Fruits… of hard work

0 comments

Last day of 2013 and my Nanay has ordered our “New Year fruits” as early as a few days ago. It was delivered last night.

I don’t believe in Feng Shui, really, because my mantra has always been work hard if you want a better life. But then again, there’s no harm in putting round fruits on the table as we welcome the New Year. After all, I remember Nanay doing it way before I heard about the term Feng Shui.

But what really are the lucky fruits that you should put on the table? Here’s a feature about it on last night’s edition of Bandila:

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Giant Lantern Festival 2013 - Schedule of Activities

1 comments

The best giant lanterns come from Pampanga. And since it’s the Christmas season already, the most awesome lanterns will be on display as the Giant Lantern Festival 2013 kicks off on December 2, 2013.

Giant Lantern Festival 2013

Pampanga is a little far from Manila, and if you’re going to watch the competition on December 14, make sure to go there early to avail of tickets. You might end up traveling far only to watch on TV screens.

Here’s the Schedule of Activities:

  • December 2
    • Flag Raising Ceremony and Unveiling of Schedule of Activities, City Hall CSFP, 8 AM
    • Press Conference, City Hall CSFP, 10 AM
  • December 2-5
    • Inter-Village Christmas Decoration Competition, CSFP, 6 onwards
  • December 6
    • Lantern Parade Competition (Elementary and High School), High Blvd. CSFP, 6 PM
  • December 14
    • Giant Lantern Festival Competition, Robinsons Starmills, City of San Fernando, 6 PM
  • December 15
    • Giant Lantern Exhibition for Diplomatic Corps, Robinsons Starmills, 7 PM
  • December 15-21
    • Lantern Exhibition, Robinsons Starmills, 7 PM
  • December 15-23
    • Lubeas, Poblacion Area (Every Night)
  • December 20
    • Christmas Diskwento Caravan, in front of City Hall, 6 AM - 6 PM
  • December 22
    • Lantern Exhibition, Telabastagan, 7 PM
  • December 23
    • Lantern Exhibition, Greenfields, 7 PM
  • December 24
    • Lantern Exhibition, City Proper, 11 PM
  • December 25, 2013 - January 3, 2014
    • Lantern Exhibition, Robinsons Starmills, 7 PM
  • December 27
    • Lantern Exhibition, Nepo Center, A.C.
  • December 28-29
    • Lantern Exhibition, Marquee Mall, A.C.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Mt. Halcon and the ‘Taong Lumot’

0 comments

I haven’t been to Mt. Halcon yet (especially that I’ve stopped climbing for some months already), but I don’t think I’m going anywhere near that particular mountain sometime next year.

The mountain, and its Taong Lumot, was featured in Rated K last Sunday or its Halloween special. Watch:

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Mr. UN

0 comments

Got invited by my friend’s son to watch him compete at his school’s Mr. and Ms. United Nations 2013. I willingly agreed.

Mr. & Ms. UN

And he won! Congrats, Detdet!

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Philippines Earthquake - October 15, 2013

0 comments

October 15, 2013 was such a sad day for the Philippines, specifically to the people of Central Visayas that was most affected by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

The tremblor hit at exactly 8:12 AM of Tuesday, with epicenter located 2 kilometers southeast of Carmen, Bohol.

It was so powerful, however, to have affected even the nearby province of Cebu, where it was felt at Intensity 6.

Carmen, Bohol

As of 8:30 PM Tuesday, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Central Visayas says 86 have already been recorded dead due to the quake, while 261 are injured and 7 are still missing.

@PIACentralViz: RDRRMC Sitrep As of 8:30PM/Oct. 15: 86 dead, 261 injured, 7 missing in #VisayasQuake #earthquakePH

The October 15, 2013 Bohol earthquake is the 6th most powerful earthquake to have hit the country for the last 50 years. Topping the list was the magnitude 7.9 earthquake that hit Moro Gulf in 1976, killing nearly 6,000 people.

My mother cried while watching the videos of the earthquake’s aftermath shown on TV this morning. While I almost cried because I still haven’t visited those ruined Catholic churches.

Meanwhile, CCTV camera footages shared by those who experienced the earthquake first hand let us virtually experience the earthquake. And I just know I’d freak out especially when I’m near this pool shown in the video below.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Philippines wins at 2013 Pyronale Fireworks World Championships (VIDEO)

0 comments

The Philippines recently won the 2013 Pyronale Fireworks World Championships that was held in Berlin, Germany.

Fifteen minutes of exhibition, putting in different moods with different background music. I personally couldn’t help but smile so big when the Philippine tourism song was played.

We were represented by the Dragon Fireworks. The country got two awards - Audience Choice and the Gold Trophy as the 2013 Grand Champion.

Check out the video below and be proud to be Pinoy.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Virus?

0 comments

I wonder what awaits me if I click on the link given.

suspicious activities

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Bonifacio Global City belongs to Makati

0 comments

The Court of Appeals has declared that parts of Fort Bonifacio that includes the posh area of Bonifacio Global City are indeed part of Makati City.

The decision was released Tuesday, overturning the ruling made by the Pasig Regional Trial court in July 2011 that declared the disputed 729.15 hectares of land under Taguig jurisdiction.

"Contrary to the findings of the lower court as between pieces of evidence presented, Taguig was not able to prove this greater weight of evidence to merit a favorable decision," said the Court of Appeals in the 37-page decision.

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, however, said the decision was wrong.

"The CA decision, with due respect, is erroneous," Cayetano said. "We will fight to make sure that the disputed land remains with Taguig," she added. "We are confident that we will ultimately win this fight."

It will be such a big loss to Taguig in terms of tax revenues if the BGC is taken away from the city's jurisdiction.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Roger Lucero, funny tour guide of The Ruins (VIDEO)

0 comments

Roger Lucero, a funny tour guide of The Ruins in Talisay City, Negros Occidental has recently become famous on the internet courtesy of the videos that his guests posted on YouTube.

The videos are hilarious, his comic approach to narrating the history of the house is stand-up comedy-ish that meeting him would surely be one of the highlights of anyone's visit to the world famous attraction.

Roger was featured in ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda on Tuesday. The feature said he was encouraged to become a tour guide by the owners of The Ruins who he used to work for as a houseboy.

Here's one of his videos that is getting viral on YouTube:

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Dog rescued in Brooklyn (VIDEO)

0 comments

A chow chow trapped on a second floor window ledge got rescued by the FDNY. It’s a big dog and the fireman seemed a little scared, but he successfully rescued the furry pet to the delight of onlookers.

I wonder, though, how the dog got there and where the heck was his owner.

