taal volcano monster

One of the difficult things I had to deal with in Komikon was finding the right comics to purchase. It was unfortunate that I had little lead time to research on the indie comic book artists present during the event because I could have made a more informed choice on which ones to buy. As much as I would like to support all artists, my benevolence far exceeds my purchasing power. I ended up focusing my energies on the more famous comic books.

I knew I wanted to get Elmer and other Gerry Alanguilan works but he made a previous announcement that he won't be able to sell during the Komikon. Bummer! I knew I should have gotten Elmer at Comic Odyssey when I had a chance!

I brought my previously purchased comic books to be signed by the artists and writers. Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah had to be left behind since I had Carlo Vergara sign it during the ZZZ Ze Musikal at the CCP. I even bought the first installment of the next ZZZ when Ada and Dodong have finally arrived in Manila. I also brought Andong Agimat, hoping that Arnold Arre might be there. Apart from the Budjette and Kajo team-up, Arre must be the artist I the most collection. Unfortunately, my Martial Law Babies have been reduced to a stuck-together mess by Ondoy, my favorite Mythology Class situated in Davao and After Eden stuck somewhere in limbo of transferring from one hand to another. Unfortunately, Arre was not present in the Komikon. I was hoping to grab a copy of Trip to Tagaytay which a friend recommended.

During the Komikon, I felt like a little child with P20 in her pocket with so much craving for sweets but daunted by all the wonderful colors of colorful candies and scented sweets. This is where friend recommendations come in! Thankfully, I bumped into a friend from the office who had so much conviction in recommending Macoy's...

TVM vs. ESP2 was just a photocopied comic book (I like it that way!) which cost P30. I was immediately captivated by the illustration in page 2! By page 3, I was convinced that the comic contained the kind of humor that I appreciated. Mahirit, makulit and pakyut. By page 4, I was in-love with the TVM. His dress code propriety was impeccable.

It's interesting to discover that the comic was just made in 2 days. I thought it was done in one. Just kidding! I would dare conclude that it was precisely the rush, the cramming which added to its charm. The story is simple and straightforward with little fru-fru but abundant with heckling. That's precisely why I enjoyed it immensely.

If you pass by Comic Odyssey or Sputnik (I've never been here!) and you have P30 to spare. Go grab the TVM vs. ESP2. I can imagine the chuckling happening as you read it. Unless you're the kind of person who prefers a hearty laugh to a good joke. Either would be good for the heart. ;P

I love my Larry Alcala stuff!

ybe a couple years back, Freeway launched their National Artists tribute. I've always wanted to get something from their collection, but could not find anything that suited me. The clothes were great, albeit a bit expensive, but I don't mind getting something to honor great artists of the Philippines.

I've never been able to get any from Freeway. I know they launched F. Sionil Jose and Jose Garcia Villa. Their names, I am familiar with. Their legacy, I am aware of. Unfortunately, I have not read any of their works. This fact embarrasses me a lot, moreso that I still have not bothered to get their work. They also launched a Ramon Valera line which makes me doubly idiotic because I hardly know the work he's done for fashion.

So imagine my joy when Solo, Freeway's sister company, launched their own great Filipino series with Larry Alcala! This man, I am extremely familiar with! I remember spending Sunday mornings looking for him in his Slice of Life cartoons. I've read a few strips of Siopawman and Kalabog and Bosyo. Larry Alcala is one of the most popular comic strip artist in Philippine history! And I love his work!

I immediately trooped to Solo the weekend after they launched his line. Unfortunately, they still did not have all the shirt designs shown in their website. The ones they launched were the more formal kind that costs an arm and a leg. I decided to get myself the watch instead.

Lovely watch! So Filipino with trademark Larry Alcala drawings of Filipino games. It's a bit difficult to wear, but it tells time and it's cool, so I love it!

A few months later, I was finally able to get another Larry Alcala item. I was finally able to get hold of their Telepono shirt. Among the other designs there, this shirt fit me the best and its illustration was the one I liked most. So it was perfect! I didn't get it immediately though. I left the store to go around the mall some more and to ponder if I should really get it. I've already spent too much on the Komikon the day before, would it still be okay to purchase another whim?

Well, I did end up getting the shirt. I loved the design. I loved how it fit me. I loved how Larry Alcala it looked.

Now I have two LA items, it might be time to stop getting them na. I'm hoping if they release another artist line, they wait for a few more months when I've saved up again. I can imagine how my pocket will hurt if they decide to launch a Jess Abrera or Nonoy Marcelo or Pol Medina, Jr. Oh dear.

Happy Easter

May the glory and love Jesus has shown always be with you!

In celebration, I cut my hair really short. I'm happy. :)

using technology for Lent

We did not have the new way of the Cross for our Stations of the Cross. So what did I do? I looked for a free app on via crucis. I found two and read them on my iPod touch during our Visita Iglesia. I was the only one who was using a technological device I observed. Cool!

* * * * *

These last two years, I have just spent Holy Week at home. It's often a more difficult way to spend the culmination of the Lenten season since everyday distractions like the internet and television are there to tempt me. It's been a struggle keeping away from FB and twitter, though I've allowed myself to read blogs and news.

There are, however, some gems on the internet that help me achieve my desire for reflection and deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice.

My particular joy for these last two Holy Week period is the website Pins of Light. Last year, I was able to spend time reflecting on God in the Dungeons. This year had another interesting theme, the Fugitives of Lent. Younger people may appreciate recollections found on the Pins of Light because it uses secular songs, popular songs, in the context of Jesus' love. I never realized how apt Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" is for Good Friday!

