of the smarty pants. But I believe all of us were smart enough to land on a course and a University like that. It’s actually just up to you how you’re going to survive. College is like The Hunger Games, it's all about survival no matter what the situation may be. Just pray that Effie Trinket’s there to bless you “Happy College Life! And may the odds be ever in your favor!”. Right then, you might just have a chance!? Or maybe not. Unless of course, you've volunteered as tribute. LOL

So, from a good scholarly boy I turned into an indolent underachiever. I don’t know how that happened and admittedly I think it’s my fault for aiming the wrong target – just the passing grade.

At first of course, I craved and tried to get some really good grades. But later on I’ve come to ask myself “Why should I, when others don’t?” How come I feel alone in a supposedly competitive environment? Is it just me or my classmates have gone tired of the ‘usual’ high school academic drive? And man I looked everywhere to find an answer and there I saw myself – and hell I realized I just can’t act like a high school goofball anymore.

I set aside everything I knew because I thought had to fit well with my new environment and finally I caught on into the “College Pride” fever. “That’s so High School!” was our slogan by the way.

Since then, passing grade became the highest grade. It was the most challenging grade to get and it meant a lot because every time we’d enter the office during the end of semester is like a situation of life and death.

We weighed our marks not by its amount or number but by its color. Black means continuity, you can still sleep soundly at night and move on the next day. Red, on the other hand, is one tormenting punishment giving you more sleepless nights or nightmares but above all, extended College Days. It’s hard to understand how we thought of it that way or how we ended up like that. There’s peer pressure, some unappreciative, inconsiderate, hideous-looking contemptuous teachers (Bitter!?), influential classmates but most of all Friendster, ohh.. Scratch that, Facebook! I mean a whole world of laziness. The only thing that’s fairly motivating was nobody cared to have a “flat 1” anymore. Although it would be great, with all the pressure on our shoulders we couldn’t care less. Later on, I’ve woken up to my senses and I realize that I can’t go with that kind of flow anymore. So I decided to transfer school, shift courses and start a new life.

Things are quite better now though. Academic pressure-wise, things have gotten better. A few things may get out of hand but I don’t blame myself anymore. I may still fail on some classes but that doesn’t mean I’m a bad student especially now that I’m working freelance – to support my education, myself and my family.

I am, however, starting to dread the day that I would start my 5th year in College. And that is a couple of months from now. I hate it when people ask me over and over again about when will I ever graduate. And while I could just tell them with all honesty that I’ll probably graduate on March 2014. Yeah, that’s like two years away from now – I just can’t. Maybe because I know and I’m quite positive that it’ll take me 3 more semesters to finish (instead of 4). Or maybe because I’m not very certain what’s going to happen in 2 years time just like how I never thought I would transfer school after spending two and a half years on my previous University. It’s really hard to say. But if there’s anything that I can assure these people is that I have plans in life and graduating is definitely first on my list.

Everyone’s talking about their graduation; Most of the graduates even had their graduation picture as the display pic of their Facebook profiles. And while it sometimes hurts, it sometimes helps. Because now I understand myself better. I also realized that there’s nothing wrong with finishing college at my own pace, in my own time. And I’ll use my extra time to think about what to do after my graduation. :-D I kinda figured it out though. You guess!

So for my batch mates, Happy Graduation! To my classmates and friends who are yet to graduate, hmm..here's some sort of motivation "A lot of people say that the real world sucks - So I figured out, why not stay in College a bit longer! Just a bit!! Give yourselves some time to think about what to do after college, while looking forward for our Happy Graduation. :-D"

My Hometown, Davao City

2012-03-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

My hometown was, and remains a peaceful and beautiful town. Back in the good old summer days when I would be seen looking for bugs under rocks, on tall grasses and sometimes even up on our backyard's Jujuba tree; I always admired the lush tropical foliage of our village. I remember the first time my friends and I discovered our village's river that nobody ever told us existed. That was one of the most magical childhood discoveries I've ever made.

The river was quite a long, long way from home though. And my parents would have gone nuts if they'd found out I went there when I was eight. I was indeed a reckless little adventurer who grew up on one of the city's greenest village. We're not quite isolated from the urban sprawl though.