Anyway, good thing there are friendly firefighters out where he lives. I wonder what our local rescue would tell us if we called for a dog trapped on the ledge.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

video: youtube.com/bklynmorgante

Goodbye Cory Monteith

0 comments

Glee’s Cory Monteith was found dead at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver, Canada. No cause of death has been confirmed yet but several reports say he died of overdose.

Cory Monteith

Cory played Finn Hudson in the hit musical TV series. In real life, he dated co-star Lea Michele who plays Rachel Berry.

Recently, Cory decided to admit himself in a rehab facility due to substance addiction. He completed his treatment in April. And I guess its from that fact where rumors about the overdose came from, especially that it’s his second time in a rehab, the first was when his family put him in when he was 19.

This is sad. Glee will never be the same without him.

Watch him tell Ellen DeGeneres the story of his Glee audition in the video below.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Perfect Pair

0 comments

Aww!

A&F

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Siargao ranks 9th in “World’s 50 Best Surf Spots”

0 comments

Siargao Island is number 9 in CNN Travel’s “World’s 50 Best Surf Spots.”

Siargao Island's 15-foot  wave

Siargao was picked because of its Cloud 9 waves which was described as dramatic and powerful.

A Cloud 9 is the best known surfing wave particular to Siargao. It has a worldwide reputation for its thick, hollow tubes.

The wave was discovered by travelling surfers in late 80s, and was named after the popular chocolate bar. It became famous in 1993 when American photographer John S. Callahan published the first major feature of Siargao in the US-based Surfer magazine.

The CNN Travel description of Siargao goes:

9. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines

This dramatic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow razor-sharp coral, offers right and left death rides.

Fearless surfers will experience a slice of paradise or hallucinations as waves wrap over them like a liquid cocoon.

Skin and sometimes bone are often ripped to shreds by the ocean bed.

World’s 50 Best Surf Spots:

  1. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
  2. Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
  3. Teaupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia
  4. Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
  5. P-Pass, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
  6. Maverick’s, California
  7. Hossegor, France
  8. Puerto Escondido, Southern Oaxaca, Mexico
  9. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines
  10. Lance’s Right, Sipora, Mentawais Islands, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia
  11. Sultans, North Male, Maldives
  12. Trestles, Orange County, California
  13. Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
  14. Montanita Beach, Montanita, Ecuador
  15. Rincon, Santa Barbara, California
  16. Nihiwatu, Sumba, Indonesia
  17. Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand
  18. Riyuewan, Sanya, Hainan Island, China
  19. Jaws, Maui, Hawaii
  20. The Box, Margaret River Valley, Australia
  21. Surfrider Beach, Malibu, California
  22. Superbank, Gold Coast, Australia
  23. Cloudbreak, Tavarua Island, Fiji
  24. Watergate Bay, Cornwall, England
  25. Backdoor, Oahu, Hawaii
  26. Pasta Point, Maldives
  27. Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
  28. Bundoran Beach, County Donegal, Ireland
  29. Rincon, Puerto Rico
  30. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
  31. Carrapateira, Portugal
  32. Coconuts, Samoa
  33. Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil
  34. Pedra Branca Ericeira, Portugal
  35. Killer Point, Taghazoute, Moroco
  36. Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France
  37. Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
  38. Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada
  39. Ponta Preta, Maio, Cape Verde
  40. Biarritz, France
  41. Surf Pool, United Arab Emirates
  42. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, North Carolina
  43. Black’s Beach, San Diego, California
  44. The Bubble, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
  45. Surfer’s Point, Barbados
  46. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
  47. Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand
  48. Fulong Beach, Taiwan
  49. Baja Malibu, Baja Norte, Mexico
  50. Eisbach, Munich

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

photo: flickr.com/big-pao

Marie Hines - ‘My Love Will Never Fail You’

0 comments

Fell in love with this song the first time I heard it in the Shamcey Supsup-Lloyd Lee engagement video. And I’m posting it here as a reminder that I have to download the mp3.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Hashtags on Facebook

0 comments

My friend once posted a status update, laughing at those who use hashtags on Facebook. I was actually guilty of the crime, but it is because my Facebook is linked to my Twitter account in a way that what I post on one goes to the other. Thus, the hashtag on Facebook.

Now, though, I can hashtag all I want on Facebook because the beloved social networking site has just released “Hashtags on Facebook.”

Here’s part of the article on the Facebook Newsroom dated June 12, 2013:

Starting today, hashtags will be clickable on Facebook. Similar to other services like Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, or Pinterest, hashtags on Facebook allow you to add context to a post or indicate that it is part of a larger discussion. When you click on a hashtag in Facebook, you'll see a feed of what other people and Pages are saying about that event or topic.

Now you can:

• Search for a specific hashtag from your search bar. For example, #NBAFinals.
• Click on hashtags that originate on other services, such as Instagram.
• Compose posts directly from the hashtag feed and search results.

As always, you control the audience for your posts, including those with hashtags.

Hashtags are just the first step to help people more easily discover what others are saying about a specific topic and participate in public conversations. We'll continue to roll out more features in the coming weeks and months, including trending hashtags and deeper insights, that help people discover more of the world's conversations.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Philippines by Ferns Tosco feat Sly Kane (Video)

0 comments

Interesting vocals. But honestly, this is the first time I heard her.

Philippines - Ferns Tosco feat. Sly Kane

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Sell an item you don’t need and WIN a gadget you want!

0 comments

AyosDito.com.ph is giving you a chance not only to earn from your “clutter” at home, but also to win amazing prizes like Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Samsung S3 Mini, National Bookstore Gift Certificates and FREE SM Movie Passes!

AyosDito

This rainy season, it’s high time to clear up some space in the house to welcome better things. De-clutter your closet by selling tight-fitting clothes, unused uniforms, formalwear and rarely used accessories online. You can also organize the kitchen, garage, attic and your cosy little siesta corner by letting go of items you don’t need, and posting them for sale on AyosDito.ph!

Welcome the fresh season this June with fun opportunities to earn extra, and to win amazing gadgets and other freebies from Team AyosDito.ph! How to join? Simply POST an ad selling any item you’re no longer using on AyosDito.ph; SHARE your ad on Facebook and Twitter; so you can get the chance to WIN a brand new SAMSUNG NOTE 2 or SAMSUNG S3 MINI!

But wait, there’s more! Aside from giving away cool new gadgets to lucky AyosDito.ph sellers, upto 30 more sellers can also get the chance to win gift certificates and other freebies from Team AyosDito.ph just because they posted and shared an ad.

