http://philippines.youthsays.com/seachange/go/tjT
http://philippines.youthsays.com/seachange/go/tjT
YES2009 – The Trip!
How often can you get the co-founder of Twitter, the founder of Live8, a Bollywood star and a plane crash survivor under one roof?
The Youth Engagement Summit 2...009 will be held for the first time right here in Malaysia. We’re giving you a chance to join Biz Stone, Sir Bob Geldof, Amitabh Bachchan, Nando Parrado and many more for two amazing days.
On top of that, we’re giving you a free trip – and an experience which may change your life.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Ondoy's wrath
I woke up to a normal Saturday until my Mom said I should cancel my saturdate with Nixlove because floods in our village, by 9am, were already knee-high. Nixlove agreed, knowing that safety should always come first. I charged my cellphone (anticipating a power interruption that usually comes with typhoons) and watched tv. By 11am, three of our neighbors, those living below our condo-structured apartment unit, already sought refuge because floods were already waist deep. And we thought that was it. Then power went off.
By 3pm, floods started to submerge our landlord's dogs' cages. We decided to unlock the cages and taught the dogs to swim to our unit. We knew nobody deserved to die in that state, so even dogs need to be saved. Our landlord who lives in the same compound tried to salvage his appliances and furniture as well.
By 3pm, floods started to submerge our landlord's dogs' cages. We decided to unlock the cages and taught the dogs to swim to our unit. We knew nobody deserved to die in that state, so even dogs need to be saved. Our landlord who lives in the same compound tried to salvage his appliances and furniture as well.
An hour later, water continued to rise, leaving our neighbors with no choice but to swim against the strong current just to reach our unit. Slowly, people filled our small abode. There was Tatay, an 82-year-old retired dentist and his 83-year-old wife; as well as the owner and staff of a nearby laundry shop, who were all in despair after losing their livelihood; among many other neighbors we were glad to be of help.
view from our unit. the green wall is Tatay's house while the nearest roof was part of our landlord's home.After our neighbors calmed down, we realized we had a big problem. We had no food (we do our groceries midweek or on weekends) and all our cooking means relied on electricity. All 20+ of us were trapped hungry and cold while thinking of contingencies should water reach our unit as well.
We survived the first night with only a kilo of rice, one can of tuna and a pack of noodles. All 20+ of us. I started texting news contacts from PNP, NDCC, Office of Civil Defense, but only two replied and said they will see what they can do. I felt so inutile that I couldn't do anything! My cellphone was running low, we had no food and it was totally dark. We spent the night getting to know each other and took shifts in sleeping because some had to stay awake.
The next day, waters remained high and we were losing hope, so I started texting friends from the media, hoping someone, anyone, could reach us and bring food. Some replied and gave me a flicker of hope but hours came and nothing came. Several helicopters hovered over our village but there was no food. We tried to sleep the hunger away but sleeping just couldn't do the trick.
Then some of my neighbors said they will just try to salvage whatever they can from their home. They dived into the muddy waters, tried to open their doors UNDER WATER and luckily found several canned good floating inside their house. There was even a pack of Twix chocolates and a pack of pasta!!Talk about miracles! My other neighbor had a box of fresh milk and some hotdogs, which we used for the pasta. Instant carbonara! :) We had food enough until Monday. :)
With God's grace, water slowly subsided. Floods were chest-high by Monday dawn and by lunch time, it was only knee deep. Now, only remnants of the tragic typhoon marked my neighbors' walls.
The worst may have been over but I'm sure it will take time for Ondoy victims to recover. Pero sabi nga nila, habang may buhay, may pag-asa.
I also TRULY realized that in death, there's no rich or poor. We will all die and money can never save us. My experience may be nothing compared to thousands of other survivors. But I feel lucky to be alive able to tell my story today.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The great Cory Aquino
It must have been hard for Cory to see her husband in jail. It must have been harder to see your husband dead on the tarmac. It must be hard as well to accept the fact that your husband chose to die for his country’s freedom instead of choosing to grow old with you. But Cory Aquino knew so well, she even accepted presidency at a time of hopelessness.