I remember waking up at around 5 in the morning and was surprised when I saw an empty, colourfully woven basket downstairs. Then my grandmother asked me to accompany her to Bankerohan public market. Despite having a repugnant stench and the chopping horrors of butchers slaughtering poor pigs, I found the City's biggest public market the liveliest place I've been to as a child. It was noisy, smelly and dirty but everyone seemed happy doing their work. Morning greetings from the vendors made the entire affair more than worth it though.

After going through series of meat and vegetable buying expedition, our last stop was the heart of the market. It was where all sorts of rice cakes are being sold. Puto, bibingka, kutsinta, palitaw, sapin-sapin, bichu-bichu filled my eyes with radiant joy and color. And my mouth watered as we pass by them. Indeed! Native food is good food and I have to say that the rice cakes sold at the market tastes better than those which are peddled every morning in our street. The comforting warmth of the native hot tsokolate was there too; Accompanied by a brown sugar-coated Puto Maya and some delicious suman for my Grandma. And I couldn't be any happier then.

Later on, I figured out that we're going to the beach. It was a Sunday! And Sundays always starts with good old songs played on the radio. While everyone was busy preparing food, I kept myself busy looking for my swimming gears. NO! I didn't have floaters, swimming caps or goggles. Instead, I brought a water container and some beach toy set I received from 'Christmas' of the other year.

We went to Quako Beach Resort. Perhaps, the most popular public Beach Resort in Davao City. The water was cool and clean back then. And I remember playing inside a cave-like stone house a few meters away from the shore. On the shore I've created kingdoms, dug holes of bottomless depth and buried some shells I considered treasures. But the best thing I ever made out with sand was to bury one of my uncles, with his head sticking out of the sand. Hahaha. And Ahoy! I went out swimming again!

We would usually ride on a jeepney on our way home. A big jeep with small horse decorations in front, along with flaglets waving as we pass by stores, houses and commercial establishments on the city proper. Recently, I rode a jeep whose route began at El Rio Vista. It looked like the same jeep we use to ride on before. I came pass by famous establishments in Davao like the old Victoria Plaza where we go jogging every morning, the tall Land Co building which never fails to make me look up in the sky, the eye-catching murals on Davao Mental Hospital, the Family Circus office at the old Acacia terminal, Freedom Park where some couples date, got reminded of our electric bill the time I saw Davao Light, and then there went Sunday traffic on Rizal, Bolton, CM. Recto streets because the mass has just been offered at the old San Pedro Cathedral.

It may sound a bit odd but we all come to a point in our lives when we get sucked into a sudden moment of realization. A stolen moment of tranquillity, peace and self-reflection. That while the traffic light is in red, you’ll look around as people slowly walk on their desired direction. You hear indistinct chatters from just about everywhere and maybe sirens wailing in distance - then the urban jungle suddenly fades out and you'll realize how you’ve became part of the city. How well you know your hometown and how well you’ve cared of its entirety.

That every little detail of the city comes with epic flashbacks that put you back to a certain time and place in your life. And that’s what makes life in Davao worth living.

That even a 20 minute ride downtown can tell you a story of your life. And no matter how long it’s been, be it during your teenage years, childhood or rebellious senior year (you may even include your past life if you can remember) – LIFE is, was and will always be here. In my hometown, Davao City.

Submitted as an entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition

Project 366: Day 31 - Sireon!

2012-02-06T00:14:00.000-08:00

There was something about the end of the month. Hmm..perhaps, it's the most serious day because of the upcoming exam starting 1st of February till the 3rd day. O__O

Just another random monster done at school! :-D

Project 366: Day 30 - When A Canker Sores!

2012-01-30T23:55:00.000-08:00

This is one of the worst days of my life. The day I developed again this freakin ulcer in my mouth. Yes, it's the so acclaimed mouth ulcer or canker sore, one of the most painful little bitches comfortably lying on the tip of my precious tongue. Before, it only seconds to the tiny painful bumps on my tongue which I don't know what they're called. But this time around, this canker goes first!

Also known as aphthous ulcer, this damn little thing actually ruined my foodie alter-ego. I can't appreciate food and it also ruined my academic life. It caused me to absent because of sleepless nights with this canker bitch, bitching on my tongue.

