Abridged Meanderings - traipsing here and there...

Seoul Searching

2011-07-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have delayed this blog for 2 reasons.

Reason number 1: School has taken up most of my schedule, therefore, I have procrastinated.
Reason number 2: I am going back to Seoul.

Seoul, South Korea, is the hub of KPop, KHorror and Koreanovellas. But I for one, became hooked not just because of these reasons, but I have been to Seoul myself. I could proudly say, my stay in Seoul for 5 days have definitely left an imprint my heart and my mind. Like what my good friend Ergem Augusto said: "I have been Koreanized!"

Before you go to Seoul, a must-have for any traveller is a VISA. Without it, you cannot go PERIOD. If you plan on shopping there, prepare your WALLET. Seoul is beautiful, but the cost of living is a bit high so I suggest not only to pack your bags but also your wallet.

South Korea boasts of great places like: Nami Island (where Winter Sonata was shot), Jeju Island (where Secret Garden was shot, though I haven't been there personally) and Busan (the gadget capital of South Korea). These places are accessible by bus, train or car (if you could rent one).

Despite my 5-day stay in South Korea, I LOVE the place. And I really do plan on going back there. As for photos, I will be posting them next time I decided not to become lazy about it.

A visit from the Martha Stewart of the Philippines

2009-07-09T00:51:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, SPOON had the most entertaining visit. It was none other than Ms. Tessie Tomas of Teysi ng Tahanan. I remember her from my childhood as Mrs. Barbara Tengco of Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata. My, she’s ageless… Her guest appearance on Spoon definitely lightened the afternoon. I also watched her show Teysi ng Tahanan, where she reminded of Martha Stewart. She shared to everyone on the set that she'd make sure that the ingredients are surely followed, because she acquired this trait from her mom. Here are some photos from that shoot:

A glimpse into a critique’s life

2009-07-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

Few weeks back, Tuesday gave the SPOON set a special treat. It was a guest not to be taken lightly for he critiques shows and movies. I’m talking about Butch Francisco of course!!!!

He came in the set, even if he was tired and he was enjoying every minute of the shoot! Talk about nonstop energy! He told the staff that he’s an avid fan of Spoon (which of course was a compliment). Saying: “Once you’ve watched Spoon, you’re addicted…” He even shared some tidbits about himself that he usually does not divulge to everyone. I’ve learned myself that he has lived a simple life and he had gone through trials himself like any other individual. Cleaning other people’s houses just to get by while surviving Harvard! (Not an easy feat I tell you!) It was a definite learning experience for me meeting him and I guess, for everyone as well. Here are some photos from the shoot:

The heat is on SPOON!

2009-06-18T22:50:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t love Broadways?!?! From Les Miserables, Cats, West Side Story, and the list go on. One of my favorites of all time is Miss Saigon, as of April 2009 the 10^th longest running Broadway musical. This Broadway tells the story of two fated lovers Kim and Chris before the Fall of Saigon. But enough about Kim and Chris… My recent SPOON visit focuses on one of Miss Saigon’s cast: Gigi played by none other than Isay Alvarez.

It was fun to know some tidbits about her personally. She even shared the moments when she stayed in London and people from production made it possible that her daughter joins her there! Imagine that?!? I won’t spoil more details of that episode shoot. Just watch it this coming SPOON episode. Here are some photos from that shoot:

Night out with the Queens...

2009-06-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

She has survived…

Spoon’s guest last Tuesday was special. In every way, she has battled it out and had survived cancer. And Bibeth Orteza has shown that despite the illness she has survived. I admire such bravery for I have read about so many cancer patients on the newspaper, some even succumb to their end, some even have lived to tell the tale, but in the end, it was the support of family and friends that kept them going. For me she’s a hero and a queen. A queen who has survived a battle against cancer and lived to tell the tale and share to others.

Talk of the Queens

After Ms. Bibeth Orteza’s taping, the red carpet was rolled out for another queen. It was Ms. Evangeline Pascual who later graced our sets with her presence. A former beauty pageant titlist holder, she shares to everyone that it’s not easy being in a beauty pageant. Not only do you have to have the looks but the brains as well. She was giving out advice on the subject of pageants: how you should stand, talk, walk among other things. I actually learned a lot from her (not that I wanted to join a pageant myself). She was really smart and beautiful both inside and out (no wonder she won!)

Here are some photos from that shoot:

Blogging at the mall... traipsing with the camera

2009-05-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Friday, your last day of the week and next to the weekend days. But as of the moment, something is taking place at a nearby mall. Ah yes! A blogging event hosted by Internet’s pop culture guru: Azrael Coladilla. So I was there along with the Convergence team to cover the event (I was there to blog about the event). Would you believe if I told you that even a grandpa participated in the event?