Cory restored hope, sparked courage, and led the country out of the martial rule pit. Most of all, she returned democracy, a gift we have been enjoying until today.
I may not have witnessed martial law but I grew up going to EDSA, my mom tagging me along to see tanks and yellow confetti during EDSA revolution anniversaries. I read anecdotes and news stories about martial law, which later became my favorite topic. I knew I wanted to witness people coming together for one cause. I knew I wanted to see, hear, and relate stories of freedom and triumph. That’s why I wanted to become a journalist.
When I became one, I was lucky to have asked Cory a few questions in ambush interviews. In one coverage, she did not answer questions but when I asked, she turned and looked at me and gave me a one-liner. I was in awe I forgot to ask a follow up. That was in 2006.
The last time I saw her was January this year, during the funeral of former president Joseph Estrada’s mother, Dona Mary. She no longer granted an interview. She was already very delicate.
Had she opted to be an ordinary widow and refused calls for her to run for president, our history would have been so different. I might not be even enjoying the press freedom I experience now.
Cory is now with Ninoy and I bet, she’s happy. She will forever be radiant in that yellow dress and I will always be thankful she took time answering a question from a then cub reporter.
—
Related:
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Five wonderful years :)
Nixlove and I celebrated our 5th anniversary yesterday 
Five years went by so fast but every time I remember how it all started, where we began, and how we turned from friends to lovers and in effect becoming the best of friends, I just could not help but get giddy all over again.
Nixlove has been there for me all the time–when I changed moods, and even when I changed jobs. He was there at the lowest and highest points of my life. And I will be there for him as well, without any doubts and without any conditions–for the rest our lives
Now, I’m counting the months.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Some story. :)
Exactly a year ago, I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, more known as facial paralysis. Yes, it was one of the hardest trials in my still young life and now, a year after all it happened, I am more than grateful to have gotten over that health bump.
It may have threatened my physical appearance and emotional strength but now I think I know better.
They made sure I would still love myself, at a time when I thought I had actually started hating my own face. :D
I hope BP won’t relapse (some 20 percent of the cases do, and thank heavens that’s a relatively small number). So now, instead of letting stress get into me, I decided to leave a stressful job and take the opportunity to grow.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, which reminds me of my next topic: the resignation.
But that blog post will have to wait. I still have a few more days with the top Philippine news website 
Friday, May 22, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Top of the tabloids is back!
Top of the tabloids
The top show biz stories in PDI tabloid Bandera this week. (And why we are moved, if we are moved.)
•Charice Pempengco, nilait-lait ng fans. (Di na fans yon.)
•Mommy ni Glaiza de Castro, boto kay Patrick Garcia. (Is he running for public office?)
•Kris Aquino, kontrabida sa buhay ni Ruffa Guetierrez. (What can we say? At last, it’s out?)
•Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho video scandal, patok pa rin. (Enough!)
•Kasal nina Mar Roxas at Korina Sanchez, kaduda-duda. (Uh...)
•Naiinggit lang sila—Mar Roxas. (Pinatulan niya ’yan?)
•Regine Velasquez mas star pa rin kay Charice Pempengco. (Define borders.)
•Hiyang-hiya ako kay Martin Nievera!—Manny Pacquiao. (Uh... pay him?)
•Ruffa Gutierrez inaway-away si Annabelle Rama. (Give it five days.)
•Sharon Cuneta, mas lalong tumaba. (Love her 8 McDo ads!)
•Jennylyn Mercado, loka-lokahan na naman. (It never really goes away.)
•Kristine Hermosa, kay Jericho Rosales pa rin babagsak. (Hmm, puede, ha?)
•Nyoy Volante, sirang-sira na dahil kay Nina. (Oo nga, tsk, tsk.)
:)
I watched the Judy Ann-Ryan wedding special last night (ok, you can laugh haha) and was deeply moved with their solemn wedding :) Now I am more convinced that aside from our immediate family, only the closest friends should be at the wedding...:D haha! :) And that it's better to keep the wedding date secret so some people would not bother asking us if they will be invited (yes, there are people like that.hehe).
