-jmonster-

Magnifico (2003)

2008-03-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

This is a short, belated review of the Filipino drama film Magnifico (2003). I've seen it in full only last night and it made such an impact to me that I felt I ought to write this piece.

Faced with life's difficulties at a very young age, Magnifico discovers that her cancer-stricken grandmother is about to die and that her funeral will likely push his family further down into poverty. Magnifico's parents, though very hardworking and caring, barely make ends meet as it is. So Magnifico embarks on finding ways to help her granny worry less about the burden of her own funeral, as he patiently looks after her mentally-ill little sister, too.

The story is told in a very simple fashion yet the film captures so much reality that I almost felt I knew Magnifico personally. What's amazing is that the film is a certified tearjerker without excessively dramatic scenes, and funny at the same time. It does not just make you cry a river but more importantly, it touches your heart and leaves you with something to ponder. It makes you wonder if you could ever be as loving as Magnifico who cares not only for his family but also for other people. Make no mistake though, Magnifico is no saint and he proves it when he fends off a bully friend of his older brother's, and when he disses his own pal for not sharing food with him.

The movie features great performances by the ensemble cast, led by Jiro Manio as the painfully nice kid Magnifico. Albert Martinez and Lorna Tolentino's acting as Magnifico's parents are so believable. Even Celia Rodriguez, who plays the grouchy old lady in the neighborhood and appears in only a few scenes, makes her own impact.

No doubt one of the best Filipino movies I've ever seen, Magnifico doesn't fall short of its title - it is a masterpiece and truly magnificent.

Come away with me on a bus...

2007-08-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

When Iris first dropped the idea of a backpack tour to Kuala Lumpur I
didn't think twice and signed in at once. Not long Dan, Iris, Jeff,
Fred and I booked bus seats for a weekend trip to KL. Fred, however, had to beg off
at the last minute because Bangalore, it seemed, was more attractive to
him, don't ask me why. The almost 5-hour bus ride from Singapore to KL was surprisingly enjoyable, for the seats that resembled massage chairs were roomy enough for a comfortable sleep. On the way, we cruised through bumpless roads that bared miles and miles of wonderful palm trees plantation. The soothing sights outside and the faint swaying in the bus helped put me into a relaxing slumber for hours. So pleasing and energizing was the bus ride that when we reached KL I was already looking forward to the trip back home.

After we checked in at the hotel, which was more like a boarding house, we forayed aimlessly into the town. First stop was the Times Square, a huge high-end shopping mall, to exchange some dollars for ringgit. We immediately discovered how some taxis work - no meter, just name your price. Not bothered by the pricey taxi fares, we took taxis most of the time to get around the city. Once, we took the bus to Batu Caves where some Hindu temples and artworks could be found. From the outside, we were already marvelling at the giant statue of the Hindu lord Murugan. Then up we climbed 272 steps to see the limestone caves. The place was also known for numerous monkeys that litter around, but unfortunately we found no monkeys anywhere, not even one.

Back to the city, we squeezed our way through Petaling Street which was a very crowded street known for bargains (read: cheap imitations of famous western brands). For me it was a total waste of time to venture into such crazy place, which I suspect was prone to pickpockets and cheats. Luckily, we managed to get out of the place whole and unscathed.

Hungry stomachs led us to a dinner at SS2 Hawkers which was already a good distance outside KL. We sampled Bah Kuh Teh, Popiah, and Steamed Chicken Rice. I was a bit disappointed because all such food were common in Singapore, though I had been warned not to expect much because food in KL were no different in Singapore. Back again in the city, we almost missed to see the Petronas Towers glow in the dark night sky, for it was barely midnight, and when midnight strikes, we learned, the Petronas shuts its bright lights out.

On the way back to the hotel, we chanced upon an upbeat street with rows of clubs and restaurants teeming with perky young people, local and foreign. The Malate scene instantly came into mind. So they know how to P-A-R-T-Y. But we're not in the party mood, and besides we all looked haggard and tired already from all the walking so we decided to skip the fun and just head back to the hotel to rest.

