food for the dream

2009-02-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

25 Untold Secrets

1. I was born in a clinic and grew up in Navotas. A Beatles song was playing in the radio (inside the clinic) while my mom was giving birth. She doesn't remember the song anymore, but I hope it's not 'Get Back.'

2. My first drawing was a car. I vandalized it on a then brand new set of Colliers. It still exists today.

3. I was a Colliers addict. One day in 1982, my mom told me she'd go to Mercury (drug) to shop. I was stunned and asked her what she'd ride to get there. She replied "jeep!" I was amazed. How could she ride a jeep to Mercury, the planet?

4. I served the altar as a sacristan who had a stage fright.

5. I used to be an avid collector of religious images. My grandma would take me to Baclaran every Wednesday and I always looked forward to her buying me statues after every Mass. St. Therese, St. Anthony, and Saint What-have-yous were my first G.I.Joes.

6. I played Mass with my siblings, cousins and neighbors. I was the priest and I'd use pandesal as the Holy Host and I'd dip it in a glass of Milo, the Holy Wine. I'd give the iconic Chinese brown flat candies (darn I forgot the name) during Holy Communion. After that we'd parade the Sto.Nino around the house and swing a lighted mosquito coil as the incense.

7. I almost burned down my aunt's house in Baguio when I left the iron on accidentally. It branded the tegula floor with a nice black mark and can be seen until this day.

8. I used to laugh when someone is crying. Weird. When my grandpa died and my cousin cried inside my room, my laughter was uncontrollable. When the 1990 earthquake shook our classroom like hell, my best friend and I laughed like lunatics after our classmates wailed in terror. Good thing that quirk is gone now.

9. I was a Beatlemaniac painter during high school. I dressed up like them, customizing my uniform with wide collar, bellbottom pants, high-heeled boots, and mopped hair. I even wore round glasses. I learned to play guitar and compose songs. I also drew a lot and won so many contests, and my teachers asked me to decorate the school every day. I was very eccentric then and I refused to accept that John Lennon was really dead.

10. I was haunted once by an evil dwarf.

11. I feel panic whenever I hold a flying kite. It's as if I'm gonna be taken away into oblivion. We used to make kites held together by sticky steamed rice.

12. My favorite breakfast is champorado with powdered milk, cheese cubes, and pandesal bits.

13. I'm a Lego addict. Right now I'm planning to sign up as Lego Ambassador in Lego.com. I used to have a Lego club in Navotas, where I met with people and traded Lego sets.

14. I'm a frustrated athlete. I have a problem with sports that require chasing objects like basketball, volleyball, etc. I dread injury. There's one sport I excel though, it's air hockey. Hehe!

15. I had a cruel past when I was a child. My cousin, brother, and I used to loathe babies and toddlers. We'd pinch them til they cry.

16. I had a pet named Kathybird, a roaming big pigeon, who took a set of kittens under her wing, literally. It was a message that she wanted to have a partner and chicks too. I ignored her and she left me for another male bird.

17. In my campaign to rid my house of a rat, I used Racumin. I caught the rat, slow and apparently intoxicated. Before I killed it, I was very guilty so I recited to the rat the many reasons why he needed to die. He looked at me as if listening. He didn't protest.

18. I was walking home when a kitten followed me. I took her and fed her. For the first time, a kitten licked me and slept on my lap. I had to send her back to the street because no one would take care of her. I also couldn't handle a pet who may die anyway, after my traumatic experience with my dead dog. I couldn't love again someone and lose it. That was one of the most heart-breaking nights of my life. I made a short film inspired by the experience and dedicated it to the kitten, whom I named Mussy.

19. I bought a mountain bike in 2003 and gave it my father in 2008. Unused.

20. I used to sing my country's national anthem before I sleep.

21. I can see water molecules.

22. I can control the rain.

23. I'm a frustrated ramp model.

24. I have a weird feeling that I was a ruthless king in my past life. When I looked down from the flyover during Edsa Dos and people where screaming 'Erap resign!', a similar experience flashed before me. I was a king looking from my balcony and people were asking for my head.

25. What I want, I get. For some strange reasons.

2008-03-03T09:40:00.001-08:00

Breaching 30

Kabaligtaran ako ng piso ngayon. Sya bumabata, ako hindi. Nagdedepreciate ang lolo nyo.
While thinking of how I would reflect on my looming 3rd decade, I browsed through some of my earlier blogs about aging (hate that word). I’m quite pleased I wrote this some 3 years ago. And I still feel the same way 3 years later:

“Growing old used to spook me. I thought age was a standard for looking good and catching love. Sex was a constant staple of men and to get it, one must stay young and lie when not young anymore. But life does make one learn. Age turned out to be an achievement, a continuous discovery of different levels of manhood. Boys love sex, and men love more than that. Growing further tends one to long for a more substantial basic need. I was a boy when I was 18 to 25 years of age. And I turned into a man after that. Being a man makes you more in control of your ego, emotions, and perceptions. It makes you stronger and solid in spirit. Being a man is a great gift indeed and I’m happy to have reached that. Some guys remain boys until 30, although quite a few are already men early on in their life.

To be a man is something every boy must look forward to. This I think is the gift of growing. Boy, I just couldn’t imagine myself remaining a boy all throughout my life.”

Did I change after writing this? I know the defunct Mean Gels would raise their eyebrows again, but I still am the same person whom I wrote about.

Ewan ko ba, I feel depressed everytime my birthday’s approaching (since I turned 25). And whenever I read this past blog I feel relieved. I remember when I turned a quarter, my tears spontaneously burst and I cried on my partner’s shoulders. March, especially my birthday, is the sad point in my every year. I don’t know why. Whenever this darned date approaches, my wallet goes empty. Some illness (mostly flu) catches up on me. Work in the office becomes too hectic and people I know become too busy. And some other awful things.

One says that the bad thing about aging is when you haven’t achieved much in your life. Nasaan na ba ko ngayon? Bigla kong ina-assess ang mga narating ko na. I guess the best thing I managed to do this 3rd decade of my life is to finally break ground for my lifelong career – film directing. Nagkaroon ng direksyon ang pangarap ko, in fact, nagkaroon ako ng malinaw na gusto sa buhay and God made a way to make it happen. It’s all in my hands now.