Oh well, the Convergence team asked some of the bloggers about their blogs and I was happily taking photos of the event. A lot of people were there to surf their hearts out. Wifi is free so everyone joined in. And there’s even a free laptop to be given away. So much for just hanging out at the mall… I hope this happens at the mall: Everyday…

Being a blogger myself, having the essentials in blogging is a must: laptop, wifi connection and a cozy place to stay and just lounge, blog my day away. I guess being at the mall, won’t just be a quick stopover at the department store to get what I need, or be at the grocery to buy my food. Next time, I will remind myself to bring any wifi enabled gadget the soonest time I head to the mall. Good reasons why I should hang-out there more often.

Here are some photos from that day:

Night at the Met Museum

2009-05-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to go with the TRiBE team again. And this time they were invited by the Israeli Embassy to the Metropolitan Museum in Manila, to feature one of their renowned photographers.

I’ve always been fascinated by Israel. The place, the people, food and the scenery were just among the reasons on my short list why I wanted to go to Israel. And attending this kind of event from the Israeli Embassy is a privilege and it gave me a glimpse into their fascinating sceneries and people through the photo exhibit. Before the event started, Mr. Zvi Vapni, the Ambassador of Israel was interviewed by the team about his favorite photo in the entire exhibit.

While taking photos of the event someone tapped my back, and when I turned to see who it was, Señor Jose Rodriguez, Director of the Instituto Cervantes was there smiling and asking in Spanish:

“You’re here, who are you with, are you by yourself?”

“Mi hermana,” I reply smiling and then pointing to my sister.

“Ah, muy bien. It’s good that the event is being covered by TV and you’re here. Good to see you. Catch you later,” he said laughingly. He’s a jolly man, that señor.

Over-all, the event was great! Made me want to go to Israel for real! I enjoyed every bit of the event and the photos taken.

Culturati experience under red, green and blue lights

2009-05-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Lights…
Camera…
Action…

All eyes were focused on the stage as the spotlight illuminates its attention on theater’s most acclaimed actor, Bembol Roco. It wasn’t just my first time at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. I’m there for any concertos or any of the events in the calendar of events of the CCP. This time though, I was there to catch the Net 25 team in action as they tape the second episode of Onset. This new show on Net 25 features the artist, their lives, their art, and the values that they impart to a new generation of up and coming artists.

After Mr. Roco left, I did a little bit of sightseeing around the building, it turns out that there was a bazaar at the parking lot that day and an exhibit the previous day.

I went back inside to watch Ms. Edna Vida being interviewed by Eunice Mariño. She’s a ballerina, choreographer, director, workshop facilitator: in short, a very versatile artist. Her infectious laugh is caught by everyone at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute. She was in every sense an artistic woman and it was honor to meet her. Being one of the famous dancing Reyes sisters, she divulges that it was at first hard for her to keep up with her older sister Alice. She’s happily married to a danseur herself and loves her 2 children, a son and a daughter. I admire people like her. And it was an honor seeing her here being interviewed by Eunice. Here are some photos from the shoot. Here are some photos from that day:

Story behind every footstep…

2009-05-07T01:39:00.000-07:00

Every time we tread the earth and walk the paths meant for us, don’t we wonder what the real deal is behind the soles that helps us find our path? Okay, so we’re getting really deep in the outer soles of our shoes. I’m not talking about just any shoe. This the recently held exhibit at the iconic Yuchengco Museum located at the heart of the ever-busy business center that is Makati City. I was there with the TRiBE team who covered the event.

Portraits of shoes… Stories of feet

62 shoes of different sizes, shapes and origins, were on display at the museum for everyone to see. Presented by the Alliance Française de Manille and the French Embassy, Portraits de Chaussures-Histoires de Pieds (Portraits of Shoes – Stories of Feet), features a huge collection of shoes dating from 17^th century to the 21^st century.

This exhibit, curated by Monsieur Yves Sabourin, will run until June 20 of this year.

Bright colors, light hues, soft tones, leather, wooden, metal, feathered, glass and textile were just some of the materials used for the collection. Seeing the entire collection made me love and treasure my shoes even more (especially those soccer cleats and boots from Milan!)

Shoe-lovers young and old, and fashionistas came to catch a glimpse of the famous shoe collection…

For me, the exhibit was a great learning experience and it made me appreciate and respect the shoes for its great use and huge impact on our society. I look forward to a next exhibit such as this!

Here’s a photo of the TRiBE team along with the curator Monsieur Yves Sabourin, Director of Alliance Française de Manille Monsieur Oliver Dintinger and fashion designer Ms. Kate Torralba and more photos from the exhibit. Enjoy the slideshow

A new venture in the world wide web - a Glimpse into the 2nd Social Networking and e-Business Conference

2009-05-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

2^nd Social Networking and eBusiness Conference

The Intercontinental Hotel in Makati, a place to stay for businessmen huddled on a next sealed deal. But I’m not there to do business that involved numbers. I was there on “business” but a different one. eBusiness speaking, the one I attended was one of the most interesting conferences I attended. And for people who are looking at a new avenue for business engagements, networking and marketing, this 2^nd Social Networking and eBusiness Conference hosted by DigitalFilipino.com is a definite great learning experience.