In the morning we went to the Central Market, our last stop, to buy some souvenirs. It was an old building with an open plaza outside. If not for its historical significance, the Central Market wasn't much of an attraction imho. In fact, the whole KL downtown, it seemed to me, looked like a larger Cubao or Quiapo but with more greeneries and shopping centers. Perhaps the real beauty and uniqueness of KL lie in its ambition to become a great city, which was evident from its excellent infrastructure and some grandiose skyscrapers.

With not much time left, we scooted off to the bus station. The much-awaited ride back home finally commenced as I sit tightly on my seat with nothing but dreamy thoughts in my mind.

homecoming blah blah

2007-06-13T03:57:00.000-07:00

After a year away from home I've finally come back, but for a very
short visit only - six days, in fact. I was not so sure I was thrilled
about it though (others in the same situation would normally be). Being
with friends and family again was truly wonderful, but seeing Metro
Manila, as shabby and mussy as ever, was never fun. Spaghetti wires
hanging on the lamp posts, piles of garbage on the streets, ran-down
buildings, unruly drivers, and dingy shanties everywhere.
Why we tolerate such pitiful conditions was really baffling, and even
frustrating.

Well, that's just the big whiner in me talking.

Six days. Paranaque. Tagaytay. Manila. Pasay. Makati.
Shopping with family.

Dinner with some friends here and there.
Movies with the kids (niece and nephew).
Shopping again with family.

Got to see my two baby nieces, born January and May this year. Had so much fun bugging those angels ha ha ha.

One of my closest friends was heavy with her first baby. Never seen her look this flabby... ooops, I mean healthy.
New shopping and dining center right smack in our neighborhood. How cool!
First
time in another new but much much bigger shopping mall not so far away.
I like the overall look, especially the promenade in the center and the
open area overlooking the Manila Bay. Unfortunately, I never got the
chance to take photos.

Rice, and more rice! My appetite suddenly went through the roof.

And then it was time to leave. Not so much had happened, I know, and I'd
say it was rather uneventful. Never expected so much anyway. I was just
happy and content that my homecoming did push through, after months of dillydallying.

And I'm back!

2007-05-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

No I didn't go into hiding. I just had more than two months hiatus from this blog. I finally got inspiration partly from people who stay true to who they are, for somehow it makes me feel reassured for being myself.

And what's so significant about the last two months? Well, I've been in Singapore for one full year now, and ought to stay on for at least one more. I've moved to a new place which is nearer to town although not as cozy as before. My stocks have gone better since the last crash. I have a new cute niece (my brother's) and looking forward to another one by my sister in a few weeks time. I've finally got myself my first DSLR camera - Nikon D80, and have since gone to some wonderful places for photo shoots. And thanks to my cool camera, I've made friends with an interesting stranger.

Today is actually my first night in my new humble abode. I've done some unpacking so all my stuff are a mess right now, but perhaps I'll just sort them out tomorrow. It's already late and I'd like to hit the bed but somehow I know I won't be seeing dreamland just yet... hence this blog entry. I'm going to fiddle around in youtube and hopefully get dozed off in no time.

Crash

2007-02-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

Swooooosh! I was caught off-guard. I was looking at the numbers and my eyes grew larger in disbelief. I was hoping it was some kind of computer glitch, but no, it was real. It was not entirely unexpected but it came down so swift I barely had time to act. I decided to watch in the sidelines thinking that any move would do more harm than good.

Of course, I'm talking about yesterday's mini-crash of the global stock markets, thanks to overweight China that dragged down markets all over the world, mind you, even the US Dow Jones was spooked. Meanwhile, the Philippines was in its own league again, this time for beating other markets to the cellar. It was the biggest loser yesterday, down as much as 9% in mid-trade and ended just a tad higher from its lowest point thus wiping out gains made since the beginning of the year. The picture gets clearer when we see how other markets fared: Japan (-3.5%), Singapore (-4.8%), Australia (-3.0%), Hong Kong (-3.5%), South Korea (-3.9%), Malaysia (-3.3%). Probably the biggest joke that came out of all these was that the Shanghai index, where all the ripples started, ironically jumped by 4% yesterday, after shedding 8% on Tuesday. It really beats me, big time.

