MAW existence

Beach Love: 10 Things To Keep in Mind Before Going to Cagbalete Island

2016-03-24T17:56:00.001+08:00

Cagbalete Island is a calm and balmy beach. It's still considered as one of the untouched white beaches near Metro Manila recommended for a quick getaway with friends - affordable resort accommodations, uncrowded, friendly locals, safe, and the beach is clearer. A tamed Boracay for me.

If you're planning to go there, try to stay at least 2 days. There's nothing much to do there, actually. But the serenity of this beach is promising. Let you mind wander, appreciate the scenery, and feel the breeze.

Make sure to do these things before heading to Cagbalete Island.

1. Bring your own tent.

It would be cheaper if you’ll bring your own. You’ll only pay for the tent space fee. Also, it’s less hassle for tent reservations.

2. Know which resort you’ll stay. There are decent resorts in the island. We were impulsive. We had reservations late, so we ended up at Villa Noe. The place is quite developed that the others. They offer recreation activities such as kayaks, snorkeling and island hopping. Plus, they offer catering too.

3. Take the groceries at Palengke sa Mauban Port.

You are going to the beach to swim, sleep, eat, take picture, eat, and sleep. You’ll need foods for your activities. There’s a cook at the resort, just supply them the groceries you’ll need for your daily menu and give them a good tip.

4. Catch the public boat going to Cagbalete island.

It’s way way cheaper compared to a private boat ride to the island. 50 pesos vs 1,800 pesos? Arrive early and wait patiently.

5. Imagine a public restroom with installed showers.

That’s what you’ll get. Don’t worry, the water is clean, you’ll not feel sticky after you take a shower. ( There are frogs at night. Make sure to carry a flash light)

6. Find a good spot for your tent. The weather at night is not too windy or cold. So, it’s better to place your tents near the shore. Follow where the wind is flowing. Find that spot to get a good night sleep.

7. Make sure to ziplock your tents. There’s something that might bother you in the middle of the night.. CRABLETS! I panicked when I felt something crawled at the back of my shoulders. It’s hard to find that sneaky crablet. We have to shake the whole tent, remove our stuff, just to get rid of it.

8. Be mindful of the low and high tide.

You cannot fully enjoy the beach if you don’t know the schedule of the tides. Leave the beach early before you catch the low tide. You’ll end up walking at the middle of the sea just to reach where the boat will not sink.

9. Go island hopping.

You have to see the picturesque mangroves and the super fine sandbar before noon.

10. Be open to meet new friends.

Yes we met friends. It started when we looked for two shared the boat ride for island hopping and snorkeling. Be friendly. Start taking the initiative to take a picture of them.

You're all set! Tell me about your trip, soon. :)
See more photos of our trip.

Video: Memories of Togetherness in 3 Minutes

2015-11-21T19:05:00.000+08:00

Remembering those times,
I can’t recall a moment of regret

More than just a memory.

You came out from the clouds of my dream,
Always something more to give me

To more years and better days ahead.
Happy 3rd Mamad. :)

Music: For Clouds by Via Audio

Video Première: Pencil Me In by We Are Imaginary

2015-09-28T13:29:00.001+08:00

Do you have songs on your playlist that give you an instant energy boost? Well, it's time to update your list 'cause this new single of We Are Imaginary is a hook!
Set your mood right with this compelling-cheesy-indie-pop track, Pencil Me In.

This intimate video was elegantly and cleverly delivered as a true form of art.

So, why are we seeing too much skin? The unboxing of We Are Imaginary starts here.

Hello, Better Days! :)

VDAY PLAYLIST: Love the Night Away

2015-02-10T13:51:00.003+08:00

photo via meggielynne

Drive around or spend the night away with your baby, darling, sweety, loves, baebhe..whatevs! I created this playlist based on how I imagine couples driving home from a dinner date, HHWW under the street lights, cuddling while watching chick flicks, star gazing with a couple of beers, or just chilling at home after a long day of work. Valentine's day celebration doesn't have to be fancy. It's a celebration of two people enjoying their epic adventure together as lovers and best friends.

Get the rest of the playlist on Spotify.