The Fugitives of Lent is an online recollection that looks at the journey of Christ through the lives of three "bad boys" --

Fugitive # 1 - Judas Iscariot (Holy Thursday)

Fugitive # 2 - Pontius Pilate (Good Friday)

Fugitive # 3 - Simon Peter (Black Saturday).

The first two are obvious choices, but the third may be interesting for some since Peter did become the first Pope and the rock of the Church.

As I matured and experienced a bit of the ways of the world, I have learned not to take Judas and Pilate as villains but rather victims of their own circumstances. And true enough, the online recollection allows the retreatant to see these two outside their vilified status. And to see our own moments of being/encountering Judas and Pilate.

The other two were very insightful but I would say my favorite was the recollection with Peter. I think it is easier for people to falter the way Peter has. To claim much love for the Lord, yet in the end, when it was necessary to proclaim him, he denied Jesus because of fear.

Holy Week hopes that we see how much love Jesus has for us that we forget our fears. Tomorrow, I look forward to the hope and love that Easter brings. :)

Holy Week reflection guide

I resolved to immerse myself in prayer and reflection during this Holy Week period. This is one of those times when technology can bring you closer to God. I really have not gone out of my room for a spiritual encounter.

In case you would also like to have your own journey inside the screens of your computers, here are some websites which can be your spiritual guide.

Sacred Space Lenten recollection. Around four hours for retreat including those quiet moments for reflection.

The Fugitives of Lent. Experience the grace of Holy Week by understanding the "bad guys" in Jesus' life.

Seven last words. By Mark Roberts and the Passionists. Go through the last moments of Jesus before he dies on the cross.

* * * * *

Happy Earth Day, by the way. Maybe you can add a reflection on our stewardship of Mother Earth in your reflection.

Pass by google.com to see their tribute. So cute!

donsol: swimming with the whale sharks

Who would not put swimming with the whale sharks on their things to do before ___?

I've been wanting to go for a long time already. Thanks to Jerry and Ninin's invitation, I was finally able to do it. It was such an AWESOME, AMAZING, WOW experience. No exaggerations there.

I'd skip through the lousy Zestair experience to get to Legazpi and go straight to the adventure part of the story. Jerry and Ninin arrived a few hours ahead of us and signed up for a tour for the next day at seven in morning.

A morning tour would be advisable because the heat would not be as bad. In our case, it was also an advantage because it was raining in the afternoon and I would think the visibility would not be as good. I'd also say have a heavy breakfast because you need all the energy you can get to fully enjoy this wonderful experience.

Most resorts and boats have a tarpaulin reminding tourists the proper way of swimming with the butandings. To be honest, it's hardly followed but do try your best for your own safety and for the good of the butanding too.

Tarpaulin explaining the proper way to interact with whale sharks.

We were lucky that the day started bright and sunny. The sun's reflection danced merrily on the water's waves. The gang were quite excited as we slathered ourselves with sunblock.

When spending time with the whale sharks, it is a must to have your snorkeling gear, including fins. I brought my bro's gear with me but they fit neither Jan nor me so we ended up renting the entire set from the resort which cost us P300.

Our BIO (butanding interactive officer) was Johnson. He was a burly man with long hair. He has been doing this for so long that his skin has this permanent burnt quality to it. Johnson gave us instructions to be alert when he gives the signal. He would tell us which side of the boat to go and jump from.

Before we actually dove in with the butanding, he made us look at the water and taught us a bit of how to spot one. It was quite easy in that weather. From above, you'd see a large moving shadow a few feet below the water. That signified the butanding was there.

I opted to use a life vest since I'm not a very good swimmer. I don't want to mar my whale shark experience by almost drowning, you know.

After a few minutes, Johnson signaled for us to sit on the edge of the boat and wait for his signal. A butanding was nearby.

Feet with flippery fins

Johnson shouted "go" and dove in. Ninin, Jerry, Jan and I dove after him. At first, we could not see anything but water. Then our BIO pointed ahead of us. The whale shark was coming our way!

It was magnificent.

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

There it was, right in front of me, the largest fish in the world. It was coming right at me. I was both nervous and excited. I could see its slit of a mouth. I could see it's very small eyes. I didn't know if it could see me but if it did, it did not seem to mind because he was still coming our way.

When you see a creature, the size of a small car coming at you, I don't think it's wise to crash into it. So I made a U-turn and moved out of its path and swam along with it. This is where the flippers helped. I could float easily and swim fast and with little effort.

I was finally swimming along with the whale shark.

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

There it was beside me, in all it's spotted splendor. It was intimidating. Yet, it did not seem to care about the people who were crowding around him. It must think that we were just like the other fishes that would hitch a ride with it.

Little fishes hitched a ride on its spotted back. They looked edible. Photo by Jerry.

Wow. Amazing.

We dove into the water around eight times. Seven of those times, we were able to swim with the whale sharks. One swim went as long as eleven minutes! All the others lasted for more than five. Every time was as amazing as the previous swim. I can't get over how thrilling the experience is!

There is a bit of a downside to it though. While the tourism office says that there should be one boat (or six tourists) to one butanding, that is hardly the case. Our awesome BIO was great in spotting whale sharks, and doubly skilled in getting us to be the first group to be with the butanding. We were quite lucky with him. However, most of the time, other groups would flock to our butanding and join us in the viewing. It would be perfectly fine if they were just behaved. But noooo! I had flippers hit me in the face in arms. I had someone who had her arms hit my snorkeling mask. Several times. I don't really think they were intentionally being rude, but they were just too focused on having the butanding to theirselves that all politeness and etiquette just flew out of the window. In the middle of the sea, people would cut you or get in the way, much like motorcycles in rush hour Manila. It was really quite annoying and I really ranted about it. But I refused to have that little problem get in the way of the joy of spending time with whalesharks.

