As part of my duties as a contributor for WhenInManila, together with some food bloggers, I was given an opportunity to check out the re-opening of their Mall of Asia (SM-MOA) branch and to try some of their new menu items. Italianni’s is the restaurant which prides itself with excellent ingredients, great food, and great company recently reopened its Mall of Asia branch. Those who frequent Italianni’s MOA and those who want to try it for the first time will be surprised to see a bigger space with a more comfortable and appetizing ambiance.

Sicilian Chicken Salad, Lunch – Php325, Regular – Php495

Seafood Cioppino , Lunch – Php395, Regular – Php595, Abbondanza – Php895

 Creamy Crab Spaghetti, Php425 – Another new dish from their menu. It’s richness is comparable to the Alaskan Crab Dish.

Seafood Risotto, Php695 – An Italianni’s All Time Favorite.

With some new menu options to try together with the usual favorites, it became an unforgettable and sumptuous dinner. Me and my friend Mai were so full that we still survive without eating for more than a day. I even swore not eat sweets for the whole week. Guess what, I baked some sweets a couple of days after. Check out their branch nearest to your area and try their new menu items. It’s definitely a must!

 Alaskan Crab Dip, Php395 – This is one of their new dishes which is indeed a must try! Why? It’s an overload of three things we all love: cream, crab, and cheese!

 Four Seasons Salad, Php595 – How salad should be like. Fresh greens+fruits+shrimp+bacon+ranch dressing+parmesan. Enough said.

 Angus Steak Pizza, Php575

 Penne with Italian Sausage, Php495 – My favorite pasta that evening! A lovely mix of juicy flavors from Pancetta and Italian sausage spiked with creamy pesto sauce.

 Tartufo, Php450 – My second favorite dessert, next to Limon De Cielo. With every bite of the moist chocolate cake comes the heavenly dark and white chocolate mouse inside.

 Limon De Cielo, Php225 – The dessert which I can never get enough of. It was a different take on our favorite Custard / Leche Flan with lime zest.  I’m definitely going back to munch on this again.

 Desserts Overload! (from top left clockwise) Limon De Cielo, Tartufo, Mango Panna Cotta, and Red Velvet Cheesecake

Italianni’s

2/L South Wing, Entertainment Mall, Mall Of Asia, Pasay City

Contact No.: 5560549 / 9011401

It was a cloudy morning of June when my friend treated me to a historical tour of Corregidor. I have always wanted to visit the island. Being the cradle of our Japanese-American war history, I know the whole place would enlighten me.

A whole new experience awaits us. I wonder what’s going inside the minds of these people. I wonder how it was for our fellow countrymen walking around these streets

Thousands of soldiers died for our country. Many men fought in Corregidor. It’s just right to give them the honor and respect they deserve. We taste the freedom we have right know because of these men. We owe it to them.

The Malinta Tunnel and Faro de Isla Corregidor. The formerly dim tunnel housing most of our soldiers during the war. The structure shedding light to guide the island’s inhabitants.

 Corregidor Movie House. Watching good old black and white movies was probably one of the limited recreational activities in the island.

I wonder how many lives were taken by this battery?

I wonder how was it like back then when soldiers and civilians were scrambling for their lives as their barracks were taken down. Were they with their families? Were they fighting for their lives? Were they on their knees, pleading and praying for help?

Corregidor’s history. Looking at blast and rust marks in the island’s batteries and barracks can give anyone an idea on the pain the island has been through.

As we head home, how much of us would remember the significance of Corregidor? How much of us would ponder on its history and its importance?

But are we really free from the clutches of governing individuals who rule with power and crooked intentions? Who knows?

However, the future looks bright for all of us. As long as places like Corregidor exist, we will always be reminded of the importance of freedom and the hardships one may go through to achieve it.

As long as there are Filipinos who dream and act for change, we’re safe. We’ll move forward.

Hope you like them. I’m still learning though. I’m still a work in progress.

***thanks to Kim Capiral for the guidance, Camille Atienza and Alelie Orcine for the laughs, and Anna Kahayon and Ariana Villegas for agreeing to be our models that time.

Isipin mo ikaw ay nakasakay sa isang jeep, papunta man sa isang lugar o pauwi. Pansinin ang mga tao sa paligid. Sila ba ito? Ikaw ba ay isa dito?

Case # 1 “Aray, ano ba?”

Madalas na dialogue ng mga babaeng feeling commercial model ng shampoo kung ipatangay sa hangin ang buhok. Mga walang pakialam kahit na ang mga katabi nila ay hirap na hirap na sa pag-iwas sa paghampas nito sa mukha nila. Kaya ako kapag di na ako makapagpigil, hinihila ko na yung buhok, sabay sorry kunwari akala ko buhok ko yun. At kapag sinusumpong ako, kinakalabit ko na at sinasabihan kong hindi ako kumakain ng buhok.