Wilt Mary X Mary Whitney

2015-02-06T20:16:00.000+08:00

Sorry about the ~~hipster~~ title. I can't think of any unique blog title for these selfies, aside from our real names. I was supposed to shoot a client that weekend, but it was cancelled for some reason I don't want to argue about. To keep the good vibes coming, my sister encouraged me to take advantage of the light set-up I did, her request was granted.

We live in the same apartment, yet we barely see each other. She's a morning person, I'm actually a morning person,too...up until 6am. :)

“ If you don’t understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time,
then you were probably an only child.”

– Linda Sunshine

Beach Love: Paguriran Island and Lagoon (Part 2)

2014-12-28T15:44:00.000+08:00

Only the beach could wake me up and get up really early. I don't have the luxe of time to spend mornings often beside the beach, that's why I'm pretty determined to yolo the moment. To walk along the shoreline with your partner beside you, wait for sunrise with my camera in hand, listen to the calming beach waves, get emotionally motivated by my daily devotion, and thinking what to eat for breakfast! Indeed, a good morning.

Day 2 plan is to take a dip to a waist deep lagoon. You should be early before low tide. We got there 7am. Hello Sun!

How to get there?

From Manila: We took a bus going to Legazpi City, Bicol. We always trust Cagsawa buses when we go to Bicol to visit the kids. Get the la-Z-boy seats around 950php. Estimate travel time, count 8-10 hours of butt burning transpo with 2 stop overs.

From Legazpi: Go to bus terminal and look for van services going to Sorsogon. Fare is 90php each. Travel time, 1-2 hours no traffic. Then get off to the last stop, Sorsogon Market.

From Sorsogon: Walk around and look for Sm Hypermarket. There you'll find the jeepneys going to Sawanga. Fare is 40php each. This jeep will take you directly to Paguriran BEACH!

Before hitting the beach, you have to buy food supplies, water, snacks and even fresh veggies and meat from the market. There's no restaurants or any food establishments at at the beach, only sari-sari store. So, bring your own food.

You can request freshly cooked meals from the locals at the beach. There are polite and hospitable. Just bring your groceries and tip them well. They are good in cooking sea foods, don't let them cook adobo or any red meat meals.

Where to stay?

I only had one choice for that time. Fully booked lahat. I didn't got the air-conditioned rooms, so we settled for a nipa hut/kubo house. It has one bath, one bedroom with king size bed, living area, and our own karaoke area outside. 700php per night is not bad.

Have a safe trip! Let's discover untouched beaches around the Philippines.

See more photos of our trip

Beach Love: Paguriran Island and Lagoon (Part 1)

2014-12-21T22:41:00.000+08:00

Ang bilis ng oras. Alam mo bakit?... Kasi, tumatakbo. ^_^

It's a celebration of our second anniversary. Time flies so fast.
Alam mo kung bakit? haha..NO.

We always want an escape from our daily work routines. Escape to a serene and tranquil surrounding without stress where all you have to do is chill. Unwind and unwired. A place where we can call ourselves strangers. A place where you can freely do anything without anyone judging you.

Going to places we've never been gives us a thrill. To discover new things, together.

Bicol is a familiar place for my partner. That's his hometown. I decided to spend our 2nd year with 2 kids. Two years celebrated with lovely two rascals multiplied our happiness as a couple. Indeed, it was a happy happy anniversary.

We are all first-timers here. Haunting a remote kid-friendly beach requires research skills. Thanks to travel bloggers who are passionate in documenting their trips. Detailed and beneficial to their readers. Thank God. We made it to Paguriran Island!

It's a long ride going to the beach.
When you see this spot, remember that you'll still pass 8 barangays to get there.

Entrance. The beach is peeking.

Finally, beach.

Dylan and Art redefined chill.

Water Dash.

kalyo alert. salt water heals.

The sun sets and my emotion alights.

Try not to confuse attachment and love.
Attachment is about dependency and has more to do with love of self than love of another.
Love without attachment is the purest love because it isn’t about what others can give to you because you’re empty.
It is about what you can give other because you’re already full.
-Yasmin Mogahed

Lunch Out: Señor Pollo Makati Branch

2014-11-11T15:20:00.000+08:00

We've always wanted to eat real food for lunch and have always been craving for chicken! When we saw the newly opened Señor Pollo while we're strolling around our office neighborhood, we sat down with no hesitation. The vibrant look and sort-of-island feel of the resto pulled us in. Here's our first impression.

wall mural, two thumbs up!

liquors leaning on brick wall, rustic

me and fudge doing "the art of waiting" pose

here's the menu. please don't pick Vier.

then we forgot to shoot the food 'cause we were so hungry! (please make your service fast)
Anyways, we tried their buffalo wings, sweet potato mash on sides and this winner quesadillas

sa tagal ng service, Fudge got time to have yosi break

In conclusion, I thought it would be a nice place to chill-out with friends after late party gigs. The food they serve tastes good, plus the price is reasonable.
We'll surely come back!

