PUKAchu, I Choose You!

PUKA! PUKA!

Ok, I know it’s such a lame title and intro for this post. Only those who follow Pokemon will get it. Anyway, this is actually a very late post. I was waiting for a friend to upload a photo and she only did last week. This entry will be mainly about the highlight of our Boracay trip last month – Puka Beach. I’ve been to Boracay three times already and Puka Beach did it for me this year. I love how seemingly exclusive the island is. Not too crowded, very serene, picturesque views, and the waves! The sand is not like in the main island, it’s more of little shells actually, but it’s okay. Perfectly okay. I guess I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Ok, my bad. It’s not crowded at all. And that’s what I love about Puka Beach the most. The main island is too crowded. I am glad we visited here. We also met a very nice Swedish family. They gave us a Swedish massage. Of course I am kidding We saw their little one making sandcastles, then we strike up a conversation. They’re very interested with the Philippines, even planning on visiting Palawan soon, as what we have suggested. I forgot how our chat went and why I said it, but my “I feel so foreign in Boracay” remark made them laugh. It was really nice talking to them. Their kids are shy and was just playing and reading a book in one corner. Here is our photo (the one I am talking about earlier). Thanks to Michelle for FINALLY uploading this. Or no thanks, I have forgotten their names already

And here are some of my favorite pictures. A stolen shot taken by Irish: 

The jumpshot and group shot

And the ones I took, of course

I hope to be back, and hopefully with my Mom and twin brothers. Mom and I have gone to Boracay but with our own set of friends. It would be nice to be back with family. Soon, I know we will. Anyway, as a parting shot, I’ll leave you with a “nadaan sa anggulo” photo of, well, myself. Enjoy the summer!

Tyrians in Zambales

This photo I took in the island of Capones is my most favorite from last weekend. Taken after about a 30-meter swim from that boat you can see in the picture to the shore, and after a good 40 minute or so hike to the lighthouse and back. It was the second day of our team building, and a great way to cap off our adventure.

It wasn’t my first time in Zambales. My third, actually. But I gotta say, I had the most fun with my office mates last Sunday and Monday. We had some difficulties organizing it, as some backed out the last minute, but it turned out really well. Shrugging the bad vibes off, not to mention our van service which turned out to be wi-fi and videoke less (much to our dismay), we headed out to San Antonio, Zambales one very early Sunday morning. It was a smooth 3 hour travel, as I was asleep more than half the time, and we were greeted by the cold breeze upon arrival to that small, quiet and clean town. After buying some stuff we need, we then proceed to Pundaquit for a boat ride to Anawangin.

Taking from experience, a travel wouldn’t be worth remembering without any mishaps. We had some, it didn’t stop with the service. After the boat ride, we asked the bangkero about our supposed island hopping. He just gave us an unsure answer, telling us that he’s not aware of what our itinerary was and he was told that island hopping will be on the next day. We did our best to convince them to just include us with a group so we can at least follow our itinerary, but to no avail. After settling in our stuff and pitching our tents, we accepted the fact that we’ll have a whole morning to kill so just make the most out of it. And we actually did.

While our TL Eric made himself busy preparing for our lunch (yes, we are spoiled that way heehee), we decided to roam around the beach area instead. We tested the water, took pictures in the cave-looking part of the beach, and went to the other side. We rock-and-wall-climbed our way, and in my case, barefoot.

 

We had fun exploring the island we didn’t notice the time. It was past 1PM when we went back to our camp site, and we were starving! Good thing lunch is already served, so we devoured ourselves and gave in. We took a quick nap after, recharged, then played the first set of games Mavs prepared for the team. But since I woke up with leg cramps, I sat out of the first two challenges (naks, feeling Survivor haha). Few more tics and the sun is already setting! We had to scramble our way to the shore to take pictures of it.

