Spirit of Adventure

Pixar's animation has done it again! UP springs from simple, straightforward stories that cater not only kids but all age groups.

I got to watch the movie UP last night and I found the movie very enticing. I was moved by the character of Carl Frederickson.

"In oder to move on you've got to let go of some things at some point." That's what the movie UP teaches us. The spirit of adventure is in Russell, the Wilderness Explorer scout.  The very cute Rusell persistently offered his assistance to Carl who in this film is an elderly longing for his late wife named Ellie. UP will take you to South America as Carl promised to for Ellie. Towards the end of the trail, Russell the persistent boy teaches Carl to move on, that is, to move on to another adventure.

UP animated film is totally entertaining and simply stunning to take in. It's so beautiful you forget you're watching an animated film; instead losing youself in an dazzling film.

Top Digital Cameras for Gifting

Christmas Wishlist
Well, I just wanted to share this with you the Top Digital Cameras of the last five days. This is based on the number of "click throughs" to the reviews, previews and some news articles. The number of clicks may not be translated to the number of purchases of the camera but its popularity may contribute to the number of consumers who may be interested or planning to buy the camera.

You might never know, somone might hand you one of these popular digital cameras this Holiday season. You must be lucky!

Still Life Lighting Guides for Beginners

An article from Digital Photography School

One of the important elements in Photography is lighting. This is so in “Still Life” photography. The way a photographer uses light for still life photos will surely add mood, give context, provide interest, and ultimately, create a dynamic still life photograph. Lighting for still life is not complicated. In fact, stick to these 5 tips, and you will nail your still life shots every time.

Web Surfing Helps the Brain

An interesting article from RealAge.com

If you're one of those internet/web surfing addicts (i bet you are, co'z reading this), here's some good news for you.

You're actually doing your brain a favor. Yes, you heard me right! Research shows that decision-making and reasoning centers in the brain light up like fireworks when computer-savvy people do Web searches.

I know web surfing (or loafing, hehehe) seems like a pleasant way to kill time, but in a study of older adults, it just did much more. Brain scans of the computer-adept group showed more activity during Internet searches, compared with the brain scans of people who weren't so handy with a browser.

More Tips on RealAge.com....

Information Is Brainpower
Researchers say that searching the Web most likely stimulates the brain by forcing you to evaluate search results and make decisions about what links to click.

Cut Fatty-Food Cravings With Calcium and Vitamin D

According to studies, adding a calcium and vitamin D supplements on your diet helps lose weight. Researchers theorize that when your calcium intake is too low, your body may start craving foods rich in the mineral. Many of us do not know this but foods high in calcium are also high in fat and calories (imagine ice cream ans full-fat cheese).

"When you take vitamin D with calcium, your body absorbs more of the calcium, so a combo supplement is best."

Tips from RealAge.com

Have a clear goal. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or 100, setting a goal and tracking your progress will help you get there. Use this online tracking tool to reach your weight loss goal.

Waxworks V opens today at The Negros Museum

Getting sidetrips to Negros Museum.

This Halloween season, Waxworks Year 5 presents Kilometrahe Trese at the Negros Museum. Waxworks will treat you to a creepy walking exposition on the museum's collection of Negrense folklores and urban legends. Waxworks will also trick you to a road of paranormals which will be transpired in seven chambers. Creepy. The chambers open at 6:30 pm 'til 10 pm.



The Waxworks V presentation is on going, October 26-31, 2009.  Tickets are sold at the Wax main entrance.

Admission is at 25 pesos.

The Negros Museum

"he Negros Museum showcases the different art collections. Most of it depicts the lifestyle of Negrosanons before and on Spanish era. The museum also holds exhibits of contemporary arts by Negrense artists. Negros Museum is located in Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City."

The Next Best Thing

Independent films are gaining much more popularity nowadays. In fact, it's much cheaper to produce a movie like these ones. Indie films have low budget and shorter time of shooting and I mean the entire movie. What I like about it is that its substance is never compromised. Since it's not commercialized like the ones produced by Star Cinema or GMA Films, short films are more appealing to most theater and movie buffs. It's much more convincing because veteran actors prefer doing it. It always is a powerhouse of great actors.

