Triple Espresso Shots

Unless You Read My Blog

2012-02-14T22:10:00.003+08:00

You'll never know that I was the one who snuck up at 7am in the office...

that I never felt this happy when I saw you excitedly smiling when I returned at 8:35am...

that I had to act like I didn't have any idea on who placed that special surprise on your desk, and I had to deny that it was me...

and that I had to keep my face blank when suddenly, 3 DOZENS of pink Tulips arrived at around 10am, from HIM...

and that I had to keep smiling and agreeing when you told me you loved his bouquet more because it's more expensive, the "first one" looks like fake Tulips and as if it was just bought in Dangwa.

If you only knew.

We Won't Fade Into Darkness

2012-02-06T22:33:00.002+08:00

This is Zone Magazine's last issue under Adrian Gonzales. Words won't do justice to what they did to this issue, so i'll let the pages speak for itself.

The one page that had me staring for more than 3 minutes is below. I'm currently having a severe obsession to this work by Ariel Magyawe. It's freedom at the expense of others. Very powerful work! I wish I can have my own copy so I can hang it on my wall:)) It's like the artist crafted my feelings or something!

For me, art has always been an escape - from the bitter reality and from the delusion that everything is alright. It serves as a refuge, but more effectively, it disturbs us. We won't fade into darkness thanks to art, thanks to Zone Magazine.

You can check out the full issue HERE.

Feeling Empty?

2012-02-05T22:58:00.000+08:00

Help me calm myself down! I have been jumping and kicking out of excitement (must be the caffeine) on what is about to happen in April! I had a meeting earlier with the professional team who'll fix the site and they gave me really good suggestions on how the site can be more viral. I'm putting all my lifetime worth of savings on this one!

Why April? Well, the website will be launched back in April 8 together with the unveiling of the billboard in Boni Avenue. It is also my birthday which falls on an Easter Sunday. The date is 04-08-12 and the numbers look perfect!

All I need to do is make sure we get the right permits for the billboard, shoot more ads and assemble a new team for Manila Kid. Whew! Easier said than done. But as Steve Jobs said, "If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don't have to be pushed. The vision pulls you."

We're building a new team for ManilaKid.com

In a society where it is easier not to care and just settle like everyone else, at least we stood up and dared the youth to be different, to make a move, to dream a little more! Join us.

The Exercise for a Happy Death

2012-02-05T15:31:00.000+08:00

Back in high school, we used to say this prayer, Exercise for a Happy Death, in our morning assemblies every month. I find it creepy that we had to recite the prayer because we were all so young and the last thing that came to our minds was the thought of someone dying. The concept of a happy death is very philosophical but also practical (yes those two words are light years away). It's about finding satisfaction with the purpose you are set forth.

I was reviewing the blog of a friend earlier and I happened to come across one of his articles that revolves around the concept of a Happy Death. Allow me to share it to you guys (without his permission, yet). Although it may be a long read, there's really wisdom in it!

-------------------------------------

Someone asked, “what is a happy death?”

On your deathbed,

Is it being able to say, “Ah, look at all the fortune I have amassed in my life. I am rich beyond what I can spend. And today I will leave.”

Is it being able to say, “Ah, I have been famous all my life. People have idolized me, screamed at my presence, stampeded to get a glimpse of me. And today I will leave.”

Or is it being able to say, “I have done everything I wanted to do. I have partied, had as much drugs, sex, and alcohol I could. And today I will leave.”

Or finally, is it being able to say, “I have served my master faithfully throughout my life. I have done what I had to do, and I have been who I had to be. Today I will leave.”

The last is honestly the ugliest. There is nothing in the last scene to suggest that the person lived a happy life. The words “served”, “had to do”, “had to be” seem terrible to say on your deathbed. Compared to the last, the first three seemed to have lived for themselves happy lives. The last scene, however, seemed to be a wastage, for in the singular chance that he was given to live his life, he gave it up to serving his master. To do what he “had to do”, be who he “had to be”. He would have been better off living like the first three, amassing large amounts of wealth, earning as much popularity as he could, or enjoying as much as this world could offer. The three must have had truly happy deaths.

Or would they? After those last words, a lingering question that might have been haunting them throughout their lives might be shoved into them as their last thought, in the naked honesty of death.

The lingering question is: Why?

And if it were so, that the question would be their last thought, to me those wouldn’t be happy deaths, but tragedies. After the wealthy man says his last words, the question will appear in his thought as his last, and regardless whether there is after-life, it is perceivable to think that this last moment will torture him for all eternity.

“Why?” I have amassed all this wealth. Why? In this singular chance to live life, Why? Why wealth? For one can be a household name, and many could fall in love with him, but his popularity will not be able to answer the lingering question. One could have all the temporary happiness that can be obtained in this world, but in his deathbed, when the question has come to judge him, he will have had nothing to show. “Why” for the rich, when death will only make clear that his possessions are meaningless. “Why” for the popular, when he will eventually be forgotten, and even if he is remembered, he could not possibly be able to enjoy his name being mentioned or worshiped when he goes to wherever he will go on his death. “Why” for the party-addict, and truly why, for there is no conceivable reason or meaning in the manner he lived his life, aside from being incessantly dependent on external things to make him happy.

Some say true happiness is not temporary, nor dependent, but deep, and long-lasting. Others say that true happiness lies in finding things like purpose, reason, and meaning. In other words, finding the answer to “Why?”

Others, however, propose that happiness is doing what one wants to do, being who one wants to be. One’s purpose, reason, and meaning doesn’t seem to necessarily be what a person would want to do all his life. One’s purpose, reason, and meaning seems to be in the realm of what one “has to do”, or “has to be.” It would be easier to think that a happy death would be being able to say “I have done what I wanted to do, been who I wanted to be” - which is closer to the first three cases, and in stark contrast to what the last case said, “done what I had to do, been who I had to be”.

Which of the two, then, would be a happy death? Being able to look back at life and saying “I have done what I wanted to do and been who I wanted to be?” or “I have done what I had to do and been who I had to be?” The answer is both.

And being both is only possible, if somehow the purpose, reason, or meaning, is also what the person wants. If purpose, reason, and meaning is not necessarily one’s choosing, then how could one adopt these as if it were what one chose? We look at two examples:

An employee working for a boss, doing what he has to do, but only for the pay. He would not necessarily want what he has to do, but merely the pay.

Parents working, cooking, washing the clothes, dishes, house, waking up in the middle of the night to change diapers, for their children. The actions might not be at first their choosing, and they might not at first necessarily want these things, but curiously, they choose to wholeheartedly do it; what they had to do were desirable and of their choosing, therefore what they wanted, without any pay or grade or benefit to them as a person, the only persons benefiting being their children. Why?

Because they loved their children.

It seems, then, that there is one thing that could bind the two scenarios, wanting to do and having to do: Love.

It is through love that one might want to do what one has to do.

Even without benefiting from it.

Thus, the happy death is when a dying person is able to say: “Ah, I have served my master faithfully throughout my life. I have done what I had to do, and I have been who I had to be” and at the same time mean, “I have done what I wanted to do, and I have been who I wanted to be. Today I will leave.”

because, when the lingering question has shown itself again in his thought at the moment of death…

he is able to calmly answer as his last thought, and therefore for all eternity:

“I love You."

One Brotherhood, One Gathering

2012-02-05T14:54:00.001+08:00

I was shocked when Bro. Juvelan told me that he saw a group of people from Laguna who went to Don Bosco as early as 9am to look for our products! The event was supposed to start at around 6pm so we went there to set up at around 5pm. Our whole team was overwhelmed that even before we brought out our products, people came over asking for the jackets!

Below is a picture of how long the line was even before we started selling. People were buying in bulks! In DB Makati, we sold out in 2 hours, but for DB Manda, the jackets were gone in just 20 mins! We were very much sorry for the people who traveled far just to buy our merchandise. We promise to stock more in the next events!

I love that I was able to study in an all boys school. You can really feel the brotherhood: there's a certain commonality that I share with these people regardless if they are 20 or 30 years older than me. Even though technology has changed the environment, the core similarities are still present, like maybe the constant search for something fun, daring and stupid thing to do.

Who doesn't love twins!? This is one of my favorite photos of the night!

One of the highlights of the event was when the sponsoring batch gathered in the stage to sing their alma mater song. You can see that all of them are beaming. Probably memories of distant past are running in their heads while singing the song. Maybe I'm still too young to appreciate that, it will come with age.

They also gave batch 1962 recognition! It has been 50 years since they graduated from high school! Imagine that! They did not forget to say a prayer to their batchmates who passed away.

I wonder how it's going to feel 25 years after my high school graduation? That's only less than 20 years from now, but I already miss my high school. It was more carefree back then, and maybe I had a better appreciation of the simpler things in life. I miss being just stupid and without having responsibilities to tie me down. Maybe if I'm rich enough, I'll organize an event where my batchmates and I can spend a day wearing our school uniforms and relearning the lessons we had with the same teachers. Who knows...

Weekly Boosts of Inspiration

2012-02-04T13:40:00.000+08:00

After graduation, I promised that whichever direction I went, my appetite for life won't be killed. It's more challenging than I expected especially after getting employed (of all the industries available out there) in a (gasps) bank - the summit of corporate slavery. In Cebu, one of my friends asked, "masaya ba sa bank?" and I said yes. Then Justin tactlessly blurted out, "linoloko mo lang sarili mo." That really affected me up to now.

Yesterday, I went to the Ateneo Development Sector job fair. I wasn't exactly looking for a new job since I was just there to support my friend's NGO, but I was fortunate enough to meet Dave who works for this US firm that provides corporate social responsibility solutions to multinationals like HP. It's more than just good corporate image because these multinationals are slowly realizing that if they'd help efforts like poverty reduction and environmental protection, it will greatly benefit them in the long run.

Two years ago, he was referred to by one of his college professors who's also into corporate social responsibility. I told Dave that his job was to die for! "It's like working for Anna Wintour!" (without the fashion). I didn't know what I meant by that but I was really thrilled to hear a guy who's involved in really making a difference with the support of a big firm.

I have to make the most of this dire situation (well, not that dire since I'm also involved in three more fulfilling initiatives), but I don't want to have the risk of having the bank drain all my inspiration and appetite for life. So every week, I'm challenging myself to look for something inspirational may it be through plays, movies, finishing a book, traveling or meeting very random people.

Going back to the Ateneo yesterday reminded me of how much I really loved passion. I'm not sure if that's even possible but I can't think of a more concrete definition. It's not enough to say I'm just passionate (because I might have overused that word). It also made me realize that the world has so much to offer. It may not be possible to embrace all of it, but at least we should try to get the best of it (relative to who we are.)

More Love from Cebu

2012-02-04T10:31:00.001+08:00

It's been three weeks since that fateful Sinulog trip and you can't imagine how much I miss swimming in the beach with the whale sharks (we did with three of these amazing creatures!), drinking while walking in the streets and bathing ourselves in beer while dancing to some really good Republiq level beats!

When I was hanging out with my high school friend in Cebu, he kept on saying that the sales lady were very slow when processing your payments in the counters. This is the same behavior which I observed with the people there. They were all taking there time, not a lot of people are in a rush like what we see in Metro Manila, especially Makati. Don't get me wrong, it's not the provincial pace I'm talking about since Cebu is still a city. Having lived all my life in Metro Manila, I guess the stress level here is above average compared to the rest of the cities around the country. Maybe the normal stress level is in Cebu.

Anyway, these are some of the photos which I'd like to keep in my blog, for "future references."

Intersection of Artistry and Technology

2012-01-30T12:11:00.004+08:00

I was too sick to go to work today so I spent the first half of my day finishing the biography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, and I can say that the story of Jobs' life knocked me out! He's one hell of a genius whom I know will greatly influence me in my decisions in business and my career.

"Was he smart? No, not exceptionally. Instead, he was a genius. His imaginative leaps were instinctive, unexpected, and at times magical. He was indeed, an example of what the mathematician Mark Kac called a magician genius, someone whose insights come out of the blue and require intuition more than a mere mental processing power. Like a pathfinder, he could absorb information, sniff the winds, and sense what lay ahead.

Steve Jobs thus became the greatest business executive of our era, the one most certain to be remembered a century fro now. History will place him in the pantheon right next to Edison and Ford. More than anyone else of his time, he made products that were completely innovative, combining the power of poetry and processor. With a ferocity that could make working with him as unsettling as it was inspiring, he also built the world's most creative company. And he was able to infuse into its DNA the design sensibilities, perfectionism, and imagination that make it likely to be, even decades from now, the company that thrives best at the intersection of Artistry and Technology."

- Walter Isaacson

What I find most notable in the book is that Isaacson didn't end it with the death of Steve Jobs.

"I like to think that something survives after you die," he said. "It's strange to think that you accumulate all this experience, and maybe a little wisdom, and it just goes away. So I really want to believe that something survives, that maybe your consciousness endures."
He fell silent for a very long time. "But on the other hand, perhaps it's like an on-off switch," he said. "Click! And you're gone."
Then he paused again and smiled slightly. "Maybe that's why I never liked to put on-off switches on Apple devices."

Business as Usual

2012-01-29T22:39:00.001+08:00

I'm currently writing a business proposal which a new business venture will use to pitch their ideas to potential investors. The first draft will be presented tomorrow so looks like I'll be up all night again. I'm excited and nervous at the same time because I must make sure that these investors will buy the idea, which is very good by the way. We're talking about millions here!

I'm also very excited for Manila Kid. Earlier this morning, I met with JC and JM to suggest some revisions for the outline and format of our book. It will be more convenient for us and our readers this time. More importantly, we discussed the possibility of having to outsource the re-creation of our website. I'll be meeting with a group of programmers next Saturday to plan it out! They are very professional, Ayala is one of their clients!

We're also joining an entrepreneurial contest which is sponsored by Gawad Kalinga. Winning this would mean so much since we'll have an opportunity to pitch our ideas to angel investors. There's also that half a million cash prize to fund our idea! We have the best people working on our team and even though I'm their unofficial member (since this contest is for students), I wanna make sure that I will still give my hundred percent in this task.

My dad went to Quezon province last week to check on the land which we'll develop for my bamboo farm. The feasibility study is on its way and I'm interested on how much capital I need to invest in this one. Promised returns are after probably 5 years pa, but I'm definite it is a worthwhile investment (as predicted by experts). Aside from bamboos, my dad told me he's planning to plant chili around the area since the guy he hired owns a chili farm in Nueva Ecija.