We had so much fun swimming with the butandings that my feet started to blister. My big toe started to chafe and my other toes had little bubbles of air. Ouch.

Chafed big toe. Just ignore the hair. :P

I noticed the pain around the fourth dive, but that did not stop me from keeping on. I hardly noticed it while swimming. Or I think I did, but chose to pay attention when there is this resplendent creature swimming right in front of me.

Every dive was awesome. There was a time when the butanding started going up, as if trying to get to the surface. Guess who located on top of its dorsal fin? I had to scoot out of the way before we could bump into each other. For one, we were told not to touch the fish. Second, I don't want to find out by experience which one of us has the smoother and softer flesh. No thank you.

During our last dip, we were lucky to be the only ones with the butanding. Jan and I were by the head while Ninin and Jerry were with Johnson at the back near the tail. While watching it swim, we saw its head jerk nervously. We decided to get away from it lest it does something crazy. We saw Nin, Je and Johnson a few meters away talking about the major tail swish. Apparently, the BIO accidentally touched a part of it which agitated the monster. I could imagine how exciting the view of the tail do a big sway, though I could also imagine how terrible it would have been to get hit a SUV-sized fish.

After that, we decided to call it a day and go back to the hotel. We were lucky with the crew we were assigned to and could not ask for anything more.

Jan and I were talking about it for days. I enjoyed the experience so much that I would like to do it again the next year! Seriously. It was just so exhilirating and surreal that I need to have more of it!

Thanks to the WWF for this great idea! Not only did the experience give people a good time, it also helped the community see the importance of co-existing with other wonderful creatures.

Do go if you can!

Summer 2011 Komikon

WELCOME TO KOMIKON!

Finally, after several attempts to attend a Komikon, I finally made it! It was only through Gerry Alanguilan's tweet that I found out there was one. This was last Thursday. I had to beg/force Jan to promise me that we will go. There has just been too many times that I missed it! Unfortunately, I was stupid enough to forget my camera so I had to do with photos from my iTouch. Kainis.

We arrived around 11AM. I actually wanted to get there earlier to participate in the games. Hahaha! But well, it's really no fun to rush on a Saturday morning. It was good that the venue was quite large. There were just a few people in the morning but I was certain there would be more coming in the afternoon.

Indie tiangge of comics. Comics as low as P20!

Animahinasyon clips were already showing on the screen. I'm happy to observe that we have so much potential with animation. There was a Siopawman clip shown, as if a trailer for a cartoon series. I'm not sure if it is for real though I very much hope it is.

This little girl was enjoying the shadow art style animation.

I was happy to see that there were a lot of independent comics producers. Many of their products were actually just photocopied original art. I think that adds to the charm. In case any of the guys that I bought would become rich and famous, I would have a collector's item. :P

Comic Odyssey also brought their comic book store at the Komikon. They discounted their stuff to as low as 80% off! I actually wanted to buy the X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men:First Class. They also had single issue comics and I saw one Sin City title and New Mutants #21 which went for P20. I wanted to get it too! Two things stopped me - 1) I did not budget for it and 2) I was intent on supporting local comics for this event.

The Comic Odyssey section.

Another section of the indie tiangge

Around lunch time, they had a Hero Sausage sandwich eating contest. The host asked for 10 hungry guys to come on stage. One of the guys who went up was Danny Acuna (more on him later). The winner would, of course, be the one who ate the sandwich fastest. I didn't really bother finding out who won.

Danny Acuna is the guy in black with white hair.

It was the girls' turn after the boys finished. At first, there were only three girls who came up. It took a lot of prodding before the ten contestants were completed. Again, I did not bother waiting for the winner. :P

Enjoy the sausages, girls!

After a while, Jan and I decided to go around the venue to look at the comics sold. I was also intent on looking for the celebrities of the Philippine comiverse. I actually brought with me the three volumes of Trese, the first compilation of Kiko Machine, 12 and Andong Agimat for the writers and artists to sign.

We bumped into a couple of Jan's friends from UP Fine Arts who had their own booths. There was Elmer Damaso who created Cat's Trail with his wife. We also bumped into Carl at his Electromagnetic Tentacle booth selling shirts that gave foreign superheroes a local twist. Jan bought the Lobo for me and Dirty Harry and Green Parol for himself. I also wanted to get the Batmanananggal and the Friendly Neighborhood Spiderfight but our funds were not up to our whims anymore. :P

I also bought three comic books from Macoy. I discovered that he was from Gabay, an organization in the Ateneo. I love his artwork!

THE HOTSHOTS

Pol Medina, Jr. was there! It's awesome how he was able to sustain Pugad Baboy through the years. Up to this day, I love the humor of PB. Unfortunately, I rely on my brother for PB comics so I did not have any for him to sign. I was thinking of buying one but then I really had to be smart with my purchases so I just took a photo. Next time, I will get my bro's stuff and have them signed instead. :P

I saw a Freedom Wall. Since I can only stick figures, I just had my photo taken with it instead. There's a little drawing that's trying to hit me in the head though. :P

A few months back, I heard about the Filipino Heroes League through Jonas Diego's blog. I wanted to get it but have yet to find it in bookstores. Finally, I was able to lay hands on it today. It was a surprise to find out that Paolo Fabregas of the Coca-Cola "Bridesmaid ka lang" commercial with Belinda Panel actually created the comics! I've only read the first two pages so I could not say anything about the story, but I really liked the artwork.

