Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna (2013)

Naaalala ko isa ito sa mga laging tinatanong nung grade school sa mga exams, tapos alam ko may kanta pa about Pagsanjan.  Kaya naman we decided to pay some visit to Pagsanjan Falls.  Road trip!


Row Row Your Boat :)

Mahaba-habang biyahe din so we left early around 6am pero mas ok kung mga 5am, less traffic.  Bago kami nakaabot sa Pagsanjan, we tried the 1st ever Halo Halo sa Pilipinas, uhmm don't bother - keri lang siya.  Parang mas masarap pa yata iyong Chowking na halo halo or even iyong halo halo sa kanto ng bahay niyo.

Dahil sarado iyong road na mas mabilis to reach Pagsanjan, kaya mas lalong tumagal ang biyahe.  Doing the Pagsanjan tour proved to be expensive dahil na rin sa kailangang mag boat rafting, nakita ko naman gaano kahirap ang ginawa ng mga Mr. Banks kaya keri lang iyong price, bigay bigay din ng tip kapag may time pero iyong Mr. Banks namin may pagkademanding, binigay na namin ang kamay gusto pati braso.  Understandable and typical, galingan niyo na lang magpalusot.

May naiisip akong bastos... parang...

Of course kapag nag-Pagsanjan, isipin niyo na magswiswimming kayo.  Dala kayo ng plastic para paglagyan ng wallet or better yet, iwan niyo na lang sa caru kung may dala kayo.  Reminder, bilad bilad sa arawan ang peg ng rafting so goodluck!  30 minutes din ang rafting, may stopover para bumili kayo ng maiinom at ibili din si Mr. Banks ng fudams na di naman nila kakainin pero kebs na dun.

Ta-da Pagsanjan Falls!!!  Sorry pero maliit lang pala siya not the Maria Cristina Falls or Salto or Niagara.  Baby falls lang siya.  Nagpunta din kami dun sa kuweba tapos babagsakan ka ng fall, ok lang kunwari fun!

Kunwari happy!  Going to Panghi Cave

Pagpasok sa kuweba ang panghi!  Mga tao nga naman pwede naman sa tubig magjingle sa kuweba pa.  Sabagay lahat naman ng kuweba mapanghi, buti nga panghi lang hindi amoy r***a.  Hahahahaha!

Typical sa ating mga Pinoys na kapag nabasa lang ng kaunti, gutom na.  Di ba?  Konting ulan, shet gutom na agad.  So going back to Manila we headed to Isdaan Restaurant located in Calauan ayun, boodle seafood.  YUM!!!  Infernes dito sa lugar na ito - pop na pop!!!

Fight! Show no mercy.

I am not going to say that Pagsanjan is overrated pero in my case, masabi lang na been there.

Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar [Bagac, Bataan] (2013)

Can I just be blunt about this?  The 8 hour travel was not worth it, at all!  Maybe it's because of the heavy rain but then again, the whole area looks like Fort Santiago or more inferior.  Maybe it's supposed to cater team bonding activities or some sort. 

Just maybe.

Bicol Region [Calaguas, Camarines Norte] (2011)

First Bicol province that we have travelled to, main reason Calaguas Island.  As mentioned, again and again and again - this is not a travel blog.  More of just reminscing all the different journeys that I have explored.  Nostalgia dahhhhling!!!

If it will help other travellers then good but it's not my intent.

Vinzon Vankas

As always, this is a package tour and we have known this because of my colleague Zaide (grouped with Byahe AdvenTours) suggested to try this out.  This is just a 2N1D tour via road.

We left Cubao terminal around 9pm of Friday (there are buses going to Daet/Vinzons, should you decide to commute).  Ok naman ang biyahe except na lang pagdating sa daang bitukang manok, kaloka talaga si manong driver - scary magdrive.  As usual di ako nakatulog sa biyahe.  We had our breakfast sa Daet, Jollibee (sosyal) and then headed to Vinzons.

Pagdating sa Vinzons, daming Saving Mr. Banks and arranged na naman ang mga sasakyan namin so gorabels na.  It took 2 hours from Vinzons to Calaguas, it was a good sail - walang alon and hindi scary.  By the way, nasa 20 people din yata kami dun.

Finally Calaguas!!!

Hotness Overload LOL!