Case # 2 “Blah, blah, blah…’

Mga taong feeling sila lang ang sakay na kung mag-usap ay dinig ng lahat ng pasahero. Nakakaaliw sila minsan lalo na’t mahaba ang byahe at walang radyo yung jeep. Pampalipas oras din sila, minsan nga gusto ko ng sumabat dun sa kwentuhan nila lalo na kapag nakaka-relate ako. Malay mo, may bago pa akong makilalang friends or worse, mapagkalaman akong salisi gang. Pero kapag inaantok ako at di na makapagpigil tinitignan ko sila na parang gusto kong dukutin ang lalamunan nila.

Case # 3: “Pakiabot lang po…”

Kapag napaupo ka ng medyo malapit-lapit sa driver, asahan mong magiging taga-abot ka ng bayad. Ok lang sana yun eh, hwag ka lang makaka-tyempo ng driver na may pagka-manyakis na nanadyang manghaplos ng kamay. O kaya naman ng driver na parang di pa ata nakakaalam na uso na ang deodorant. O kaya naman ng driver na mas malakas pang bumuga sa tambutso nya ang bunganga.
Syempre wala naman akong magawa kundi ang magtakip na lang ng ilong at umurong agad kapag medyo lumuwang. At meron namang mga pasaherong sobrang bait na hindi ka pa nakakapagsalita ay kinukuha na sa kamay mo ang bayad mo.

Meron din syempreng matatapang na kapag hindi mo nakuha agad yung bayad nila ay medyo itataas ang boses at may kasama pang ismid. Hay naku, pede ba wala akong kumisyon sa pag-abot ng bayad nyo ha. At may rin din namang mga pasaherong biglang nagiging bingi pag magkikiabot ka ng bayad. Gusto mong maging bingi ng tuluyan?

Case # 4: “Makikiusog nga…”

Para sa mga kung umupo ay kala mo pang-dalawang tao ang binayaran. May mga babaeng kung umupo ay nakalihis, walang pakialam na yung katabi nya kalahating pwet na lang ang nakaupo. Meron din mga lalaking kung makaupo ay halos mangingimi kang tumingin sa kanya dahil sa laki ng pagkakabukaka.
Animo’y may kung anong pinoprotektahan sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita. Fragile yan?
Kapag ipit na ipit na ako, sinasabayan ko ang pag-preno ng mama sa pag-usog. Malas lang pag wala na talagang choice, dahil siguradong mamumulikat ang hita mo kakapigil ng sarili sa pagkahulog.

Case # 5: “Ooozzz…”

Wala namang masama kung matulog ka habang nasa byahe, pero sana iang walang dantayan at basagan ng bao o di kaya ay matuluan ng panis nyang laway. Kapag may katabi akong natutulog na, hinahayaan ko lang (syempre alangan namang pigilan ko) at kapag babagsak na ung ulo nya sa ‘kin, bigla kong ibinababa balikat ko para magulantang sya. Pero kapag cute ibang usapan na yan.
Itinataas ko pa balikat ko para makahilig at ng makatulog sya ng maayos at ok lang na magka-untugan kami, malay mo magpakilala pa sya, asa pa.

Case # 6: “Mama, para ho…”

May mga driver na di mo mapipigilang mapamura sa sobrang tagal bago huminto na halos kailanganin mo ng sumakay pabalik sa layo ng pinagbabaan sa ‘yo. Meron namang hihinto kahit na sa gitna ng kalsada mabawasan lang agad ang sakay nya. At meron ding halos mahalikan mo na yung katabi o kung minalas-malas ka ay mahuhulog ka pa dahil sa biglang pagpreno nya. May mga pasahero namang hindi pa nakuntento sa pagkalakas-lakas na pagsabi ng para at kumakatok pa sa bubong. Merong namang magbabayad kapag pababa na at may gana pang magalit kapag hindi agad naihinto ang sasakyan.

At syempre merong mga nagmamadaling akala mo ay mauubusan ng lupa kung bumaba, kasehodang mabunggo at matapakan nyang lahat ng daraanan nya. Pero pamatay pa ring yung minsang may nakasakay akong mama na pagkalakas-lakas at paulit-ulit na sumisigaw ng “Bayad ho, bayad ho, bayad ho…” Syempre yung driver, kuntodo extend ng kamay nya. Nakatingin na lahat dun sa mama na kumakatok-katok pa sa bubong ng jeep. Sabay naalala nyang “Para” pala ang dapat nyang isinisigaw. Nyahaha…tawa ko ng tawa pagkababa nung mama!

