A Bold Life

Last Viewing: My first “restraint” viewing

2009-07-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

In SPOON’s flyers, I described Janice de Belen as “the country’s well-loved actress and host”. Such description emanated from my personal memory of Janice in Flor de Luna and her exposure in talk shows.

Her hosting in SPOON has already earned positive reviews from various entertainment columnists. It redefined her as a host and somehow, she managed to “own” the cook and talk concept, a formula that I believe made NET 25, one of the stations to reckon with in the creation of boundary-breaking lifestyle TV programs.

Tonight, I watched the premiere of The Last Viewing, not only because I was invited to attend, but I was curious what she can deliver on the big screen. Will my image of Janice de Belen change again?

Yes, it did.

Viewing The Last Viewing will let you see a different Janice de Belen.

Definitely not the one you saw in Flor de Luna, or the sister in SIS or the engaging celebrity talk show host in SPOON.

Restraint. That’s how I describe the movie.

Janice in the movie commands you to control your emotions. For several occasions, I was in the brink of crying, but for some reason, Janice’s controlled character makes you hold it back.

This is not a melodramatic movie. Not a heavy drama. But the real deal is that it’s captivatingly real!

Kaya masakit the dibdib. I think it was the director and writer’s intention. You are confined, even imprisoned to be tough and in one of the dialogues, to be heartless.

From finish to end, Janice commanded self-possession, trying to unlock her feelings by showing some weakness but moderates it with just a simple tear or a regular sob but not totally breaking down.

I even hated her character in various scenes to the point that my mind is shouting, “okay lang yan, umiyak ka ng umiyak, ilabas mo!” but in some scenes, my mind says, “ba’t di ka umiiyak? Ba’t di ka nagwawala? Ba’t di ka hysterical?”

May taong ganun eh, di komo hindi sila umiiyak, hindi na sila nasasaktan. Di lang talaga sila iyakin.

Janice portrayed the “heartless” character with consistency, defying expectations of an emotional, unstable single mother who lost her special child.

Some scenes of Janice with Leandro reminded me of Meryl Streep in Bridges in Madison County where Meryl simply touched her hair or smiled meekly to flirt. Janice used very effective acting techniques to communicate that she is interested with Leandro and showed the same acting abilities when learning that she misunderstood his intentions and actuations.

Di maarte ang arte pero ramdam mo ang damdamin ni Janice as Laura.

Janice has conveyed coldness as effective as the other images in the movie - morgue, cremation, funeral, dead. But the writer also penned scenes to evoke laughter and warmth. But still done with restraint.

It is this kind of restraint by the director, writer and Janice and the rest of the cast that made my chest palpitate with a heavy heart.

Gusto ko nang umiyak pero pigil. Gusto ko nang sumigaw pero dapat ka lang bumulong. Gusto mong matakot pero di puwede dahil di naman siya thriller, pero ba’t ang pakiramdam ay suspense.

For the use of commanding restraint and moderation, I greatly admire the director and writer.

And Janice de Belen?

Her serious, powerful acting in Last Viewing makes me think that this is not her last in the big screen.

This film is just the beginning.

Stranded in Boracay

2009-05-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

Stranded sounds negative. Marooned is a better word.

So what do you do when you’re stranded in Boracay?

Here are some ideas.

1. Watch Rachel Lobangco play with fire.
The flame in her fire dance matched her copper-toned skin. She’s the famous girl behind the She-boom TV commercial and Boracay’s adopted celebrity.

2. Look like a foreigner.
I covered the 3rd International Dragon Boat festival opening right infront of the Boracay Regency.

3. Have dinner with an Ambassador.
I enjoyed a sumptuous meal with the Special Envoy to China, Ambassador Alfredo Yao and ZestAir Chief Operating Officer, Captain Tabora.

4. Get ‘adopted’ by the owners of Ambassador in Paradise Resort.
Dutch Joop Van Der Tak and Filipina wife Nikki Van Der Tak are not only exceptional hosts. The couple are serious investors, just what the country needs at this time.

5. Step into this pair of odd-looking sleepers.

I tried a pair at the Talipapa.

6. Enjoy Inasal at D Talipapa.
Too much fine dining makes being stranded too boring.

7. Eat special food.
Special in the sense that it’s the resort owner herself who cooked the meals. The Van der Tak children asks special orders from Mommy Nikki.

8. Kumain ng nakakamay.
Daing, tuyo, talong, isda, pusit, nilagang itlog. All these tasted differently when eaten in a windy restaurant that overlooks one of the greatest beachfronts of Boracay.

10. Read a project management book.
Near Fridays…

Near Discovery Shores…

And at my favorite spot at the Ambassador in Paradise…

9. Continue reading the book.
Learn new management concepts from LogFrames, hierarchy of objectives, causal logic...mga terms na nakakaubos ng buhok...
In front of the sari-sari store.

Pati sa bukana ng Talipapa.

10. If you find Boracay views too beautiful, just imagine you’re at the Driftwood Public Beach.
Take note Nizza. Enjoy the jologs crowd in Station 2 near 3.

11. Watch a Dutch celebrate birthday with family.
The lechon served was crispy. It was a simple celebration yet full of love and care, sans the show off that’s typical in society.

12. Pose like a hunk at the beachfront.
I tried with lovely friends Anita, Business Manager of Moments and Flovs, Director of Homepage.

13. Help Save Boracay!
We documented the beach erosion, one of the major problems of the island. Ambassador owner Nikki Van der Tak shows us the visual status of the beach erosion.

It’s almost a meter in this drainage which was unexposed some time ago. The ocean is slowly eating up the beach of Boracay. An internet site said “Boracay without its white beach is like the ocean without its water – nothing”.

Palm trees are also victims of beach erosion. Soon after the waves “reclaim” the beachfront, palm trees like this will disappear.

Resort owners like Joop resort to sand bags to protect the beachfront and not to haul white sand. Government offices, local authorities including the police must help these resort owners to protect Boracay. Public and private sector must collaborate for people like us to continue enjoying what is left in this paradise island. Harrassment, protection of vested interests and jealousy are unnecessary. Common interest to preserve Boracay glory must prevail.

14. Be a fashionista.
Have a photo shoot with Rachel Lobangco look-a-like. Anyone can be a fashionista when in Boracay. Accessories at 10 pesos, beach wear at 50 pesos.

Just avoid crazy and bad taste photos like this. For the sake of fun, I'm posting it for a little humour (after that mind-boggling LogFrame).

15. Magpakaturista.
Have a pic in almost all of the establishments including Boracay Regency and Boracay Peninsula.

16. Capture father and son star-gazing.
Enzo, come to Kuya!!!

17. Watch your wife and sons shown on MOMents at NET 25.
It was Lyra’s turn to share her momstyle. Ambassador Resort has LCDs even at the bathroom.

18. Sleep well in Ambassador’s softy, sweet smelling beddings.
Wake up and update your facebook courtesy of the resort’s wi-fi.

19. Meet dentist friend’s brother.
After the worship service at the grand house of worship in Boracay, I met Frederick Ibanez with his wife who were spending good time at Station 1 with their friends.

20. Enjoy the boat ride leaving the island.

21. Get a VIP treatment from the ZestAir frontline staff.
Compared to the first time we had an encounter with them, they were now very accommodating, gracious, smiling and very approachable. Thanks to Nikki Van der Tak of Ambassador Resort, CEO Amb. Yao and COO Captain Tabora.

Before getting stranded on this island, I had a long experience with Ro-ro.
Have fun signing your name in the Passenger’s Manifesto.

The sail was smooth. Humid. Not so bad, actually it was fun. Only that it was a 16-hour travel from Manila to Caticlan, roll on-roll out. And we're almost awake for 48 hours.

I look forward to being stranded on this island again.

Fallen American waves Philippine flag

2009-04-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

Philippine boxing warriors Denver Cuello and Sonny Boy Jaro are the reasons why my
phone and email was in touch with Solar Entertainment's COO Peter Chan. Their winning is worth all the effort. Catch the Filipino boxers' string of triumphs in NET 25's replay of the event tomorrow (April 20) at 10 pm.

And they did it fast. The new WBC international minimumweight champion Cuello finished off his Japanese rival Matsumoto's winning streak in Round 4.

Jaro, on the other hand, stopped his opponent in 1 minute and 14 seconds.

The Hawaiian Puncher turns Pinoy Puncher

Of the featured fights in The Flash and The Furious at the Araneta Coliseum today, it was Brian Viloria's fight with Ulises Solis to snatch the IBF light flyweight crown that got to my nerves.

Solis looked unbeatable with his serious and professional stare. In the middle of the fight, Viloria was getting the punches and was slowing down.

At that point, the chubby guy infront of me kept shouting as if he was Viloria's coach in the corner:

"Igalaw mo ang ulo mo!"

"Hawaiian dance!"

"Wag ka sa corner!"

"Upper-cut!"

I felt how the people of Araneta supported the man. The Araneta was not only shouting when his punches reached his opponent known to be the Filipino Executioner. At some points when he looked weak, people chanted "Viloria, Viloria", boosting his morale.

Faith of a fighter

Honestly, I even entertained the idea that Viloria may not be able to win the title from Solis, a very strong opponent. Thrice, Viloria was saved by the bell after intense beating from Solis.

But my wife, a martial artist herself, kept saying, "he has it, all he needs is faith". He has made Solis's face ooze with blood, left and right.

And yes, it was faith that made him knock his opponent down.

It was an unbelievable sight seeing a fallen defender. His strong staying power finally gave in. After falling on his knees, he laid down on his back, several moments passed before he was seated in a stool.

It was an emotional win for Brian Viloria.

The Mexicans were crying. The handsome Mexican faces who were coaching and assisting their fighter Solis were all wiping their tears. These moments were not captured by the camera.

If I felt fear in Viloria's fight, I felt the will to fight in Nonito Donaire's defense of his title as IBF light flyweight champion to the undefeated Raul "Cobrita" Martinez.

The Filipino Flash

Donaire's opponent has a bigger body, showed more muscles and seemed to be intimidating.

But Donaire? Man, he showed the form, stance and class of a boxing strategist.

Unlike Viloria, he was moving, running and always checking his distance.

When Martinez's punches reached Donaire, the Filipino Flash, in a flash, unleashed the fury of his fists to make the Cobra fall thrice.

Ayun, tapos na. Kaya nakakabitin.

On the way out, a guy from the box shouted "Mr. Referree, why did you stop the fight"?

The referee responded, "he was tired".

The American Martinez, like the Mexicans, cried.

But he cried with pride.

And here is an American while downed by a Filipino fighter, displayed unparalleled respect and sportsmanship by raising and waving the Philippine flag to the admiration and applause of thousands of sports-loving Filipinos present at the Araneta...

...including Vice President Noli de Castro, MMDA Chairman, Mayor JV Estrada, former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada and the famous boxing promoter Bob Arum.