Do you want a new book to read? Or perhaps you want to entertain yourself with a weekend seeing the latest blockbuster movies? Now you can win National Bookstore Gift Certificates and FREE Movie Passes to any movie you want to watch at SM Cinemas nationwide just by POSTING and SHARING your ads online!

Experience the rewarding feeling of clearing up space for better things to come by selling items you don’t need so your hands are free to win the things that you want! Just remember the habit: POST. SHARE. WIN!

For full mechanics, read below.

1. To join AyosDito.ph POST.SHARE.WIN promo, simply POST an ad on AyosDito.ph.

2. Once your ad is published, publicly SHARE your ad using either/both Share an Ad on Facebook and Share an Ad on Twitter button. Don’t forget to make the most out of your ads! Invite your friends to also SHARE your ads via the ‘sharing buttons’ from your ad page. (eg. “Please check out my item for sale at AyosDito.ph!”)

3. It's very easy to WIN! Each qualified shared ad is equivalent to one entry. All entries will be collected from June 10 to June 23, 2013. Winners will be randomly drawn from the qualified entries collected by Team AyosDito.ph.

4. The winners for all prize categories will be announced via AyosDito.ph official Facebook Fan Page on June 25, 2013, Tuesday 4PM. Winners will be contacted via their nominated seller’s information as declared in their winning AyosDito.ph ad. The prizes are the following:

a. One (1) seller will win a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 2

b. One (1) seller will win a brand new Samsung S3 mini

c. Twenty (20) sellers will win P1,000 National Book Store Gift Certificates

d. Ten (10) sellers will win 2 FREE Movie Passes redeemable at any SM Cinema nationwide

5. Anyone can share AyosDito.ph ads but only the ad owner will be qualified to win a prize.

6. Winners should be at least 18 years old and living in the Philippines.

7. Metro Manila (NCR) winners can claim their passes at AyosDito.ph Makati office. Provincial winners’ prizes will be mailed.

8. Employees of 701 Search Inc. and its suppliers, partner agencies and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity are not qualified for this promo.

Enjoy selling and happy sharing! POST. SHARE. WIN na sa AYOS na buy and sell website!

For more information, visit www.blog.ayosdito.ph/

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

How Not To Greet A Dog

0 comments

You might be fond of dogs and love touching every cute furry friend you meet. But how do you approach them? Do you present yourself to them in a way that they consider friendly?

954703_504953019589734_902261101_n

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

photo: fb.com/dogbook

Bridges

0 comments

I love bridges. Especially old ones.

Kara David at Puente de Malagonlong

The one above is called Puente de Malagonlong in Tayabas, Quezon. It is the longest stone bridge in the Philippines from the Spanish colonial era.

Puente de Malagonlong is featured in tonight’s episode of I-Witness titled “Ang Lihim ng mga Lumang Tulay” (The Secrets of Old Bridges), a documentary by Kara David.

Here’s the teaser:

I-Witness airs Mondays at 11:30 PM on GMA-7

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Trouble with malfunctioning machine

0 comments

It was irritating that I traveled all the way from Taguig to Alabang with my dog because Animal House-Alabang was supposed to have a lab… and then not.

Princess

I knew something’s wrong with Princess yesterday because she wouldn’t eat her treat, so I wanted to have CBC done to know exactly what the problem was. In AH-Alabang, the vet collected blood samples (which she did thrice because the first two attempts were unsuccessful). But When she was already running the CBC, she told me the machine malfunctioned and that she’d just call me later that day for the results. The technician, according to her, will arrive a little later.

Darn, right? I traveled that far for nothing. I could’ve just gone to Animal House-Bicutan, which doesn’t have a lab but is so near my place, had I known I wouldn’t get the results right away. Same process, Bicutan would also phone me the results afterwards, but less trouble traveling and less time consumed.

Can’t Alabang have a backup machine? I remember the same incident has happened to me in the same establishment some two years ago. A lot of pet owners I know only rely on Animal House-Alabang and Animal House-Makati for their pets’ lab tests. Would it really hurt to have a backup?  They have a lot of clients, for goodness’ sake. Investing in another machine would make their service better.

Anyway, Princess’ temp was 40. After the three ‘tusok’ for blood sample, it became 40.5. She’s okay now, though. Not as enthusiastic for the treat like two days ago, but at least she eats it already.

And the vet just called in to tell me Princess’ platelets have again went down to 120. Normal is 200-500. I have to give her Vibravet for three weeks.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

True Blood season 6 premieres June 16

0 comments

The 6th season of True Blood premieres June 16.

And yes, waiting sucks indeed.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Durex Fundawear (Video)

0 comments

Found this video about Durex’s new “innovation” called Fundawear. It lets you touch someone else’s you-know-what over the internet.

Watch:

Will you buy one?

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Hilarious Gwiyomi video

0 comments

Macky Lopez uploaded on Facebook a video of himself doing the Gwiyomi with a wig and fake boobs on. His reaction towards being caught by his father was so precious.

The kid is so hilarious I ended up joining his 7,244 followers.

The video was posted just 3 hours ago but already has 12,721 likes, 16,762 shares and 1,967 comments.

Here’s the vid:

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Gwiyomi/Kiyomi (Video)

0 comments

I am not really a fan of the Gwiyomi/Kiyomi craze. But how I wish I could get my oldest nephew to do it. I’m sure he’d be on this list:

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

James Yap’s heartbreaking birthday message to Bimby on Instagram

1 comments

Because he couldn’t get near his son even on the child’s birthday, James posted a previous photo of him and Bimby on Instagram, greeting his son a happy birthday on Friday, April 19.

James Yap and son Bimby

The heartbreaking caption says: “i miss holding your hand, i miss giving u a hug. Kahit anong mangyari, lagi mo tatandaan na mahal na mahal ka ni papa! Happy birthday babyJames!! #flashbackfriday”

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Amalayer is now a sister!

0 comments

Saw this in the news last night. Amalayer girl Paula Salvosa talks about her LRT experience that made her famous (albeit negatively), and how it affected her life.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Phil. Daily Inquirer uses fake TIME magazine cover

0 comments

This is cringe-worthy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer uses fake TIME cover

That TIME magazine cover showing President Noynoy Aquino was fake. He was indeed in the list of the magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World but he wasn’t one of the chosen seven to get a cover.

The fake cover first appeared on Facebook, which the PDI (dubbed as the Yellow paper) picked up.

The 7 in the list that got their own special edition 2013 TIME 100 covers were artist and entrepreneur Jay Z; U.S. Senator Rand Paul; actress Jennifer Lawrence; film star and activist Aamir Khan; activist Malala Yousafzai; SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk; and tennis champion Li Na.