I know, I know, you heard me blabbing a few posts back that the Philippine stock market was bullish again. It still is! Fundamentals remain the same. Pundits say yesterday's crash was just a healthy correction after weeks of racing past record highs, and that markets will remain bullish. Heck, the Philippine stock market just over-reacted. And yes incidentally, feng shui masters correctly predicted early this year that global stock market would encounter some bumpy road. I think this is it. But no worries, say pundits and feng shui experts, because times will even get better afterwards.

Funny I've seen the movie Crash(2004) a few nights ago. It has nothing to do with the stock market, I just felt it a fitting title to this post. A very good movie, by the way.

Anyway, I'm not going to rely entirely on what the experts say. Though I know the market will recover, I'm still going to watch very closely, because in the short term the downward trend may not be over... yet.

The headline ruined it all

2006-08-25T01:03:00.000-07:00

I refer to the article "Thousands plant trees, but cutting continues" in Philippine Daily Inquirer dated 26th August 2006. I was disturbed by the fact that the otherwise very positive and inspiring story was marred by a sidestory about cutting trees. The sidestory was not even substantiated as barely two sentences were written about it while the rest of the story was about the tree planting effort across the country. By golly, I could not fathom how it made to the headline. Common sense tells us that cutting will never end as furniture industry is a staple in the country. While it is not a secret that illegal logging persists, for all we know the woodcarvers described in the story were legitimate.

The sidestory about the cutting of trees (or was it woodcarving) was very out of place, lacked substance and maliciously added to sensationalize the article which, I believe, could have been more effective without it. The stakeholders in the tree planting endeavor made a commendable feat and should have been given due credit. Unfortunately, their effort was tainted by unnecessary injection of sensationalism.

PDI never learns. Just last week, an issue carried an article about Jim Paredes where he was headlined to have given up hope in the country when he immigrated to Australia. PDI was forced to apologise to Paredes after he slammed the paper for the inaccurate and malicious headline.

Negative stories are not the only ones that sell. I wish PDI treated the tree planting story with positive light, alas, the headline ruined it all.

Singapore Idol is a singing competition

2006-08-24T01:29:00.000-07:00

Singapore Idol is down to its last six contestants with the judges bracing for another surprise, erm, disappointment. Why, last week we saw the exit of Mathilda Da Silva, who was one of the decent idol-wannabe while the obviously weakest singers but girl-magnet clowns - Joakim Gomez and Paul Twohill - stood firm. As it is, the lot are lacking talent of international caliber, even the promising Hady Mirza, who consistently stirs the crowd with his clean vocals and edgy performances, does not come out unique and exceptional. The judges are raving over Jonathan Leong's distinct tone, however, his performances so far have been mediocre and at one point over-the-top. He cannot pull off a stirring performance like Hady, and his otherwise unique vocal quality lacks dynamics. As for Nurul Maideen, she is pretty and stylish and can somehow deliver but she is never competitive and does not seem able to come out with a surprise. Finally, Jasmine Tye, yeah, she is just the female version of Joakim Gomez.

The competition is not surprisingly between Hady Mirza and Jonathan Leong, talent-wise. However, Idol is not a mere showcase of talent but a measure of the ability to get the most votes. Singapore wake up! Or should I say listen up? You don't want to be embarrassed by having a clown as Idol, do you? The TV plugs are right, vote wisely and remember that Singapore Idol, after all, is a singing competition.

we live in an intricate web

2006-08-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

I went to my high school friend's birthday party on Sunday, and I was surprised to learn that he was friends with two people I had met in college. Today my officemate asked me to add him in Friendster where, it turned out, one of his officemates in previous company was also a friend of mine since high school. Then I went surfing over his friends in Friendster and guess what, I found another officemate who had another high school friend of mine in his list, and I supposed they met in college. What's interesting, I am here in Singapore (and, of course, my officemates and those at the birthday party too), while my two high school friends are now in Japan and America respectively, but most of the inter-connections described above happened back home in the Philippines.

I always enjoy discovering this kind of connections among people. It is amazing to see how tiny threads of life are sewn together by circumstances, notwithstanding how far in the world people have gone to or how far back in time the connection had been made.

Majulah Singapura!

2006-07-28T01:20:00.000-07:00

I've been living in Singapore for almost three months now, perhaps a very short time to get acquainted with everything there is, yet a pretty good time to come up with my observations. Before coming down here, I am loaded with very high expectations of Singapore, being one of the roaring 'tigers' in Asia in recent decades.