Paolo Fabregas, FHL creator. :)

My signed copy of FHL!

I was most excited about meeting Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, the team behind Trese. I absolutely love Alexandra Trese and the Kambal. The characters and the concept are superb! And how I wish they can produce as many issues as possible! I'm so in love with the comic that we bought two collector's items posters -- "Maliksi" (#157 of 1300) and "Hannah and Ammie" (#57 of 1300) I also bought Presinto 13 which Budjette did with David Hontiveros.

We saw Manix Abrera there as well. It's Jan who's really the fan of Kiko Machine. I liked his work on 12 most. It's amazing how you can tell so much without words! I would say that Manix is the best when it comes to signing his comics. He takes so much care in doodling your name and writing with care plus a little drawing to match. Rakenrol!!!

Manix signing my copy of 12

A sample of his meticulous autograph signing. Asteeeeeg!

THE LEGENDS

I felt bad that I did not know much about the Filipino legends in comics. I saw this old guy who reminded me a bit of Stan Lee. He was signing some posters, so I knew he was someone big, someone younger artists looked up to. At first I thought he was Alex Nino, the guy which Neil Gaiman mentioned as one of his favorite artists when he was younger. Upon more snooping, I found out he was Tony de Zuniga, creator of Jonah Hex!

I had to get something from the man! At first, I wanted to get the Star Wars poster, but I decided to think about it first. Mali! It was sold out by the time I decided to get it for my brother. I had him sign a Conan the Barbarian poster instead. While I was enjoying the signature on the poster, I realized I was envious of my bro. I decided to get one for myself as well. While the Jonah Hex posters were exquisitely done, it was much too dark for my taste. I decided to get an illustration I liked but I absolutely had no idea who it was. Hehe! Still I finally have a Tony de Zuniga signature!

I only had my photos taken with Tony de Zuniga. Here was after he signed the poster for me.

The poster he signed for my bro.

For my bro.

For me. Any idea who she is?

I also several other old guys in the event. I tried as much as possible to get their names, but it was a bit difficult. It would have been better if the organizers put some name plates or their names on the IDs so the fans can easily identify them. I was unable to find out the name of the guy below. Sayang.

I discovered one of the other legends present was 87-year old Jess Jodloman, who illustrated for some horror-mystery comics in the US.

He seems intent on the Komikon newspaper.

There were several other artists I was trying to get hold of, but it was a bit difficult. The last two I was able to encounter were Rico Rival and Danny Acuna. Rico Rival did some work in the US but was more prolific with the local comic scene.

Rico Rival in yellow and Danny Acuna in black. Both of them were sketching for clients. DA was doing mine actually. Hehe!

I already said that Danny Acuna joined the Hero Sausage eating contest. During the contest, he showed the host the empty wrapper of his sandwich as if saying he won. When the host asked him if he was done, he showed his half eaten sausage. It was at this point that he endeared myself to me. He was a funny man with a quick smile that I could not help but be drawn.

When we were looking around and he was doing a sketch of a young man, he talked to me and said, "ikaw sunod." I agreed even without knowing what his style is or how much it costs. I just wanted to have a moment with a legend. I also bought three of his comics, each at P30. So he did sketch me...

Danny Acuna doing my sketch.

As usual, I was conscious so I was laughing while he was sketching me! I had a headache from smiling too much.

One just had to pay a donation for the sketch. Jan bought some Filipino comic artists portfolio for P300, I bought three of Danny Acuna's comics for P90. In total we gave him P500. He gave me a fourth comic for what we gave him. He's adorable. :)

His signed works.

His sketch of me. Not too much like me but it's still a DA work of art!

Overall, it was a great day of comic bliss! To be in the same room with all these artists really made my day. I ended up spending much more than I expected but I really don't mind helping out struggling artists or affirming established ones. I dream that the comic book industry in the Philippines prospers and reaches more people in the country and even abroad.

Looking forward to the next Komikon in October/November!

saturday misadventures in Albay

Before I even write about the surreal joy (and dangers) of butanding (whale shark) watching in Donsol, I'd first like to write down about our crazy Saturday adventure in Albay. I need to, just so I do not feel like such a loser. Maybe it's the modern-day trick of the tikbalang, who knows. I'd just like to laugh at myself and Jan for what we had to endure yesterday.

It was one of those rare occasions when I go to a place with no plan at all. What was just clear was we do all the fun stuff in Donsol on Friday, then on Saturday Jerry and Ninin will leave Jan and I to our own devices since they have to fly back to Manila.

Friday evening, we were still undecided whether we stay in Donsol, transfer to Pilar or go back to Legaspi. The weather has been uncooperative since we had our awesome interaction with the butandings. Somebody up there was switching the rain faucet on and off for the rest of the day and nothing indicated that Saturday would be any different.

Jerry suggested that we might like to give Daraga a chance since Mayon was there in the first place. Plus, there was also the Daraga church which had a special place in JVPs hearts since its doors had JVP crosses (Jerusalem cross) carved on it. I thought, why not? I have always meant to do that anyway.

Saturday morning, we were on the van on the way to Legaspi. The weather was still unsure whether it wanted to be drizzly, rainy or simply cloudy. I fell asleep on the trip only to be awoken by "Daraga na." Huh? Uh? Huh? Uh, okay? Jan and I got off the van as Je and Nin sped off to catch their flight. The rain was strong. We stood in front of a paint shop. My mental faculties were hardly awake. A tricycle driver was asking us if we wanted a ride. We did, except I did not know where we wanted to go. Finally we asked the driver if he knew of a clean and affordable place to stay for the night. He said he knew exactly where to take us.