Colors of myBORA

2009-04-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

Matikas yan Ser,

the two lady guards said when they noticed I swallowed by breath upon seeing the 19-seater SeAir, dwarfed by the much bigger ZestAir plane bound to Boracay.

"Yan po ang sinasakyan ni Kris Aquino, si KC Concepcion!" And she joked, tingnan nyo Ser, buhay pa sila!"

I then took nature's call, as I learned that there was no comfort room in the aircraft.

To my surprise, the flight and the landing was so far one of the smoothest ones I have ever experienced. I almost asked our staff to have a picture with the pilot as we disembarked.

Boracay is a visual feast, not only on ground. Even from the skies, it claims its right to be one of the best beaches in the world.

I love Boracay!

I kept shouting "I love Boracay!, I love Boracay!" on this boat which ferried my team from Caticlan to the Jetty Port on the island. It was my second time on this beautiful paradise but there is still something in it that continues to excite me. This boat gave me a hint that orange will be the dominating color of my stay.

Owned by the unassuming and soft-spoken Dutch guy, Joop Van der Tak married to humble Filipina, Nikki Van der Tak, "Ambassador in Paradise Resort" gives justice to the word 'paradise'.

It has a native look yet evokes a contemporary appeal. It combines designs of wood, twigs, tigbao, bamboo, rattan, nipa and other indigenous materials, both natural and synthetic with modern construction amenities resulting to a unique ambiance that attracts various walk-ins of foreigners who avail of its high-end rates, lowest at 10,300 a night.

The aesthetic impact of the Ambassador vista, both exterior and interior, leave an indelible mark to one's senses.

It experience is laid-back, exclusive, elegant and completely luxurious. And mind you, it's not finished yet! Not even officially launched at that!

Indeed, Nikki and hubby give their neigbouring resorts a run for their money.

The morning hues of Bora

Nothing changed here. Every beautiful word that people mentioned about Boracay still rings true. Every graphic detail in every magazine that wrote how picturesque this island remains the same.

It's the hues of Boracay that constantly changes. Every hour, every minute, every second. Below is a sampling of the changing hues of Boracay captured by my iPhone.

From shades of gray and tint of yellow.

To sand that blends color with the light blue sky.

Brighter shade slowly lights up creeping into the morning's blue hue.

Without me frolicking in the beach, this would have been some colors of 'Amorsolo'.

This trio is unmindful of the vanishing gradients of blue.

Palettes of pastel paint the sky, sand and sea.

Emerald green contours the view of the horizon.

The morning sun reveals the silhoutte of one of Boracay's most photographed backdrops.

A burst of colors from a tent, reflected by silver food trays.

The stillness of the lush greenery is balanced by the gentle ripples of the lake.

Bancas add more color and drama to the sights at sea.

The island's vibrant colors captured by this cameraman in its all-day changing of tones.

My yellow shirt contrasts with the color of the royal Dutch.

The dark roots kiss always kiss the Bora waters.

This tropical beach house is made more picturesque by the even blue sky.

The brown beach beds lined up for body tanning or people watching.

Love and romance turn to gold as couples view the sunset.

My souvenir is Boracay in a Bottle. A reminder of my bare feet's romance with the white and powdery treasure of the island.

Copper crops up as the dominant motif at dawn.

The blinding sun awash the majestic church spires with silvery shine.

Hot Bora

The heat from Bora does not only come from the big bright sun. It comes from the bodies found in Bora that makes temperatures rise. Dark-skinned, tanned, fair, fat, sexy, flat-chested, well-endowed, voluptuous. Locals, Americans, Europeans, Asians. It is truly a melting pot. And what makes the place hot is that there is as much skin as you see as much as pieces of clothing. And with the allure of the best beach in the world, the place is the best spot for appreciating human anatomy, including my friends' aboriginal body shapes and colors.

I communed with nature as I walked along the sandbar to satisfy my musings with the sea.

I raised my arms to signify my shout of praise that I am here, again, to see Boracay with new eyes.

Then I mentally reserved the best beach seat in this paradise soothing my wife's back pains...

...and wished that my sons, like these kids will soon be able to touch, feel and walk on the finest sand in the best beach in the world.

Bakit nga ba Tribe?

2009-03-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

As per Seth's definition, a tribe is a group of people, big or small, that is connected to one another. It is connected to a leader. And it is connected to an idea.

NET 25’s Tribe has all the elements of a tribe.

A tribe is a group of people connected to one another.

The artists, painters and photographers in this exhibit, in one way or the other, know each other. We have featured most of them in our coverage of visual arts. And they have known and followed each other's works through NET 25’s Tribe TV program. It is through them that the idea of an exhibit came about. Through there own connections, they have spread the word about this event.

A tribe is connected to a leader.

Again the artists, painters and photographers here are not followers. We consider them as the microleaders of our Tribe because they have influenced us to stage this exhibit. Without their agreement and contribution, this event is not possible. It was them who led us to the concept of Earth and Art.

A tribe is connected to an idea.

The artists, painters and photographers are linked to our idea that earth and art is cool. That it is not a corny idea to help save the earth through art.

We share a common interest and that is what we are celebrating today. That interest turns into a movement, into a concerted action, to embrace change through NET 25's TRibe.

And we are fortunate that the microleaders of TRIBE will make us appreciate the protection and conservation of the earth through their art.

We are honored that the tribe of artists, painters and photographers that we are featuring today use this TRIBE event as a way to communicate their ideas and worthy thoughts about the environment.

Pero ang TRIBE ay hindi lamang pang-visual arts.

The concept of the show takes us to anything, almost everything under the sun.

Marami pang mga lider ng TRIBE ang aming makikilala, makikita at makakasalamuha - may dala-dalang mga pagbabago, ideya, konsepto at impormasyon.

Kaya nais naming kayong anyayahan na panoorin ang TRIBE araw araw sa NET 25, alas siete y media ng gabi, para sa mga replays, mag-log-on sa www.net-25.com

Kilalanin ang ating kultura, ang ating pagka-Pilipino at ang buhay natin bilang mga Pinoy.

Sa TRIBE na tayo!

A jewel of a night

2009-02-28T02:11:00.000-08:00

Emily Abrera was right.

The CCP Chairman and probably the most accomplished and respected woman in Philippine advertising said that the performance left her breathless and indeed, “words are superfluous”.

The show RUBIES: Gems of Philippine Performing Arts, was true to its name - sparkling, gleaming with world-class talent that is rich and deep.

Emily led the toast to CCP's 40 years with this bamboo cup, emblazoned on it the 40 peebles turning to rocks then to a boulder that is now the foundation that supports the excellence in Philippine arts and music.

Bumping into Nes Jardin, CCP President during the first intermission, I can’t help but ask him how long the whole material was put together.

“Two months”, he said.

“These are excerpts of memorable works of CCP and I even danced some of them!”, Nes enthused.

Starting from the 40^th Anniversary overture, I was awed by the montage of nostalgic photos and videos that showed the plan, construction and inauguration of CCP. That was the year I was born.

It was an extraordinary night of great talent that showcased original works in Filipino music, dance and theater, from the classics to the contemporary.

I admire the narrations of Robert Arevalo and Shaimaine Buencamino who reminded the meaning of CCP’s 40 years including during the times of political upheavals and economic downturns.

They were all there – 3000 members of the cast. Gems of highly creative talent and excellence that contribute to this country’s pride.

It’s been 40 years. And mind you, the CCP with its theme Life Begins Anew, is just in the beginning.

Well as for me, my precious moment was to be with the grand dame of Philippine advertising, the CCP President and a National Artist in one jewel of a night!

National Artist for Film Eddie Romero was the night's most precious guest.

Watch out for Blanche and Emiluz as they annotate how glittery and grandiose this event was in NET 25's TRIBE, the show on Pinoy life, culture and lifetsyle.

Yokoso Japan!

2009-01-29T03:53:00.000-08:00

Sumimasen. Excuse me.

Wakarimasen. I don’t understand.

Gomen nasai. Sorry.

These phrases in my Berlitz handbook came in very handy. It became as important as my passport when I was in Japan.

Sundown

To be photographed behind the setting sun with the Japanese revered Mt. Fuji as my backdrop is one my most precious moments in the Land of the Rising Sun.

If Filipinos are known for their hospitality, the Japanese people show the values of respect and discipline.

I had to keep my trash in my hands, bags and pocket and just had to dispose them in designated garbage bins. Mapapagaya ka eh, di ka basta-basta makakita ng basura at basurahan.

Silence

Here, silence is also a means to communicate.

On the train going to Kawasaki, all I can hear was my breathing, the opening of the train doors and the chirping of birds at every station.

Unlike in Hongkong where people talk a lot on their cellphones, the Japanese are also engaged in their handsets, but not with their tounges, but with their thumbs.

Akihabara

It is the technology town that’s known in the world and I was lucky to stay right at the center of it.

The Yodobashi-Akiba seemed to be just a plain building but right inside is an orgasmic display of all the tools and gadgets that make you salivate with desire.

It’s also like the United Nations. I saw people from various nations, speaking their native tounges.

It had been my ritual to stroll the streets of Akihabara in very very cold November mornings.

The REMM Experience

The massage chair and the toilet and bath.

These made the hotel Remm Akihabara most memorable.

Taking a hot bath in the glass-paneled bathroom is the sleekest bathing experience I have ever had.

Remm Akihabara is ranked 9th among 45 prestigious hotels in this region of Japan.

Human animes

Are some Japanese copying the animes or are these animes modeled after these Japanese?

Some of the Japanese dress and look like animes.

Restaurants featuring their waitresses in striking uniforms are a hit in Japan.

They even have specialty stores that cater to this specific fetish.

Chiba, Japan

I attended Japan’s version of the NAB Show in Las Vegas. It was held at the breezy Makuhari.

Although the papers announced recession in Japan when I was there, the fact remains that there is a narrow gap between their rich and poor.

Meaning, blue collar workers can buy luxury vehicles like Benz, Audi and Porche as easy as the white collar ones.

So, if you scrub the floor, hey you can be as corporate and fashionable as a Makati stock broker.

Japan, indeed, was not only a technology world, it was also the center of fabulous fashion. Men in this part of the earth sport bags the way women adore them, like a must-have accessory.

I reary reary rike ra prace...Gustong-gusto ko talaga ang lugar...

The Father of the Bride

2009-01-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

I have heard him sing but never so mesmerized when he sang for his baby girl’s wedding.

Almost a senior citizen, the quality of his voice, surprisingly remains there. Like wine, the older it gets, the bolder the spirit.

Armed with his youthful looks (thanks to the dC genes), he stood up there on stage.

He initially blabbered some things, not even audible at first.

Ayun, parang wala lang.

But when he sang the first two lines, the world stopped.

There's two things I know for sure: She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.

Everybody listened.

There were photos of the baby girl on the screen at the end of the hall.

But nobody paid attention to the dissolving childhood photos of the bride.

All eyes were to the Father of the Bride.

He was not even on the second stanza when the gazes turned to the bride.

She's looking like her mama a little more everyday One part woman, the other part girl. To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls Trying her wings out in a great big world.