Finally, I'mABosco has been soaring new heights for the past week! We tried to meet the astronomical demand for the jacket so we pushed our suppliers to really amplify their production. Unfortunately, we were still not able to give everyone the products they deserve. The schedule has been really tight like last Friday, I got the stocks at around 11pm and we had to deliver it at 6am the next day to Makati.

The pictures below were shot in DB Makati hours before the official start of their school fair. I saw some really good merchandise which will be the source of inspiration for the next products of I'mABosco. More importantly, I met this kid whom I feel has really great potential. I have a good eye for talent and one of the guys below has the ability to move mountains! We'll see...

A lot of exiting things are already happening and it's just the start of 2012! I feel that this is going to be another year of breakthroughs and triumphs!

Something About Relationships

2012-01-28T09:51:00.000+08:00

I don't know how I came to realize this but if you're looking for the perfect partner, don't look for someone who has the same personality and shares the same interests as you do. It might work out in the beginning that you like the same music or movie but if you always agree on certain things, your relationship and you as a person won't grow. How?

If your partner is different from you, you'll see each others weaknesses and mistakes. You'll be taken out of your comfort zone and each one will try to "explore" one another's strengths or likes. That will not limit you from visiting the same restaurant or doing the same stupid things.

But this entails sacrifice and humility from both sides. One can't always be a "fixer" of the other because that might signal some unforeseen problems in the long run. I personally hate fixers if they're overdoing it, but it's one of life's "unnecessary evils." If she keeps on telling you what to do, but she doesn't admit her own mistakes, then you might feel like the underdog, and this doesn't produce a healthy relationship.

Humility allows you to empty your cup - the pride that you know a lot of things - so that new interests and habits can enter.

Maybe that's the reason why men and women are made very differently. One exists so that he can complete her. And unless you're a very strong person who can achieve "self actualization" without the help of love hormones, you need to find a partner who can bring out the best in you.

Soleil: Style Your Way to Summer

2012-01-26T22:17:00.001+08:00

Beach parties, bright bikinis, chiseled abs, fashion pomps, outdoor sports, sun tans & Henna tattoos. Get ready for the hottest summer bazaar yet!

Soleil was first held on February 2010 at the Rockwell Tent with over 2000 shoppers. With a well established reputation beyond DLSU, the Business Management Society aims to continue the legacy.

This coming February 25 to 26, 10am to 9pm, Soleil returns once again at the SM Megatrade Hall 2. Be a part of this momentuous event!

Interested to be a tenant? Please contact. Monique Villanueva at 09175195011 or Mary Anne Lu at 09228484480. One call is what it takes - we take care of the rest!

Of Face Paints, Beer-Soaked Shoes and SWAT Raided Parties

2012-01-25T22:38:00.001+08:00

We left the house of Amanda without much clue on what's going to happen during Sinulog. I knew that there will be a parade of floats and street parties everywhere but I didn't expect it to be so wild! Last summer, we spent a night in Boracay where we visited around 7 bars! but that experience was nothing compared to the party in Cebu!

On the way to the main parade street, we passed by a crowd who were in our age level and it was surprising to see that a lot of them were familiar - from college! While we were smeared by paint in our faces, we also felt a shower of cold beer as we were walking. The music was intoxicating and it was impossible to not get into the party mood! Everyone was smiling, raising their hands, swaying, singing and dancing! The mood was so youthfully festive! I felt really alive!

There were people just giving vodka and tequila shots to passersby - especially to hot ladies. For a hundred pesos, you can have your instant beer pong!

Of course, will Sinulog be complete without the lechon just casually served along the streets?

My friends and I really had a great time! The people from high rise buildings were pouring colored water to the people partying below (that's us) Beer was being sprayed and showered everywhere that my clothes and shoes were literally soaked in beer! I'm very particular with the crowd and it's great that the people we partied with are the types you'd find in Republiq and Fiamma!

Night time came and the party went louder. It was a bit dangerous though because there were piles of broken beer bottles just lying around the dancing area. The party was so wild it had to be stopped by the SWAT team! I'm not even kidding! We had to go home when we saw that men in black uniforms carrying riffles arrived. The party music was toned down and was replaced by sirens!

We were dead tired after everything! It's hard to imagine that we had a flight to catch in less than 4 hours. Now I have an additional reason why it's really more fun in the Philippines! Can't wait for Sinulog 2013!!!

Viva Pit Senyor!

2012-01-22T22:00:00.000+08:00

I was in Cebu with my college friends last week, and while everyone was taking a sleep from the previous night's party, I dragged myself to visit the oldest street in the country - Coron. My main intention was to go to Basilica of Sto Ninyo which is the oldest church in the country and houses the first child Jesus statue given by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521.

I've been to the Basilica before when I was in high school, and I actually saw the Sto Ninyo statue. Instead of going there directly, I saw a rather new church so I checked it as well.

The crowd was getting thicker as I ventured further. Finally, I arrived at my target destination and believe me, it's impossible to get in because the crowd was very thick. People were everywhere! I won't be able to distinguish the sweat of the people around me from my own because we were tightly packed together.

I would usually be very irritated, but I'm in Cebu! And how often will you be able to experience this kind of stuff? If Manila has the Black Nazarene feast in Quiapo, Cebu has "Viva Pit Senyo!" I asked one of the locals what Viva Pit Senyor means, but even she doesn't know. Maybe it means "long live little king!"

When visiting Cebu during Sinulog, people often go directly to the beaches or to the street party in Mango Avenue. To really experience the heart of the Philippines' Queen City of the South, a trip to Coron St. is definitely a must! It sure is a struggle to squeeze your way through the crowd, but this is where the action took place almost 500 years ago! And it's unbelievable that the same core of the tradition is still being exercised now.

It's More Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-08T22:46:00.001+08:00

Did my own #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines meme! This was taken when an ecovillage was being built in Nueva Ecija. It's one of the four huts surrounding a mini pond, and I really love what they named it (yes, the hut has a name) - Yakap (embrace).

Standing Up For Something Special

2012-01-08T00:29:00.000+08:00

Some insights came up while I was reading Steve Jobs' biography:

The reason why we're spending so much for a billboard ad for Manila Kid, a campaign that doesn't earn a single cent, is to make people remember that we are still alive and that it still stands for something special.

The brand preceded its capabilities, and maybe we've let a lot of people down with Manila Kid's current state - after being hacked twice. But we continue to build the momentum and it will eventually be great. Just wait for it!

"I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love... The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any other great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle. - Steve Jobs

Xocolat: A Little More Personal

2012-01-07T11:29:00.001+08:00

One of the things that I really miss in Katipunan is the variety of food choices just outside Ateneo. Craving for some Japanese, Mexican, Italian or Persian cuisine? Can't decide whether you'd like to eat in a fatty sisig diner or a gourmet dessert shop? Like SM Supermalls, they've got it all for you!

As far as I remember, there are at least seven coffee shops - three of them are Starbucks - in Katipunan. One of them is Cafe Xocolat which tops my number one comfort place around Metro Manila. Let me site the reasons why:

The Ambiance. Entering Xocolat is like visiting an old friend's house. The outside is lighted by colorful vintage lamps and when you walk in, there's nothing of that standardized seating arrangement you see in most restaurant these days. There's a very personal touch to the furniture evident in the chairs and tables in varied colors and shapes.You'll also see interesting pieces from specially customized paddles to vintage puppets hanging in just one corner waiting to scare an unsuspecting victim. There's also a bookshelf, though I haven't tried asking the people there if I can borrow their books.

The Food. And it's price! It's hard to find a restaurant these days that offers home made quality meals without having an expensive price tag. What makes food in Xocolat stand out? Chocolate. I've heard that all of their meals have at least one chocolate ingredient in it - from pasta to your favorite creamy dory! And when you visit there, don't forget to order Xocolat Chicken Pasta partnered with Tablea de Xocolat - instant classic!

The Crowd. I don't know about you, but when I visit malls, restaurants or any other public places, I consider the people who also go there. The crowd in Xocolat are very relaxed. There's really no solid age block because you'll see students, yuppies and old folks everywhere. What makes them stay there is the atmosphere that's very conducive for long conversations. These are people who just want to sneak away from the noisy highly commercial city and experience something personal.

Wherever you look, Xocolat gives you that extra special personal touch we find so rarely among other public places around the Metro - from the ambiance, to the food and people around you. It's the place where I go if I need to finish and good book, or where I bring my friends to talk about the most random things. Maybe the magic behind Xocolat is that even if it's your first time there, you'll feel immediately welcome to the place - you don't need to adjust, you just have to be yourself.

2011 Wrap Up

2012-01-01T21:15:00.000+08:00

In my last post, I collated memorable photos of the previous year but I realized it doesn't give justice to how amazing 2011 was for me. So here are some of the things I want to remember as I look back at 2011 maybe five to ten years from now.

THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR:

College. I'll miss Ateneo very much - the people, the teachers and the beautiful landscape. I met some of my best friends there and experienced some of my most unforgettable memories with them. I didn't give my best in terms of academics since I wasn't really interested with the grades, but the learning and inspiration I got from Ateneo was enough to fuel my ambition to really be the best, so that others may be inspired to do their best - Magis!

HPAIR. This org allowed me to exercise my creativity and stretched it to its limits. The people I was working with are some of the best in their fields. I was especially proud of Gracie who I know will become a great president of this org soon, and Xea who was a big disappointment because he left HPAIR for ACTM (I kinda expected that), but still continue to reap awards from different marketing competitions. I hoped that he would replace me, but I guess he's more fit in ACTM.

Soya Ice. It was a struggle to spend our weekends trying to make money instead of just resting, but because of Joanne's passion to succeed, I guess our small college business venture lasted longer than other start-up projects. I'm not sure what will happen to Soya Ice in the next months, but I still hope that our team will regroup and come up with another ground breaking business venture!

I'mABosco. When I asked James and Mike to meet me last January, I wasn't sure why I wanted to talk with them. Maybe I just wanted to hear how they started and their plans for I'mAB. Little did I know then that I'll become a part of this image revolution project. I was really very fortunate that they allowed me to join I'mAB (and it came with an expensive investment!) Both of them are really talented and I can't wait what we'll come up with in the next months. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's going to be epic!

Work. "For the jobs that pay the rent!" I used to be there only because of the money. I needed it to sustain Manila Kid and save enough money to start a new business. What kept me there for the last three months were the people, especially Nichelle and Gillian. In terms of values, I learned patience and discipline. More importantly, it taught me the value of hard work, since I guess I've just been lucky all this time.

Manila Kid. Where do I start? Initially, we just wanted to sell shirts. I've got nothing to do after graduation since I still don't want to work, so I kept myself busy thinking of ways on how to give back. The vision is simple - to give our country a new image through the shirts that we make. I realized that the vision cannot just be realized through this so we utilized our strength - blogging - to give our product an edge. People got curious and wanted to help. We got interviewed in TV and radio, people started calling me Manila Kid (which is originally the blogging name of my brother) and it also gave us the opportunity to organize our own fashion show. Although the online magazine suffered two almost fatal blows, we just had to keep moving forward. With a new vision for 2012 - to spark a revolution against the death of passion and idealism in the youth today - Manila Kid will continue to challenge every individual to pursue their dreams, dare to move!

THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO:

I really really want to get an award from CMMA, even just a nomination! It doesn't matter if it's because of our website or the two billboards we're going to make for Manila Kid and I'mABosco. They say awards are just the icing on the cake, but hey, a guy can dream right?

I want our book project to be halfway written.

More advertisers for ManilaKid.com!

New business which I'll start with either my team from I'mAB or my mom.

Expand our market for I'mAB to Pampanga and Cebu (add Tarlac and Laguna if possible)

Moving into my new apartment which I'll get to design.

A girl that I can introduce to my friends not necessarily as my girlfriend, but as a special someone;)

2011 in Pictures

2011-12-31T15:57:00.000+08:00

One Day

2011-12-31T01:16:00.000+08:00

One more day till 2012 - the year which they say will be the end of the world as we know it. Coincidentally, I just finished watching the film One Day. No, this won't be a film review or some philosophical analysis of present implications of the film.

It's just that something weird happened very recently and I'm not sure how to react. I'm not even sure if a reaction is solicited. Like what I said to a friend, it's more of a natural reaction than a choice. So while watching Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess smooching over stunning backdrops, I can't keep my mind off that certain event. Don't worry, it's meant to be vague. I'm also really confused.

The poster above reminds me of a photo I just hung in my room by Alfred Eisenstaedt taken in 1945 (below). Beautiful, isn't it? It came from LIFE's The Classic Collection which contains iconic ready-to-frame photos in around six by eight inches big. I immediately bought a frame for it and now it's hanging in my room. I can't even take my eyes off it.

Cheers to 2012! For a new year, and a new life!

Last Stretch Before 2012

2011-12-27T22:51:00.000+08:00

It's 10:38pm and I just ate dinner after coming from a meeting in Starbucks Shaw. I'm not sure if committing myself to many ventures will do me good in the long run because I'm exhausting myself too much, but I kinda enjoy the good stress it brings.

Sorry for ranting like a 12 y/o girl but to give you a picture of how my 2011 will end, here are some of my current concerns: we have 60 hours before the Manila Kid billboard shoot and still no pegs; we still have no final supplier for the jackets to be released this January, still no confirmed speaker for a seminar on the same month and deadline for the chapter outlines for our book is due on Friday. Apart from that, I go to work from 8:30-5:30 everyday.

Usually after formal working hours, people go home and rest or hang out with their friends. I kinda forgotten what's it like to have a concern-free evening. Even when I'm about to sleep, I always think of the deadlines and possible ways to go around them more efficiently.

Anyway, I just saw an Anna Wintour special last night in Bloomberg and I admire her determination and brilliance. I hope to replicate her work ethics someday! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Keep those challenges coming!

Carpe Diem before 2012!!!

Keep Mindanao Warm

2011-12-21T09:08:00.000+08:00

We’re collecting BLANKETS and SLIPPERS to keep the 22,000 displaced families in Northern Mindanao warm.

We all have old blankets that we can always give away, while a pair of slippers priced at 80 pesos will mean so much to someone.

Bring old blankets, a pair of slippers, or cash donations (in sealed envelopes) to any of our drop off points between December 21-23 and we will take care of getting your gifts to Northern Mindanao.