After sunset photo, my last for the day as I need to save my camera battery for tomorrow:

Then came the most fun part – the overnight stay in Anawangin. No cellphones, no camera; nothing but the chirping of the crickets, the sound of the waves, the light of the moon and the stars, the cold wind blowing, and the bonfire keeping us warm. Well um, of course the booze, for that matter. After a sumptuous dinner (liempo and fried talong, hmm now I’m craving haha), we prepared to booze the night away. With TL Eric’s signature mix of Mindoro Sling, we started to gather around the campfire talking about random stuff. Then we decided to play the second part of games Mavs prepared for us – Pinoy Henyo and Charades! Call it corny, but we had a GREAT time playing haha! We spent, I think, more than 4 hours playing and we just couldn’t stop laughing and laughing with the way we’re playing the games. Especially the charades. As what Mariel commented on Dea’s bonfire photo, it was the sole witness of our craziness that night. No Akin, Morrie, Organizing Angels, Jennifer Lupa; these are just a few terms our team would probably not forget haha! See, just remembering those moments is making me laugh right now

At around 2AM, we ran out of wood to keep the bonfire alive.  Getting all tipsy, we then decided to go star gazing instead. As we made our way to the shore, we were in awe with the number of stars we’re seeing up above. It was like a gazillion! So we laid down the sand, and watched the stars shining. WOW. It was such an experience. To see them twinkling all at the same time, big, small and in cluster. It was like the ones in the auditorium but much better. A vast area full of stars. We were speechless for a moment, then we suddenly saw shooting stars! I made a wish right away. After that, I saw two more, but failed to make more wishes. Either I was too drunk to think of what to wish, or still couldn’t believe the amazing work of nature right in front of my eyes. I then told my friends that we should sing songs with “stars” in it. I started it with Stars by Simply Red – ♫That I…wanna fall from the stars straight into your arms. And I…feel you , I hope you comprehend♪ Then one followed it with Starry Starry Night, and then Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and then Paris Hilton’s Stars Are Blind, I added Bituing Walang Ningning haha, and then one followed it with Star Circle Quest, then of course I ended it with Dream, Believe, Survive…Starstruck! It was FUN! The best part of day 1, I’d have to say.

Now on to the second day. After another delicious meal for breakfast, we tidied up and prepared ourselves to leave. We are all excited for island hopping as it was initially planned on our first day. Little did we know that there would be a sort of a challenge, as we need to swim our way to Capones, from our boat to the shore. That was around 30 meters (as what I mentioned in my intro). It was not easy because of the big waves, and I really am not a swimmer. But I did it! Thanks to the life vest. We then made our way to the lighthouse, the one I failed to go to the last time. We actually hiked our way to it, and I enjoyed it. I miss hiking! Reaching the lighthouse made me realize though, that the place is not well taken care of. There was litter and vandalism all around. Oh well. I just enjoyed the view on our way back. Such a breathtaking place! Those picturesque views did it for me.

I guess these photos would suffice, eh? Needless to say, we had a great time. So much that until now, we are still not over it. The fun that we had, the sand, the trees, the beach, the tents, the food, the booze, the stars! Everything. We all needed this to de-stress. I hope it served its purpose, I know it did. And I am hoping for another getaway like this soon! Thank you Tyrians – Mavs, Dea, Cris, Mariel, Teisha, Lara, Tin, and TL Eric, for this wonderful experience! What a despedida for Cris! Haha. I know we’ve grown much closer after this, despite some issues haha! That’s actually the beauty of our Zambales escapade – no awkward conversations and stuff, we just had fun. I hope we can have all Tyrians join us next time. See you all when I get back from Boracay

I Tweeted A Tweet

My tweet was featured on Rappler.com!

Cancelled pala ang premiere ng Les Mis? Tsk. Uwi nalang kayo, maligo at magFantine. Eponine nyo ang lakas nyo sa sunod na sched. #Waley

—
Paul Ignatius (@paulignatius) January 09, 2013

It was last week when I tweeted about the cancellation of Les Misérables premiere at Resorts World. I was actually exchanging DLJ type of tweets with a Rusher and with Chico Garcia, and thought of tweeting that. Moments later, another Rusher tweeted me that it got featured on Rappler, sending the link of the article. I was like, whaaat?! I couldn’t believe it haha! No wonder, at that time, it got several retweets and favorites. I guess it pays to be corny sometimes.

Read the complete Rappler article HERE.

My 2012 – Likes, Favorites & Trends

Wow. Another year just ended. Seemed like it just breezed by. 2012 was a bit difficult for me, but I will not dwell on that. As I mentioned on Twitter, it was not that bad at all. Here’s a look back at the year that was – some personal stuff, events, achievements, songs, personalities and characters that shaped my 2012.