Of course I follow proper oral hygiene for I don't want to end up like one of our most talked about frenemy because of his mouth-foulness like literally. lelz. I can afford mouthwash and of course, I can have my mouth checked anytime of the day because our Dentist's just next doors! And I just found out that this canker sore was caused by having low levels of iron and zinc. O__O I need to take vitamins. Like seriously now.

When a canker sores, it's like you're punished for telling lies or for gluttony. . .it's so painful, it hurts like hell. It may be little but when a canker sores!! FUUUUUU...it's like you're almost dead.

Project 366: Day 29 - Crystodon!

2012-01-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

Yet Another Dragon Monster I'm not so sure about! Why the hell did I draw this. O__O It cannot even be related to my Tita's Birthday. Well, Happy Birthday to my Aunt!

Project 366: Day 28 - Ancient!

2012-01-28T22:06:00.000-08:00

Anubis is the Greek name for a jackal-headed god associated with mummification and the afterlife in ancient Egyptian religion.

I'm now tired of this Project 366! O__O This is perhaps the mummification of this whole project thing. I need to get my blogging groove back!! But before that, I'm quitting daily posting of my Project 366, so I can work on my backlogs and blog-post-in-mind on weekdays - My Project 366, will be posted every weekend na!!

Project 366: Day 27 - Kroona!

2012-01-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

Kroona!! The raccoon type monster. Creepy-like version of Alice in Wonderland's Cheshire cat. It must have been influenced by that story. Well, here goes Day 27 of my Project 366. O__O

Project 366: Day 26 - Chiropy the King of Bats!

2012-01-26T05:48:00.000-08:00

Bats are the ruler of the night. They're nocturnal and starts the hunting at twilight. Here's Chiropy, the King of Bats.

This post is boring and was done just so I could go on with my Project 366. So please just head over to my awesome post about bats!!

Here's 5 Fun Facts about Bats!

Project 366: Day 25 - Arflo!

2012-01-25T05:26:00.000-08:00

Sunny Wednesday! I'm out of words. This monster is based on a long-haired dog which was carried by a Miss who's also carrying a bouquet of yellow flowers. I came to pass by them on my way home. Sorry, I'm not an expert on breeds of dog but I think it was either a shih tzu or nahh..nevermind. lol

Project 366: Day 24 - Viridion!

2012-01-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

Here's just another random monster I made based on my new favorite color Blue-Green!! :-)

Project 366: Day 23 - Time Hopping!

2012-01-23T04:41:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't want to time leap? to time travel? to time hop? Well, if only there's a way I would definitely take the chance to go back in time and make things right.

Not so good Monday. >__<

Project 366: Day 22 - Crocodile Encounter!

2012-01-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

I've never had a dream about crocodiles, and it's been years since I've seen one. The last time was perhaps, when I was in still Junior high, during our Scout Jamboree, the time we had a side-trip on a nearby animal center. Well, it was all part of our Nature trek and I remember being really happy that time. It was so funny then, like the crocodile we spotted had his mouth opened so wide that I. . uhmm..well, I threw a coin inside its mouth. (I know it's not funny when you talk about it now!) Nah, so silly of me back then. So naughty of me, actually! But I have changed. For over the years, karma's a bitch and fear grew inside me. The fear to some wicked and deadly animals. Theoretically, this is the downside of watching too much monster movies.

So, last Saturday I had a close encounter with a crocodile. A very close encounter indeed. So close that he was just a few inches away from me. Imagine, a few damn inches away from my precious body. And in a split second the damn crocodile jumped on to me. And I said to myself, "Chrissake! I haven't even read "How to Deal with Friggin Crocodiles for Dummies". A sequel of "How to Train Your Dragon" with ~~Dragons~~ being replaced by Crocodiles might be helpful though, or so I thought. Then I was screaming inside my head, "Don't you dare eat me". I've developed fats around my body and that'll be very unhealthy for a crocodile to eat!!

As he jumped, everything was like in slo-motion. Ohh..it was freaking me out! Like how am I gonna survive the day with a saltwater crocodile front of me? Well, it may seem obvious to you that I apparently survived the dilemma because I'm writing about it now. But that doesn't mean, I've fully survived.

Because the time, the freaking crocodile landed on my arms. I felt like I was gonna die. I was calm at first but ohh...son of a man-eating, stinky, scaly, holy beast - Please, put this little crocodile to sleep!