He finally dropped us at a place that looked doubtful from the moment we went down from the trike. I could not remember the name except it had the words "inn" and "24 hours." Those words always smell fishy when associated with a "hotel." I mean kelan ba hindi 24 hours ang hotel?! We took a look at the rooms anyway (aircon at P450 and non-air for P300++). Cheap, yes. Clean, yes. Like, no.

We decided to look for other places. We asked the dude at the counter if he can show us the way to the mall. He pointed to the right direction and told us it was walking distance. Experience has now taught me never to trust a guy who you took business away from to give you right information. Yes, it would have been a 20-minute walking distance on a good day. But if you were carrying several kilos of clothes and contraptions on a rainy day... Let me just say, we never got to the mall.

I told Jan that we should just proceed to Daraga Church instead and figure our plan from there. Might as well have a bit of sight seeing already. It was at a trike stop that we decided this. Again, an ever vigilant trike driver offered to take us to the Church for P30. I was in doubt of this price and said... "baka naman yan sinisingil niyo sa amin dahil di kami tagadito." He answered, "twenty pesos kada isa nga dun kasi pataas." I still doubted his price but I was tired, my back hurt from the bag and I just needed to be somewhere.

Putsa. We were already at the foot of the church before we rode the trike. It would have been a five-minute hike up. This was actually the only time that I was annoyed and almost ready to burst with road rage. I told the driver, "kasama ba dyan pababa?" Of course, he was not answering. Jan, being the nice guy that he is, just said that I let it go. (No I have not, to be honest).

The church would have had a spectacular view of Mayon on a sunny day. But since it was not, this was all we saw.

If you look hard enough, you might see the faint outline of our majestic mountain. Use your imagination, go ahead.

It would have been all okay if the church turned out what I expected it to be. I thought it would look like this. But no!

Somebody had the stupid idea to make it look like a plaster of paris model of Daraga Church! The photo actually looks better than the actual monstrosity we saw. I'm sure it is still unfinished. But the very thought of painting over the beautiful stone finish of an old church just makes me question the taste of whoever thought of that brilliant idea. Calling on the Bishop of that Diocese!!! Some lessons on basic appreciation of architecture for your people, please. Sigh.

I had to make do with the JVP cross on the doors, which really, wasn't all the impressive either.

I went inside the church to look at its nooks and crannies for other hidden JVP crosses, but I can't seem to find any more than what I already saw.

I just had to make it fun for my self taking photos of what I thought was interesting. Below is a photo of my favorite part of the church.
When I couldn't find anything to amuse me anymore, I dragged Jan so we could grab something to eat. However, the rains just got stronger with winds driving the drops at 45 degree angles. We had to wait for thirty minutes before we can get out of Daraga Church.

It was still drizzling a bit when we finally left the church. We decided to eat at the Bigg's we passed by on the way. It was just fitting since 1) when in Bicol, Bigg's is it and 2) Jan worked for Bigg's as graphic designer before.

Bigg's was probably the best thing that happened to us that day. The crew were polite and very professional and the restaurant was clean. We also had the chance to catch up on the news since they had newspapers to read for those who were waiting for their orders.

The food was good. Not just because we were really hungry. Jan ordered pork cordon bleu. It tasted good but my favorite was the baked potato. Mmmmm....

I ordered the baby back ribs which was also good. The meat was tender and easy to chew. The vegetables was crunchy and slathered with the right amount of butter.

It was at this point that Jerry texted us that their flight was cancelled and they decided to take the bus to Manila instead. Let us just say that this part of their adventure somehow influenced ours.

After our meal, we finally decided to go to Legaspi City and look for an accommodation there instead. I was able to research something about Tanchulling Hotel, which had good reviews. I told Jan, at least we know one hotel we can stay in Legaspi.

So off we went. We realized that Daraga was really near Legaspi, so I took note of possible places we could go back to once we settled in Legaspi. We went down at LCC Mall and asked for directions going to Pacific Mall which is supposed to be near Tanchulling. As we searched for the hotel, we found a hostel across Pacific Mall called SedCen. I was attracted to the place because it was supposed to be a cooperative. I took a look but there was no receptionist. I peeped into the rooms and saw it was clean and comfortable though the comfort rooms were common. I would not have minded it at all. Too bad there was no one to entertain us.

We decided to resume our search for Tanchulling. After finally finding it, I wanted to curse the hell out of whoever reviewed the hotel. I had a feeling that the dude might be related to the owner. The place was creepy and dark, much like the stuff in Filipino horror movies. Our room was at the very end of the second floor, right next to a fire exit with an axe (The Shining anyone?). The walls and the ceiling were of plywood that was curling probably from exposure to moisture. The bed was creaky and the mattress was so thin. Our lights were not working so we wanted to call the front desk. Hep, the phone was not working either. Jan suggested that we take our money back and just look for another hotel. Thankfully, they let us cancel our transaction.

Off we went again to look at Dreams Hotel recommended by the guard at Pacific Mall recommended to Jan. It was as bad as Tanchulling, only smaller. I was surprised that I was still not annoyed at this point. There we were at two in the afternoon, with heavy bags in tow, no place to sleep in a place we have never been to. I would usually have blown my top by then.