Infernes naman pang Caribbean ang water pagdating sa clarity at ang mga sands fine na fine.  I can say that all the travel pains are worth once you started dipping in the water.  Virgin na virgin ang island, no electricity, no toilet, no sari sari stores, no signal, no wifi, nada!  Ay meron palang toilet pero sabi nga basta makaraos lang ok na.  Ganung level.

Perfect Sunset

Experience din itong camping chorvah na ito.  Never pa namin natry matulog sa tent and siguro masasabi ko na at least naexperience ko but never again.  Ang sakit sa likod (huwaw as if di laki sa hirap).  Hands down naman ako sa mga organizers and they made our stay memorable with the delicacies served.  Hello chef kaya ang cook namin!

There were other activities included in the 2500 Php package besides the food, tent, and transportation.  Henna tattoo and poy dancing meron din.  Natulog na kami nung poy dancing (tanda na e), tapos tried the henna tattoo - chaka pala pag nabura, parang libag.

I am so glad I have experienced Calaguas but I guess this will be the first and last time.  Di ko kaya ang biyahe.  Although I would suggest if you plan to visit the island, tag your friends - the more the merrier.

And yes - kaloka ulit ang biyahe pabalik pero ok na ang driving, it's just sobrang layo lang talaga.

Coron, Palawan Day3 (2013)

Huh??? Day 3 already??? Whatever happened to Day 2 - well, we did not plan anything for the 2nd day.  Just bummed at Sunz in their cute zen huts, told you that place is already a sight.  It was raining also which is soooo perfect.

Pak! At any monument, may magbe-belly dancing

Banana Island #todofilter #todoedit

For our 3rd day, may kinontrata kaming bangkero (roughly 1500) same scope of services (wuw, ang term!) nung nag-Bicol kami (see previous post).  Dahil nga sa wala namang gaanong nagenjoy sa amin sa pagsnorkeling, we looked for beaches parang bitches in the beaches and peg.  There are 3 destinations (alam ko), hindi na namin pinuntahan iyong isa because the 2 beaches were enough and already satisfied our craving for water dipping.

First destinaciones, Banana Island little trivia, kaya siya Banana Island is nagkalat ang mg puno ng saging sa isla hence the name.  Charot lang!  Kebs ko naman kung saan nanggaling name niya but can I just say na I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place.  Relaxing and invigorating.

Malcapuya Island

Pero ang nakadagdag bakit ito ang best sa Coron is dahil sa mga nilutong mga foodams ni Mr. Banks (bangkero) and company.  The liempo, the crab, the tuna, awwwww!!!  This is life!

Last destination was Malcapuya Island.  Keri lang.  I have seen better and bumorlogs lang kami dun, in short masabi lang na pumunta.  Ay! nagswim din naman pala kami.

I have a feeling mananalo ako ng Travel Blog award sa ganda ng mga kuwento ko.  May sense at marami silang tips na nakukuha hahahahahaha!  Sorry guys, gusto ko lang magrecollection and dumaldal.

Day4 - what to expect but stay in sa Sunz until bumalik na kami sa Manila.  There's another seafood restaurant na kinainan namin but not worth mentioning (Seadive Restaurant) dahil fail.

Coron, Palawan Day1 (2013)

Ahhh Coron, at last! Actuallars dapat nung 2011 pa ito hahaha kaso engot engot ako ang binili naming ticket Puerto Princesa dapat pala Busuanga nyek nyek nyek.  As usual, one year na naman ang pagkapurchase ng plane ticket infernes sa Cebupac.

For our accommodation, Sunz en Coron - na may pagkacashcash pinoy and take note Z talaga iyan, hindi bading may-ari, Koreana.  Ok na ok iyong package kasi may kasama na rin siyang tour and airport transfer.  What to expect delayed ang flight to Coron and first day pa lang may drama na sa isa naming kasama itago na lang nating sa pangalang Lester lol!

Triple love for Sunz, I love the setting.  May mga zen huts na tambayan.  Cute din ang mga personnel sa resort.  The standard room medyo masikip so we need to transfer to a bigger one (no extra, nadaan sa threat - echos).  May pagka-demanding lang siguro iyong roomie ko pero I think the standard room works for 2 pax.  

I think expected naman kapag ganitong vacay na beach theme ang hahanapin lagi for food eh seafood so we went to La Sirenetta, good food - good service.