Then, I cooled down and so he was. Then I became comfortable with him on my bare hands that I forgot to tighten my grip. And he started shaking around making me shout "Ohh..mayy..Ghshh.". Since the crocodile I'm talking about is a baby crocodile, I thought I'd be gentle to him like how I would normally hold babies. But NO!! That's basically not the way on how to hold a baby crocodile. The proper way is that you'll sort of put more pressure, say force on your grip. Make your grip stronger, because if not, they'll feel there's a way to escape from your hands - they'll definitely take that chance. Remember not to put much hatred to it though because you might end up killing it by strangulation. lol

I was told he doesn't have any name so I named him "Krocko". But he didn't like the name for he started shaking again like he's got epilepsy. So I gave him back to the man who allowed us to get to know the little crocodile, Krocko, who probably needs some sleep! HAHAHA.

Note: Krocko didn't actually jumped, more like he was passed on to my by my friend. . I was the one who jumped. With it's cold, ewwy skin, you'll definitely feel jumpy holding it.

Project 366: Day 21 - Kawatarō!

2012-01-21T04:51:00.000-08:00

I've always been a fan of myths and folklore and just recently I came across creatures or sprite found in Japanese folklore. Having watched quite a lot of animes, there's a particular legendary creature that I got so curious about and that's the legendary "Kawatarō".

A Kawataro is said to have beak, turtle's shell and
green-coloredcreature.

A Kawataro is also called Kappa which literally means "river-child". They're said to be mischievous troublemakers who makes pranks which sometimes result to drowning innocent people. Here in the Philippines, we don't have our own version of a Kawataro but superstitiously, we blame drowning accidents on either mermaids, ghosts or environmental spirits.

However, in an episode of a particular Shake Rattle and Roll movie, we had little frog-like monsters found in the lake which was called "Undin". Well, we also have "Syokoy" but these Filipino sea creature myths don't seem to sound as friendly as a Kawataro.

During Summer, my cousins and I would always walk pass by the riverside. It's part of our daily nature-tripping around our village. And one of my cousins would always say she saw something in the water. Then I would also tease them it's a crocodile and it's gonna eat us, so we always end up running on our way home.

Project 366: Day 20 - Dizzy As Always!!

2012-01-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

Dizzy! Dizzy! Dizzy! I have been feeling dizzy and tired for more than a week now. My world turns upside down whenever my eyes would come across something bright. It's dizzying. I get dizzy after rides. Could it be just because I'm anemic, being unfortunately seasick or Ohh..never mind, I better have a check up. I'm such a dizzer!

That ends this post because I'm already dizzy! That is Dizzer by the way.

Project 366: Day 19 - Where's Justice?

2012-01-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

I hated the fact that I needed to absent last Thursday because my Mom was nagging about "When I am goin to follow up my goddamn case?". Yes, I have a case. And in case you wanna know, I'm currently searching for JUSTICE for an intellectual property case against a footwear company that stole my character designs, had them printed on their flip flops and distributed them, probably, on a NATIONWIDE scale!!

Although I honestly wanted to absent because my knees got sore from walking last Wednesday Night. I don't think, going to a particular government agency (or agencies) would be helpful (and worthwhile) since I was told and I've also observed that the judicial system in the Philippines is slow. Although when I went to the City Council for consultation about two weeks ago, they were very kind and helpful there. But then my Mom insisted and so there I was.

I went to 3 Gov't agency offices and then what I gained were the same words I've gotten from the first office, to the second till the last. And I was like some unfinished document that's being pass from an office to another.They told me that I have to register this and that, need to pay for this and that and then attack! BUT, they can't reassure me, how long the case is going to be. Having been told by my Atty., that my works are protected by the copyright law of the Phils. right on the date of its creation. And with that, I really believed I have a chance on this case. But Where's Justice? When I haven't even fully and officially filed a case.

I have to do all these by myself, and by doing so I will have to jeopardize my education, my blogging and my work. But then Justice must be served. I just hope I could easily contact that company, so I could just bill them and all but it seemed like they've hidden their asses to anonymity and I couldn't get their contact number.This is unfair, they're making money out of my creations!

Wait for it you, *****! Just give me time. No pressure, and no more important things at risk and I shall go find JUSTICE, myself.