DropOff Points:
-XANLAND CONDOMINIUM, KATIPUNAN. When dropping off the donations at the table of the guard please label them with your name and specify that they’re for ANNA SAN PEDRO at UNIT P15

-ROTI JUNCTION FOOD STALL at ATENEO BELARMINE FIELD during the Simbang Gabi. These donations can be made any time between 6-10 pm.

VALLE VERDE 5. Please text 0917-537-9475 for the exact address

On DECEMBER 22 THURSDAY between 1-5pm, you can also drop off your donations at COFFEE BEAN AND TEA LEAF, ALABANG TOWN CENTER. Please text 0917-919-8111 once you’re there.

For any concerns text 0917-537-9475 .

Please help us keep the victims of Typhoon Sendong warm by reposting and sharing this message with your friends!

Merry Christmas!

On Fire

2011-12-20T22:30:00.001+08:00

Haven't got one drop of caffeine in my blood but my heart has been racing the whole day because of what will happen tomorrow! I won't even go to work because I'm so psyched! At around 7pm, three cars will be deployed around Metro Manila to give out food, toys and chocolates to less fortunate families. This will be the first time I'll be doing this, but A Different Christmas Carol has been around for the last two years since it was founded by one class in my high school three batches lower. Imagine a bunch of high school boys who, out of their own initiative, decided to go beyond themselves to do good to random strangers.

I remember reading from my college's Filipino magazine a line from its current president, Fr. Jet Villarin: "Sana 'pag dinibdib 'yong pagiging Atenista, makita na 'yong misyon, mas malawak kaysa sa sariling pangarap, sariling ambisyon." This really hit me hard because it reminded me of how passionate and idealistic we all were back in college. It's like I want the values of my school to extend beyond its walls and infect the rest of the country. I won't say that my idealism has died down, but it has become more passive these days.

I really can't wait for tomorrow! The brains behind Manila Kid will be helping us together with the friends of the original founders of I'mABosco. Now, excuse me while I wrap the toys and chocolates;)

Ahoy, Mateys!

2011-12-18T23:15:00.002+08:00

Eye patch, check! Sword, check! Faux mustache and goatee, check! Hat filled with feathers, check! Pirate accent... uhm, I won't even bother. It was a night of merry making as our company celebrated its annual Christmas party in a pirate ship docked in Manila Ocean Park just a week ago.

You can tell that the venue was really prepped up with styro cannons and treasure chests, sea creatures sticking out on the walls and fish nets hanging from the ceiling. It's like walking into the set of Pirates of the Carribean without the icy spray of the sea.

Of course it wouldn't be complete with us donning our pirate costumes. Some of my friends had their costumes made, others improvised with what they can find in department stores. Personally, I had to go to Camp Suki just to make sure I won't look kawawa on the event.

Here I am (below) with some of my Atenean friends (Jill - mermaid, Gillian - pirate, me - Captain Hook / Santa Claus, Olivia - parrot). Come to think of it, in a party with around 300 people, I think 30 of us were Ateneans! It's like a college party all over again.

Well, unfortunately for me, the parrot took home the crown of the best dressed "pirate" of the evening. Via told me that she and her dad were the ones who made the costume!

Below is the big boss, Sir Walter who is looking like Father Christmas himself.

I think the highlight of the night was the mermaid show. Three of these magnificent creatures did some aqua aerobics for like 15 minutes, and I have to say, they look really graceful in that giant tank filled with man eating marine life. Good thing they have their magic to contain these animals. The picture below is a proof of how little 'Little Mermaid' really is.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I'll be able to still join them next year since everything has been really stressful with work. I just hope that it will be as creative as this year's Christmas party!;)

-photos from Geraldine's facebook album

A Shirt Shared By 50 Kids

2011-12-14T00:04:00.001+08:00

The only thing productive I did last weekend, aside from a meeting with I'mAB and occasionally stuffing my stomach with calories, is shopping. I think I've seen enough consumerism for the past days that can last me a year. Ugh! I'd like to believe I'm generous towards other people. For myself, I'm very stingy so I can't help but check the price tag of the clothes which I was supposed to buy for myself.

Earlier this morning, I was thinking of our "A Different Christmas Carol", a mobile gift giving project where we'll donate food and toys to less fortunate kids. I was budgeting how much I'll allocate for around 50 children we'll meet on the streets. P1000.00.

Then I remembered the tribal shirt I saw in Topman worth P1,250! I'll be spending more for something which I'll use like only once every two months. With that money, I'll be able to buy decent toys in Divisoria for as much as 50 street kids. An expensive shirt versus an opportunity to make kids more happy, which one is more worthwhile?

But hey, toys? Won't they be needing grocery bags and/or school supplies more? Well, let's not forget that even though they are forced to work at a very young age, they remain to be children. Can you imagine your childhood without your favorite toys? Life is tough, we get it. So we might as well provide these children with keys into a world where they are free to dream and exercise their right to be kids, even for just a fleeting moment.

Would you rather buy something for your self than be the reason why a kid feels extra special this Christmas?

If you and your friends want to help, don't hesitate to contact me. This Christmas, let's make more happy!

So Far

2011-12-12T23:33:00.002+08:00

I haven't updated my blog for the longest time. Maybe it's because I got this job (which I don't really like) so I'm too tired whenever I arrive home to write. It's a waste because I get a lot of ideas during the day but I have no convenient medium to archive them since I'm out of my blogging environment - in my room or in a coffee shop.

If I had to probe deeper, I think blogging has become a chore for me. I forget why I started it in the first place - for me and not just for my readers. Heck, I don't even check grammar. It's a way for me to synthesize what happened during the day, and it keeps me inspired since it reminds me of my priorities. Somehow, concretizing your ideas (or dreams) even by just writing it down makes it more real. I think I need to remind myself of that.

So far, I'm having difficulty adjusting to the corporate environment, even if it's my 3rd month now. Maybe I'm not really fit for it, or maybe I haven't even tried to adjust. I need discipline!

So far, I think we're having a hard time reaching the true potential of I'mABosco. We're doing really well in terms of sales and market awareness, but I think we can do better. I'm actually amazed because James and Mike, two of my partners, are still in school and they remain as dedicated as ever to I'mAB.

So far, we're also having a hard time finding adequate time for Manila Kid. The website launch was supposed to be last Sunday but it might be moved to January 2012 because let's just say I'm too much of a perfectionist.

I read a tweet from DJ Mo Twister earlier this evening: "having a rough day? place your hand over your heart. do you feel that? that's called purpose. dont give up." Purpose, it will keep you moving forward.

There are no shortcuts if you want to achieve something big. It may still be far, but if you take even just one step a day, you'll eventually get there. I just hope it would be sooner and less complicated.

I promise to update this blog more often!:)

Camp Suki

2011-11-27T11:06:00.001+08:00

It's one of those nights when people won't judge if you decide to dress up in a red cape, wear fake hair, knee-high boots, a giant sword and hook for hands. Yikes! Captain Hook is my peg for our pirate-themed Christmas party so I went to Camp Suki to find the perfect costume. No, it's not a Japanese garrison where they house pictures of Japanese soldiers and their comfort women, nor is it a house where cosplayers meet (but it's close to that.)

Found beside Mt. Carmel church in New Manila, San Juan, Camp Suki has been a refuge for those who want to dress up like princesses from the Middle Ages, an abominable snow man or a even an extra terrestrial that looks like Shrek.

"Camp Suki is the largest costume resource in the country with a collection of thousands of period dresses, fantastic headdresses, etc. It is virtually a museum of sorts which caters to the whims and fantasies of the customer."

Tip to first time visitors: make sure you have a character in mind because the place is really overwhelming with so much costumes! It will save you a lot of time. Second tip, don't be afraid to change ideas/plans. Feel free to ask the people there if you need assistance because they're very accommodating. They'll even give you some advice on what to pair with what.

When my brother and I went there last week for the second time, we were really in a hurry because he had to direct a photo shoot in the afternoon. I think we only had 10 minutes to make up our mind and choose which one to rent. If you really want to experience Camp Suki, dedicate at least 30 minutes to check out and fit the costumes. No one's too old to play dress ups!

I guess the perfect time to visit the place is on weekdays because there are less customers trying out the costumes (they only have one dressing room). It's also good to go there several weeks before your "costume-themed event" just to make sure that you'd get the best costume if there is one theme.

Make sure to check out their cool cash register (which they still use) and the vintage glasses on display!

Camp Suki is located at:

#88 4th Street, New Manila,

Quezon City, Philippines

(beside Mt. Carmel Church)

Tel. No: (63-2) 725-0819

(63-2) 725-4562

Cell Number: 0917-824-6900

Email address: lito_pperez@yahoo.com

http://www.campsuki.com/

Over A Cup Of Coffee Or A Bottle Of Beer

2011-11-26T22:55:00.001+08:00

Friends gather in laughs and in tears, or sometimes just to chill. Last weekend, my friends and I celebrated Jarvin's despedida because he'll be reassigned to Cebu for work. I thought when he said he'll be back next year, he meant after 12 months (and that's a really long time!) but it turns out he'll be there only until January. After dinner in an Italian restaurant in Greenhills, we went to this very cozy cafe in Katipunan where the 1980s atmosphere make you forget that you have to wake up at 5:30am the next day.

It's interesting how the topics of our conversation have grown over the years. Back in elementary, we mainly talked about our subjects and teachers. How difficult this math quiz was, why this teacher is so fixated on one student (favoritism) and what your last confession was about.

High school came and the conversation revolved around people and their relationships. Who's with who, how do you court this girl and why the hell did this perfect couple broke up?

College was a whole new arena and this gave people an opportunity to “re-invent” themselves and establish who they really are. Discussions were more idealistic and forward looking – about our future jobs, dreams of traveling around the world and legacies we want to leave long after we're gone.

Now that we're out of school, the idealism brought by college is toned down as the “real” world dilutes it into something more practical. We talk about stability, raising our own families and growing our “retirement fund.” When are you planning settle down/ marry? What name are you going to give to your son? Where is he going to study? How long are you going to stick with your current job?

I wonder what we'll talk about when we're middle aged. Maybe we'll be more health conscious and workaholic by then. By the time we're sixty, we'll talk more about our grandsons/daughters, mistakes we committed in life and our plans to atone for these mistakes.

By the time we're eighty, I'd like to think that my high school friends and I are still intact. We'll go back to the same places where we hung out and converse more. With all the technological innovations we have right now such as emails, cellphones, Skype and God knows what technology after sixty years, nothing can compare with having your friends gathered in front for you, either with a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer.

Planners Through the Years

2011-11-26T22:45:00.000+08:00

During our last year in high school, Starbucks opened in Shaw boulevard, making it the perfect hang out place instead of going all the way to Shangri-la or Rockwell. November came and Starbucks released their annual collect-this-number-of-stickers-and-get-a-planner promo, which was then followed by my classmates' obsession of frequenting the coffee shop to complete their sticker cards. I wasn't much of a coffee drinker then, so I got my planner around late December and from then on, I've been in search for the perfect planner every year (not necessarily Starbucks - too mainstream na.)

Perks of having a planner: you exactly know what you did at a certain point in time. So here are the things that I found in my 5 five planners (while sometimes turning the pages randomly).

2007

Jan 26 - I did not sleep to finish our entry for Cine ni Juan.

March 17 - last high school quarterly exam (Algebra and Trigo)

July 26 - my first Ateneo La Salle game. final score: 80-77 (Ateneo won!)

Aug 2 - Taichi midterms

Nov 5 - Back to school!

2008

Feb 14 - Valentine's Day + Calculus LT

June 5 - ORSEM Day 1 (as facilitator)

Aug - first and last college field trip

Sept - French Oral exams

Dec 22 - high school reunion

2009

Jan 2 - blogged about New Year's resolution

Feb 7 - NSTP OVERCUT!!!

April 19 - visited my favorite high school teacher for her birthday

June 14 - back to school shopping

Sept 17 - accompanied a friend to his first modeling VTR

Oct 25 - Libera concert <3

2010

Jan 8 - Skype meeting with a representative in England for my int'l environmental org

May 7 - officially shifted to Management Economics

July 29 - quiz on derivatives (wtf!)

Aug 20 - Julius and Kevin's party at Fiamma

Oct 25 - start of fashion week

Nov 20 - Blue Christmas

2011

Jan 13 - get graduation photo

March 5 - Trilogy summer sale

April 5 - Bora <3

May 31 - visited Sir Don's wake

Aug 25 - FaDAL OS party at 7th High

Oct 3 - first day of work

Now that 2012 is here, I bought a new planner at Muji. It's always a challenge to find the perfect planner for the year (depending on my mood) and I think that this plain minimalist white planner (with very smooth paper) from a Japanese store will fit my Zen like disposition next year!

Cheers to 2012! (soon)

Education Beyond Borders

2011-11-26T21:23:00.000+08:00

Several weeks after typhoon Ondoy devastated majority of Luzon, I volunteered for a psycho-social relief operations in a small town in Laguna. My cousin is a social worker and she asked me if I'm interested to join them since there will be European student volunteers coming with us. Wearing our UNICEF shirts, we rode the mobile school where we sat on plastic chairs fit for elementary students. The ride was long and uncomfortable, not to mention unstable because the chairs would sway whenever the driver made a sharp turn. Regardless of this, we still had fun – playing games that displayed the culture of our foreign guests.

It was their first week in the Philippines, but some of them had long been exposed to the environment of a developing country. Anikka recently came from South Africa where she also volunteered. Anja is a school teacher who decided that traveling in poor countries will expand her horizons. Apart from her, all of them are just newly grad high school students who chose to explore the world while helping the less fortunate at the same time. My cousin then told me that they receive a lot of help from foreign pre-college students. The pattern is almost similar. Compared to what we're used to here in the Philippines where after finishing high school, a student directly enters college, some Europeans opt for the real learning outside the safety of the four corners and into the unknown – the real world of poverty, disease and death.

Maybe the reason why this pattern isn't much present in the country is because even before our high school students can give back, they need to have something to give in the first place. Maybe unless there's that sense of overflowing blessings, it might be inconceivable for them to help beyond its boundaries. Of course, it's only practical.

But how about those schools whose tuition fee go as high as a hundred thousand pesos per year? The opposite actually happens. Instead of having that sense of wanting to give back, they are shielded from the realities of poverty, sheltered from what really happens outside their chauffeured cars and guarded gates.

