Ondoy

We were at Pudong International Airport last Saturday afternoon when I and my colleagues heard the news. I heard about the typhoon earlier that day but I initially did not mind. Typhoons come and go in the country. Unlike my colleagues who were longing to come home to their families (they were both married), I did not mind if our flight back was delayed.

But when I learned about the flood, that's when the danger of the typhoon sank in. Ondoy was not an ordinary typhoon and it was hurting Manila in an unprecedented scale. Suddenly, I wanted to get home to check for myself how things were.

The flight back was relatively safe, considering the weather towards the country (I think, PAL pilots are really quite good). For the first time, however, it took more than an hour for us to de-plane once we got to the Centennial Airport. We just 'parked' somewhere in the airport and remained seated all that time. Flights were delayed and there was no available tube.

Arrival Section - Centennial Airport

The moment passengers finally stepped inside the airport building, an announcement about all major routes to/from the airport were closed/not passable greeted us. For not knowing how the way to my place was (I knew our street was flooding thru a call from a friend), I chose to stay in the airport. I slept on the baggage conveyor. I knew though that I had better fate than the ones I saw on the net who were braving chest-deep waters. (I got home at 4am the next morning; our plane landed at the airport at past 8pm.)

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The damage was heartbreaking. As I watched TV news reports, I could see the grief, the helplessness. Tragic.

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I know it's a waste of energy, but I must say it: the government did not rise to the occasion. I know, I know. I know it was too big a disaster to totally be prepared for, but please, what little the government could do was just too little. And some, too late. I doubt the government (national and local leaders) took disaster preparation seriously. I've never heard of projects for it. All I heard were election fraud, shady business deals, houses in the US, fancy dinners, questionable statements of assets/liabilities, etc. The list is long.

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Was at Whitespace this afternoon. Wanted to volunteer as packer for relief goods. There were a lot of volunteers there already. I helped pack a few bags but it seemed that the goods to pack ran out. Since there was nothing much to do, I headed home after staying in less than 30 minutes.I'm hoping to do further volunteering this Saturday.

Oh, Lord, bless my country.

All Set

Things are ALL SET for tomorrow's trip. Just finished packing. Love the new red luggage I bought. =)

Things are also ALL SET for the coming elections. It's Noy-Mar then. As long as I don't see those squirm-inducing commercials, I'm liking Mar more. Wharton grad pala ang lolo mo. Bongga!

Also bought my Pilipinas shirt (collezione) and I-am-Ninoy shirt (penshoppe). Go, go, go May 2010! I've just never felt this much affection for the country. And I'm happy to discover the love.

Shanghai

It's nearly midnight, and I'm so sleepy and tired (two nights of abnormal sleep do that to you), but I can't stop researching about Shanghai (I'm going after all). I couldn't help but assemble an idiot's guide to the city. Key word: idiot. I'm just nearly totally lost about the place. As I read and read though, it's getting really interesting. I think, I'm quite excited now.

Go Taylor!

Dear Kanye,

I condemn what you did to Taylor Swift at the MTV VMAs. So unforgivably heartless. Where was your soul? Your manners? Your sense of right and wrong? Do you even know what 'respect' means?

If you disagreed with Taylor's win, that is up to you. Unfortunately, those who voted (did you even vote?) thought otherwise. If you have a problem with the voting, bring it up to MTV. You had no right to grab that mic from Taylor and humiliate the girl on national TV. Humiliate, Kanye. Humiliate. If you didn't realize that, where were your brains?

I hope you get what you deserve.

Without any love,
dojski

Katy Perry is Coming to Manila!

I couldn't believe it at first. Katy, the artist I came to know before the country realized and came to appreciate her talent, is going to perform in Manila?! Amazingly unbelievable! But it is true. And I am so excited!

For the Unfamiliar: Katy is known for her controversial hits "I Kissed a Girl" and "Ur so Gay", as well as "Hot n Cold"; her outrageous outfits (e.g., she wears fruits, literally); and her 'wild' image. But there is more to her than all these: her album "One of the Boys" contains some very thoughtful, sensible songs (Thinking of You, Lost, Fingerprints), the entire album is quality music, she's a songwriter, she's smart and witty based on interviews, and she has real vocal talent. My guess is, all the outrageous stuff about her is just publicity. Inside, she's a serious, sincere music artist. ;)

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Birthday came and went, and as usual, reflections about what my year has been and what direction my life is taking are the central theme of the occasion. I continue to be a work in progress. But I know better now than to take that against myself. It's just how it is: as long as you breathe, you are never going to be "made". You will remain a journey. The key is to keep trying to live the best life you could.