Day 1

Arrival at the Intercontinental: 9 am past due to traffic
Underground tunnel and a few flights of stairs
Concierge: Where’s the Social Network Seminar?
Answer: Grand Ballroom
Top of the stairs, turn left, turn right approaching a long table.
Registration: Name and Company?
Me: Awi Tiosen, Net 25
Registration: Ah yes, sign here ma’am, and right this way. Seminar just started, didn’t miss anything yet.
We enter a large door and into a semi-dark room.
Ian Stewart, head of Asia, Friendster is at the podium talking about the emergence of Social Networking Sites on the internet and how it has been useful. After which a few queries from the audience is then next on the agenda before another speaker is to speak up.
Up next was Janette Toral, founder of DigitalFilipino.com and she discusses about harnessing the power of Social Media Sites, and it was very interesting and enlightening being a user myself.
Andrian Lee was next to discuss the Asian version of PayPal to everyone and how payments online are being made easy for users.
Then up on the podium next was Jerome Almirante who talked about the usage of mobile technologies to extend social networking, which is currently a big thing since the launch of Apple’s iPhone. But he had to cut it short for lunch, which he then continued afterwards.
It was Phil Cahiwat after that and he discussed about the gaming industry’s usage for digital marketing, which I had to cut short… The Convergence team was leaving and still had to pick up the TRiBE team shooting at the Renaissance Hotel. But even for a short while, I was able to learn a lot!

Day 2

8 am and we’re rolling across the EDSA stretch. My phone beeps.
Message: C u there at the Hotel later. Boyet Menorca 7:00 am
Parked in at 8:15 am. We’re still not late. Program hasn’t started yet.
Again, flights of stairs, turn left, then right.
Registration: Name and company ma’am?
Me: Awi Tiosen, NET 25.
Registration: Right this way ma’am
Kuya Boyet comes walking in: We’re not yet late? Oh well.
A cup of coffee, cream and loads of sugar.
First speaker up: Azrael Coladilla, blogger, talks about the perks and advantages of blogging and the different social networking sites you belong to.
Legal issues especially privacy is a major thing online and Prof. JJ Disini enlightened us on the subject.
Application Development Platform Updates, Start-up Business in Web 3.0 Era and Social Networking Experience through Broadband Networks were the next topics afterwards. It was lunch yet again and we had to sit this one through. After which we had to get back to the office to finish deadlines.

Over-all, the event was a complete success and made a great impact on everyone. Even I was overwhelmed by the huge reception that the Social Networking Sites and eBusiness has given to all of us. A round of applause for a new avenue in technology.

Here are some of the photos from the event:

Summer day... Summer rain... Spoon Fun!

2009-04-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

East meets West… shared over a home-cooked meal

It was a warm atmosphere inside the Spoon Studio despite the dark grey skies outside and hard rain. Take note that it’s supposedly a summer feel, yet it was raining?! I was again invited to drop by the set and catch the team in action. And this time, their guest were, can you believe it? Jon Avila and Ms. Boots Anson-Roa!

Around past one in the afternoon on what supposedly was a hot summer afternoon, half-Filipino and half-British model and actor Jon Avila arrived the set donning a summer look, “My attire is wasted, it’s raining…” he says jokingly to Nanizza Reginaldo, Spoon’s Producer. Jon headed directly to the kitchen to check on the ingredients of the dish he was going to make: Spicy Tuna Pasta. Jon Avila’s name in real life is Jonathan Mullaly. Born to parents of Filipino and Irish descent, Jon grew up in East London with his family.

He and Janice de Belen, the host of Spoon were talking about how it is different being in London and here in the Philippines, growing up with family and other topics close to heart. Jon told Janice that he was very proud of his Filipino heritage despite growing up in another country and that he loves his family very much. Over-all he loved the program, the staff and the cake! He told the Spoon team that he was very happy doing the interview and that he would love to come back…

After Jon left for his next engagement, we awaited the arrival of Ms. Boots Anson-Roa. While waiting, Ate Janice (as I call her fondly), Nanizza, Thea Javier (Spoon’s Account Manager), Ate Ning-Ning (Spoon’s Talent Coordinator.) were catching up on each other’s lives. We’ve been so busy lately that catching up was a way for us to kill boredom while waiting for the arrival of Ms. Boots. Ate Janice was preparing the Strawberry Parfait (Ms. Boots’ favorite desert) while we were chatting incessantly. It was delicious, for she let us try it.