How many percent are our students learning in the classrooms which they can apply to their daily lives? 60%? 30%? I've asked the European student volunteers and they told me that they learned more from their traveling than the whole time they spent inside school. The world isn't confined in books or lectures. They only provide a glimpse of how beautifully complicated our world really is. Our educational system can be considered severely flawed because no matter how high students pay tuition fees or regardless of how prestigious a school is, if the student doesn't want to take the chance of exposing himself to the world, then his education will remain limited.

Maybe the measure of how much a person has been educated after all is how much he has given back – not only his contribution to our economy, science or the academe, but to the welfare of the community he is surrounded by.

Keeping Up With the Arroyos

2011-11-16T19:34:00.003+08:00

“Why should a person's right to travel be more important than a whole nation's right to justice?”

I haven't been feeding myself with local news over the past weeks. As with my other friends, except for Mikey who is a producer/writer for 24 Oras, the way to keep up with current events is through social networking sites. Last night, I got my regular dose of political jolt when everyone started rambling of how the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order regardless of the contemptuous records of the Arroyos. Imagine setting them free in countries where the Philippines has no extradition treaty! They could have as well waived all the cases filed against the Arroyos and give them one way tickets to Hawaii where they can retire for the rest of their corruption stained lives.

Good thing Secretary De Lima was quick on her feet! She had the balls (even though she's a girl) to defy the Supreme Court. Even though the SC's decision was constitutional, we have to remember that the Constitution was formed in the first place to protect the people and if the Constitution is the reason why actual justice and accountability cannot prevail (by allowing the Arroyos to "allegedly" escape) then by all means, let De Lima exercise her power as Justice Secretary and slap these judges with a megawatt of common sense.

Last night's dramatic showdown elicited random reactions via the Twitter world. My travel blogger friend was taken aback by De Lima's response, fearing of her misuse of power – that she can hold any individual from their “traveling” rights. Ok. Some people were questioning why GMA News, allegedly the channel less prone to bias, wasn't there covering the scene. Maybe we can then zero in on how the media portrayed the Arroyos as a politically persecuted family. Yeah, right. Others, of course, are less sympathetic on her pleas even though she was looking very harassed in a wheel chair with metal contraptions sticking out of her neck while she's all clothed in a drab looking shawl. Staged, I guess.

After a decade or so, we'll forget how Arroyo raped our constitution and bribed her stay in power. We'll remember how she was able to skyrocket our GDP (plus other economic indicators) and save us from the Global Financial Crisis. Like what happened several times in the recent past where former thieves, dictators and mass murderers were not held accountable for their crimes, Arroyo will reign free and will be welcomed by Filipinos with arms wide open. Fools.

photo courtesy of http://www.interaksyon.net

Mangyari Lamang

2011-11-02T23:12:00.002+08:00

I heard this poem for the first time from one of our most memorable Ateneo professors, Sir Bobby Guev. The way he read it gave me goosebumps. It's as if every word coming from him was shaped by years of experience. I knew he read this poem every semester to his students, but it never sounded like a routine. We were in a theater, it was his one man show, and we were all mesmerized by Bobby Guev. May pusong kasama.

Fortunately, a friend reread it again several days ago when he talked to a group of students having a retreat. Allow me to share it with you guys, although it's better if you listened rather than read.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mangyari lamang ay tumayo ang mga

nagmamahal

Nang makita ng lahat ang mukha ng pag-ibig

Ipamalas ang tamis ng malalim na pagkakaunawaan

Sa mga malabo ang paningin.

Mangyari lamang na tumayo rin ang mga nagmahal at

nasawi

Nang makita ng lahat ang mga sugat ng isang bayani

Ipadama ang pait ng kabiguan

Habang ipinagbubunyi ang walang katulad

Na kagitingan ng isang nagtaya.

Mangyari lamang ay tumayo ang mga

nangangambang magmahal

Nang makita ng lahat ang kilos ng isang bata

Ipamalas ang katapatan ng damdamin na pilit ikinukubli

Ng pusong lumaki sa mga engkanto’t diwata.

Mangyari lamang na tumayo ang

nagmahal, minahal at iniwan

Ngunit handa pa ring magmahal

Nang makita ng lahat ang yaman ng karanasan

Ipamalas ang katotohanang nasaksihan

Nang maging makahulugan ang mga paghahagulhol sa dilim.

At sa mga nanatiling

nakaupo

Mangyari lamang ay dahan-dahang tumalilis

Palabas sa nakangangang pinto

Umuwi na kayo!

At sumbatan ang mga magulang

Na nagpalaki ng isang halimaw.

At sa lahat ng mga nakaiwang nakatayo

Mangyari lamang na hagkan ang isa’t isa

At yakapin ang mga sugatan

Mabuhay tayong lahat

Na nagsisikap makabalik sa ating pinagmulan

Manatiling masaya at higit sa lahat

Magpatuloy sa pagmamahal.

by Rico Abelardo

What the Philippines Can Learn From Africa

2011-10-29T12:15:00.001+08:00

I was reading an article from Time magazine on how "agricultural commodity exchange" is slowly changing the landscape of Africa and its people. 45% of the world's uncultivated land belongs to Africa so it's a bit unsettling that a continent that is very much endowed with natural resources can be so dirt poor.

It's about time the world focus on more sustainable and empowering solutions. If you'd look at poverty mitigations that the West provides, you would observe that their systems create dependency from foreign aid which doesn't work out in the long run. The World Bank or IMF lends money to African governments on the promise of economic and social development. Allegedly, these governments pocket the money that's supposed to feed millions of impoverished families. Of course there are the NGOs, but how much do they really involve people in their decision making processes? How certain are they that their poverty reduction strategies doesn't just look good in theories, but will actually be carried out by the people?

Africa has taken matters in their own hands. Millions of small farmers are slowly becoming businessmen or agri-preneurs. The continent has systems that's innate in their nations and has worked for the past centuries. We can even trace it back to the time of Cleopatra. The key here now is not to introduce new systems and force Africa to adapt to it because it's proven to work in their researches and theories.

What Africa has benefited most from foreign aids, aside from the infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams), in my opinion, is not the strategies themselves, but the inspiration that something can be done. I'd like to believe that they were empowered to be proactive by these humanitarians. Hopefully, these Africans will be able to inspire their fellow brothers as well.

I can't help but compare Africa's situation to that of the Philippines. Zooming into the problem of urban poverty, the best way to treat it might lie in the innate skill of Filipinos to be "madiskarte." The solution then is not to provide them with jobs, but to put them in a situation that would exercise their pagiging madiskarte. Entrepreneurship might just do the trick. I think the government then should invest more in free workshops that would embrace these skills and provide poor families mentors to grow their businesses. Like the Africans, we don't need more jobs that would just feed the engines of capitalism. We need poor people providing jobs to their fellow poor.

Together with the shift of corporations from just cold general producing of merchandise to tailor fitting products and services for the unarticulated needs of the consumers, the government can also tailor fit more their poverty reduction strategies so that it would become "more personal" to the families concerned.

The government has been trying to curb poverty in the last decades with their big budgets for education, housing... Maybe it's time to change their approach. If they can't effectively execute projects targeted for the mass poor, it's time to change their strategy by concentrating on few families at a time. These fortunate few families in turn should be trained to give back by inspiring other families to defeat poverty. Think of it as multiplying agents of change. If these poor Africans can inspire their brothers to rise above poverty, why can't we?

Steering Back to Europe

2011-10-27T00:57:00.002+08:00

Who am I even kidding? While one of my superiors was tutoring me on foreign trade policies, I found myself spacing out, thinking of the pictures I saw last night of my block mate's experiences while they were in Europe studying for a term. It hit me so hard that my real passion has always been in foreign relations - experiencing different cultures, participating in dialogues on international issues and coming up with solutions for social development.

A few days ago, Rex gave a talk on the importance of having a goal, and while he was sharing how his goal kept him from quitting, I kept asking myself why the hell I'm in a bank. I feel so lost. Pretending that I'm doing this because I want to save money for my bamboo farm and the relaunch of our online magazine will just be fatal in the long run. The only one that I'm lying to is myself.

Dondie gave a concrete advice while we were hanging out in Cantina a few months ago - I should take the foreign service examination because I'm more fit to work in a diplomatic office or an international NGO. Sometimes, you need these kinds of friends to warn you if you're heading towards the wrong direction. They'll steer you to the right path.

Looking back, my dreams of traveling and studying in Europe was killed when I learned that my grades weren't enough to qualify for the junior term abroad program of our school. What's the use of crying over spilled milk? This just may be one of those few instances where I want to make a move to really pursue what I've always wanted.

After lunch, I texted the HR of Red Cross to check on my application for the Reporting Officer position which will allow me to train in Switzerland for 3 months. I also called my meditation teacher to ask for her advice and if she knows any opportunity where I can study or work in Europe. Right now, I'm just hoping for the best.

If all else fails, I'll buy a ticket to Amsterdam, find a lover, elope and never look back! Haha! Crossing my fingers.

Rediscovering Kuya

2011-10-25T22:28:00.001+08:00

After four years, I was finally back in the Disco. I knelt, kissed the ground, sat on the cold cement and came face to face once again with Kuya. Something that used to be so distant and abstract suddenly became so real and personal. I hugged myself, not wanting to let go.

We only had three hours of sleep for the next two nights. Most of us only had thin sleeping bags to shield ourselves from the classroom floor. Yes, we were even under staffed and some of our meals had to be delayed to make sure everything is running according to the schedule. We all had to make sacrifices, from not going to work, up to traveling to Manila from as far as Baguio.

But regardless of the hardships, no one complained. We were more than eager and helpful to bring back Days with the Lord in our high school after more than four years of its absence. It's about time for other people to experience Kuya.

It feels great to be working with my high school batch mates and friends again, although one of my closest friends isn't there because he's reviewing for the board exams. We all shared the same experiences so it wasn't difficult to keep all of us motivated. Looking at them work reminded me of how much I really miss high school.

I think more than doing it for the next batch of Dayzers, we served because we needed to. I think there's that insatiable thirst that urges us to keep coming back because the experience is so personal and beautiful that we want to get a glimpse of that experience over and over. In other schools, DWTL finishes after high school. But because our community is relatively so small, we know the people who are even 5 to 8 years older than us and close ties are formed. Some of the older Dayzers even serve as our personal mentors.

I hope we'll be able to organize another retreat this coming summer. Sa uulitin! Basta Ikaw.

photo from Melody Jurado

Four-Peat Bonfire 2011

2011-10-10T23:12:00.001+08:00

"Down from the hill, down to the world go I. Remembering still, how the bright Blue Eagles fly’... Our course is run and the setting sun ends Ateneo’s day. Eyes are dry at the last goodbye; this is the Ateneo way."

Do you know that feeling when you're beaming with so much pride that regardless of the rain or the dense crowd, you still go out of your way to celebrate with your schoolmates and friends your Alma Mater's victory?

I was so proud not only because we were champion for four straight years in basketball, but more importantly, because the alumni and current students are so filled with this contagious school spirit, you can't help but say, "shet, ang sarap maging Atenista!"

With our right fists raised up high, we sang our Alma Mater song by heart. Then, like in the past bonfires, it was followed by a 20-minute firework display. And yes it was raining and the four of us (Julius, Jet, Dondie and me) were sharing my one tiny umbrella, but it didn't matter. We were all numbed by the experience.

Of all the Ateneo bonfires that I went to, this was the only time that I was able to take a picture of the bonfire! Hope this won't be the last!

So You Wanna Change the World

2011-10-09T22:46:00.001+08:00

But you don't know where to begin? You just feel it. And you want to believe in it.

Back in college, I had this org mate who shared an insight that he got when he attended a Harvard sponsored conference in Singapore. He told me that several years from now, the world will be shifting to the "creative economies." A time when the financial and technical "geniuses" are close to being obsolete because systems have already been set up and you just sort of plug the variables to get what you want, scientifically. The world will need people who can think outside of the box. Maybe that's why representatives from Singapore were sent to the Philippines to study our educational system because they perceived us Filipinos as very "ma diskarte."

That will be the time when people like Steve Jobs or Leonardo Da Vinci's will shine out.

Because of that insight, he told me several times that I'll change the world. "Don't forget us when you're rich and famous!" Haha! Maybe he said that jokingly, but those statements really had a profound effect on me. It made me believe in myself that it can be possible. It's not just another distant dream of an idealistic college student who hasn't tasted yet what it's like to be out there in the real world.

But belief from yourself and others can only take you so far.

You have to ACT on it! Strike whilst the iron is hot. I know a lot of idealistic and passionate students who are so excited to be alive and help out to solve the ailing needs of the world, but who don't know where to start. Here's a practical tip. Find a group of friends who can help you feed that passion and idealism. Talk about ideas, but don't let them die. Write it on a notebook. You might not have the resources now but even if months or even years passed and you stumble upon that note, you might just be moved to rekindle that energy and act on it.

Don't let your passion and idealism die. Let's be conscious of how the media, capitalism and even our own educational system dilutes our drive to go beyond our comfort zones and change the world through our innate passions. In the immortal words of the late Steve Jobs, "You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." Let's all help change the world for the better!

Bringing Honor to Your House

2011-10-05T21:33:00.003+08:00

It's that time of year again when classes in our high school are suspended (for several days) to make way for the Intrams Opening! We were very much like Hogwarts, but with six houses where students are sorted according to their personalities, talents and skills. Each has its own house head and I happened to be one during my senior year.

You just can't help but beam with pride when you see your house (high school students from 1st to 4th year) cheering with their heart out, your dancers tirelessly rehearsing and your props men taking the work home just to get a giant lantern or the dragon costume done. Everyone felt very involved and proud because of their work, and those weeks of adversity really bonded the students belonging to that house regardless of which year you're from. In fact, it's more than a house - it's a home.

Above all things, I really treasure my relationships with people. I'm still good friends with the house heads from before and after our batch. In fact, two of my business partners came from the same house as I did but three batches lower than ours. One of them was even my dancer during our time! Haha!

Speaking of pride, I'm really proud of this promo poster I did for I'mAB showing support for the Intrams Opening!:D Haha! Hundreds of people (some who are completely strangers to me) started using these "house badges" as their profile pictures. I feel touched. Haha!

I'd like to wish the high school students good luck and I hope they bring honor to whichever house they belong to! And one day, when we're all rich, I hope we can donate funds for the construction of common rooms for every house - like exactly the one in Hogwarts. It would be so cool!

