Hi guys! Just so you know I’m still alive.

After two and a half years, I’ve finally been able to free myself from the chains of corporate life. While I still don’t know how to manage my finances I feel a little better now. I’m really happy that I’ve been able to pursue my interest in filmmaking.



In fact, last month I participated in the Davao Ngilngig Film Festival which had the theme ‘Town Tales and Superstitions’. Our entry, Panabi , was our workshop output from a film camp that took place last June. Today, I’ll be heading to General Santos City to participate in an intensive learning program for aspiring filmmakers in Mindanao and attend the Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival.

I honestly don’t know how I got myself into all of these but maybe it’s a combination of my passion, being surrounded by very supportive and generous individuals and perhaps some stroke of luck. I’m just so ecstatic and I can’t wait for this vorfreude to actualize. I may be jobless at the moment but I’m feeling very blessed.

In case you want to know, I wasn't able to save any money from my previous job. Hahaha. So I've been really struggling to get by these days. I've been worrying about where I'd get the pocket money to attend this event and all. But yeah, I managed to get some projects and work out some deals. As a matter of fact, through the help of my friend Kuya Avel, I now have a place to stay in Gensan a day before the festival.

I will be staying at Driggs Suites, the newest tourist Inn in Gensan. I heard they’ve been running for more than a year now and have offered excellent service and accommodation to their guests. I can’t wait to share with you some photos of my accommodation. But for the meantime, please check them out on facebook.

I know I've been really dark, gloomy and depressive for the past year but that doesn't mean I can't be thankful for anything. So let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who's been with me at my lowest and let's hope for more posts like this especially now that I'm trying to pursue what I love.

I'll keep this short for now! Til my next post. <3

98/365. River rush. #vscocam #davao #rio

A photo posted by 真希 / Maki C. (@immarkable) on Apr 8, 2015 at 4:01am PDT

Everything was going okay until on our way home we ran into some trouble. It was already getting dark and we realized it might take us longer if we trace our way back home. So we took a detour and got ourselves... lost! There were a few people passing by so we were still okay by then. A few turns and we saw a jeepney at the end of a street. We thought it was the highway so we continued with our steps.

99/365. Drought. There might as well be cactuses, hawks, tumbleweeds and chameleon. Summer is extra hot lately! ☔🌞🌵 #vscocam #vscogood #vsco #vscophile #vscoph #drought #lookupdavao #sky #summer

A photo posted by 真希 / Maki C. (@immarkable) on Apr 9, 2015 at 3:55am PDT

But suddenly a figure from a distance emerged which gradually made our paces slower until we stopped. I stood frozen in there trying to reason with the kids that it's not what it looks like. "Kuya, buang na?" (Older brother, is that a crazy person?). "I don't know", I said. "Just act normal. Like you didn't see it." But I guess it was already too late for that.

The stranger noticed us. You see, we wouldn't have stopped if the person looked normal at all.The stranger had a red complexion. I don't know if the person was a he or a she because I didn't bring my glasses. And it was hard to take a closer look when your heart starts beating fast and all you could ever think about are the kids. I mean they're my responsibility! If anything bad happens I don't know what I'm gonna do. I ought to protect them. Anyway, the stranger was wearing a red tattered shirt and he was carrying a sack ala Tom Sawyer. I thought he was just one of those hippies who collects garbage. But then he stood up revealing a bottle of beer on his right and then he screamed "Dili ko buaaaaaangggg!". (I'm not crazy!!!)



"Then my heart go shalalala!"




So we ran. The crazy person ran. While running I told my sister to take a look if it's still following us and it was! I was not prepared for this at all. It doesn't think. It doesn't feel. It doesn't give up. It follows!

I've never felt so bad in a longest time and that kind of bad is gonna haunt me on my sleep. I know I can handle myself and but what about the kids? We ended up back to the riverside but this time I think we've gone to the Muslim area and we had no choice but to ask someone for another way out. I was just glad that the people there are very friendly and they seem concerned about us. Unfortunately, there was no other way so we braved our way back to the street where the crazy person was and it was still there! Damn it. The stranger was just standing in the middle of the street looking at the sky.

Looking at the sky!

Who looks at the freakin sky?

Well, everyone does apparently.

We were on a junction. On the left is the street where the buang (crazy person) was. So with extreme caution we did a power walk turn to the right! Altogether! Without looking back. But of course, I just had to. I just had to take a peek. Why? I don't know. It doesn't make sense but I guess...Huhuhu. I just had to.

And then it noticed us.

Ohhmmaaaygahd...what...the..fuck!