Classic lady, timeless beauty, and spoonfuls of knowledge

One hour and thirty minutes later, Ms. Boots Anson-Roa arrives and Ate Ning welcomes her inside the studio. Ms. Boots asked Ate Ning about the ingredients if everything were fine and ready. After which the camera started rolling for their taping for their upcoming Spoon episode. I’ve known Ms. Anson-Roa as one of the most versatile actresses of her time but it really surprised me to find out that she’s an educator as well despite her busy schedule in the glitz and glam that is showbiz. Seeing her dress simply for this shoot, showed not only her outer beauty but the inner as well.

During the shoot she was telling Ate Janice how it was during her time when she started in showbiz. She also shared how her husband supported her all throughout her career. I listened with tears in my eyes as she recalls the days when she would go back and forth during her tapings to be with her kids and for that she was given the Parent of the Year award. A true inspiration to everyone out there.

Catching a glimpse into the simple life under the glitz and glam of the showbiz world made me see that not only do these actors and actresses show the beauty in front of the camera, but they also have the brains to go along with it and it wasn’t just for show, it was for real!

For more of these stories, watch Spoon every Sunday at 6:30 pm.

Here's a glimpse into that shoot.... Lucky for me I was there...

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder...”

2009-04-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Being away doesn’t mean leaving or running away, it’s just a way of letting someone know that the person is still there despite the busy schedule of life. Away from the limelight and shy away from the public eye. Nothing could best describe Gabby Concepcion’s eleven year absence from the glitz and glamour of showbiz. But despite the absence, it’s that absence that made everyone’s heart fonder as Gabby graced the sets of SPOON, NET 25’s cooking and celebrity talk show. And I was lucky enough to be invited on the set that day!

It wasn’t the gossips surrounding his absence, but a heart to heart talk shared over a hearty meal that was the main topic. Gabby discloses while cooking his favorite meal Mongo with Ampalaya, Fish and Shrimp that life in the States was hard: “It was hard living in the States. Life there was full of challenges, and when you get derailed you must never give up, you must have the determination that life goes on,” he quotes on a cheerier note. He also shares that he could relate to the many Filipinos who brought their bags, left home to work and earn for a living.

Did you know that in his absence, Gabby was able to take up two courses? He took up Management Information System at the Lincoln University, and took up another course which was Real Estate, and he also had to take the California Board Exam to become a licensed Real Estate Agent. “I face problems head on. You might say to yourself that you don’t want to anymore, but deep inside you still want to. You can’t just set it aside,” imparts Gabby to Janice.

Meeting your child for the first time after a long time could be very emotional for a parent. Especially for Gabby, who for the first time met KC on the phone as he heads to his car on a very cold day. He shares with a teary-eyed Janice: “The first time I talked to KC was on the phone. She was looking for me. She didn’t know that it was me then, and I didn’t know that it was her. And the first thing that I said to her on the phone was: “Is this my baby? Is this my baby?” And the temperature that time was cold, but I didn’t feel the cold, it was warm all over.” I was also dabbing a tissue myself while listening to him share this heartfelt moment with all of us at the set.

As Janice and Gabby shared good memories over a plateful of Blueberry Cheesecake that as Janice remembers, was the dessert Gabby used to bribe her with every time he was late for taping, more heartwarming stories were shared about how Gabby was close with his family and that he was thankful for an opportunity to be a guest on SPOON.

Lucky me, for I had a picture with him before he left for next engagement after the taping.

Catch more of these heartwarming stories from SPOON, your spoonful of talk. Only on NET 25 every Sunday at 6:30 pm. I watch the show and I love it!

3 Locations, 1 week!!!

2009-04-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

This week has been the most hectic, despite the rain, the sun and everything. But I had a blast!!!

I previously attended to two of the best learning experience ever:

1) Spoon taping: I got to meet 2 Celebrities and learned a lot. But I will be blogging about them soon... just wrapping up my final day today.
2) 2nd Social Networking and e-Business Conference 2009 held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati: I got to learn about the ins and outs of Social Networking and trends and new innovations in e-Business. It was a learning experience not meant to be forgotten.

And to wrap this short note up... I'm heading to one of the country's National Architectural Icon: The Cultural Center of the Philippines. You might ask what I will be doing there? Well to top it off, I'm just there to catch the Net 25 team in action as they shoot their 2nd taping of Onset, one of the programs in a new line of programs borne from the partnership between Net 25 and CCP. If you read my previous blog about my being there on their first taping of The Red Carpet you know the my love for the arts doesn't just exist on admiring the works of National artists and appreciation of the 7 forms of arts.

So that's about it... I will be blogging about it soon ;) I know I owe 3 blogs by the time I blog again... Till my next post.

A new avenue in the timelines of Culture and the Media

2009-04-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

An architectural icon
Traveling through the busy streets of Manila, from Quezon City and cruising along the university belt, my excitement cannot be contained. I was with the NET 25 team as they cover not only the season finale of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra entitled the French Connection, but also the first taping of The Red Carpet at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The Cultural Center of the Philippines is celebrating its forty year anniversary this year. And as a part of their year-long celebration, they have partnered with the TV station that feeds your mind, NET 25, and together they produced three cultural shows that will open a new avenue in the world of media and the arts: Onset, The Red Carpet and Beyond the Stage.