Family, Friends, and Personal.  It was a roller coaster of emotions. Friendships has been tested but some remained strong, patience and determination were put on the line, we lost our Lolo just last month and almost lost an uncle after an operation; there’s a lot of gray skies throughout the year. But still we managed to endure all of it, made it through, moved on, and continued with life. Here’s to hoping for improved relationships, and better health for every family member.

    

Travel.  I didn’t get to explore that much last year, yes that’s sad. But a notable trip was with longtime friends Dema, Chyrene, my inaanak Kurt, Sherron, and with my twin brothers in Ilocos Sur. We also went to Vigan. I also spent a summer in Subic with officemates last April, in Pampanga for Hot Air Balloon festival, in Tarlac and Cavite for a climb (photos of which I will post in a separate category haha) No out of the country for me, boohoo. Here’s to hoping that will change this year. Fingers crossed.

   

Akyat-Bagal Gang.  That’s the name of my mountaineering group haha! We didn’t get to climb that much last year, but at least we had two. We first conquered Mt. Marami in Maragondon, Cavite – a difficult but very rewarding climb. We also joined the Freedom Climb, as usual, this time at Mt. Damas in Tarlac where I got injured but it’s all good. Here’s to hoping for more mountains to climb. Or should I say, for our schedules to meet the demands for our need to hike anew.

 

 

Weddings and Babies.  No, not my wedding and baby. Not just yet. I am talking about weddings and babies of my longtime college friends Dhang and Niña, my dear officemate Rachel. Two of them gave me two more inaanaks last year! Here’s to hoping for their happy and strong married life, and for more babies!

 

 

Work It!  Around mid-August, I believe, me and my remaining batch mates/teammates were transferred to a different team because our team leader resigned. At first I was not that positive about it, especially that the team is a performing team. But it turned out they were nice bunch of people, and they all love to eat! Haha! There has been some issues, but we’ll just shrugging it off as it is not good for the team and to feed ourselves with negative stuff. Here’s to more fun and more food, Tyrians!

  

FraP-ed!  Allow me to indulge myself. It all started out when THE Francine Prieto visited the RX booth for The Morning Rush, and the rest they say is history. She became friends to some Rushers, even followed some, including me! We would sometimes visit her at WOW FM where she works as a DJ, and we even surprised her on her birthday. She’s really nice, down to earth, walang ere ‘pag kasama, and fun to be with (parang slumbook lang haha). I’m glad she became a part of my 2012

 

Concerts and Shows.  I only got to watch three shows last year – Lifehouse, Aiza Seguerra’s Bente Singko anniversary concert, and James Morrison’s The Awakening tour. I was also able to meet and greet The Fray, although I didn’t get to watch their concert. Here’s to hoping for more this year. Right now I am excited for The Script’s #3 tour, we already got “almost” front row tickets! Yay!

 

 

KDDs In Concert!  Speaking of concerts, my group KDD (Kadodo) and I had one haha! Dru invited us to perform for their company Christmas party, and we did five songs. It was such an experience – from forming the set  of songs (naks), to the rehearsals, to the actual performance. That was the first time I performed for a company party, and the first time I got paid for singing haha! So thanks to Dru and Norsy. Here’s to more concerts this year!

 

Cinemalaya.  No Spanish and French film festival for me, but instead I made sure to support our local films. Much thanks to Cinemalaya, and for holding screenings at TriNoma, I got to watch 8 films. The ones I liked the most were Ang Nawawala, Bwakaw (Philippines’ official entry to the Oscars), Kamera Obskura, Mga Mumunting Lihim and Santa Niña. My mom, my brother and I also watched Six Degrees of Separation by Lilia Cuntapay and enjoyed it. Here’s to more quality Filipino films this year!

   

  

Boob(s) Tube.  2012 was the year I went back to watching “old” reality TV shows like American Idol, The Amazing Race, and Survivor. Well of course because Survivor was shot here in the Philippines, and because of Jessica Sanchez haha! I also followed The Voice and Modern Family again, and got hooked with Game Of Thrones! I already have A Song of Ice and Fire book set to read this year! Here’s to more boobs, I mean boob tube mania!

 

Music and Me.  I had quite a number of artists on repeat in my iPod the entire year, but the few notable ones were Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away (of course hehe), The Script’s #3, James Morrison’s The Awakening, Ed Sheeran’s +,  and Karmin’s song Brokenhearted. Yes, Oppa Gangnam Style and Call Me Maybe are not in the list.