Sirenas sa Sirenetta

Siete Pecados

CYC Beach

First (whole) day, gora na sa mga sites - unlike other travellers, backpackers and adventurers na they try everything, ako iyong tipong I go to relax and see.  I know napakashallow no but ganun talaga e.  Coron is a place for water lovers, lots of H2O activities to choose from snorkeling - diving - swimming, unfortunately for me I am not that water enthusiast. Part of the tour was to visit Siete Pecados, Kayangan Lake, and CYC Beach.

Kayangan Lake

Alam ko may isa or dalawa pang pinuntahan but we decided to stay sa boat, kapagod din kasi iyong baba, langoy (as if), and akyat.  Just to clarify, late 20s/early 30s kami pero parang mga lola na sa tono ng kwento.

Sailing from one place to another was reasonable in terms of hours.

As mentioned, hindi talaga ako into this but still appreciated ko pa rin ang beauty ng nature and our country was lucky enough to have such abundance.  Of the three, definitely Kayangan Lake would be my pick.

This was a packaged tour, lunch was included and yumyum naman.  We completed the tour and reached town, around 5pm and then headed to the nearest "carenderia" para lumafok.

Rain Man (1988)

61st Oscar Best Picture.   

Wikipedia

 
A simple film about brothers, family, and finding way back to togetherness.  It may not be as controversial, epic, or huge film but the important thing is it touches your soul and pinches your humanity.

Three things I realized watching this film -

1. Edward Norton and Dustin Hoffman have the same facial features.
2. I think Sean Penn took some lessons from Hoffman for his role in the I am Sam film.
3. While I love Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise - in my opinion is a more versatile actor than Brad.  I wish Cruise will have his Oscar in the near future.

Bicol Region [Matnog, Sorsogon] (2014)

Our third day - destination: Matnog, Sorsogon.

After kong bangungutin, nagstart na din ako magprep.  Hirap din ha kasi nagbra-brownout.  We left 5am, mukhang maganda ang panahon.  Medyo ang tagal din maghintay mapuno ng shuttle sa terminal, 1 hour.  To Sorsogon proper another 1 hour.  Then to Matnog, mga 2 hours dahil sa hinto hinto ng jeep.  Grabe ang sakit sa wetpaks!

Alas diyes na din kami nakarating sa Matnog.  I already made arrangements with Kagawad Eddie (09261404577) para sa bangka (1500 php).  Sinamahan din niya kami sa pamamalengke kaso limited na ang choices dahil na rin sa 10am na iyon.

Kalmado naman ang dagat and 30 minutes lang nasa Little Subic na kami.  Maganda iyong place, walang ibang visitors kundi kami lang siguro dahil na rin sa bagyo.  Taas ng sikat ng araw, lavet!!!

Sila kuya bangkero na ang bahala sa fudams, iyon nga lang di ganun kasarap - dry ang pagihaw unlike nung nasa Coron kami grabe sa sarap iyong mga ihaw.  I think ito iyong reason bakit gusto ko magtravel sa mga probinsiya ng Pinas.  Less stress and hinahanap mo iyong relax ka lang tapos feel at home ka pa rin.

 

Ang chaka lang sa Little Subic and due to rain na din is nagkalat ang mga bato at shells sa may seashore.  Ang sakit sa paa tuloy.  Pero ang water laveeeeet!!!  Iyong 2 beks di na lumusong at nagpaghinga na lang.

Sandali lang din kami sa Subic and bago bumalik ng Matnog proper, dumaan kami sa fishery conservation place.  We had fun feeding the fishes.

5pm na nung dumating kami sa Matnog proper and guess what?  Wala ng jeep going back to Sorsogon.  Expected naman dahil iyon ang sabi so we decided na mag-trike hanggang Bulan at may masasakyan daw na bus to Legazpi.

Pasakitan na naman ng wetpaks.

Pagdating sa Bulan, kaloka naglast trip na daw to Legazpi.  OMG stranded na kami!!! Ang natitirang option is iyong mga buses from Samar to Daraga.  Keri na pero chance is miniscule.  Punyeta!!!  Matutulog kami sa Bgy. Hall.

May nagsuggest na mag-Irosin kami (trike ulit) and from there marami ng Sorsogon.  No choice so gorabels na kesa naman di makauwi.  Buti na lang talaga di umuulan kundi ewan ko na lang.