I was flown in by Tiger Airways from Clark Airport, my first take on a 'budget airline'. At the arrival, I was initially disappointed because I thought we were landing at the same terminal as when I came here last year for a transit to London. In no time I learned, from the huge graffiti on the walls, that we were inside the brand new Budget Terminal. Oh, alright.

But then I immediately got impressed as the entire complex was very modern and spacious. Only three months in operation, the terminal had glistening walls and floors, and the facilities looked polished and barely touched. Though not as big and sophisticated as the other terminal in Changi airport, it was far superior in every aspect than from where I departed. Certainly didn't hurt at all since I got only 8000 pesos to spare for the airfare.

Getting on to the taxi from the arrival was effortless, with the ride soon turning into a delightful treat for the eyes. The sight of the tree-lined boulevards, neatly mowed grasses in large open spaces, and the panorama of the towering skyscrapers that stood at the heart of the city is truly refreshing, and a welcome respite from the urban blight that I have been used to. Much to my liking, there are pockets of garden everywhere, which makes Singapore truly a garden city.

In just a few days I've learned how to get around through public transport. The trains are clean and fast but often too crowded. Efficient and fast too are the buses, but which I somehow find unfamiliar. The bus routes are coded by numbers, and finding the bus stop nearest to my destination requires some research on the internet. The bus stops are quite far apart and the waiting time just kills me.

Eating places are everywhere with food choices mostly Chinese, Indian and Malay. For the penny-pinching like me, I prefer to eat at hawker centers, which allows me to enjoy local dishes without paying a tidy sum. These resto joints, always packed and lively, are reminiscent of the 'turo-turo' but with wider variety and uhm, better quality. In up-scale malls, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Western food are also common.

So much has been said and written about how clean, orderly and dynamic Singapore is. Sure it is, and there is no more need to expound. But perhaps I would underscore how life is made easy by the neatly built sidewalks, bus stop shelters and footbridges - structures that I use everyday.

Which brings me to the lingua franca - English, which is widely spoken in this multi-ethnic city. Singaporeans have an excellent command in English, in fact, it almost comes natural to them. I can see locals being interviewed in the news and they answer in straight English without faltering. Forgive me now if I must sound meanie, but despite their proficiency, it remains a challenge sometimes to make out the words spoken, because the intonation is still unmistakably Chinese.

Let me wrap this up with the weather, which so far has not been a problem apart from the rain that pours down in mornings, as it sets a very gloomy and lethargic mood, then makes me feel I can use some tissue. But no worries because Singapore does not experience devastating earthquakes and is not visited by destructive typhoons. How lucky can this tiny nation get?

In sum, I find Singapore very interesting that I intend to learn more about its famed tourist spots, the people and their way of living, and even their challenges and outlook into the future. Simply, this won't be the last time you'll hear about Singapore.

X-Men: The Last Stand Review

2006-06-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

After hours of idling away reading news and Wikipedia a new thought finally popped out - a personal take on the X-Men: The Last Stand. It debuted last weekend as one of the biggest opening ever and managed to eclipse the two previous outings, notwithstanding critical reviews. The huge turnout was not a surprise at all owing to the Phoenix saga, where the film plot premised on, as one of the most successful
storylines ever written in comic book history. Much anticipation was built up and much disappointment sprang out as well, mostly with the plot being somewhat unfaithful to the original.

Like for instance, did I hear it right or were they playing a different X-Men soundtrack? It just didn't sound like the signature intro.

Cyclops, for the second time around since X2: United, was reduced to useless, when he should have been the team commander only next to Professor Xavier. What's with the emo, Cyclops? Everyone had moved on. Then Jaggernaut and Professor X were supposedly half-brothers, but the movie never featured even a bit of indication to that effect. Angel or Warren Worthington was one of the good additions to the roster, but as one of the original X-Men member, he should have been given a major
part.

And what can you say about the dreadful face off between the team of Magneto, Juggernaut, Pyro and Phoenix (a Class 5 mutant) and a band of unknown mutants against Wolverine, Iceman, Beast, Colossus, Shadowcat, and Storm with only the powerless soldiers armed with plastic guns as backup? Methinks that was no match, even if you count Leech and Angel into the good guys.