The bride was covering her whole beautiful face with the white napkin.

She didn’t care about her make-up, she was crying profusely.

And the hall was crying with her.

From the end of the hall, I jumped from my seat.

Went near the platform and captured the Father of the Bride’s moment.

All the precious time Like the wind, the years go by. Precious butterfly. Spread your wings and fly.

I scanned the area, I saw people wiping their tears.

Men, women, young, old.

An old balding photographer approached me while I was savoring the moment.

His name is Sam and we don’t seriously talk especially about emotions.

And he whispered,

“Kapag ikinasal na yung anak ko. Hindi ko alam ang mangyayari sa akin”.

The Father of the Bride did something to make the bride cry more.

He went up the platform beside her and sang:

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bright room just staring at her.

She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl." She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there, Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair "Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time." "Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"

I scanned the hall again, people were teary-eyed, some gently wiping tears, afraid to ruin their make-up.

The bride wrapped her slender arms to her father’s waist.

Parang afraid to lose his father beside her.

Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right. To deserve your love every morning and butterfly kisses- I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.

And for the second time, the Father of the Bride gave her baby girl to the groom.

She gently pushed the bride to the groom, maybe asking her to sit down with the groom who was sitting the whole time as he gives the moment to his father-in-law.

But the Bride refused to sit and refused to move away from her Father.

With this cue, the handsome groom moved to his bride with her father.

The Bride was clutching her groom and refused to let go of her arms to his Father’s waist.

I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.

At the end of the song, the bride clasped her both arms in her Father’s.

I can’t forget that sight of a crying pretty face.

Still lovely with a messed up make up, she embraced him tightly. So tight to distort her face.

That point, I didn't see the face of a Bride. I saw the face of a baby girl embracing her father.

She didn’t open her mouth. Both arms clasped under the father's arms.

And she closed her eyes.

The Father of the Bride, all throughout the moment, managed to control his emotions.

But his face, his song, his movements tell it all --

He will miss his daughter.

Fer will miss his baby girl Faye.

I may have missed the Obama Moment last night but thank you Faye, Boyet and Ka Fer for sharing your moment to me and my baby girl Lyra.

Hacienda Bonifacia

2009-01-03T03:52:00.000-08:00

It's not in the google map.

But it will forever be imprinted in my heart and mind as the parcel of land that lavished my family with life's most precious luxuries -- the whiff of sweet, fresh and cold air, the soothing comfort of a cogon hut, the shade of young trees. And most of all, the memory of a minister and the love and voice of a widowed 76-year old mother.

It is from her that this place was named after.

A preacher's wife

Hacienda refers to a large estate but in Hacienda Bonifacia which is barely a hectare it can only refer to the greatness of faith of a woman who bore two daughters and six sons, mostly volunteer workers.

As a preacher's wife, she has suffered all the persecutions and pains. From Mountain Province and Nueva Vizcaya to finally settling in Pangasinan, she had demonstrated the resoluteness and strength of a dutiful wife and a tireless mother.

We all love her and adore her and wish and pray that she gets what she wants--to stay alive in meeting the Lord Jesus Christ in His second coming. Not that she feared death but with a cracking voice, teardrops fell when she told me that this is her pact with her only living sister, now based in Canada.

Nanay is fifth from left in the group photo.

Her words told me that my mother wants to fight physical death and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. And she does enjoy it on her own little ways -- buying fancy accessories, sorting ukay-ukay, watering her orchids and other plants, washing the dishes, and her latest architectural achievement- building a 2-story cogon hut with my sister, now the most exciting attraction here in Hacienda Bonifacia!

Fresh air come in and out of the cogon hut. At night, the kids even bring the TV set in the area and transform the kubo into an entertainment centre.

Temptation under the mango tree

From December 30, 2008 to January 3, 2009, I must admit that my will power weakened and fell into temptation.

How can I resist pinakbet, sinigang, pritong tilapia, dahon ng ampalaya - all served with hot rice under a mango tree? Hacienda Bonifacia offers a picnic garden setting three times a day!

Yes, I succumbed to the deadly sin of gluttony but hey, it was mostly for a vegetarian serving freshly picked from the farm. Desserts served include fresh mangoes, melon, bananas and pineapples. I have dined in first-class hotels but not one can topple the servings here at Hacienda Bonifacia.

Mapapakamay ka sa sarap!

The chef in Hacienda Bonifacia is my sister Mayla. If my mother has a green thumb, my sister has the natural culinary gift. She can transform the most ordinary dish into a sumptuous mouth-watering gastronomic journey. As my late father would always say "pampalawag ti panagkita" (makes your eyesight clear).

I totally set aside my Herbalife diet and indulged myself into the sinful orgy of a flavorful provincial cuisine. The ecstacy begins with the morning breakfast topped by a luncheon feast reaching a climactic end during supper in a wooden table under an 8-watt bulb shelled in a capiz receptacle. Walang sinabi ang candle light!

Bought from Greenhills, the ten capiz lights completely changed the mood at Hacienda Bonifacia. Scattered among the young trees and brighly lights up the cogon hut, they offered a resort-like ambiance that evoked a happy, snappy and jolly spirit.

Insect eating

This year I also challenged myself ala fear factor by eating something exotic -- an insect locally known as ararawan (cricket). It's an expensive delicacy and so far it was juicy, crisp and worth the experience.

Acop Dam

A couple of kilometers from Hacienda Bonifacia is Acop Dam. I have been in Acop all throughout my life but I never knew that such a man-made and natural reserve existed. Site of regional, offers a picturesque view of still water, rocks, shrubs and mini-forest.

I can never forget the sight of my kids as they screamed at the top of their lungs while throwing stones at the still waters.

My sister's kids and my two sons (in front) gamely carry Mayla for posterity. It was a coincidence that they were all wearing shades of blue.

It was on a hill in this site that I captured my precious Amorsolo!

Cozy place

Hacienda Bonifacia is about 4 kilometers from the bayan. It's pride now is a cozy place called Cozy resort. Its inviting pools, slides and chairs and its cozy nipa hut was a hit to my kids.

My brother-in-law Zaldy and his daughter Zayla blew their candles as they shared a birthday cake.

About a five-minute walk from Hacienda Bonifacia is the Oria ancestral home.

Photo shows my niece Ningning in one of its capiz windows.

When I was a kid I used to wax and scrub its floors, up and down. Looking at its walls is nostalgic specially from a window that shows the contrasting colors of its roof against the brown soil, green fields and the imposing Mt. Balungao on the horizon.

I describe it now as houses within a house because each corner has its own motif and make-up that projects the era that each additional element was built. It combines the old with the new and the new with the old.

Now immortalized on its walls are the many memories including proof of my affinity with NET 25's Neil Maristela. Wedding photo shows Kuya Lito (my first cousin and Ate Elma, sister of Neil Maristela).

A visit in Hacienda Bonifacia is not complete without a courtesy call to the patriarch of the Oria clan, Kuya Ador who celebrates his birthday on January 6.

Shown in the photo is Kuya Ador and Ate Rosing with their one and only grandchild from their one and only child, Adrian.

During this vacacion grande, it had been a tradition, every 5:30 pm, to tune it to ABS-CBN's TV Patrol Northern Luzon Edition to watch its professional fresh face who delivers the important news, events and happenings in this region.

Jing Ramos Vallejos.

And she happens to be my niece.

Who can ever imagine that this young girl, fresh from the New Era University could land in one of the most coveted and high-pressure jobs in the country? Who can ever imagine that this Production Assistant who used to hold the idiot boards in NET 25's SPOON show now rule the primetime slot in Northern Luzon in ratings?

As a media practititioner myself, media management can be very mean, choosy, strict and critical in selecting the face that they want the network branding to be.

I am a very proud Tito, even if she works for a competing station, that my niece was able to pass all the standards required for her job. It was, I'm sure a tough competition. I believe that what won her the job was her grit, passion and faith.

However, while it is a high profile job, it is a low-paying work. I just hope that she maintains the right course because life is indeed, full of surprises and opportunities. Loren Legarda used to be a news reader as well and look where she is now?

Jing, you make us all proud!

My last photo for this blog entry is for my sister Mayla and her husband Zaldy. Every detail in our vacation in Hacienda Bonifacia was enjoyable. Although there were a lot of faults and problems and pains in 2008, my memory of the year was blissful because of this loving couple.

May God grant you the good health and happiness!

With your faith and the way you love our Nanay Bonifacia our how you take care of her Hacienda, I am sure God will always grant you peace.

Towering Tokyo

2008-12-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

The most arresting, the most impressive and the most breath-taking sight in my trip to Japan is at the Tokyo Tower.

So panoramic that it offers you 360 degrees of unimaginable horizon of skyscrapers and structures made of steel and glass.

Most dramatic at the farthest part of the horizon in the tower’s west side is the mysterious Mt. Fuji, partly hidden by thin clouds during that morning of my visit.

Seven TV stations transmit their waves from the Tower. One of my major objectives is to visit the actual transmitter sites of the TV stations here and TBS TV was very gracious to give me a tour to their state-of-the-art facilities.

At 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 13 meters. It is celebrated as the world’s tallest self-supporting tower.

Climbing the Special Observatory is a combination of steep stairs and smooth elevator ride.

At this high point of the tower, I can’t help but admire the excellence, creativity and modernity of the Japanese. At the same time, I can’t but thank God that He made me reach this point, literally and figuratively, to witness the wonders of this world.

A Chokin Jar with the drawing of the Tokyo Tower is the precious souvenir I bought from Tokio 333. Just a few steps from the souvenir shop, I had a sumptuous Chinese buffet in one of Tokyo Tower’s restaurants – the best of both worlds.

Speaking of panoramic view of magnificent buildings, Hong Kong and Singapore where I’ve been to don’t have it. Japan has it all!

Kouyou

2008-11-27T01:43:00.001-08:00

There is nothing extraordinary about my first flight via NorthWest except that I was seating in the window side, beside the Exit Door. With my seating, I was lucky to join the Business Class passengers who had to board the plane first.

Seeing Japan from above is something that I highly anticipated. From the skies, you can see how organized the Japanese are with the way the houses, roads and bridges are arranged. It somehow follows a pattern that seems to be well-planned.

But what struck me most are the pockets of mini-forests that display brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Some trees seem to be burning with their red leaves.

I found out that they call this season Kouyou - the fall foliage where the leaves change their color and provides stunning hues that are awe-inspiring.

Thus, I really took time to be photographed behind these "burning trees".

Makuhari Messe

2008-11-26T20:33:00.000-08:00

Makuhari Messe is a trade exhibition hall located in Chiba Prefecture in Japan.

From Akihabara, I took two trains going to this place to attend Inter BEE 2008, upon the invitation of Japan's Association of Radio Industries and Businesses.

It was my first trip in a country that requires a VISA. I've been to Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia - all these require no VISA for entry.

The exhibit started in November 19 and ended in November 21, 2008.

Inter BEE

2008-11-20T04:13:00.001-08:00

This is the real e-life!

