Oblation Run 2013

More than 30 members of APO fraternity ran naked with only paper mask covering their face on December 13 this year. It is an annual tradition of the brotherhood to commemorate their founding anniversary and, at the same time, use this famous naked run to echo out their stand among pressing issues happening to the country today.

This year's naked theme was about pushing better risk reduction management. A theme where every Filipino is affected due to the recent catastrophe happened in the Visayas region-- the havoc of Typhoon Haiyoon--which claimed thousands of life and left thousands homeless, injured and, others, still missing. The group would like to encourage and pushes the government to have better plans in times like this to avoid such sufferings in the future.

The naked man standing with all his might without hesitation is UP's symbol of selfless offering to the country. A bold call resonating to every Filipinos.

Cubao Expo 2013

The annual Christmas tree and lights decoration in Cubao never fails to bring happiness and enjoyment to anyone who passes by the area. Aside from the surrounding malls and dozens of night markets which mushroom overnight to cater the shoppers and visitors alike during the Yuletide season, the Christmas-themed light and display are the most awaited event every the last month of the year. This year, a seemingly mile-high Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of lights and everything green and red was placed at the very heart of Cubao. The decorative lights surrounding the place have the undersea theme and food stalls are everywhere. It is the perfect place to unwind after doing shopping and treat one's tummy to a yummy food fun fare.

Philippine Military Academy

After graduating from secondary level, those who aspire to serve the local government of the Philippines, either men or women, can pursue to enter the military but has to undergo the extensive selection process at the Philippine Military Academy. It is situated in Fort Gegorio del Pilar on Loakan Road.

I once witnessed the graduation ceremony on the field. The cadets boastfully and with might showed their military drill then all of a sudden surprised the audience as they performed the Macarena dance. Looking at them dance, from being stiff who then transformed to graceful and flexible dancers on every beat of the music was a wonderful sight to see.

A few steps along the way from the entrance, you have the chance to explore the place with so much enthusiasm. A museum can be found that exhibits remnants of weapons, tankers, aircraft and other war-related artifacts. It also tells the history and the contributions of past key men and women who have served the institution.

  

My Premiere on Television

After almost a year stint of doing volunteer work in Tajikistan as a Polio Rehabilitation Adviser and Coach, it took a while for me to adjust to my normal life back home. Living a modest life in a foreign land was quite challenging as it tests one's survival skill. Everything is different and one has no choice but to face it. It is a life changing experience on my part as it gives me another perspective in seeing life.

A local cable channel here in Baguio invited me and another co-volunteer, Lolita del Rosario, sometime in July 2012. The show is titled "Usapang Turismo hosted by Mr. Gaby Keith aired in Sky Cable. We were mainly invited to discuss about our experiences and to provide some tips to future volunteers.  Oh by the way, this was also my first time to be interviewed and appeared on local television.

Part One

Part Two

Christmas Is Near!

Despite the unfortunate series of events that happened in our country lately, we, Filipinos, still mirror the symbols of hope and courage; characteristics that are contagious and are a must these days. In less than 30 days before Christmas, establishments around the summer capital of the Philippines are all prep up and laced with these colorful decorations and merry making songs are played almost everywhere. This only mark for the coming of that very special natal day of our Savior.

The scent of pine trees mixed with the cold breeze here in Baguio city only adds to that Christmas spirit everyone is looking forward during Yuletide season.  When I was roaming around the city one fine afternoon, I happened to pass by at SM Baguio and had the chance to see their annual Christmas decoration located at the very center of the mall. The red, green, and gold color abound the entire mall.

Families, friends, and everyone who happened to pass by the mall could not resist to stop and appreciate the wonderful and awe inspiring decorations prepared in front of them.

But let us all remember that the true meaning of Christmas is not just all about these shining and lavish decorations on this material world, but what is more important is the genuine heart that we are all willing to share to everyone.  