Let's take for example, Yanggaw, a horror film written and directed by Negrenses' pride Richard Somes. I happened to see the movie and it brought me shivers while watching it. It only proves that it does not require expensive CGI effects to make convincing scenes.

Yanggaw, produced by Cinema One Originals, scores high because of its great cast - Ronnie Lazaro and Joel Torre. Cheers to both of them!

The plot is well written. It will take you to a far-flung province of Negros. Junior (Ronnie Lazaro) is a patriarch of a family living in a small farming community. One day his daughter Amor comes home with a mysterious sickness. She becomes weaker and weaker as days go by and the whole family has no choice but to consult his daughter's case with a local healer healer. Junior and his wife learn that his daughter has been infected by a malevolent spirit. Little did they know that she is slowly turning into an aswang. A very typical Negrense father at that, the local authorities, headed by Joel Torre, getting closer to the truth, Junior seeks to save his daughter from this curse, or failing that, to protect her at all costs. That starts the conflict between Joel Torre and Ronnie Lazaro. And by all means, Junior has to protect her daughter even if it would cost his neighbors lives. The limitations in production do hurt at times. There’s a somewhat lacking in the death scene near the end of the film that just never manages to be convincing, though they do established their point across.

"Yanggaw is easily one of my favorite films; getting a fresh take on Negrense local myths."

Indie films are definitely the next best thing.

Yanggaw Shown Today at Robinson's Place Bacolod

The horror film “Yanggaw”, written and directed by Negrense Richard Somes is now being shown at Robinsons Place Cinema 6 in Bacolod City.

Yanggaw is a Hiligaynon word meaning infected. It is more associated to a person who is infected by a poison of an evil spirit; eventually turns into an aswang, a monster feasting on flesh and blood.

Yanggaw has a fresh take on Negros local myths. The short film is being more sincere as presentation is concerned because it is dubbed in Hiligaynon, a dialect spoken by Bacolodnons. Most of cast members, if not all, are from Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

Cast
Ronnie Lazaro ... Junior
Tetchie Agbayani ... Inday
Joel Torre ... Dulpo
Aleera Montalla ... Amor
Monet Gaston ... Erma
Gio Respall ... Toto
Keith Cabañez ... Abner (as Keith Bryan Cabañez)
Leon Gaston ... Leon
Erik Matti ... Lazarus Ave
Lilit Reyes ... Dr. Sandico

2008 Gawad Urian Awards
Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor)
Ronnie Lazaro

Best Sound (Pinakamahusay na Tunog)
Romy Lopez
Eduardo Velasques

Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres)
Aleera Montalla


2009 Star Awards
Digital Movie Cinematographer of the Year
Herman Claraval
Lyle Sacris

Digital Movie Director of the Year
Richard Somes

Digital Movie Production Designer of the Year
Donald Russ Camon
Michael N. Español
Rashem Gumacal

Digital Movie of the Year

Bacolod celebrates 30th Masskara Festival

I know it is too late to write about Bacolod Masskara Festival but I'm writing it anyway.

The Masskara Festival is a week-long festival held every third weekend of October. Just a brief etymology, Masskara means a multitude of smiling faces coined from the word "Mass" meaning people and the Spanish word "cara" meaning face. True to its history, the festival was taken by Bacolodnons as a good opportunity to put out the gloomy atmosphere. After all the typhoons that had stricken Manila and surrounding areas two weeks before the charter, the people of Bacolod still showed resiliency.

A Brief History of Masskara Festival

"The festival first began in 1980 during a period of crisis. The province relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop, and the price of sugar was at an all-time low due to the introduction of sugar substitutes like high fructose corn syrup in the United States. It was also a time of tragedy; on April 22 of that year, the inter-island vessel Don Juan carrying many Negrenses, including those belonging to prominent families in Bacolod City, collided with the tanker Tacloban City and sank. An estimated 700 lives were lost in the tragedy."

It is always been expected that beer (lots of it), food (esp. the famous Bacolod inasal), huge audio systems and live bands are the center of merry-making in the streets of Lacson (now known as the Tourism Strip in Bacolod). I got to experience the street party and it was fun and loud.

With the outpouring support from all the Baranggays of Bacolod, the Masskara Street Dancing competition was a success. Not to mention, all their hardwork and sleepless nights memorizing the basic formation and dance steps. All the dancers danced gracefully with their colorful costumes, heavy props and smiling masks.