Attending the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition here in Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan is mind-blowing.

The future is here!

Beautiful Japan

2008-11-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

It's my third day here in Japan.

I can't describe it yet but the nearest in my mind now is that it's amazing and beautiful.

It's overwhelming.

It is the future!

5 days before the 3rd of November

2008-10-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

It's the morning of October 27.

I was at Martan, Quezon City with my family.

Blessed with a prayer that has been extended to my whole clan, including my wife's.

I am sharing 4 photos and the 3 most important faces in my life taken during this day.

5 days before my birthday...

iUse iPhone

2008-10-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

WOW!

It comes in a very sleek, stylish box.

Design is classy and minimalist.

I have the 16GB, black.

October 24 was my iPhone day.

It was good that the 25th and 26th are weekends. I barely had any sleep.

Tinkering on the iPhone is one great experience!

Mapapa-wow ka talaga!

Davao under the sea

2008-10-24T03:37:00.000-07:00

The marker says “unbelievable as it may seem, the land you are standing on was under the sea millions of years ago. These taklobo shells right here at Jack’s Ridge, are silent witness to Davao’s watery past”.

Jack’s Ridge is one of the high points of Davao that offers a panoramic view of the city.

The home of “royalties”, in my travel this October 2008, was a gastronomic trip. I don’t remember I ate as I was trying to maintain a diet.

So imagine how guilty I felt everytime I was tempted to taste Davao’s culinary treasures. It started with breakfast at Probinsiya with its tagline taste of home. In the middle of the travel was dinner at Luz Kinilaw. Then before the end of the trip, lunch was savored at Belly and a night tour at the fruit stalls to taste the King of Exotic fruits.

It was in Davao that I tasted for the second time, the foul smelling fruit Durian. And I must tell you, it tastes better the second time around. We joked, “sa una, para ka lang kumakain ng tae, sa pangalawa, lasang tae na may gatas na!”

What was unforgettable to me in Davao is probably the biggest bed and the softest and the most comfortable beddings I have ever slept into. Kodus to the Microtel Inn & Suites and to Globe Telecom’s Toni for arranging the accommodations.

Puma and Beijing Olympics

2008-10-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

Sounds eerie but i just knew and felt that I will win that PUMA travelling bag that August day!

That 11,000-peso bag, the grand raffle prize for the media and special guests, is what I partook from the 2008 Beijing Olympics frenzy courtesy of the global sport lifestyle brand and Spiral, the very sophisticated Asian inspired Spiral of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

It was a send-off to the Philippine contingent to the Olympics as they were feted on the eve of their departure for Beijing.

Not only that I had the chance to dine with the members of the Philippine Olympic Committe led by its Chairman Peping Cojuangco, I went home travelling in style!

Also chatted with Puma Marketing Manager who told me that the bag is not out in the market during that time yet.

I'm using it in my travels lately and I like the feel of carrying it with its tight grip.

EDSA Revolution

2008-10-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

I was definitely not in EDSA.

I was in Barotac Nuevo, Ilo-ilo.

During the height of People Power that toppled the Marcos era, I was in 4th year high school, official delegate to the National Secondary Schools Press Conference held at the Barotac Nuevo Comprehensive High School.

Winning the Individual Highest Pointer Award at the Division Level, going to this place all the way from Luzon is probably one of the greatest achievements of a high school student from Region 2.

So when I had the chance, after 21 years to pass by this place, I had to stop and reminisce one of the most memorable experiences of my childhood not only as a student but as a Filipino citizen.

While our region from Cagayan Valley were worried and sad, most people in Ilo-ilo and Region 6 were celebrating, dancing on the streets as news came that the Marcoses had fled the country to Hawaii.

It was such a culture shock for me and my two other classmates who had the privilege to travel in Ilo-ilo duting that time.

In the middle of the Ms. NSSPC Pageant, the mayor made an abrupt announcement that we will extend our stay in Barotac Nuevo because airports and seaports are closed. "But don't worry, we will shoulder your food and accommodation", the mayor triumphantly said.

Behind me in the pic is where I slept in double-deck along with many delegates.

We slept in the grass too, while we look at the stars, trying to be poetic as we compose our thoughts, about this wonderful experience.

I was happy, I felt wonderful and nostalgic.

I savored the 5-minute stop I had in front of this school.

I smelled the air and imprinted this memory for my thoughts to enjoy.

Cagayan de Oro

2008-10-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

Cagayan de Oro has a lot of labels - your gateway to Northern Mindanao, The ICT goldmine of the Philippines, City of golden friendship.

So in my presentation at the SBC Venue along Kauswagan, CDO, I used them all and added another label - not only is CDO the city of golden friendship, it is the city of opportunities. In fact, CDO holds the record of the highest Sub-dealer sign-ups for the NET 25 myACCESS.

Fresh juices at Sunburst is unforgettable. The crab at Mindy's is mouth-watering.

Taob ang Malate sa Divisoria ng CDO. The Divisoria Night Cafe and Market is CDO's version of Mongkok in HongKong ang nightlife in Malate. What's amazing is that at daytime, it is totally desserted. It happens to be the main street of a highly commercialized area and transforms only into a vibrant, colorful and busy get-away during Friday and Saturday nights!

Stayed at the Pearlmont Hotel. I was lucky it was being renovated. Third floor was common. But ensconsced at the second floor is totally a different world - pang-pictorial ang set!

The Cagay-anons are very stylish. Entering their malls is like entering Greenbelt.

CDO - the land of fashionistas.

Surprising Bukidnon

2008-10-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Bukidnon is the pineapple capital of the world.

Aside from that, it is the food basket of Mindanao.

Its capital Malaybalay had pine trees in its hills and we passed by, the cold breeze from its slopes is felt that you can turn off the car aircon.

In Valencia City Bukidnon, I had my first taste of durian. I can withstand the odor and I don't say I like it but definitely, I won't crave for the fruit.

The Bukidnons (Bukidnon means mountain people, I learned) use motorela, their version of Manila's tricycle.

It was here in Bukidnon that I really 'scavenged' on ukay-ukay.

Phopo shows Anita, segment of MOMents in the P1 peso a piece section.

I stayed in the only hotel in the city - Hotel Valencia.

I was amazed with how friendly and helpful the Bukidnons are.

And this trip also showed me that people in this part of the mountains are well-off and industrious and industrialized.

Most of all, naka-myACCESS na sila!

Magellan

2008-10-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

With my heavy thoughts about my presentation the following day, I did'nt have my mind ready to rediscover Cebu when I visited the island last September 2008.

But something about Fort San Pedro in San Roque, Cebu invited me to enter what the guide said was Cebu's Intramuros.

Well, it was Magellan's photo right at the lobby of the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines.

From the top where I stood, I saw a white building dubbed as the Malacanang of the South.

I hope I can see Cebu again, without the burden of an impending presentation. I survived it (photo at the Metro Cebu Water District Building) but I guess it was one of the most pressured pitches I had in my 13-year sales and marketing career.

I came, I saw, iPhone

2008-08-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

It wasn’t the launch itself that made the iPhone 3G event special.

It was extraordinary because my attendance last August 22 2008 was specially arranged by VIP friends from Globe, my employer’s primary technology partner.

Thanks to Nikko Acosta, Shiela Arbulante and Toni Yanga.

And there,

I came...

…to the Tower One Exchange Tower lobby which was transformed into a huge lounge with the giant screen serving as digital clock for the iPhone countdown as the Philippine market welcomes the highly anticipated gadget. Convergence Team was there to cover this important day for Globe and the very passionate users of Apple.

I saw...

…fireworks and a dancer sitting at the moon (ala Dreamworks OBB) slowly glided to the center stage with the iPhone on her hand. Plus celebrities like Mariel Rodriguez, Lucky Manzano, Jolina Magdangal and host of the show Rovilson Fernandez (contestant in Asian Edition of Amazing Race) who almost messed up the program’s climax, thanks to Gerry Ablaza who was very at ease and groovy as he talked about Globe’s most important product in the season. Also chatted with Ferdinand dela Cruz who was very accommodating as we briefly discussed about our goals to expand our technology partnership.

iPhone...

is the revotionary gadget that I hope my hands can hold next to the mac mini and mac pro in the office.

The Gemma Cruz-Araneta

2008-07-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

She is, up to this time, every inch, a beauty queen. And no doubt the grand niece of Dr. Jose Rizal as she displayed her grace and intellect immediately as we spoke.

The first Filipina to win an international beauty pageant title, Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta literally dwarfed me as I stood beside the bust of Philippine national hero whose sister Dona Maria Rizal is Araneta's paternal great grandmother.

Were you able to shoot at Intramuros?

I said, “Yes Madame, thank you for your help”.

I met her to present the first travel and history show shot in HD (high definition). With this meeting, I finally set foot for the first time at the historic Bulwagan of the Manila City Hall.

Gemma Teresa Guerrero Cruz Araneta was the first Philippine delegate to win the Miss International title in the pageant's fifth edition in Long Beach, California in 1964. This was after winning the Miss Philippines pageant, sponsored by the City of Manila.

The wikipedia reports that she won US$10,000 prize money from the pageant. Coming from an illustrious family, she didn’t need the money so she donated it to the Boys Town and Girls Home. Her action led Congress to pass a resolution to exempt her from paying taxes.

During the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, Araneta was the Director of the National Museum and a member of the National Historical Commission (now National Historical Institute).

It was President Joseph Estrada who appointed her as Secretary of the Department of Tourism until 2001.

She remains to be an active mover of the Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines.

Speaking with charm and grace, Ms. Araneta said that my approach is very timely because she has just formed a youth volunteer group named Task Force Landarks that involves the barangays in the maintenance of a particular landmark in their own localities.

She also shared that there are about 75 plazas in Manila that has all the historical importance that needs sharing to the Filipinos.

Before I left, she said, well you can use the theme “Pride of Place” – it refers to the pride of Filipinos in their own vicinity.

“How can you promote your heritage and culture if you’re not even proud of your country?” – she posed that question using a very dignified voice as Rizal's living descendant with the respectable aura of a proud Filipina as the first international beauty queen.

Merienda with the ‘Kapitan’

2008-07-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

It is not a common thing not only meeting but having merienda with the richest industrialist in the Philippines, with a personal net worth, according to news reports of at least $1.7 billion (P87.38 billion).

According to Forbes, Dr. Lucio Tan is the 3rd richest man in the Philippines (1st – Jaime Zobel, 2nd – Henry Sy).

I was given the task to negotiate on behalf of my company, the renewal of a partnership with the Lucio Tan Group of Companies. Accompanied by the the owner of Kopi Roti, Mr. Wilson Tecson, I found myself in the company of CEOs of the Kapitan’s empire – from Allied Bank, Century Park to Electro-Systems.

I sat with him in one sofa and went directly to business. Reports say he is shrewd, secretive and reclusive. In my personal experience, I felt the sincerity of a businessman who values hardwork and relationship.

