Sunday at the Family Park

It was December 12, 2010. The weather was fair. No rain, but was a bit cloudy in the morning, yet the sun was still shining all day (Thank you Lord for the nice weather). I left home around 9:00AM to hear mass.  Bought paper plates, disposable spoons and glass. Then I realized all my pants and shorts are still at the laundry shop. And so I decided to buy a new pair of shorts. I bought the one on sale at Colours. I totally forgot my waistline, and I ended up buying a short pair of shorts (hahaha - well Colours' sizes are a bit shorter than any other shorts).  Then  I went home after, prepared my stuffs and went to Family Park.

There I saw my classmate Meshiel Dacuma, standing at the entrance of Family Park. She brought  2 boxes of cakes. The 2 of us waited for the others. Then Wilma Cavalida arrived and brought 2 roasted chicken from Choks. Cyrus Teleron and Rodrigo Baritua suddenly appeared. Oppps surprised - they were the first 2 who came at the Family Park. They were there since 9AM as they said.  We were chatting and laughing when we saw Maricor Cabras - I think she didn't notice us, or maybe she no longer recognized me - it's been more than 10 years since I last saw her (we were still in grade 5, way back 1998).  Then Jonathan Gacang (my best friend since grade 3) arrived next. He brought "puto pao" from Aloguinsan.

The 7 of us went together to find a nice location inside the Family Park where we can stay for the rest of the afternoon. On our way to the hill, we saw kids (they're somehow yagit) hanging around at the side walk. Thus we decided to give each of them a piece of "puto pao".  The kids were grateful - wow they know how to say thank you. Then we continued walking - the place was not that crowded, yet most of the shed were occupied. Needless to say - it was Sunday / Family Day. We found an avenue to stay at 100 pesos. Guess everyone was hungry that time? Or maybe just excited to taste the puto pao just like me self.

We then started chatting, telling jokes and reminisce our childhood memories. Everyone was teasing each other - thus throwing corny jokes and etc.  Then Lemuel Mabano arrived, he is Meshiel's cousin and our classmate since grade 1 to grade 3. He still remember we had a fight way back then, but I  forgot such memory - maybe because I don't keep bad memories as much as possible or maybe I just forgot such incident.  Moving on, Arniel Navaja followed by Roldan Sumalinog arrived around 3PM.  Roldan went undertime from work just to join us. Then Sacarias Rabanes and Catherine Cabatuan with their friend also arrived few minutes later. In the last hour around 4PM, Judith Seguisabal de la Rosa and Cresilda Ardiente arrived. So with out further adieu, we  let them eat the foods we brought and then took   family pictures!

The cam-whoring session and stolen shots:

More photos here

Who would have thought that after all we still find time to meet and have some of fun even just a short span of time! It was indeed a memory worth remembering and worth keeping. We can still can still call ourselves young, young at heart because whenever we have gathering -  memories we had during elementary year would really come back.  For the first time in the long time, even if we were few - we still managed to enjoy our mini reunion as we call it. At the same time celebrating my best friend's birthday.  Looking forward for another gathering! Next time it should be blast!

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St. John Bosco's Relic to visit Philippines

 

December 5, 2010 Sunday: The Relic of St. John Bosco will arrive in the Philippines inline to the tradition of pilgrim journey through 130 nations which first began last January 31, 2009 during the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Congregation. It prepares us for the 2015 celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Don Bosco’s birth near Turin, Italy.

The Priest of Young People: A brief biography

He was popularly called “i Becchi”, born on the 16 August 1815 in the small village townland of Castelnuovo d’Asti, in Piedmont. John Bosco is an Italian Catholic priest, educator and writer of the 19th century, who put into practice the convictions of his religion, dedicating his life to the betterment and education of poor youngsters and employing teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method that is known as the preventive system. 

St. John Bosco's relic tour in the Philippines will start in Bacolod, head to Mambucal, Victorias, Kabankalan and Dumaguete. On December 12 to 23, the relic and the pilgrimage will stay in Cebu. December 23, it will head to Metro Manila in Makati and Tondo,  to Southern Luzon and Legazpi, Albay,  to Alabang, Sta. Rosa and Canlubang.  Going to Mandaluyong, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Pampanga. And lastly, it will end at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at the Better Living Subdivision in Paranaque on January 15th 2011.