Prepping up
Before the said taping, the team prepares all the equipment to be used for the shoot. Like a medical prep, the team ensures that all things are in working order. Their director Penny Choco, was there to check things are tuned. Even the host of The Red Carpet, QT Del Mar was prepping up for the event.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra was also doing their own preparation before the concerto, and the team was there to interview the guest conductor Monsieur Michael Cousteau.

Bravado performance
I walked around the place to catch not only a glimpse of the ongoing taping but also a glimpse into my history of culture and the arts. Paintings and iconic sculptures, lined the walls of the CCP building floors. Not only from National Artists (whom we could proud of), but also a fresh generation of artists. The Red Carpet was no hassle and everything was picture perfect. Even the last performance of the season was a standing ovation.

Curtain call
Altogether, it was a huge success. With people from the many walks of life visiting one of our country’s landmarks to the music that not only soothes the soul. And I as I cruised along the streets of Manila heading home, I can’t help but keep this smile on my face that show my being proud of our rich culture and Filipino heritage. Catch The Red Carpet soon on NET 25!

Here are some photos from that night:

The battle of the champions at an iconic Coliseum

2009-04-20T02:33:00.000-07:00

Where it all began

The Araneta Coliseum, home to the important events in the history of the Philippines. From Beauty pageants, to concerts, to live games and on ice events, the coliseum has been a historic icon since it was constructed in the year 1957. And watching a boxing match on a Sunday 19 of April 2009, with a ticket in hand and an ID pass, it was certainly a privilege being there at the coliseum to see our fellowmen battle it out to victory.

A meltdown of fists… Hawaiian Punch vs. Archie

This isn’t a drink versus an Archie, but a battle between Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria and Mexican national Ulises “Archie” Solis, defending International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion. I was just in time to get to their match, after traveling with a few friends of mine to the coliseum. It was great fight till the 11^th round, where Solis gave up and just went down. Passing on the title to Viloria who has made our countrymen very proud of him, Solis accepted his defeat. The ending was a knockout!

T’was a great match, a couple of classic jabs and punches… it was, well for me at least, better watching it live…

Flash match in a furious showdown… The Filipino Flash vs. El Cobrito

All eyes are on the main event. Everyone’s heart is pounding with excitement with the outcome of this main match. Nonito “the Filipino Flash” Donaire versus Raul “El Cobrito” Martinez of Texas, were the main men of this match. And Donaire really proved that he was “the Filipino Flash”, he knocked out Martinez in a jiff! It was a cheer from the crowd as he managed to knockout Martinez in the fourth and final round of their match. The crowd went wild! It was the fastest knockout and Donaire lived up to his name… The match may have ended fast, but the memory of it will last in the hearts of Filipinos everywhere. I sure am proud of the moment, the victory and the glory that was the Flash and the Furious…

The many faces of the Metropolis…

2009-04-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

It was a normal day Thursday. But it turns out I will be out of my seat. I was informed by Jay Paul one of the producers of TRiBE a show on NET 25, that we would be going around the metropolis and I could go with them as they shoot for their feature which was all about asking people’s opinion whether they prefer home-cooked meal or fast food meal. I was like: Nice. How hard could that be? That would just be in and around of metro, right?

Here's a slideshow of the photos on the shoot:

Our ride beeps outside the lobby and off we went along the streets of metro. It was really hot. The temperature around Metro Manila must be at least at 36. And as we soaked our eyes with city sights and more, our ride goes on a halt as we now have stopped right in front of the Muñoz Bridge, near SM North and from where I was standing, if you’re going to look at the rightmost direction, its EDSA, and behind me would be Congressional. The Muñoz Bridge would be the focal point where people, young and old alike would converge and would just serve as a passageway for wherever they would be going. This X on the road, serves as a meeting point, passageway or just every term you might come up with. So I held on to my camera and let it capture one of the many faces of the metropolis.

Every now and then, my camera would point at the direction where Eunice and TRiBE team would shoot their upcoming feature. It was exciting to go out with the team as I don’t get to go out often and it would be a nice turnaround. And on the plus side, I get to see the action what goes on behind the scenes!

And since the topic was food, or should I say what would be your favorite kind of dish, a home-cooked meal or one that comes from fast foods, I guess it was really by chance that we found this small eatery nearby that does just that.

Home cooked meals are their specialty and boy was I getting hungrier by the minute just by looking at it and smelling it! But we still had to cross the Muñoz Bridge by foot to get to the other side and still do some interviews.

So we walked… and walked… and walked. It was really hot. We were in the shade doing some interviews of people passing by yet it was very humid. So staying in the shade was pointless. Might as well just walk and you won’t feel it. So we went to the market to ask bystanders what’s their type of meal: home-cooked or fast-food? But my lens where focusing somewhere else.