Truly, Bacolod City is the City of Smiles.

Masskara Festival Schedules - October 16, 2009

Audio sytems are now installed along Araneta Street for the SMB Night party and also in Lacson Streets for the Electric Masskara Dance parade tonight at 6. This should be fun!

Check out what's happening today:

Masskara Schedule (Oct. 16, 2009)
7 a.m. MassKara Drag Race Competition
- Old Bacolod Airport
8 a.m. 2009 MassKara Badminton Invitational
- Pohang Badminton Center, Dr. Pablo O. Torre St., Bacolod City
5 p.m. Photographers Night
- Benjamin Hall, 4th Lacson Street Bacolod City
6 p.m. Electric MassKara
- Tourism Strip, Lacson Streets.
8 p.m. Ledge Dance Competition
- Tourism Strip, Lacson Streets
10 p.m. Concerts with various local bands
- Tourism Strip, Lacson Streets

SEO Seminar at Planta Hotel Centro Bacolod

I've heard SEO from friends before but it just slipped into my mind. I thought it was only for hardcore programmers. But I was given a chance to attend a seminar on Search Engine Optimization (thanks to my bosses!). I would always rely on the internet for my research but little did I know seminars could be more, much interesting.

The topic was "Making Money through Website". It was held last October 8, 2009 at the Planta Hotel Centro Bacolod located along Araneta Street. The hosts were from JNB Web Promotions. They've been very accommodating.

The seminar on Search Engine Optimization was basically about web site visibility. If you want to increase your web site's popularity or PageRank, SEO is the answer. It could produce top placements for your web sites practically to any popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, Ask.com, MSN (also known as Bing.com) and the like. It was interesting. I was drawn to it. Imagine you get to earn some bucks by simply blogging. Money-making could have been a lot easier for copywriters through SEO.

According to Wikipedia...
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via "natural" or un-paid ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results as opposed to search engine marketing (SEM) which deals with paid inclusion. Typically, the earlier (or higher) a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, local search, video search and industry-specific vertical search engines. This gives a web site web presence.

Bending Waters in Guimaras Island

We've been dreaming of going to Guimaras for a long time and it finally came true last weekend. The plans were drafted. We ironed out schedules. The room was reserved. Then, friday night we decided to meet at the terminal at 4:30 saturday morning.


The First Trip
It was a gloomy saturday when we departed Bacolod. We planned to take on the route of Pulupundan to Guimaras Island. At 5 o'clock in the morning we commuted without even knowing what time the first boat trip is. After 50 minutes of road trip to Pulupandan we reached the wharf. We still had like two hours to prepare for a boat ride since the first trip was 8am. We sipped coffee and talked about the island - what is it going to be when we got there? Whatever that is ahead of us it would still be called adventure and it starts now.

The Long and Winding Road
We were amazed by the fine white sands at the coastlines of the island. It was as if welcoming as with its scenic view of Mother Nature. Off we went our next land trip heading for Alubihod where Raymen Beach Resort resides. Well, as first timers, we had a hard time in the van which took the long route around the mountainous village of Jordan (one of the municipalities of Guimaras Island). We practically toured the whole town but not for pleasure, I think. It was too late to realize that it was a commuters' van. That was an hour of prolonged agony of sitting (or was it crumpling?!?) just like smoked sardines in a tin can. At last we reached the main road of Jordan but our road trip did not stop there. Another 10-20 minutes of jeepney ride took us to Alubihod (can't tell time after that disastrous van ride). The trip did not stop there either; another tricycle ride finally had taken us to Raymen Beach Resort. And there it was, the hard-labored-long-trip was erased, white sands and crystal clear water had taken over- the sea.



The Superior Night
Our room is located at the 3rd level of the hotel. We unpacked our things and inspected the room. It had two beds; each could accommodate two to three persons - one for the two girls Cheryl and Jill. The other bed was for three of us, we decided - Ronald, Boojie and me. An extra set of beddings was provided for Archie. We were done just in time for lunch. Chicken and pork adobo was served for the six of us. It was good enough to recharge us for our next activity. We strolled along the shores appreciating the cool breeze and the view of the seaside. As always, photo ops were everywhere. Although, it was a little crowded for a resort, we enjoyed watching little children play along the water. It was as if the waves were their playmates. Taking a plunge in the water was a little colder than I have expected, though it was sunny. We thought it would be better if warmed up a little so we decided to go back to our room; and, alcohol went into play. Shots were taken - that was for a shot of glass and camera shots I suppose. We enjoyed the whole afternoon laughing at each other until one or two bottles of Tanduay Superior were consumed at haste.