At meron pa minsan na siguro kakapamili lang at kagagaling lang sa tawaran porsyon sa tiangge, imbes na “Mama, bayad oh!” ang nasabi ba naman ay ” Mama, Pagbilan ho!” ay naku di ko alam kung tatawa ba ako ng malakas o hindi at baka ma offend ko cia! At may isa pah! Dahil sa sobrang pakikipagkwentuhan sa katabi, simula na ata ng sumakay siya eh dakdak na ng dakdak imbes na “Para” ang sabihin eh “BABAY!!” siguro ang nasa isip ng mahadera eh magbabay sa kasama niya pero sa driver niya nasabi! har har har!

Case # 7: “Love birds…”

Syempre pa, hindi mawawala ang mga mag-syotang kala mo may sariling mundo na kung maglampungan ay parang mga pusang di mapakali. Libreng sine ‘to, rated 18, kaya lang nakakabitin din lalo na kapag nauna kang bumaba sa kanila. Meron tuloy mga lalaking ‘nag-iinit’ at biglang bibitaw ang kamay sa pagkakahawak sa bakal para kunwari mapapasubsob sa katabi nila o kaya naman bigla mong mararamdaman na yung siko nila nasa tagiliran mo na. Sarap sampalin ng mga ganung lalaki. Di naman sa nakikialam ako, pero wala namang inggitan… may discount card ako sa lugar na tahimik at malamig, gusto niyo?

Case # 8: “Estudyante blues…”

Maraming estudyante na nagbabasa ng libro sa loob ng jeep habang nasa biyahe. yung iba sa sobrang ganda ng binabasa ay nadadala sa kwento…’Yung nakasakay ko minsan na dalagita ay taimtim na nagbabasa ng “Noli Me Tangere”. Hindi nya napansin na malapit na syang pumara at sa gulat na bababa na pala siya ay mahinhing sinabi sa driver “Paalam”. Naku, tawa kami ng tawa sa kanya, pati nga sya ay natawa rin sa sinabi nya.

Case # 9: “Quotable quotes…”

“Mama bayad ho. Isang pag ibig lang.” Nagising ang inaantok ko pang ulirat ng marinig ko to. Love for sale? Teka, sali ako dyan. Pero nagkamali ako, pupunta lang pala sa Pag-Ibig fund office ang ale. Akala ko meron ng “hopeless place where we can find love”. Nakakatawa rin ang mga taong genius ang peg kung magkwento sa loob ng jeepney. Yung kala mo alam nila lahat. Malas lang nila at mas know-it-all ako. Hahaha. “Pare, nanood ka ba ng Big Bang Theory?” “Hindi.” “Manood ka, malupit yun. Mga barkada sila ng mga MD. Bale doctor sila lahat tapos nakakatawa kasi yung isa hindi MD.” G@g& ka pala eh.  Masyado ka yatang nanood ng Grey’s Anatomy at nakalimutan mo na ang difference.

Case # 10: “Sampuan yan. Siyam na sa kabila, kulang pa ng tatlo!”

Need I explain further? Some people just don’t know math. Pag sinabing sampuan, wag ipilit na maging 11,12, 13 or more. Isa pa, alam naman na nating matter occupies space at may mga taong sobra ng matter. Hindi porket 10 seater at pang sampu talaga. Sige nga pagkasyahin niyo nga sa sampuang jeep ang 20 Biggest Loser contestants? Game.

A lot has changed now. We have air-conditioned and electronic jeepneys but the culture remains the same. Riding the jeepney has always been a learning experience for me. It represents a kind of culture we Filipinos have; diverse, interesting, and full of drama. Just like any other jeepney passenger, we’re just waiting to finally arrive to our destination, granted that we do not sleep along the way, or got held up or something.

A little something for you. Old school music by Kala, “Jeepney”. Crappy video but good music. “Tara na, konti na lang at aandar na ang ating jeepney. Hindi na makapaghintay umuwing kasama ka…”

Note:
The post was not originally mine, but I just added some of my personal experience. Whoever you are who wrote this, astig ka. At sana wala ka pang nasasaktan sa mga jeepney adventures mo.

Photos taken from:

http://definitelyfilipino.com/blog/2011/09/08/jeepney-joyride/

http://davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com/2012/03/jeepney-king-of-philippine-roads.html

I’ve always been excited whenever April is just around the corner. It’s my birthday month so I make sure I make the most out of it. Besides, birthdays are supposed to be a celebration of one’s life.

First stop, my brother’s Birthday dinner at Tajimaya, Mall of Asia. They serve food to be grilled by the guest, quite expensive but for more than 3 individuals, it’s just going to be easy on the pocket. Prepare a budget of around 300++ per individual for an optimum carnivorous experience. They have an excellent meat selection. I don’t know what they had for their marinade but it made the meat soft and sumptuous.

April was full of good news as well. I took my comprehensive exams for my graduate studies degree and much devotion to studying and praying, I was able to finish it with flying colors. Me and some of my grad school friends decided to go out for a dinner to celebrate our feat. This is us trying Persian food.