Sa Irosin, nakaramdam naman kami ng hope - dami rin kasi nag-aabang until may van na dumating and buti na lang hanggang Daraga ang biyahe.  Iyon nga lang kaloka sa bagal, sabi nga you can't have everything.

Buti na lang din wala pang mainit ang ulo sa amin kahit na sobrang dami ng buhangin sa loob ng shorts.

Jusko alas 10 na kami nakadating at dinner ulit namin, Jollibee!!!  Pero what a relief na rin at makakatulog kami ng maayos.  Biglang bagsak ang ulan.

Tomorrow is another and our last day here in the region.

Our last day, inuulan pa rin.  Hopeless na talaga makita ang Mayon.  Time to bring pili nuts (Albay Pili House).  Dumaan ulit kami sa Cagsawa baka sakali and dun na rin naglunch kaso fail talaga but wait ano ito?

Yeah I wish totoo yan.  Hehe.

While this was the perfect vacation, I think mas memorable siya because of the adventure and suspense.  Siguro one day we will return and that day lintek lang kapag di ko nakita yang Mayon na yan!

Onga pala on time naman ang flight pabalik Manila pero di pa rin kami pinalagpas dahil iyong laptop naiwan sa plane.

Facepalm!

Bicol Region [Naga, Camarines Sur] (2014)

Wakey wakey!!! Wow super lamig kala ko aircon - shet ang lakas ng ulan.  Mayon are you there?  Tanaw lang sa likod ng Balay ang Mayon.  FAIL!!! Malamang!

Brekkie brekkie... typical Pinoy agahan, mga silog.  Infernes may hunky hunk na daddy sa balur ni Kuya Jess.  Eto ang mas masarap na agahan, extra egg please, egg ni... chos lang.

While having breakfast nagisip kami on what to do? what to do?  Then brilliant idea - why not go to Naga?  Unang pumasok sa isip ko si Karina who is from Naga Sireeeee.  So around 10am gora na - shuttle lang, 2hours.

Ganito lang naman iyan, araw - ambon - ulan - ambon - kulimlim - araw repeat 3x.  First stop CWC also known as Camsur Water Complex.  Akala ko dagat iyong pupuntahan. hindi pala chorvakels man-made na water playground lang.  Dahil ang sungit ng panahon mas masungit pa sa akin, konti lang ang mga expats na masasarap na nandun.  

Keri naman iyong weather, gloomy.  Sa clubhouse kami naglunch.  Ang sarap sarap ng Liempo infernes, puwede kong dayuhin ulit ang Camsur para lang sa liempo nila.  Nagugutom ako habang sinusulat ko to. 

The Kare-Kare is yum also pero di ako fan although kakaiba iyong bagoong, made of itsy bitsy tiny shrimps.  Patok!

May bonus pa!  During our stay there - andun din si Gov, ang youngest elected Governor in PH, saan ka pa! Achievement noh?  Hahahaha not so according to a friend na itago na lang natin sa pangalang Kna. LOL!!!

Pero huwag ka ang katawan ni Gov achieve na achieve.  Tada!!!

Hindi sa akin ang larawang hubad.  Courtesy of Cosmo and iyong may mga arrow courtesy from Pisara.me

Pero kung papipiliin liempo or si Migz, hmmm... liempo na lang siguro (charaught).  2 extra rice please.

Mayroon naman akong photo na nakadamit siya, kaso iyong suot niya same ng mga suot ng food attendants e.  Kala nga ni Nold attendant, tatawagin niya sana for an order hahahaha!!! Buti hindi kundi yari kami sa bodyguard.

Ang next destination - Naga City, to visit SM Naga.  Why of course - dapat nasa itinerary ang SM, chos lang.  Check namin ang Nuestra Senora Penafrancia - not that glamorous ang facade pero ang loob, I love the mosaic art.

So after the banal-banalan act.  Lafok na naman - yay!!! Lezgo to Bigg's Diner.

Retro vibe ang peg ng diner, old phones, old pics/wallpapers ng mga sikat na musicians.  Ganda!!!

We ordered Goto and Tokwa't Babsie - yum ulit!

Sayang nga lang iyong Jukebox di gumagana.  Mas ok kung working pa din ito mas dagdag sa upside.