The Chicken Dance
It was getting dark we finally plunged in the water. The alcohol helped a lot since the wind is a little colder at night as usual. Pictures were taken and admired the sunset. Even night swimming is in at Raymen. Spotlights are lit at night all the more the people swarming at the sea shores to experience the tranquility and the vastness of the sea. We kept swimming and playing along the waves until 7 o'clock in the evening. We washed a little and headed for the canteen for dinner. We devoured a whole meal of grilled pork and milkfish and sinigang na tangegui. After dinner, we took out another bottle of alcohol. As the night gets darker and darker, more games evolved until the "Chicken Dance". The game started with: the first person would give an animal name and then the next person would also given an animal name that starts with the last letter of the previous animal name (i.e. first person give duck then the next gives kangaroo then next person gives ostrich and so on). Anyone who could not give a name should dance the chicken dance. And yours truly did the first dance - pathetic. And they even recorded it. I went through it two times (whew!). It only shows that I'm not an animal person. Anyways, it was fun and we laughed our hearts out until we got tired and called it a night to reserve our energy for island hopping the next morning.


The Flying Pawikan
At seven in the morning, we left Raymen for island hopping. As expected, more breathtaking views approached us. It was a calm sunny day conducive for island hopping so took pictures of islets surrounding Guimaras. Our first stop was in what they commonly called Turtle Island. It is because the locals in that island breed turtles. They built a sanctuary floating by the shores just good enough to tame and feed the pawikans. Well, each of us had to carry the pawikan for the photos. As we took turns, and Jill can't get enough, she carried it again but the turtle did not like it. The pawikan flipped its hand like it was flying and Jill could have got hurt if she did not handle it carefully. Right then we understood, the pawikan would not allow anyone to carry him the second time around. Enough of flying turtle, the second stop was in Baras Beach Resort. More picture-taking took place in this pit stop. We made use of the islets (were as if guarding the resort), as our background. The third stop was supposed to be a cave but it was not quite safe to cross because of the big waves in the area. So, we went to a more safe yet secluded part of the island where we swum for about 30 minutes; just enjoying the clear water and photo ops. We were off for our last stop at the huge house right off the cliff when we decided to go back because of the big waves approaching us. As we turn our way back to the resort, another motor boat, with three girls as passengers, raced against us in the middle of the sea. One of the manila girls, we thought, had a crush on Ronald because she glanced at him every time the boats got near each other. It was fun. We got off the boat just in time for lunch.





The Dragon and the Rose
At lunch time, we devoured another meal of grilled pork, shrimp and sinigang na baboy just enough to regain all the energies we lost during our island hopping. We played Uno using a deck of ordinary playing cards which bought in the island after lunch - one who losses, takes a shot of whiskey. 3pm, we went to the shores and Jill and Cheryl decided to have henna tattoos - a dragon and a rose with thorns respectively. I decided to have my own tattoo also - just double barbwires on my wrist. Late afternoon, we went swimming until it was dark in time for our last dinner. More clicks and tiger looks were posed for our last night.

Here Comes the Rain Again
Since we were all exhausted after flashes and splashes, we spent our last night in one of Raymen's cottages. It was raining and all we did was talk about everything - work, opinion about something and the future.



The island is as if weeping since we would be leaving the next day.

We talked while we drink. We laugh while we sneer at each other. But, at the end, we still remained friends.

Whatever that is, we're off for our next trip.

All in a day!

This summer the weather may have been an ever-changing and unpredictable event but then again with all our guts we went out of town. We simply do not know when it's going to rain or when it's going to be a scorching heat sunny day. No preparation or whatsoever we tried a reservation to ourselves without question or pause (singing, hehehe) last weekend to go trekking in the mountainous area of Negros Occidental.