Sa totoo lang, natatakot ako tumanda. One time I told my Bible groupmates, when I asked what age I would like to die, I said 40. Na-shock sila. Sabi ko I want to stay young forever. But I am realizing, at 40, nasaan na kaya ako? That’s just 10 years from now. May Hollywood dreams pa ko. Gagawin ko pa ang remake ng Titanic. At bibilhin ko pa ang rights ng Volta para i-remake ito (at bigyan ng justice, chos). Starring Carmen Electra (hehe, as if). So I need to extend it. So God, take me at age 70 but who still looks 40.

But then again, I guess katawan lang ang tumatanda. Ang puso, hindi. Unless choice mong sumabay itong tumanda with the body. I won’t let my heart age. Hindi naman sya exposed sa smog at pollution kaya ageless sya. It’ll always be the home of the same ageless little boy in me who just dreams to raise the Philippine flag in a school flagpole and ring the great bell in the cathedral’s belfry.

30 years na ko. Just a little more than week away to hold on to and savor my twenties. And then I’m officially a member of the 30’s gang. Sad? No… Because it’s now time to make my dreams happen. Those dreams forged in my teens and twenties. If 20hood is about finding and defining my dream, then 30hood is about making it happen.

March on, 30s!

2007-11-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

All-Aliens-Day at UFO

The post-Halloween party held at UFO last Nov. 3 gave me mixed feelings. I felt the strange disparity with those that we throw with MDAFI. I was so loose at the past parties held at Ina's and Dan's but I was quite behaved at UFO's. I guess it was the new people I met there. Or the ambience. I don't know. I was so happy to see and bond with my old friends there, the apartment gang, Yam-Otap Solid Fans Club, Neri, Emman, Ina, etc. There were the indie actors as well, Ping and Jason. I brought along my 3 Maculot friends Cosme, Tom, and Bon. They enoyed the party a lot.

Maybe I was too tired because I just came from a climb.

A PBB person brought mistletoe but I didn't dig in. I sorta got turned off prior because he was asking for paraphernalia that's obviously extreme for me. Form thence I didn't feel comfy with him.

The poker game brought by Mitch was a hit. I liked it. But it alienated some so we thought of something campier. And so we played Hi Jack.

Oh I also felt a little down maybe because I didn't have the time to bring contributions. Well good the food overflowed.

We could have danced. Sing, even. Even if there's no music.

Many went home early. Many arrived in trickles. MDAFI advanced class visited briefly. Later it was PBB Housemate Zeke's group. It was like 3 different parties.

But I was so glad there was a party like this. It was my first time at UFO. I longed to feel that wonderful feeling I had when all indies partied at Ted's house. I felt that again this time, though not as strong.

Happy pa rin!

2007-11-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Batangas Escape

My 5-years-in-the-making mountaneering plan has finally happened. On Nov. 2, Fri, (a favorite date 2 and Fri), Mitch, Jeck, Mylene, and I climbed Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas. I was the only first-timer climber. I asked them if we would see animals, obstacles, hanging bridge, river, and all sorts of wilderness stuff. None, sad to say, but not a problem. Geez, climbing that big pile of earth was like buying vinegar from a store... Yabang! Honestly I guess it was my excitement that made it easy for me to endure the 2.5 hours-long ascent. Jeck was the life of the party type of guy. He cracked jokes all throughout the day. It was hard climbing when you're laughing but it was equally hard if you're too serious.

I had my first bruise when someone called me in my cellphone. Yes naman... ang lakas ng signal kahit sa bundok na. I was also amazed at the "protocol" of mountaineers - that of greeting each climber as if you're old friends. We got to make use of that after we made friends out of the men we met in the summit.

The vegetation changed near the summit. Sharp blades of grass which gave me few cuts on my fingers. It was hot, but then the weather was swiftly changing once you're on the top. There was a mini store there, selling instant food, halo-halo, etc. Many have camped there, mostly stayed over the night. My friends ate but I didn't have the appetite. We then went to the other side of Maculot, her rocky side. That was the best part! Rock-climbing experience. Stunning views of Taal Lake. The wind was quite strong but comforting. It rained and I was afraid that our electronic gadgets would be destroyed, not minding the scarier part that we would be frozen and blown to smithereens by the wind. Fortunately the rain stopped when I used my secret power over it (yeah i got one superpower!).

Our new friends Cosme III, Bon, and Tom, joined us in our return to the flat world. It was fun going down because Mitch was always making a Miriam Quiambao scene. The Jeck-Tom loveteam was also a blockbuster hit. Cosme's horror stories, on the other hand, didn't affect me a bit.

After taking a bath at a bathroom-for-rent, we 3 addicts minus our new friends went straight to Calatagan for our beach binge. The trip there was epical. More physically strenuous than the climb itself because we had to commute Pinoy-style, siksikan to the max. Then after an eon, we already smelled the sea and saw the mangroves. T'was night. Then the beach opened its doors.

It's Piolo's beach! I mean it's like the beach resort in 'Paano Kita Iibigin.' Rundown. No electricity. No cottages and clean restroom. We had no choice but to camp on the sand. Jeck hung his hammock and we made a bonfire. Mitch and I braved the night seabreeze and the cold stare of the stars but eventually gave in, joined our 2 other friends tucked in the tent.

The next day, the nice water greeted us. No waves, shallow water, fine sand, and sea creatures abounded. We ate trail food for breakfast. No other choice, we forgot to buy food prior, because we thought there's a food stall in the so-called resort. Nonetheless we enjoyed our beach beach-an. Went far from the shore with Mitch and Jeck, though the sea level didn't get deeper. I picked up 3 large starfish and one sea worm. I played with them. It was fun. Touching animals was really therapeutic.

Having climbed my first mountain, I couldn't wait for the next one. Cosme, Bon, and Tom were inviting me to join them in Mt. Sembrano, Rizal this Nov 17 and in Mt .Pulag in Dec 26. Christ! Career na ito! May bago akong "high" na natagpuan.

And a new community.

2007-10-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

Dancing Priests

Last Friday, I attended a birthday party at E.Rod ave. But it was a little different because I haven't met the celebrant yet, he's not Filipino, and he's pursuing an extraordinary job.