On Call 24/7

2011-10-04T21:14:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday's schedule was so jam-packed! I was supposed to go to Batangas with Soya Ice to deliver the stall and sink to a party we're sponsoring but I just asked my driver to do it because I was so sleepy. In the afternoon, I had to go to a meeting for a retreat we're organizing for some college students, then Mikey texted me that he'll be in Distillery with some college friends! I was shy at first because I thought I'd be out of place since they're all journalists but everyone was so accommodating and friendly!

We got tired of Distillery's crowd - yuppies and foreigners - so we decided to go to my happy place, Ponti. On the way there, Mikey's friend (not sure if it's Toni or Aki) mentioned one of her assignments where they made a documentary about the promiscuous side of call centers. The leader of their project immersed himself in a call center company so that he can dig out and understand the facts more thoroughly.

One of the agents that was interviewed told the researcher about the kinky practices around their office and that he reached a point where he had sex 24 times in one week! Seriously, is that even biologically possible?!

I tried to run the numbers in my mind. Call center agents go to work 6 times a week then probably 10 hours a day. So that gives them roughly 60 hours to do the whole "cycle". The numbers tell us than this call center agent had sex (regardless if it's a quickie or not) every 2.5 hours for six straight days! I'm just not sure if they do it with a single partner or not.

When smoking isn't enough, they have sex to cope up with stress. What a way to release! Because of that very high frequency, I wonder how it will affect their future relationships. What are the long term problems that one encounters by giving in to these immediate thirst for gratification? Does "high" salary really compensate for your soul? Is it worth it in the end?

Maybe aside from the routine work, graveyard shift and constant companionship of technology, call centers can dehumanize us in a much deeper and irreparable state.

Vision 2020

2011-10-01T10:20:00.001+08:00

I was supposed to go to Batangas today to deliver the stall and sink for Soya Ice, but I just asked my driver to do it because I was so sleepy this morning. Anyway, while I was waiting for my NBI clearance to be processed yesterday, I watched (for the nth time) The Devil Wears Prada in my ipod and well, the character of Miranda Priestly really sent chills up my spine. Inspired is an understatement.

By the year 2020...

It's 9:00 am and before my driver drops me off the tallest building in Shaw boulevard, he texts assistant one that I'll be coming up in 15 minutes! Assistant one panics and warns the whole team - editors, writers, creatives, staff... that I'm on my way to the building. The whole floor exploded with energy while they try to look their best - everyone starts wearing their sky high stilletos, they tidy up their work tables and assistant one makes sure that my Starbucks is ready on my glass table.

The guard opens my yellow Camero. People sees this young looking guy holding a black umbrella with a silver tip and wearing Junya Watanabe red brogues, black harem pants and a crisp white polo from Calvin Klein underneath a sweeping hounds tooth patterned cape. I go pass the security guards and people part like the red sea for me to pass. The elevator doors open and I'm the only one who enters.

The clicking of my umbrella makes people alert that I'm approaching. Upon the opening of the elevator, assistant one greets me with her pen ready to jot down all the errands and reminders I'm about to say for the day. I finally arrived at the hallway to my office. Assistant two immediately gets my cape and umbrella and I settle on my desk fronting an overlooking view of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

This is the life!

For the Bigger Picture

2011-09-29T23:25:00.000+08:00

I really feel stressed out because too many things have been happening all at the same time - the Soya Ice party this Saturday, an event for I'mAB, a retreat we're organizing and Manila Kid's restructuring and writing of our book.

What made matters more intense was a call I received last night from the HR of one of the biggest financial companies right now asking if I can already start working this Monday. The original schedule was on October 17, two weeks from now so I have not yet fixed some of the requirements. I had to go to the barangay office, NBI, post office, police district... just to make sure I have all that were needed.

While waiting in the long lines, I was thinking of the many commitments I still have and was trying to strategize a system where I can balance all of it. Soya Ice meetings are on Saturdays, I'mAB's meetings every Sundays and Manila Kid meetings will be weekdays night! Whew!

Having a full week isn't much of a problem. My main concern is that I hope I still remember and see the bigger picture after being immersed in a real job. This is just a stepping stone for me to achieve the bigger things!

Isang Litrong Pag-Asa

2011-09-29T09:53:00.000+08:00

This video popped in my facebook newsfeed this morning. It's about this small impoverished village in San Pedro, Laguna where the houses are so closely packed together, light cannot even come in. It was dark so people mostly stayed outside their houses... until "Mang Demi Solar" arrived with the solution of using plastic bottles which would harness the power of solar light and project them inside the homes. Think of it as recycled substitutes for electric powered light bulbs which can generate up to 55 watts. Watch the video and be inspired!

"Parang katulad na rin ng bumbilya. [Ang] dati nating nakakalimutan, napakinabangan natin ngayon." They don't need Meralco after all. It didn't came as a surprise when I found out that this was from the group of Illac Diaz. I definitely wanna be like him.

I think beyond giving light to the villages, the group who invented this continues to give us hope and inspiration Solutions don't need the backing of millions of pesos or super complex scientific / technological breakthroughs.

Visit Isang Litrong Liwanag to know more about the project.

Duty to Your Heart

2011-09-28T22:42:00.001+08:00

I've grown up, i think. I'm slowly starting to accept that you can't remain like a kid forever. No matter how much you run from your responsibilities, you have to face them eventually. So yeah, I think I'm slowly recovering from my Peter Pan Syndrome.

... and slowly entering my Mulan Phase. When faced with the dilemma between choosing duty versus her heart, one of the characters in the second installment of the movie was reminded by Mulan that her duty is to her heart. Sometimes I wish it was just that easy.

By heart, I'm not talking about a romantic relationship. It's more of genuine passion. Maybe I still lack the courage to pursue it. I know what I'm entering right now is just a stepping stone, even if I have to swallow what I've been "preaching" the whole time. I'm still not losing sight of the bigger picture though.

Another thing, I have to learn conversational mandarin/fookien as soon as possible or else I'll be racially discriminated (i think). I've never felt so Filipino in my life (which isn't really a bad thing.) So if anyone of you knows a class that I can attend to help me learn Chinese, please feel free to tell me.

I know I sound vague but I'll share the big news once everything has been settled. Stay tuned!

New Environments and Life Changing Choices

2011-09-24T12:13:00.000+08:00

It was boys night out in Cantina yesterday with my college friends and Katipunan has never felt so distantly familiar. The lamp lit avenue with speeding cars reminds me of night classes, org meetings and studying in the library before a long test.

They were there to celebrate the end of the week from the busy corporate world and I was basically present because I needed a break from all the hard work I do at home (blogging, editing pictures, sleeping and eating, haha!)

It's interesting that most of us change our spending patterns after graduation - no Starbucks in the morning and bring your own lunch/baon to work. Maybe it's more difficult to spend hard earned money compared to when your parents still give you financial support.

I don't know if it goes the same with others but most of my friends felt like the people around them are dumb and slow! Haha! It's like their co-workers are easily satisfied with mediocre achievements, and that they feel limited like a big fish in a small pond, where the pond is the set of responsibilities and expectations from your boss.

Then the conversation turned to me. I told them about the big news that I might start joining the corporate world soon (yikes!) and I was surprised with how they reacted! I won't be able to survive because of all the rigid rules. Haha! I better concentrate on stabilizing our small businesses. Then Dondie suggested something that sparked back another field where I used to find interest in - international relations.

There's this diplomatic/foreign exam shizz happening next year (January if I'm not mistaken) and I should try out for a career in diplomatic relations. I had dreams of becoming the Philippine ambassador to France before and that suggestion really want me to consider this path. Come to think of it, all of my organizations and volunteering back in college had a touch of international relations in them (from HPAIR to UNICEF) so this might not be a bad idea.

What do you do when you have so much interests that it opens a lot of opportunities and choices, but in the end you don't know where to go? Can't help but wonder if not having any choice is actually better.

I remember the first time we were in Cantina more than four years ago. The conversation was about subjects to look forward to, teachers to avoid and other topics that a first year college student might find interest in. I looked around and the place almost hasn't changed at all - even the people there look familiar (hey, I even saw my elementary best friend!).

The management had a choice to improve it like what McDo, Jollibee and Kenny did, but they opted not to. Maybe it's that familiarity that keeps people coming back. That no

Bamboozeled

2011-09-23T09:50:00.000+08:00

If you've been following my blog, you would know that I have this obsession with bamboos. Aside from looking very elegant, bamboos will be the next big thing when it comes to construction material because it is easily renewable and very sustainable. That's why I can't wait to put up my bamboo farm soon, as in within 2 years soon!

I was invited to come to the press preview of Philippine School of Interior Design's exhibit dubbed as "Jak en Poy" to view the 20 booths of it's Adanced Class 2011.

"The exhibit takes the audience on a trek through childhood games, in corridors showcasing sustainable materials “Bato” (stone), “Bakal” (steel), “Papel” (paper), “Kawayan” (bamboo), “Semento” (cement or concrete), “Salamin” (glass), “Plastik” (plastic), “Goma” (rubber), “Kahoy” (wood) and “Putik” (mud or clay) applied to 20 interior design booths that evoke different moods and styles, conscious of the concept of designing for a better world."

I was more excited when I learned that the theme for Aivan's booth is bamboo! When you're at the center of the room, you would feel like you were standing in the middle of a bamboo grove. Each section of the bathroom is enclosed in a cylindrical space which makes the room cozy even though there concrete is used for the finishing.

The theme of the booth beside Aivan's is also bamboo, but they used the smaller kind here. We are familiar with how bamboos are used in the provinces to build huts, but both of the groups made bamboo look more sophisticated and expensive.

This is actually my favorite section of their booth! The texture created looks like cork, although those are baby bamboos cut and and sandpapered to perfection! I seriously want to take this home. Haha!

And this is Aivan who colored his hair for the occasion (i think) since bamboo is green.

The whole exhibit will be open to the public from October 1 to 30 at the former Super Savers Club, beside SM North EDSA!

Groping in the Dark

2011-09-23T08:39:00.000+08:00

First of all, I'm very proud of how some of my classmates turned out. One group has the audacity to create a project that wants to challenge facebook, think of social networking, virtual gaming and real life simulations combined in one! I can't reveal the whole detail because they might sue me, but I heard they have a group of computer engineers, programmers (even a psychologist!) tinkering with the software and devices for this to work. Definitely something to look forward to!

On the other hand, my group is trying to come up with a book that, as simply put, wants to fight the "death of idealism/ambition/passion." We met a few days ago and I'm really glad that they bought into the idea of creating a guideline for the youth to help them pursue their genuine dream. Think of a less academic sounding thesis filled with case studies of real people and organized in a list of principles. It's like Sean Covey's 7 Habits but with a Filipino youth context and examples.

We felt like groping in the dark. Universities don't teach its students to write books like this so we had a hard time creating a "methodology" on how to make this happen. But there's a reason why we grope in the dark - we want to find a switch that will help us see clearer or make the room brighter.

And maybe that's our goal for the book. We've been surrounded by so much noise that we lose sight of what we are really born for. How often do we make our choices based NOT based on what the media or our friends tell us?

We've got a long way to go and I'm not sure how difficult this whole project is going to be, but when we ended our meeting, the vision is so clear and so real that you can see the excitement in our wide smiles.

I'd like to end this with my favorite quote from Steve Jobs, "If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don't have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”

Interview With DZMM

2011-09-19T22:28:00.002+08:00

It's always a pleasure whenever we get invited to guest in radio and television shows because it allows us to communicate to a wider range of audience. Imagine our delight (and fear) when DZMM Teleradyo invited us to guest last Sunday in their 9-10pm show! My week was filled with meetings and events so it was only during that day when it dawned to me that I'll be needing all the skills which I learned from my philo and theo orals to survive humiliation on a nationwide scale.

I was so awestruck when we entered the ABS-CBN compound! Like, Woah! The security was very intimidating because the guards were dressed in a navy-combat-ready-for-war suit armed with there armalite rifles!

We surrendered our school IDs then waited in the conference area of DZMM. My brother realized that our camera memory card was broken so he had to rush to the nearest grocery to buy. Thank God he was able to find a cheap one (500 pesos) else our trip won't be documented.

Remind me to bring my own foundation and brush next time. But I have to say, I can get used to all this pampering. Haha!

Our show started 30 minutes earlier! Last time we were interviewed, I was saying so much "uhms" so I had to be conscious this time. Aside from the 630 AM Station, our show was also aired on Channel 26 so we had to look "camera friendly."

I guess the main theme of our interview revolved around sustaining the passion and idealism of the youth even after they have entered the real world. I was also able to inject thoughts on corporate slavery, Christian meditation, the deceptive world of advertising and something about the power of love to change a person (cheesy?).

Fr. Jerome told us that kinilabutan siya because of the high idealism that Manila Kid wants to push for. I believe that a lot of youth are innately talented, but it is difficult to sustain it once you are faced with a job in the corporate world or things get too complicated because of relationships or family.

I told them that we'll be releasing a book some time on 2013 that intends to fight the death of idealism. It is inspirational at the same time directional. We want to stretch the vision further by producing a concrete and well researched material that our students can use to really guide themselves on the career they genuinely want to pursue.

I met with some of my high school friends to brainstorm more about this project and I'm very thankful that they are committed in making this plan into a reality. It is ambitious, I know that, but it's worth the try.

PS: Thank you very much to DZMM (Fr. Jerome and Ms. Ilsa) for giving us the opportunity to express our thoughts on a nationwide scale. Fr Jerome told us personally that he was inspired by what we said that night, I hope that goes the same to the listeners.

Hacked

2011-09-13T23:54:00.001+08:00

It's like writing a thesis paper with the help of many people who share the same goals for six months, then suddenly when you're about to submit the final paper, your computer's hard drive crashes and all the files get destroyed with no back up. ManilaKid.com got hacked again and this time, I think the articles were completely erased. We were able to recover the site when it crashed the first time then several days after bringing it back up, shit happened.

It's very frustrating because aside from investing so much money and effort trying to build the concept, site and content, people are actually hoping that their articles and features get published on the site. I don't want to let anyone down that's why when the site crashed for the first time, we really tried our best to bring it back to life with a better layout and design.

I only wanted to create an avenue where the youth can share their thoughts, passions and talents so that people will be inspired to remain true to their ideals and really push for their dreams in whatever field they will pursue. Yes, there's also that nationalistic touch to it, but the bottom line is - it's for the youth of our country. This vision of Manila Kid will remain true.

The website is just a tool for the vision to be realized and if we can't sustain a dot-com website, then we might move to a smaller blogspot-dot-com site. What doesn't kill you strengthens you, and somewhere, there's a lesson to be learned here.