To add to my set of interesting exploits, with the help of Boardwalk Philippines, I was able to join Outbreak Manila. This is the first 5K running event in Manila inspired by Run for Your Lives, wherein you need to run, finish some obstacles, and escape from the zombies lurking and even running around the area. Check this cool video here. I would like to commend the sponsors and the organizers for a peaceful and seamlessly implemented first time event. Great job! I would definitely do it again! Here are some photos of the event taken by my friend and from Outbreak Manila’s Facebook Page.

I’ve always been a sensation seeker. I always want to try out new things and to experience new adventures. Last month, I tried 2 of the things I’ve wanted to do for the longest time, wall climbing and ziplining. I was able to finish both without acting like a scared 3 yr.old. Woot woot! I’m definitely crossing these out on my bucket list.

Since April is my birthday month, like what I always do, I made a point to spend it with the people who means so much to me. My friends and family.

To cap off the month, one of my long time friends, Emghie finally tied the knot. I’ve known her since the first grade and I’ve met her husband as well. They do compliment each other and I hope to see some little ones soon! Best wishes!!!

April, like the past months of this quarter, came by in a blur. Everything went fast. The next thing I know, I’m writing a blog post about my April exploits in the first weekend of the month of May. It was like a metaphor for life. Everything can just go by fast that you do not notice the finer details anymore. What do we do? Do we get left behind or do we move towards the speed? It depends actually. Whatever your direction is, whatever your goals are, always enjoy every moment of your life. So cliché but it is always imperative to make the most out of your time. The next thing we know, its 2013 already and we’re reviewing what we have done for the past year. Will we be able to write something?

*just reposting. I accidentally deleted this post.

Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Bagtikan St., San Antonio Village, Makati City

St. Andrew Parish Church – Bel Air, Makati City

Nuestra Senora de Gracia – Bernardino St., Makati City

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish – Orense, Makati City

National Shrine of the Divine Mercy – Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City

St. Francis of Assisi – St. Francis Drive, Mandaluyong City

Our last stop was the Santuario de San Antonio at Forbes Park, Makati City but I was unable to take photos of the place since a mass as going on at that time and I felt it was inappropriate for me to go around taking photos. We decided to walk from Santuario to Ayala Center and we came across an interesting and interactive stations of the cross at the Glorietta activity area adjacent to 6750. This station about the Crucifixion was interesting. People are asked to write their sins in a paper and pin it to the crucifix they made as a sign of lifting it all up to Him.  Lent is supposed to remind us of the life and sacrifices of Christ. But do we really reflect about it? Or are we trying to act and look cool by taking for granted these things? *thinks

“There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow”. - Martin Luther

I was surprised when she gave me this book entitled “You Can Do It – even if others say you can’t” by John Mason. I love to read in general, but this is the first time I’ll be reading a somewhat self-help / inspirational book. Even if the book seemed interesting as it is about how we can improve ourselves and do whatever it is that we dream to accomplish, I feared I might be bored.

However, I remembered her telling me to “Read it slowly. Read a chapter then reflect on it before you move on to the next chapter.” I accepted the challenge. Unfortunately I was only able to start reading it last January. From then on, I decided to read a chapter per week to give me enough time to reflect on it. The past few weeks have been very enlightening. So far, the book has taught me 11 important lessons, 61 to go.

1. Safety First – According to John Mason, an individual should be bold and willing enough to take risks and face danger. Success is a product of taking chances. What we can be in the future is a product of the calculated risks we take. Safe is for the sake of being safe will get you nowhere.

2. If God Is Your Father, Please Call Home – Need I say more? Just pray. Talk to Him. He’s the only one who will listen to your rants and raves 24/7.

3. Fear Wants You To Run From Something That Isn’t After You – Fear holds us back. Sometimes, even the greatest people are not able to maximize their potentials because of fear. By the words of Mason, “Do not let your fears steal from you and prevent you from pursuing your dream”. With faith, fear loses. Do not hold yourself back.

4. Get Up One More Time Than You’ve Fallen Down – “Failure may look like a fact but it’s only an opinion. Successful people believe that mistakes are just feedback.” (Mason, 2003). Some may say that it’s better to be safe than sorry but too much precautions and over thinking may even cause you to fail as well. So what if you failed? Stand up twice, thrice, or even more. Then smile. Let your mistakes and failures guide you and not keep you from moving forward.

5. Even Postage Stamps Become Useless When They Get Stuck on Themselves – “ There is nothing quite so dead as a self-centered man – a man who holds himself up as a self-made success and measures himself by himself and is pleased with the result”. – Wesley Huber / I admit to this most of the time. I get so engrossed with myself to the point that I focus on myself most of the time and not on other individuals. Mason taught me to look for a way to give before we look for a way to get. Success is measured by service and not by the number of people we rule. You may rule an entire country but your service is only to the privileged few. Be humble. Serve and help.

