Filed under Uncategorized
I am supposed to be in Manila this weekend, but the franchising seminar I was planning to attend did not push through, reason why I wasn’t at the Pond’s Taste of Beauty blogger party last Friday. I’m sorry, guys. 
Anyway, at about the aame time that I was sulking on not being able to get away for the weekend, Cathleen announced that she was going home to Negros for the weekend. Kaladkarin that I am, I jumped at the chance. We left on a whim Friday midnight.
More kwento when I get back 
Filed under blogging
When I first came to Cebu, I often wished that the blogging community here was more active. In fact, I was the only blogger present when Aileen Apolo first came here as Google representative in 2006. Around the time I left Manila, the bloggers there were starting to come together. I’d always hear about blogger events in Manila and Davao and I’d feel bitter.
I did fly to Manila once to attend an event (I might even fly again this weekend), but I couldn’t do that all the time, because of course, plane fare doesn’t come cheap these days. All I could do was drool when they write about how much fun they had.
Imagine my delight when Kevin told me that there would be a bloggers meet-up at the Bo’s Cafe near my place. He said Davao bloggers Winston and Blogie were going to be there, and wanted to meet the bloggers in Cebu. I had heard of them both when Davao bloggers were introduced at this year’s iBlog4.
It was then that I remembered someone say at iBlog4 that a Davao blogger would be moving to Cebu for awhile and might help organize the Cebu community. I had put that at the back of my mind because I was more concerned with keeping my eyes open.
The meet-up was last Sunday, June 29. There were only a few bloggers who showed up, but it’s a start, so I guess it’s okay. In addition to those already mentioned, there was Aldrin, Rodel, Xerxes, Mark, Paul, Rio, Wilhelmina, Francis, Wilson Ng, and The Max Limpag. (I was starstruck when I realized who he was. He used to give talks in journalism workshops back in college.)
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Filed under current events
I rarely watch news on TV. The few times that I do, I am reminded that the Philippines is hopeless.
I’ve been following the news on the disaster that struck MV Princess of the Stars, but it was my first time to watch it on TV last night. It’s different reading about the news from actually seeing the contorted faces of those who are in pain for the loss of their loved ones. The meaning is taken to a different level.
I live just a block away from the center they put up to accommodate the relatives of the sunken ship. My housemate says it’s terrible there. I’ve been thinking of checking it out, but I doubt I’d want to be there. Most of the passengers on that ship were Cebuanos, and quite a few people I know know someone on that ship. I cannot imagine being in their position.
I also cannot imagine how scary it must have been for the passengers to be slapped with waves as big as a mountain. What were the last few minutes of their lives like, especially for the elderly and the children?
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Filed under Photohunt, art, travel
This is the Crown Fountain, a fountain of many colors in the Millennium Park of Chicago. The park boasts of one-of-a-kind art pieces, this fountain by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa among them.
The fountain changes colors every few seconds or so. Sometimes a face of a person or a collage of several faces appears on the LED screen. The structure is made of glass, built inside which are the lights that give it color. The sprinkles of water add to the bright effect. If I had brought a change of clothes, of if we had more time, I would have played under the fountain. 
I’m the girl in a blue-and-white striped jacket in the third and fourth photos. Photos were taken by Robert Haggard.
This is my entry for this week’s PhotoHunt.
Filed under technology
Less than a year after releasing Leopard, Apple announces Snow Leopard at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
It will be the newest Mac OS X version in a span of seven years, after Cheetah (10.0), Puma (10.1), Jaguar (10.2), Panther (10.3), Tiger (10.4), and Leopard (10.5).
Earlier this year we were told that the 10.6 version would be called Thundercat. I wonder how the old man Steve Jobs gets inspiration for the names of their cats?
(Isn’t she adorable? )
But why so soon after Leopard?
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Filed under Photohunt, nature, travel
When I found out this week’s theme for PhotoHunt, I immediately thought of its purest form—that which flows from a mountain. I couldn’t think of any mountain better than Mt. Banahaw.
Mt. Banahaw is a mystical mountain in Quezon province in the northern part of the Philippines. It is said to be one of the psychic centers of the world. It is said that only those who are ready to heed the call of the mountain can make it there.
Here’s an account of the Banahaw legend. And here’s a shot of one of the streams that flow from the mountain:
Photo taken by my Banahaw buddy, Jeconiah Placio
I miss Banahaw already.
Filed under travel
I got what I went there for, except the Donsol part. We were told that we needed at least a day to see Donsol, and the boss would have none of it. If it was up to me, I would have gone seeing places first before doing fieldwork. (I am just kidding, future employers. I am a model employee, cross my fingers.)