Bye Fuji Ko

2014-10-30T18:42:00.000+08:00

Last shots taken before letting go this handy photo snapper.

Tampisaw

2014-07-28T22:11:00.001+08:00

To go swimming in someone else's pool in our birthday suits. That was the plan! But, kids came in so..we kept it subtle.

Full set

INSPIRATION: Posters for your working space

2014-06-30T14:27:00.001+08:00

Feed your mind with positive thoughts. Allow these workday mood boosters get through you.

MIXTAPE: Happy Tunes for March

2014-03-04T17:06:00.000+08:00

Photo Source

Happy by Pharell Williams

Take A Walk by Passion Pit

I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers

If I Could Change Your Mind by Haim

Run Run Run by Celeste Buckingham

Sleeping In by The Postal Service

All to All by Broken Social Scene
Is it Too Much by Ra Ra Riot
In Between Days by Ben Folds

Let’s Go Home by Carousel

Listen NOW.

A Love Letter from My Lover

2014-02-21T17:16:00.000+08:00

Ever dearest Mary,

Timeliness is everything.

Poets continuously defy tenses, gripping on the concept of artistic license as if they are weapon only they can wield, to keep their favorite affliction in a Matrix slow-mo sequence. They are not meant to be shelved, but rather refreshed, they will insist.

These press releases I have been working on need certain evidence of being newsworthy to earn their craved full distribution.

Everyone wants everything to stay beautifully in this big “now.”

Then pause.

Press play. Repeat.

I am guilty of such affliction.

There is nothing wrong with adoring the present tense, but I have always been that guy who took “now” to a date and made a whore out of it. One bruise into another, I stretched my luck to fit that usual romantic notion of being swept off my feet by a pixie dream girl.

To finally claim my own Ramona Flowers, minus the evil exes. A Summer Finn, without the borderline tendencies.

Funny how it took me 5 years after my separation from my ex-wife to realize that I have been longing for a prize that does not exist.

I was simply tired of looking.

Then there, you came into the picture.

What a timely entrance, Mary. A sound engineer could have cued a cringe-inducing Stephen Bishop classic and it would still be as perfect.

7 months into my self-proposed hibernation, I finally fleshed out some courage to say “hi” through chat. Liking your photos and following your blog started to become creepy, I reasoned to myself. A lame ass joke about the Big Bang Theory, and a double entendre about “giving you a ring” sped off our conversations from mundane to mushy.

Do you remember, Mary?

Funny how easily I can shed off that stereotypical machismo that feminists have been preying on for decades when I am with you. And how we are overly passionate for each other’s passion, like it is our second skin.

A lot of records have been played and danced on, and a lot of Buffalo wings have been massacred in the process, and we are still on the roll - a not so usual occurrence in my life.

This made me realize that those bleeding heart poets are right. And yes, maybe those god damn press releases too.

Timeliness is a big part of everything to work, but I don’t need to stretch myself too thinly anymore, because Mary, you are enough for me.

Everything that is “us” has always been about seizing the “now.”

Yes, you may not be Ramona, or even close to Summer (except for that hipster bangs), but I guess I found someone better.

And real.

Ahmad

Highlights of My Year 2013

2014-02-19T18:55:00.001+08:00

Beach Love: Puting Buhangin Kwebang Lampas

2014-01-20T18:46:00.001+08:00

That's where we spent our very first anniversary together and where we got lost to find ourselves a little bit more.

NEW RELEASE: Library Kids Elysian EP

2013-12-11T10:21:00.002+08:00

I easily imagine myself on a park swinging, feeling the cold December air, wearing my Sunday dress on a fine weekend morning while listening to this mellow new EP release. A Quiet Walk Inside is a good starter to set the mood of your new journey, while Clear Waters for me is an instant click for free-spirited folks. My personal favorite, And Then She Blooms caught my emotion to its aggressive yet warm sound of acoustic guitar strums, happy notes played on keys, matched with enchanting melancholic voices.