After signing the contract, he asked again for my name and contact number. I handed out my business card. He received it and read it aloud. This is something that is to me quite unexpected from the person who ranked 451 in the Forbes list of the richest people in the world.

While being the richest in this part of the globe, I felt the modesty of his lifestyle as I joined the rest in a huge round table that can accommodate 18 people. I was seated exactly right across the Kapitan.

“We have a simple meal”, he said and we shared pancit and arroz caldo.

I had a vantage point in the table as he began talking technological advancements – from a laser than splits water to its hydrogen and oxygen components (known as HHO according to my boss), how big the galaxy is – about 300 million years in diameter or something like that (even converting light years to seconds just to illustrate how gargantuan space is) and also goes on to show how minicule the small bacteria/virus is down to the size of 1/10 to the 64th power.

I got a glimpse of his interest. “Research on solar energy and I will give a reward” – he said with a smile as he looked at the German scientist guest seating beside him.

He moved from other topics and shared laughter with the rest of the group – from serious topics on Catholic priests’ sexual abuse of children to as light as the order of planets in the galaxy and shared a technique to remember the order of the planets right.

He supports people who conquer the world and in jest he shared a mountain climber who approached him again to ask for funding even if he got his leg cut at the Cardinal Santos Hospital for a gangrene acquired in summiting the Everest.

“There’s a lot of thing to do”. That describes how energetic and sharp his mind is. The Kapitan is 73 years old. He mentioned creating a museum as one in the list of things-to-do.

“The next generation must use water as fuel”, he said in a serious note.

I shook his hand twice and he responded with a smile and up to now, I am still at awe as I visualized that the third richest man in the country used to mop the floors to pay for school.

Unlimited coffee

2008-07-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

I may have had too much coffee.

Dreading the wild thought of being ganged up by Kapuso’s Meckoy Qiougue and Kapamilya’s March Ventoza who were both guest speakers, I simply wrote my question in a piece of paper which was read by Nandy Villar, Chairman of ARAL’s seminar on the win-win-win engagement of the network, creative agency and media agency, attended by an unexpected huge industry crowd according to 4As.

Is there life outside Channel 2 and Channel 7? Are there other metrics other than ratings, ratings and ratings?

The answer by Starcom’s Lizelle Maralag, one of the industry stalwarts I admire, was indeed inspiring, encouraging and challenging.

Scanning the room, almost all the biggest media agencies were represented and practically all these media people live, breathe and eat ratings results, all of which point to the programs of the country’s two biggest networks.

Yes! life outside the two exists

I said Lizelle’s response was inspiring because her answer “yes” to the question reverberated to my ears as a great opportunity to other networks vying for commercial loads. How many countless times that I heard media planners tell me for almost more than a decade now, “sorry ha, sa Dos at Siete lang kami eh”.

Adding insult to the injury, some even complain of the heavy commercial loading in Philippine television, which according to sources exceed the 18 minute KBP standard, reaching up to 24 minutes per hour.

It is saddening that “Philippine television” now refers to the TV duopoly in the market today. The issue of heavy commercial loading, I believe, is experienced only by the two networks which have the fixed inventories to speak of.

What makes Lizelle Maralag’s response exciting is that media is in the process of “cracking the third TV station”. And the challenging part is that the TV station “must have USP, where its products are clearly differentiated from 2 and 7.”

If there are issues between what creative agencies expect from media agencies and vice versa, I think an equally important issue is the engagement of media agencies with other networks outside Channels 2 and 7. Then the problem of overloading can be addressed.

Client and media can initiate an investment in other networks to help the industry grow. The other networks, I am sure, will be energized to develop branded content or branded entertainment and other forms of non-traditional media values beyond the 30-seconder spot given the opportunity to co-create with media and client.

And yes, there are metrics beyond ratings! Sounded like music to my ears.

Savings. Cost-efficiency. Affinity indeces. Loyalty scores. Proprietary research tools to measure optimization.

That will be the day.

What clients want

I remain hopeful with Lizelle Maralag’s response. Clients want ROI, leadership, profitability and the collaboration to develop strong brands. It is my belief that other networks can deliver these requirements without ratings as the sole metrics.

I think that other networks have the same creativity and capacity to co-create these clients’ needs and arrive at a collective intelligence similar to what’s happening in the Youtube era of user-generated content. Other networks must develop their own products to metricate effectivity and efficiency to drive media to spend time watching other free TV channels and evaluating media proposals other than ratings results.

If the current trend continues, then I have to just accept it and believe Joey de Leon in his acceptance speech at the Box Office Entertainment Awards. He went on by saying that there are only three types of Filipino viewers – the kapuso, the kapamilya and the kapit-bahay. The last type being either kapuso or kapamilya who watches TV in his neighbor’s home because he does not own a TV set.

The irony is that his acceptance speech and the Awards Special was neither aired in Channel 2 or 7 but in other networks. And it was possible, in fact very experimental that a huge celebrity-oriented awards special is aired in other networks, yet still earning the support of clients and media agencies.

Role of media

Cookie Bartolome, Managing Director of Carat emphasized the new role of media from “backroom number crunchers” to brand builders. The function shifted to a simplistic media placement to the more highly organized communication services. Hence, the shifting of attention from GRPs or Gross Rating Points to QRPs or Quality Rating Points, Cookie points out.

I love it the way she simply illustrated the difference between the two. I interpreted GRP as the eyeballs, QRP as the experience. She said “you may deliver the eyeballs, but not the experience”. According to her, the Youtube era is not about delivering messages, it is about delivering experiences.

Role of TV

So if the role of TV remains to be the “gateway to start a conversation, spread the story, and magnify the image”, among others, networks aside from 2 and 7 can do that too. In fact, a lot of shows outside the two are doing it already. All that is lacking to create the wild fire is the support of media and client who will be willing to risk an investment that could lead to a different level of engagement with viewers.

Issues on who must take credit on the idea cropped up at the floor -- Is it media led or is it the creative agency? Is it okay if a network decides to leave one of them groping in the dark? Is it okay if the creative, without media, goes straight to the network? Can the medium be the message? Will new media replace traditional media?

The debate wasn’t as heated as I expected but the whole point leads to these recurring action words – engagement, interactivity, flexibility, and activation.

With the advent of mobile TV, the growing penetration levels of computing and internet, and the news of the coming of digital TV, it is a fact, however, that television, as we see today, remains to be used traditionally as one-way.

One thing in common

While they talked about competing brands, different creative agencies and media AORs , client speakers Sandra Puno of Nestle, Darlene Chiong of Unilever and Pat Go of JG Summit spoke on one common thing – values.

In this time and age of media fragmentation, it doesn’t mean that values too are fragmented. It was awesome, hearing the three clients speak with conviction on tradition. And that refers to the time honored tradition of keeping the universally accepted values of integrity, honesty, trust, among others. Values can be cool. They may seem to be motherhood statements but they keep us together, as a decent individual, as a God-fearing citizen.

If there is one tradition I enjoyed in a whole day seminar, it was the overflowing coffee. It kept me awake to remind me that yes, TV is not life, but life can be as exciting as TV.

Wish come true: Page 1 byline for the love of sis

2008-03-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

I can't sleep on the eve of February 17.

I was up at 3 am.

I drove to Philcoa at 4 am.

No newspapers yet. I went back to my house to sleep.

But I really can't.

I went back to Philcoa at 5 am.

I bought 10 copies of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

"May sinulat po kayo diyan"?

I replied, "Oo eh."

The PDI that day even came in an elegant package with white bold letters in black background: ZERO NEWS TODAY.

It ran the print ad campaign of COKE Zero.

And it printed my article with my byline on Page 1.

Wow. Ibang-iba ang feeling!

Check on the link.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080217-119399/Wish-come-true-Page-1-byline-for-love-of-sis

Ate Arsing

2008-02-15T00:48:00.000-08:00

By Caesar R. Vallejos

The ringbearer cried louder than the father of the bride.

For that agaw-eksena act, the groom was giving the ringbearer a killer look while the bride was giving him a sweet reassuring smile that seemed to say, “hey, it’s okay”.

Had the ringbearer, who happens to be the favorite, youngest brother of the bride, did not know that the couple will leave immediately to live on their own, the ringbearer would not have cried a bucket.

Obviously, he was very close to her.

Thirty two years ago, I was the ringbearer and the bride happens to be my sister.

Runaway groom

A flashback two years before this marriage, it was my sister who was crying. But she was sobbing quietly, comforting relatives circled around her. While she was composed, one can feel her anguish and sorrow, like she had a dying heart.

Hanging on the wall was a white gown that she was supposed to wear for her scheduled wedding.

My Ate Arsing was a victim of a runaway groom.

Two years after, the ringbearer was crying during the wedding not because the bride will be stood up again but because the groom will run away with the bride after the wedding.

True enough, para kaming namatayan when my sister and his husband left the house to live on their own as newlyweds.

The broken basin

Ate Arsing is the eldest in a family of eight composed of six boys and two girls. Since the youngest is the other girl, imagine how tough it was for her to control the sibling arguments and the normal brawls between brothers.

She was the sumbungan of everybody and became the second Nanay with the duty of disciplining us. She has unique ways as a judge and executioner.

She discovered one time that a basin was broken. She confronted all of us but with the fear of her punishment, no one admitted for the “crime”. That led to her verdict of punishing us all. Tightly gripping a belt, she whipped all the brothers one for all, all for one.

Until she fainted.

And all the brothers got worried for the health of their only loving and caring Ate that they have in this world.

Again, I was in pain, not because she fainted, but with the sore ass I got with the belt beating punishment. I think a brother somehow managed to protect his ass with cartoon sheets under his shorts.

Up to this day, the value of this disciplinary action is instilled in me – that one has to be honest and accountable, and be ready with all the consequences of your actions, however painful it would be. If you are dishonest, you will affect other people you love and they may also suffer the pain caused by your dishonesty.

Alone with her

My sister never entered college. We had financial difficulties but for a family that puts faith, hope and love at the center of their life, we have survived and will continue to do so with God’s mercy and guidance.

This prompted my sister, a factory worker’s wife, to support my college education. Her own family’s earnings are just enough for them pero iginagapang niya just to support my studies.

She wakes up at three in the morning to send me off every Monday. I routinely embrace her and then she waves her hand and say “ba-bye” and keeps standing there until the tricycle turns to the corner.

I tried to repay her love by doing great in school. Everytime I go home every weekend, I discuss every detail with her from the minutest team project to the perfect scores and high grades. She relishes every moment and she wants me to succeed. We laugh together and we dream together.

Until one day she was unable to laugh anymore.

At the ICU for a blood clot in her brain, she was unable to speak but everytime she sees me at the ICU window, she makes a great effort to wave her hand, and I always didn’t want her to mean “ba-bye”.

The most horrendous memory of my sister’s pain was caused by the mistake of connecting the oxygen to her feeding tube instead of the tube going to her lungs which caused her stomach to enormously bulge, letting her feel the excruciating pain. That memory of her unbearable torture caused me agonizing nightmares for years.