I also learned that butanding season is from November to May, so I guess we were there at a wrong time. I wasn’t sad at all because the boss said we’re going back there some other time. I’m pinning my hopes on that. Maybe then I’ll get to play with butandings (ha!), and maybe I could go wakeboarding in Camarines Sur (as if, you can’t even swim without a lifejacket).
Jester, I tried the authentic Bicol express, minus the San Mig Light. I took a picture in case you doubt my honesty:
I didn’t even need the pitcher of cold water that I prepared. I’m a brave girl. Tehee.
I’m told the dish in the photo has less sili than the usual. Whatever. Man, that dish was prepared in Sorsogon. It must have the right amount of sili, right? Right.
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Filed under celebrations, education
While most people say their high school memories are their dearest, I remember my college years more fondly.
I started living on my own and began spreading my wings, so to speak. I found out that the world was so much bigger and that I had barely seen even a speck of it.
I was taught by the best, who remain my measuring sticks to this day. I found myself being around people I could connect with, who encouraged my individuality, and pushed me and inspired me all at the same time. I felt I belonged from the day I first set foot on the campus. I found my home.
I can say going to Diliman was the best decision I ever made. The university shaped me more than words can ever describe. I hope that someday, I can give back to it and make it proud of me.
Happy Centennial, University of the Philippines!
P.S.
I tried making a slideshow of my college photos, but Multiply and Photobucket are not with me on the idea. I fail. That photo of the Oblation should do for now.
Filed under Photohunt, advocacies
It’s PhotoHunt time once again.
I met this boy while I was doing my undergraduate thesis two years ago in a remote area in Rizal, about an hour away from Manila.
We had to walk up a slope and then cross streams and log bridges to get to where he lived. The area had no electricity and no running water. The main source of livelihood was farming, and most of the residents, including his parents, had no education.
I can’t quite put a finger on what he must be feeling when I took this shot. I just found him cute, looking up at me like that, while I was talking to the older people in the house. He seemed so innocent, so oblivious to what was happening.
Filed under travel
I am finally going to set foot in the land of Bicol Express! I want to try an authentic version of the dish. I want to see the Mayon Volcano and the Cagsawa Ruins. And I want to visit Donsol, home of the butanding (whale shark), the world’s largest fish.
And because there is no direct flight from Cebu to Bicol, I am dropping by Manila, which means I might be able to sidetrack to Quezon City for a few days and witness the centennial celebration of the University of the Philippines.
It’s not all just play, though. When I accepted this extra gig, I thought it would just be a breeze. I didn’t realize the gravity of the responsibility because I was already doing cartwheels in my head when they told me that I would be going to Bicol.
I realize just now that I might need to come up with several books. I need to document the operations of a business that wants to offer franchises, something I’ve never done before, by the way. If I come up with lousy work, the franchisees might lose money. They trust me that much. Didn’t they realize I’m a fake?
Filed under Photohunt, human interest, travel
I thought of not joining this week’s PhotoHunt because I initially had no idea what to put out for the theme.
Until I saw this picture. I took it last year in downtown New York, where the World Trade Center used to be.
The blue thing the grandpa was leaning on contained information on the soon-to-be-built Freedom Tower on the site.
He seemed to be living off the street, although he could be a passionate musician who just wanted to share his talent in public.
I wonder how he is now.
Filed under advocacies, blogging
I have a confession to make: I vote in Pinoy Big Brother.
I am not really a fan, but I catch glimpses of the show whenever my housemates watch it. I vote because the kids I deem deserving are not topping the lists, so I spend a few pesos to try to help them.
On that same principle, I am choosing my picks for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Bloggers List. Whenever I check the list each week, I am not too happy with what I see. Although I do not live not a socially relevant life, I still believe that being influential means being socially relevant.
1. Vera Files. I salute these women for living what they preach. This is a young group formed by six veteran women journalists, two of whom were my professors in UP Diliman. They taught me well, although it is not always obvious. I am amazed that to this day they haven’t stopped creating ripples. They are already creating waves in the news.
2. Filipino Voices. I first heard of Filipino Voices from Jester-in-Exile. Some of the bloggers writing in it were the ones I argued with frequently on issues back when I was this passionate and idealistic kid. I am amazed that bloggers coming from different shades in the political spectrum and representing pole-to-pole opinions can write under one banner. That is the spirit of democracy.
3. The Not SO Talented DJ Montano. Of course I remember the libel law. Of course I remember responsible journalism (and thus, responsible blogging). But I bend all those in support of Brian Gorrell. Down with the Gucci Gang!
That caps my list. I don’t intend to add anything to it, although I might change my mind if I find something worth reading.
Of course, I qualify for the contest, my blog being two months old. If in case you were hit by a lightning and you thought of nominating my blog, please, please give your vote to Vera Files instead. I am only the second blogger to give it a point.
