At some point during my childhood, folks at home used to spoil me during my birthday. It's like waking up feeling like a millionaire for a day! Don't get me wrong though because none in the family would give me a briefcase full of cash - how I wish! But if I demanded them so, maybe all they can hand to me is a brief. .no case, no cash. Just brief! LOL.

When I wake up everyone greets me with a "Happy Birthday!" which is usually followed by reaching of their pockets and giving me whatever they have. I'm really happy about it and I thank them in response. The most I had was an accumulated P500 with my parents, grandparents and an uncle each giving a hundred peso bill.

Those were the time that all that ever mattered for me was to have a birthday celebration at home. It's usually a very nice celebration with all my relatives attending my birthday, balloons and at least 10 different dishes in the table. I don't receive lots of gifts though but I remember receiving cash from my extinct Godparents.

I get to invite our neighbors who are mostly just our relatives. No! Actually all that I ever invited to my birthday were my relatives. But you know, during celebrations such as birthdays and fiestas you can't help strangers to come in the house and eat. The best thing about celebrating birthday as a child is the preparation. Whenever it's my birthday or my siblings', well let's just say it's my birthday, everyone's busy preparing the food except for my Grandpa. He's really not into that though but anyway there's my grandma in charge of the kitchen. My Dad and Uncle helps my Lola with the main dishes while my Mom's preparing the dessert upstairs. I also remember my Grandmother signing a cross on my forehead using, probably a chicken's blood during my birthday. Aside from all the preparations, I always like it when we go to Church to light a candle and then pray during my birthday. I feel so good afterwards but I feel better when my Dad would ask me "Where do you wanna go?". Then I would whisper "Jollibee!". :-)

I'm not really approved of the thought of celebrating my birthday in school because I think it would be embarrassing for your classmates and teachers to sing you the "Happy Birthday" song in class. But then I remember a time or two where I got the chance to celebrate my birthday in school. It was actually nice and (I think) we brought Spaghetti for everyone. Oh god how I wish I could go back to those times. But I can't and I have to accept the fact that life moves forward and time flies so fast!

The best thing I've ever received on my birthday was a pair of shoes. Those were the shoes I cried for when I was a freshman in high school. It was my birthday then when my Mom told me that she couldn't buy me new shoes. It was my only request but because we were on some sort of a financial turmoil that time my Mom couldn't give me anything on my birthday.

Looking back, I remember how I was really immature that I couldn't understand our situation. That same day, I went to an abandoned house just right behind our house crying about the shoes. I locked myself inside and cried until I fell asleep. The moment I woke up my Dad was knocking on the door with the shoes on his hands. That afternoon I realized how selfish I was but of course I felt thankful and happy afterwards. Since then I never asked or requested anything from my parents. :-) I also accepted the fact that I'm too old for birthday parties and even cakes.

Today, I really don't know how to spend my birthday. Maybe I can go out with friends, watch a movie, buy a book, a shirt, shoes maybe - I don't know! For sure we're going to have a small family dinner later. I also plan to go to church later and thank God for all the blessings, the life and everything despite all the trials for the past 21 years. Maybe, I'll just look for something that will make me happy or spend the day with the people who makes me happy - my family.

Last year, my birthday post was about the Paranoia of being 20. This year I couldn't care less about how old I am. All that matters to me now is to be Happy on my Birthday! :-)

When you hear of Abs-Cbn especially if you're miles away from Manila, you imagine a grand place full of celebrities. You see yourself walking on a red carpet through a long, narrow and white hallway, with dressing rooms, and celebrity portraits hanged at either side. Then you'll get inside one of the place's big studios that can accommodate thousands of audience and you will most likely get to see the people working off cam. That's not my case though, because even before my soul wandered off at Abs-Cbn all I had in mind was Anne Curtis.

During the tour I spotted Anne Curtis' Dressing Room!

But as we toured the compound, I was surprised when it unfolded a simple job-centered environment.

When you're there, you will see it more as a workplace than those flashy images you feed your imagination with. The interiors are simple but still with a good share of grandeur since it's my first time to visit the place. What makes it complicated is how you think about the turnarounds of the place, the busy people and some kick-ass alienating machines. It's like a labyrinth that belongs to another world. Certainly, not the world that I was used to but a world where I would love to work.

Have you ever been to a hallway that seemed like a warehouse of machines, camera cranes, dollies, props and some electrical thingamajig caged on the side? That doesn't sound like an ideal place to live or to even pass by, but for an aspiring filmmaker - that hallway is but a warehouse of his most beloved tools. How much more a studio that's got chroma screens and a ceiling that is full of cables and lights?


After the morning tour we readied ourselves for Abs-Cbn's Live Noontime show "It's Showtime". The tour was fun but I don't know if the world hates me because during our tour, we hardly ever bumped into a celebrity.

We went to a cafeteria, perhaps nestled in the heart of the main building fronting the Dolphy Theater to have snacks in preparation for a 3 hours TV show guesting. Yeah, guesting, because we're special like that. As the we near the Showtime Studio, my heart was racing like hell because I might finally get the chance to see Anne Curtis.

It's Showtime!!

 The instant I got inside the Showtime Studio my head went spinning around like a possessed child looking for Anne. Where is Anne Curtis? Where is Anne Curtis? (Heart beats fast) Ohh...Anne Curtis, where are you? (Sees Vice Ganda, Heart gallops!) Hey, not you. Hahaha

Jesse: Where's Anne?
Me: I don't know. She might be late again, she's kind of always late at Showtime. Let's just wait.
Jesse: Okay.