Infographics - Visit of St John Bosco to the Philippines

So why am I looking forward to St. John Bosco's relic?
As a Roman Catholic this would be a great opportunity to see the relic of  the saint who quoted:  “Da mihi animas, ceatera tolle,” which translates to, “Give me souls, take away the rest,”  one of his many quotes that guided his ministry from its earliest stages through today. A saint who also quoted: "Run, Jump, Shout and do whatever you like as long as you avoid sin", a straight forward quote which can serve as a guide to everyone.  This world tour of St. John Bosco's relic is a once in a lifetime event that I don't wanna miss.

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How I spent my November 1

So it was All Saints Day, I went to the place where I was born - Aloguinsan, Cebu. Some of you for sure are not familiar with the place. Well, it's located somewhere in the southwest part of Cebu. Anyhow, I am not going to talk much about the place, but rather the wonderful encounter with old folks. Yes, all of the sudden memories of my elementary years came back. I was 7 years old then.

After I went at the cemetery, I met Jonathan aka Athan, my best friend since grade 3. Then we had lunch at a certain carenderia, and also met some old folks there - they were Aning and Majid. After we ate lunch, we headed to Bojo River then I remembered Meshiel, my classmate since grade 1 told me she'll catch up with us. And so I told Athan, and we changed direction to - Esperanza a place where we thought Meshiel is currently staying. While on our way and just entered the barangay, I received her reply telling me that she's at her aunt's house in Bliss. It was an adventure though. Sort of an Off Road adventure! It was my first time to see the beautiful place in Aloguinsan - we passed barangay Tampa-an and reached barangay Esperanza - where I saw virgin forests. Yes, a beautiful virgin forest amidst the municipality. But then, we have to return.

And so, we went to Bliss cemetery and waited Meshiel there since she was attending a mass with her relatives. While waiting, Athan and I were still chatting about random stuffs since elementary, reminiscing our childhood years and the likes. After the mass, we went to Mesheil's place and then went to Athan's place and then decided to go to Pinamungajan and have some snacks - which turned out to be a heavy snacks, for we ate barbecue and puso^ - it was yummy! It was Athan's treat. Then, Athan decided to drive me home w/ Meshiel at Toledo since it's just few kilometers away from Pinamungajan. The 3 of us continue chatting while on the road until we reached my place. Then I let them watched the short film - Papil sa Panganduy.

Time flies very fast. We had a lot of things to talk about, but too little time. Anyhow, we all still had fun! That day was really unplanned and unexpected. I explored new places, met old good friends, cemetery trips, food trips and a bit of road trip!

Hope to see you folks this coming December!

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Tang Pick and Go: The search of the missing lunchbox is over

September 12, 2010 - The search for the missing lunchbox of Xyriel (aka Momay) is over, Tang introduces the newest baon for each lunchbox of every Filipino child–Tang Pick & Go.

With some of the Cebu bloggers, we joined the celebration at the same time the unveiling of Momay's missing lunchbox with Tang Pick and Go inside. No wonder, why little Xyriel was so urgently searching for this one in particular – the refreshing baon surprise inside for kids to enjoy in school everyday.

“Tang Pick & Go not only makes nutritious refreshment more accessible, this newest easy-to-prepare Tang variant empowers kids to do things independently like deciding what flavor to drink and preparing it on their own” says Cyn Icasas, Category Marketing Manager for Beverages of Kraft Foods Philippines.

“Whatever flavor they like – whether they prefer the classic Orange taste or love the more tropical Pineapple and Mangga delights – these kids will no doubt have a blast with the Tang Pick & Go” enthuses Mark de Joya, Brand Manager of Tang added.



Tang Pick & Go is now available at supermarkets, groceries and sari-sari stores. The search may have come to an end, but a refreshing beginning greets Xyriel and kids everywhere, with Tang Pick & Go.

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Friday the 13th

I don't really know what's with Friday the 13th. When I was a kid, I was told that this day is prone to bad lucks? If it really is, so be it. As you might have noticed, not all days are lucky for us. We always have a bad days for at least once in a week and not all of them fall on Friday the 13th. If my memory serves me right, during my high school days - 4th year level way back in 2004, Wednesday was my bad day. Yes all through out the school year, I hated Wednesdays. Anyhow, this year's Friday the 13th was just amazing. I mean, everything was unplanned except for the UP Cookout.

I woke up 10AM, went online to check emails and updates, at the same time thinking that it would be an unproductive lazy Friday. I was on leave, got no direction on the early noon. Then a text message came through my inbox. And realized that I need to drop by at Ayala to give my donations (used clothings) for the recent T.Padilla Fire Victims. I was a bit late with the schedule, that wasn't planned properly - last minute syndrome as I call it. It was exciting - adrenaline rush took over.