6. Climb Out of the Grandstand and Onto the Playing Field – “The world is divided in to people who do things and people who talk about doing things”. – John Mason / Laziness is the main ingredient to failure. Act. Go to work and really work. Plan and implement. Think and work out on it. Mason further mentions that “It is not important to know that you know. It is more important to show that you know.”

7. Your Best Friends Are Those Who Bring Out the Best in You – True that! I am lucky to be blessed with friends with diverse and inspiring personalities. It is always best to keep yourself away from people who suck out the optimism in you. There are friends who only communicate with you when they need a favour from you, when they need help on their problems, or when they want to experience something fun. Know the distinction. Friends lift you up, not pull you down.

8. There is Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos – Our life is made up of many choices, and if we don’t make timely decisions, opportunities and memorable situations may just pass us by. According to Mason, our destiny is made up of our own choices and not just merely by chance. We have to make quick and calculated decisions. As soon as we have decided on something, we have to put our commitment to it. Once you have begun, don’t stop till you have reached your goals. I think I’m on my way here right now.

9. There is No Future in the Past – We can never really move on if we are still attached to our past. Yes, we may have made mistakes which changed the course of our lives but we can still do something to steer it differently. This may seem easy to do but I think that this is probably the most difficult one to deal with. “…no one can go back and make a brand new start; anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending”. – Carl Bard

10. Procrastination is the Fertilizer that Makes Difficulties Grow – Preach! All procrastinators out there put your hands up! This is probably the toughest one to beat. Don’t we all love to slack off? Yes it might be fun but it would just result to cramming and more stuff to do later on. “The first step to overcoming procrastination is to eliminate all excuses for not taking action. The second step is not to be so busy! Everyone is always on the move… The mistake that people make is in thinking that the main goal of life is to stay busy. What is important is not whether you are busy but whether you are progressive…” (Mason, 2003). Be unstoppable. Don’t waste time to accomplish great things.

11. Stay Out of Your Own Way – Over thinking and rationalizing might hold you back from doing what you want to do. To be able to move forward, we should be able to realize and accept the fact that probably one of the most difficult obstacles we might face is ourselves. Remember “Give the man you’d like to be a look at the man you are.” – Edgar Guest

***photo from http://openlibrary.org.

Upon hearing news of an upcoming movie adaptation of the first installment of The Hunger Games (THG) trilogy, I was way too excited and I realized that I have low EQ. What is up with these books? What can’t I get enough of them?

To cap off this week or as the fans would say “The Hunger Games” Week, let me give you some reasons why have been going crazy and fanboying much over this book trilogy and movie.

1. This is the first book trilogy which I was able to read from cover to cover. I’m also a solid Harry Potter fan but I was only able to read books 5, 6, and 7. I fell in love with the movie which got me hooked to the books. I also tried the Twilight bandwagon but to no avail.

2. Common, The Hunger Games’ heroine veers away from the usual damsel-in-distress drama. What’s not to love about Katniss Everdeen? Who does not love a girl who can kick ass, figuratively and literally?

3. Aside from the cliché love story most young adult books offer their readers, The Hunger Games tackles issues on politics, governance, freedom and revolution, the quest to understand one’s self, the struggle to fight for one’s passions and convictions, our motivations for survival, and so much more. Reading the books will help you ponder on your real life situation as well. A lot of what if’s played on my mind upon reading the book. What if this happens in the future? What if there is no such thing as a government? Do we really consider ourselves as free individuals? Ok, turning off the philosophical me for now.

4. I know for a fact that The Hunger Games has a quite similar plot to the Japanese’ Battle Royale. However, I think that Catching Fire and the Mockingjay compensates for it. To be honest, I think that with so much inspiration around us every day, originality should not be an issue. Something may have been branched out from a certain idea which was inspired by somebody else’s idea as well.

5. Panem, The Capitol, The Hunger Games Arenas, and The Districts, Suzanne Collins clearly has a crazy yet awesome mind to think about these settings. From the names to the littlest detail to describe every location, she made me feel as if I was inside the story. Gary Ross did the same thing with the first movie as well. When I saw The Capitol in the movie, all I do was to give an approving nod. Slow clap. I saw what you did there.

6. Peeta and Gale. I know that the fan girls go gaga over these men. Each has their own flaws and strengths. From the amiable lover boy slash “The Boy with the Bread”, to the strong-willed and assertive best friend, I can only imagine how Katniss felt. But hence, we all know she’ll stay choose the one she can’t survive without. *wink

7. The interesting contrast between the lavish lives of people from The Capitol to the meagre conditions of some of the Districts make you think about actual situations that we may see and experience every day. The Hunger Games illustrates the usual dichotomies of the Elite and the Impoverished, First World countries and the Third World countries, tyrant Governments and the suffering populace.