Bilis ng oras and we need to go back na sa Albay. Shuttle ulit!  Maaraw, we are hopeful na maging ok ang Sorsogon trip and eventually masilayan na ang bulkan.  Nakabalik na kami sa Balay 9ish, dinner namin Jollibee (hahaha!!!).  Ang aga magsara ng mga tindahan e.

Bicol Region [Legazpi, Albay] (2014)

Ticket was purchased a year ago - Piso sale of Cebupac.  Sasabihin ko na that this trip was an epic fail in terms of reaching the expectations set.

Cagsawa Ruins (Super Filter and Edit)

Why Legazpi?  Isang rason lang naman - Mayon Volcano.  Since siguro nag-aral ako isa ito sa mga gusto kong mapuntahan (also Banawe Rice Terraces).  I don't care kung ano pa ang pwedeng ioffer basta may Bulkang Mayon, keri na.

Accommodation - simple lang we went for Balay dela Rama nung nakita ko sa TripAdvisor na #1 sila sa Bed & Breakfast and basa basa ng konting reviews, gora na.  Very affordable naman ang place, look for cutesy Jess in case na mag-inquire kayo.

Infernes sa Cebupac, delayed lang ng mga 10 minutes then fly away na sa destination kaso worried na ako sa weather dahil sa *#&$**(@#* bagyong Caloy.  Sa kasamaang palad, paglapag sa airport - ayun ang Magayon, nagtatago sa mga ulap.  Umaambon pa.  Leche talaga!

Anyway, sige first day lang naman so keri yan.  Naglunch kami sa hindi ko alam iyong place, not shala shala na resto pero best naman ang porkchop.  Porkchop talaga??? Siyempre naman umorder kami ng Bicol "anghang" Express and Pinangat (not the isda), iyong nakataling laing.  2 rice!  Burp!

Balay offers tours so we availed the City tour.  It was hu-hum... umuulan kasi e so no sense din.  I think mas ok kung nakisama iyong panahon, but you know how she is.  The tour lasted 4 hours tapos nakikain pa kami sa friend ni Lester.  Dumaan kami sa Cagsawa Ruins, Embacadero, Lignon Hills, and Daraga Church.

Daraga Church

Maaga kaming nakabalik sa balur at lumaklak ng kung anuman iyon, thanks to Chico.  Then we called it a night.

Went to bed and whispered... "sana umaraw bukas"...

Random Thoughts 122014

Sorry I missed 112014 week but I am here catching up.  Nothing really to tell except that week same old same old, nothing exciting.  I guess ganun naman talaga pag tumatanda na, living becomes a routine, again I don't complain.  Actually mas ok nga iyong consistent and less worries.  Sabi nga steady lang.  Hindi naman ako iyong tipo ng taong gusto ng surprises and roller coaster ride, tama na sa akin iyong ganito.

Last week of course birthday celebration ni A - we went to Bicol region for a vacay. Tiring least to say pero ok naman.  Will do some notes about it.  Pretty much that's how my 2 weeks went.

Oh welcome my birth month :)

Divergent (2014)

Picture used not mine

This year's Hunger Games although may not be as big and glamorous as JLaw's film.

I liked it - even if it's your usual outcast being the victor and savior of the day. Kate Winslet, an antogonist, who was very effective in her role.  A trend in Hollywood.

Unlike Hunger Games, the first installment novel/film tended on the romantic side.  I think the technique was effective.  Let's see how Insurgent will fare.  

What I don't like about the film was the involvement of Miles Teller.  I just don't like the guy.

Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)

Picture used not mine

Will it be the year for comic/graphic book movies? I think so.  

The second installment of Captain America franchise and part of Marvel's phase 2 delivered very well beyond my expectations (not that I have any).

Just be patient with the first 30-minute of the film as it builds the conflict and suspense.

Extra shout-out to the female supports for adding great twists.  Stay tuned for the post-credits teaser, a preview I guess for the Avengers: Age of Ultron. 

Amadeus (1984)

57th Oscar Best Picture - Amadeus. A fictional story about 2 non-fictitious composers, Mozart and Salier.  

Set in Vienna, Austria (1800s) - another one of its kind film as it revolved around classical music and operas but the themes were dark and bitter.
  One of the greatest achievements of this movie was the fact that they were able to connect the incidents with God and his fabled ones.  Really interesting.