He saw us! He saw us! Luckily a truck passed by which served as the distraction. We used that to our advantage so we ran as fast as we could, even faster than the last time and we lost him again. And the next thing we know we were at home saying we're never going back there ever again! Or so I thought!

To be continued . . . 

Paris is known to be the most romantic city in the world as per pop culture. Hollywood made sure we know of that through nearly every romantic film we stumble across. Have you seen Midnight in Paris? Before Sunrise? An American in Paris by Vicente Minnelli in 1951? Need I say more? And I don't  know why - I haven't been to Paris - but I wonder what's up with people romanticizing that the city is 'that' magical.

I guess I would only find out when I get there but not now. I mean, if I could stay in Paris for the rest of my life, trust me, I would. Unfortunately I couldn't just book a ticket and go all the way to Paris. Okay. That ain't happening just because I want to, even if I really want to.

That's not to say that I haven't tried to get a taste of Paris in any form or way here in our place. I mean, French cuisine, art exhibits, old bookstores, a walk on a cobblestone streets, even my playlist is practically screaming Paris with the Hugo Cabaret soundtrack. French fries, anyone?

But do you know the place I've been to that maybe rings a bell or comes close with Paris? Of course you don't unless you're reading this right now and you learn that in my stay at Cebu I've been to the acclaimed La Vie Parisienne. 


Well, I'm just saying I've been there. I didn't really order anything because you know I'm allergic to alcohol. Also, I was too full for a croissant which was only P25 btw and I - don't be judgy - I was saving for a trip to Bantayan Island for the next day.

Even if I was too tired to actually go anywhere that night I thought it won't hurt to experience a night life in Cebu. Like at least once in maybe a long while. I mean that's what visitors ought to do, right? And my buddies were talking about the place like it was a real deal or something. What choice do I have? A blogger never rests. And man! La Vie Parisienne lived up to the hype!

From the artificial cherry trees with leaves glowing like it's spring or Christmas or whatever and to the clinking of glasses of wine. Ceci est la bombe! They have friggin cherry trees, man! Even if it's fake who in the right mind would not feel welcome in there with those cherry friggin trees giving you a cheery vibe. Okay, bad pun!

The Lhuillers probably had a good time in Paris that their French Bakery, Deli and Wine Library were designed to make you feel like you're in Paris even if you haven't been there yet. Forgive me for not taking any French language class but I just found out La Vie Parisienne literally translates to Parisian Life. Oh, well! Now we know. Hahaha. So, there's the smell of freshly-baked croissants to fill your lungs and they also have this wine library where a pose seems mandatory.

Yeah, I kind of belonged, right!?

In case you're wondering, I haven't really gotten a chance to take photos of their baked goodies because of the long queue inside the bakery so the only thing that comes close to a bread which you can find here are my cheeks. There's also gorgeous people - ehem - like us who are living La Vie Parisienne that night over some good chat and, oh well, over wine. But like I said, I didn't drink! Not even a sip. There should be at least one adult in our group in case they all get really drunk, right?




So the night went on until I noticed some people going Linda Blair on the foreign waiter dude who adjusted what seems to be a retractable roof! Come on, a retractable roof! That's something. Okay, their eyes were mostly on the guy though. Then to another. And well, it clearly depends on their preferences but the thing is, I noticed most people in there are breaking necks by turning their heads on every direction probably in search for a hook up or maybe romance or something. While I, after my butt's intimate relationship with the chair, I wandered around a bit to take these pictures.







Anyway, while wandering off I thought maybe that's how it works! This is how Paris works. Maybe Paris was hailed as one of the most romantic cities because of the set up itself. The music, the lights, the sweet aroma of bread and wine and people looking or taking their chances at romance. Paris. It's a place ideal for lovers and people who are still searching for love, for romance. I get that people always romanticize things as something else. Can't change that. But maybe, like them, that's just the way things are. And you don't get to ask why?

I know my La Vie Parisienne experience (or actually the lack thereof) may not come close to the real Parisian experience but maybe going to these French places is one of those moments where you should just loosen your grip to reality, enjoy whatever life throws at you and just let the magic or Linda Blair take you wherever, whenever or to whomever it wants. And if that's really the case then, I might have just been 'spirited away' to Paris, which is a good thing for La Vie Parisienne.

Summer is not summer without the sun slowly burning your epidermis. So, as usual, the day started with me hiding from the shadows of the buildings acting like a superhero or a total fool as I raced against time to save the world. But that's just me singing to Maddona and Justin T's 4 Minutes.