It could be your new morning playlist or could be your travelogue soundtrack. Wherever you feel like bumming in the clear waters and breezy air or turning your office ambiance to a blissful one, Elysian should be part of your playlist.

Indeed an early Christmas gift from the Library Kids.

Congrats Ridge and Ifrit!

Download Elysian for FREE.

Cornered at Commune Makati

2013-12-05T14:30:00.000+08:00

I thought of Commune when I was urged to find a good place where me and long time friends could catch up, have long conversations over a good coffee, and eat real food. It is located at a nice corner lot near corporate buildings in Makati Central Business District. They are easy to find because of their good spot.

After years of waiting for the right time, we finally got the chance to spend our Friday payday together!

Meet Au and Yen.

We tried knew their sinigang na baboy na sakto ang asim and adobong manok na nakakaadik ang lasa. Okay, we haven't tried their coffee because of my "milo dinosaur" craving. Guys, thank you for giving in to my craving. :p

Comparing my past to where I am right now was a tough road. Looking at it was never easy, but going through it was never a regret. I thought that the key to reach a good life is to lay it down to the one who created it. Plus, you learn to love the process.

The fun part of get-together like this were always the timeless old jokes we had, embarrassing moments we never chose to remember, lessons learned when our relationships were tested, and the truth behind the issues we thought we got over and recovered.

Singkamas

2013-11-21T12:56:00.001+08:00

More than the selfie photos we post on Instagram

More than the fats/calories we try to burn

More than the guiltless angel's burgers and other street foods we eat

More than the fresh buko juice we drink after meals

More than the chords and lyrics we argued when we’re making music

More than the times I slept in your arms every time we watch movies at night

More than the countless hair falls we have on my apartment

More than the hotpots we shared on 711

More than the indie gigs we have by request

More than the stored value tickets we lost

More than the happy trips we had with the kids

More that the shameless words of endearment on public

More than the blissful Sundays we attend at my or your church

More than the Mediterranean foods we tried to cook and puked afterwards

More than the unlimited shots we spent for my photo portfolio

More than the great albums we downloaded and shared to each other

More than the clumsiness you do every day that you never admit

More than the inside jokes we shared (like the title of this blog)

More than your awkward hand gestures when you talk

More than your girly tantrums that made me more patient

More than your metaphoric text messages that lingers before I sleep

More than your reluctant running routine

More than your tight hugs before you go home

More than your random kisses on my forehead

Our overflowing love covers all imperfections.

I want to do more things with you, Mamad.

Happy Anniversary.

Definitely a Christmas Present: Nikon Df Compact Full-frame Camera

2013-11-05T14:03:00.001+08:00

I was eyeing to buy a full-frame camera, then I saw this today on Gizmodo. I'm a Canon user, but this Nikon's flagship full-frame sexy cam is way interesting than mirror less cameras. Nikon Df comes with a Nikkor Special Edition AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens. Aesthetically, Df's look catches up with the current trend of vintage designs of slr film cameras, which I like.

This compact dslr camera gives you a crisp photo with its 16.2 megapixels. It seems close to my camera specs installed with a nifty-50 1.8 canon lens. What makes it way cooler aside from its light weight and full frame features is its ultra high ISO sensitivity of up to 12,800 -giving you sharper images with less noise. The only downside is, it does not shoot videos at all, making pro quality still images its main focus. Upside is it is cheaper than expected.

If I were to ask what to buy between this and a bulky full frame camera, I'd still choose the bulky one. Simply because I'm using it for business. All the more, this will definitely make me happy on Christmas day.

Home Tour: East Tower at One Serendra Condo

2013-09-30T18:01:00.003+08:00

Part of my day job is to shoot homes for rent and for sale around the metropolis. I'm not used to photographing houses, but now I'm starting to get the hang of it. :)
It took me 45 minutes to shoot the place with a sturdy tripod, an effortless Canon 10-22mm ultra-wide angle lens, a nifty 50mm lens to get some details,
no flashes -just ambient light, a good playlist playing in the background, and a free cookies and cream frappe on the go.