I never knew, that in a span of just an hour or so while I was out on shoot with the TRiBE team, my camera could capture one of the many faces of the metropolis. The busy city streets, crowded markets, the local cuisine and our fellow Filipinos who pass by these streets to earn a living, to wait for friends, a place to eat, or just get to know the metro a little bit more than just a road sign or a landmark. And as we headed back home, a wonderful home cooked meal awaits our hungry tummies despite the heat. Nothing beats going in and around the city, to get to know your place a bit more, I’m sure I learned a lot in that short time. That’s just one of my many trips in and around the metropolis. And that’s while I was with the TRiBE team while they do their shooting. Which by the way will air soon on NET 25. TRiBE is a short show with loads of info, shown every Saturday and Sunday @ 7:30 in the evening! I’ve been to their TRiBE Earth and Art last March. It was great! Till my next blog…

East meets West, meets Pinay at the heart of China's ever-changing city...

2009-03-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Back to traipsing. With a few luggages on my hand, a trusty camera, a few noisy kids and jet foil to take us to... you guessed it: Hong Kong!

Hong Kong is known for it's old meets new feel. It used to be a dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1842, and remained so until transfer of sovereignty to China in the year 1997. Did you know that Hong Kong actually means: Fragrant Harbor Port in Chinese? Cool huh! Most of the Chinese traditions are still kept in Hong Kong, but you could also feel the wave of modern ways with its cinema, music and cuisine.

Of course, those weren't the only sights we saw in Hong Kong. We stayed in Tung Chung by the way, the last stop on the MTR station. You could get around by MTR using an octopus card (very handy)... It's like riding our MRT using the same card with the value (fare) inside the card so you could get from one place to another. A must go to place is Mong Kok, it's a haven for night market goers. From knick-knacks, to collectibles to soccer jerseys, they have it! You must only know how to make "tawad" or ask for a cheaper price from the store owner. Another sight to see in Hong Kong is... Hong Kong Disneyland! Opened to the public last May 22, 2005, it attracts 34,000 visitors a day! WOW!!!! From where we were staying, you take the MTR from Tung Chung station, then stop at Lai King, to interchange trains there for the Disneyland station which is located at Lan Tau island.

You're going to love the trip to Hong Kong! I know I did... :)

After Disneyland, we went to Victoria peak and the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Believe it or not, we did all these and more for only 3 1/2 days! ;) Talk about traveling non-stop. Afterwards, we went back to Macau for our trip back to the Philippines. It was exhausting true, but a lot of fun... I will blog more on my travels later on. Til' next time...

Onto International waters... after Winter Solstice

2009-01-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

This is the second time I went out of the country with my family. The first was Australia ( I was 12 years old then) the year was 1998. We went to my Grandma and Aunt's house in Sydney. But before I post that entry here, let me post about my second trip out of the country, first stop: Macau!

On our first night in Macau, we already went to a lot of places: Wynn Hotel, San Malo, and some stores in the busy China town of Macau.

Macau is located south of Hong Kong and China and its really small. You could go around Macau in a day or so. Most of Macau's residents are Chinese so if you are heading that way, you have to pack your language baggage with Chinese! Portuguese is also a must, since Macau was colonized by Portugal the same time, Philippines was colonized by Spain (if my memory of the World History is correct! Correct me about this ok?) It was cool sight to the eyes as one of the main features of the Wynn Hotel in Macau is the opening ceiling and floor that reveals a hidden tree and chandelier.

That was just on the first night of course! We did a little bit of shopping at the China Town market. Photo my finds:

On the second day of our Macanese adventure we went to the Chinese Garden where according to some of the locals, Bruce Lee used to shoot his films. It was breathtaking:

So much for garden-hopping in Macau! We headed near the bay and towards the famed Macau Tower! Bungee-jumping is a must for adventurous people, but we didn't take the plunge. First off it was really expensive, and the winds were really chilly. But here's a shot of the famous tower:

(The Macau Tower)

(shot from inside the tower)

(the Macau Bay)

Next stop on the Macanese map: The Venetian! The little Italy of Macau. One of the must-visit sights in Macau. famous for its Venetian atmosphere and gondolas.

After our little trip to Venice :), we head over to the Fishermen's Wharf, where all known structures in the world fits here. They have: The Acropolis in Greece, the temple of Alexander (if I'm right), Il Colosseo di Roma (The Colosseum in Rome), Greek Ampitheatre, A Chinese Palace, Andean Mountainside, French Chateaus exterior, New Orleans streets that feature the best ice creams and Vesuvius:

That sums up most of our Macanese trip: 3 and a half days to boot. Next stop, we take a jetfoil ride to Hong Kong, from the Macau terminal. It will take you 1 hour from Macau to Hong Kong on jet foil. But that will be on my next post... til' then.

Travelling through mountains and vast ricefields...