I took a bath, rushed to the office to get my camera, headed to Ayala to meet Iggy for the donations, I got caught in the traffic, the weather is hot, I forgot to bring a hanky and I was sweating a lot *pfffft*. After I met and gave my donations, I rode a cab and went straight to Parkmall for the "CAMS Got Talent" an affair conducted by the Masscom students in Cebu. When I arrived at the venue, CIT-U was already done with their presentation. Why CIT-U? Because Clads, invited me there and I wasn't able to take photos of them. Anyhow, what we did is basically camwhorings - as always.

UP Cookout 2010
Unlike last year's cookout, this year is kinda different. I mean there was lesser number of people who attended the event, the crowd is not the same as last year's. And one unexpected thing, a certain person suddenly asked me if I'm from UP, and did a bit of interview about the cookout- it was just uhmmm shocking? I don't know. But I wasn't prepared enough. The camera man was already rolling the camera facing me. I was like uhmm got caught again in stage fright. Anyhow, they're from MagTV Cebu. And I think some folks saw it when it was aired last Sunday (August 15, 2010). Just sharing. :P

So how was the cookout? Just like last year, only 5 of the group survived - Mikyu, Jessa, Tiannex, Brian and yours truly. The same set up as last year - we conquered the night of Friday the 13th and went home on the next morning!

Photos will follow.

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Thank God It's Friday

August 06, 2010 Friday - I managed to swap duty schedule, thanks to Joyce for the offer, instead of 4PM to 1AM shift, I was on 1oPM to 7AM shift yesterday.

Yesterday, I attended the SM City Eco Bag Launching 2010 and witnessed the unveiling of their new Eco Bags. Unlike the typical SM GREEN BAG they previously had, SM City had released new designs with colors signifying the 4 elements: air, earth, fire and water

• Flow – represents the element of Water
• Spark – represents the element of Fire
• Renew – represents the element of Earth
• Breathe – represents the element of Air

After the main affair (unveiling of the eco bags), foods were served. And while everyone were busy eating, the UC Chorus at the same time entertained everyone in the activity center. They played several songs. The group sung very well.



INCEPTION: with Z and Doris
After the SM City Eco Bag Launching, I waited Doris to arrive. With her was Z (her friend) and we met at Coffebean then went straight to Cinema 3, and watched Inception 2D.

Inception: A review
Inception is a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind - inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com. I like how inception is being done. I mean, the process of planting an idea and entering the dreams of others to obtain information is pretty cool. I like the part wherein one can create things/projections in their subconscious. But in the case of Dom Cobb (Leonardo de Caprio) who is a skilled thief, he steals valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. How do you wish you have that skill? Oh well, it's complicated really. Alright then let me give my rating, uhmm 4 out of 5, where 5 is the highest. Not that bad, eh?

After we watched the movie, we had a bit of camwhorings, ate at KFC, sat at Coffeedream, went to National Bookstore, and then headed straight to Jolibee near JY where D met her friend.

It was indeed a great Friday! I think I am starting to love Friday. (LOLs). Thank God it was a wonderful Friday!

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I made my own havaianas

Last July 29, we were lucky to get invited to the 5th Year celebration of Make Your Own Havaianas Philippines at Northwing SM City Cebu. It was my first time to experience making my own havaianas and I would say, it was hard for me to decide what design I should pick. So I ended up getting the black MYOH 5 theme with the glow in the dark strap with a peace guitar and a high five pins. Unfortunately, they ran out of the glow in the dark straps that time. T_T. Anyways, I chose the gold strap instead. (oopps I think I didn't take a photo of my Hava)

Random photos below:

With Miss Monica - Marketing Manager, Havaianas Bacolod


With Doris

Thanks to Miss Jaja and Miss April of Big Seed Media for the invitation. :)

See more photos here

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Events: 17th of July

I came from a sleepy 2200-0700 shift last 16th of July, Friday. A very unproductive night shift of all. Anyhow, after the end of shift, I still managed to slept for over 2 hours. and when I woke up, I headed straight to Waterfront to meet some bloggers and media for an event. And btw, I was the official event photographer of the said event and it was my first time. The event was dubbed as "Kraft Cheez Whiz: Palamantasan ng Sarap" an activity that is conducted by Kraft inline with this month's Nutrition month which was held at Lapulapu City Central Elementary School.

See Photos below.

The event was really successful! We left the place around 4PM, and headed back to Waterfront. After which, I headed home and slept of an hour then prepared for the the Tee Dee Event.