Day job is not that bad when you see something like this once in a while.

Interior designed by Tara Capalad.
Full set here.

On BNW Series: Mr. Ahmad Tanji

2013-09-25T13:31:00.003+08:00

Yours truly.

Photo of the Day: Together on One Stage

2013-09-23T19:00:00.001+08:00

Amy Millan (Stars), Emily Haines (Metric) and Leslie Feist.

Looking at this picture makes me wish to be on that same emotional state. Featuring my all-time favorite vocalists, reunited in one stage for Broken Social Scene's happy reunion at V-Fest last 2006. This is something to look forward to. I'm sure it would be the greatest!

Credit to Carrie Musgrave who shot this awesome moment.

September to Remember

2013-09-06T15:56:00.001+08:00

This photo was taken in our apartment we now christened "Colored Blanket Studio".

If you’re curious what’s behind the name, book a photo session with us and you’ll experience the story first hand. (hard sell agad. haha..)

A little bit of history: It all started with a goal. Barely a year ago, my sister and I planned to rent a big enough space near our offices that will serve two purposes: our home away from home and as a temporary hub for my long-term project – a photo studio.

I am blessed enough to have family and friends who support and believes in my craft, and a special someone who gave me my first lighting equipment. To put it in vernacular, they are the "promotor" that pushes me to take my hobby seriously.

Everyone deserves to be photographed in their best form, so I am taking the challenge and announcing it officially: WE ARE OPEN!

Thanks to that someone who told me that I look like a yaya here, it gave me the idea of the exact attitude I want to project in this business venture: always happy to serve! :)

***Schedules are strict during weekends only.

The Red in My Painting

2013-08-06T10:32:00.002+08:00

You wipe every tear

You heard what I felt

I never said a word

I am tamed by your warm embrace

Smarter you are

Braver you are

I never said anything right

I am not exquisite, but with you I am.

That piece was filled

But only its surface

It was dug deep

It haunts me when I'm sunken under my sheets

Quietness surrounds fears

Stillness earns faith

Whatever we choose

There's always something you have to lose

Keep going

Regret makes you stupid

Keep going

To where your heart exactly rest.

photo by: Thomas Hawk

ANOTHER FIRST: The XX Live in Manila

2013-08-01T13:44:00.000+08:00

Intense. Sensual. Captivating: Feelings that kept me pumped-up while watching the XX live up-close and personal. The haunting guitar delays of Romy's subtle voice, heart skipping beat mixes by (the very-busy-like-preparing-something-in-the-kitchen) Jamie, and Oliver's sexy dance moves and hypnotic stares, were some of the highlights that moved me that night.

Opening bands were Taken By Cars and Up Dharma Down. Good choices!

After 30 more minutes.. The XX is finally is up on stage!

"Kamusta?" was the first word we heard from Oliver.

"Here I saw something I couldn't over look. I am yours now, so now I don't ever have to leave. I've been found out, so now I'll never explore." - Islands

You applied the pressure to have me crystalized. And you've got the faith that I could bring paradise.." - Crystalized

"Maybe I had said something that was wrong. Can I make it better with the lights turned on.." - Shelter

"We watched things on VCR's. With me you talked about big love. I think we're superstars, you say you think we are the best thing. " - VCR

"And everyday I'm learning about you. The things that no one else sees. Being as in love with you as I am." - Angels

The show run smoothly. It could be mistaken as a high-end fashion show because of their fierce, full-character performance matched with fabulous blinding strobe lights that swayed perfectly with their hip music. Ok, whatever.. They wrapped the night with their encore, Intro and Angels. And, finally graced us with their sweet smiles -looking overwhelmed. I would love to watch more great foreign bands play live here in Manila. I heard The Killers and Two Door Cinema Club are up next this year. Gawd! Hope tickets will not kill our savings. *cross fingers

*left-right. Me and Ahmad tamad-tamadan pose, Elaine and Mano from Fred Perry Manila with concert buddies Ems and Eric.

We watched the XX Live for FREE. How? My gifted friends showcased their talent on a Fred Perry Karaoke contest and they won Gold tickets. We're not just lucky, we are blessed. Aside from this concert, we were also given free tickets for Katy! The Musical courtesy of muni.ph. It was indeed a good birthday month.

See more photos