2009-01-24T23:48:00.000-08:00

Before I start with my International adventures, let me take you on a quick trip to the Philippines' rice capital and heading northwards to Baguio. It took an almost 8-hour trip from Manila to Isabela.

On the way to Isabela we saw this beautiful morning sight. A glimpse of Mother Nature's glory. We started off from Manila at 4:30 in the morning and arrived in Santiago, Isabela at 2 in the afternoon. The sights to see along the journey was, well, rice fields after rice fields (what do you expect? we were passing by Philippines' Rice Bowl: Tarlac and Nueva Ecija!)

After several rice fields (which I lost count by the way...) We have arrived in Santiago, Isabela!

You may wonder what I did in Isabela by the way, I went to attend one of the most touching and beautiful weddings I have ever attended. It was very solemn and heartfelt... Anyways, on our trip back the most unusual thing happened. We passed by this albino carabao before we got to Isabela, and when we were passing back, I tried to take a photo of that carabao. And what it did was go up this ledge, turn towards me as if saying: "Hey this is the right pose I was asking you to do! Here's the photo of that carabao...

That carabao sure made me laugh on the way home! We saw a lot of mountain views and nature trails along the way. What a relaxing sight to the eyes. While listening to John Williams' "Journey to the Past" and "Schindler's List" on my iPod on the way home, I can't help but compose a poem in my head. Here's how it goes:

"Sa maikling panahon, ay aking namalas,
kagandahang taglay na biyaya mula sa Kanya...
Kay lungkot isipin, sa sasandaling panahon ay aking nayakap,
Luntiang paligid at sariwang hangin ng kabundukan,
Sa aking paglisan, baon ko'y kanyang ganda,
Na sa aking paglalakbay, isang magandang ala-ala,
Magbibigay kasiyahan sa tuwing ako'y malulumbay..."

Translation:
"In a short period of time, I have seen,
It's beauty and blessings that came from Him...
The sadness that lingers in my thoughts, that in that shortness I was able to embrace,
Its green surrounding the fresh air that the mountains give,
As I leave, I bring with me, the memories of its beauty,
And on my journey home, a sweet thought lingers,
Of what joy it has brought me, when sadness comes knocking on my door..."

A walk down the paths of History...

2009-01-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

I'm skipping chapter four of the fourth trip on my list. One reason: I still can't find the photos. But I will give you a glimpse of it maybe on the next blogs.

(Dr. Jose P. Rizal's footsteps)

One of my memorable trips, aside from myself turning 22 on my birthday, we took a walk down the paths in history... (this was featured on Landmarks NET 25's History and Travel Show in HD, if I'm not mistaken a month later.)

Welcome to Intramuros!

The Fort Santiago in Intramuros, still stands today as a symbol of the once grandeur of the Spanish colony. The Philippines was colonized for 300 years by the Spaniards, then by the Americans, and then by the Japanese during the World War. During the World War, the Intramuros was bombarded to flush out the Japanese. Visiting this place was like going back in time. Another info about this place is, this is the place where Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippines' national hero was incarcerated before he was shot in Bagumbayan, now called Luneta Park on December 30, 1896.

(right: A Spanish holding cell, now with plants growing. top: Dr. Jose Rizal's medical tools)

Intramuros is now one of Manila's must-see sights if you want to go back in time of course. You will be able to re-visit Dr. Rizal's holding cell, see his footsteps leading to Luneta Park, and other Spanish architecture that still survives today.

Luneta Park (far shot) and Dr. Jose Rizal's statue in Luneta Park (top)

Next stop on my walk down the paths of history is Paco Park. Manila's oldest cemetery. It was the cemetery for the rich and the poor. Here are some photos:

Walking down those paths made me more prouder of my heritage as a Filipino. The rich history and culture that we have. Our heritage sites that I could boast to our world. That's it mostly... for now at least. Next on my blog: Onto International Waters, Day 1! Catch everyone later...

Chapter 3: Hundred Islands and a battleground

2009-01-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

One of our brief stays in Pangasinan, known for the Hundred Islands. Home to the Lingayen Gulf where General Douglas MacArthur stayed before he left for the United States then going back to the Philippines landing in Leyte imparting his famous words: "I shall return..." (if my memory of the Philippines History serves me right of course). This island-hopping was just a few hours. It didn't take us a day. Like I said our trips are always abridged. We soaked a lot of nature sights.

Like I said, all of these were just short trips. But I sure enjoyed them a lot. I will be adding more chapters to this trip. I still need to look for the other photos. In the meantime, I will be putting another photo from this island-hopping adventure:

Next stop on this trip is Tarlac's Death March. I will be posting it soon! Sorry if the dates of my trips are either backwards or forwards. I am having a hard time looking for the photos :( But after this 8 destination trip which was taken December of 2007, the next destination will be Intramuros and Paco Park, which was the location of my 22nd birthday. That's it for now...