His name is Alexis, African, and seminarian of CICM, a congregation for international missionaries. Our common friend, Tita Linda, invited me there. I went to their residence building, a big, simple, and clean complex one trike ride away from St. Luke's. Tita took me to the dining hall and introduced me to the celebrant. I saw familiar faces like Tiago, Steve, and Zebedee. Tiago, Marcio, Fabio and another guy were the Brazilians there. Alexis is from Mozambique, and a new friend, Bavon, is from Congo. I also met other black guys from Haiti.

It took me a while before I joined them in their Congolese dance. Every song was quite long, 15 minutes. I just followed the guys in their dance steps. They were dancing in unison all throughout. The primary move is the rotating of the hip bone. I enjoyed the dance a lot. They told me I had talent, contrary to what I was saying that I had 2 left feet. They cheered me on like crazy. Masarap sumayaw ng may kasabay, lalo na pag pareho ang sayaw nyo.

After ko ma-high sa dance, my attention was then taken to booze. Beer, wine, and brandy. I drank with the would-be-priests while talking about heaven and hell. We also talked about Wowowee, their favorite TV show, along with Walang Kapalit. They also love beauty pageants, especially the Brazilian Marcio. He's proud that their Miss Brazil is this year's Vice Miss Universe (1st runner up). I promised them that we'll watch Miss Earth live in UP next month.

During our round table chat, I felt like I was being taped for the Colors of Benetton ad. I was the only Asian there, 3 blacks, and 2 Caucasians. I also felt that I was in a different country, being surrounded by so many blacks and whites, and I being the only Pinoy and Asian there. It was a little surreal.

When it became so late, they asked me to sleep over because it's already dangerous to go home. I was a little hesitant but then I agreed. I was given a studio. It was simple but clean and complete with the basic stuff. They didn't leave my room until they were able to fix the electric outlet for my fan. I slept thinking that what a new batch of berks I've made, so unique, and yet so interesting.

Despite a bare 3 hours of sleep on a bunk bed, I woke up from one of the most peaceful sleep I've experienced. There's something to the place that comforted me. I woke up to the faint wonderful sound of Church Mass songs being hymned by the seminarians. The morning was cool and the leaves of the trees clasped from the tentative wind. I roamed about in the empty space, marveling at the Igorot statues adorning the walls.

I'm happy to have found new set of friends. Another new community, I hope. This is really getting exciting and inspiring : )

2007-10-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Unfaithful Husband

Our class last Tuesday and the mandatory gimikan thereafter, were as expected, fun-filled. It was an MDA class so we were kinda physically drained (unlike Meilly's where we're more relaxed). Nonetheless, buhay na buhay pa rin ang dinner club that night. Of course Henry's birthday added to the glitz, after all, libre nya yun a! Ang saya talaga kahit bitin. Limited time eh. It was the biggest dinner ever, Enrico and Vivian joined us, even Vallez and his gang of elders (hehe). We ate at our new fave resto (move over, Old Spag) - Dampa, Ortigas.

May bagong quotable quote na nabuo during debriefing.
"Parang hindi pa ko na-devirginize sa ginawa ko. Kailangan siguro akong ma-gangrape."
- Newt
Kabog! All-time classic! Hindi lang ang mean girls ang dinugo ang ngala-ngala sa tawa! (Si Yam nga natanggal ang ribs sa katatawa at si Dado naihi)

Getting back to the topic.

Hay. I'm here pa sa office. Hindi ako makasulat ng 2 storylines which I need to submit tomorrow. Hindi ako inspired! Mas naiisip ko ang school. I feel like an unfaithful husband to Star Cinema. The other woman is MDAFI. And I like the mistress better (!). What should I do? Kasal ako sa isa until 2010, and I can't stop thinking about the projects we're going to make in MDAFI. I like everything in it. The core friends, the new friends, the mentor, the curriculum, everything. Syempre ang gimikin every night. New experiences. Parang bagong gising ako sa mundo ng pelikula. Dito kasi sa Star, everything is so mundane already. Walang bago.

Am I being unfair?

Dapat ako ang magbigay ng 'bago' sa mundo ko sa Star. But how? I'm not inspired anymore. I've been pitching concepts, they get approved, pero hanggang dun lang. I never get the chance to write a produced script.

Buti na lang may school. I'm so happy God gave it to me at this point of my life when I'm pushing thirty. That miracle affirmed my belief in His plan for me. After all I left Architecture because He let me watch 'Titanic' and that day changed my life.

I'm glad my marriage to Star Cinema has an expiration date.

2007-10-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

My New Housemate

A few days ago there was a sudden change in my neighbor's chain of command. A new superior was squeezed in, forming the middleperson between our Grand Lola and a peer. My peer had to transfer his workplace from a spacious room to a smaller one, which is "inside" my office cove. Now he's literally my housemate! Buti na lang he's a very kind person and I'm comfortable with him. Nahihiya lang ako minsan kasi mas naging obvious ang work time habit ko (justifiable naman ah!). Kasi my housemate would point it out to me. Ang aga kasi nyang dumating, sya ang nagbubukas ng gate ng ABS-CBN.

Well I hope he won't resign kasi the last one who sat here remained in office for just a few days (inaapi kasi ni JP).

One thing that I find amusing is that I can relate to my housemate. Both of us are paying the price for being famous haha:) Kung ako laging naquo-quote, sya naman laging nalalamutak.

Clone sila ni Francis Lua. Sa charm, childlikeness (or childishness?), wholesomeness, kayamanan, height, weight, and pati nga sa boses. Pero unlike Francis, he's one of the loudest friends I've had! Kung na-maroon ka sa island with him, hindi mo mararamdaman na kayong dalawa lang.

O ayan housemate, dito na lang ang testi ko sayo ha, copy paste mo na lang sa Friendster...

Oh by the way, his name is Kynan.

2007-10-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

Gloom

It's getting obvious that I blog every time I attend my film class. Is it worth blogging than my work at Star Cinema? Hehe not really. I think the "change" inspired me to write anew, which I used to do in a conventional journal.

Well the class yesterday was ho-hum. I was quite sad, in fact. I don't know why. If it was a disorder I'd call it a sadness attack. Maybe the weather (raining while the sun was brightly shining), the existing family problem, or sudden break from the exciting series of field work.

It was quite an experience when I went out of the classroom while viewing a film (Volver). There were people outside talking and their noise was disturbing us. I shushed them - turned out that it was Noni Buencamino chatting with David Abaya (!)