Check out the 7 covers here: http://time100.time.com/2013/04/18/cover-shots/slide/jay-z/

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Missing mountaineer in Mt. Maculot found dead

3 comments

Victor Joel Ayson, the mountaineer who went up Mt. Maculot on Easter Sunday and went missing, has been found thirteen days after, on the day of his birthday on April 13, 2013.

Reports say he left his rucksack at the mountaineers’ stop-over owned by Mang Manuel on March 31 at around 2:30 AM. Then he was seen buying a bottle of mineral water in a store up the mountain around 9:00 AM the same day.

Biki, as he was fondly called by family and friends, had just been to a Mt. Guiting-Guiting climb with some of his friends over the Holy Week. They were heading back home on the eve of Easter Sunday, but he had other plans. From the Batangas port, he went to Cuenca, Batangas to do a solo hike of Mt. Maculot.

After going up, however, he never went down to claim his bag at the mountaineer’s stop over.

His girlfriend, family and friends got alarmed as Biki said he’d be back home by noontime Sunday. It could have been possible since a hike up to the Rockies of the said mountain only takes about an hour, and going down to the jump off usually takes less time.

Mang Manuel started receiving calls asking for Biki Monday night. And when the mountaineer still didn’t show up on Tuesday, search and rescue operations were started. Several mountaineering groups volunteered to help. A foreign climber even brought his group along with their gears to search the walls of the Rockies.

After days of unsuccessful operations, however, not even a single lead was found. The family of the lost eventually had to call off the search, but his friends resumed looking for him, hoping to find him alive since his birthday was coming near.

And true enough, on the date of his birth, Victor Joel Ayson showed up in an area at the foot of the Rockies, lifeless.

He was found by Mt. Maculot guides Ramon Puso, Christopher Puso, Eduardo Puso Jr, Richard Puso and Javier Mercado on Saturday morning. The group set off around 6 AM to that area at the foot of the Rockies because someone told them that part has not been searched yet. Upon reaching the area, they noticed a not so pleasant smell. That smell led them to the remains of Victor. They were able to report it around 11 AM that day.

Meanwhile, a hiker who was doing a cleanup climb with his group on Easter Sunday, posted a photo of a lone mountaineer who caught his attention. The person in the photo, believed to be Biki, was sitting at a very dangerous part of the Rockies, a part not frequented by mountaineers without ropes. In this case, the man in the photo doesn’t look like he’s protected.

#findingb

Facebook uploader Ahrold Fampulme captioned the above photo with: “This photo was taken in mt. Maculot, in rockies to be exact. Kung makikita nyo e may isang lalaki na nasa larawaan kung saan talagang delikado ang pwesto nya. Sya e may kamera na dala duon kasi halos nung nakaakyat na kami a rockies e kita mo yung lalaki. I posted this pic kasi nga dun sa nawawalang lalaki sa mt.maculot na napapabalita.”

He then posted another photo with a better lighting, although the person in it was still not identifiable.

#findingbiki

It was captioned with: “Eto mas malinaw na kuha, di ko sure kung sino tong lalaki na to, pero sana makatulong kahit papano sa mga naghahanap dun sa nawawalang lalaki. :) march 31,2013 sunday.”

Now here’s a photo of that portion of the Rockies I found in my memory card, taken last January. I put an arrow to where the man in Ahrold’s photos was sitting.

Mt. Maculot's Rockies

Meanwhile, Ahrold’s mention of the man in the photo having a camera leads one to believe it was Biki because he loved taking pictures as evident in his Facebook page. Even the silhouette of the head could very well be his, judging by his hairstyle in his recent pics.

And if the man in the photo was indeed Biki, those two taken by Ahrold could be his last pictures before he fell off.

Death is always a sad news, and one as tragic as this gives scare to those who share the same passion as the one that took the person’s life. But then I’m sure Biki is happy, as he spent his last hours doing what he loved best.

My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. And to Biki, happy birthday. May you rest in peace.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Mt. Batulao in ABS-CBN Station ID

0 comments

The new ABS-CBN 2013 Summer Station ID titled Kwento ng Summer Natin has just been released. The video celebrates Philippine television’s 60th year so the Kapamilya celebrities re-enacted the hit shows from before. I don’t know the rest of them but I recognized Palibhasa Lalake, Tonight with Dick and Carmi, Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata, etc.

Mt. Batulao

Then Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla channeled Kristine Hermosa and Jericho Rosales in Pangako sa ‘Yo and look what’s in the background! It’s Mount Batulao! Although, of course it was just obviously only CGI, but still, it made the mountaineer in me excited.

And perhaps it’s just because I haven’t climbed for 3 months now.

Speaking of mountains, I don’t know if Nanay would allow me to go on solo hiking again after news about Victor Ayson broke out. He has been missing for 7 days now after going on a solo hike last Easter Sunday, March 31. Search and rescue teams have already “combed” Mt. Maculot but they found neither a clue nor a lead as to where he could be.

Anyway, here’s the full video of Kwento ng Summer Natin, the ABS-CBN 2013 Summer Station ID:

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

How to take care of animals?

0 comments

Bugoy Cariño will teach us how to take care of animals in ABS-CBN’s Wansapanataym this Saturday night.

Bugoy Cariño

The episode is called ‘Finding Nilo’ (sounds familiar?). He plays the role of Nilo, a child cursed to become a fish after stepping on a certain kind of sea creature believed to be the guardian of the sea (who cannot take care of himself?).

Anyway, I’m very pet friendly that I can’t help but post this.

Wansapanataym airs Saturdays, after Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal, on ABS-CBN.

Mountaineer goes missing in Mt. Maculot

0 comments

Another mountaineer has gone missing.

Victor Joel Ayson

Victor Joel Ayson went on a solo dayhike up Mount Maculot on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. It was 2:30 AM when he left his bag at Mang Manuel’s store.

He successfully reached the Rockies campsite because he was seen buying a bottle of mineral water at the campsite store (which mountaineers fondly call 7-11) around 9:00 AM.

After not being in contact until Monday, his friends and family started getting alarmed. Search and rescue operations have been organized since Monday night but all were unsuccessful in finding him.

According to Mang Manuel, an experienced Mt. Maculot guide and owner of the Mountaineer’s Stop Over & Store in Barangay Tico, there have really been instances when even the locals would get lost in Mt. Maculot due to engkanto or the entities that we do not see with our naked eyes.

I have personally traversed the said mountain twice and has done four solo climbs of the Rockies campsite, and I must say I believe in what Mang Manuel suspects of what happened to Victor.