After that fatal mistake, she seemed fine the following morning that sent my brothers and other family members leave the place for some rest.

With her husband, perhaps she wanted me to be with her alone before she goes. She made her last breath her final wave. And she made it sure that I was there.

Ate Arsing died at the age of 35.

The awful grieving cries of the ringbearer during the wedding of the bride was heard again.

His heart was crushed, with fresh blood spurting from an iron palm.

It was my experience of first death in the family, and she was our eldest favorite Ate Arsing.

It took me years before I can even literally pronounce that “she’s dead”. I used euphemisms or phrases like “she rested”, or “she left”, or “she’s just waiting for the Lord’s coming”. Every weekend, from school, I embraced, wiped and sometimes talked, and looked at to her photos for hours just to keep her memory alive.

A finished course

I managed to finish college but failed to pay tribute to her in my valedictory address as Magna cum Laude but deep inside my heart, my victory was for her.

I eventually got a job. All the time, I thought of her when I earned financial independence. Together, we could have realized her dreams. Ang babaw pa naman ng kaligayahan niya. Bagong sofa, bagong cabinet, bagong damit. Yun lang, Masaya na siya. Everytime there is a victorious moment or family gatherings like reunions and weddings, I always say, “sana, nandito si Ate”.

She was very sweet, cheerful, and caring. I greatly admire her tolerance to bear sufferings, financial or emotional, and her ability to carry on with her religious duties. In her casket, she wore her toga as choir member. She endured and she finished her spiritual course.

Dreamer of PageOne

I wrote in my letter to the Inquirer that PageOne sets the mood of this country. Sometimes, it makes the people of the Philippines feel heaven or hell. I felt that a tribute to my Ate Arsing in PageOne about her love for my education and her faith will contribute to the radical positivity of the Inquirer.

Honestly, my initial dream for the promo was a Boracay holiday for my wife Lyra and sons Carl and Trov. But it was not radical enough to merit a positive impact to this country. I was right, the death of my beloved Ate Arsing was. Her birthday falls this month of February (February 2), the second month of the year, and two months after the 22nd anniversary of PDI.

She died 19 years ago yet Ate Arsing has made another dream of mine come true.

Thank you for this tribute to her Inquirer!

Photo 1

Arsenia “Ate Arsing” Vallejos, radiant in a borrowed wedding gown in this photo, was able to support the college education of his youngest brother (left) but missed only a semester to see him graduate after she prematurely died due to a cerebral blot clot.

Photo 2

Caesar R. Vallejos, now the Sales and Marketing Director of NET 25-Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, holds the 1977 photo of her Ate Arsing as bride, her youngest sister Mayla as flower girl and the author as ringbearer.

New year, new paint

2008-01-16T01:21:00.000-08:00

Literally, it's a new year.

Kasi pati kulay ng bahay namin, binabago din.

So up to this day, January 16, 2008, everything is in a mess! The four months of putting everything together in this new place started back to zero. Kasi pinipinturahan nga!

But I found one treasure from the garbage-looking files in the middle of this chaos.

A poem written in a piece of coupon bond now sepia-colored as it spanned 14 years being kept with other files.

I read it and realized that I wrote it in 1994 for my only baby girl in this life, my wife Lyra. I used to call her "ading" (younger sister) as she calls me "manong" (older brother).

first

the whirlwind of work
is weakening.
I run to meet time.
but never beating it.
sometimes it's a tie with time,
but there's never a
victorious moment
to enjoy it.
because every end is too late
for another beginning.

then i met you.

no beginning nor an end.
but a chasm of oblivion.
of love. of passion.

happiness conquered
my restlessness.

your love is my home.

you are God's gift to me.
my heaven on earth.
crown of my heart.
the nest of my soul.

I will care for you.
Embrace you with my love.
Kiss you with all my
good thoughts of you.

Forever, ading.
I will love you.

No marriage is perfect, including mine. My marriage has gone through the ups and downs of life.

My wife does not want to throw away things, including this paper.

In my hope to keep it forever, I am publishing this in A Bald Life.

When I re-read the poem, I was able to relive the moment when I was writing the words and was able to reconnect it with the present and realized that my feeling for my "ading" has never changed.

Surviving the zigzag

2008-01-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

The original plan was to take Marcos Highway to avoid the zigzag road carved along the cliffs of Benguet. But somewhere along Pozzorubio, Pangasinan, I asked, “laban o bawi?"

To which my wife replied, “laban!” and encouraged me to go for it and further blurted out that finishing a Kennon drive is an achievement.

Reaching Camp 7 and the lion’s head etched from a natural stone is not only an achievement. For me, it is pure personal pride. The magnificent views along winding road replete with pine trees, rock formations, wild grass with the panoramic sights of a wide river down below with breath-taking waterfalls are worthy priceless prizes for the senses.

And it is not for me alone to enjoy. I have my family all the way with me.

The winter clothes we used in Hong Kong when we visited HK Disneyland in 2005 were exactly the same comfy wardrobes prepared for our 2007 family escapade to this summer capital.

The deep yellow and red Skyrise Hotel along Dominican Road in Baguio just in front of the Lourdes stairs was our base.

You can’t stop the kids as they climb fast the Lourdes stairs because they’re counting them! Trov is 5 and Carl is 10 and a balding 38 year-old cannot obviously keep up.

Reaching the top is cold on the ears, that’s why I thought that bonnets are the fastest selling items in the stalls near the top.

Buhay pa

2008-01-07T19:51:00.001-08:00

You say “buhay pa” for something that you saw or used several years back that you find still existing at the present day.

This narrow road in Guisad Surong used to be very wide. It really was from the point of view of a kindergarten. I spent mine in one of the houses here.

The most amazing and nostalgic thing was this rectangular concrete pit (about 5 big steps going down from the road) which has been the source of clean, fresh, potable water (cleaner and fresher than mineral water sold in the market according to people there) of the community.

Buhay pa hanggang ngayon!

I have seen this source of cold fresh water 31 years ago and still, up to now, people in the area take a bath here, wash their clothes here, fetch drinking water here.

And the house where I grew up is still standing! On the second level’s foyer where we lived was the area where I saw something curled up. It was found out by my housemates that it was a snake.

No more Igorot kids, just a wishing “pool”

2008-01-07T19:50:00.001-08:00

I still expected throwing coins to “scavenging” kids along the steep cliffs of Minesview Park. Good news is that it is no longer practiced. I heard that a kid died as he scampered to catch the thrown coins from tourists. You get an eerie feeling with that news while seeing white tombs of a small cemetery as you bow to see the view below.

In lieu of the kids is a mini pool where I threw a P1 coin after uttering my wish for the achievement of my P166 million sales target.

The view was spectacular and the air was cold. The wind was slightly fierce that you enjoy hiding your hands in your jacket pockets.

My kids had a P20 peso photo shoot on a horse back.

Most spectacular view

2008-01-07T19:49:00.001-08:00

I frowned and howled a protest when I learned that our next stop was SM Baguio.

I said, "pumunta pa tayo dito sa Baguio para lang mag-SM, di na ba kayo nagsawa sa SM?"
I was appalled and my face paled with shame when I saw what is probably one of the most spectacular views in Baguio from the 5th level of SM, notwithstanding the fact that we arrived there at dusk.

The air was very cold and the wind was fiercer, maybe because there were no pine trees to block their way. It was sad that on that day, 31st of December, SM Baguio closed at 7 pm.

We left after enjoying the newest spectacular view in Baguio.

Baguio's fireworks

2008-01-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

This was the first trip of my family of four in Baguio City (first time of my youngest to visit Baguio) along with the families of my eldest brother and youngest sister.

This was our first New Year’s eve where we played games (trip to Jerusalem, bring me, stop dance) with prizes.

Immediately after we thank God for another year of blessings, we went back to the stairs of Dominican Road and watched Baguio’s fireworks as the time clocked 12.

Siyempre iba pa rin ang fireworks sa Disneyland!

Day One, 2008

2008-01-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

We had a family picnic at Day 1 of 2008.

I can no longer remember the last picnic I had so this trip to Camp John Hay is truly another unforgettable experience.

The Baguio Country Club and The Manor were some of the venues during the 19th Philippine Ad Congress in 2003. I was there and I also reported it live over Newsbeat and DZEC.

Our props included a small colorful tent, a banig and our portable DVD player that provided us funky music.

It was my sister’s chopsuey and pinakbet that made this ordinary place the best picnic spot in the world.

Pero sabi ko nga, wala rin sa sarap ng pagkain ang kaligayahan. Nasa kung sino ang kasama mong kumakain ng kahit ano nalalasap ang sarap nito.

Hoping to see Gloria

2008-01-07T19:45:00.001-08:00

If you are in the middle of the road, both sides of this place are picture perfect and they seem to jump out from a postcard.

Like us, the first family of the Republic met the New Year in the President’s official residence called The Mansion.

You can’t be wrong she is here with all the fuss– parked SWAT, PSG, armed police, police assistance tent – and most of all – camping press!

Buzz circulated that President Arroyo will meet with the press and people here and it was GMA 7 ace reporter Sandra Aguinaldo declared this to my wife. My eldest son posed with her and later saw here in 24 Oras with the same clothes.

Biking in Burnham

2008-01-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

You didn’t go to Baguio if you didn’t go to Burnham, like Pat Pong to Bangkok or Promenade to Hong Kong (sa akin ha). Or Chocolate Hills to Bohol.

This is probably the place in Baguio where I saw the most number of people. I did something unexpected. While my sons enjoyed their bicycle ride (they had been pestering me about it as soon as they woke up that morning), I slept in the car.

That good relaxing sleep was spoiled by the sight of a long-haired worried woman running toward the direction of the Police station uttering “Diyos ko!”

I found out later that her baby was missing.

Lion's head, again

2008-01-07T00:44:00.000-08:00

My family's last stop leaving Baguio was exactly our first stop entering the summer capital. It reminded me again that I successfully survived Kennon Road. I chose a P100 peso spear-holding black Igorot wood carving wearing huge square earrings for a souvenir.

Cool Baguio is indeed a hot place to spend New Year's eve. For my family, it was the coolest.

By the way, I was born in Baguio.

Bathing in the batalan

2008-01-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

My mother and sister’s house is a botanical lover’s delight. The place was bursting with color when I and my family arrived in Acop, Rosales, Pangasinan on the 30th of December 2007.

I don’t know the plant’s names except for some familiar ones – cactus, calachuchi, orchids, gumamela. There is also a plant that flowers all-year round called euporvia.

I like the beauty of the garden that seemed not to have a plan at all but everything still weaves together in harmony.

A pine tree beside a mango tree. Cactuses with zen-inspired arrangements. Rows of eggplants with enclosed orchids. A plastic hammock near two pairs of caged parrots.

I simply love the wild flowers and weeds all over the place that defines the fresh look and feel of a provincial life.

Focal points

There are three focal points of the garden. First is the bahay kubo. My family had our breakfast here and it made pinakbet, hotdog and ham the best breakfast combination I have ever tasted. All these food cooked using firewood.