Our "dinner club" ate at Tomatokick, Teacher's Village. I liked it more than Old Spag. Cheaper price for same quality food. After that, a spontaneous drinking spree took place at Ted's house. Fr. Francis sponsored the booze (thanks bro!). Sister Ina, Sen. Gabby, Ate Issa, Li'l Danna, and Kuya Nick joined us.

Part of the fun was sharing one's dark secrets (well, not really dark). I had apprehension but did it anyway. I didn't feel good afterwards. I dunno why. Parang binulatlat ko na naman ang sarili ko at nag-bold in a bad way. Nainis ako sa sarili ko. Ted was right. I should have chosen what to say. Well in the future di na talaga ako magsasalita. Or at the least I should tell less of myself.

Naiinis ako sa sadness attack na ito. This is the old me.

2007-10-08T01:22:00.000-07:00

Getting Closer

Last Saturday was a highlight in my filmmaking craziness. You see, part of our training is to experience each major post in the shooting staff. So far I've AD'd, clapper'd, and now actor'd. When I told Ina I wanted to act in her presentation, it was out of my ancient desire to act. Act a serious emotion, not just a cutesy shenanigan of April Boy Regino or Bea and John Lloyd's pa-cute co-architect.

For our school number, I played a mass murderer, a role that required serious internal motivation. Directed by no less than Ina Feleo (Cinemalaya Best Actress and daughter of legends Laurice Guillen and Johnny Delgado :) I knew before hand that my acting was crucial as my internal angst would carry the scene, especially the last shot. T'was crazy because baring my soul would've been the last thing I'd do, but I got there, I did it. I felt like a nude person in front of a billion people. Ganun pala umarte ng seryosong emosyon. I was being possessed by a different being, the one I was playing. I couldn't hear a thing, just Ina's faint words of 'action' and 'cut.' I felt my self shiver in a mixture of anger, judgement, and a great resolve to kill. Grabe. In between takes I had to close my eyes and pause before shifting to my normal self. Now I understand why some actors had trouble recovering emotions. But it was so much FUN! I really enjoyed it. It felt so natural. I had fun when I toyed with the living set to motivate me. From the backpack as the murderer's "baggage" and the spilt lipstick as "looming blood."

Kahit hiyang-hiya ako during debriefing, I felt overwhelmed by the praises of my classmates. The fact that I was able to deliver what Direk Ina wanted was enough for me : ) I feel so excited to do the other roles, especially the challenging ones like DOP and of course, director.

Our 'Community' has now grown bigger! Aside from Ina, Francis, and Issa, 4 more joined us: Rafa, Alan, Newt, and Danna. We ate dinner at our favorite spot, Old Spaghetti House. Everyone had fun. Bitin nga eh.. We planned our Halloween shindig already, which will most probably take place at Ina's house (videoke and the works! Yam will come in costume daw, as herself!)

Now I feel like a penguin clutching lots of fish, rubbing wings with the others atop larger ice floes.... Hahahaha : )

2007-10-03T02:01:00.000-07:00

Rocky Start

Nakakatakot.

Here's why.

I don't know how I managed it but I still got to attend classes yesterday despite the force of nature ramming against my resolve. I had trouble surviving the floods and traffic jams en route to our carpool's meeting place in Philcoa. Result: I was forced to tell my "carmates" not to wait for me. Upon getting there, I combed the area for taxicabs but no one would take me either to Antipolo or Sta. Lucia. The streets were flooding like hell, manholes puking their insides. I decided to work in the office instead. But my officemates coerced me not to yield to the storm. Yam also enouraged me to attend class despite the looming 1.5 hour-tardiness. I don't know how I got to school but I just found myself there, not missing a lot. I almost broke my self-imposed perfect attendance record! Nakakatakot.
Our classes have started to take place in the hall, and might not return to our ol' cozy classroom forever. We're already shooting drills. Application right after lecture. I could feel the hastened and faster rhythm. Tu-dud, tu-dud, tu-dud. One missed class may almost mean one missed semester. Imagine if I didn't listen to my friends earlier? Nakakatakot.
My classmates were all getting better. So many new "I-have-to-win" students come to the fore (hehe joke lang). They were all having fun, sharing rapport. Many ones witty. I was starting to feel insignificant. Too far behind. Nakakatakot.
We were grouped for the first round of do-it-your-own videos. I was handpicked by Francis as his AD (I dreaded it!). As expected, I screwed it up. Well, almost. Or so I thought (thanks to MDA's morale-boosting rebuttal to my nagkalat claim later). But in so far as I was concerned, I screwed it up. My mind totally went blank. To think that I memorized the command sequence order. And the infinite functions of an AD. What made the pressure almost unbearable was the fact that our director, Francis, wasn't able to sit down with us to finalize the scene because he's assigned to the preceding group presentation. Nakatali sya. Naawa nga ako sa situation nya eh. We couldn't really blame ourselves thereafter. Francis and I were first-timers there, too. I thought the pressure coming from the instructors and the cast was salt to injury, but then I realized there were worthy of thanks because they reflected one-fourth of the real thing! Kakainis pala ang artistang nagtataray. Imagine the real ones. Oh boy. T'was indeed a bloody "devirginization" for both of us (Rafa, pahiram ha). Again, nakakatakot.

As customary, MDA asked for debriefing before the day ended. It was helpful and cathartic because all of us were able to express our emotions based on the exercises. I told them that I was reduced to a little boy who's tasked by his general to confront the enemy at the frontline. Why was I there? Self-doubt was one of the enemies. But then it all ended and reality sank in with a new face.

Yesterday may have been a rocky start. But I'd rather start in a rocky road than choose a smoother one that has no clear direction.

Ang sarap matakot. Lumalabas ang mga dapat lumabas : )

2007-09-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

A New Bestfriend

Yesterday I met someone in class. Actually I had to meet him because we're gonna see each other often. We didn't actually hit it off easily, as I had to help him stand. He's quite silent all the time, stoic even. So cold. I had to do all the talking. I guess it's because he was touched and used by countless voyeurs ahead of me. When he's finally in front of me (he stood around a foot shorter than me, but mind you he could stretch his back and tower above me), I got to look him in the eye. He let me see things that he saw, things that he heard, and felt. He moved with my every motion, my every whim. I asked for light, and it shone. His legs were dominant, and we danced. Was I in a trance? I guess not. At that moment he let me experience him as if I was him. My friend embraced me and I embraced him back. We became one. I became invisible, suddenly aware of a great power to create another dimension. We're gonna create a new world. I was god and he my servant.