Anyway, Jan and I decided to give SedCen Hostel another try. Jan went up again and still found no person there. There was a souvenir goods at the ground floor, which seemed to be the same company as SedCen so we decided to ask the staff there. We were informed that they only had work on Mondays to Fridays, but she was kind enough to get in touch with the manager to explain our predicament. After her call, she asked us to wait because the person would come and see what he can do for us.

We decided to stay at their coffee shop and take advantage of the free wifi. We were still full, so I decided to order their strawberry smoothie. Jan ordered the same. The lady at the counter was very nice and friendly. The smoothie was awesome too!

Taking advantage of the wifi, we decided to look on the web for other hotels we can stay in. After an hour's worth of searching, we were down to Legaspi Tourist Inn and Casablanca Hotel. Initially, it was a stark difference in price. What we saw was LTI was P900 for standard rooms while Casablanca was P1700. I was torn. If the weather stays as bad as it was, then it would be best to stay in a nice, cozy place where we could just hang out. If the weather gets better, then the room would not matter. But the way the rains continued, I was inclined to get a room in Casablanca Hotel. After calls made, LTI turned out to cost P1,200. We finally decided to go to Casablanca Hotel, especially after being informed by the staff that SedCen was booked for the night.

We paid for our smoothie and was about to get a ride to Casablanca when I suddenly remembered something. Jan and I saw a Jessie Mendez overnight spa for couples which cost P1,500 for the night which was inclusive of massages for two pax. I told him we should check it out before we proceed to Casablanca since it was just across SedCen anyway.

As we were walking I thought of something again. I asked Jan if we should just go home to Manila instead. Jan said we should check the weather report for Sunday. When we checked, the weather will stay the way it was which meant we will not be able to do any going around the city as we initially planned.

So here was how our train of thought went:

1. Je and Nin's Cebu Pacific flight was cancelled in this weather. We were riding the tin can plane of Zestair. The likelihood of that being cancelled was quite high. If that happens on a Sunday, we will be forced to take a ten hour bus ride home and go to work on Monday looking like zombies.

2. If we stay in Legaspi, we will be spending on the hotel as well as food and transportation. Plus if our flight gets cancelled, then that would be another expense. So if we go home right then and there, we just spend on the bus. Never mind throwing away an P870 plane fare for the two of us.

Yup, going back to Manila was the best thing to do with that situation. It was after all, five in the afternoon. We would not have maximized our hotel stay anyway. There was really no point any more.

The great thing about it was, I still got to have my sili ice cream from 1st Colonial Grill! I went to the mall to withdraw and saw the restaurant. I ordered one scoop and wow, it was no kidding anghang ice cream but since it was made of milk, it kinda balances off. I actually liked it. Jan appreciated it as well but would probably still order chocolate next time we are there. :P

At 6:30 in the evening, Jan and I were on board the Cagsawa Royal Elite bus to Cubao. We arrived at 4:45 in the morning in Manila. Happy to back but actually a bit glad to have had a bit of crazy adventure in a strange place. :P

the brave fukushima workers: i want to remember

Last March 11, the world witnessed what you would usually think just happens in the movies. Japan was hit by a powerful 9.0 (initially indicated as 8.9) magnitude earthquake. The country is the best prepared when it comes to disaster preparedness, but the tsunami that followed was so huge was just no stopping it.

Watching it happen on live television was like a scene from a movie. On CNN and BBC, you could see the water from the beach slowly receding to be followed by a huge wall of water (ten meters to be precise) raging towards the coastal city of Sendai. It looked slower from aerial view but I can imagine how fast it must be when seen from the ground! The tsunami just uprooted not just trees, but entire houses from their very spot. One house was even seen in the Pacific Ocean!

It was a horror to see. To know how frail even the most advanced man-made technology is against the wrath of nature. To see houses and cars being swept away by a huge mass of water, knowing that in a few or a lot of them are people. I only pray that it does not happen again to any country.

To make matters worse, the tsunami affected several nuclear reactors in Fukushima which is now a major cause of alarm as the possibility of a meltdown increases every day. Nobody wants another Chernobyl. And so, while the rest of the people of Fukushima has evacuated the city, some workers of the nuclear power plant chose to stay behind to do everything they can to make sure the situation does not go from bad to worse.

The situation is like a scene from Armageddon. A clear suicide mission. Kamikaze. Running your plane through the enemy would be more merciful. A quick heroic death and it's all over. But these workers are martyrs. They are at risk for dying from explosions, that's clear. What is much worse, once they get the situation under control (I believe it!), who knows what can happen to these people. Most probable is the slow death of cancer. Possibly isolation from loved-ones. Either one is not something you would like brave souls should receive after saving a population. Yet they are still there, fully aware of the risks and still whole-hearted in their valiance.

I want to remember what bravery is like because it may not be something I will have the chance to exercise or if the situation comes, I may take the coward's way. I want to remember these people. They are nameless and faceless to me. I have read a few names, a couple of stories and the short snippets are already heartbreaking.

I want to remember because through them I have seen nobility and it is beautiful.

some weird daily random thoughts...

"bilbil. di na kayang tunawin ng willpower tulad nung bente-kwatro ako."

"shucks gusto ko ng coffee cappucino ng starbucks! hindi na. mahal. may 3 in 1 naman sa mini-stop."

"shucks, gusto ko ng istarbaks. sige go. minsan lang naman."

"ayus. araw-araw sila nag sa starbucks."

"shucks. look at all these condo buildings being built. does the metro have enough water supply to sustain everyone?"

"gutom na ako."

"shucks. how do i pay my taxes?"