The second focal point is the calesa wheel. My sister said she got this all the way from Paniqui, Tarlac. It extends to a wooden bench and a bamboo bench right under a seven-year old mango tree. Relaxing in the hammock in this area transports you to the classic images of a traditional Ilocandia.

The last focal point which is the newest one is the orange and yellow painted concrete picnic table beside a Cherry tree. The wind gushes into your face in this area like it vanishes all your aches and problems. Sipping coffee after a meal of sinangag and egg in this place is probably one of the best memories I will cherish at the opening of the year.

Iba talaga ang hangin sa probinsiya. Mabango at malamig. Dito sa Manila, mabaho na mainit pa.

The batalan is right infront of the garden, separated from the house. The pumpwell attached to the house beside the dirty kitchen is not working. So they do all chores here, from washing the dishes to doing the laundry.

The batalan is probably the most colorfully covered part of the vicinity. For days, my kids and I took a bath in the area instead of fetching pails of water to the comfort room inside the house. Batalan kung batalan.

My parent’s house is a gift from God. It remains to be a work in progress – every shade, every additional detail reminds us of our father’s memory as a true servant of the Lord who finished his course. 2008 marks his 5th death anniversary.

It was because of my father’s service and dedication that this humble house was built.

Caesar’s Angels

2008-01-02T23:32:00.001-08:00

I struggled to produce my team’s presentation entry at the 2007 year-end party. Thanks to my wife and her Livewire software for downloading several selections that would encourage everyone in my team to participate.

From Yano’s Esem to Itaktak Mo, we searched for lyrics until we settled to Kagat Labi. Imagine the most senior member in my team who is in his early forties closing his eyes, biting his lips with his hands at the back of his head swaying his hips vigorously to that popular tune.

But it was my angels that I admired the most. To cover their “kahihiyan”, they all agreed to wear a cap as a costume accessory, a clever way to cover their faces when gyrating to that tune which is definitely an out-of-character move in their roles as my account managers.

What made the year-ender end with a blast were my co-hosts. The male one, probably the most soft-spoken person in the office turned the crowd wild with his punchlines. What a riotous response!

My female co-host, on the other hand, talked like she doesn’t need other co-hosts. She can have the stage all by herself. What a revelation and a funny way to end the year!

Emyr’s party is for an emir

2007-12-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

The Palm Country Club

Without the words “one” and the colorful balloons, I would have mistaken it as a party for an emir’s descent, fitting for a debutante.

All the elements of a grand birthday party were there: emailed invite, location map, follow up phone call and a push from one high school classmate who was also attending the event.

It was my family’s first visit to The Palms Country Club at the Filinvest Corporate City and it was a respite from the Jollibee and McDo parties that we’ve been used to attending.

The mere sight of the Palms Country Club’s façade made me feel that this was a different one. And indeed, it was one great party that my family enjoyed.

It was Emyr’s party. Emyr is the curly cuddle of Julius and Raquel Rumbaua, my classmate at NVG and that makes the party doubly grand. I’ve seen people that I have mingled with almost everyday some twenty years ago.

They served hotel food but the greatest was the soup, lechon and dessert, all in buffet, in two ballrooms transformed into a colorful kiddie world. With games and a magic show, my family enjoyed the program prepared and they’ve stashed some “loot” with their participation. This is on top of Emyr’s many giveaways that include two pillows/bean bags for my two sons.

High school classmates

But what makes this party truly remarkable aside from The Palm Country Club’s exclusive, elegant ambiance is the fact that I have seen them again – Raquel, our high school’s brain and beauty (earning a 99+ NCEE and a flawless grammar in English subjects, I remember that) and Isagani and Laarni, two of the most brilliant minds in the class who now head the Finance teams of their respective companies.

The last time I have seen Raquel was at her work in St. Luke’s when me and my wife went there for a check-up. She and Julius were not married yet during that time.

How time flies, we’ve bumped again, this time for the grandest kiddie party that they have shared for my family, a worthy diversion for a regular Sunday. Today is December 16, 2007.

Julius and Raquel, thank you for the fun!

Why i am an 'inquirer'

2007-12-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

Occasional not regular but still loyal

Honestly, I don’t remember that day anymore but I have been reading the Inquirer from the time its 3 to 5-word headlines hit me and made other newspapers look like ordinary school organs.

But first, I must admit that I am not a loyal regular reader of your paper. I am a proud loyal occasional reader. To define it more, I read other papers but I don’t buy them. I only buy the Inquirer. Every page is worth every peso. Sounds too loyal but there were times I felt that I was wasting P18 pesos if it isn’t the Inquirer.

Reconnecting me to reality

As an occasional reader, there were times that I felt disconnected with the world as I was so engrossed with my work. I like the way Inquirer reconnects me back to reality – back to the issues that matter and back to the very reason why we inquire!
There were countless times that I was left out from what’s happening around me. The only solution has always been to pick an Inquirer. Page one brings me back to the issues that I have to know NOW. It brings me back to my community. Second front page reconnects me to my country. And the editorial pages let me know not only the “other side” of the story but presents all the sides of the story. The big pictures that sometimes speak better than the words set the mood of the country. Like the politicians, you make me mad and sometimes make my mood bad. Inquirer perks me up and engages me to what I call mental calisthenics and intellectual masturbation. You let me experience all emotions – from hatred to victory, from sorrow to sensuality, from being blank to being boxed up.

You have defied tradition – you make a newspaper as fab and fashionable as a magazine and radical enough to prove that good news can be news. And if there is something I least like, it’s the Sports page, not because it’s lousy. It is simply the least in my list of interests.

A byline for a closure

The eldest in a family of eight, our only Ate died at the age of 35 due to a cerebral blood clot before I graduated magna cum laude. I was a Journalism major. My Ate Arsing was the one who supported me to college and her dream was to see me prosper as a journalist.

I wish that Inquirer grants me a byline for this entry in page one of the Inquirer. It has been 19 years after she died and I want to put a closure to my Ate’s sacrifices for my education. Opportunities in sales and marketing, not in journalism, that has come my way and eventually molded my character, career and family.

The byline will be a closure, a tribute and a gift to the memory of my late Ate Arsing (Arsenia Vallejos) who supported my education whose birthday falls on February 2. If you grant my wish, I will frame it, display it in my humble home in memory of my Ate Arsing and will be my lifetime reminder as father to two sons(Carl, 10 and Trov, 5) of the importance of education, the way my Ate Arsing dreamed and sacrificed what she had just to send me to college.

And should my sons take either journalism or marketing, I will tell them to just read the Inquirer to reconnect with reality – and also warn the kids of the moods that the paper might take them.

Speak Like A CEO

2007-12-09T18:02:00.000-08:00

8 secrets of successful CEOs and leaders who speak well

Speak Like A CEO is an easy-reading book with real and interesting case studies.

Secret 1: Talk about big ideas.
Secret 2: Speak in the moment.
Secret 3: Keep it simple.
Secret 4: Be a straight shooter.
Secret 5: Be an optimist.
Secret 6: Focus on the future.
Secret 7: Be real.
Secret 8: Stand for something.

Feeling famous

2007-12-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Marco Polo Davao is a member of one of the most prestigious chain of international hotels in Asia and it was named after Italy’s most famous Chinese traveler.

Hanging over its walls are huge framed autographs of the country’s most prominent leaders including former president Fidel Ramos and former VP Teofisto Guingona.

I admire Gloria Arroyo's tough stance and unpopular yet strategic convictions, so what do you expect? I had my pic taken below her authographs.

Also, I recorded one infront of Cory Aquino’s paintings. Yes, she paints, I learned this somewhere before and she gives paintings as presents to selected leaders that she has befriended during her term.

Dumbfounded in Davao

2007-12-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

Davao City has all the elements of the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. Yet, I noticed that it preserves a unique provincial appeal.

So staying in Marco Polo Davao touted by the Marco Polo magazine as “unquestionably the best hotel in the capital of Mindanao” is both an experience of both worlds – a modern cosmopolitan amenities mixed with the charm of Mindanao’s exotic ambiance.

To illustrate this, here’s what I did –

I checked in first and enjoyed a Hong Kong-style hotel living right inside my room and the hotel’s amenities (hot bubble bath, laundry fresh towels, taste of international cuisine from Café Marco’s breakfast buffet) and then moved out to dine in Banoks where I tasted for the first time a dish called Su-Tu-Kil or you can pronounce it Shoot To Kill. It is composed of SUgba, TUla and KILawin. It’s an all-fish dish and I enjoyed Tula a lot (tinola daw na fish na may pechay). Aint that a life of two worlds?

I woke up early and went down to The Deck to read at the poolside the most important phrase I read so far from the first half of the book – “failing to plan is planning to fail”.

At about 7 in the morning, I was lucky I was able to capture Mount Apo, the highest in the country. From the other side, I framed the cityscape with the sea and blue sky at the backdrop. At the foreground is the Ateneo University in Davao.

Missing dinner at Jack’s Ridge is like missing half of your life, I was told. But no regrets.

My bald life simply didn’t take me there.

Tale in Tagum

2007-12-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

Once you travel out of town almost every week, you no longer feel the excitement of these getaways especially if you leave your family behind. I’m not complaining – it’s just a manifestation of the law of diminishing returns taught in basic economics.

To counter a possible boredom, I included in my backpack a book entitled “Speak Like a CEO” by Suzanne Bates which promises the reader a discovery of one’s ‘authentic leadership voice’.

My wife even remarked, “O bakit di ka na yata excited”?

Maybe it’s because I’ve been to Davao before when I was still working with a USAID-funded project. More than ten years ago, I helped stage in BSP Davao the very first PigLink, a show targeted to the Philippine hog industry.

From pigs to SIMS

From pigs, the purpose of my visit here in Tagum City, Davao del Norte is now about SIMS. It’s December 7, 2007. What’s immediately noticeable going to Tagum from the Davao International Airport are the wide roads that give you an impression of an energetic business and industrial climate.

We had Chinese food in Mandarin recommended by our van driver who then brought us to Eagle’s View Hotel, the second most popular hotel here in Tagum.

Tagum is a typical busy city. And you can feel the thriving business in the area. Had a trade check immediately by visiting NCCC, a local department store and had a taste of Mindanao’s coffee flavor at a nice place called Miko’s Brew.

Wherever I ate, I noticed big servings. Tricycles and motorcycles are the mode of transpo. Tricycles in Manila are very small, medium-sized in Tagum and large, breezy and comfortable in Dumaguete.

I talked infront of about 69 people from Tagum at the Narra Hall of Molave Hotel. They were composed of nice entrepreneurial men and women. The pic you see here is the Narra Hall’s open lobby where I sat in a wooden set decorated by what looks like to me is a Sultan’s adornments accentuated by the phased-out 1 peso coins.

I learned that while Tagum is not victimized by typhoons, the city experiences flooding from January to March. Heavy rains with the high tides from the nearby ocean and water streams from its mountains cause the flooding.