What's funny was one of the songs APO played during their reception is soooo Nixlove and me, haha! Yes, I love Panalangin and that will definitely be included in my wedding playlist but this one rocked my world (may ganun?!haha) Buti nalang Nixlove is so patient with me kahit lagi akong tampopot :p hihi :p
(photo taken August 2004) :)
Wala Nang Hahanapin Pa
Apo Hiking Society
Mayroon siyang estilong kanya lamang
Ang kanyang pagkababae ang dinadahilan
Pagsubok sa pag-ibig walang katapusan
‘Di naman daw nagdududa, naniniguro lang
Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa
Kahit ano’ng sabihin ng iba, minamahal ko siya,
Wala nang hahanapin pa
‘Di raw nagseselos ngunit nagbibilang
Nang oras ‘pag ako’y ginagabi
At biglang maamo ‘pag may kailangan
‘Pag nakuha na ikaw ay itatabi
Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa
Kahit ano’ng sabihin ng iba, minamahal ko siya,
Wala nang hahanapin pa
‘Di magpapatalo ‘pag mayroong alitan
‘Di aamin ng mali, magbabagong-isip lang
Ewan ko ba ngunit kahit ganyan siya,
Minamahal ko siya, wala nang hahanapin pa
Kahit ano’ng sabihin ng iba, sinasamba ko siya,
Minamahal ko pa, walang kaduda-duda,
Wala nang hahanapin pa
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Fact-Checking Angels & Demons: Lies, Damned Lies and Dan Brown
http://www.decentfilms.com/sections/articles/fact-checking-brown.html
Supposed errors in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons :)
But I still loooove the movie!!! :D
Supposed errors in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons :)
But I still loooove the movie!!! :D
Monday, April 20, 2009
Padingtun :D
Do you want to know the story behind Padingtun? :D----
Originally: (got this from the internet)
Paddington is a bear from Darkest Peru that gets sent to England and stays with the Brown family. His real name is Paddington Brown (he spells it Padingtun). He lives at 32 Windsor Gardens, London, England. He came from Darkest Peru, South America. Paddington likes eating marmalade, drinking cocoa. His Aunt Lucy has now gone to a home for retired bears in Lima. She is around 100 years old (50 human years). His uncle made his fortune selling cocoa to silver prospectors. Paddington's birthday is two, one on the 25th of June, and one on Christmas Day. Paddington's special powers has some very powerful stares that his Aunt taught him. And he carries a small suitcase around, complete with a secret compartment.
The Brown's are the family paddington lives with. Henry and Mary are married and have two children. Judy their daughter, who attends St. Christopher's boarding school. And Jonathan their son, he attends Farrowfield boarding school. and Mrs. Bird the live in housekeeper, "knows everything about everything".
And finally Mr. Gruber is the best of friends with Paddington, he is originally from Hungary. Mr. Gruber is a close friend of Paddington's who keeps an antique shop in Portobello market. He has been to South America as a boy. He is a kindly man who calls Paddington "Mr.Brown". He shares long chats with Paddington as they have buns and a cup of cocoa for their morning "elevenses". He has a huge library of books and is quite knowledgeable about many things. He gives frequent advice to Paddington and helps him with all his problems. Mr. Gruber is fond of saying "A problem shared is a problem halved"
Mr. Curry is the Brown's next door neighbor, a most unwelcome visitor because he is bad-tempered and always complaining about the least little thing which meets his disapproval. He has a reputation in the neighborhood for being mean and disagreeable and for poking his nose into other people's business. He likes getting something for nothing.-------
Our version:
(written in my old BLOG) Jan 21, 2006 :D
Nix and I went to ATC last Saturday. We were really not supposed to go, because we had things to do respectively and we’ve been constantly together so we had this common understanding (although unsaid) that we should have the weekend to our 'lone' selves. But he suddenly thought of going to ATC and who was I to resist? He is always simply irresistible. ; )
At the ATC, we chanced upon bearhuggs, the famous store where cute cuddly stuffed toys are sold. There was this cute bear which caught our attention. It was wearing a yellow sando with "i love you" written on it. It was so cute. I think Nix found it cute too, he ended up buying the stuffed toy for me, although I didn't really ask him to. I was so touched. ; ) We were like little kids. ; )
We named the bear "Padingtun", derived from my most recent favorite book, "A bear called Paddington."
