Asian Festival 2010

Being a proud boyfriend, I just needed to post this. :)

Reston Impact Asian Festival from Comcast Channel 28 on Vimeo.

Congratulations, sweetie! You look great on TV! :)

Gelo-Mayeen, 24 July 2010

I witnessed another wedding last week, making this my third wedding of the year. This time, it's my officemate Gelo and his one and only Mayeen. Church was at Camp Aguinaldo, while reception took place at Glass Garden.

The couple with Fr. Jboy Gonzales

Strutting their way to the front

Present and ex-Philam Lifers Gather to witness this momentous occasion

The Gents with the Groom

The Ladies with the Bride

Quarter life. Full of weddings. :)

Congrats Gelo and Mayeen! Thanks for the invite!

Next! :)

Tiyo Ramon's Adventure - July 26, 2010

I'm gonna miss you guys...

My uncle Ramon (Tito But to us nephews) is leaving for Canada on the 26th of July. They suddenly had their visas approved. I thought they were never leaving anymore because they filed this way back five years ago. Like my uncle said, it was probably divine intervention that they were suddenly approved. Even the brightest of men sometimes cannot understand how God does his wonders in our families. With this development, there will be tears of sadness that will be shed, but in the long run, it will always be for the better.

They are rather uncertain about their lives there, but I'm confident that God will guide them in the right direction, just like he made a way to approve their visa applications. Ara and Ging will stay behind for a few months to finish Ging's semester. They shall depart December 22 I think.

Too bad you won't be here on my wedding day...

My Sweet Ate Ara

Future Megastar Clarice

L-R: Tito But, Dad, Ninang Dora, Tita Egie, Tita Cecille. Seated: Lolo

The Pretty Twins

Fooling around during their despidida

Wait, I don't have a picture with Ging and Choi! Darn...

Good luck, Tito But, Tita Nory, cousins Ara, Riz, Ging, Joanna, Paola, Choi. :) We'll see you soon!

Cinemalaya 6: Rekrut - July 16,2010

I watched another feature film at the Cinemalaya yesterday. It was the gala of Danny Añonuevo's entry, Rekrut. The mive had an all-star cast, headed by veteran actor Emilio Garcia, alongside Joem Bascon, Alwyn Uytingco, Rob Sy, JM de Guzman, Dominic Roco, CJ Ramos, Alchris Galura, Maxene Magalona, Rich Asuncion, and seasoned actor Archie Adamos.

The movie was about a squad of 12 Christian and Muslim soldiers preparing for a very special mission. Things were going well until they were finally informed about the purpose of their training. These soldiers were faced with a dilemma on whether they should fulfill their duty for their country or follow their conscience.

This was based on true events. If you are an avid fan of history, or have taken the evening tour of Corregidor, the plot might be familiar to you. I'll not dwell on the details but if you really want to know where this story was taken, I suggest you google the key words Jabidah Massacre. Until now, the said massacre

You will see that in the movie, actor CJ Ramos was making graffitis of their names in the walls of their camp. I had the chance to see the real graffiti of the young recruits in the island of Corregidor.

The Abandoned hospital which turned into the base camp of Jabidah's "final training"

These were the writings of the "real" Rekruts, as mentioned by the Corregidor guides

A few more writings on the wall

Thank you, Mr. Danny Añunuevo, the brains behind Rekrut, for making not just another action indie, but a socially relevant one inspired by real people, real events. He has put a piece of history in an artistic, masterful, well-crafted 2-hour movie. With that, my congratulations. I sure had fun in this movie.

Here are some random pictures (in not particular order).It was Rekrut's Gala night so we had the chance to roam around after the movie and ask for souvenir photos with the cast. My officemates sure had fun on this part. :)

Maxene Magalona

Tanya and Hazel with Alwyn Uytingco

My Cinemalaya idol: Archie Adamos

The cast of REKRUT

Not the cast and crew

The ladies with some of the cast
They really needed to take this photo
Jen and Grape with Domic Roco
The Rekruts with the Rekruter. :)
I watched two Cinemalaya movies this year!

Cinemalaya is almost over. Congratulations to all the filmmakers! I heard all of the movies were very good!

To know more about this film's inspiration, please read: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080318-125522/Lone-survivor-recalls-Jabidah-Massacre

Cinemalaya 6: Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio

I always take time to support independent filmmakers in their quest to revive the art of Philippine movies via the annual festival called the Cinemalaya. On its sixth year, Cinemalaya continues its tradition of excellence by featuring a number of independent films shown all around the CCP grounds from Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo to the Little Theater. This year, aside from the feature full-length films category, Cinemalaya introduces its Directors' showcase, wherein veteran filmmakers like Joel Lamangan and Mario O'Hara show their directing expertise by having their own feature films in the festival.

Last Monday, I watched one of the films in the director's showcase category. "Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio" was a Mario O'Hara creation, which was lead by Alfred Vargas as the national hero, Andres Bonifacio. The movie showed how our great Supremo suffered from the hands of his fellow Katipuneros in a mock trila that lasted for only a few days. The movie centered its plot in the trial proper, where Andres and his brother Procopio underwent a short and lopsided process for inciting to rebellion against the newly established Revolutionary Government of Emilio Aguinaldo. There were some scenes which artistically connected the trial to the famous Filipino play "Ibong Adarna."