Where is the fiery, as in fire, aura of Phoenix she manifested under the deep waters in the previous film?

And why do they keep killing the mutants, with Professor X the biggest casualty?! Well, of course, in the clip after the credits you may have inferred otherwise.

There are many other 'disappointments' if I dwell even on the details, as with Wolverine's height (he's only 5 feet 2 inches!). But an X-Men fan that I am, I must admit, I enjoyed the film whose plenty of mutant power action made up for the poor script. X-Men Part 4 may not be in the offing anytime soon, but with Wolverine the movie now in the pipeline the X-Men lives on!

philippine bad boy

2005-11-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

President Arroyo rightly branded the Philippine media as 'bad boy', what with its propensity to banner prominently too much shocking headlines in front pages and TV newscasts, while relegating more favorable stories, albeit banner story worthy, to news feature and business sections. Broadsheet dailies are abound with sensationalized headlines and editorialized news while TV anchors deliver the news in a rattling fashion like declaring an exingent national crisis. Often, the negative issues and offensive pronouncements of concerned people are played up more than the bright side of an otherwise positive news.

I surmise President Arroyo does not wish the media to keep silent about controversies, scandals and corruption nor does she intend to wrest praises for the achievements of the government, rather I read her statements as merely to encourage the media to splash as much positive stories if only to bouy up our spirits and help invigorate the economy.

The media, whether or not do accept it, have grossly pitched in to the encroaching climate of hopelessness throughout the nation as supported by a recent survey that suggests people find our media too negative. Even some members of the media themselves have echoed President Arroyo's sentiments.

I say that the Philippine media is bedazzled by a false tenet that its foremost role is to guard against government offenses. While it is true that the media is a significant tool in exposing anomalies in the government, it is secondary to providing balanced, objective news.

I hope the media, instead of acting like brats by taking the President's tirades as an attack on its freedom, would look within and find ways to bring up its quality.

twenty-five

2005-02-15T22:35:00.000-08:00

Already 25 but yet to get on his first ever plane ride, I almost feel mortified with this admission. So just imagine my delight when my flight has been confirmed and the ticket handed over to me.

It's not just the plane ride I'm in raptures about but also the prospect of finally being able to hang around some unfamiliar places, even possibly experiencing cooler climes. I'm certain that I share with many this dream to be able to travel around. Finding some sort of a dawn to that dream is really fortunate, and I can't imagine of a more amazing start than a trip to the biggest European capital - London!

I'm almost feeling like I'm off to a wonderful holiday when the real deal is I'm about to embark upon a five-week official work assignment. But don't get me wrong, because I'm as thrilled to see Big Ben and Thames River as I am eagerly anticipating rubbing shoulders with British blokes and ladies.

At the Heathrow Airport in London, I'm totally flabbergasted as I twitch my head to the right, left and wherever. Why, our own Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Terminal 1, has seemingly become like a well-preserved museum to me. Though not as immense as the Hong Kong International Airport, which has been the first and only stop in our roughly 13-hour flight, the Heathrow Airport isn't any less impressive and astounding. Now I blame myself for wishing at one point that the opening of NAIA Terminal 3 be delayed for a few more months lest I miss seeing the interiors of Terminal 1 forever!

Don't worry, I've since promised never to make a wish of that sort again.

If I misled you into thinking that I'm going to spend my 5-week "retreat" in London, my apologies then. I'm actually lodging two-hour bus ride away from bustling London, to the north that is, right over in lovely Cambridge. So that neck-breaking episode at the airport is the most intimate I can get with London... for now, because I have to wait three full weeks before I officially jot London in my been-there-list.

Discovering

Cambridge, like I am told by the Lonely Planet travel book, is the most beautiful university town in England. Despite its laid-back and serene air, it sure is cosmopolitan.

Cambridge is also renowned as England's biking capital. A bike lane in every major road with hundreds of bikes plying on the street day in and out perhaps does it. But at first take on the bike to the supermarket I'm not certain if I enjoy it a great deal, what with the cold gust of winter wind which renders my face numb that I can barely move my lips, and fingers rigid that I almost can't snatch the brakes.