 

 

Pagbasa ang Pag-asa.  I saw that slogan somewhere in the QC area. Which reminds me, I need to read more this year. Good thing a friend of mine gave me a set of Game of Thrones book, all five of them. Last year I only got to read three books – Ian McEwan’s Atonement, which I really liked; John Grisham’s Street Lawyer, which could actually pass for a movie adaptation; and of course The Best of Chico, Delamar, and Gino’s The Morning Rush Top 10 Book 2 (where four of my entries made it hehe)

  

Online Fad.  As expected, I spent most of my time online last year. Be it on Twitter, Facebook, or playing games. Yes, I went back to playing games again because of Chico Garcia’s raves about DragonVale haha! And since I am on Twitter most of the time, here are some Twitter conversations I would like to share and look back to – when Jeffrey Hidalgo RT’d my video singing Can This Be Love, when Kara David replied to one of my tweets, and when Mike Skupin of Survivor RT’d, favorited, and one time tweeted me!

  

RUSHERS!   And more of them in the coming years, I believe. Last year, I ended my year end post about them and I think it’s just fitting to do the same this year. As what I posted on our TMR group, they have been a big part of my 2012 – from the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Pampanga, Enchanted Kingdom EB, Yahoo OMG awards, Gandang Gabi Vice taping, book signings, and countless EBs, be it planned or unplanned. They’re like my second family; I even talk to them (online) much more than my family here at home haha! Here’s to more happy years with the Rushers, Chico, Delamar and Gino!

  

  

 

 

Looking back, it was not bad. At all. I’ll just probably need to decide on something big so I can have an equally big 2013. I am really praying hard for that to happen. Thank you to everyone who became part of my 2012! It was an amazing journey, I’d like to say. Time to leave all the negativity behind, and be positive and create more happy, meaningful and beautiful memories this year. This will be my year, and I am claiming it. Even if it means I’d get bitten by the water snake, then so be it. I can feel that this would be a great year for me. Until then!

WordPress 2012 review for The P Spot

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 18,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 4 Film Festivals

Click here to see the complete report.

Sleep well, Tatay dearest

It’s heartbreaking to be posting this blog entry on New Year’s eve – where everyone is happy, hopeful, positive and full of joy. Yesterday, we were informed of a bad news; our grandfather, whom we fondly call Tatay, joined our Creator in heaven. He is kind of sick lately, but that was something we would not expect. He’s still hyped up during our Christmas reunion last week, eating like there’s no tomorrow and even drinking beer! So his passing still shocked most in the family. Here is our last picture together;

Since he is having a difficult time standing on his feet, he would just stay in bed the entire time. He would often call me to adjust his position, and would even ask for a cigarette stick. We’d tell him off, that the doctor is not allowing him to smoke anymore. Few more minutes, he would call me and my cousins, telling us to transfer him to his bed (the one in the province) and to assist him in peeing. We would just remind him that he is in Manila and not in Samar, and that it’s ok to pee where he’s at because he’s wearing a diaper. My Tito told me to divert her attention and ask him things instead, and so we did.

I am glad our last moments with Tatay were pleasant and would eventually become memorable. I am also happy with the fact that we were able to spend Christmas with him, for the last time. Realizing that he is now in a safe place, not hurting, and with our Lord God, somehow comforts me. Here is a photo of Tatay with Mom, tita Yanie, tita Evelyn, tita Merlin, Nanay Iday (his sister) and tito Ted. Some of our titos and titas weren’t able to make it though.

So, to Tatay, thank you for all the wonderful memories you shared with us. Thank you for bring Mama and all my titos and titas in this world (with the help of Nanay of course), and creating our crazy but happy, wonderful and loving family! We owe a lot to you! We miss you already and we loooove you so much! Happy new year to you up there in heaven! Until we meet again, Tay.

Here’s a song I recorded earlier for you:

Christmas: Lights and Sights

At MDC building in Eastwood and at Market! Market! in Taguig.

The giant Christmas tree at the Araneta Center in Cubao.

Lights on or lights off?

At SM North Edsa and Landmark Trinoma.

At Trinoma garden area and SM North Skygarden.

At Eastwood Citywalk in Libis.

Christmas at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati.

Santa Isnabero.

Merry Christmas from The P Spot!