But the news didn’t say if the missing mountaineer only climbed up to the Rockies or did the traverse. Did anyone know of his exact plans that day? The Rockies is just a one-hour hike and if he climbed at 2:30 AM alone and was still at the campsite at 9:00 AM, he might have found a company (made a new friend or bumped on a mountaineer that he knew) for him to have lasted such long hours up there. That, or he’s a better loner than I am.

Next point, did he buy a big bottle of mineral water? If he did, it could be that he was preparing for a traverse. I’m sure, however, that someone has noticed where he went after the campsite. Aside from the fact that it was a Sunday, and an Easter Sunday at that, the campsite store only operates whenever the place is crowded. And with a crowd at the campsite, someone could have noticed where he headed.

The “barangay” should check with the mountaineers that are on the log book from Black Saturday to Easter Sunday. And just to be sure, ask those that have climbed on Monday, too.

The Rockies can be very dangerous especially with strong winds. And I only stayed at the campsite during those times I was alone. Why? Because I could have easily slipped and fell and disappeared without anyone knowing. Falling to the waters of Taal Lake would be a “better” accident if you knew how to swim, but falling towards the forested area several meters down below would be very tragic because (correct me if I’m wrong) that is an unexplored area (read: no one goes there).

But what if he did the traverse. Alone. That instantly gave me the goosebumps. Why? Because going back to what Mang Manuel said, those entities are indeed true. Read about my scary traverse of Mt. Maculot here: http://profoundbliss.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-do-maculot-romelo-and-manabu-have.html

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

photo: Victor Joel Ayson’s Facebook

Alay Lakad 2013

0 comments

I again walked to Antipolo Cathedral on the eve of Good Friday, and although it was my fourth consecutive year to do it, it was the first time that I did it alone.

I made the vow to do the Alay Lakad annually back in 2010, when my Catholic soul felt somehow ‘fulfilled’ after doing it for the first time. We were a group of ten back then, all first-timers, and today I am glad that majority of those I went with that year still continue to do it every year, even if not with me anymore.

I found myself with a different group of five the following year, although my ‘kid Friday’ back then went with me, of course. And then my Alay Lakad company became less every year. In 2012, I just went with a friend, and then this year I was alone.

It was fun. I was alone, but then again not. From the Immaculate Conception Parish in Pasig City, I walked with a throng of strangers. They were in groups or pairs; some walked with their families, others with their friends, and then some were with their religious groups.

There were more pilgrims that walked from Pasig Cathedral this year compared to last year, but then I was a little surprised upon reaching Ortigas Avenue because there were obviously less pilgrims this time.

I walked fast, only stopping to buy a bottle of Gatorade in one 7 Eleven store. It took me two hours and eleven minutes, from 10:15 PM Thursday up to 12:26 AM the following day, to walk from Pasig Cathedral up to the first Station of the Cross. It took me almost three hours, however, from the first Station up to the Antipolo Cathedral (also called Immaculate Conception Parish or National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage).  Of course, it was because I stopped at every station to listen to the recorded message, and also because it was impossible to walk faster than the pace of the people around.

As usual, there were a lot of teens who joined the ‘walk,’ but what surprised me was to see a mother carrying a less-than-a-year-old baby on that part between the fourteenth station and the church. It was the most crowded part that you’d feel the breath of the one behind you on your nape. You wouldn’t have a choice also but to go with the flow, and by flow it means two to five steps at a time.

I eventually lost sight of the young woman with a baby before I reached the church’s door where everyone would throw coins and make wishes. I just hope they made it through safely.

As for the wish, it was the same one I usually say every time - good health for me and my loved ones.

It was almost 4:00 AM when I hopped on a tricycle, telling the driver to take me to the highway. I meant the one near the first Station of the Cross, but he took me to that road that’s just a few minutes walk from the municipal hall. I had a bad experience there last year because there were no buses and the people became barbaric whenever a Crossing-bound jeepney would pass by. What I did that time was to hire another tricycle to take me down the road to that first station where a lot of buses were waiting. It was a good thing that this time, I was able to chance upon a still almost empty Crossing-bound jeepney before I gave up and hired another tricycle like last year. It was barely two minutes after I hopped on, though, before it got full.

I was only able to take one decent photo with my phone’s camera throughout the whole experience. I decided to leave the big camera behind because I wanted to concentrate on the pilgrimage and not on taking pictures. And then I secretly hoped I had a better camera phone than what currently have.

Alay Lakad 2013

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

PAL Express Domestic Fares Promo!

0 comments

As much as 75% lower! Domestic Fares Promo

Selling Period: March 22 to April 22, 2013

Travel Period: June 16 to October 15, 2013

Book now at: http://www.flypalexpress.com/ for PAL Express. For Philippine Airlines promos, check out http://www1.philippineairlines.com/

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.10

Malls, LRT and MRT Sched for Holy Week 2013

0 comments

For those staying in the metro for the Holy Week, I guess we are left with nothing to do from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday as the malls are closed and even the LRT and MRT won’t operate until Sunday.

Check out the sched below.

SM MALLS

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
Regular Mall Hours

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

AYALA MALLS (including Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Market! Market!, Trinoma, Abreeza, Ayala Center Cebu, Centrio):

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
Regular Mall Hours

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

ROBINSONS MALLS

Maundy Thursday
Robinsons Luisita, Tagaytay, Pangasinan and Palawan: Regular Mall Hours
Other Robinsons Malls branches: CLOSED

Good Friday
Robinsons Luisita and Tagaytay: Regular Mall Hours
Other Robinsons Mall branches: CLOSED

Black Saturday
Regular Mall Hours

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

POWER PLANT

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 10:00 PM

Easter Sunday
10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

EASTWOOD CITY

Maundy Thursday
All shops are closed except for selected restaurants

Good Friday
All shops are closed except for selected restaurants

Black Saturday
Regular Mall Hours

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

NCCC MALL DAVAO

Maundy Thursday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
Regular Mall Hours

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

GREENHILLS SHOPPING CENTER

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

SHANGRI-LA PLAZA

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

FESTIVAL MALL ALABANG

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

GATEWAY

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

STA. LUCIA EAST GRAND MALL

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

TIENDESITAS

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

LANDMARK

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

LUCKY CHINA TOWN MALL

Maundy Thursday
Closed

Good Friday
Closed

Black Saturday
12:00 NN to 9:00 PM

Easter Sunday
Regular Mall Hours

LRT 1 and 2

Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday
Closed

MRT

Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday
Closed

FREE iPhone 4 from Smart

0 comments

Here is Smart's special offer to the Class of 2013:
The iPhone 4 FREE at Plan 999 with 250MB Data & 40 SMS + 100 mins. of calls to ALL networks. Visit any Smart Store to avail.