8. The next two reasons are not much about the book trilogy but more on the movie. I believe most fans if not all have seen The Hunger Games movie already. I must say the casting was absolutely perfect. Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson were perfect for the roles of Gale and Peeta respectively. One appears towering and resilient, while the other seems meek and sensitive.

9. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. So hot. Oscar Nominee. Did I say hot already? Yes? Ok… But she’s really hot.

10. The fans. Filipino fans are absolutely the best. Name any popular form of media, may it be music, movies, or personalities, the fans are just the warmest ever. This is actually the reason why I decided to make my Master’s thesis all about the concept of Fandom and its developmental implications. Enough geeky inputs for now. The Pinoy The Hunger Games fandom is like one big family minus the bad vibes and the drama. When you say Pinoy Hunger Games fans, there’s only one name, The Hunger Games Philippines. The people are so nice and friendly… competitive nga lang pag quiz night.

***photos from http://www.screenrant.com, http://www.vanityfair.com

2. If you are fond of photography as a hobby, you should take Sir James Nicolay’s Basic Digital Photography Class to help you make the most out of this interesting leisure activity.

3. If you want to make photography as a career, Sir James Nicolay’s Basic Digital Photography Class can help you realize your full potentials. As they say, we should all go down to the basics before we aim for greater things.

4. The Basic Digital Photography Class offered by Sir James Nicolay also helps photography enthusiasts in understanding more about shooting modes, release or drive modes of your cameras, some details on auto focus points, metering modes, and white balance.

5. If you find the distinction between the functions of the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO highly confusing, Sir James Nicolay’s Basic Digital Photography Class will provide you with easy-to-understand descriptions and uses of these camera settings. I read about the functions of these settings and I even asked other photographers about it, but I’ve never heard it simplified the way Sir James does it.

6. If you currently own a DSLR camera and you are planning to buy some accessories for it. Sir James Nicolay’s Basic Digital Photography Class will help you understand the different camera accessories available and find the right one suited for your needs and your camera’s features as well.

7. If you are looking for affordable yet highly informative photography classes, Sir James Nicolay is the man for this. For around 800 to 1000 pesos per course, trust me when I say that you’ll get your money’s value, or even more, through his photography classes.

8. If you are working, studying, or currently on a tight schedule but is very much willing to take Basic Digital Photography classes at your own pace, Sir James Nicolay offers a variety of schedules for you to choose from. From morning to afternoon classes, for weekend or weekday classes, and even just for a short 4-hour course in a day, name it and they have it.

9. If you are looking for photography classes wherein your instructor can focus on all your needs, Sir James Nicolay’s Basic Photography Class is the one. Not only will you learn all the basics from a good instructor, he’ll be able to focus on your individual needs as a student as well since the class is composed of normally around 7-8 people.

10. Lastly, if you love taking photos, for the fun and inspiration it provides, Sir James Nicolay’s class will help you gain a different perspective of what photography is. It is basically all about passion. The complicated camera settings and shooting options will just be a breeze if you love what you are doing and if you are guided by a true teacher like Sir James.

If you want to know more about Sir James Nicolay’s Basic Photography Classes and other Photography 101 courses, you may visit these following platforms:

Website: http://sirnicolay.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SirNicolays-Photography-101/186437693768

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sirnicolay

Last year, I heard that my best friend’s dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This is not a type of problem where you can just sleep, drink, and forget about it assuming next day proves to be a better day. As soon as I heard about it, I decided to do something to help my friend’s family. I decided to design ballers which contain the phrases “I Believe”, “I Will”, and “I Can”. Those three phrases are actually my own mantra and think that it is quite applicable in a way that anyone fighting cancer might need all forms of motivation and inspiration to succeed. I was planning to sell these ballers and offer the proceeds to my friend’s family to help them with their finances.

I had it planned really well. I was done with the first batch of “I Believe” designs and I had a target date of release. It was working well until cancer took its toll on my friend’s dad. To my friend, you know who you are. I hope you get to read this.

That situation made me realize a lot of things, from making decisions, to actual implementation, and making the most out of the time we have. It made me realize that life will not wait for us. Anything that can happen will happen regardless of how much we have planned for it. This seems cliché and it is something that all of us know already but it will only hit us when experience it first-hand.

We can all do whatever it is that we desire to do. We just have to make that decision to begin. Are you going to start now? Or are you going to wait? You decide. Me, I have already decided. And I decided not to stop. Whatever it takes, I’ll do anything I can with all my strength to attain my goals.

Note: Ballerific will still be a go. Currently designing my next batch. Hopefully I do it right this time.

It has been a long time since my last relationship ended. After that, I promised myself that I will never enter any relationship again without much readiness. I want to be more committed than ever. I want to have emotional maturity and a strong mind to deal with the complications of it. It took me awhile to heal and to help myself be a better person. I am still working on it. However, I think I’m ready now but the thing is that…. sila naman ang hindi ready. Shoot.