Anyway, I was on my way to the assembly area for our team building activity. Unlike before, I was armed with a wristwatch I stole from my brother. It was a magical wristwatch which gave me magical time-noticing abilities. Time-noticing, new word!

With time on my hands I even got to sing 'Happy' on my way to the school. So, aside from the wristwatch, I've got an old backpack my Mom prepared for me because I don't know how to pack shit! lol.

Grabbed from my IG: Follow me @immarkable

So I finally arrived. But even before I could actually step into the premises of the school I saw two familiar faces along the way. They were the lead organizers of the team building, Jazmine and Jason, and they were just on their way to look for a jeep that would bring us all to Sasa Ferry Wharf; and from the Wharf to Samal Island.

When I finally got inside the school I saw a group of people crowd under the shades of a small tree at the school quadrangle a.k.a Farmville. I'm usually friendly and all but it was just so freaking hot outside that I decided to go inside the SSG office.

After a while I went out to check if my co-ITE legislators, Anna and Kim, has arrived already and they did. So I went to them and we talked a bit about pretty much random stuff but it's mostly about Kim Wong's killer bangs and how I kind of hate 'selfies'. They brought it up when I used my front camera as a mirror. Kim insisted I was doing a selfie so I turned the tables and swore to the old and new Gods that I will pick on Kim's bangs for the rest of the team building. So Anna and I started making jokes about Kim Bangs until BANGS PANES! The jeepney has arrived.

JEEP

So the jeepney ride was just like any other long and boring jeepney rides. It was hot, dusty and the tall grey commercial buildings provided nothing but despair. As expected everyone got a free face powder at the end of the ride.

FERRYBOAT

The locals call it barge but actually it's a ferryboat because it carries passengers as well as vehicles. A barge is built mainly for carrying heavy goods in rivers and canals and we're at the sea so therefore we rode a ferry to get to Samal Island.

Check the top right photo - if you see IT!

Like duh? It's called Ferry wharf for a reason!

Anyway, it wasn't the first time I've gotten aboard a Ferryboat. I think it was my third and I didn't feel seasick this time. Just my luck!

MAHAN GARDEN BEACH RESORT


So our final destination was a resort called Mahan Garden Beach Resort. It is located at Barangay Caliclic, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal. It was my first time in that resort so I googled about it the night before and I got what I expected.

It wasn't much but they have a spacious front yard where most of the activities could take place.

Sounds fair enough.

My blogger instincts turned on so I toured around and took photos of the tree-houses, gazebos and of course the beach. As expected for Samal beaches, Mahan Garden offers a good white sand beach and inviting blue waters. That's good enough for me.

PROGRAM PROPER

So the program kicked off with some welcome speeches from the organizers and from the SSG moderator Ms. Anaflor Sacopayo. Then we were grouped and like I mentioned on my previous post, I lead team called 'Powerpuff Girls with Mojo-Jojo'. It is composed of 6 girls and 2 boys with me being Mojo. You can connect the dots!

Image Credit: Bottom Left & Right photos c/o Bella Bundan.

It was then followed by a bizarre activity headed by a guest speaker where we were asked to dance some kind of ritual or something. I didn't get the name of the said exercise but it sounded Chinese and the exercise itself was like a mix of yoga, tai chi and kung pao chicken.

Ohh..my mistake, I got hungry writing this! Sorry, I meant shaolin kung fu!

As the activity progressed, things got weirder and weirder with all the clapping and chanting but it's not without any value because the activity is made so that the groups and its members will bond. It also established more 'getting to know' with our teammates, like we got to know who's the competitive, the know-it-all, the thinker et al. More activities followed but I just feel the need to mention the dramatic chops of the execs who tested everyone's patience and temper by acting like a pain-in-the-ass. Like, bitches on the beach!

TEAM BUILDING SET 1

So this is it pancit!

I was running towards the front yard with my girls and the other groups. The moment we got there, we were briefed about mechanics of the game called 'Stepping Stones'. So the mechanics of Stepping Stones is simply that all members of a group should get across the other side of the garden without touching the ground. A line was drawn on the other side for obvious reasons. But here's the catch! Everyone must run to the far side of the garden and choose their 'stepping stones' from a pile of rocks, tiles and well - stones!

Image Credit: Bella Bundan

We thought it was going to be easy and I think it was. But we had to repeat three times because one of my girls couldn't get her balance right. lol. But to be fair, we got the wrong set of 'stones'. We got some big tiles yes, but we also have rocks with rough and edgy surfaces making it almost impossible to maintain equilibrium. It was the first activity so we kind of felt bad about being the last to finish but one of the execs, Jason, told us that even though we finished last, we finished the fastest. So we felt good ulet! lol. Bipolar lang. Hahaha!