Smart iPhione 4 FREE

Samsung Galaxy S4 (Video)

0 comments

Developed to redefine the way we live, the GALAXY S 4 makes every moment of our life meaningful. It understands the value of relationships, enables true connections with friends and family, and believes in the importance of effortless experience.

Highly crafted design with a larger screen and battery, thin bezel, housed in a light 130g and slim 7.9mm chassis. The new Samsung GALAXY S 4 is slimmer, yet stronger.

The GALAXY S 4 gets you closer to what matters in life, and brings your world together.
For a richer, simpler and fuller life.

To find out more, click here http://www.samsung.com/galaxys4/

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Airphil Express rebrands as PAL Express

0 comments

Further strengthening its alliance with Philippine Airlines (PAL), Airphil Express is undergoing a major transformation by improving and aligning its service standards and product offerings with the flag carrier.

Airphil Express rebrands as PAL Express

Reflecting this change, Airphil Express will rebrand itself as “PAL Express” effective March 15, 2013. All Airphil Express planes will use the familiar “sunriser” PAL livery and logo on its tail and fuselage.

Side by side with the rebranding will be a total enhancement of customer experience as PAL Express ensures that customers receive the best quality service that each carrier has been known for.

With the rebranding, PAL Express passengers will now enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks and reading materials on board and other amenities previously enjoyed only by passengers of full service carriers like PAL. Passengers of PAL Express can also earn miles through their membership in Mabuhay Miles.
“It’s not just a name change, but an alignment of two standards into one. With this rebranding, PAL and PAL Express will be full service carriers in terms of service, but LCC in terms of managing costs,” PAL President Ramon S. Ang said.

Once the transformation is complete, PAL Express will have the same service standards as PAL, a strong 72 year-old brand recognized as one of the country’s most prominent corporate institutions. The objective is to deliver enhanced customer experience in all touchpoints both on ground and inflight.

Despite the rebranding, PAL and PAL Express will remain distinct and independent airline companies but following a single service standard. All PAL flights will be manned by PAL pilots and cabin crew, while PAL Express flights will be operated by Airphil Express pilots and flight attendants.

Both airlines will also maintain their respective websites –www.philippineairlines.com and www.flypalexpress.com as well as hotline numbers (02)8558888 for PAL and (02)8559000 for PAL Express.

For seamless alignment of service standards, PAL and PAL Express frontliners like cabin crew, airport customer service agents (CSAs), ticket office agents and contact center service agents are undergoing continuous training. Policies, procedures and standards of the two airlines are also being aligned.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Goodbye, Google Reader

0 comments

This was what welcomed me when I decided to read some feeds from Google Reader just now:

Google Reader popup

Bakit kaya? Baka next thing we know, Blogger na ang mawawala.

Now the big question is, what can I use in replacement for the Google Reader that I have used for almost five years now?

Our New Pope is Argentinian

0 comments

Celebs with Dogs: Mikael Daez

0 comments

Mikael Daez seems to love him so so much. Lucky dog.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.10

Tom Cruise

0 comments

This scene from Oblivion makes me miss climbing. So much. My last climb was on January 3 with K when we did Maculot Traverse.

Tom Cruise in Oblivion

I think I have to pack my ever dependable Hawk daypack soon.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Celebs with Dogs: Daniel Matsunaga

0 comments

I nearly cried looking at this collage of Daniel and his dog Simba. He's saying goodbye to the dog as he was leaving for Iloilo.

Reminds me of Princess's stares, and how she won't kiss me whenever she sees me with my backpack.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.10

Celebs with Dogs: Alden Richards

0 comments

I just love it when celebrities pose with dogs.

This is Alden Richards:

Alden Richards Alden Richards

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

What do Maculot, Romelo and Manabu have in common? - Part 3

0 comments

This is the third of a series of posts, and I really hope will be the last, about ‘peculiar’ things that I have experienced in the mountains.

So I am/was fond of climbing alone, but only in mountains that I already know the trail of, and which I label as ‘safe’ because of easy trails.

Two mountains that I climb alone (and without a guide) were Maculot and Manabu Peak. I already blogged about what happened during my last Maculot climb which actually triggered my desire to write about my ‘peculiar’ experiences. You can also read about my Mt. Romelo experience here.

This time, however, I’m gonna write about a very strange thing that happened to me in Manabu.

I arrived at the jump off past 1:00pm of September 20, 2012. Based on previous Manabu climbs, I only needed at least three-and-a-half hours for a ‘round-trip’ (that doesn’t include the ‘summit time’) so I was sure I’d be back at the jump-off way before 6:00pm.

It had just rained the previous night so the trail was wet and the stream to be crossed was a little deeper (below the knee) than usual. It had always been muddy in Manabu, anyway (or at least every time I went there), so the slippery trail was nothing new.

A few meters past the last occupied house (Mang Pirying’s hut not included) but before the split in the trail that will lead you either to the grotto or to Mang Pirying’s hut, I noticed a very thin dog off to the right. He (instinct told me it was a he) ran away as he saw me, but only far enough that he could still see me and bark. His voice was weak and kinda muffled. I think there was something wrong with his tongue. My guess was that it was cut off because his bark was very unusual-sounding.

dog along the trails of Manabu Peak

Being a dog lover, my heart almost broke at the sight. He was so thin so I guess no human was taking care of him. Or perhaps he was disowned. I had in my backpack three pieces of boiled eggs that I bought from the vendor on the bus on my way to Lipa. I decided to give one to the obviously starving dog. He was still barking nonstop at me, but he didn’t go farther away as I dared to get near.

I already have an HRIG shot anyway so I’d just need a booster if ever he was rabid and bit me.

About three feet away, I softly tossed the peeled boiled egg his way. He started to run away perhaps because he thought I would hurt him, but then he saw the egg and stopped running . He still kept on barking at me and I realized, given his situation, that it was hard for him to trust me, or anyone for that matter.

I gathered he wouldn’t eat the egg with me there so after saying goodbye, I walked on so he could eat the egg in peace.

I wanted to take the trail that would pass by Mang Pirying’s hut, and go down that way as well because there was this dark part in the other trail (the one with the gigantic boulder) that just gave me goosebumps everytime.

(I would like to build up suspense on this part but really, I wanted to just get this post over with because I’m having a hard time writing this. So without further ado:)

But lo and behold! I just found myself looking at what I didn’t want to believe was the grotto already!