Actually, several hours before the website was hacked, I was talking with some friends for a much bigger project (still under Manila Kid). I won't say what it is but it remains true to the vision that was there since the beginning!

We'll keep moving forward.

Next Illac Diaz

2011-09-09T21:42:00.004+08:00

Got a call earlier from an environmental NGO offering me a job. Good pay, 2 days a week work! I always wanted to be like Illac Diaz (minus the good looks, plus a brand empire.) He's the perfect balance between an environmentalist and an entrepreneur. Take note, we graduated the same course in the Ateneo!

Nico, me, Gracie, Illac and Anna during the National Conference

So I told my mom about the job and she said, "what will I tell my friends, that you work in an NGO?" Then coldly stares at me. Well, I don't care much about what your friends think anyways.

I have lots of big projects that I want to accomplish in the next few years - build my bamboo farm to support my "Illac-Diaz-project" / housing for the poor, then start Manila Leadership Academy and publish several books under the Manila Kid name. Then sustain I'mABosco and Soya Ice.

People always say I'm too much of an idealist. Too ambitious for their taste. Well, I can't wait to prove them wrong! It's been done before by other young entrepreneurs - to change the world for the better, one project at a time. If they can do it, why can't I? Why can't you?

Manila International Book Fair

2011-09-09T18:33:00.001+08:00

Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the biggest and longest-running book fair in the Philippines, returns to the SMX Convention Center on Sept. 14-18 for its 32^nd year of contributing to the reading awareness of the Filipino public.

For three decades now, the MIBF has been a one-stop shop for local and foreign publishers, wholesalers, retailers, book lovers and collectors, librarians, authors, and publishers’ representatives, and serves as a venue book launches, dialogues with readers, and other book-related activities that reach out to a wide audience.

MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature, textbooks, educational supplements, general references, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee table books, popular novels, children's books, art books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishers' technology, and travel materials.

Students can avail of books at lower-than bookstore prices, while teachers and school administrators can compare offerings from various exhibitors and get the best prices for bulk purchases.

Youngsters can look forward to story-telling sessions, puppet shows, reading-related contests, robotic demonstrations, a parade of exhibitors’ mascots and cosplayers of their favorite book characters. Classes can also enlist in special seminars and workshops available round the clock at the Manila International Book Fair, while the young and old alike can enjoy mini-concerts or meet-and-greet sessions with well-known and up-and-coming authors and illustrators.

Co-located at the MIBF are events The 3^rd Philippine English Language Conference (Sept. 15-17); My Wellness Program (Sept. 16-17, Function Rooms 1&2), a two-day health and wellness fair; Super Kids 2011 (Sept. 16-17, Function Room 3), an early childhood education conference; The Best of Anime 2011 (Sept. 17 &18, Function Room 4 & 5), a festival featuring anime exhibits, gaming, cosplay, concert and special activities that will thrill anime and manga enthusiasts; and the 2011 Music Festival Manila (Sept. 18, Function Rooms 1, 2 & 3).

MIBF runs from Sept. 14-18 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines. For details, call 896-0661 or 896-0682, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.

What If

2011-09-09T17:47:00.027+08:00

What if after all this time, you thought you were something that was dictated by your friends and the society, but because of some circumstances, you find out that you might be otherwise?

This is you because you grew up with friends who are similar and shared the same interest with the rest of the collective, but apparently something stronger tells you that you're not. How well does external factors define you compared to your internal senses? Possibilities...

Because of some strange sensation or experience or person (maybe even all of that option), you're willing to do whatever it takes prove to the world you are otherwise. Or do you really need to prove anything in this post modern world that "to define is to limit" and anyone can be what he says he is? I wonder...

Rock and Run for History Week

2011-09-08T22:29:00.000+08:00

Relive history with RockEd and the National Historical Commission's

Rock Rizal Concert and Run Rizal activities

Manila, Philippines — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Rock Ed Philippines gather up the biggest stars and names as they make this year’s history week more fun and exciting with Rock Rizal concert and Run Rizal.

“History should not be boring. This is why the commission is trying its best to come up with different activities that encourage students to participate and be more involved,” says Dra. Serena Diokno, Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

“Music has become the language of the youth. If we take time to listen to, say, Gloc 9 then we'll realize that his music reflects as much truth as we see in the streets of Manila--and perhaps, for this reason, we have labeled rap 'ang bagong balagtasan.' I'd also like to believe that running is more than just a fad. For some people, running is instrumental to achieving a cause, to beginning a day right, to becoming healthier. A passion for sports and an appreciation for the arts, whether visual, drama, or music--they are all attributes of Rizal.” she further enthuses.

Continuing the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal and participating in the week-long celebration of our country’s history, nine of the country’s biggest artists will come together on September 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall for Rock Rizal, a concert highlighting the songs that reflects the life and works of our national hero.

Prepare yourself to be captured in different performances by artists Ely Buendia, Sandwich, Gloc-9, Ebe Dancel, Jett Pangan, Peryodiko, Hijo, Aiza Seguerra and Radio Active Sago Project, all of who pledged for this monumental project to happen.

“With our goal to take Rizal out of the classroom and into radio stations, the Rock Rizal concert is a true testament and celebration of the youth’s passion for learning, for music and for history” says Pepe Diokno, Executive Director of Rock Ed Philippines.

And if music is not enough to give you the adrenaline rush you’re looking for, join the Run Rizal on September 18. Proceeds of this activity will be given to continue the preservation of the three Rizal Shrines administered by the NHCP—Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Rizal Shrine in Dapitan, and Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago.

The run starts and ends at the Rizal Monument and will wind through Roxas Blvd. and Diosdado Macapagal Avenue. Runners can participate in the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 16K categories.

For updates, you may visit the National Historical Commission of the Philippines at http://nchp.gov.ph for more details.

Manila Kid: As Seen on the Runway

2011-09-07T15:51:00.002+08:00

"...at ngayon, isang patalastas mula sa Manila Kid!"

That's your cue! Get out now and stall while the models are still having their hair and make up! "But for how long!?" Until someone calls your attention. "WTF!" (suffers panic attack and stage fright!)

We are not new to the backstage scenes of fashion shows. The stress level is always high several minutes before the runway for reasons like the stylist isn't done putting the accessories, the make up artist only glued one false eyelash or the model still can't find her other pair of shoe.

I think no matter how much you prepared, you should always have a Plan B. A concrete example would be a model backing up on the exact same day! That happened to us, but good thing Mikey was able to save the day.

We were invited by the College of Education Student Council Vice President, Ryan Bulosan, to take part of their Buwan ng Wika celebration - Bisti: Rampa ng mga Kultura. "Maybe you'd want to showcase the Manila Kid tshirt collection?" Sure! Challenge accepted - one week to pull off a mini fashion show.

We immediately asked the help of our friends and our previous models if they can help us, and we're really thankful that most of them said yes!

Sorry we weren't able to take much photos! So much drama backstage:P

Dressing Room / Hair and Make Up

"I know models don't eat but here are two orders of pizza!" Then Aya, one of the most sought after PMAP models looked at me incredulously and said smilingly "No, no!" Ooops. Haha!

So after ten years, here are the photos!

Ironically, Alexis (below) opened the show but she was the last one to have her hair and make up. Uhm, what hair and make up? LOL!

Another male model backed out so Jonard has to take his place! I told him several times not to walk but here he is!:))

Camille (below) is one of the newest endorsers of Jollibee!!! We love her so much!

And all the way from Katipunan is KC! Glad that she was able to make it safely. Haha!

Of course, Aya was there to close the show! Loves it!

Finale walk! Clap and smile! Clap and smile!

It was a surreal moment to be seeing your clothes walk out of the runway! We were especially proud during the finale walk where the models aligned in a row then me and my brother bowed to the audience! Too bad there wasn't any picture.

Thank you to everyone who helped! From the clothes, to the hair and make up, to the models, photographers and organizers of the event!

I can proudly now say, "Manila Kid Shirts as seen on the runway!" Haha! Details on how to buy them will be announced once our website is back!:)

Do You Know How to Touch a Girl? Part 2

2011-09-06T01:11:00.002+08:00

Semi continuation of Do You Know How to Touch a Girl? Part 1

Several nights ago, Marion and I watched the last screening of Final Destination 5 in Glorietta, just like old times. Allow me to warn you that the movie gave us a headache because of the morbid scenes! I kept screaming "WTF!" and "WHOA!" Adding to the stress was this fat long oily haired gay in front of us who was constantly updating his facebook through out the movie. Like seriously, have you heard of theater house ethics?

After the movie, we grabbed some midnight snack in Greenbelt. When I usually go out with a high school friend, the conversation always finds itself in gossips - what happened to who, where is who now, who did who (kidding)... That night was much different because there was a more serious tone in the conversation. Instead of talking about what happened in the past, we became more forward looking that night - career and relationships.

It's weird because we talked about settling down with the right partner (yes, ironically after watching a horror movie). Someone whom you'll court for several months (or years). There will be petty fights but you'll always manage to make up. Someone whom you can share your best memories, hold hands with publicly and introduce to your parents. Someone who'll bear your sons/daughters and take care of you when you're sick. Someone whom you may grow old with. I think this song captures what I had in mind that night.

"... All i want to do is grow old with you... I'll miss you, kiss you, give you my coat when you are cold. I need you, feed you, I'll even let you hold the remote control... Oh I could be the man who grows old with you..."
-Adam Sandler, The Wedding Singer

It makes me smile whenever I see an elderly couple who looks at each other like they just got home from their first date. My dad, on the times when he had too much to drink, introduces my mom to his friends like they are a new high school couple. There's still the kilig.

Unfortunately, we know some friends who oversimplify relationships like it's a form of entertainment or hobby. Can't help but ask if it's really love or fear (of being left alone) that's binding their relationship together. Some relationships are even purely grounded in pleasure. In the process, you both destroy yourselves and in some cases, you cross that "point of no return" when you have fornicated too much na may mukhang ihaharap ka pa ba to your future husband/wife?

If you are "tempted" in whatever that word connotes, ask yourself if you can still be the best person to your future husband/wife with the decision you are about to make. The best gift a guy can give to his girl are not expensive jewelries or a trip around the world. I think it's years of discipline and dedication that you prepared your body and mind for her.

This doesn't mean that once you had a previous girlfriend, you can't be the best already. As long as the choices you made are fundamentally grounded on love, I think you're in the right path.

But what is love? That's another story.

Passion, Pressure, Perfection

2011-09-04T21:35:00.001+08:00

I've been feeling restless over the past 24 hours. I keep jumping, pacing back and forth, starting a blog entry (then deleting after) and a lot of unusual things like creating a business plan in one night (if you call scribbles, outlines and doodles a business plan). Must have been because of the business/entrep summit I attended yesterday.

Passion is contagious. Passion with direction is even better because it moves you to act. The way the speakers described their life story, triumphs and successes was indeed genuinely overwhelming. And I won't deny that I was envious, a bit. Some had it the easy way because they are already the sons/daughters of the rich and influential; some had to start from nothing. But the it's passion or in Jim Collins' words - your Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAG) - that keeps you moving forward regardless of a 400 million peso debt or hundreds of rejections.

I really felt pressured because I also want to be "great" like them. There is that invisible need to prove yourself, to achieve something significant as they did. Some of the speakers are young but they were able to help a community, change a system and influenced followers to dream of a better world. I felt more pressured when I realized that a lot of these great ideas came from my school mates in Ateneo. Legitimate social entrepreneurs! If they can do it, why can't I?

I don't know why but if you ask what inspires me, (without trying to sound arrogant) I'd answer: perfection. Yes, you heard that right and yes, it is also unattainable. But maybe that's the exact reason why I aim for it. There's always a need to continuously outdo your yesterday self. Like one of the speakers mentioned, compete with yourself. Magis - being your best so that others can be their best.

I have lots of ideas in my head and I can't execute it alone because some of them are very ambitious (like my bamboo farm that I've been dreaming for years), some are not within my expertise and others will require a business partner to successfully operate. Because of this, I'm looking for a business partner with a high entrepreneurial drive! And it has something to do with Manila Kid. If you're interested to know more about it, please please please don't hesitate to email me at neilpalteng@gmail.com! Hope to hear from you soon!

First Radio Guesting

2011-09-02T19:04:00.002+08:00

We attended Smart Netphone's Media Launch last night in Republiq and I kept telling my brother and Tatie to restrain me when I start screaming (yes, clapping isn't enough for me) because we have a radio guesting the next day for Coffee Break on DZRJ 810 AM Radio. After some bacardi and vodka mixes, plus two shots of tequila, I was screaming like there's no tomorrow - cheering for this guy who just won himself a netphone. Not a big thing really, I just want to scream. Haha!

Then earlier this morning, my voice was very hoarse! Pahingi ng salabat! Kidding! It took me a while to wake up and dress for the "event." Their radio station was just in Makati Ave so it was very convenient for us. We arrived extra early so we ate breakfast first in Wendy's. By breakfast, I mean coffee jelly frosty.

"Are you twins?"

Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection, Sec. Neric Acosta, was the one who interviewed us. I've met him before during our National Conference last January and we felt very comfortable to talk with him.

This was the first time that we're doing a live interview (the former ones were taped) so committing a mistake is not an option. We don't want hundreds of listeners to think that we're barok or something! Haha!

Jonard: "Well back when we weren't famous..."

Me: (in my head, wtf! famous ka na ngayon?)

There were several flaws with the interview, I was saying "uhmmm..." a lot of times and my brother didn't know what to answer when Neric asked him something about advertising. But overall, it went well and I'd like to think that we were able to impress Neric Acosta and their listeners. "You are very ahead of your time," he told us.

I don't know what's more nerve wracking, job or radio/tv interviews? In both cases, you have to impress the listeners and look good.

I'd like to thank DZRJ for allowing us to express our ideas regarding the state of our country, the youth, advertising and even fashion. Haha! Also to I'mABosco for my outfit during the interview;)

We're scheduled to do another guesting! Catch us on September 18, Friday from 9-10pm on DZMM!:D

Eureka!

2011-09-02T17:26:00.000+08:00

I was walking around McKinley Hill yesterday, not that I was lost or looking for a nice restaurant to eat to. Have you ever experienced days where you were so inspired to act but you don't know where to channel that drive? I was so motivated yesterday to look for new ideas - specifically for a new business venture. So I had to walk it off - maybe an idea might hit me in this new surrounding.