Yesterday I committed to someone who's gonna be my partner for the rest of my life.

2007-09-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

Finally, Community!

Yesterday I attended Mark Meilly's film class, which dealt mostly with film history. We watched Billy Wilder's 'Sunset Boulevard' and Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo.' To say that the former is good is an understatement. I was struck by the moving story and the timeless appeal of the film. Basically it's about a delusional star who thinks she's still very famous. Her name is Norma Desmond (played terrifically by Gloria Swanson), who in the end, spiralled in a tragic transformation. It was the first film in our endless class viewings that got our applause.

At the end of the class, as usual, my core friends and I ate dinner together. We talked about films, films, and more films! Our favorites, hated ones, Oscar winners, and other trivias. We're finally becoming the filmmakers community Direk Marilou has been telling us to form. Bonded by a common passion and career direction.

Since attending this classes, I begin to enjoy movies more. I learn to appreciate them better. I've been watching as a director-wannabe, and not through a producer's POV for a change.

On the side, our class teacher Direk Mark was late (2 hours!). I guess he was so pissed off by some of us who habitually came late to his classes that he decided to switch roles : ) At the end of the class, he checked out the attendance log sheet.

I (and the rest of the scholars) are hoping to expand our community by inviting other MDAFI students to our fold, even those from the Advanced class. I guess that's gonna happen soon : )

That's for now. Till next time.

Oh by the way, I could still hear Norma Desmond...

2007-09-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

Oh That High School Thing

Going back to school brought back many things that I cherished many years ago. The same rush when going to class, afraid to be late. The same thrill meeting new classmates, exchanging infos, asking for assignments. The same recess and quick chat. The seatworks, homeworks, recitation. Even the pseudo-schoolbus courtesy of Henry, our classmate. Kulang na lang school bell and the fishball vendor sa kanto.

Day 1 saw me adjusting from corporate officer (who's expected and supposed to be abreast with the film business) to a mere student. Back to the same mold where the teachers were gods, they knew better, they needed to be trusted. I like that familiar feeling. For once, I'm the one in the taker side, a break from the usual giver side.

There was this other school thing that I enjoy too. That good-timing thing, alaskahan, kantyawan. I'm a very sport person and I'm legendary for my patience. However, I think I was pushed to my limit during our class yesterday. Already "notoriously famous" for being quoted for my recitations, I was put in an embarrassing situation with one of our classmates (whom they all like or have crush on). My budding friendship with that classmate was "interpreted" with malice. I'm afraid that the friendship might suffer because of it, moreso my image to that person. After a while, I couldn't help but blurt out a nasty remark to one of my friends. I guess that made it clear to them that I also had a limit. T'was the last thing I ever wanted to happen, but I guess it had to happen.

I really want to befriend the men on the opposite side of the fence. It's a familiar experience that I'm longing to feel again. I remember my high school buddies. We were all boys and inseparable. That maybe it. That motivates me.

I guess I'd have to stop minding silly things and just go for what I want. More friends, the better : ) They mustn't think I'm snob and all. I should stop thinking of being intrigued whenever I befriend them. Let it be. After all, it's just fun.. So long as nothing below-the-belt happens again.

2007-01-03T00:48:00.000-08:00

Merry & Bright

January 3, 2007

It was a yuletide like no other. For the first time, I and my family held Xmas and New Year together at our house in Cavite. We used to hold both with my maternal and paternal clans, during Xmas and New Year, respectively. What made it memorable was that we all cooked our Noche Buena and Media Noche (quite fortunate that we 3 siblings inherited Dad's cooking skills). Ate made Bolognese pasta, steak, mashed potato, beef stew, mango crepe, marinated chicken, and tasty gravy. Robert and Dad grilled pork ribs. I made bean pasta in meat sauce. What a feast it was!

I bought them gifts, including our dog Bentley (a nice new collar!). Mom danced to Micheal Buble's 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love.' We watched 'Chronicles of Narnia' and '8 Below.'

Simple things but simply priceless as well. In this hard times where many had no choice but to sleep through the celebrations (either because of poverty or lack of love), preparing for the holidays and spending it with your complete family remains the best Xmas gift from above.

2006-12-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

Insulted Art
December 21, 2006

Unlike the past company Christmas parties, I anticipated the one last Monday more. It turned out to be the worst among the seven merrymakings I attended.

My return to making art came in the form of my entry to the annual costume contest in the said party. The theme was Retro in Pink. I made and wore a pink hippie ensemble – pink long-haired wig, exaggerated peace pendant and cut flower, and corduroy pants written with ‘Peace, Love, Bliss’ made of glittery pink permanent dimensional fabric. It was painstaking because I only had 6 hours to make them and also spent time conceptualizing the look. My standard for entering any art contest was to think of an original concept and create the entry out of creative materials. So I followed my standard, confident that the judges would appreciate it.

When I came out of the dressing room of the party venue (Zirkoh Comedy Bar, Timog Ave., Qiezon City), I was instantly a favorite. I was grateful and looking forward to nail the best price because I did my best with the limited time and resources I had.

I strutted my stuff together with the other 4 contestants (yeah, we’re just 5) on stage. I could feel that the crowd was rooting for me and the other one (whose immense popularity was an edge), a female co-employee who always won every year. Her entry was borrowed from her mother. It also lacked originality and creativity. The others’ cosrumes were also either borrowed or bought.

Thus, when I was announced as the 3rd place and tied with another contestant, my heart sank. The other two tied for 2nd and the perennial winner, always a favorite, bagged the plum prize. I could hear the audience gasp. My boss even shouted “I protest!” Sport as I am, I took my prize and spent the rest of the evening stunned.

I could take defeat, of course, but the basis of what happened that night was so unfair. I really felt that my art was insulted. I believe it was favoritism, undue popularity, and ill-planning (the organizer failed to create a panel of judges, and I don’t know how they made one that time). That contest completely lost credibility to me. When asked for comments by my friends the day after, I told them, “Next year manghihiram na rin lang ako ng costume.” But of course that’s a joke. I wouldn’t stoop to the level of the winner.

And I don’t know if I’ll be able to convince myself to join again a contest that’s doesn’t know how to be one.