Unofficially Yours Full Trailer

Yesterday, I was able to watch Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz’s newest movie “Unofficially Yours”. It is a modern love story between Cess, who has been previously damaged emotionally, and Mackie, a hopeless romantic who gives it his all when he loves a person amidst the challenges he might face. The plot might seem simple but the fusion of witty lines, sexy scenes, real life situations, and mature acting was very effective. Watching it has made me realized a number of things. It was quite timely given the romantically related issues I’ve been having the past few days.

• When you love, you give it your all. No apprehensions, no hesitations, just your pure everything. If it fails, no need to quit. If you did your all, you didn’t fail as an individual, the relationship was not strong enough for both of you.
• If you’ve been heart a number of times before, you will realize that it was all part of a bigger plan for you. One day, you will meet a person who will make you realize why it hadn’t worked with anybody else. Cliché but seemingly inevitable and very real.
• Never ever play with people’s feelings. You might play the role successfully but eventually you may lose them in the end. Been there done that. You’re just going to hurt the other party, or worst even yourself.
• Fear. Anxieties. Independently, they will not do you good and together, it can cripple your emotional defences while eventually killing your last remaining spark of hope. Learn to accept the things which are not mean for us but also learn to have enough boldness to face your fears and worries. Feeling mo simple lang? Nope, not really, this is something which needs time and self motivation. But we can do it.
• Do not let your dreams be dreams. If we want something bad enough, yes the universe will conspire to help us have it but the universe can only do so much. No man ever reaches his destination stationary. Move it. This does not only pertain to dreams pertaining to love but to my dream of being an inspiring writer as well. Similar to Mackie’s character in the movie, he finally realized his dream and worked on it, no matter what.

Singlehood is not really much of a problem. I think that it is better to be perfectly lonely for quite some time than to jump from one relationship to another without actually taking time to work on yourself first and try to solve your personal issues than to eventually end up hurting more people than we ever imagined. I think I’m ready now. If it comes, I am prepared. If it doesn’t… I guess I just have to move!  Cue in Tyrone Wells’ “Wondering Where You Are”, then smile. Let facial feedback theory do it’s magic and let your positive vibe attract all possible prospects. Here’s to finding the one!

Wondering Where You Are – Tyrone Wells

***Credits to the owners of the photos and videos.

Last February 11, Close-Up Pyropalooza kicked off with performances from YouTube sensation JaMich, Indios, Never the Strangers, and the newest songstress Zia Quizon. As if it could not get any better, American Idol runner-up and TV5′s newest talent David Archuleta serenaded his fans with his rendition of the OPM classic “Nandito Ako”. I wasn’t able to take photos of the music showcase as I was busy setting up my camera to take memorable photos of the fireworks display.

South Korea’s fireworks display had interesting details to it, from flowers to hearts, to cute butterflies. It’s as if I’m looking at a garden of light by night. It was beautiful and cute it at same time coupled with their upbeat KPOP musical scoring.

On another note, Malta’s had this extravagant feel to it. It was as if I was watching New Year fireworks display from New York or Sydney. I was constantly uttering “Whoa!”, the whole time. It was as also as I was watching the part in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows where the Death Eaters are trying to disarm the defences of Hogwarts which was even intensified by its orchestrated scoring. Whew! Ok, so that’s the geek in me talking.

The Close Up Pyropalooza Fireworks Competition can be experienced every Saturday from February 11 to March 17. For each Saturday, two countries will showcase their fireworks display prowess to battle for the top honors. On February 18, United Kingdom and Spain will showcase theirs, followed by Finland and Portugal (February 25), China and The Netherlands (March 3), Austria and Canada (March 10), and Italy and Philippines on March 17.

Every week, Close-Up Pyropalooza  has  exciting and romantic activities  for lovers, friends, and families to enjoy. From games, to fun and photo booths, this love month will truly be worth remembering. Not only that, you should not worry much on your budget since tickets for thePyropalooza can be as low as 300 to 500 pesos. You can even get a discount of around 50% if you purchase Close-Up products at the activity area. So what are you waiting for? You still have 5 Saturdays left to check out this one of a kind experience.

Got those from Pinterest. And this is how my room looked like after.

I personally think our rooms can inspire us. Waking up in an organized room filled with things which you like can definitely lift up your mood every single day. Some might prefer the otherwise but I am all for the ambiance. I feel good everyday I wake up, not to mention waking up late almost everyday as well. I just love to sleep here. My previous room was red and had this Asian/Contemporary feel but this is entirely different.

How would you describe me after seeing my room? Be nice.

DOT’s new slogan “It’s More Fun In The Philippines” nailed it. I believe it was simple and inviting at the same time. People of any age can definitely give hundreds or even thousands of reasons why it is fun here indeed. OFW’s, tourists, international celebrities can actually attest to this. I think even the hundreds of Koreans who now live in the Philippines may even provide interesting answers as well.

Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines. Why?

In some countries, practicing your own religious beliefs may be fatal.

In some places, people can be so rigid and to tight with their beliefs that it tends to harm other individuals as well.

We care… a lot.

We never fail to smile and laugh our asses off amidst never ending problems. The Filipino resilience is incomparable I believe.

We love singing a lot. Though “My Way” has been proven fatal to some, but still, who does not love singing here?

We have high regard for our families.

Our hospitality is priceless. Wala ng pagkain, manlilibre pa. Ganun tayo kabait.

Wait, have I mentioned that we have these wonderful landmarks and unforgettable sights?

No matter what you say, you may bash all you want and rant with the originality of DOT’s new slogan but hell, admit it, “ITS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES”.

Let’s all support DOT to help boost our country’s economy. Let us not pull each other down but rather lift our country together. We can make it work. We can make it happen. Hashtag na to! #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines! Experience, explore, and share the beauty of the Pearl of the Orient. You fellow Filipino, why is it more fun in the Philippines?

Here is a sneak peek of my precious work/leisure table where I do my, well, work, write, watch movies, or do all three together, read, and so much more. I’m intending to create a different post on my newly renovated room soon.

That’s my vision board/frame right there.

And here’s my Bucket List  List of To Do’s. It’s comprised of around 35 items with some room for more. I decided to trim it down, since I had around 70 last year but was only able to accomplish 50%, which is still an achievement for me. J

Below are my list of to do’s for this year – with minimal editing as per my realizations while writing this.

1. Be kind. To everyone. All the time. – This is quite difficult not only for me but I believe for most of us. I’m the rude type of person but I can be very stubborn and mean at times. As they say, spread some kindness and you’ll experience more ten folds!
2.  STOP SMOKING. Yes. Now na. Oo. Stop na. – Kicking off the habit a day at a time. Promising.
3. Finalize my personal mission and vision statement and live by it. – Actually did this last year but I’m focusing now on the “live by it” part.
4. Drive again. Sunday road trips or a weekend drive around the city. – It’s been awhile. Having your own driver is good enough but sometimes you crave to be the man behind the wheel.
5. 50 pesos habit. – Saving all 50 pesos I see in my wallet! Try it too!
6. Revive Pieces of Me. – This is my online accessory shop which went on a hiatus last year due to my extremely busy schedule. I’m scheduled to introduce new products soon. Check us out at Pieces of Me! J
7. Visit the dentist. – Never forget to do this yearly.
8. Groom tips and toes monthly! – I rarely do this regularly. LOL! Since my hands and feet work for me more than I work for money, this must be done.
9. Save for birthday treat for friends and family.
10. Exercise and run weekly.
11. Go to Corregidor this February!
12. Do a road trip to Batangas/ Zambales/ Ilocos this summer! Teka, Baguio kaya?
13. Share my blessings. – Everyone should do this always. J
14. Treat my family to anything we haven’t done before just because.
15. Never be late. Be punctual. – Worked on this last year still working on it. J
16. Save a specific amount of money consistently.
17. Manage finances.
18. Continue writing!
19. Maintain and update my new blog! – This is my project this year! Go go go!
20. Reinvent one aspect of myself. – I changed my hair style last year, ano kaya ngayon?
21. Go on a detox weekend getaway. Juju Cleanse? Basta, at this age, I think we all need some form of detoxification.
22. Go Kart racing!
23. Feast on sweets for about a month! Good luck! These are my guilty pleasures. J
24. Plant a tree quarterly or for every special occasion in my life. Got this idea from Mr.Jim Paredes. We can all do this actually, for Mother Earth. J I think it’s our way of giving back.
25. Travel solo! Scared, but I can do this!
26. Go to Vietnam with Camille! J
27. Go to Korea with my HS friends! Autumn season here we come! *fingers crossed on this one
28. Cook weekly and bake twice a month!
29. Drown myself in a book in a day!
30. Play the piano again! The last time I played was like 16 years ago! I think the music genius still lives within me.
31. Be part of an indie film! Tapos artista na. LOL! Seriously, I want to be part of the team behind it or I can even be a bit player. Kahit taong bayan or tambay sa kanto ayos na.
32. Work on my short video project.
33. Learn a new language by summer. J Italian? French? Spanish? All? Lol!

It seems a lot but it actually feels good that I’m currently working on some already. May it be the end of our time this year or the Mayans are just screwing with us, I still believe that if there is anything we want to do, no matter what it is, difficult, scary, easy, exciting, we have to make it happen. We owe it to ourselves. “Oh well” sounds better than “What if”. And besides, at the end of the day, our boldness to experience new things and to do stuff we really want to do builds our character. Not to mention the lingering smile on your face once you’re done.

Need I say more? My 2011 was dope and 2012 will be one hell of an amazing ride. Woot woot!