Chapter 2: A dip in hot springs, a taste of sweet pie and trip back in History and Childhood

2009-01-21T15:45:00.000-08:00

As promised... the second part of our 7 day trip from Batangas, to Tagaytay, to Cavite. Next stop: Laguna...

Wading in a pool of hot springs will not only bring warmth to your body but will also make you feel as if you could just wade in for long hours to release the tensions in your body. A dip made me feel so relieved and it made me feel like I'm in a spa. And of course, my cellphone took a dip in as well. :D

After a morning dip in the pool, we headed to the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Laguna. We took a trip up the Makiling route to see the famed National Arts Center, built during the Marcos regime. It was a breathtaking nature trip and we saw Mother Nature in all its glory.

From the National Arts Center, we went to Lumban, Laguna, which is famous for its barongs. It was a fashion art, it may cost a lot, but its a work of art.

History was made in Laguna, when Dr. Jose Rizal, grew up from this place. His house is located in Calamba, and a museum was built in his honor . Artifacts from his era, were copied to make a reconstruction of the house where he once grew up. Dr. Rizal's life in Laguna, was a simple life playing with his sisters and helping around the house. Dr. Jose Rizal went to many places. He is a renaissance man. He was a doctor, a poet, writer, engineer, surveyor, to name a few. He was shot in Luneta on the 30th of December, 1896. He was 33 years old. Here are some photos from his house in Laguna.

Fun was the word, as we took a roller coaster ride, anchors aweigh, and a lot of fun rides at the Enchanted Kingdom. Magic really took its clasp as we were enchanted by the many sights and sounds of fun and excitement. A trip to Enchanted Kingdom won't be complete without a ride on bumper cars, ferris wheel, merry-go-round, roller coaster, and water bump cars. Get a glimpse...

Next stop on the map is Dau, Pampanga then to Pangasinan! ;) That's on the next chapter....

Chapter 1: The beginning of a Journey...

2009-01-20T22:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a glimpse of my abridged meanderings. I think this is the 4th on my list of travels, yes I believe so. But anyway... here it is:

The following events takes place between the 16th and 17th of December 2007.

My week-long vacation started on a Sunday afternoon. We started on the streets of Quezon City and our eyes soaked a lot of sights. From the streets of the Manila University Belt, not to mention some historic sites along the bay. And a treat to Manila Bay's famous sunset as we cruised along the roads that would lead us to our first destination: Nasugbu, Batangas.

Nasugbu, Batangas is famed not only for its beaches but also for the historic landing of General Douglas Mac Arthur on the shores of Nasugbu. It was a walk back in history.

From the Nasugbu Landing, we traveled by boat to a secluded beach. About 20 minutes from where we were staying. It was a piece of heaven. For me, it was a place where poets, novelists and writers could get ideas. As the waves crash on the rocks, a light sea breeze will kiss your face.

Of course, even with a breathtaking place like this, things could also go a little bit haywire, like my foot getting stuck in chair and accumulating a wound. But its no problem. A meal fit for a king was awaiting our tummies as we got back to the place where we were staying.

After Nasugbu, our next destination was Tagaytay. Famed for its cold mountain air and a volcano within a volcano sights. A lot of photos were taken.

Silang, Cavite was our next stop, where we visited our mom's friend back in college.

And as the night creeps in, we traveled the roads that will take us to Laguna.

Why Abridged?

2009-01-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, I will let you in on the reason why I named this blog of mine Abridged Meanderings - traipsing here and there... For the past few years, me and my family have gone on vacations -- mostly week-long on our part. But instead of staying for a week in the place where we are, we don't. We stay one or two days then drive or move on to the next destination. Talk about sleep and run!

And I could only share abridged versions of our stays. First off on my list of places where I've been (mostly with my family of course!) is:

1) Boracay Island! - we stayed here for almost a week, and we rarely stay in one place there. I even spent my debut (18th birthday) there...
2) Our land travel from Manila to Cebu, purely land travel! - we really drove all the way from Manila to Cebu, riding boats in between to take us from one island to the next. A grand total of 14 provinces all in all in 1 week!!!!
3) One of the many land travels we take during the month of December - destinations from Olongapo, Subic, Pampanga, Bulacan, back to Manila and some museum hopping and heritage sites... (and a one night stay in one of Manila's 5 star hotels where dignitaries have stayed and the Beatles!)
4) Another land travel trip from Batangas to Tagaytay, to Cavite, to Laguna, back to Manila and to Pampanga, to Tarlac and lastly to Pangasinan! - talk about 8 destinations in 1 week!
5) A visit to Intramuros and Paco Park, both heritage sites in Philippine History... (this was during my 22nd birthday and my youngest sib of course for we share the same birthday)

on to International waters...

1) A ten-day trip to the outback! Australian bush of course!
2) Lastly (well hopefully not... we have other destinations in mind), Macau and Hong Kong! - 3 and a half days both, where we went to a lot of places....

So watch out for my abridged posts! ;)