Although I think it can be shorten rather than a 3 hour run.



 

The Help (2011)

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important"

Socially relevant film about racial injustices told with a bit of humor but has still managed to be an eye-opener.  While change has a long way to go, I am glad we have come this far.

I think Viola was robbed of her Oscar statue - it should be her but again, who can question if the award went to The Iron Lady.

This was shown in HBO so took the chance to watch it 3rd time - lump in my throat as expected.

Forrest Gump (1994)

"Life is like a box of chocolates..."

One of the most significant films and also one of the main reasons I became a film enthusiast and have a deeper love for Hollywood films.

I don't have anything much to say but this movie really inspired me to just accept whatever that comes in my way and do my best out of the circumstances presented.

This is my nth time to have watched Gump - tears all over the place.

 

Random Thoughts 102014

Grabe another week na naman. Lavet!

Same old week except it was good to take some time to get together with family.  Binyag kasi nung baby ni Ate Che, fun naman.  I did not go to office nung Monday dahil may sakit ako poor gay poor poor me.  Choz!

Then last night (Thursday) I went to visit Ate Sha naman for her operation, success naman. 

Nothing that exciting for this week which is fine.  Introvert people are fine as long as they're breathing :)

No workouts obviously, 178.8.

I had this conversation with DJ about iyong mga posts na mayroong #GodIsGood #Blessed and I wonder ilan talaga sa mga posts na iyon na pure ang intent and walang halong kayabangan?  Hmmm...

Anyway guilty naman din ako, human nature ang pagyayabang I think lalo na sa panahon ngayon pero I am proud to say naman na di ko dinadamay si God sa ganung pasaring.  When I say thank you lord, I really meant it.

Yikes baka naman sounding self-righteous na ako.  Iyan ang mahirap kapag di busy, ang daming naiisip... most of the time pangit pa mga naiisip. 

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Why wasn't this nominated in Oscars for Best Picture?

We can all agree that from time-to-time we like being surprised - particularly in films.  Case in point with this film, I was amazed not only by Tom and Emma but in general.

It clearly speared one of my soft spots which is about childhood and we are what we are because of what we have experienced during this stage.

And like any other Disney productions, I cried bucket of tears.

Exquisite and heartwarming.

Winter's Tale (2014)

A love story that spanned close to a hundred years .

It is your one-of-a-kind romantic film, either you love or hate it.  Personally, one of the weirdest thing I have watched as it involved supernatural elements and not the Stardust kind of thing.

Too bad at the end of the film I uttered "nyek ganun lang iyon?".  

Nebraska (2013)

One more left (Captain Phillips) to complete all the Oscar Best Picture nominees.  Yeah, damn right that the awards season has finished but I feel the need to watch all of them (naks!).

This one is just ok - a little resemblance with Brokeback Mountain in terms of the editing.  The film is in B&W to add dramatic vibe.

Nothing grand about this movie but just a unique story about an old man, his son, and their road trip.  Then, little secrets and stories have been uncovered as they travel along.

Philomena (2013)

Finally, Philomena - a true story of a mother searching for his son.

Of all the 2013 best pictures, this one is something that I really enjoyed watching and one of those stories that will be close to my heart.  A very natural story telling with a mixture of everything - comedy, drama, and a question of faith.

That's all I am going to say as this is a must-see film.

Having Dame Judi is a bonus.

Pompeii (2014)

I came across Pompeii in senior year of high school and the famous Mount Vesuvius.  This is the main reason I became interested in this film.

Visual effects are great but nothing good can be told about the story, a Titanic knock-off combined with bad writing and directing.

I guess it would be really hard to appreciate a film like this when you have the likes of Troy and Gladiator. 

300: Rise Of An Empire (2014)

Too bad it didn't work out for me.  It is visually stunning in a bloody kind of way and love the slow-mo effects but bored me because of the glacial pacing of the story.

The only interesting subject is Eva Green, she delivers the role by being seductive and yet fatal.

I appreciate though that it's a sequel and yet the timeline of events are parallel with its predecessor.  The first movie focused the fall of Sparta while this one - Athens.

PS: Inantok pa rin ako kahit na ang daming mga hot and yummy menchus - ahooo! ahooo!