Lunch with colleagues was relatively low key and so was dinner with friends. I wanted it that way. And I am especially thankful that all whom I invited came to dinner. It was a wider circle of friends this time and though intimate talk could not be expected from such, I achieved the purpose of gathering them together as appreciation for being a part of my life. When you are getting older, you tend to be more appreciative of people and things. I wanted to celebrate my friends on my birthday. (Family was is in the province. =)
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My Tita, whom I talked about in this post, passed away yesterday. So my planned trip home for October will have to come earlier as the funeral is this Wednesday. Rest in peace, Tita.

09/09/09

Today marks three special events. First, today is amazingly a triple nine: 9th September 2009 or simply 09/09/09. Cute, isn't it? ;)

Second, Noynoy finally said his piece. He's joining the 2010 presidential race. I admit I have my reservations as regards his performance as a senator but as the ever-sharp Conrado de Quiros points out, this country needs a leader that is more than just an impressive resume. At this point, I also declare that Noynoy owns my vote. And it is given willingly. The personal agenda of the rest of the presidentiables are too obvious not to notice. They are just out there to advance themselves. Noynoy presents THE alternative. Therefore, there is nowhere else to go. I hope the best for him. And the country.

And third, today is the last day I am able to say that I am 28 years old. Yes, 28. And yes, again, this is the last day. So, allow me one more time to say it: I am 28 years old. Tomorrow, it will be a lie to say that.

I am 28 years old! =)

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Photo credit: Inquirer

Coron Stories

There are a lot to tell. But I'm too tired to do so now. Instead, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

very tricky way to barracuda lake

photographic kayangan cove

one side of the twin lagoon

amazing kayangan lake

Bumpy Ride

We almost did not make it.

The plane was supposed to leave Manila at 9:40 am but due to "bad weather" in our destination, our flight was put on hold until further notice. After what felt like 20 minutes though, our flight was finally called and we were set to board.

Length of entire plane

It was a small plane. Probably the smallest I've been in, ever. But since only such planes fly to Coron, they're the way to go. Accepting this fact, however, did not mean forgetting what small planes entail: a bumpy ride.

And indeed, a bumpy ride it was. Things were all right up to about 30 minutes into the flight but when we got near the Coron (Busuanga) airport, we were treated to some semblance of a roller-coaster ride. That was fine. As long as the plane does not actually crash, I don't mind such weather disturbances.

What was not fine was the pilot's announcement: "The weather has deteriorated. We will stay suspended on air for 20 minutes but if the weather does not improve, we will fly back to Manila". Charming.

I could see anxious faces scanning the reaction of fellow passengers. I think, people were more worried about not reaching Coron rather than the plane crashing. Those people included me.

Minutes into the ultimatum, the pilot declared that the airport has cleared our plane for landing and I just knew everybody collectively heaved a sigh of relief. When the stewardess announced the touchdown, a joyous applause erupted.

cleared for landing

And so, goes the story of our onward journey. Adventurous, at the very least. And we were not even in Coron yet. ;)

At the Airport

So much for previews. I've been so busy, I could no longer further surf. ;)

So, since today is THE day, let it be. I'm just so excited. Looking forward to swim in the lakes, just like the one above (Kayangan). And wow, the domestic airport today surprisingly was almost deserted, the moment I got in, I was first in line for the check-in.

Waiting for the flight...with lovely and ann! =)

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Photo credit: sleepygirl25 (virtual tourist)

This Just In

I bet you know the feeling.

That rush when you suddenly find yourself staring at something you totally did not expect. That suspense when you still are not sure whether it's bad news or good news. That burst of gratitude when you realize it's there to tell you that you made it, at this step at least. And then, that shift in perspective when you realize that things will finally fall into place.

I logged on my gmail today and found myself pleasantly surprised. What a way to pull me out of a seemingly sad long weekend. Lord, superthanks!