Project 366: Day 18 - Pingles!

2012-01-18T23:38:00.000-08:00

Because of my great desire to lose weight, I ~~unintentionally~~ walked a lot last Wednesday with an additional 3KG weight for my laptop. My class schedule was hectic so it was really kind of a challenge for me.

Part of my Wednesday routine was at least a 5-minute stair climb up on a 6-storey building, walk from school down to the highway, then after a 15-minute jeepney ride I would walk from the highway to the Annex campus, a walk from a milk tea shop to school as punishment for not having resisted the cool milky goodness and awesomeness of pearls red milk tea (lol), and a quite unfair loooooong walk from school to our house.

I feel like being cursed or something then, because on my way home from school, not a single trike passed by. I would have ridden a taxi though, if I've got enough money but to think school and home is at least 10 minutes away from each other via a trike; I thought, why not try to walk my way back home?

SO I WALKED. I WALKED, than spend 50+ pesos on Taxi and feel as though I wasted my money for sitting for only a couple of sec. I WALKED feeling I'd save Mother Nature if I did so. I WALKED thinking I'm going to lose a couple pounds without doing any calorie deficit diets. I WALKED believing it's safe to walk around at night here in Davao City. I WALKED groaning because my feet hurts already. I WALKED bashing the Government for placing all the City's trash bins on the left side of the road when ideally, walking on the left side of the road is much more safer and now there exist these nasty bins on the left, which would suffocate you with a killer stench. I WALKED ranting about the potholes on the road. I WALKED thinking about if I should blog that experience or not. I WALKED feeling so self-conscious about why people from the other side of the road were looking at me. I WALKED with paranoia when each streetlight turned off when I went pass under them. I WALKED feeling like I was being chased by death. I WALKED believing it's not to safe to walk around at all. I WALKED thinking I've got to be on a calorie deficit diet. I WALKED feeling, Mother Nature would prefer if I'll plant some tree than WALKING. I WALKED saying "I should have ridden a Taxi, my Mom's gonna have to pay for fare anyway".

But then, I continued the journey and walked until my knees got friggin tired. And Pingles! I'm at home safe, sound and tired. O__O

Project 366: Day 17 - Fashionable!

2012-01-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

Simply, fashionable!!

I think I'm the least fashionable guy you'll ever meet. I don't know fashion or if I look fashionable (at all), and I think I'll never be into fashion because it's not in my field of interest; But if you would consider someone walking around with cheap accessories, polo, fedora hat and slacks then I might just have a bit of fashion flair. Still, you imagine, for I couldn't really say I'm "IN"!!

That must have been why I felt a bit self-conscious as I walked inside Abreeza Activity Center last January 7, 2012. I mean, who wouldn't? When members of the DEFG (Davao Elite Fashion Group), fashion bloggers, local personalities, models, fashion-enthusiasts and the media were all there.

Even so, watching Abreeza's Runway Preview 2012 was something I know I'm not going to regret. Like, I was surrounded by beauties and hunks, models and punks, by bloggers and bunks but the best thing that surrounded me was - the sense of appreciation for creativity.

Abreeza's Runway Preview 2012 showcased creative styles and designs from popular couture designers namely Popoy Barba, Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Edgar Buyan and Emi Englis. Although the collections presented were mix of all sorts, the candy-colored pieces caught my attention as modes strut the runway with elegance and passion.

And to give you just a glimpse of awesomeness from Abreeza Mall's fashion show. Enjoy the photos below from my generous friend, Renz!

Abreeza's Runway Preview 2012 was the first and biggest fashion show that we had in Davao City. It was first time to watch a fashion show and for me, It was sooo great! I'll never forget the experience. It was a remarkable night filled with fashion, glamour and paparazzi, of course!

Fashion Bloggers! Haha. I'm soo Pretentious! lelz

Shortly after, the Davao Bloggers team decided to head over to Red Kimono for dinner. Yumm..

Anyway, when I got home I got inspired by some of the weird make-up and pieces showcased during the show, that I made this illustration.

Okay ba?? Weird diba!

Note: Okay, Career-rin ko na tong fashion post na to ha? Like how most fashion bloggers end their post.

♥ Love Lots! ♥

Xoxo

Markable

Project 366: Zipping, Zapping & Zorbing in Davao City!