Random Thoughts 092014

Hirap din maging determined pero kapag ayaw ng physical, wala rin.  Di ako nakapagwork-out this week dahil masakit and knee.  Hindi na natapos tapos - of course may mga iba namang options of work-out besides running pero I don't know it doesn't feel complete kapag di tumatakbo.

Sad pero ganun talaga.

Ok lang ang week na ito - super duper bored.  Eh pag ganun ang dami mong naiisip na gawin na hanggang isip lang.  Monday was terrific dahil Oscars - babaw noh?  Mababaw lang naman kasiyahan ko e.  Nag leave ako just for that.

Tuesday and Wednesday are fine.  Thursday, March 6 - it was supposed to be a special day but not anymore.  Kung sino man ang may birthday ng araw na ito, eto ang masasabi ko

Perfect right?

Weight - 178.8

Lent Is Here

For Catholics, Ash Wednesday symbolizes the start of lenten season.  15 years, I have been a devoted practicing Catholic but because of their stance on homosexuality, I slowly detached myself.

I no longer believe in religion but I tell you this, my faith is strong.

Today, my facebook feed is raining about lent season and the sacrifices they need to do.  Is there a need to post this decisions (but again, it's not my page so I better shut my thoughts) but seriously?

Matthew 6:1-4 says

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

I don't believe doing sacrifices but I believe that we must do good all year long. 

I believe in compassion and forgiveness.        

Non-Stop (2014)

This film is one hell of a ride. 

Liam Neeson is the King of Suspense-Action movies, no doubt about it.

The only minor issue I had with this film was the fact that Julianne Moore is too big for the film.  Same can be said with Lupita Nyong'o but since she's not yet an Oscar winner during its filming, so I guess it's fine.  

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (2005)

For those tourists or travellers looking for itineraries or recommendations about Cayman Islands - apologies, this is not the right post or site, however I will be mentioning some interesting things about my second home.

Never in my life I have wished to work nor live in the Caribbean.  Because of my inclination to Geography and beauty pageants, I am aware where Cayman Islands is.  It was the last quarter of 2005 when I moved to Grand Cayman to work - huge thanks to my then-bff.

From APAC, you have 2 travel options - 1st one is via London and the other is the US way.  Due to absence of a US Visa no choice but Heathrow it is.  From Manila to Hong Kong to Heathrow to Bahamas to Grand Cayman, a total of 30+ hours including the waiting period in airports.  Very exhausting.

Paradise - Seven Mile Beach

Cayman Islands is divided into 3 islands - you have the Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Brac.  It is located in Caribbean or Central America, while geography is America - the government is quasi-dependent to UK.  The residents are called Caymanians.  Weather is tropical just like the Philippines.  There are only 2 seasons, summer and rainy - again just the typical equatorial country.  Currency is CID (Cayman Dollar).

I have to admit that it was not love at first sight primarily, I was there not as a tourist but as an expat.  But I can say this, the beaches are perfect especially within the stretch of the famous Seven Mile Beach. My first residence was situated near Seven Mile Beach (SMB) unfortunately I was not a water-loving person so I was not jumping up and down.   

I stayed at DesignCraft with Pinay as a landlord.  All tenants are Filipinos, the room charge back then was 600CI$ - studio type.  Unlike other rooms, I have my own T&B, aircon was centralized but really good.  In one word, the place is "home-y" and closer to home.

For non-Pinoys, rent will be much higher depending on the location and type of apartment (one we had in 2009 costed 1800 CI$).

The first batch of items I bought were DVD player (ultimate hobby), TV set, Desk, Microwave, and a medusa lamp (so gay but love it).  There are garage sales every weekend so if you need stuff, I suggest these garages will be your first stop. 

During that year, the island was still in the process of recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Ivan (2004).

Grand Cayman (GCM) at that time had

• 4 Supermarkets (Kirk, Fosters (2), Hurleys)
• 1 Cinema (Marquee)
• 3 Fast Food Chains (Burger King, Wendy's, KFC)

 

However, since this is a tourist spot - a lot of restaurants (superb service) can be found.  I only started checking these places around 2006.

The cost of living is too expensive 1.25 USD = 1 CID.

Before 2005 finishes, I have experienced to ride a yacht and - did I mention I had my 15 minute of fame by being featured in a newspaper?  Yes!  One of my dreams came true, to become a celebrity :)

It would be really unfair to compare Christmas in any other places with Philippines.  Cayman was melancholic but still special.