2006-02-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU, JAKE

… for coming to our lives and sharing your love
… for proving that love knows no distance
… and for keeping yourself strong and fighting a great battle

As we give you back to God, we look not at a past with regrets, but with gratitude, because you were shared to us and you gave your whole self to translate that love. For braving an insurmountable battle for the sake of that love, you have left us in awe, forever looking up to your passion, and making it our inspiration to be as strong and driven as you as we move on to live and cherish your memory forever.

… for you are in our hearts, where your space shall be treasured as long as we live

Thank you our dearest Jake.

WE LOVE YOU and we will never forget you.

Aking Malambing
Raymond
Robert
Tita Marita
Tito Nilo

2006-02-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Gift of Growing

Growing old used to spook me. I thought age was a standard for looking good and catching love. Sex was a constant staple of men and to get it, one must stay young and lie when not young anymore. But life does make one learn. Age turned out to be an achievement, a continuous discovery of different levels of manhood. Boys love sex, and men love more than that. Growing further tends one to long for a more substantial basic need. I was a boy when I was 18 to 25 years of age. And I turned into a man after that. Being a man makes you more in control of your ego, emotions, and perceptions. It makes you stronger and solid in spirit. Being a man is a great gift indeed and I’m happy to have reached that. Some guys remain boys until 30, although quite a few are already men early on in their life. To be a man is something every boy must look forward to. This I think is the gift of growing.

Boy, I just couldn’t imagine myself remaining a boy all throughout my life.

2006-02-01T23:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the reasons why I think Maxi became a hit while Big Time is yet to become one:

1. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros- It's story was universal (family and first love) and the conflict very Pinoy (choosing one's family over anything in this world). The viewers could relate to the characters and find heroes among them. Maxi is gay but he's able to represent all sorts of people struggling to balance choices in life. In our developing country where the audience is composed mainly of mid to lower mid-class, the movies the audience is patronizing are those which can entertain them and at the same time infuse them hope and better perception of life.

2. Big Time - Although the characters were intriguing and engaging to watch, the narrative, style, and story were a bit advanced for the viewers who watched Maxi. It has a niche market. I'm not saying that it's a bad film because it isn't, the only problem is that we don't have a large audience for this kind of film yet. Not in this country where people opts to buy pirated videos, watch TV, and cable shows instead of shelling out their hard-earned P120's.

Indeed it has always been a noble action on the part of filmmakers to always come up with new and edgy ideas. After all, like we all say in this industry, if our audience is not yet ready for our kind of films, then we must teach them so they can learn to appreciate. We must have the staying power to continuously do this because this is a longterm goal. The Filipinos are still conservative and values-oriented despite the evolving culture, and will remain like so for a long time. We can use this as constant guide whenever we make films.

All the best for Big Time.

2005-12-21T03:40:00.005-08:00

Christmas Party Binge

1. Creative Dinner
Actually this dinner, which thankfully has been getting traditional (the first one was held last year), was our boss Tammy's yuletide treat to us in Creative. It was held again in Circles, Makati Shangrila. It's a buffet and consisted of diverse foreign cuisine (Jap, Indian, Italian, Chinese, etc). As usual the food was heavenly (never had better-tasting ones in recent years), too good that it compensated the terrible basement parking experience we had earlier. Buffet-eating could be a skill that must be mastered, I found out. You need to carefully measure each dish you take in order to enjoy all of them.
After eating, as customary, we asked each other again what made this year memorable for each one of us.
Thanks be to Tammy for this wonderful gift!

2. Creative Xmas Party
I used to look forward and enjoy this party every year, but this time it was not special. I mean the place was okay (2 big tents at Jusmag bedecked with decors and lights), Videoke, gifts and lots of tasty Simply Gee food, but the usual Creative fun was alas, gone. But for me, what made the night special was Aileen Viray's attendance. She's a former writer talent of ours who has recently won her bout with cancer. She looked good as ever, talked and walked normally. I felt so happy she's well now. I thought if she sang in the videoke it would've touched hearts. I wish my aunt and my sis' fiance, who are both cancer-stricken, would get as lucky too.

3. Star Cinema Xmas Party
Great party! This one's held at Zirkoh, Timog Ave. I won in the raffle, an electric oven. I was hoping for the digicam or cash, but was happy nonetheless (my peers won electric kettle and flat irons!). It was star-studded. Pokwang hosted the party, and man, was she great! Very talented and spontaneous. I was in the mezzanine together with the Creative gang and Pagdadalaga ni Maximo team (including my new friends, the Lopez twins). My crush Sandara Park was there, but I felt bad because her beau Joseph tagged along. Sam Milby, Vhong Navarro, Toni Gonzaga, and other PBB housemates were there too. The show, numbers, dancing, and other party stuff were great, except perhaps for the food.

Surprisingly, there was no ABS-CBN Xmas Party the next day. T'was a simple dinner and Mass.
Happy Holidays to y' all!

2005-12-12T05:39:00.000-08:00

2005-12-12T05:29:00.000-08:00

The Next Movie Event?

My director friend Emman and I toyed around this pic of mine and Rose, another friend of ours. He took this shot and put effects on it. This was after Emman's birthday party last November held in Ted's house.

2005-11-17T01:35:00.000-08:00

Randy's Trolley

My paternal and maternal families' reunion in Laguna last summer was one of my best experiences this year. The reunion was the first since the 80's. My only living grannies, Lola Itchay and Lola Sion, (my mom and dad's mothers, respectively), in all their 80+s years, finally saw each other again after many decades. Tita Noemi, my aunt from Canada, was also there. Actually the reunion was unplanned. We just "kidnapped" Lola Itchay and took her to Laguna. We only told her the truth that we're going there when we were at the SLEX already.

Randy's Trolley is the one thing that marred the event. He is my cousin, who went with us there. Lola Itchay, Randy's mom and dad, rode a trolley (pedicab-like unit rolling on PNR's rails, one man pushes it) to visit Lola Sion on the other side of the village. Randy, who was then itching to poo (he's gonna kill me for this), stood on the rear side and assisted the driver by pushing the trolley too. His foot slipped and the pushing balance was ruined. The trolley abruptly stopped, and the poor passengers literally flew. Lola Itchay, wearing a semi-formal attire and jewelries, flew meters away from the seat, and Randy's mom was thrown forward and rolled on the side of the railroad. Randy's dad likewise went I-dunno-where.