2012-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

Project 366: Days 14, 15,16 \| Zip, Zap, Zorb!

Because I haven't done any character designs for the past three days, let me cope up with my Project 366 with these three awezome rodent monzterz!

It's been 3 days already and I am still awestruck by how fantastic our Weekend Getaway was! Last Saturday was the shooting day of our Travel Show's teaser trailer, and it was really fun going through series adrenaline-pumping adventures with my co-hosts Renz and Juy, and of course with our immediate director, Direk Andrew.

First off, we went to Davao Crocodile Park to randomly shoot video stills of Crocs, Eagles, colorful birds, either shy or non-existing Lizards, snobbish Orangutans, cute but smelly civet cats, water puddles(pronounced as POODLE. LOL), and a green-pooping evil Cassowary.

And ohh..we spotted this. .

But of course, we did our thing in front of the camera if you must know! :-p

BTS footage for Let's Get Lost!

Later we went to Riverwalk for a delicious and exotic lunch!

And I still I couldn't get over the Crocodile Sisig!

(from Left to Right) 1. Bihud(Roe) / 2. Crocodile Sisig / 3. Chicken Barbecue /
Sweet Spot's Ice Cream ~~w/ Crocodile Eggs~~ (Croc Eggs Not available yet)

And after that, we went into a crazy hamster ball ride called "Zorbing". This is actually my first time to try the so acclaimed Davao Zorb. Although I've been to the Zorv Park last May, during Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2011, I never had the chance to try it because I had no partner.

But this time around, I had Juy as my Zorbing buddy. Yey!

So we went inside the super smooth, cool and comfy orb and Mr. Zorbman started to strap us on its opposite ends. When everything was settled, they just suddenly pushed the Zorb downhill. And I was terribly shock! Ganun? Ganon lang? Walang Countdown? So, Ganon nalang ngayon Mr. Zorbman??

It felt as though someone was zapping me with electricity from my feet. Then the electricity went through my nerves, veins, muscles even fats until it reach my head. The next thing I know, I was screaming to my lungs.

While inside the rolling zorb, the sky, the grass, the zorb and your screaming partner are all you'll ever see. It was fun, funny and a horrible experience for someone who gets easily dizzy like me.

Although I managed to calm down in the middle, Zorbing is indeed an adrenaline pumping, nerve wracking experience! And I realized how hard it is to become a hamster!! Hahaha.

After Zorbing, we went to Zip City to try the friendliest Zipline in town!! With the thrill-seeker that I am, I've been into several Ziplines already. Been to the highest, longest, fastest Zipline rides in Mindanao but I have to admit that I never got scared with Zip City's zip line. It's very friendly and safe at that! Perfect for first timers. LOL :-)

Now, if you want to have some fun in Davao City. Don't dare miss these exciting adventures by visiting Davao Crocodile Park, Davao Zorv Park and Zip City!

So Ladies and Gentlemen, here's a short video clip of our Zipping, Zapping and Zorbing in Davao City. And ohhh, by the way, that's not our teaser yet. ;-p

Zip and Zorb - Davao City from RM Bulseco on Vimeo.

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Zip-A-Dee-A My oh my, that was a wonderful day! :-)

Important Notice: All Images on this post are owned by either Juy Nacorda or Renz Bulseco. And taken by our awesome director! :-)

Project 366: Day 13 - Friday The 13th!

2012-01-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

A lot of great things happened last Friday. So great that I almost did not expect it would end so badly. So after all the fun watching Sherlock Holmes 2: Game of Shadows and then going to a coffee shop to laugh out some more. I just. . . just never thought I would lose a cat again. Poor nameless cat! She was kinda one of my favorite.

Friday the 13th is deceitful! I just when I thought it would be a great day, since 13 is my day of birth and I've been quite lucky over the past few Friday 13th's of my life including my Friday the 13th birthdays - this day came and reminded me of those crying moments of losing pet cats.

I've lost 6 favorite pet cats to death over the years and I've cried so hard when chippy died.

Full name: Chippybell

Chippy, by the way, is my 3rd cat. We actually had a not-so-good start as friends. Coincidentally, it was Friday the 13th when we first encountered each other.