Time space warp to 2006... 

Oscars 2014 Afterthoughts

“In 1971, there was a teenage girl, who was pregnant with her second child, she was a high school dropout and single mom, but somehow she managed to make a better life for herself and her children … that girl is my mother and she’s here tonight I just want to say ‘I love you mom, thank you for teaching me to dream,”

Jared Leto

Best Supporting Actor

86th Academy Awards

I think this was the best speech of the night, hands down.  Leto stretched his acceptance by recognizing the victims of AIDS, gender discrimination, and the wars in Ukraine and Venezuela.  A big improvement from his Golden Globes speech.

Here are my thoughts on the recently concluded 86th Oscar.

• There's a feeling of sadness, movies and awards ceremony add certain glow in me.
• While we have predictable winners, I am happy that we don't have an upset.
• Super happy that Brad is now an Oscar winner.
• I hope the following great actors/actresses will have their own soon (Leo, Amy, Viola, Jessica, Annette, and Julianne).
• I love the sweetness between Brad and Angie.
• Red Carpet stand outs are Charlize, Lupita, Kate, and Naomi.
• The groupie shot was hilarious and fun. 
• Pairing of presenters were odd - Will Smith, Best Picture?
• Idina Menzel's performance was well received but did not meet my expectation.

Overall, it was the usual Oscars - long and a bit dull, but I don't mind watching these stars dressed to the nines and all glitz and glam surrounding it.  

86th Oscar Awards (Liveblog)

Finally - the final stop of Awards Season!  It's the OSCARS... Ellen Degeneres hosting second time.

But first, let us hail the King and Queen of Hollywood -

Grabbed from Stylist Webpage

Ellen opened the show with class and modesty - of course with the usual hits and banters - but all good!

Courtesy of Fox Movies Premium

The first presenter Anne Hathaway for Best Supporting Actor - Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club).  Wonderful speech!

Pharrell's Happy is the first intermission of the night, OST from Despicable Me 2.  

The Great Gatsby and Dallas Buyers Club took the trophies for Costume Design and Hair/Makeup respectively. 

Animated Short Film, Mr. Hublot.  Animated feature film goes to... why of course, Frozen.

Sally "Mama Gump" Field presenting the Heroes, which is this year's Oscar theme.

The Visual Effects goes to Gravity - the start of many. 

Another song nominee from Her - The Moon Song being performed.

Helium grabs the Short Film award while Documentary Short Subject goes to The Lady In Number 6: Music Saved My Life. Documentary Feature film is 20 Feet From Stardom.

Now a quick but meaningful recognition to all Governor's award recipients - special mention to Angelina Jolie.

Foreign Language Film as expected, given to The Great Beauty (Italy). 

U2 performs "Ordinary Love", the 3rd nominated song for the film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. 

 

Courtesy of Rappler? Ellen? Not Sure... but made history as the most re-tweeted post

This groupie shot was fun and rare - only Ellen can pull these stars from their seats (Meryl, Angie, Brad P., Channing, Brad C., Julia, Lupita, Jared, Kevin and JLaw).

Gravity takes the Sound Mixing and Sound Editing awards. 

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Best Actress in a Supporting Role goes to Lupita Nyong'O (12 Years A Slave).

Cinematography and Editing given to Gravity - no brainer.

And we commemorate the Wizard of Oz!  Pink performs the timeless "Somewhere Over The Rainbow".

The Great Gatsby wins Production Design. 

In Memoriam, Cinema Paradiso or Out Of Africa score plays, Bette Midler sings her signature Wind Beneath My Wings OST of Beaches. 

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Idina on stage performing none other than the Oscar nominated song Let It Go, I would not say it was flawless but still great performance.

Back to Gravity for getting the Original Score.  Meanwhile, Fil-Am wins the Original Song for Frozen.  Pinoys have now an EGOT recipient.

12 Years A Slave picks up the Adapted Screenplay award, Original Screenplay goes to Her.

Surprising no one, Alfonso Cuaron takes the stage for directing Gravity.

Best Actress is Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine) and Best Actor is Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club).

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Courtesy of Fox Movies Premium

To cap off the night - the OSCAR Best Picture goes to... none other than -

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