Just about everything here, foremost the weather, is different from what I'm used to back home. The roads and cars (right-hand drive/keep left is insane!), houses and buildings (which largely attest how they value history), the people and their language (though they speak English, it isn't like everyone back home speaks English at all times, with British accents at that), food (sorry not so fantastic), shopping center, supermarket (blimey, I bag my own groceries while the cashier looks on til I stuff them all in?), tv (satellite tv rocks!), workplace, sunrise/sunset (it's already bloody dark at 3 pm!), plants, animals and even lowly pests (a squirrel frolicking on the sidewalk is a common thing whereas a single ant is utterly non-existent in our apartment), and I can go on and on. Discovering that mix of trivial and grand things around is indeed what makes traveling most exciting for me.

Good thing I'm with colleagues who've been here before, at least I don't need to struggle through everything thus avoid looking so ignorant... I hope. Which reminds me, I'm the lone first-timer here while they've seen it all - London included. Huh, so what if I hang out in London by myself and no one to take my pictures? Oh no!

Surprise

Alas, I barely need to talk them into joining me in my first trip to London since the bus fare is a paltry one quid (British pound) only!

As we spend the weekend in London I've finally come to see its most enduring attractions - the Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Millenium Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower Bridge - all these have been glorified by millions of tourists time and again.

They're all magnificent all right.

I don't know but it's not those grandiose structures that fascinated me most. Maybe because I've seen them all in books and tv, only to find out the actual thing is really nothing different. London, luckily, doesn't seem to run out of surprises.

St. James Park, with its vast green lawn replete with daffodills amid towering trees, and the almost natural-looking lake filled with swans, pelicans and other species of bird, provides a much much prettier sight. Like the Rizal Park in Manila, it is situated in the heart of London, providing spectacular views of the Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

Now, if by chance you get to hear "tube" from Londoners, it's likely they're not talking about a piece of women's apparel or that box at home we get glued to. It could simply just be the Underground - or the 14 criss-crossing lines of super-fast trains underneath the whole city! Geez, all the while I thought the MRT Ayala station was the coolest!

Since there's a subway station nearby in almost every major spot, going around the city is unbelievably a breeze, not to mention enjoyable. What's more, the footpaths are wide and clear, I can practically walk my way to anywhere!

Thames River, which cuts across London, is the entrancing counterpart of our Pasig River. Its either banks are the site of the Tower Bridge, London Eye and the majestic Houses of Parliament. It beats me though how the British could keep theirs clean while we are oblivious to all the rubbish adrift in ours, when both rivers play host to the respective nation's seat of government.

Bloody mess

While I'm into it, I must say that the British have easily won my admiration, owing it to their palpable cordiality and courtesy towards others -- which are most evident on the road. At the right traffic signal, you could step on the "zebra" line without fear of being rammed down by a speeding vehicle. It's because the rules here are respected, unlike in Manila where drivers and pedestrians crassly ignore them altogether.

While comparing Manila with London, or the British with the Filipino for that matter, may not quite suit anyone's taste, I'll brave to utter the obvious -- that our capital, where even simple pleasures such as walking could be arduous, is sooo dysfunctional.

Well, I'm just a single dot in this world that pants for better things.

experiencing banaue

2004-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

From the saddle point the rice terraces is still nowhere in sight, why it's right behind the next mountain! The view here though is fantastic! Thick clouds hovering mountain ranges, stiff cliffs leading down to thick forest and huge boulders. This is where our trek to the cottage, from which point the view is supposedly even more magnificent, begins. Everyone gears up for the more than an hour walk down and up the hills. But hold it down, guys! First things first... photo-op! As a serious photo hobbyist (I immediately bought a digicam upon learning about this Banaue trip!), I willingly took most of our pictures. My camera is so cool I'm whining no more about its tag. We then set out right after. The sun is still blazing but nobody's complaining... yet.