The second game was the most aggravating of all. It's called Helium and it really tests one's patience. Something that I really don't have. So the objective of the game is to lower this hula hoop to the ground with each of the member holding out a finger where the hula hoop can rest. It's still about balancing and all. If your finger doesn't touch the bottom of the hula hoop then someone would blow a loud whistle into your ears, into your nerves and shatter your brain! DO IT AGAIN!

Image Credit:  Bella Bundan

One of the powerpuffs, Alysa, told us she played this game before so we decided to go with her strategy. She took the lead and told us to trust her, told us to close our eyes but it was damn hard for me! In a tricky situation with one of your senses off you're probably as good as dead. So it didn't work out like she wanted and we're sorry about that but things just don't work out the first time.

So we changed our strategy. To be honest we really didn't have any real strategy. But with our eyes wide open we started talking, we started communicating, with respect to Alysa we still listened to her every word. Then Karen spoke, and I did too because I almost had a heart-attack when my finger almost lost contact with the hula. It did several times, I got caught several times and I almost lost hope. But then we realized we couldn't possibly lower it all at the same time or one at a time, it needs two to three person to move and then wait for the other side to move. It's like maintaining a healthy relationship, there should be give and take! Char Baki!

And before we know it, we were on the ground already. Yes! We were last again but what matters is that we made it. I just wanted it done to be honest! But we made it. :D

NIGHT TIME

After dinner everyone was invited to head over the function hall for a Night Jam. Later on, everyone went to the beach where they prepared a cult-ish arrangement of candles and torches. lol. Seriously, it was a cool set-up. The kind that reminds you of the TV show 'Survivor'. It was supposed to be campfire but for some reasons campfires are prohibited. I don't know what this portion is called but I referred to it as the "Intimate candlelit Sharing by the Beach" in my previous post. That pretty much describes the whole affair. Everyone opened up, except for a few others like me and my co ITE legislators who never got the chance to talk but it was okay because we were really sleepy by then and our stories would never amount to any of the sob stories shared by the others.


Even so, I liked this part of the Team Building because I love listening to stories and I could relate to some especially with stopping school, financial trials, weight problems, and someone shared about being a rover scout! Woot. It was just nice to know that you are not alone in this world. Not ever!

After that I went to the girl's dormitory to avail of the free wifi by Ilovekaye. I also stopped by the function hall where some of my co-participants where watching the indie film 'Yanggaw'. Finally, I hit the sack! And there ends the first day of the Team Building! :D

Anyway, here's a video of our Team Building Day 1 compiled and edited by Viennarz Curtiz.

I'm tired of just staying at home, never exploring, never seeing what's out there. Last year may have been full of travel-related surprises but I don't know if I'll get luckier this year. So, I prepared some list to track of 2013!

This year I wanted to travel my own way even if it means I'll have to be a budget traveler. I'm sure I can do it. I just need to prepare myself by reading lots of budget traveling tips and hone my backpacking skills which is at level 0 by the way. My mom still pack my things every time I travel but that may come in handy given my plans to have a vacation as early as end of January. Oh, I will be needing more income sources for that and my school too!


The past few weeks of 2013 has been stressful to me. I rarely go out and when I do my wallet vomits. So I think I'm gonna let it vomit one more time and this time for a vacation. That's it! I am gonna look up fantastic vacation deals on the Internet or persuade my bored friends to have a week-long vacation somewhere.

I love vacations! The last one I had was a long long time ago but it was more of an immersion (than vacation) in our own farm. I'd rather play farmville, I just don't wanna go back there. I'm hoping to visit Bukidnon again this year after our 2 Days trip slash long term planning  last year. I hope I can call it a vacation this time around. I just want to relax, de-stress and stay away from the third world problems of the city!

It's going to be my first trip this year if ever!




And talking about travels, I'm gonna start working on my passport next week because I'll probably fly to Singapore this year. Probably. *crosses fingers* As for my local travels, nothing is certain but according to my list I want to explore more provinces in Mindanao. Like I said I hope to visit Bukidnon (again), climb Mt. Puting Bato (again) or Mt. Apo (ftw), go to Little Boracay on DFAT 2013, then join Soccksargen Experience Tour in September. I also want to visit Agusan Marsh!