Negros Occidental has been blessed with vast numbers of natural spots. Nature-tripping is always been a getaway for many Negrosanons to escape the noisy, polluted and populated cities surrounding the island. Yes, we can go to Mambucal in Murcia, Buenos Aires in Bago, Gintubdan in La Carlota and many others but there is this one more place that I have never been but always comes across my mind - Patag.

"Patag" is simply translated as flat in english language but the irony of it and confusion is inevitable. Patag in contrast to its name is located in the mountainous and suburb area of Silay City. It is roughly 26 kilometers away from the city proper.

Enough for the long intro but seriously speaking our trip was full of fun and was unpredictable and breathtaking (literally). I believe no words can proper describe the trip that took place only in a day.


The Road Trip

At around seven, one rainy morning (May 09), the Terrano tore north of Silay City. Thanks to Francis Reboton for the ride, by the way. We finally came to a halt at around 9 o'clock in a hospital that was claimed to be former working location of some Japanese guerrillas during World War II. And that was it. We can't wait to seeing the creation of mother nature working on its own.



It was sunny and foggy altogether in Patag. The cool breeze played along with the sound of the river flowing and circling the place. Francis parked his car in one of the resorts found in the place while Jill Paro, Boojie Ong, Ronald Go and I exchanged looks and considered this place as definitely a great place for relaxation and at the same time great for hiking for those who are crazy about nature-tripping and adventures. We can't help it but we took pictures of us with the back draft of greens and whites by the mountains. Archie Lagtapon negotiated with our Guide who will accompany us in the trails. Off we went carrying backpacks as if we were hikers, followed the Guide wondering where he's taking us.


The Long and Winding Trails

In a single file, Jill Paro entertains the Guide by asking too many questions about the place. Brian, the Guide, stopped and then we saw him pounding a rock on the trail ahead of us and lately we realized he's actually beheading a small native snake crossing the grasses. No turning back at this point and time, we convinced ourselves. So we went hoping the mother of that now dead snake is not hunting us. But according to Brian, snakes when born are actually left alone by their mothers and live in the wilds on their own. Sigh, we were relieved. The trails went up and down while we ignore the pit on the side. We also crossed the river using only boulders as footholds. We pose ourselves to take pictures and to have quick rests, 10-minute intervals for a 40-minute trek.


The Waterfalls of Pulang Tubig

Then there it is a 50-meter-or-so waterfalls welcoming us wide open. The splashes of the water makes a cold wind that makes us shiver. It was the best and highest waterfalls I have ever seen in Negros. We put down our things and started to take pictures of the whole place.



An hour later dipped ourselves in a cold pool waters supplied by the waterfalls. It's so cold that we shiver ignoring possible hypothermia. But, we enjoyed it. A lot! We had a lunch for another 30 minutes and went on again to take pictures. We were awe-struck to the unexploited place - untouched. It feels like we are completely detached from our busy lives down the city. It's truly a summer getaway.



We trailed back at around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Still, taking pictures along the way. We can't simply get enough. We then went to a shrine, a WWII Veterans Memorial. Again, more clicks and flashes framing ourselves to pose. It was fun.

Since we simply can't get enough, we went on swimming in Ladlad resort to buy some time before we take off. That was the plan. The water in the pool is so cold that no one tried to go in first and the fog is crawling just above the mountains and trees. It's coming towards us thus aggravating the shivers of our lips.


The Dam Waterfalls

We were fixing our things when one of the locals there convinced us to go to another waterfalls besides Pulang Tubig. Well, curiosity's killing us so we followed Mars, the other guide. The trail, this time, is narrower than the trails going Pulang Tubig. That time, we feel retreat but we thought since we already started trek we went on and on... It was only a 15-minute walk, the guide said. Good thing along the trails, we saw a foot walk, cemented. We followed it to our surprise we thought of going back. There's no way we can cross the dam. The water is overflowing.



We can imagine how slippery it is. But, hey let's go! We went on with crossed fingers.



The trek is actually worth it. Another waterfalls fueled the river. It's as if welcoming us, the sound of the waterfalls go louder and louder as get nearer and nearer.



Then I heard clicks and more clicks of the camera. As if professional photographers, we held a photo shoot. Practically, every side of the waterfalls were taken a picture and more poses projected. We had a lot of fun. We went back to Ladlad full of smiles on our face.