--------And he has brought us joy since. :)
Wonders of Bicol! :)
I spent my entire highschool in Camarines Norte, a small and peaceful province in Bicolandia. I have a lot of Bicol memories and I owe it to Daet that I have lived a serene life during my ‘formative’ years.
Anyway, for this year’s holy week, Nixlove joined me and the family in Bicol for some Bicol express and ‘Kinunot’ ‘marathon’ haha! It’s Nixlove second visit to Bicol, the second of a series I must say. The first was historical though because it was where he "formally" asked me to marry him.
Anyway, for this year we went to Cayucyucan Island in nearby town Mercedes–a white-sand paradise that has long been there but I never got to explore when I was still living with my grandparents in Bicol.
How to go there?
Our family rented a jeep (there were about 20+ of us) for P1,200 (back and forth). It was a 45-minute rough road trip via Basud, anothe town in Camarines Norte. If you are a small group, I was told you can ride a jeepney to Mercedes then ride a boat which won’t take over 10 minutes. We settled at Palm beach and we didn’t pay for any entrance fee. We just rented a big cottage for 500 pesos. There are rooms as well but they were all fully-booked, given that it was Holy Week.
Tip: Go there early, lest you want to bathe in the not-so deep waters during noon. The beach is child friendly because it has little waves and would not even go over 3-4 feet during 10 am-4 pm. There are a lot of starfish too–you decide whether it should be something to be bothered about. 
We also went to Bagasbas beach, a popular beach in Daet. I’ve been there many times but it has improved over the years because local and international tourists have finally noticed its beauty. You can reach Bagasbas from the town capital through a 15-minute tricycle ride for about 40 pesos.
This is Nixlove testing our Yashica fx3-2000 slr film camera, a gift from Uncle Jojo. What a sunrise, what a view!
Notice that the waves are very conducive for surfing. We’ll try that out in our next visit and we’ll make sure our shoulders are not as burned again.
I am so proud to be Bicolana!
The Failon tragedy
Ok, this is a long-overdue post. A lot has been already said about the supposed suicide try of news anchor Ted Failon’s wife, Trina Arteche-Etong. And whether my opinion is valid or not–and altogether unsolicited: I believe it was really suicide. It would be hard for a daughter (just what Kaye Etong did) to admit her mother took her own life. And yes, this argument may be leaning on the emotional side but well, I felt that Failon was telling the truth.
The greatest tragedy here, however, lies with the Philippine National Police, or the Quezon City Police District specifically. Having covered the PNP–a beat I loved so much–for years makes me think what QCPD CIU people did was a nightmare. I know most policemen were not as rude. I have always believed that Mamang Pulis should be trusted and they are merely misunderstood, which probably roots from the negative portrayal of their jobs in Filipino movies.
The events last week, however, have proven that policemen have got to clean their ranks more than ever. The fact that Superintendent Franklin Mabanag (who had been a good source for breaking news info when I was covering the PNP) disrespected the grieving family of Failon makes me want to shout! I wouldn’t be surprised too if Trina came down from heaven and told people she gave up her battle with life upon hearing the commotion outside her hospital room.
I covered the inquest at the QC RTC for Failon’s househelps and sister-in-law for the obstruction of justice and witnessed how bad Mabanag treated Failon’s family, at least emotionally.
Trina’s sisters had to learn about her death at the QC RTC because they were forcibly taken away from her deathbed. And when Mean, Trina’s sister went hysterical (click for video) after learning Trina passed away, Mabanag would only say: “Bakit ako ba ang pumatay?” How insensitive can he be? Yes, he is a policeman and he ought to be tough. But being a policeman doesn’t mean you should be inhumane.
The suspension he and his men got serve them right. It’s about time they learn that death is a painful phase.