"aw. what a cute dog."

"lekat na mga singit yan e. here i am and all these other people trying to put some semblance of order and there they are, the singits, still putting self ahead. hateful people."

"my boss is so pretty."

"my poor rockports."

"i'm lucky with jan. :)"

"gutom na ako."

"lekat na mga billboard yan. talaga bang pangangalandakan nila si jake cuenca and his pink underwear. di ako market ng board na yan. hmph."

"bagal maglakad nito."

"gutom na naman ako."

"hay buhay"

senior year by jerrold tarog

When I first saw the ad for Senior Year in the newspaper, I thought it was a 2D animated feature. I thought, unless it was going to be treated with Japanese manga crazy storytelling, it will not work.

It was a relief to discover, during my meanderings in SM Megamall, that the movie was actually live action. Seeing Ramon Bautista as the PE teacher piqued my interest and strengthened my resolve to watch it.

I'm glad I did.

Despite the fact that I come from an all-girls school, I could relate to the movie on so many levels. My experience of HS co-education was a teacher. What I saw in the movie was a mix of both my experience as student and as teacher.

The story of Senior Year is not really a singular one. Neither does it have the usual beginning, middle and end. The movie is like what high school is all about. Little stories of different people that hardly form a whole. Little stories that matter to each one living it. Little stories, just like our own recollection of high school would be.

I enjoyed the hodge-podge of high school characters in the movie. Somewhat stereotypical but representative of the kinds of students you usually encounter. The nerd, the wannabe, the sosyalera, the playboy, the sexually confused, the tsismosa, the angas. Take your pick. Yet despite the "classification," they each share their complexity. Falling in love. Apprehending the future. Holding on to friendships.

The teachers were also interesting to watch. I particularly related with Che Ramos' character, The idealistic teacher who saw her position as an opportunity for the change, the chance to make a difference, if only in the life of one student. I dream to be her someday.

Senior Year is a simple, quiet movie about high school. Its simplicity is what makes it worth watching.

To any one who were ever subject to the four walls of learning, to any one who feared the future, to any one who went through confusion, watching Senior Year would be a recollection.

To those who are where they are right now and realized how different one turned out from what one expected or hoped to be, to those who look at themselves and realize how much they have turned out to be a surprise, pleasant or not, watching Senior Year would be a reflection on a past reality.

Go and watch it at your nearest SM Cinema. It's definitely much more worth than your money that Who's That Girl. Especially since we got free Selecta ice cream on the way in. :P

And oh, Ramon Bautista? Not much minutes in the movie but what little exposure he had, I was giggling like crazy. Not even sure if it was because the scene was funny or it was because Le Bautista was in it. :P

See the trailer here.

the perks of being a wallflower

You can say the book came to me serendepitiously. I was at National Bookstore at Ever Gotesco Ortigas looking for fantasy books to purchase when I found the book on the new arrivals table. I've heard about it before but never really gave it much attention. But there it was, with a nice cover and a blurb putting it alongside JD Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye." Being a fan of coming of age stories, I decided to get it.

I was introduced to Charlie, the first person narrator of the story. I flipped page after page, getting involved with him and his friends. I read on and on and find myself loving Charlie. Charlie must be one of the most sincere and most beautiful persons I have come across.

Despite joining along the many crazy things American teen-agers do, illegal even, Charlie shows that young people are more three dimensional that they are often portrayed to be. He shows how young people are blessed with their own kind of wisdom, the kind filled with wonder and intuition. The very things that make Charlie beautiful to me.

As for the Catcher in the Rye comparison, I would hardly say so. I'd say the similarity ends with having a young teenage boy who smokes and drinks as a protagonist. Charlie hardly has the angst of Holden Caulfield.

"I feel infinite." A powerline from Charlie that captures what every teenager feels upon discovering freedom and independence. That feeling of looking up at the vast sky and being sucked into its vastness and sensing every bit of the world.

"Ang ganda." It's beautiful. A phrase I often throw around about books. But it has been a while since I FELT a book, a character to be beautiful.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is beautiful because it is simple and quiet and real. And with the crazy noise surrounding the world, we need more books like this.

random thoughts

there is this thirst within me in which i seek to have a deeper experience of Lent for this year. i am doubtful of my capacity for self-reflection. evidence to which is how little i have blogged for the past year. blogging has always been space for thoughts, no matter how mundane or philosophical. and to not have much chronicled makes me feel that i have not done much. which, on the contrary, is not the case since life can get interesting on some occasions.

today is ash wednesday, the beginning of Lent. a perfect and opportune time to once again reflect on how one has lived his Christianity. i am uncertain how i have practiced it, though i am certain there is much to improve. and yet, while persons on the pulpit would challenge us to go beyond sinfulness and work towards divinity... i also find comfort in the fact in my humanity. there is nothing to be shameful in being human but i sometimes think, the best part of it is realizing our potential for divinity and not achieving divinity itself.

going back to blogging, i do find it a pity that i do not have the same passion for writing as i did before. especially when i look back at old entries and find myself occasionally sensible, more often silly. which is nothing to be embarrassed about. like i said, there is much to be joyful about in realizing one's humanity. i look back and see myself beautiful in my joy, beautiful in my sadness, beautiful in my faults. not a vain kind of beauty but rather an understanding of my frailty and trying to overcome it. and despite my constant struggle for spirituality, i sense that much of my beauty is having faith that i am loved by someone greater.