Act of Valor

Director: Mike MacMacoy
Lead Actor: Alex Veadov, Nestor Serrano and Roselyn Sanchez
Genre: Action, Adventure
Synopsis:

          The America’s Navy SEALs showed their heroism and patriotism in the film: Act of Valor. It is visible in the various transitions of the scenes, the camaraderie as a team in completing their specific mission to combat terrorism.

http://www.impawards.com

Review:

          The portrayal of the characters appeared to be realistic, especially the abduction of Roselyn Sanchez, the CIA agent. A woman undergoing torture is so disturbing; it looks realistic to the viewers of the film. The Navy SEALs are given the task to rescue the agent. At the later part, the soldiers discovered that a group of terrorist plan to jeopardize the lives of people in United States of America. Eventually, set of SEAL teams were deployed to stop the terrorist leader and his allies. Thus, it would be more appealing if they interviewed the victim.

          I have noticed that the soldier who is expecting to be a father acted differently. There is no emotion as he speaks to his wife in the film. Thus, the narrator in the film expresses the reason that soldiers cannot show sympathy. It answers the acting skills of the actor, justifying to empathy reaction to his wife.

          The flow of the film seems realistic and simple, despite the random change of scenarios from different places: Philippines, Ukraine and Indonesia. The usage of Filipino language was comprehensible, despite the slang way of speaking and thumbs up for the Russian fluency. Though the Filipinos look so passive along the story, since there is no serious interactions happen.

      For the technical part, it is amazing the maneuvers of the soldiers. The soldiers’ movements are concise in targeting the enemies. It will bring the viewers’ to appreciate the genre of this film. On the other hand, it is not advisable for the younger ones to watch the bloody action scene.

          Over all, the theme of the narrative story focuses more on the responsibilities to serve the country. It is also emphasize the worth of being loyal to each other. The heroism based from a true story, the film would never last to remember. Taking the credit of good deeds, it will fade away. It is a typical soldier interaction against the unlawful actions of terrorism that happens not only in America, but also to the other side of the country.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Running Time: 1:50

Inspection and Mud Surpise

Field visit and local immersion are a must when one is involved in community development, as staying in the office doing the paperwork is not sufficient. This is to ensure that the blueprint and the actual work coincide as planned. In addition, making sure that everyone who is part of the development process is helping hand in hand and aware of the project as it progresses.    

The mountainous province of Kalinga is the one of the select areas among the Cordillera region that highly benefits to the development projects implemented by the national government and partnership with some international NGO.  The area where I'm working as a CF (Community Facilitator) is surrounded by rich flora and fauna. The locals were able to utilize the natural resources that they had to to their advantage.  Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main source of livelihood in communities. In relation to that, projects in irrigation system and improvement of farm to market road were the focal point of the development work.

My colleagues and I went to visit one of the irrigation site we were handling to see if the project plan was properly executed. A long trek was needed to reach the site passing one mountain to another, jumping and hopping riverbank to the next, and painstakingly crossing narrow dirt and muddy pathway. Always an adventure for everyone. Work and play were never this thrilling. 

While we were descending the place after the inspection visit, the heaven was about to cry that I decided to walk fast downhill, my colleagues were not able to catch up on me and, eventually, I got off the track. The trek was getting too wet and muddy that I was caught off guard and slid while making my way down. My pants and shirt splashed with chocolate-colored mud and unfortunately suffered some bruise which left a mile-long scar on my arms.  Nevertheless, the experience that I had with my job would never be replaced as it molded and expanded my horizon in the field of community development and natural resources rehabilitation.  

   

a good view of the community with the rainbow

 beaming across the mountain mist 

Nice backdrop for photo ops

found shelter to rest and to breathe in this little hut

bundles of rice stalks ready for milling or manual pounding 

with the use of large wood-made mortar and pestle

trekking in between greens

passing through almost covered pathway 

the walking continues...

a quick stop for a pose 

...and again.

picture taking even if it's hot

got mud?

I had a lot!

In the end, it's not the destination which highly plays in your journey, but the challenges you were able to conquer. On how you play despite the difficulties and still displays the smile after.