• Read more about Kraft Cheez Whiz: Palamantasan ng Sarap here
• More photos here

Tee Dee Presscon and Hear and Wear Party at The Outpost

Okay, I was late during the press con. Got caught in the traffic along Salinas Dr., Lahug, Cebu City. But still able to catch it though. Anyhow, the presscon was about the TeeDee's concept and the benefit it could give to the artists as well as the fans.

What is TeeDee?

The name says it all: A t-shirt with a CD.

Art+Music: The TeeDee also opens and awesome new avenue for musicians and artists to collaborate. Renowned art-scene superstars creating pieces inspired by a specific band’s sound – music you can see.

Why you should buy one?
Affordable: For only PHP500, you get a high-quality shirt and great music from bands you love.

After the Presscon, the party then started in few moments.

December Avenue

Finale: The Line Divides

The party was great! Everyone was having fun last July 17. It ended around 2AM Sunday.

More Photos here

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So Long Sweet Summer

Summer is almost over. Couple of weeks from now, it's back to school again. Yeah? I'm still not coming back to school until further notice. Basically, I haven't heard any feedback from DOST main office after I sent them an explanation letter last March 25. Anyways, I am not gonna talk about school stuffs here. I am just going to write a summary about everything that happened since my last update. Where do I begin? Alright, that so typical. I'll just recall the events that happened few weeks ago. (entering time machine)

April 2, 2010 - Good Friday. I together with some folks (chuvie, aice, noren, suy, mon, and carlo), went to Tabor Hills, Talamban, Cebu City after our shift and had our way of the cross there. It was Good Friday and the weather is too hot, yet twas the least I could do during the season, just a bit of sacrifice for couple of hours. It was fun we all enjoyed it I believe.

Trivia: Tabor Hillsis also known as Holy Hill. A 33-meter-high “millennium cross” stands tall at the top of this hill in Talamban. “The cross is 33 meters high, signifying the age of Jesus. With its blue light, it can be seen from far away — from the airport or from the boats (referring to the ones in the Mactan Channel).

April 24-25 - CBSI & Tsinelas Computer Literacy Program. The same date of our team building at Camotes Island, Cebu, buat since I was alredy committed for the CBSI & Tsinelas Computer Literacy Program, basically I have to keep my words to my co-bloggers. I mean it, there was a dilemma when our team leader informed us about the tentative dates of our team building, I crossed fingers hoping that the dates will be moved, but it wasn't.
Fourteen CBS volunteers (Miong, Clado, Guada, Zyza, Will, Lemski, Aj, Reynold, Mark, Jerry, Mikyu, Agnes, Melith and yours truly) went to Lut-od High School in Pinamungajan, Cebu together with the Tsinelas staffs. The place really is remote, but regardless of that, we all still enjoyed teaching those selected students from the school. Yes, they are all first timer to have a hands on activity with computer basics. It such a nice feeling knowing that at the end of the 2 day program, hey learned something, even just a bit of what you have discussed and taught to them.


The outreach program was made possible by Tsinelas Association and Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. together with the major and minor sponsors Hidden Valley Mountain Resort, Timex, Atty. Ethelbert Ouano, Michael Sinjin Pineda, Guada Concepcion Esmeña, Jun Rey Parajes, Ruben Rallos, Jan Mckingley Hilado, Mark Gallardo, Mark Alessandrew Abitona, Debbie Rojonan, Galleca Baylon.

The experience really was unforgettable. Just imagine yourself doing simple things to others w/c made them smile. Such a very heart warming feeling.
Photo by mikyu

April 30:

• Big Bro's birthday: It has been a while since my brother celebrated his birthday with us. if I'm not mistaken, the last time was 1996, just before he left Cebu to study college in Manila. It was like a long time ago. I was so glad he went home this year with his family and stayed for couple of days!

• The American Idol Pizza from Greenwich: I left from home early in the afternoon on the same day for the event. I traveled couple of hours from home to SM City Cebu, where the event was held. I arrived at exactly 7PM in my watch at the venue. We (the Cebu Bloggers) ate the American Idol Pizza from Greenwich.
  

Trivia: It contains 7 favorite American toppings: bacon, beef burger, bratwurst sausage, onions, green bell peppers, mushrooms, and crunchy shoestring potatoes.