Up until we reached back home at Navotas, Randy became platonic and "war-shocked." His poo never came out (lol!) Good thing the "victims" didn't suffer serious injuries (Gawd! my 88-year old Lola's bones! They're still strong pala!)

Since then I coined 'Randy's Trolley' as a marring incident term. (In Sagada, the 'Randy's Trolley' was the accidental erasure of all pictures which I shot and stored in my goddammit digicam.)

By the way, still in Laguna, and still on Randy (I love you cuz!), we saw my uncle's chicks. They were colored blue, purple, pink, and green. Of course they were articfially colored, like the ones we see on church patios sold by hawkers. But my beloved cousin Randy refused to believe it, asserting that there are chickens born with those colors. Oh well.....

Should I tell you about how he was puzzled by the Philippine flag on its flagpole?
Wag na!!! Basta Randy is innocently endearing and cute naman ; )

2005-11-17T00:24:00.000-08:00

Sagada To The Bones

My midnight trip to Baguio on Nov. 3 from Manila was by my lonesome. Believe it or not I enjoyed it. May joy din ang pagbyahe mag-isa lalo na pag malayo ; ) T'was the first time since 1999 na mag-isa ako. Prior to my Victory bus date, Cupid came and gave me a pabaon (proposal) lol.... Anyway I arrived at the city of pines early. The trip was amazingly swift, 4 hours lang. Grabe lameeegg pala ngaun sa kabaguiohan. I took a cab ride and smelled the familiar scented air on the way to my cousins' abode.

I slept for an hour and woke up while the sun was still rising. Played with Kenny, my cousins' plump dog while waiting for others to finish packing up. Sagada naman ang byahe ko! Haha ganito yata ang feeling ng backpackers. Tita Delinng, Tito Ruben, Ronald, Randy, Tita Bellie, Tito Rene, Issay, Ronald's lesbo pal Jeyla, and an Allen Dizon-lookalike driver took as on the road, via a strangely large van (kakalog-kalog nga kami sa loob). Ang layo pala ng Sagada from Baguio. 5 hours of zigzag! Had it not been for the breathtaking sights I would've puked and stayed home instead. There was this stopover at the top of a mountain, Al's Restaurant, where I liberally let my jacketless body embrace the wind--howling cold mountain wind! Foggish lahat ng paligid and it was almost magical, para akong lumilipad sa clouds and bangin lahat ang view ko. The food at Al's was also heavenly like its surroundings. Pati price heavenly rin (hehe)...

First time ko makakita ng vegetable terraces. Not as impressive as rice's in Banawe I guess, because hindi sila makintab (no water) and less striking. Nevertheless the valleys, crevasses, mountains, were all majestic. Looking from below the mountains where you're higher than the clouds made me retort out loud, "Ganito siguro ang pakiramdam ng Diyos."

After a seemingly endless swerving of the van and green sceneries, Sagada came to sight. It's marked with many rock formations, simple homes and buildings, and understated elegance. The people looked the same as those in Baguio - tanned, black hair, chinky-eyed, full lips, rosy-cheeked, and not too friendly. I'm not too impressed with the place because it was not cold as I expected, parang Baguio din. We took an inn at the town center, and off we went to Sumaging Cave, the largest in Sagada. On the way there we stopped to gawk at the hanging coffins.

I wasn't prepared to experience Sumaging. Akala ko joke lang ang sabi ng guides namin na magwa-wade kami sa water. The cave entrance gave me a sense of different excitement. A few meters down my adventurous Tita Deling (in all her 60 years) gave up and returned to the van. The slippery manmade steps soon transformed into those made of nature. The stench of bats' droppings invaded our nostrils from time to time. Soon there was complete darkness, and the gasera of our guides became the most priceless item by that time. The experience was like climbing a mountain, only that it's descending, wet, and not in outdoors! Nonetheless I still used basic climbing skills (which I learned in wall-climbing), like balancing your weight, jabbing your feet and hands on footholds, and discerning between solid and hollow grounds. One in a while I defy our guides to let free the adventurer within me. My slippers sometimes stuck on the mud, and I was literally pasted on the ground! Luckily the spirits, allegedly residing inside, were kind. No one suffered anything, not even a scrape.

Rock formations were amusing. The guides showed us one shaped like an elephant, and another a vagina, spread out in all its glory (haw-haw!). What's amusing is that a gushing water is placed underneath it. On the cave ceiling, on the other hand, were countless bats, hung on their legs and making lots of noise. I told Ronald to shoot his flashlight on them, but they didn't react. I thought of provoking them to come down and mingle with us (hehe!)

Soon the rocks and mud changed into bulbous stones, shaped by water. We took off our footwears, and stepped on them. Surprisingly, despite the water flowing and covering them, the stones had uneven surface and our feet clung on them. There were many holes filled with water, sizes vary from bath tub size to a children's pool's. The vapor made when we breathe were visible, the stones were cold as ice, and the water frigid. What's delightful is the fact that we don't shiver at all! Ang sarap magbabad sa tubig and I believed they were therapeutic.

The journey towards the end (equivalent to summit when you climb moutains), where a big pool is waiting, is like completing a multi-level course. I was Super Mario entering Level 1 to 8, getting difficult as the last one got near. The most memorable ones were getting through a hole where I had to crawl on my back; jumping from a 7-foot high vertical wall (and helping heavy Jeyla to go down!); clearing a wall vertically using only a rope (otherwise you could jump on the deep pool beneath it, which was not a better choice); and climbing a high stone with water flowing on it using one rope again.

As we made our exit from the cave (it was dark when we emerged! that was a 4 hour adventure), I felt a different 'high.' I conquered my fear of closed space. We went back to our inn and partook a sumptous meal. The Sagada veggie 'water cress,' a miniature kangkong, was spectacular especially when matched with Sagada coffee and grilled pork.

The next Saturday morning we had red rice for breakfast. It tasted good. Then we visited the local church, St. Mary's. It had an early gothic architecture, almost medieval, and strongly reminded me of the dark ages. Too bad the Sunday mass was over. I thanked God for the blissful journey, albeit short.

Sagada had lots to offer, and our overnight stay was too short to explore its wonders.

Back at Baguio, I spent the night at Session, surfing the web and immersing with downtown crowd (Koreans were as usual aplenty! what an invasion) . I met a new friend and had a good time.