I literally stopped in my tracks and looked around. How could it be the grotto when I haven’t yet passed that split in the trail that would lead me to either the grotto or Mang Pirying’s? Could I have missed it, really, despite the bench and directional signs? And on my numerous trips to Manabu Peak both alone and with K, walking up to the grotto couldn’t have taken that short a time!

I didn’t wanna scare myself so I just continued walking, past the grotto, past that eerie boulder, and onto that little grassland where that Cooperative Planting Project banner could be seen.

I walked fast, focusing on how to catch my breath as I didn’t want to think about how I was “teleported” some 30 minutes forward. I didn’t wanna entertain the idea but later on, I asked myself if it was the dog. It may be funny to think and I initially didn’t want to write about this thought but, was the Virgin Mary at the grotto pleased at my actions that she made my trek faster by cutting the trail short towards where she was?

It was a lonely hike overall, and eerie for that matter, because not even Mang Pirying was in his hut when I passed by on my way down. I found a black cat and a black dog in his house, though, which made the experience eerier (although we at home also own a black cat).

Mang Pirying's black cat and black dog

And then there was this caged “wild cat” also:

Mang Pirying's caged wild animal

As I got near that split in the trail on my way down, that Twilight Zone theme (I am a fan) was playing in my head. I almost didn’t want to look. But it was there - the bench, the signs. How could I have missed them on my way up?

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Panagbenga Festival 2013 - Schedule of Events

0 comments

To those going to Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival 2013 (also known as BFF or Baguio Flower Festival 2013), I’m sure you’d want to go there during the celebration’s highlight - the street dancing and the grand float parades which happen on February 23 and 24 respectively.

But if you plan on going up to Baguio for the whole festival, here’s the calendar of events:

February 1, 2013
Grand Opening Parade
Drum and Lyre Dance Competition (Elementary Division)
Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl

February 1 – March 3, 2013
Market Encounter & Landscaping Competition
Burnham Park

February 10, 2013
Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom
Melvin Jones

February 10, 2013
Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio
Burnham Park

February 10, 2013
Fluvial Float Parade
Burnham Lake

February 23, 2013
Grand Street Dancing Parade
Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl

February 24, 2013
Grand Float Parade
Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl

February 25 – March 3, 2013
Session Road in Bloom
Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl

March 4, 2013
Closing Ceremonies
Athletic Bowl

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

What do Maculot, Romelo and Manabu have in common - Part 2

0 comments

My Mt. Maculot traverse experience with K reminded me of my very first mountain climbing experience in Mt. Romelo. It was August 2010 and I was supposed to go to Taytay Falls but the friend I was supposed to go with stood me up so I decided to just go somewhere with fewer people - the mountains.

the blogger at Lansones Falls

I hired a guide who perhaps had a third eye as well, the reason why he saw what he did.

We were walking towards Lansones Falls, he was like ten feet ahead, when I noticed that he kept on looking back towards me. I thought he was just checking on me as the thought of "stuff" like that in the mountains hasn't really occurred to me at that time.

Had he told me he saw something right then, I wouldn't have allowed myself to take a dip in Lansones Falls' catch basin and enjoy its very cold water. But since I was unsuspecting, I even asked the guide to take pictures of me as I posed with the waterfalls as my backdrop.

the blogger at the grotto in Lansones Falls

There was one part of the area, however, that was full of orbs when taken pictures of. It was called “grotto” because it was like a carved area in a wall of rocks.

Anyway, as we were eating pancit canton and rice at the small store back on top of Buruwisan Falls, he told me the story. He said he saw a man in green shirt following me, hinting that it wasn’t really a man per se because when it ran to the far side of the river to hide from the guide’s eyes, it vanished.

Now, I haven’t been back to Mt. Romelo after that. I would love to go there again, though, because I failed to go to Batya-Batya Falls during my first visit. The next time, however, I don’t wanna be with just a guide.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

UP Fair 2013 - Schedule of Activities

0 comments

U.P. Diliman University Student Council presents U.P. Fair 2013, a week-long event held at the Sunken Garden featuring concerts, shows, fair booths, bazaars, etc.

UP Fair 2013

Here’s the schedule of events:

February 12: Bulkantahan – Unang Pagsabog Para Sa Pagbabago (Iuvenis Orbis Geological Fraternity)
Performances by: Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Spongecola, Silent Sanctuary, Ebe Dancel, Never the Strangers, General Luna, Hijo, Dong Abay and the Tanods, Join the Club, SAMARIA, Flying Ipis, Gaijin, Slapshock, Giniling Festival, Segatron, Hoodlum, Candycandy, Bad Hair Day, SUCKETSEVEN, Wasted Sopas, Dragon, Milky Summer, Naraia, Slickfinger, Jerry Something, CLandestino’s Manuscript , Kaya, From the Author, Half Way Out, Brickcity, The Squibs, Sheenola, Idioms and Disposition, Joop, Strands of Autumn, FIJ, Maxine Jarantilla

February 13: Kontrakultura II – Marked for Love, Marked for Destiny(UP Students of Destiny)

February 14: Roots – Music and Arts Festival(UP Underground Music Community)
Performances by: Up Dharma Down, Moonstar 88, Sandwich, Giniling Festival, Franco, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Ang Bandang Shirley, Ourselves the Elves, 3×2, The Etiquettes, Joop, Anton and the Salvadors, Extrapolation, With Fingers Crossed, Specterull,Maya’s Anklet, Ivan Theory, Lights in Transit, Stomachine, Hello World, Ulirat, La Passionaria.

February 15: Freedom Fair – Live More(Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority)

February 16: Speak UP – Loud, Proud and Unbound(University Student Council-UPD)

Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999) for only P100 (per night).

*All events start at 6:00pm.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

SM Cebu’s Fireworks Display for Sinulog 2013 (Video)

0 comments

Check out the fireworks display of SM City Cebu for Sinulog Festival 2013. The background music, Gangnam Style, was a hit among the spectators especially that the fireworks were made to go along the beat of the worldwide hit song by the Korean performer Psy.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (2013) - Schedule and Ticket Prices

0 comments

After the New Year (and my birthday), I now look forward to the pyromusical which happens February to March for quite a few years now.

I haven’t been able to complete all the shows in each year because it’s really hard to reserve a number of consecutive Saturdays for that (kunyari busy).

I was only able to watch one show every year, and I promise to watch more shows this year. After all, eleven countries are competing this year, with the Philippines (not included in the competition for being the host country) to show off at the finale.

4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (2013)

The 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

2013 Schedule:

February 16, 2013
Japan - Tamaya Kitahara
Finland - Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd.