While waiting for Anne to show up and for the program to start we were briefed by the floor directors about the responsibilities of a Madlang people. Yes! As Madlang people or as a live show audience in general you're not just gonna sit back, relax and enjoy as though you're watching a television. You, a lucky sonofabitch who got the rare chance of getting into an invite-only or reservation-required LIVE national TV Show should participate well in dancing, singing or even just by putting your hands together to clap.

You will kind of feel tired halfway though because you're gonna have to clap in every gap of the show but it's all part of the experience. Remember that this is not a movie where you get the chance of watching it the second time around, unless of course, you have contacts who can get you there everyday. Being an audience is tantamount to being a film extra, you're one of the most important factors of the show because you're the one or part of a group that builds up an essential element called atmosphere. And a variety show without a lively atmosphere is a flop! So with a gush of enthusiasm I gave 100% of my energy when they taught us the choreo of the show's opening.

Then the program started. The hosts came out. We all sang and danced beating out the music of "It's Showtime." God, it was tiring! Then came later when I realized Anne's not going to show up anymore. Anne, when late, usually arrives after the first (two) gap(s) and appears for her utterly absurd yet very entertaining "Madlang People Chant".

  But it was already time for the segment Sine Moto! It broke my heart into pieces. I was devastated. I wanted to go around to find her.

I tried to catch up with the show and absorb everyone's happy aura and it temporarily sufficed. There came gaps where I prayed for Anne to arrive even though she's already 1 and a half hour late. But my prayers that time prompted me with "Message Sending Failed".

I wasn't really sad though, just, a bit disappointed. I enjoyed Sine Moto as usual and raising the score cards and watching families perform together are the funnest for me. And oh, I remember that The X-Factor Philippines finalists were there too! It's been awhile since I last saw Kz Tandingan. We're schoolmates and good friends too! SO proud of her. :-)




But like most shows, Showtime consumed itself like a dying stick of cigarette. It just happened so fast! Maybe because I managed to recover from my sudden heartache.

The experience was fun but it could have been personally awesome if Anne Curtis was there. For a Showtime fan, Showtime with a cast member missing, especially someone that is as lovable as Anne or as witty as Vice, Showtime isn't Showtime. Don't get me wrong though because I really enjoyed the show. I'm really happy and thankful for the great experience but I definitely could have had one of the best days of my life if Anne Curtis was there.

On the brighter side, at least, I would be looking forward to another Abs-Cbn Tour or event where I'll finally get the chance to meet Anne Curtis up close and personal. I left the Abs-Cbn compound that day with a glimmer of hope and was reminded that the fanboy's search for his celebrity crush continues.

To cap this off, I'm giving Showtime!

Minus Anne!

I receive a lot of emails asking if Showtime is free. And yes, it is free to the public. Only those who have booked to the Abs-Cbn Studio Tours have paid for the tour which includes Showtime as part of their itinerary. :-)

Davao has always been a food haven for me. There are lots of food establishments around and they multiply whenever Kadayawan approaches. From street-food stalls, karinderyas, to fast-food chains and restaurants, you will surely enjoy dining on any of the fine food choices in the city.

While promos and discounts run wild from just about everywhere. It won't hurt to treat yourself a royal lunch or dinner by dining at the King of all buffet restaurants in Davao City - The Apo View Hotel's Entree. Besides, Kadayawan is the king of all festivals. Ergo, eat like King!


Aside from the awesome food, make sure you'll catch The Apo View Hotel's line up of events this Kadayawan 2012 which includes cultural and dance performances, fashion, photo and art exhibits, the mouth-watering cupcakes by Sugar Rush at the Kadayawan Bazaar, and the mesmerizing fire dance by Apo Duwaling. The good news? Entrance is free!

 You can actually just visit the place any time - I've done it twice and for no apparent reason. lol.

If you happen to be a tourist, a hotel-guest or someone who just wanted to be a king for a day. I tell you, never ever miss Entree!

Even I, from the far far away Street of Bronze, have come to a feast with the Dukes, Princes and Princesses, Kings and Queens at the Entree Restaurant. Ehem. Ehem.

Salad Oh, Init pa! (LOL)

Thy carnivore on its truest. I came to the table to snub the forest. Then I walked down to the sea and enjoyed caridea, maki, sushi and sashimi. 



Henceforth, I ate a sea of food. With bits of carbs but a goody good, good! And now you sing my every word. That rhymes and times with the whole wide world!

But wait! Thou shall not challenge the villagers stomach. To the table I returned to wreak more havoc. Then I saw a land of ham. Of which I smothered with pineapple jam. Then went the meat with streaks of green. Luxurious, pungent, with bits of bean.

And then I saw something sweet! Oh God there's cake and it's grinding my teeth.


While every feast must end with a burp. I went to my table with a stuffed t-shirt. And that's how it is to become a King. To eat with class is to try everything. I think that's all I have for this quest. I'm so honored to be Entree's Royal Guest.

In case you're wondering from which social group I came from. I'm proud to say, I belong to the bloggers who looks like they've just attended JS Prom.



Please hold on a moment. While I try to untangle my tongue. Okay, so. .  after my royal experience I think not Davao as a food haven anymore - but a heaven of food for a King - who can be anyone.

Be a royal guest for only P800. Entrée Restaurant is located at the lobby of Apo View Hotel (Camus St., Davao City). For more information and reservations, please visit Apo View’s website or contact them at (082) 221 6430 to 40.

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. :-)