Several days ago, I read a blog of a brilliant friend who's really into entrepreneurship. "I do not like to have a boss, I would like to have mentors. I do not like to do working routines, I would like to have ventures. I do not like to have office mates, I would like to have genuine teammates and venture associates." My exact sentiments!

Some people are born to wear corporate attires, be employed in an 8-hour a day job, earn a stable income every month and build their way up the corporate ladder. Nothing wrong with that, of course. Majority of our newly grads (and friends) take up that path. But for those who are brave (or stupid) enough to go against the flow, there's always that path of entrepreneurship.

My personal reason for (eventually) choosing the path-less-taken is that I'm not really driven by money, promotions or SSS. I want to leave a mark in the world - change it for the better and entrepreneurship will give me the freedom to do just that.

Entrep magazine was kind enough to give me a ticket to tomorrow's Eureka: Entrep Summit 2011 at SM Mall of Asia, Premier Theater from 8:00am to 5:00pm. I had to move an important meeting just for this because conferences similar to Eureka are usually priced high or are very exclusive to only top executives.

I've checked the roster of speakers and they really have the power to move you. Inspiration is what keeps me going and I'm sure they'll be able to provide that!

I asked the EIC of Entrep magazine and she told me that they'll sell tickets during the event. Be sure to come extra early because it's a free seating. I encourage all aspiring entrepreneurs to attend this event!

You may check out their website http://entrepsummit.com/ for more details. See you guys there!

Do You Know How to Touch a Girl? Part 1

2011-08-31T15:37:00.002+08:00

Roughly six months from now, my sister will be attending her first prom so you can just imagine the chaos that's been happening in our house! Who is she going to wear? My mom promised her that she'll splurge on her gown since she's the only daughter. Jun Escario? Sassa Jimenez? Mag Kermit Tesoro kaya? I personally recommend Ivar Aseron. Anyway, this brings me back more than four years ago during my senior year prom.

The first thing that we thought (aside from what to wear) was who am I going to ask out? The thing with bringing girls to prom is that (as insensitive as this may sound [hello, high school]) they can be seen as your "trophies," especially in an exclusive boys school. The prettier your partner is, the more that your batch mates will be impressed. It's like bringing a Lamborghini to school. Mikey brought Eunice, a super pretty chinita girl from CSR, the year before so I wanted my prom date this year to be equally stunning.

I texted Andy, a friend I met in St. Paul during our interaction with them. She told me to ask permission from her mom which I bravely did! It was my first time to do that so my voice was shaking over the phone the whole time. Her mom agreed after telling that we'll drop Andy to her house in Greenhills with a Mercedes Benz. Problem solved! Later, I learned that her dad is a general who is currently out of town. What are the odds if I asked the permission directly from her dad? Yikes!

Back then, one of the famous prom songs was Jojo's Do You Know How to Touch a Girl? Aptly fit if you ask me. Everyone was almost finished eating their dinner when they started playing some songs signaling us that the dance floor was now open. After a few upbeat songs, they dimmed the lights and switched to the prom music genre. I asked Andy to dance with me and I noticed that her gold body hugging gown looks great in the dimmed lights!

And then came that awkward where-do-i-put-my-hands moment. After peeking over the other couple dancing - guys on the waist of the girls, girls over the shoulder of the guys. Whew! It's weird when you hold the waist of girls because you feel how they are incredibly fragile. I mean, I tried to touch her as gentle as possible because she was too thin that I think I could break her if I get too excited! Haha!

I'll spare you from more awkward and medyo embarrassing details, but after several minutes, her dad surprisingly called telling her that he's outside the lobby of Makati Shang and it's getting late so Andy had to go home (when the fun was just starting.) I checked my watch and it was pass midnight. Alright, so I accompanied her to the lobby of the hotel. Her gold sparkling gown looking more incredible under the chandelier! I bid goodbye, "thanks for the unforgettable night." Another hug, then I went back to the party.

Realizing that my sister will be attending her first prom makes me wonder if boys these days still know "how to touch a girl." Figuratively, of course. You can't blame parents (dads, specially) if they are extra careful with their daughters because they used to be boys as well whose imaginations can sometimes run wildly. How many can still look a girl in the eye genuinely and sincerely, appreciating her for her beauty and stopping at that?

I really don't know, but I still trust that men are naturally courteous and respectful. I think when externalities (like trying to impress your friends or that one has to conform to what one thinks is the widely accepted norm) are factored out, we can observe that men still know how to touch a girl. In Jojo's words: "thoughtful and kind, cares what's on [her] mind." Those and many other qualities.

Economics of the Prostitution Industry

2011-08-31T02:19:00.000+08:00

If I'll be pursuing my masters degree in London School of Economics (my ultimate dream school that will hopefully pave way to UNESCO, IMF or World Bank [or at least ADB]), my thesis would be about the prostitution industry in Ayala Center. I'm not even kidding.

If you've read Super Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, there is a chapter there with the title "How is a Street Prostitute Like a Department-Store Santa?" After reading it, I remembered how my high school friends and I frequent the Greenbelt area and see there women in kinky outfits behaving maliciously (to put it lightly) towards foreigners. Sometimes we'd just sit there and watch/laugh at them. But of course we know that their reality is much more complicated and multi-layered. Going back to my research...

The variables to be tested and compared are endless! Thinking about them just makes me very very excited! Having observed these women flaunt their best assets (skills not included) makes me more curious about the micro and macro implications of the "oldest profession in the world." And that curiosity somehow needs to be satisfied, as academically as possible;)

I have several questions in mind: Has prostitution declined over the past few years because of the introduction of an easier (not to mention safer) alternative - premarital or casual sex? What are the peak seasons and how do prostitutes make sure the demand is being met? Alternatively, does the law of diminishing marginal returns take place due to over supply? ...

Oh if I'll only be given the opportunity to write a thesis about it! Haha! Or maybe even a book! Might be a very fun read! But who knows, maybe someday;)

Art Works As Lovers

2011-08-29T23:56:00.001+08:00

I find it refreshing whenever someone talks about his passion - whether it's about the environment, a new business idea, a latest fashion purchase or art.

A few days ago, we were invited to Art 101 in Superfresh, Ronac Art Center in Greenhills. The schedule said that it will start around 7pm, but we arrived around 8pm. Not surprisingly, the event just began 5 mins after we were seated.

The speaker, Bjorn Santos, talked about how he started his art collection. It was after high school that he became fascinated with paintings. There's something about art that attracted him so he "compelled" his parents and godparents to give him monetary gifts during Christmas and his Birthdays.

What started out as a simple fascination became a hobby, and saying it's an obsession may not be such a strong statement. From his first artwork, he grew his collection to roughly less than a thousand paintings and sculptures! My jaws just dropped! Having mentioned that he taught English in Our Lady of Fatima University, I thought that maybe their family also owns the school!

Then my brother told me, "look at his shoes - it's Dior!"

It takes more than the appreciation of an art work's monetary value (ehem, investment piece) or an eye for beauty (home accessory) that makes someone an art collector. There was something with the way Bjorn talked about art - like a child of a painter, an intimate lover of a collector. Art is alive.

There are those who are moved, who understand what is being expressed and who take part in the creative process of bringing the creativity into continuity. I'm not sure if you get this but there are times in art galleries where in I look at a work and the painting catches me off guard. Like I feel very vulnerable all of a sudden because here is a work that I can very much relate to.

Art expresses unarticulated desires and bridges our sensibilities with our subconscious. More often than not, it is continuous and builds up on past realizations. This may be the reason why the more you look at an art work, the more you are drawn to it. And like in Oscar Wilde's novel Dorian Gray, you become one with the art work. Isn't that how lovers eventually end up?

photos by Nicole Santos

When Repressed Memories Strike Back

2011-08-29T01:36:00.001+08:00

Do you know that feeling when emotions you tried to repress for years come rushing back all of a sudden in one night? Like when you accidentally clicked a facebook photo album of a person that you really liked and you saw how much s/he has grown - and no matter how much you've wanted to be a part of that growth, you remain only to be an observer/admirer?

The tragic (and ironic) thing here is that the more you shield these memories, the more piercing they eventually get. Add to that being in a cold room with only your laptop to keep you company and you have the perfect recipe for a "slash-wrist" night.

It's 1:45am. I wasn't able to keep myself from opening the cabinet and retrieving my high school memory box. It's where I keep important photos, letters, my diaries and all sorts of other memorabilia. I think I haven't checked it for more than a year so the content deeply overwhelmed me.

Then I finally found the letter I was looking for. Written in a yellow paper folded lengthwise, it was a response to a palanca (retreat letter) I wrote more than four years ago. That hand writing (and the hand that wrote it)! It still sent chills down my spine. I exactly remember how it was given to me - in the second floor corridor just after the morning assembly. You smiled and you weren't sure what to say. I didn't even expect you to write back, but you did and I still have it with me.

It's weird that your best memories can sometimes be the most painful - only because of how much you'd want to bring it back over and over again. Only if we could. But maybe that's the secret to why they are your most precious.

MANILART 2011

2011-08-23T15:18:00.000+08:00

On August 24 to 27, 2011, NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig shall house MANILART 2011, the country’s biggest gathering of art galleries.

“We promise a more diverse and vibrant art exposition and viewers shall witness a groundbreaking event—the simultaneous opening of various art exhibitions during gala night,” said Delan Robillos, MANILART 2011 Director. “Exhibitors will not simply be showcasing the works of artists they represent but each gallery shall be presenting a conceptualized art exhibit,” he added.

In 2009, Onib Olmedo’s iconic jeepney painting served as the image of the first ManilArt while Andres Barrioquinto’s “Crystal Gazer” was the face of last year’s art fair. This year, ManilArt shall be graced by Elmer Borlongan’s “Batang Edsa” which shall also be translated into modern dance during the launching gala by premiere contemporary dance maven and Dance Forum founder, Myra Beltran.

Hosted by writer, magazine editor, and TV personality RJ Ledesma, the Filipiniana opening night will also feature a fusion of indigenous and modern music by Banda Malaya. The award-winning Fatima University Chorale shall also render a performance.

MANILART 2011 through the Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, has invited UST to celebrate their Quadricentennial year during the 4-day affair. The recognition of outstanding Thomasian visual artists shall highlight a program featuring Thomasian performers which has been tentatively set for August 26, 2011.

The MANILART lecture series this year includes, among others, “How we turn paintings into Bicycles: Lessons in Art, Law, and the Internet,” by Atty. Gigo Alampay and “Semiotics in Visual Art” by Dr. Oscar V. Campomanes.

Atty. Alampay the Executive Director of CANVAS, a non-stock, non-profit organization that promotes Philippine art, culture, and the environment and teaches Contemporary Legal and Policy Issues in Information and Communications Technology at the University of the Philippines’ College of Law.

Dr. Campomanes is a permanent panelist at the annual Jerry Elizalde Navarro Workshop on Arts Criticism in Baguio City and teaches critical theory and cultural studies at the Ateneo de Manila University, and semiotics, media criticism, and culture theory at the UST Graduate School.

Award-winning poet, fictionist, playwright, and essayist Vim Nadera shall give a talk titled “Visuals on Rizal Today” in commemoration of National Hero Jose Rizal’s 150^th birth anniversary.

Little art enthusiasts will also enjoy the storybook reading hour at the lecture room. RepubLikha Executive Director and former preschool teacher, Carisse Escueta shall read “The Rocking Horse” which features paintings by Elmer Borlongan. VJ Chino Lui Pio of MYX, and Ramon Bautista, have also been invited to read “Message in the Sand,” with artworks by Roel Obemio, and “Sol: A Legend about the Sun” with images by Farley Del Rosario, respectively.

Artists in Residence, Inc. (AIR) founders Architect Jojo Ballo, Cathy Lasam, and Jill Arwen Posadas shall also give a lecture on basic drawing for kids.

Since year one, Manilart’s live sketching sessions have always been one of the highlights of the art fair. The event not only aims to foster fellowship among the artists, but gives the audience the chance to witness how they are able to render the same subject through different style-genres from scratch. The live sketching session also serve as an interactive experience between the artists, the subjects, and the spectators, allowing art enthusiasts a glimpse at how artworks are brought to life. Leading up to the art fair, satellite sketching sessions shall also be held at Mercato Centrale on several weekends prior to August 24.

Among the art fair’s goals, in conjunction with promoting Philippine art, are to compound visitorship, strengthen support from both local and foreign exhibitors, and fortify media relations to expand media coverage that is both more extensive and intensive.

MANILART 2011 is presented by the Bonafide Art Galleries Organization (BAGO) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and co-presented by Allied Bank and Contemporary Art Philippines with the support of Bellarocca, Business Mirror, Business, World, Colleen and Derwent Art Supplies, Crown Fine Arts, La Creperie, Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar Heritage Resort, Manila Bulletin, Mercato Centrale, Midas Hotel,Oakwood Premiere, Pebeo Art Supplies, Ronac Art Center, Secret Fresh, Sustain Pro Complex, UNO Magazine, and Uratex Premium.

The gala event on August 24, 2011 is by invitation only. The art fair is open to the public on August 25-27, 2011. For lecture series registration, call 531-6231 or 0917-8511333 or email info@manilart.com. Visit www.manilart.com

Lights, Camera, Action!

2011-08-23T12:59:00.000+08:00

I was surprised when one of our featured personalities, Adrian Gonzales, asked me to cameo for his thesis short film, Ningas. I have been invited to do cameos before for school projects but this was much different. And it's Adrian Gonzales we're talking about - just the guy whose works will be exhibited in Milan this September.

This is the big acting break that I've been waiting for! Haha! I'm kidding of course because I really have no talent in acting. Nevertheless, I confirmed our attendance for the shoot together with my brother.

Everyone in the staff of Ningas were very accommodating. We were the fashionable friends of Camille, the Chinese lead actress. Our lines were very little and I think our scene will just be within a minute but it took us 3 hours, from 9am till noon to get everything done! It was that intense. One scene even took 8 takes just to perfect it.

I used to direct short films for school projects but this was much different. There's just this insatiable need for perfection and they were very attentive to the littlest details. I'm not complaining though, I want to appear in a film with the utmost quality. Haha!

We arrived home just in time for lunch. It was definitely a day worth remembering! The film will be shown during Cine Adarna at the end of September! Definitely can't wait.