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He's not reading this but I'd still like to say a happy birthday to my cousin A. I know you've been through a new low this week, but just keep the faith and you'll be all right. =)

Score

The verdict is in.

I hesitated facing it head-on (coward), but I could no longer contain the excitement (low EQ/impatient). And so, I jumped out of bed this morning and readied myself for a quick trip to Makati to get my results.

I got out of the elevator and surveyed the floor to check if I remembered it right. I saw the office and thought for a moment that it was still closed (despite it being nearly 11am). Fat chance, Dojski. No turning back now.

So, after uttering a short prayer that I did great, I pushed the glass door and headed straight to the attending employee. After my barely audible "hi", the employee asked for my ID and instructed me to take a seat until my name is called.

It was quite an uncomfortable seat, despite looking otherwise. Or maybe it was just my nerves. Duh, a few minutes' wait can't be that much torture.

Then my name was called, I signed the receipt, and took my results enclosed in an open envelope. I did not have the heart to check it right away. I did not trust my reaction in front of the employee. The moment I stepped out of the office though, I took a peek.

Well, suffice it to say that it was lesser than I hoped for, but as much as I expected, and better than I need. =)

Overall score: HAPPY. =)

Holiday Friday!

Today is a holiday. Thanks to Ninoy. It took his life to change the course of this country. I'll always wonder though how much better we could have been if he lived.

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A funny thing happened on the way to the restroom. Time: yesterday. Location: office.

Me: Ey, what's up with your long weekend? =)
Colleague: Oh, work.
Me: Dang!
Colleague: And you?
Me: Work. ;)
Colleague: Crap, we're such a bunch of losers! :0

Trip Preview: Coron

I have been to a number of cities/places which I could have appreciated more if I knew about them a little bit more. And so, starting with my upcoming trip to Coron, Palawan, I will learn about the places I'll be going to - history, geography, people, culture, tourist spots, etc.

Coron is one of the famous tourist spots of Palawan, a province in the country. It is known for its lakes, islands, dive sites and simple lifestyle. It is part of what is called the "Calamian Group of Islands", the other large islands being Busuanga and Culion.


A trip to Coron entails either a SuperFerry trip (boat) or small planes. And since we're going to take the latter, that's where my talk will be based.

The take-off from Manila will log about an hour(?) of flying and then touch down to Busuanga. What to expect then? (Will still find out.) =)

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Photo credit: I-Pinas

The Climb

I so love this song. I'm not a Miley fan so it must be the song itself. Her quality voice is a great factor, yes, but it's the lyrics that really gets to me. Overall song impact? I can listen to it over and over again, all day. Ah, it's the themesong of my life these days.

The Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
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And this gets me thinking: what is life without music? Without something to sway your hips to, something to usher you to sleep, something to remind you of a memory, something to convey a message with, something to celebrate with, and in this case, something to comfort or inspire in trying times? Unimaginable.

News, News

There has been a series of mixed news in the past days.

For one, learned that I might be able to travel to Shanghai next month, though the chance is too little to hope much for at the moment. Still, there's a chance. The excitement is not as much as the time I got news that I would be going to Sanya (China, 2006). Still, it would be a trip to look forward to, especially now that I know a friend in HK. It's going to be an Ocean Park sidetrip. Ah, crossing fingers.

For two, my Tita (Aunt) was rushed to the hospital yesterday. Stroke. Though Tita and I do not spend that much time together (she is my father's cousin), I could always feel her affection. And my own affection for her goes back to my grade school days, when she was still selling "dinuguan", one of my favorite dishes. When it came to me, she would always fill in a lot more than usual. Am praying for you, Tita.

For three, a friend living outside the country is coming back to live here. Ironic. It's always greener on the other side. Am looking forward to having her back though.

For four, I forgot to pay the electric bill for April! Had to rush to a payment outlet to prevent the threatened disconnection. Nice.

For five, I might be going home next week to arrange some stuff. Looking forward.

Groceries and More

I LOVE -

6. Finding that Gardenia bread with the longer shelf life, which is hidden in a less conspicuous area of the grocery stands, because all the lots with the shorter lives are the ones being displayed on the top shelves. ;) [Did you even know that? Hah. :p ]

(Evidence: I got myself the one which expires on 8/16/09 rather than the one due 8/13/09. Oh, it's such a triumphant feeling. Yey!)