It was good to see another movie which featured one of our Filipino heroes. Because we know that the story is based on true events of the last days of Bonifacio, we can easily connect with the film, making it a no-brainer for its viewer appeal. The analogy of the trial with Ibong Adarna gave the movie its natural depth, making it a true independent film masterpiece. Alfred Vargas has now turned from a starlet into a more serious actor. His portrayal of the Great Plebian accentuated his improved acting career, by naturally showing the audience the heavy burden that he is carrying with his non-verbal actions. There were a few dragging instances, but these were necessary to be faithful with the actual trial, which was based on actual accounts and stories.

It's a must-see for all Filipinos so that they can be informed that even as early as the 1800s, politics has already hovered the land. One of its victims, unfortunately, is a person that initiated the Philippines' liberation from the Spanish oppressors. The film excellently exhibited the country's biggest irony, wherein the very person who wanted freedom and equality amongst his people became the number one victim of oppression and injustice in the hands of the people he personally recruited. While people are dying in the streets of Cavite for trying to fight it out against the Spaniards, high-ranking generals perform a trial with its very own men.

The film not only gave us a glimpse of history, but it also made us think about how we have been as Filipinos. Even in the time of our national heroes, they are faced with not just external challenges, but also with internal problems that further divided us as a nation. Even in the early days of a revolutionary government, there has been bickering, oppression, power-grabbing, injustice.

I hope that now, as we try to build a new nation, we try to put a stop on how we have been for hundreds of years now, but instead we try our best to march together towards a better, brighter Philippines. We may have differences in belief, but what will make us move forward is how we set aside those differences and work together as one nation.

Let us learn from the Katipunan's number one mistake: They failed the first attempt in revolting against the Spaniards because the other Katipuneros were late. In our struggle for development, let us all be prompt and early, eager to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Thanks to Mr. Mario O'Hara for contributing yet another epic.

Mabuhay ang Indipendiyenteng Pelikulang Pilipino!

Cinemalaya 6 runs until July 18, 2010, Sunday.

Feature Films of Cinemalaya 6

The ladies with Janvier Daily, who portrayed the role of Procopio Bonifacio

One down. More to go?!

I hope the rain stops so I can go watch again. Typhoon Basyang, wrong timing!

PBA Friday - July 2, 2010

I watched the PBA games last July 2 with a double-header that is crucial to all four teams. The games were held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila.

Scalpers were all over the place. Since it's a game featuring two of the most famous teams of the land, the Ginebra Gin Kings and the San Miguel Beermen, they take advantage of the long lines of people. I got my ticket for 200 bucks for its original price of P160. Some sell for as much as P400. Wow!

The first game featured Ginebra Gin Kings squaring off against Rain or Shine Paintmasters. The winner gets the instant quarterfinal slot. The goes to the more difficult path, the wild card phase. The Kings won with a blowout score.

The furious Sol Mercado makes free throw

The second game featured two San Miguel Corporation teams, San Miguel Beermen and Derby Ace Llamados (formerly Purefoods Giants). The winner of this game gets an instant semi-finals berth, along with fron-runner Talk n' Text. San Miguel won by a small margin.

Jumpball

It's fun to watch the games live from time to time. There are lots of action in the basketball court that sometimes are not seen on TV. The sideline huddles, the emotional crowd cheering for their respective teams, the physical play between competitors. You can only see that if you watch live.

Let's support the PBA games!

Puerto Galera - May 29-31, 2010

It always feels good to be in the company of the people you are most comfortable with. We had the opportunity to get together again and relive the experiences of high school life, but this time ten years older. Thanks to our Singapore-bound buddy Titan's most-awaited vacation leave, we all got the chance to rest for the weekend and simply enjoy the sun, the good food, and the sea breeze.

Titan, RT, Mike, Bhonny, PJ and I spend the last weekend of May in Puetor Galera. I've been there several times now but I still get to enjoy its beauty, its sun, and with companions as awesome as these guys, the three-day vacation was just perfect. :)

Itinerary:

1. Eat

2. Relax

3. Joke Time

4. Kulitan

5. Relax

6. Eat

7. Inom

8. Joke Time

9. Kulitan

10. Sleep

Walang kuwenta. Pero masaya. Now that's what you call vacation. hehe

Some snapshots!

Overlooking the Peninsula

Tamaraw Falls

Puerto Galera Yacht Club!

Bonfire

Titan underground

Let's do this again guys! Out of the country naman! :)

Cheers!

May Liwanag ang Alin?? Meralco Advertising

I just can't seem to find the most valid reason why Metro Manila's lone electricity distributor, Manila Electric Company, also known as Meralco, is spending much money on airtime for advertisements! What do they need to advertise?

As far as I remember, there can be two major reasons for a firm or individual to advertise: First is to sell. To cut above the rest of the main players of your industry. Being the lone electric distributor, what do you need the advertising for?

Another purpose for advertising is to inform. Indeed, we are informed that they use geothermal energy, natural gas, etc. etc. But we are also informed that electricity costs are rising, and another spot in prime time slots in television would mean additional costs. Additional costs do not mean sacrifice for Meralco or its blessed employees and consultants, but a heavier burden for its consumers, us Filipinos, in the form of increased electricity per kilowatt-hour. So what do we call this adjustment fee now, "infomercial adjustment fee?" I wouldn't be surprised if I see that in our next electricity bill. :)

I think the public would appreciate better if Meralco will simply call for press conference (which is FREE OF CHARGE) and announce a fee cut in the coming months. What do you think, my fellow countryman?

And now, it's about to enter in the most illustrious basketball league of the country: the PBA. So if the team doesn't make it good, I can rightfully petition the player or coach's termination because I will definitely pay for his multimillion salary!

Where's Manong Johnny?! Senator, hindi kami happy! :)