He was still a stray and wild kitten then. Meowing from inside a pile of chopped woods. My brother tried to grab him out from where he was but it bit him. And because he pained my brother, I went mad and worried that I grabbed a stick, pained the cat somehow, until he went out of the stupid firewood pile.

Later, the poor cat was caged. . . in a bird cage. LOL. And I couldn't remember how we just became friends after that. He started being nice to me. .we fed him and eventually freed him and started treating him as a pet.

Then weeks, months and years came that Chippy was considered to be everyone's favorite cat in the family. Although he can sleep anywhere, at night he just wouldn't leave my bed. He became a great pet cat and he's quite funny too. I remember one time when I brought him to our store. A kid was going to buy a candy when he went near the kid and he pissed on poor kid's face. LOL

Ohh..I really miss Chippy and so as our other cats. Causes of deaths are either, they're very sick or unfortunately they'd get ran over by damn speeding cars. Today is one of the saddest Friday the 13th. :-(

Are Conyo People Funny, Creative or Just Annoying?

2012-01-14T05:21:00.001-08:00

You see them on schools and Universities, on fast-food chains and restaurants, on spa's and coffee shops, and more often than not you see them on shopping centers, malls and on Kris TV. These are creatures of the upper upper society who loves saying "OMG! I should buy that talaga!" while jabbing their index finger on a newly displayed item on a shop window.

These are the people on top of the social hierarchy who are fond of using the portmanteau of the words "Tagalog" and "English" or Taglish, the official language of The Conyo People. I remember one incident on a restaurant where two girls were on a table sitting right next to us.

Girl 1: Shocks Girl! I am so Imbyerna with my driver kanina. Like, he made ikot-ikot around the parking lot while there's plenty of vacant lots naman. I'm gonna look for a new driver na! Nakakaloka.
Girl 2: Really? Well that reminds me, one time our family driver parked our car like miles away from the Mall. I thought it was around somewhere I could easily find so I made lakad towards the parking lot. It was so mainit that day and it was so nakakangawit walking with shopping bags on both hands. Mas Nakakaloka!
Girl 1: Really? (forced laughter). Can you make bantay my things, banyo muna ako ha!

Forgive me for being such an eavesdropper but you see? Not only that they're certified conyo's but it seems there's going to be a riff between them!! If we didn't leave early we could have seen them make sapak to each other.

While conyo-speaking is mostly done by maaarte and mayayaman na girls. Mama's boys also tend to say in such manner. In our school, I find it odd that most boys use the "conyo" language over girls. Just like after a long quiz two of my male classmates were having a conyo convo.

"Fuck, Pare! We should have passed our papers sa quiz kanina."
"Dude, as if naman, may na answeran tayo!"
"I might fail in the subject, dead na naman ako kay Mama."

You may also consider half-pinoy's because of their slang accent they sound so conyowh! Consideh this convohw from a TV commercial by the Philippine Azkals.

Chieffy: “Kainan na!”.

Phil: “Eating with your bare hands. So primitive.”

Ian: “It’s pinoy style. ”

Chieffy:“Tara Phil. Tikman mo to. Ewe.”

Phil: “Ewe? What’s ewe?”

Everyone: “Pwet ng manok!”

Phil: “Uy! Panalo toh ah. .
Oh!? Anong tinitingin-tingin niyo jan? Chibowg na!”

There's also a consideration for middle class people who are either greatly influenced by the trend or their upper upper friends. Unlike the people of the upper class, these middle class people are adventurous enough to try street foods and food stalls where you may find them saying. .

"Uy, let's make tusok tusok na the fishballs!".
"Gosh, ang sarap naman this Kwek Kwek! Manong, can I have one more?"
"Kuya, pakitangal naman po ang takip so I can make sawsaw!"
"Ale, how much po the Banana cue? "

They're also likely to ride on public vehicles such as Jeepneys, MRT, LRT, taxi's and trikes. In fact, they are mostly noticed Conyo-ing on jeepneys more than any other places.

"Manong, here's my bayad, para lang po dyan sa may side."
A friend relates she heard of someone yell at the driver "Stop! Manong Stop!".
"Manong, what's time na in your watch? Hurry up naman please! Mali-late na ako."
And when with a friend, "Uy, later nalang yung change ha?".

Funny lang diba?