The next day, I and my kamag-anak, inc. went to Green Valley, near the city border. It was again, a beautiful experience. The weather was sunny again, so I got to see the sceneries in their finest view. Green Valley is famous because of the 2 massive radars on top of its mountain, jokingly referred to as Baguio's large aircon unit. As the revo trekked its summit, we saw larger than life sculptures of Stations of the Cross. The Pieta, the last one (I guess) was on the summit. The view at the top is so idyllic - veggie terraces, children playing on the fields, handsome goats ( I didn't think they could be), and horses. I got to "tame" these animals for me and my cousins to have pictures with.

I left the city with Tito Rene, Tita Be, and Issay at 5pm. Spending good time with kamag-anaks was again fun, similar to my experience when my maternal and paternal relatives had a reunion last summer.

2005-11-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

Sagada To The Bones!

I just completed a cave conquest here in Sagada, Mt. Province. Boy was it mind-blowing! I thought cave exploration was like a stroll in a park with stalactites and stuff. What turned out is a 3-hour mountain-climbing-like, harness-less, frosty 100-foot descent to cold heaven! hha... will tell u more next time. may kumukulit lang sa kin....

2005-10-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

Maynilad sucks! They said last summer that they'll ration water due to zero rainfall. Now that the rainy season has come, they still ration water. Their reason this time is that they never distribute water 24/7. That they don't have enough pipes. The papers say Maynilad is debt-ridden and can't afford to improve its services. But would you believe that they have a broadsheet-type company newsletter printed on paperback in color? Talk about debt-ridden! And they have the gall to increase their water rates! It's too bad I live on the western side of Metro Manila and not on the eastern side covered by the millions-of-miles-better Manila Water. I guess the Ayalas are better managers than the Maynilad's Lopezes! I really hope Maynilad folds up and Manila Water take over the entire metropolis.

2005-09-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

Truly A Gem in OPM

Last Sept. 2, I could've made a good thing coz I was given 2 P5K worth of tickets for the Gary V 'Symphony of the Heart' concert by our boss. I brought a close friend who's a big Gary fan. At the Big Dome, we were seated behind Charo Santos and other concert bigwigs. I was thrilled to see the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra on the stage, getting ready for the event. I've seen Gary V perform live many times, but only during premiere nights of our movies and also during victory parties. But this is the first time to see him in a big concert.

His repertoire was impressive. Immortal songs like Sana Maulit Muli, Gaya ng Dati, Take Me Out of the Dark, and other hits were sang and I felt that I've heard them for the first time. When the much-awaited How Did You Know was performed, it was obvious it's the biggest highlight of the repertoire. I felt kinda proud because I am, in a way, part of that phenomenonal cover hit. When we were searching for the movie All My Life's themesong a year ago, I suggested Chiqui Pineda's How Did You Know, a small and yet very special song to many. I was excited when it was chosen and I heart that one of my favorite singers Gary V would sing it. I guess that kinda inspired me coz our next film Dubai's themesong was also from my research. Gary sang it in the concert. It's title is Ikaw Lamang.

The concert was magical and heartrending. True to how I describe Gary's music, the effect was uplifting and inspirational. If Martin Nievera's music grabs you in the heart, Gary's lifts you, blowing you with infinite positive energy. I felt like life on Earth was a huge blessing. God spoke through Gary's voice and music. I felt that and I wouldn't forget that.

I'm glad that music artists like Gary V are still selling in the market.

2005-09-02T02:22:00.000-07:00

La lang, thought I'd share a song I made 10 years ago...

THE SEED WAS I

Once, when life was still a seed
The world around it was
As simple as the little seed

Life, when still a seed’s away
From the light of realm above
Innocent of the weather’s rule

Refrain:
Deep down below
The seed was I
And the innocence was mine
O-oh, yeah, yeah

Blind, blind before
I had my fears
Way back and I had them well
O-oh, yeah, yeah

Fear, too loud to every ear
Used to rouse the tears
That flowed and nourished the little seed

Now, the little seed’s this tree
Vivid of the life
The womb underneath has given it

(Repeat refrain 2x)

2005-08-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

2005-08-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

2005-08-31T04:25:00.000-07:00

Memories Are Made Up Of Baguio
Things I'll remember in my whirwind Baguio spree:

It was totally unplanned. Boy do i hate unplanned trips! But planned trips are not good either coz they seldom push through (hehe)
First time to go out on a far place with my core friends (core talaga grabe na)... Sayang mejo bitin nga lang, but the 2 days appeared longer (or is it because we did so many things lang?!)
First time to visit Baguio in 7 years (i used to go there many times coz my cousins live there). Ganda ng mga nadagdag... SM Baguio with its cool architecture (sayang di ko napasok! its interesting to go pa naman sanan sa isang mall na walang aircon), the sleek and modern Victory Liner terminal, etc... Buti na lang hindi nabago ang ugali ng mga honest taxi drivers...
OMG! (as in Oh My Gulay) one of the best bars i'v been.. Ang cool tsong.. I never thought trash would look fantastic (mukhang mga patapong driftwoods, plastics, metals and pinagsasama-sama to create a complex of scultures, shapes, lines, objects that create the interior of the resto. It's so unconventional (like its owner Kidlat Tahimik).. It's alive! I could feel its spirit breathing with us. The food was all veggie, and im not a vegan but i loved the food. i swear kahit coffee cup nila gusto ko iuwi, ganda kasi ng design. But more than anything, OMG gave me an experience of making touch with my former self--the artsy Monj.
First time to try MJ (although bitin, my friends thought i was being prudish... c'mon guys!)
Yam and I are always late for meals (#1, sa Chowking; #2, sa House of Waffles, and #3 sa Cafe by the Ruins). Lagi din kaming napopotpotan ng bus tuwing stopovers dahil we're always pasaway, matagal sa labas.
Boat ride and Ted's close encounter with girls
First time to sleep in a single bed with a girl na hindi ko relative (and I'm topless at that, hehe sanay kase ako). Binangungot nga ako e, but the culprit was the spirits inside the inn (i swear i could feel them).
I enjoyed a Sunday Mass (iba talaga pag sa Baguio at kasama mo ang isang non-active Catholic na na-convince mong sumama hehe)
My last horse ride. I swear I won't ride one anymore. I felt like a kid riding a carousel, napaka-mechanical ng horse at talagang pang-aliw lang, ayaw tumakbo (arhg im too old for this).