At exactly 5 o'clock in the afternoon, we went down and again clicks and flashes invades the hospital. Near the hospital we pose ourselves for the last time and dropped by a chapel to say thank yous for a very fulfilling long trip happened in a day.

Welcome 2009!!!

Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right!

Yet Again, It's Party Time!

It's Christmas time but then again new things come out every year.

Bizpro spends party at Amrei Hotel. This is the first that the people of Bizpro dresses up for the party. The ladies surprises us especially because they dressed up to the nines. Berna and Raymund host the entire night.

As usual four teams, contend in rivalry, show their collective ideas through presentations that will exhibit camaraderie and team work. All efforts were acknowledged but only one team can stand out and bag the first prize.


The "Valspar Team" performs as the first group. They claimed as lady bunnies by having rabbit ears which resemble playboy insignia. They wear sexy black shorts and black sleeveless tops with neck ties adding up a foxiness look. Ramona dressed up again as Beyonce Knowles to add color and spice to their group. As expected, the crowd goes wild when Ramona performs. Acting out as in concerts is quite easy for him. He usually carries the group's performance. Loida, Irene C., Thea, Sherry, Eva, Sweenie and Emelyn complete the group.

If this is a beauty contest they could have won first prize.


In a medley, the "Tuners Team" dances as second in line - Janice, Aireen, Jill, Joan, Anne and Gennilyn. Nothing fancy were portrayed by this team instead they sported their new sexy dresses and wear santa's red hat to signify a christmas theme. Their rhythmical steps are sexier than the other groups not because this team has the most "dancers" but because of "attitude".


The group dubbed as the "Admin Team" performs next. This group overturns the other performing teams with their props and unexpected performer - Maryo Caryo. As with the Valspar Team, Ramona dominates the stage. But as with the Admin, Job conquers the stage. Marja, Tina, Berna, Irene O. and Dane synch as a group.


The last but not least performer is the "IETL Team". This time the room is filled with laughters and grins caused by the extraordinary presentation of the group. The team did not go on live this time instead they got a video presentation. It starred the new members of the team. Basically, it depicts more or less the life in Bizpro through the years. It was the most entertaining presentation video during that night. It shows the ingenuity of the group - Ely, Jesus, JL, Webb, Ronald, Rolly, Joyzel and Archie.

Here's the link of the new age of comedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmPMepZtDH4

Guess who won the first prize?

Shifting by 360 Degrees

From Manila to Hongkong

Many Pinoys are beefing up on the line in the airport. Most of them are boarding for Dubai and others some parts of Middle East. There are many faces of happiness and mostly a sigh of relief of passing the immigration gate. The immigration officers are so busy intimidating their fellow Filipinos in the area. These officers did not seem to understand why these people are risking their future by only having a Visit Visa on their hands. Some passed and proceeded to their respective gates, some did not make it or were denied because of petty reasons. For those who passed the process of scrutiny from the immigration officers and belittling long line procedure, they are now really leaving for Dubai, one of the highly urbanized states of United Arab Emirates. The plane took off at about 10 am from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and within an hour or so the plane landed and stopped over in Hongkong. The Pinoys waited for 3 hours or so for the next flight to Dubai. The international airport in Hongkong is so big that you will get lost when you are not reading the signs ahead of you. It is like a huge shopping mall. You can find a number of restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops et cetera.


From Hongkong to Dubai

I am one of them. We are the ones who are hoping to find a decent job abroad. All for the money - the real score! Yes, that is really the main reason why we left the country. Another way of putting it, there are less opportunities in the Philippines than any other countries. Sorry to say, but it is true.

More to follow...

Lakawon Escapade

Dubai 101

Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot!



45 deg celcius - that's the average temperature here in Dubai.

Alay Lakad - we always do that because Bus Stops are far you have to be on foot to reach the stops.

Onions - just cover your nose you might faint (basta, iba ang amoy ng mga tao dito)

Kabayan - that's what they call each other (Filipinos)


More to follow...

Bizpro Sipalay Escapade 2008

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The weather is fine...
Beautiful sunshine...

It was a very fine day when we traveled down south to Sipalay. We were headed to one of the private resthouses in Punta Ballo, Sipalay (part of Negros). It became 4-hour trip from Bacolod (capital city of Negros Occidental) due to late comers, side trips, gas re-fueling and petty traffics on the road. This was Bizpro's second summer trip to Sipalay. We thought we had a totally out-of-this-world experience that time compared to the second. Maybe because we did not expect much of excitement as we did the last time. Obviously, this was our second time.