The first 50 meters is easily the most challenging part of the stretch. We have to climb down on a slope of about 40 to 50 degrees. Luckily I'm sporting a medium-sized backpack, it is a breeze for me. No sweat either for Weng, Shella and Chiqui who are carrying large bags like they're gonna stay 'til next week. Along the way we bump into some local and foreign tourists, who politely greet us with a warm hello. I figured that simple gesture has been like a norm among trekkers. It's dry all around so we don't have to worry about slippery and muddy soil. Plus most of the path are already paved with either cement or solid stones, making the whole trek manageable! What we really have to deal with is our breath because the up and down trek could really get you gasping for. Shella however can’t keep up with the pace of the rest. I’m not sure if it’s her legs or breath, probably both. Dennis generously lends a hand by carrying her bag. Before Shella could pass out, we reach our cottage, and we rejoice over what we have witnessed. A magnificent view indeed!

No time is wasted as everyone instantly takes out their cameras and starts to point-and-shoot. The Batad rice terraces looks exactly as in the postcards, I'm so glad I get to see it for real at last. The fields are covered with knee-length palay leaves. With the sun directly overhead it renders a glowing green effect! So I took and took photos of my friends who pose at the foreground of the terraces. Whoa but hey, why do I let their sweaty faces fill my camera? At once I hand over the cam, toss off the bag, put the shades on, reverse the cap, and cheese!

At the cottage we get ready for yet another hour-long trek - to Tapia falls. Barely able to rest, we head off again but with most of our things left behind in the cottage except our cameras, of course, bathing suits, flashlights, some trail food and water. The path to Tapia falls turns out to be more difficult than the previous trek. We must cross the terraces along its edges or sidesteps, which isn't any wider than a balance beam. I instantly remembered that I'm afraid of heights! The height between each step of the terraces is by the way comparable to a one-story bungalow. So it's no joke if you fall off, to bear a few fractured bones is the luckiest you can get.

I can now hear people grumbling out of exhaust and strain. Shella is so worn-out I figure she wouldn't resist any offer to carry her. Rocel and Des are struggling too with the slopes. While the rest of the ladies - Chiqui, Iris, Jannice, and Belle are cruising past the terraces without as much difficulty. The boys are predictably faring better, no one’s complaining. Except that every time I sense that I’m far above the ground I feel like I’m about to tumble. I don’t know how Jeff and Dennis could still manage to take pictures!

Soon everyone is so thrilled to finally make it to the falls after that grueling trek. I feel wonderful and blown away because it’s my first time to see a falls, surely the others feel the same way too. The water is extremely cold that only Weng, Jannice and Chiqui dare to plunge into the water. The rest either dip only their legs or shy away from the water at all.

And yes time again for another photo-op! Jannice and Iris glee in front of the camera at every opportunity. Des poses atop a big rock as though in a yoga, then Dennis and Fred follow suit. Weng struts his belly while Chiqui is soaked wet like a viva hot babe. Thanks to my tripod, we are able to take a group photo with all fourteen of us in it. Our little picnic at the falls is cut short when Ron and Dennis call out to pack up. Oh c’mon, you’re spoiling the fun! I find it a little crazy because we’re really having great fun. With hesitation we decide to set off. Gotta follow our lead or else...

Ron and Dennis are worried we might get caught in the dark on our way back. And they are absolutely right! We haven’t gone very far when darkness quickly falls. Alas I don’t have a flashlight Ron has to lend me his. It also helps that the moon isn’t in hiding tonight. I’m really nervous as we walk along the ledges of the rice fields. So nervous that I want to crawl my way back to the cottage! I am extra careful with every step yet I hit the jackpot! Twice! It’s definitely in vain as my right foot slips into the thick mud. My consolation is that I didn’t lose my footing to the left which is rather dreadful. Jannice is in front of me and I truly admire her balance, she even walks without a flashlight. Everybody is very tired now especially Shella who I suppose is dead beat by now.

As in the previous treks, we all rejoice upon reaching the cottage. Straight away we go to our bedrooms to rest while Shella despite fatigue carries on to prepare dinner along with the diligent ones such as Dennis, Ron and Belle. In the bedroom, Jerry, Weng, Jeff and I are almost dozing off until Jerry comes up with a wacky game – dugtungan! Iris and Jannice come in to join us. Weng, feeling groggy, can’t keep up with the game. We must be laughing very loud that Ron takes notice. He says we’re bothering people in the other rooms so we ought to end it all.