February 23, 2013
Taiwan - Yung Feng Fireworks
France - Intermede Artifices

March 2, 2013
United Kingdom - Jubilee Fireworks Ltd.
South Korea - Hwarang Fireworks Inc.

March 9, 2013
Italy - Ipon Fireworks S.R.L.
The Netherlands - Royal Fireworks

March 16, 2013
China - Liuyang New Year Fireworks Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Australia - Fireworkx Inc.

March 23, 2013
Canada - Fireworks Spectacular
Philippines - Platinum Fireworks Inc. (Closing Exhibition)

Ticket prices are P100, P300, P500 and P1,500. Just go to http://smtickets.com for more details or you may call them at (+632) 470-2222.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

What do Maculot, Romelo and Manabu have in common? - Part 1

0 comments

I climbed Mt. Maculot every week last December to lose some inches on my tummy. And because not everyone likes to climb the same mountain over and over again, and because I'm really a loner, I climbed those four times alone.

the blogger at Mt. Maculot's Rockies

The Rockies campsite is safe to climb alone. (I can almost hear my few more experienced mountaineering friends disagreeing with me.) The trail is wide and there are no forks aside from one early in the trail, but there’s an arrow pointing to the right direction so I really don't see how anyone could get lost.

My first two weeks were bliss. I was literally alone at the campsite aside from a big tuko on the first and a monkey on the second week. I was able to pray (which I do secretly when there are mountaineers around) for the safe climb, lie down on the tables, close my eyes and savor the quiet sounds of wind on the trees and the idea of being alone 300+ meters above sea level.

But was I really alone during those times that I thought I was?

I'm going to fast forward to January 3 because my third and fourth solo climbs on the third and fourth weeks of December were full of happy mountaineers along the trail and at the campsite. They were really friendly, aside from a few shy ones, but I wish I could teach myself how to become a large group type of person.

Going back to that first Thursday of 2013, it was a happy climb for me because after a little more than a year, I was able to climb again with my climb buddy K. He became so busy when he transferred school because he went back to playing the quinta drums and couldn’t find time to climb anymore.

After the holidays, though, he was a little less busy. And even if it was the last mountain we climbed together, we chose Maculot again because (1) I told him I will show him the "dila" part of the Rockies; and (2) we will do the traverse which he hasn't done yet.

I have traversed Maculot in 2010 with Danilo and a kid guide starting from Brgy. Pinagkaisahan to the Rockies down to Brgy. Tico, and I decided to do it the other way around this time. Little did I know that we really couldn’t start at the Brgy. Pinagkaisahan jump off because it is currently closed aside for foreigners. But that's another story.

After taking pictures at the so-called "dila" of the Rockies, K and I set off for the traverse at exactly 9:38 in the morning. K was excited to use for the first time his Casio altimeter watch that his father gifted him with last Christmas.

K at about 800 MASL up Mt. Maculot

We occasionally paused to take pictures and/or admire the surroundings. A little over 800 MASL, we again stopped to admire a tree with a bunch of round fruits that looked like grapes. I took a photo of K by the tree and also took pictures of the wet surroundings.

It was raining and oh-so-foggy that day. It was bearable from Brgy. Tico up to the Rockies, but it was wet and muddy after the Rockies campsite onwards.

After taking photos, it’s time to continue walking. “Let’s go,” I told K who was in front of our two-person line. He turned away from me to resume the trek but suddenly turned back again, his gaze searching somewhere behind me.

“May tao sa likod mo,” (Someone’s behind you) he told me in his typical flat tone.

Thinking he meant there were other mountaineers behind us, I turned back as well to search for them at the trail behind. There were none, though, and when I turned back to look at K again, I sensed through his tensed expression that it was something else.

I’m not a mind reader, but the two of us have climbed mountains as a duo long enough to read each other’s thoughts just by the movements of our eyes.

At that point, I was reminded of the “green man” my guide saw was following me during my Mt. Romelo climb, reason why from there, I told K I’ll take the lead (I was the one who knew the trail, anyway). I also knew better than to talk about “what” K saw while we were still in that mountain.

We didn’t stop walking again after that, climbing at least a hundred MASL straight until we reached the summit. We became more quiet, more cautious, and perhaps more aware of what’s around us.

We stopped at the summit for a while. There, we ate our Jollibee cheeseburgers (K is a sucker for burgers, BTW) and took pictures. When my jaw started rattling at 24 degrees centigrade because we were all wet, I decided it’s time to start the descent to Brgy. Pinagkaisahan.

The trail on that other side was as steep as I remembered. However, the rope segments were more difficult going down than how I remembered it going up.

one of the rope segments when traversing Mt. Maculot

After the second and steeper rope segment before the grotto, we bumped into a Kiwi on his way up. He was being guided by Kuya Jun. I remembered the guide as the one at the registration during my 2010 traverse. He was also the one who gave me the 14-year-old Denver as guide. He remembered me as well and he talked like an old friend, explaining why there was a new fork in the trail near the summit and why they don’t allow mountaineers to start trek at Pinagkaisahan anymore.

I wonder why he gave the mountaineer from New Zealand a special consideration, anyway. And with that, your guess is as good as mine.

the blogger at Mt. Maculot's grotto

The area around the grotto was devoid of trees and the wind was particularly strong. We decided to eat K’s pancit canton there. After taking a lot of pictures, that is.

We completely forgot about what K saw until we were already comfortable eating burgers (again) at McDonald’s in Robinsons Lipa some three hours after.

“Ano’ng nakita mo? Naka-green?” (What did you see? Someone wearing green?) I asked K, thinking it was the same “thing” that followed me in Mt. Romelo on my way to Lansones Falls in 2010.

“Naka-white,” he answered, and I got instant goosebumps upon hearing that.

“Lalaki?” (A man?) I asked again because the one in Romelo was male, but perhaps I was also hoping the Maculot entity wasn’t what I thought it was.

“Babae.” (A Woman.)

I had more goosebumps after that, especially when K said the woman in white was standing to my left but a couple of steps behind.

All K could describe was black hair and white clothes as he said it immediately disappeared when he turned to look at it again.

I believed him, as I’ve also seen “things” like that on several occasions, the last of which was three days before this posting. But again, that’s another story.

Back at home, I told my friend Mylene about the white woman in Mt. Maculot. Mylene was a mountaineer before she married and gave birth. And then she told me a story of her mountaineering buddies hearing marching footsteps and Japanese voices during an overnight at the Rockies campsite.

My Mt. Romelo and Manabu Peak “goosebump-y” experiences coming soon.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Related Posts with Thumbnails