May 1 - Cebu Bloggers General Assembly and Election of Officers: As mentioned in my previous post, we had our general assembly and election of officers at Parkmall. Below are the new set of officers effective May 1, 2010 to May 1, 2011.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

• Abitona, Mark Alessandrew
• Gervacio, Jerry
• Gilig, Prince Ryan
• Go, Vernon
• Jimenez, Agnes E.
• Licera, Ruben
• Maglasang, Michelle Louise S.
• Mongado, Clarence Andrew F.
• Monta, Deutche Atil Mark M.
• Pineda, Michael Sinjin A.
• Ponio, Jorich
• Sarawi, Wilhelmina
• Tampus, Gerrymie
• Yuson, Bryan Karl M.
• VACANT
  

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President - Vernon, Go
VP-Membership - Clarence Andrew Mongado
VP-Content - Michelle Louise Maglasang
VP-Marketing - Michael Sinjin Pineda
VP-Ways and Means - Mark Monta
VP-Education - Jerry Gervacio
VP-Corporate Affairs - Agnes Jimenez
Secretary - Wilhelmina Sarawi
Treasurer - Bryan Karl Yuson
Auditor - Jorich Ponio
Special Projects
- Mark Alessandrew Abitona
- Ruben Licera
- Prince Ryan Gilig
- Gerrymie Tampus
Ombudsman/Legal Counsel - Atty. Ethelbert B. Ouano

May 2 - World Bloggers' Day Celebration : Cebu Bloggers Society in cooperation with Parkmall Cebu celebrated the 1st ever World Bloggers' Day.


Wow! This post is really really long, as I would say. To the best of my knowledge, and with the help of my short term memory (bwahaha), I was able to recall the things that happened this summer!

May 16 - 1and1 Summer Outing at Cordova Reef
I won't be writing so much details about our summer outing, but I would say it was fun, the games somehow entertained everyone and the prizes were all great, unfortunately I didn't win the raffle (hahaha).

Below are two of the great photos of my teams that I captured during the event.

My new team mates: Fasthosts - these guys are great!


My previous team: RELOADED - they're wonderful too.

So Long Sweet Summer!

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Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc General Assembly

Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. will be having its General Assembly and Election of Board of Trustees on May 1, 2010 at Parkmall, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Flow of event:

CBSI Executive Heads will discuss their reports regarding team plans which were fulfilled, plans which were not realized, and the accomplishments of CBS as a group. Flow will be as follows:

1. Presidential report – Mark Monta
2. Membership Committee report – Guada Esmeña
3. Content Management report – Agnes Jimenez
4. Events Committee report – Sinjin Pineda

After the discussions, the elections for the new set of CBS officers will take place. The election committee is composed of Atty. Ethelbert Ouano and Sir Jerry Gervacio. The incumbent BOT's have agreed to add "1 year membership in CBS" as one of the requirements in running for CBS-BOT.

After the new officers have been chosen, there will be an oath taking.

About Cebu Bloggers Society

Cebu Bloggers Society is founded on February 14, 2008 by Mark Monta. As of April 2010, the group has 81 registered members (data provided by Clarence Mongado, Membership Committee, Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.). The group is registered to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2010.

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CBS and Tsinelas Computer Literacy Program

Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. and Tsinelas Association, Inc. will be having an outreach program at Lut-od High School, Lut-od Pinamungahan, Cebu this coming April 24-25, 2010. We will be conducting a 2 day seminar/demo/discussion about computer basics to the selected 25 students of the said school.

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Saturday at Mactan Beaches

March 27, 2010 - The Cebu Bloggers Society went at Be Resorts, located along Punta Engaño Road in Mactan Island, for a visit/beach tour. I was one of the 2nd batch and we left the meeting place past 3PM, the rest were on the van courtesy of be resorts, and since Jose brought his car, he asked me to go with him to the place. The first batch btw, left the place by 1PM.

Quick facts about Be Resorts:

• Target market are the Asian tourists with room rates that range from php 5,400 - 7,900. from time to time they have special rates for local residents.
  
• For local clients, they have standard rooms for php 3,000 with breakfast.
  

Below are the photos taken during our visit

After the tour, snack was served and camwhoring followed, until we left for our next destination.

(L-R: doyz, reynold, debz, tiannex, me, prince)

Our next destination was: Maribago Bluewaters Beach Resorts for The Unveiling of the New Seven.

The event started by 6PM, and we're a bit late, but we still were able to catch up the event. It was a great event and those fire dancers really are awesome. And yes, the foods were all delicious and yummy as always. All of us, I believed were uber full when we left the resort!(hahaha).

Further, you may also visit Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort Blog and Pinoy Traveller.

Cheers!

Be Resorts and Maribago's The Unveiling of the New Seven photos credit to clado

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