Van Gogh is Bipolar: A dining experience

Yesterday morning, out of nowhere, I asked Jan, "date mo ako, beh!" I wasn't really expecting a yes since he still has some work to finish so imagine my delight when he said, "Sige. Van Gogh is Bipolar?" I said yes immediately.

You see, since I have read about Van Gogh is Bipolar in the Inquirer around June or July, I have always wanted to try it out. The chef and owner, Jetro, sounded like an interesting person. He is bipolar like Van Gogh, but instead of having his condition own him, he owned it. The meals of VGIB, named after famous bipolar people, were created to make those who partake to have a better mood afterwards. How can you not want to try out a restaurant like that?

Since then, I have been trying to eat there but it has been difficult finding the chance. When a good friend arrived from New York, I was able to convince the gang to try out the restaurant. After finding it on FB, I sent a message to Jetro if we can have reservations. He replied that he was in Europe at that time and the restaurant was closed for the time being. It was a bit of a disappointment but the way he responded to my message was very polite and quite charming. I was doubly determined to try it out.

You are greeted with this sign. "Here we celebrate our imperfections, embrace flaws and accept weaknesses." I honestly feel good and liberated already!

So yesterday, November 13 (our 29th month to be married incidentally), we dressed up to have our dinner at VGIB.

Parking was a bit of difficult. It took us around 15 minutes to finally find a spot. When we finally proceeded to the restaurant, it was quite full. Another couple were 10 seconds ahead of us and were able to take the last make-shift table. I was certain that the guy who met us was Jetro, who adorned an apron with Michaelangelo's David on Italian flag colors and a military hat. He said he can prepare another table by the stairs. We told him we don't mind waiting for a good table and he said, "that's better!" He informed us we can have our tea while we wait.

For that night it was a set meal, Mozart's Meal for the Day, which was P555/head. Part of the set was tea. In VGIB, a diner makes his own tea.

Feel free which pot you would like to steep your tea of choice.

There are instructions on how to make your own tea. Quite easy and straightforward and actually fun to do!

You can choose from six variants of happy tea.

The tea area was quite charming. There were containers for the different tea as well as one for muscovado sugar. An Erlenmayer flask contained the Palawan wild honey. If you look closely you can see a bottle of Jagermeister (I do not think that is part of the tea experience.:P) Jan and I wanted to try the Spanish Plum but it already ran out so we had Avocado tea instead.

I put our share of honey in a mini-wine glass and took a couple of small clear mugs to drink our tea from. Jetro prepared a mini-table where we were waiting and placed a candle for an additional touch of ambiance. The tea was good. I quite enjoyed its taste, its warmth and its uniqueness.

After a while, one of Jetro's assistant's brought over our Courtney Love potion. It was calamansi juice with honey and pomelo bits. It was a bit sweet for my taste but was still refreshing.

After a while, we got our Virginia Woolf's Tear. It was turkey soup (not so much turkey) which had bits of banana chips in it. I didn't expect that. At first, I thought it was a piece of turkey, but after tasting it, it has to be banana chips. It was initially weird, but after a while, it all made sense. It was an interesting soup and the chips added to the whimsy of the experience.

Our makeshift table with our tea, drink and soup. Even if we were by the door and the stairs, it was still enjoyable to just be there at the restaurant.

We probably waited for 30 minutes but since we had tea and soup, we hardly realized it. Finally some diners left and we took our seat inside. As Jan and I waited for our food, I did a bit of exploring. It was not a big place but there were a lot of interesting knick-knacks and decor to look at.
There were a bunch of old alarm clocks and a mini-bust of Van Gogh. Not clear in the picture is a Starry, starry night tea pot.

There was also this old leather travel suit case covered with stickers. The globe added a nice touch.

This clock reminded me a bit of Paris though the welcome sign is in English. :P

There is again the lamp with the teapot selection. I think after the VGIB experience, I would like to steep my tea in a pot as well. It's just more charming that way. :P

I was unable to take a photo of the toilet but it was probably the most whimsical and/or artistic part of the place. The washing area was in black light so it was mostly dark with glowing drawings all around. The toilet area itself also had its share of knick-knacks but the best part was a post it containing a marriage proposal. I wonder if the girl ever said yes. I would. It would be fun to be proposed to in VGIB toilet. :P

The blackboard has instructions on how to dine in VGIB. The message from the front door is repeated in the board. Celebrate food, celebrate the self!

We actually did not place any order with Jetro. Neither did we have any idea what the meal would be. I came for the dining experience more than the food itself. And so far, it has been a quiet adventure. Our main course was finally served - Francesco Scavullo honey-glazed chicken with organic pasta.

The way to eat the pasta was to wrap it in cabbage and dip it in either the salty or sweet sauce. Jetro came by and told us that cabbage was the best food to relieve one of depression. Information that will be good to know should another moment of blah happen.

Afterwards, we were served our dessert -- water buffalo ice cream with walnut and crushed Oreo toppings. It was yum!

My favorite part of the night was dining in a top hat. It was like being invited to the Mad Hatter's party in Alice in Wonderland. Thankfully, there was no dormouse in any of the teapots. The hat rack had several hats diner can choose from. Jan and I had the most fun playing around with them!

To be honest, the food is really just one of the elements of Van Gogh is Bipolar dining experience. There would be better food out there, for sure. But what makes VGIB worth going and coming back to is the that feeling that you are being served with passion, with dreams and maybe even love. To eat there is to celebrate, to be whimsical and to have fun.

After eating at Van Gogh is Bipolar, I was quite full. Not just in the tummy but all over. :)

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Van Gogh is Bipolar

Address: 154 Maginahawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Contact details: 09228243052