Pencils & Books

There is a price to pay when you don't do your tasks promptly. Early in the week, I knew I'd be needing these pencils (specifically Mongol 2) for an exam today but I kept on postponing buying them. Alas, when I finally did look for them yesterday, the bookstore no longer had those sold in threes. What remained were those sold in packs. But I only needed three!!!

What to do?

The exam was early the next day and it was already early evening, there was really nothing else to do but buy the entire set. Unless I dared go to another mall and buy the threes. But I no longer had the luxury of time nor the will.

And so, for procrastinating, I had to pay for 12 pencils when I needed only 3. Nice.

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Was at Glorietta 5's National Bookstore today, after the exam, and was so impressed with the "spaciousness". There were also so many new titles I wanted to buy! I reigned over the desire, however, because I still have "Blink" to start reading. Ah, but will definitely bite those sea of vampire novels when I'm done with a current project.

But - project or no project, Blink or no Blink, I couldn't resist to pick up this book which I am dying to read:

Something in the Heart

I was one of these people who stood waiting at the corner of Roxas Blvd and Quirino Avenue yesterday to catch a glimpse of the casket of a beloved former President as it travelled from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral. It alternately rained and shined but not even a sudden surge of rainfall - at least a couple of times - could keep us from giving up. Three hours. We waited three hours.

And then the bikers signaled the start of the funeral cortege...

And all of us readied ourselves for her 'passing'...

But nothing could describe how it felt - how I felt - when her casket came close. I wasn't there when she led the fight against the dictatorship, wasn't yet old enough to truly understand what she was going through during her presidency. Yes, she has gained my respect for her quiet ways and integrity, but I still do not know what came over me the moment I got this close to her, or her remains, that is. There was just this feeling - solemn, patriotic, hopeful, and even spiritual.

But I guess, it's just fitting to be unable to put a name to that feeling. Even in death, she works quietly, sincerely...and straight to the heart.

Cory Aquino: A Life to Look Up To

I was just 5 years old when she rose to power in February 1986. Basically, she was President during my grade school days. Thus, except for the part where you have to memorize her name so that when the teacher asks who the country's president was you have an answer, I was too young to really appreciate what Cory did for the country or critique where she failed expectations. Even then though, I remember knowing she was popular. I even distinctly remember one talk I had with a relative at the top of the stairs of my lola's (grandma) house back then. I remember saying that if I met Cory, I would hug her. I do not know where that was coming from, or what the talk was really about, but I remember saying it.

I grew up, living my own life and dealing with my own concerns. Her term ended and she settled to a private life. As I was not really old enough then to assess for myself how she fared in the presidency, the coup attempts and public disappointment from failed expectations are my impressions of her era. Of her, I do think I have ever had a strong opinion, but I accepted without question the respect that the country has always accorded her. After all, she doesn't hog the limelight the way other politicians do. She prefers to contribute in her no-frills ways, like attending a national event then quietly leaving afterwards, without bothering the public with news interviews about how great she was for being there. And, among the country's top leaders, who could I honestly say I believe did not cheat? Or stole? Cory. And her alone.

As the nation mourns her passing early today, I am presented with readings on her life and see for the first time the person behind the public figure. She is not just a former President, or Ninoy's widow, or Kris's mom or the living meaning of the color yellow. She was an ordinary person, with her own hopes and dreams. But unlike most of us who only have ourselves or our immediate families to take responsibility for, she had the nation's as well. She had the choice to turn her back, live her rich life and not bother with the extraordinary tasks. But she chose to give. To hear the call. To sacrifice.

She deserves all the love and high regard. And peace.

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Photo credit: Inquirer
Cory: Obituary

Staying Away

Will be staying away from cyberspace these days. Until some work is done. Might be lurking around (can't help it). But online time will have to be limited. Ah, discipline. Doesn't come as easy these days.

Cinemalaya 2009: Winners

Based on this list of winners, 9 out of 10 full-length competing films won in the festival awards a few hours ago.