Blinag ko ang Corregidor

2007-12-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

This is the abridged script version of a TV feature I wrote for TRIBE, NET 25's show on Pinoy life, culture and lifestyle which was aired early 2007.

Ito ang aking kauna-unahang cruise sa sariling bayan papunta sa islang naging pansamantalang sentro ng Pamahalaang Commonwealth sa panahon ni Pangulong Quezon.

‘To correct or to check’

Yan ang pinagmulan ng pangalang Corregidor mula sa salitang kastila “corregir” ito ang nagsilbing checkpoint ng mga kargamentong papasok sa Manila Bay sa panahon ng mga Hapon at Amerikano.

Nag-ikot ako dito upang malaman ang sinapit ng islang ito mula sa tinatawag ng iba na “one of the most celebrated battles of World War II”.

Korteng butete ang islang ito. Masasabing ang pagdalaw ko rito o sinumang Pilipino na first-time makarating sa Corregidor ay isang muling pakikipagkilala sa makulay na kasaysayan ng bansa. At siguro sa konteksto ng Corregidor, isa itong pagtuklas sa “madugong” kasaysayan nito, yun na nga literal na madugo.

Wala na ngang bakas ang lupit ng mga Hapon sa lugar na ito. Sa Japanese memorial garden binibigyang alaala ang mga namatay na sundalong hapon sa panahon ng giyera. Sa Japanese memorial garden binibigyang alaala ang mga namatay na sundalong hapon sa panahon ng giyera.

Dito rin makikita ang isang pagpupugay sa isang uri ng Pilipinong may mahalagang bahagi rin sa ating kasaysayan – siya ang Pilipino sa panahon ng rebolusyon - magsasaka sa araw, guerilla sa gabi

1932

Guwardyado ng sandatang ang Malinta Tunnel, ang pinakaekstensibong konstraksiyon sa Corregidor. Ang 1932 na nakasulat sa itaas ng istraktura na nakikita ko lang noon sa mga pahina ng mga librong Sibika ng anak ko ay nagsasaad ng taon ng pagkakakumpleto ng tunnel. Butasin ba naman bundok eh tatagal nga ng 10 years ang paggawa nito.

Sanga-sanga at kabit-kabit na kadiliman ang masasalubong mo sa tunnel. Ito ang naging ospital, arsenal at imbakan ng langis, pagkain at supplies ng mga sundalo noon.

Paano naman hindi ka kikilabutan sa gitna ng dilim eh paliwanag ng tourist guide namin, mas nanaisin pa ng mga hapon na magpakamatay na lang kaysa sumurender sa kalaban. Kaya anya, pinapasabog na lang ng mga Hapon ang kanilang sarili sa loob ng tunnel. Mahigit daw tatlong libong Hapon ang nagpakamatay dito.

Ruins of Corregidor

Batteries, malalaking kanyon, mortars. Magsasawa ka dito. Di mo aakalain na ang nakakabinging katahimikan ngayon ay lugar ng nakakabinging kaguluhan noon.

Makikipagsabayan naman ang mga ruins ng Corregidor sa mga lugar sa Hudea, Gresya at Roma, sama mo na ang Inca sa Peru. Kaya ang pakiramdam ko rito, wala ako sa Corregidor nasa kandungan ako ng kasaysayan di lang ng Pilipinas kundi ng buong mundo.

“To live in the light of freedom is the right of mankind”

Dalawang memorials lang ang ginawa sa buong mundo upang alalahanin ang pinagsanib na kabayanihan ng mga Pilipino at Amerikanong sundalo sa Pasipiko. Ang isa nasa Pearl Harbor ang isa ay ginastusan ng mahigit tatlong milyong dolyar, ditto yun matatagpuan.

Mula sa bilog na butas tumatama ang sinag ng araw sa bilog ding dambana na animoy duyang naghehele sa ating mga bayaning namatay – Parang oyayi ang mga titik na nakaukit pinangahasan ko na rin i-translate- “Tulog na anak ko tapos na tungkulin mo, dumating na ang liwanag ng kalayaan – humimlay ka na sa tahimik na pusod ng dagat o sa sagradong himlayan mo.”

Sa dulo ng memorial naglalagablab ang apoy ng kalayaan. Sa paanan nito nakasulat ang mga tinukoy kong mga kataga sa simula ng aking kuwento – To live in the light of freedom is the right of mankind.

Leaving the Philippine's best-kept secret

2007-12-05T05:19:00.001-08:00

There was something about the clouds that woke my senses in my flight back to Manila from Dumaguete Airport.

Cebu Pac seemed to be gliding in virginal white rivers, mountains, slopes and hills. I have never seen this both in my previous international and domestic flights. It was relaxing my body and mind and most especially my back pain.

Before proceeding to the airport, I took time to have a pic infront of one of the most famous landmarks of Negros - the Bell Tower of Dumaguete.

It was part of the watchtower built in 1760 to discourage Moros from plundering the area. The tower is right at the corner of Teves and Perdices Streets.

From the brochures I gathered at the Provincial Capitol, Tourism Section, I believed that Negros Oriental indeed, is the Philippine's best-kept secret.

Never a silly man in Silliman, in fact, I was trailing Rizal

2007-12-04T04:35:00.000-08:00

“Silliman is not in Dumaguete, Dumaguete is in Silliman”, says the Silliman Museum front desk. She is actually telling me a common reaction from people that only shows how more popular Silliman University is than its host city.

I am a great admirer of higher learning and I was astounded to know right in my hotel that one of the most prestigious schools in the country is here.

Entering Silliman

Horace Silliman (1825-1910), the American philanthropist, according to my source, has never actually stepped into this beautiful land. But it was him who thought of the idea of establishing a vocational school for boys. He sent Dr. David Hibbard to scout for a place in the Philippines.

Silliman University is now 106 years old. Dr. David Hibbard and his wife were the first teachers here, originally an elementary school.
Of course I had to take my pictures behind one of its iconic structures – now a museum and an auditorium. A marker states that its buildings were occupied by the Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945 and only reopened after the Second World War.

Students are multi-racial and the spirit of the air is one that makes you want to know more, explore more, and learn more.

Not even the colorful display of spectacular road parade staged by NOSRU (Negros Oriental State University) in commemoration of its foundation can eclipse my admiration of Silliman. I was really lucky I was there to see it too!

The show window of Dumaguete

As I walked back into my hotel, I took the baywalk route. It was named after Dr. Jose Rizal who strolled a few hours right along this beach when he anchored in Dumaguete from his exile in Dapitan to Manila before proceeding to Cuba as volunteer doctor.

I learned all these in a plaque beside Rizal’s monument at the Provincial Capitol. In it is a faxed message written in Spanish entitled Dumaguete. The translation described what he did in Dumaguete for a day including an operation.

Rizal Blvd is 780 meters long. I sat for 15 minutes in its brick walkways to enjoy the transformation of the afternoon sea from bright blue to light blue then to a dark gray horizon. Without me noticing it, the lights flicker from the lampposts emanating a shimmering bright yellow color signaling me to stand up and continue my journey of a bald life.

Before I did that, I called my home to learn if they miss me and if they love me.

And they still do!

More than gentle, also genteel

2007-12-04T04:34:00.000-08:00

Not having to explore Bacolod City (Negros Occidental) was a sad thing. Especially if you know that you have to commute to your next destination in a 6-hour bus drive. I had no prior knowledge of anything about Dumaguete except that it is not as progressive as Bacolod.

My headache was relieved NOT by the two Biogesic tablets in every bus stop of the Ceres Liner but by the picturesque sugarcane plantations, misty mountains, the coldness of zigzag roads going up and down ala Session Road and most specially the view of the sea that seems to be just an arm’s reach from the bus window.

I left the city of smiles 12:30 pm and arrived at the City of Gentle people at 6:30 pm.

The City of Gentle People

I was awed. Really awed by the beauty of this tranquil, serene city. I’m like being caressed by the gentle breeze of the wind.

I ate at a famous Dumaguete resto called Lab-as which means fresh and indulged at the freshness of the region’s produce.

Between me and the sea from my hotel window were huge Balete trees. They didn’t block my view of the picturesque relaxing waves but instead gave me a better view – white ripples intertwining with a maze of grayish branches that extend to dancing, swaying leaves of the two giant kissing Balete trees.

Other elements of my sea view were cargo ships, a trucking port and the island of Cebu to my left and Siquijor to my right. I was told that on a clear day, I can see the famous Cuernos de Negros (Negros Twin Peaks).

Negros is shaped like a sock - Occidental at the top (Bacolod) and Oriental down below (Dumaguete). If indeed this is a sock, Dumaguete is not a smelly one.

And the people of Dumaguete? They’re awesome! They’re not only gentle, also genteel.

3 things that made me smile in the ‘City of Smiles’

2007-12-04T04:29:00.000-08:00

1. Juicy Fruit Punch @ Bob’s

The restaurant right infront of the Dr. Pablo Torre Hospital (Bacolod’s version of St. Luke’s) boasts of 40 years of good food and service. I tasted its Mongolian Buffet and sampled its famous desserts but what satisfied my taste buds is the fresh concoction of watermelon, pineapple and young coconut.

It’s the 30th of November and I’m here in Bacolod. I look forward to its most famous resto as I had dined at Esca’s in Iloilo which is great for its garden setting; and had experienced the remove-your-slippers policy of Ka Lui in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The pic that you see in this entry is Benjamin Hall, site of the engagement I had with the smiling people of Bacolod.

2. 4-storey high lobby of L’Fisher Hotel

It’s looks old and smells old too but it retains an aristocratic charm that reminds you how rich and progressive Bacolod is as personified by the Ledesmas and Cojuangcos.

If Bohol to me is like Bali – mystical and rustic – with is panoramic views of waves kissing huge brown rocks along roads; and while Iloilo struck me with its futuristic vision through its internationally ready airport, Bacolod has its own distinct regional character. I can’t it describe yet. Maybe the colorful mascara works for the region that’s known for the Masskara Festival they stage every year.

A day in Bacolod City is not enough to unmask its true color. The only thing visible that you can see through in the figurative mask is the city smile.

3. Authentic Bacolod Chicken

Nothings beats the original. Even without the pecho (breast), the “paa” (feet) part and spare ribs kept me flashing thumbs up to my host at the Chicken House.

Capping the night are joyful bites of desserts from Calea Pastries - I tasted them all – Honey Crumbs, Carrot Cake, Sansrival, Butter something – except the Devil Cake.

In Bacolod, they call it a day at 11 pm, so make sure you ask for the last order before that.

By the way, the roads of the city remind me of Commonwealth Ave. They are not as wide but very very wide in provincial standards.

I have a blog, finally!

2007-11-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

I finally have a blog at a time I am bald.

Today is November 28, 2007.

I think it is time for me to document my life.

And share my thoughts about the pains and joys; losses and winnings; and simply the ups and downs of my life.

I am calling it a bald life.

I am literally bald.