There's also some instances that we are likely to relate Conyo-speak with Bakya-speak because of the way they're sometimes delivered. Just so you know, there's a big difference between the two. In most cases Conyo is spoken by people who can't speak straight in English. So instead of being stuck in the middle of their sentences they shift to Filipino to complete their thought. While Bakya-speaking people are those who doesn't know the English language well.

Here's a joke of an unknown origin about a Filipina mom scolding her son “I told you not to go to, but still you go to, now look at!" where she meant "Sinabi ko na sayo huwag kang pumunta, pumunta ka pa rin, ngayon tingnan mo!".

No doubt she was trying to say things in English just so people would think she's a conyo Mom.

Still, the Conyo trend have gone too widespread that even some people (who shall we say are poor) uses the language. Although most of them intends to mimic how the rich people talk and make fun of them. They're actually just trying to make a point by asking themselves "Can't they just talk normal?"

And in reflex, most Conyo people would justify themselves by calling the poor "Jologs".

"Hey, I'm not Conyo you're just Jologs!".

While it is sometimes annoying to hear some people using this lang, there's no doubt that we find it funny and creative as well. Over the years, the Filipino language and dialects have evolved creatively although at some point illogical and unnecessary too.

But I believe it just shows the creativity of Filipinos. We've been under the influences of American, Chinese, Japanese and Spaniards, we are rich in culture and we have lots of native dialects, now what's wrong about making new terms and creatively expressing yourself?

In fact, our creativity resulted to trends such as Jejemons, Bekemons, Texters' slang, and with the existence of Malls most especially Abreeza (here in Davao), is the rebirth of Conyo people we may want to call "Conyomons".(Pauso lang?) Hehehe.

But if you'll ask me which is more creative! To whether it is The Jejemons, Bekemons, Texters, Jologs or Conyo's? I would GO for the Conyo's because they never really fail to amuse the hell out of me. But if you can find me a Bakya-speaking Texter na Baklang Conyong Jejemon. Then I may reconsider.

Yes, Conyo people have creative tongues and they can be funny too! But that doesn't mean they can't be annoying most especially with people whose being "Conyo" doesn't fit well to their looks. Ika nga ni Lourd de Veyra, "Umasal Lamang Nang Ayon sa Ganda!". Enough said about them being annoying baka kasi may magdeclare world war "C"!

That's why for me Conyo people can be equally funny, creative and annoying. But what do you think? Are Conyo People funny, creative or just annoying? You have some funny conyo stories there? Kindly share. :)

Project 366: Day 12 - Fire Drills!

2012-01-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

An elemental monster that has the ability to control or summon fire.

Last Tuesday morning, we had a seminar about fire emergency at school. I was not paying attention because I couldn't hardly see the spokesperson as was I seated on the last row in the balcony of the auditorium.

Although I was informed that we will go through series of fire drills in the coming days. I never thought things are going to be on a very dramatic level as time nears the last fire drill which is reportedly going to be 'realistic'. The first two drills didn't have any great impact though or it could be that I wasn't in the mood to go anywhere under the extreme heat of the sun which actually hurts more than the imaginary fire on the building.

But since this is my first time to experience a fire drill, I find it quite fun at least. Don't get me wrong though, I mean in real-life fire emergencies you wouldn't even consider it fun but after all, it's just a drill and everybody seemed to be happy about it. (Especially students because when fire alarms are activated, it also means that their concurrent classes are postponed!).

Back when I was in High School, we actually had an earthquake drill. And the way I see it, Earthquake drills are a lot funner (say dramatic) than fire drills because you would tend to act as though the earth was really shaking or was it just me? LOL. You know things like, heading for cover under desks, tables, chairs and then proceed to the evacuation phase!? That was fun for me then. While in Fire Emergencies, you just have to be alert and get out of the building as soon as possible. *Well that sounds more practical but for a drill?? I don't know.* I would love to see someone crawling on his hands and knees, above the toxic fumes while eyes closed until he reaches the exit though.

Still we have to admit that fires are more likely to happen than earthquakes, so seriously having this Fire Drill is key to our safety and protection -not just on school's but on all buildings and establishments as well.

And I really appreciate the initiative and efforts of our University for coming up with this great fire emergency plan. Yehey! Postpone, Postpone! lol. :-)