Multiple winners were Astig (4 awards), Dinig Sana Kita (3 awards), Colorum (2 awards) and Sanglaan (2 awards). Astig and Sanglaan were on my To-Watch list but unfortunately, I could not find the time to go see them. Astig won 50-50 on performances (best director, best supporting actor) and production (best editing, best sound recording). Sanglaan bagged the best female performances (lead and support).

I've seen both Dinig and Colorum. Dinig has my biggest affection and apparently I was not alone in this as it was the Audience's Choice, in addition to winning Best Musical Score (is this why people are on LSS with the film's song?) and the Children's Television Award (understandably). I did not enjoy Colorum much but I have to agree with Lou Veloso winning best actor. He was the character he played.

Last Supper No. 3 got only one award, but the best at that: Best Picture. I'm glad I and a couple colleagues were able to catch the last show of this last night. The film sent a cutting message (it hurt) about the country's frustrating justice system in a very funny way. It's amazing how the entire film revolved around a single otherwise mundane thing: a Last Supper decor. I liked the camera angles and pun on the songs played in the film.

My other watched film, Mangatyanan, got the Best Production Design award. I do not know exactly what that means but I'm happy for the film because it was good. Its premise was not something I was initially interested in but I liked the film nevertheless. That's a feat for the makers.

I hope the films will be shown again in the city (UP is too far for me). I want to watch the others I haven't seen, and Dinig again. Watching Dinig's teaser (haven't seen it before I watched) has got me wanting to re-experience the film.

IELTS

To pass, or not to pass? That is not the question.

What will I score? There lies the wonder.

Cinemalaya 2009: Gossip Girl

Cinemalaya was such great fun. I am glad I have 'discovered' it. Four out of 10 competing full-length films watched. Not bad for a beginner.

And - the film festival is also the place to go when you are the 'starstruck' kind. A number of showbiz personalities seen. Inner gossip girl awakens.

Spotted: Dinig Sana Kita cast. Sunday mid-afternoon screening. Complete with paparrazi moments with the leads. Fanatic ever.

Spotted #2: Alfred Vargas. With an arm on a date while being interviewed at the lobby of the main theater. Colorum gala screening. Thursday.

Spotted #3: Mylene Dizon & Paolo Paraiso. Colorum gala screeening. Mylene was pretty. ;) (I should have watched her own Cinemalaya entry, the critically acclaimed '100'. But I wasn't into indie films then).

Spotted #4: Victor Basa. Harbour Square. Saturday.

Spotted #5: Patricia Evangelista (writer / she won in a speech contest in UK years back). Harbour Square. Saturday. (A colleague's hubby who reads her articles was kinda starstruck. Hehe.)

Spotted #6: The director of Colorum (I think), with a foreigner who wore a "Cannes" t-shirt. (Hmmm, is Colorum going to France?). Harbour Square. Saturday. =)

Spotted #7: Rajo Laurel (top local designer). Last Supper No. 3 screening. 9pm Saturday.

Proximity

I have always known how lucky I am to get a place so close to work and almost everything else: convenience stores, schools, malls, the country's sports center, etc. But it's only been lately that I've appreciated the value of also being a walk away from the country's cultural center (CCP). Now, as I lounge near CCP waiting for my next Cinemalaya film, I doubly feel lucky as I discover the serenity and great view of Harbour Square. What a place to spend a Saturday at! Lovely, lovely, lovely.

(Photos for uploading tonight...) ;)

View from my Starbucks corner - early afternoon

More view

Other side

Nearing sunset (this guy reminds me of someone =)

Sun setting

Cinemalaya 2009: Mangatyanan

After watching Dinig Sana Kita, this became my list of festival films to watch :

1. Colorum (about a young cop and an old ex-convict)
2. Last Supper No. 3 (about a missing Last Supper)
3. Sanglaan (Pawnshop)
4. Astig (about life in poverty, i think)
5. Short Films A (a collection of short films)

Mangatyanan

I was able to watch Colorum last night (this will be another story) and planned to watch Last Supper No. 3 early tonight. My colleagues and I had it all planned. Unfortunately, the tickets for the film were sold-out and our next best option appeared to be "Mangatyanan", a term meaning "The Blood Trail" which is an old tribal ritual. The story connects this ritual with the life of a woman with a dark past. Thankfully, the movie was surprisingly good and we had fun. =)

Of the three films I've watched so far though, Dinig is still best.