And if I ever get the chance to fly to other provinces I'll have to avail more air fare promos for my highly ambitious Batanes, Palawan and Baguio plans. Oh, I just can't wait to travel this year and turn this boring personal blog into a blog full of adventures! But more than anything now I just want to take a break and have an awesome vacation!

Last year, I rode planes more often than I expected. Those plane rides and their package full of adventures weren't expected as well. In fact, the only air travel I was expecting for was the one I booked with my friends Renz and Anj last May 2012.

While we were doing a local cable TV show we decided to book tickets to Boracay for fun and for the show. I was so excited because it's going to be our first time in Bora, our first out-of-Davao trip together and it was the first time that I got a nod to travel miles away from home after my 9 days Manila trip in 2010. lol

Unfortunately, excuses piled up one after another and we decided not to go through with the trip. Sadly, our show suffered the same fate. And just when I thought I'd be stuck in Davao City whole year 'round, came unexpected travels which I never imagined.

It started last August when I got an invitation from Abs-Cbn for a studio tour. And I flew all the way to Manila on a weekend to experience the behind the scenes of prime television. Here's what happened!

Show was over! Gluta-emitting Lights were switched off. lelz

Then came October. Unlike my first Manila trip this year, this one, I have long anticipated. My involvement on this event is however unexpected. To make the long story short I was one of the organizers of this years' WordCamp Philippines. The whole organizing was fun but at times a bit intoxicating. Pero bawal mag-strong!! So we stuff our mouth pizzas every night.





During that week-long stay in Manila, we frequented Greenhills and other shopping malls (Rockwell, Resorts World, Greenbelt and MOA). We also got lost around and experienced typhoon in Manila! That typhoon wasn't so bad but it compelled us to walk all the way to the train station from Greenbelt 3 and had us soaked and cold. We also visited Manila Ocean Park.


Finally, my 3rd trip! "Touch down Cebu I've waited so long to meet you!". And there I was! Finally, in the Queen City of the South, the place I've long wished to visit ever since my Grandparents snuck up on me and went to Cebu when I slept as a child. And it took me, (calculating) almost 10 years to get there to think that we have relatives living in Cebu. But thanks to RAFI! :'-)




I know my trips are nothing compared to big time and highly experienced travel bloggers out there but my little adventures around Davao can match theirs - more or less. Hehehe. My point, Davao: Life is here!





2012 was indeed my year! It was eventful, exciting and fattening. But above all, it was a year full of realizations. I realized that we really do make our own choices and decisions in life. And no matter what, be it for better or for worse, what's important is we move forward.

I feel so blessed and I'm just really thankful that God's been good to me in 2012. Despite I stopped school I'm thankful to have such wonderful friends, blogger buddies and a supportive family at my back who helped me shape up my year. And looking back, 2012 is the year that moved me. It moved be to become a better person.

Now let's all move on and embrace the unexpected journeys that lies ahead this 2013!

2012, The Year That was. . .moving.

I remember the first time I rode the MRT. It was remarkable because it was also my first time in Manila. In fact I was still carrying my big traveling bag that when I got inside the train everybody was looking at me like I am some kind of terrorist. Ehem. Ehem. *changes accent* 'Hey, my name is Mark and I am not a terrorist!', I shouted inside my head while staring all back at them. Anyway, that awkward moment was saved by an audio announcement about the safety precautions inside the train. The train wasn't as crowded as I expected. Everyone must be taking their lunch I thought. I stood facing the right side of the train and from the window I saw rooftops, cables, wires, houses, seemingly abandoned buildings, old apartments, there was even a school I thought, scrapped political banners from the May 2010 Presidential Elections and a billboard of Kris Aquino among many others. The view outside was so depressing that I turned my gaze on the people inside the MRT. During the first stop I took the chance to transfer to the end of the train so I could have a better view of everything and everyone. At last! After a few minutes of standing I've finally been able to sit. The train suddenly became crowded but I still managed to observe people who I thought were interesting and it sort of made me feel happy. Actually, it was fun to think of stories out of their expressions, what they're doing and whatever that has, will or may happen during our ride.