But, but, but and but and another but... but wait a minute, why is everybody so excited to take a plunge to the beach? Guys, is it not this your first time here? Well, if you can't beat them just join them. I can't blame them. The beach still boasts its same crystal-clear water from where we left off two years ago. No wonder, the President of the Philippines, together with her PSG, just recently came to visit, scuba dive and stay for awhile in one of the villas. The owners of the villas here were so strict because their first rule was that whatever you bring in their houses should be brought back where you came from. That simply means all trash will be brought back and should be segregated - bio, non-bio and recyclable articles. They are so particular with the environment they even restricted the area as non-smoking - that includes cigarette smoking and even having a bonfire. Yes, you heard me - NO SMOKING! Well, yes, it is paying off to carry on the exact beautiful spots. Anything for the environment.

First Day!
Speed boat, kayak and jestski - some rides we enjoyed most in the beach. It was exhilarating jumping up and down with the jetski ride. Yes, it was our first time riding this thing and we just can't get enough. Seriously, I can't explain much and I can't even find words to describe the feeling, the experience of sitting and managing so as to be carried along with the ride. It was extremely great! Thanks to Sir Francis and Ma'am Tweet for giving us this chance of a lifetime. Hehehe.










First Night!
What do you expect? What else? Drinking session. Tequila, Vodka, Tanduay Superior and Baileys - to name a few drinks. We enjoyed dancing, talking and talking back to each other. Everybody was required to drink in the name of fun. More on forcing some gals to drink up. But even the cold breeze envy our night as we are warming up the dance floor even just a little bit. The night adjourned at 3 in the morning.













Second Day!
Despite of hang-overs and headaches we took pictures, pictures and more Pictures - we spent most of the time in the water. Jetski, jetski and more jetski - like I said earlier we just can't get enough of it.

Before....

... and after.

Second Night!
Another drinking session. This time we played a group game called TABOO. It's like charade actually but you have to describe the word being guessed through words also. In addition to the complexity of the game, there are words that should not be mentioned so you have to be really smart enough to find words other than the restricted words. It was fun and informational. It was girls versus boys. Sometimes, the girls could not steal the words being guessed because the boys have some kind of a lingo they themselves could only understand. It's a game of outwitting one's opponent really.







Last Day!
Save the best for last... We ate a whole lot of good food here from the day we arrived until our last day. There's this dessert that sort of amazed me. I'm not sure what is called but I am calling it halo-halo. The mix only composed of banana, sago and coconut milk. Yes, instead of actually using condensed milk, they used coconut milk as substitute but I am not really sure if it's a substitute because it really tastes good with the mixes. It's very economical and tasteful. Let me try that at home. Hehehe!

NFA Rice, Anyone?

It's all over the news. People are swarming towards the line to buy NFA rice a low quality and government regulated kind of rice. Yes, others put fights on the line just to purchase 2 kilos of rice. The panic is more prevalent in Manila area. We can't actually feel the shortage back here in Negros. But, sad to say, the prices has been going up since this issue came out. Some people are just riding on in the issue.

The farmers tend to fall on the offers from multi-national corporations like San Miguel. They bargain a huge amount of money in exchange of their lands. Well, you can not blame these people. The climate is not cooperating either. Because of Global warming the climate had shifted to the extremes. If not El Niño, it's El Niña killing their crops. It's the only way of coping up with their expenses - a one-time-easy-to-spend money. But where's their fighting spirit now?

A month ago, a bunch of Sumilao farmers from Bukidnon marched their way to Malacañang asking the President to give them back their lands. Yes, they literally went on foot from Mindanao to Luzon. That was really extraordinary and inspiring. In the end, they got what they wanted and went back home to plant rice. That's the irony over there! Here we have people who fight for their rights and sentiments while on the other side people mirrored it with pessimistic ideals. I, myself, am guilty as charged. Filipinos tend to retreat and surrender during hard times. Even if they are already half of the way they go back and say, "I can't do it!" We need to changed that attitude.

On the lighter note, the rice shortage is good news for those who go on diet.
Less carbo!