Being Still for 5 Minutes

2011-08-23T12:20:00.000+08:00

"Are you a carnivore?" was one of the first things my meditation teacher asked me before the start of our first session. JM invited me to visit her house in Antipolo for an introduction on Christian Meditation last Saturday. For the record, this isn't something that I usually do because we live in a fast paced environment that I can't even spare 5 mins to "reflect" and I find silence lethal (well, sometimes). Start with 5 mins, she kept repeating.

It's interesting to note that she came from the hard core corporate world - the woman responsible for bringing Red Bull and Agfa Film in the Philippines. She also worked for P&G before becoming the VP Marketing for an Advertising firm. She's what I'd like to call metanoia personified - a total change of heart.

She told me that Christian meditation is different from Zen or Transcendental meditation because it involves Christ. You are doing it because of Him. I find it uncomfortable when religion was taken into consideration because it marginalizes those whose beliefs are different. She made it clear though that meditation is universal and not exclusive to any one faith or tradition.

Back in my oriental philosophy class, we tried to meditate for 5 mins - concentrate on your breathing, do not pay attention to your environment, thoughts or emotions. I found it difficult at that time, and I still did last Saturday. We were seated in the meditation room and JM asked me to repeat after a mantra inside my head - "ma ra na tha" which means "Come, Lord Jesus, come."

Different concerns start entering my head - the fashion show, Manila Kid, I'mABosco, how will I get home, what to wear in the next party... STOP. I'm paranoid. This was the time I realized that I needed to meditate. I'm usually cranky, disorganized and sleepless these days and this 12-week meditation tour will help me manage the stress.

JM told me to practice meditating at home even for just 5 mins every morning and evening. I'm quite surprised that being still for 5 mins is actually very difficult! It ain't lethal as I originally thought but it will leave you vulnerable. But maybe it's in that state that you get to know what your body (and soul) needs. It's all the external layers are being peeled to reveal the core person within. I have yet to arrive at a solid realization, but we're getting there.

11 weeks more to go!

Strengths Finder 2.0

2011-08-10T14:43:00.000+08:00

Few weeks ago, a friend of mine was so thrilled to share with us this "sobrang solid" book that he read about self mastery. Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath isn't your usual book where they give you a general guideline on self improvement like the Covey's or Maxwell's. Attached at the back of the book is a unique code that will allow you to take an assessment which will help you discover your 5 key strengths among 34 most common talents.

It is an upgraded version because even though (for example) you and your friend got 'Achiever', the assessment will be different based the intensity of your inclination, and on the relationship of that strength with your other strengths. In fact, there are more than 5,000 personalized insights that the system will choose from. This certifies that this project is thoroughly researched and your money is definitely worth every peso!

I got my copy for only P719 because I guess almost every bookstore has their products on at least 20% off this time of the year. Original price in Powerplant Fullybooked is P999, but I used to see P899 copies in other bookstores. Yeah, the price may sound like a bargain for a book and a practical assessment test, but the challenge comes with looking for a copy.

I have to warn you, it's out of stock in all bookstores in Shangri-la, Mega Mall and Robinsons Galleria. When I bought it, I had to go to Greenbelt 1 National Bookstore first, then Greenbelt 5 Fullybooked, Greenbelt 3 Powerbooks, Glorietta 3 Powerbooks before I ended up in Glorietta 5 National Bookstore where they only had one copy remaining! It's like looking for an ancient artifact!

From a 19-page result (!), I'd like to share with you guys my Top 5 Strengths from the outcome of the assessment:

1) COMMUNICATION - I wasn't surprised with this outcome, not that I used to be VP for Communications in our org. Haha! It's more than my love for writing and conversing with other people. I always feel the need to bring dry ideas to life to make them exciting and vivid for those people who have short attention span. "Your word pictures pique their interests, sharpen their world and inspire them to act"

2) MAXIMIZER - this may be the strength that allowed me to conceptualize Manila Kid. We wanted to highlight the talents of the youth today in our online magazine so that others who share the same interest will be inspired! I can sense the strength of people and feels that something can always be done to maximize them. I never really focused on my weaknesses and try to improve them. I enhance what I already have.

3) STRATEGIC - I guess I really hate complex situations that's why I try to find the patterns in scenarios and the best route or alternative for efficiency. This comes into play when competition in business or projects arise. I'm usually the one who comes up with an idea on how to change the course of the game in favor of us. Even during the end of my term as VP, I was helping one of the incoming officers on how to politically strategize so that there will be balance of influences in the org, if you know what I mean.

4) FUTURISTIC - the future always fascinated me because of the possibilities and the impact we can have on it. I'm a visionary and thinking of what is yet to come energizes me and somehow provides hope that something can always be done. I think this strength goes in perfectly with the next strength on the list.

5) POSITIVITY - those who know me may be skeptical on this one. But generally, I'm a positive person - very generous on giving praises and support, and always on the look out for positivty in a situation. I think everyone will agree that we're better off immersing ourselves with the goodness that life can offer instead of concentrating on the problems and deficiencies of the events and people around us. We're all about solutions!

Now I kinda realize that my top 2-5 strengths are very much in perfect harmony with each other.

I usually try to finish at least one book per week. I have to say that this is the most worthwhile book investment I've made for the past few months! Grab your copy now, if you can still find one! Haha!

Filipino and Proud

2011-08-08T22:16:00.002+08:00

Last Thursday, the Manila Kid Team took on the challenge of Chictopia Style Icon and interior design student, Aivan Magno. "I'll be asking Filipino bloggers to wear one (or more) of my Igorot Pieces and give them the challenge to make it contemporary without losing their personal styles."

Together with Nicole Santos, MK's Fashion Editor

and Jonard Palteng, MK's Creative Director

we invaded Ortigas in our Igurot-inspired outfits and had one of the most awesome collaboration shoots ever!

It wouldn't be a surprise to say that we got stares from people around the area of Ortigas. From Mega Mall, we had to walk all the way to Podium to change clothes. Aivan led us to this shortcut where we had to pass a carinderia area - and it was lunch time. These people might be thinking that we came from some cultural show or something!

It's weird that people find Korean fashion in the streets more acceptable than something as Filipino as Ifugao fashion. This shouldn't be the case. Why do we have to look for inspiration in Tokyo, Milan or Paris when there's so much that our country has to offer? :(

And here is the amazing Aivan Magno. He told us that he had to dye his hair purple before meeting us (last week it was red). You may check out our feature article with him in Manila Kid here.

For the record, we're all "Chictopia babies." We've met each other online years ago when Chictopia hasn't been that famous and people would post their outfits mainly to share and express themselves - not to gain popularity.

After the shoot, we had to cool down in a coffee shop because walking under the scorching sun under three layers of clothes can be lethal.

We talked about a lot of things - from high school memories to plans after graduation. Of course we wouldn't miss talking about the blogging world - the issues revolving other bloggers (gossips!) and the power of media. It was a very insightful conversation because we shared our personal vision for our country. We dream of having a distinct/dominant Philippine fashion, because right now I think there is none. Our country has always been a melting pot of cultures.

Those who say that fashion bloggers are narrow and superficial cannot be farther from the truth. I've talked to a lot of them, and lahat sila ay may ipinaglalaban - from homosexuality acceptance in society to being true to yourself through your clothes.

Why use media to create pain and contempt if you can use it to spread love and positivity?:) In our case, it's our love for our country!:)

Why We Should Stop Building More Condominiums

2011-07-26T22:13:00.002+08:00

There's the constant demand for housing in Metro Manila because it's the concrete jungle where dreams are made of in this little island called the Philippines, so it isn't surprising that real estate moguls are taking the opportunity to build condominiums left and right. It's good for the economy that people are spending because money is being circulated, but I'm very much concerned about the environmental implications of building high rise buildings in just about every big vacant lot around the metro.

Can Metro Manila accommodate additional thousands or even millions of residents in the next five to ten years? Isn't the traffic in EDSA or C5 bad enough? Will the jobs be sufficient to cater to these additional "migrants"? There may be solutions to these problems like train railroad extensions or more investors from the BPO sector, but will there be enough supply of food and utilities to go around? I'm not solely pointing at supermarkets but rather to their suppliers. We keep putting so much stress on their production that god knows what they do to keep up with it. Hello cow farms over the tropical rain forest in Brazil? At least if the population has been evenly distributed, there'll be less concentrated demand for suppliers.

One of the things that we also forget to consider is the waste management in big cities. It has been a similar concern in New York and Hong Kong, much more in Metro Manila. Are these condominiums equipped with sufficient knowledge that would at least mitigate the high consumption effects (more waste) of their residents? High rise buildings are one of the causes why drainage installations are clogged. I also have issues with the materials they use to build condominiums - concrete, steel and glass - which produces a lot of carbon emissions when produced. But hey, at least there are "green" buildings build finished around the Fort.

I can't help but be critical on how marketing executives try to highlight the "underlying values" of these condominiums. Yes there might be some truth on "providing every Filipino family with better homes" or their inculturalization of independence with young adults (by getting a house of their own) but if you turn your focus on sustainability and on the immediate needs of the people, I think these would outweigh whatever brain washing their sales people did to your parents. If you are a millionaire and wants to spend your money on something that would balance profit and sustainability, consider investing in bamboo farms or houses made with natural materials like the ones of Illac Diaz.

I Miss College!!!

2011-07-05T23:57:00.002+08:00

Please take me back to school!

Me: I want to go back to college, La Salle naman!

Dad: As long as you're going to take up Civil Engineering

Me: Do you want me to die? (walk out)

This photo was taken during Anne's despedida. I can't believe how much I miss my blockmates. I think more than half of them are already working.

That night didn't end well, ideally. To say the least, we were jerks (this photo is a big disguise to what really happened). So I sincerely (and humbly) apologize to Anne. Sorry.

Hope to see you soon! Probably by December!:)

On a brighter note, I saw this photo on my facebook wall recently. It's the new batch of officers of my org back in college.

Compare it with our batch:

Things that I've noticed with the new Executive Board:
1) Most of them are girls (we had equal number of boys and girls then)
2) No one is a stuck up. Can't stress this enough!
3) Everybody seems so friendly:D
4) Two of them came from my department - Raynard (VP Finance), Gracie (AVP Externals, future President, haha!) Weird because my department was Communication:|
5) The one who replaced me is a former intern for Preview!!! Woohoo!
6) The two other EB members that are not in that photo pala are boys.
7) The 2 EVPs (External and Internal) have been VPs since they were 2nd year!
8) They can't have a better president right now than Mon - a real visionary!;)

I hope we can have dinner again or something!:D I wanna hear some updates! Haha!

photo by Anne Laxa, Jarvin Villaflor

TV Premier

2011-06-30T22:21:00.000+08:00

Sorry for being MIA for a couple of days! My gosh! I don't usually survive a week without blogging here but that's what happens when you are "working."

One month after we launched manilakid.com, NBN Channel 4 was gracious enough to air our taped interview for the show SheKa! To those wondering, the assistant of the procducer was the one who contacted me about the interview;) I asked manilakid.com's creative director (Jonard) and fashion editor (Nicole) to accompany me during the interview. It's like the Preview Team! Haha!

This was the firt time we appeared on national TV! I was actually dead nervous. What if I go barok? What if my make up is uneven? What if? What if? We just went with it and based from what we saw on TV, everything went well naman.

The taping was held in Wildlife Center in QC. The place is so Japanese so we took advantage of the scenery to shoot our "chictopia" pictures, though our chictopia accounts are dead na.

AND>>> Here we are sa TV! Finally! I was even eating popcorn and hot chocolate to make the event more ceremonious. Our models also appeared on TV!

Interviewer: Do you have an email where people can contact you?

Nicole: You may email us at www.manilakid.com@gmail.com

WINNER!

Corporate Slavery

2011-06-19T00:58:00.000+08:00

"What's the worst thing that can happen to you in five years?" That was one of the questions they asked us during our organization team building last year. I think I wrote "become fat, poor and drunk", but there was a particular answer that until now bothers me. Corporate Slave.

These are people who are overworked in a passionless environment who's ambition has been shot down by their "need" to earn a living. Their main motivation is the money and the promotion they are working so hard for - to earn more money. Big corporations milk these people for their talent in exchange of sugar-coated sour benefits. There's a fine line between a dedicated hardworking employee and a corporate slave, and probably most people think they're on the former.

Sorry for sounding innocent, but I wonder why some (probably those in their mid-thirties) still stay chained in their jobs even if they've always felt unfulfilled in their position. Maybe it's because they fear change or they've been complacent in their growth. Uncertainty usually gets the best of us, but it's these Magellans who succeed in getting the most out of life, reaching their Spice Islands.

We only live once so we might as well dare to live it and not let the current of traditions or (speaking from experience) family expectations take us away from our ambitions. You shouldn't follow parents dictating that you have to get a job that demands you to wear long sleeves and a tie if you know that this will not contribute to fulfilling your purpose. Maybe it's just another stepping stone, but the corporate world shouldn't dictate what you were born for.

Find and do something that excites you every time you wake up in the morning. As my friend said, find a job that you'd actually pay for.

Baguio Night Life

2011-06-18T18:48:00.001+08:00

Who would have thought that Baguio has a night life? It's easy to think that a city on top of a mountain has its people sleeping by 8pm because of the sleep-conducive environment. Well people, a five minute drive from Burnham park will lead you to the aptly named Nevada Square, Baguio's own version of The Fort.

My friends and I were supposed to go to an artsy bar to chill for the night, but we suddenly craved for something "wilder". Google led us to Nevada Square. Upon arrival, we noticed that no one was in the vicinity. The music was already pumped up and you can see bouncers around the area but people were probably sleeping. We thought since it's a Thursday night, no one would go out... but we were proven wrong. (Wag kasing pumunta ng 9pm, okay?)

Around 11pm, the crowd started to build up. There are no dress codes and you won't see girls in skimpy dresses and skirts because it was freezing! Some of the early crowd were college students, you can see that they came straight from school or a group meeting because they still have their back packs with them!

I don't usually spend more than 500 pesos (not including the entrance) when I party, but I guess Baguio was different - no one would know me if I did something stupid so we drank and danced (may kasama pang jump at pagsipa!) the night away. We also met a group of friendly students from UP Baguio, but unfortunately, we weren't able to exchange contact details. One of them even studied high school in Makati!;)

Amidst the inconsistent DJ, slow bar tenders and pa-hard to get crowd, my friends and I still had a great time! Be sure to check Nevada Square when you visit the city of pines! And in fairness, they have Bed there! ehem!