It is a quick dinner. Weng, who falls fast asleep after the game, skips dinner. Up again in the other bedroom, I’m having a little chat with Rocel, Des, Iris and Dennis. The girls then ask me to treat them with a little massage work. I oblige and it comes off very well because they feel good about it! Nice. As the night wears on, we all gather in the other room for the socials. Weng is still missing while Shella, though present, is already sound asleep. Our gathering brings us to a game… what else but dugtungan! In this game a few hush hush come out but ours to keep. It’s already early Sunday morning yet we’re unfazed until somebody, turns out it’s the landlady, yells at us from outside the window! Again, we’re apparently bothering other people at this late hour so we decide to call it a night.

Back in our room, I lie down on the bed beside Weng who stirs up. Jeff drops off on the floor at once. A few minutes later Jerry falls into his own slumber also on the floor as Weng sinks back to sleep. The night is so nasty for me though, I feel very sleepy yet I’m fully sober. I’m also upset about the weather which isn’t as chilly as I hope it to be, even as we’re in the midst of the mountains. Shortly, the rain pours down which eventually brings a cool breeze. Deep silence ensues outside after the rain dies down. But inside the room, I'm tossing and turning and all, trying my best to doze off while drowning into the harsh snores that fill up the whole room.

bus busted

2004-05-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone is charged up at the bus station. My friends and I barely made it at our rendezvous as we beat the horrendous Friday night traffic in the city. Not long after we settled down, the bus hits the road for what seems to be a long drowsy journey to Banaue. Cool.

There is Dennis, one of our leads in this mountain trek. But what's with the hair, man? Then there's Des, are you in or are you out? Ron, the other lead, and Belle, you are so sweet together. I hope you both get stung by a swarming bees. Oh Shella, you're the most beautiful lola in the bus. How could they call you Mary Walter? Ang ganda ng lola mo. I heard Chiqui's in cloud nine as she's gone first base in the heart's game. You're not envious of her, right Rocel? Step aside Gary V, Weng is in the house! Hataw na! Iris, sorry but you got no chance in heaven to sit anywhere but beside Fred, who I notice has lost much weight from that trip to the Meiji land! Ain't so bad, you know. Are you starstuck yet, Jannice? I see you drooling like crazy over Rainier aka Jeff. Oh Jerry you don't seem too happy today, c'mon sit beside me and I'll see what I can do. Finally Json... Are you gay?

Long and drowsy journey it is but not exactly unbearable, until misfortune creeps its way on us hardly a tenth through our trip. At the first stopover the driver blurts out the bad news - our bus couldn't get on with the long drive anymore because of a compressor problem, so we all have to transfer to another bus. Whew! It isn't much of a hassle only the rescue bus would come right from where we have departed two hours ago. I see that all the excitement in us is swiftly draining altogether! Trying to be calm and holding up whatever excitement is left, we while away the time at the videoke bar across the street. Weng and Dennis gamely hit some tunes, while the others including me are content watching starlets strut their wares on the tv screen. It's amazing nobody blew their top on this unwelcome delay! Everyone's careful not to spoil the night.

Alas the rescue bus arrives, I am ready to rejoice! But if ever there is a time to scream s**t out loud, it is when I saw the bus - no air conditioning, dilapidated and all. Although it's dark outside I'm not a bit crazy about travelling on that kind of bus especially that we're a only a few hours ahead of the scorching summer sun. Fine! We're off to a real adventure, I figured. Isn't this what we've come for? So let's get it on.

We hit the road anew and the excitement starts to build up once again. As expected the sun catches up on us we can't do anything about it. By now some are aleady wide awake and enjoying the sceneries on the countryside while others still sunk in sleep. I didn't have enough sleep myself last night but I couldn't pass up the chance to behold the greens while the bus snake through up the mountains. The cold wind makes me forget the whole mess last night. I feel everybody's anticipation growing as we pass by town after town.

We reach the terminal right on time for lunch. We fill our tummies lightly at a restaurant not very far, with a couple of new friends we have met in the bus, and who we learned are seeking to reach the same destination. But hey, who says the journey has ended? We're yet to reach our final destination, that is, Batad, where the famed rice terraces are located. With a jeep, off we go to the saddle point, where we are bound to work up our legs and feet.