May Trina rest in peace. And for the first time, I want to see Failon back in TV Patrol. He needs justice too.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lomo
I'm thinking of selling my HOLGA 120GN. Used twice. Would anyone be actually interested? :)
Reason for (probable) selling: It's gathering dust at home (but still in perfect condition) because I'm using the Yashica fx3-2000 for my film photos. :)
Reason for (probable) selling: It's gathering dust at home (but still in perfect condition) because I'm using the Yashica fx3-2000 for my film photos. :)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
My kind of rockstar :p
The first two weeks of March have been so great: from the unforgettable Eraserheads concert to the Philosophy night where Nixlove played for several sets. But through all these, what I can say is: ang gwapo ng Nixlove ko! hahaha :)
I can't blog in detail now because I'm still sleepy but I can't let Nixlove's sweet deed pass. :)
Last night, before he peformed at the DL Umali in UPLB along with his co-teachers and Jeez bandmates, he wrote my name in his beloved guitar (of which I am sometimes jealous of haha!). :D He wrote my name and placed a heart beside it. :)
Mushy as it is, the feeling was heavenly. :) He wrote my name in his beloved instrument for all the world to see that he is taken and happy. :D teehee. :P
It was also funny that Nixlove had an Ely Buendia moment! After the show, a group of students approached Nixlove for a photo-op. haha! :) But of course, there will always be his one great fan:
(photos to follow, hihi). :)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
E-L-Y :)
Ok, I've never been this starstruck in a long time. Or should I say I've never been this starstruck in a decade. :D I've never been this giddy (except when it comes to Nixlove hihi) haha! :)
I covered the eulogy for the Master Rapper (a separate entry about this) and was expecting to see a lot of prominent people. It's part of the package and it could either be a gift or a curse--you encounter nice ones or you meet horrible ones.
But tonight, March 10, Ely Buendia, a known friend of Francis Magalona, went to the eulogy. When he got off the car, I was actually giddy but I didn't show it :p Instead, I phoned Nixlove and told him I find some resemblance in the way he and Ely moves. haha! :D
Anyway, two hours later, Ely left the church, evading the media. Other fans were barred from getting near our area so I had the best spot. I then cornered Ely not for an interview because I knew he won't be granting one. I just asked if he'd allow a photo with me and he smiled then smirked--after all he's from a funeral.
Here's what I got:
So, there. :) haha! thank heavens for my steady hand!!!! :D It's just been three days since the best concert ever and I have a photo with him already! hahahaha :) It would be nice to be a music journalist. Rock and roll!!! :)
I covered the eulogy for the Master Rapper (a separate entry about this) and was expecting to see a lot of prominent people. It's part of the package and it could either be a gift or a curse--you encounter nice ones or you meet horrible ones.
But tonight, March 10, Ely Buendia, a known friend of Francis Magalona, went to the eulogy. When he got off the car, I was actually giddy but I didn't show it :p Instead, I phoned Nixlove and told him I find some resemblance in the way he and Ely moves. haha! :D
Anyway, two hours later, Ely left the church, evading the media. Other fans were barred from getting near our area so I had the best spot. I then cornered Ely not for an interview because I knew he won't be granting one. I just asked if he'd allow a photo with me and he smiled then smirked--after all he's from a funeral.
Here's what I got:
So, there. :) haha! thank heavens for my steady hand!!!! :D It's just been three days since the best concert ever and I have a photo with him already! hahahaha :) It would be nice to be a music journalist. Rock and roll!!! :)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Beautiful Bohol! :)
I will definitely return to Bohol.
Surely five days will never be enough to explore its beautiful hills, pristine beaches, and its diverse wildlife.
We went to Bohol for the Peace and Conflict Journalism training (a separate post about this later) hence we were locked in the Bohol Plaza from Friday to Sunday. But the place is great so I had no worries about being jailed 
After the training, media friends Tin, Alcuin, Adrian and I (along with two new-found friends) toured Bohol. And it was one of the best things I did so far! I am so inlove with the place.
Our first stop was of course the Chocolate Hills.
Then we went to see the Tarsiers! Tarsiers are really small primates. They are cute and cuddly but nocturnal, so every time tourists see them during the day, it means disturbing them in their sleep. 
We also went to Baclayon church, a really reaaly old structure in Bohol.
And my favorite part of all is the Alona beach in Panglao!
Alona beach is all about crystal clear waters, fine white sand, and serenity.
We capped the trip with having lunch at Bee Farm where they serve delicious–er that’s an understatement–it is heavenly food.
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