It felt like I just went inside the lives of the people around me. Assuming of course that my theories and assumptions were right. They don't have to be necessarily right though and that's best thing about it. Inside the train, was an old woman who was texting and I thought she needed some help with it. I think her phone was of the qwerty type and I bet she couldn't hardly see. Beside her were two high school students giggling over a handsome guy in front of them who I thought was gay since he's been looking at the direction of the five college students near the exit door. Or it could be that he knows someone from that group because one actually waved his hands to the handsome guy. Or it wasn't the handsome guy that one of the college students was waving to, but the girl beside the handsome guy who wore a pink shirt and was drinking a mocha frappe from Starbucks. Let's just call her Starbucks girl. If that's the case then the handsome guy (who I thought was gay) is so assuming and I guess that makes him even more gay. There's also a guy who looked like a goon from a movie ready to steal or punch anyone who gets near him. What's so peculiar about him though is that he was carrying a book that looked like a bible and all. Across him was a promo girl of some known dish washing liquid who I think is late for work because she's always checking her wristwatch. I wish I could tell her she can't stop time by just looking at her wristwatch. Honestly, it's distracting. If it were the end of the world I think nobody would even care what time it is. Anyway, behind the promo girl was a fat guy who I think was selling stuff on his messenger bag because he's been looking at nearly every direction. He was in a business man attire though, his head bald and he's wearing eye-glasses. I think the guy's searching for a potential buyer around because he appears to be checking on everyone. "Don't you dare look at my direction!" I murmured. I just hate facing persuasive salesmen. They're incessant talkers and it annoys the hell out of me. I don't know where I got this but whenever I hear too much noise and gets load of information all at the same time I get dizzy.

Anyway, there was a pregnant woman who looked problematic on her duster and her 8 years old daughter who was laughing at the old man who was asleep in front of them. I'm not really certain about their ages though. Beside the man who was sleeping was a woman who looked like Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago but in a nurse's uniform also worried that she may already be late for her shift. What's with people checking time every time? It made me feel as though one of them had set up a time bomb somewhere. On the right side was an engineering student who's been scratching his back with a T-square and I think it was his classmate who tried to cover him up for a moment. It must have been very embarrassing for the classmate. T-square? Like seriously? Hahaha. And oh, there was an annoying girl who was standing right in front of me. She looked pretty though but she keeps on giving me hurried glances which made me conscious. And I fucking hate it! Another thing that pisses me off is when people try to make their every breaths audible. It makes me eerily conscious about breathing and I sometimes end up stopping my breath.

By the next stop, a crowd of people went inside and the girl in front of me went nearer to where I was. Suddenly, everyone became close to one another. Among the new set of people is a young man, maybe in his early twenties who looked pissed and was looking for someone. In fact, he wandered around checking people's faces. He even accidentally poured Starbucks girl's mocha frappe and I heard the girl utter "Watch it!". I didn't hear the guy say sorry though but he bowed his head down and went near the exit. That reminded me of bumping into a lady earlier who I thought was a call center agent because she looked like a zombie. I said sorry but she was kind of spaced out or something. There's circles around her eyes and she looked like she never had any decent sleep in her lifetime. Thinking of it made me realize we are actually in pre-zombie era.

Before I forget, there's my friend who's busy texting the person we will be meeting in a mall somewhere. Hahaha. I don't really know where we're going but the person I'm with is actually one of those guys who likes to hit on girls a lot. And yes, I'll accompany him to meet his textmate in a Mall somewhere. We've been friends for years but never have I been influenced by his style with girls. I guess I didn't need that because I believe life is like a movie and everyone of us has a role to play. He plays the playboy type and my role is . . .honestly, I have yet to figure that out. Perhaps, in this train ride I'm the person who likes to observe and create stories inside his head. Oh dearie, I must be retarded!

There are lot of stories one could tell out of riding an MRT. Each and every individual in that MRT is actually telling a part of their life stories. And if only I could; I would very much love to know what's gonna happen to them after the MRT ride. I mean, it's really interesting to know because life offers a lot of possibilities. Maybe, my friend's textmate was the old woman who struggled coping with technology. Maybe the guy would say sorry to the girl in pink and ask her out on a date later. Or maybe the new guy was looking for his Mom who happens to be the nurse in Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago's mask. Maybe, the salesman is actually the lookout of annoying girl in front of me who happens to be a member of a Chinese mafia. Or the handsome guy wasn't actually gay but the older brother of one of those college students. And the lady zombie might fall in love to the hoodlumy-looking guy who happens to be a clergyman. Anything can happen! And I also believe everyone is somehow connected from any other person in the MRT not through six degrees of separation but maybe on a much larger scale.

There are over 11 million people in Metro Manila and if each person's life is to be adapted into a movie then we'll have 11 million movies produced during these people's lifetime. I'm not really good in math or statistics but the thing is anyone of us could be part of each others' movie. In your film you're the protagonist, in others' you can be the villain but to whosoever films I'm in, I think I will be the narattor. The typical guy you don't normally see in the camera. A guy who's just there to observe and scare the hell out of people when he smiles at them.

Sometimes, I think life is like an MRT Ride. It starts slow and for a moment it keeps a certain speed and then slows down during stops. It's a mecha beast that is hard to escape. A place full of strangers, would-be friends and even love interests. A place where anything can happen. You know where you're headed but sometimes you have stops to make. And the time you'll get out of it, you know, you'll have more rides to take!

Exactly a week ago I was fortunate to be part of a tour that I never thought exists. Although I haven't asked anyone if there happens to be the same event the previous years or if it's an annual event (which I hope so!). I'd still want to think that it's the FIRST EVER ABS-CBN DAVAO PRESS TOUR, because for me, it was a lot of firsts. Additionally, out of momentary vanity, I just want to think of it that way because it's the first time in the longest time that the world revolved around me! Hahaha. 

Last October 2010, I was in Manila for WordCamp and a School Fieldtrip and since then I never had the chance to come back. I also never thought I would be back in Manila until October this year for WordCamp 2012. But who would have thought that I'd end up going there 2 months before I expected. Thank God! I was lucky to get an invitation from Ms. Razelle of Abs-Cbn for an all expense paid tour in Manila. :-)

If going to Manila isn't one of my 'firsts', then flying with Philippine Airlines and and having "Combi" for airline snacks is. Everything felt "burgis" (a term my friends and I use to refer bourgeoisie) until combi came into our hands! Mother of all biscuits! Okay fine, let's skip that part.

It's also the first time that I've done a decision that is as quick as lightning. In a matter of seconds I said yes to the invitation because I know it's going to be a great experience and who the hell am I to decline such a special invitation anyway?

And so...I went.


We arrived Manila around 8:00 pm. We were picked up by an Abs-Cbn van from the airport to our hotel, but we got hungry and decided to stop by at a weekend food night market in Ortigas. I forgot the name of the place (I'm sure it wasn't Bancheto though) and I forgot to take pictures too. ZzZ. But we had a nice dinner and finally proceeded to La Breza Tower (a Condotel), which is only a couple of blocks away from the Abs-Cbn compound.

Abs-Cbn Davao Press Tour Day 1

Press Briefing - with Sir Ian, Jesse, Zhaun, Mam Stella and Manong Bert.

Studio Tour

Studio 10 - The biggest studio in Abs-Cbn.

Stay tuned for my Abs-Cbn Tour Series. . .and some backlogs too! Hahaha.

Here's a teaser!

Note: Updated! Thank you. :-)

It's been a while since I did something strenuous. Well blogging is actually giving me a lot of stress but its way different than the stress given by outdoor activities. There's nothing more self-satisfying than achieving something physically (for a lazy, fat-assed geek like me) - things that requires physical effort like rigorous activities such as cycling, swimming ,mountain climbing and other sporty shit.

 It goes to show you're capable of doing nearly everything in the world. And that's what I have always been craving for since I went to College. Back when I was still in high school, I would say that even I was very fat (as in super duper fat!) I manage to do lots of physical activities. I attend physical fitness tests, Jamborees, school camps, BLS (Basic Learning Support), SFAT (Standard First Aid Training), Solidarity Trainings and Earthquake Drills (lols) - you name it! After graduation, I bid goodbye to all the aforementioned activities but in the irony, I also bid goodbye to my old fat self.

Then came later that I realized I was almost eaten whole by indolence. There came night and days wasted facing the computer while eating either double cheeseburger or junk food not to mention a diet coke which does nothing on my diet. I almost feel like I have not contributed anything to the real world at all and apparently I was getting heavier. Then came an opportunity which induced me to go outdoors. I got an invitation by Kuya Olan to do something kickin’ last summer. So I didn't hesitate to sign up for an island adventure where the highlight was mountain hiking.


The mountain we're going to was called Mt. Puting Bato. It's the highest peak of the Island Garden City of Samal and my first mountain to climb/hike whatever - but one thing's for sure, I'm all for it! It wasn't actually the first time that I've done mountain hiking. It's the second time, if and only if it was really a mountain that we climbed up to when I was in Junior high. That was really a fun and thrilling experience so maybe after this post I'm going to tell you a story about that. So it was around 3 pm when we started to travel from the downtown of Samal to the foot of Mt. Puting Bato.

 It was really a loooooooong travel that I was able to take a good naaaaaaaaaap and there were also a few boring moments which almost got me snapped. But my temper cooled down when my friends started some random conversation. It sure did kill the time. But as we near the foot of the mountain the atmosphere started to change. The air has gotten cooler and along the way I saw some poinsettias on its red Christmas glory. It reminded me of Christmas and it got me also excited about how it would feel on top of the mountain. Ohh. . . I could imagine seeing weird looking plants, see islands from above, see the horizon once again and feel the wind as it caresses my face. It was near twilight when we started our journey; a journey towards the sky if you ask me - it's up for you if you'll take it literally but hold your breath because some things have never turned out to be as crazy as our journey.

From my lonesome paces up a steep mountain slope which momentarily shook my knees when rest, I could plot a thrilling story. A story which might probably bore you to death or a story which might lay anyone of us to rest. I was among those who already looked exhausted on our first 20 steps up a mountain slope. But since it was my first time to climb up a mountain then I fixed myself and showed everyone a gush of enthusiasm. Just when I thought I would be able to keep up with the lead's paces, I paused and said "I couldn't do it".

Moment by moment, a group member would walk pass by me, and in the back of my mind - I thought "Hey, it’s always the last person who will die in a horror movie". Indeed, the horror-enthusiast within me arouse not only because my imagination can sometimes go too far but someone from the group jokingly said we're gonna die one by one just like in a horror movie.

Though I was hoping not, it echoed inside my head that I started thinking there's a man with a razor knife waiting for us at the peak.
And as we near the peak of Mt. Puting Bato our life also gets closer to its end. We were halfway through when we chanced upon a creepy looking shack, abandoned, devastated, and unliveable. Because of that shack, my imagination went wild that instead of a psycho killer with a razor knife an aswang would have to kill us all at the peak of Mt. Puting Bato. Then came more obstacles up ahead, you know, rocks, tall stupid itchy grasses, unpleasant smell and animal shit. It couldn't have gone worse when we saw a creepy looking man going down the mountain.

He reminded me of the psycho killer I was imagining awhile ago. The eyes, the built, the long creepy stare - No, way!! Isn't that all I have imagined was becoming real? I continued hiking, 3rd place, among the 17 other hikers behind me. LOL. Then there was this part of the mountain where all the trees were mirrored from each side of the road, as their branches, twigs and leaves meets up on your head. It created an eerie atmosphere, the air filtered densed green as we passed by the area then from a distance we saw two people, maybe around their 50's, going towards us.

 Oh my, I shouldn't have imagined of Aswangs when I saw the shack. Forgive me but they look really scary. In fact, we just bowed down my head as I walked towards them. The one behind me greeted them with a "Good Afternoon" to show politeness or to save her from being victimized. In my mind, oh my I should have greeted them also; maybe if I did I would not be killed at the peak. Maybe they're going back to that shack and cover their bodies with oils and by nightfall they'll get back to us as hideous monsters. According to rumours, some places in SAMAL ISLAND is covered with mystery, in fact, it is being considered as the Siquijor of Davao.

 That's why if ever Aswangs are really real; I would say that at least a village of them lives there. Scary! Still I continued my steps. As we got closer to the peak I got nervous maybe because I don't know what awaits us. Then there was this part of the mountain that's almost covered with tall grasses, we stopped by there to take pictures because the scenery behind it was simply amazing. While others are busy taking pictures, I noticed something moved somewhere in the grasses. It scared the shit out of me that I continued my steps up together with some of those who were done taking pictures. In my mind, what could the hell was that? Probably a rat? chicken? or a snake? No, I imagined it worse than that - it might be an anaconda. Now that's probable and that made me feel even scarier!

We're at peak now, almost. There was a gate and behind was a beautiful garden. It really seemed like a resort. Then out from nowhere, a man appeared. He's not just a man, but a familiar looking guy. He was that man I imagined to be as a psycho killer. How the hell, did he just went down the mountain? How come he's there already? We got all confused, he sort of mumbled something but after writing my name on the logged book I hurriedly got inside and didn't wait for an answer. From the way it looks, he's like the caretaker of the place.


AT THE PEAK. So, as I walked around the peak, looking at the plants, my friend’s happy faces, feeling the wind, I feel a heart-warming kind of sensation, it felt like I was having a heart attack out of too much happiness. I felt so great about getting there finally. And I can't help but to feel so emotional within that even though I plastered smiles my heart lifts up as I behold the majestic purple sky. It was place like no other, a place which offered a 360 degree view of Samal Island and its neighbouring islets, cities and even some provinces in the Davao Region.

IT KILLED ME. It wasn't any pyscho, it wasn't the Aswang, it wasn't any snake. It’s the scenery! The scenery from above Mt. Puting Bato, it killed me.