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...
Sep 9, 2011
Sep 8, 2011
Rock and Run for History Week
Relive history with RockEd and the National Historical Commission's
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.
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.
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.
Sep 7, 2011
Manila Kid: As Seen on the Runway
"...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!
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!:)
Sep 6, 2011
Do You Know How to Touch a Girl? Part 2
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.
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.
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.
Sep 4, 2011
Passion, Pressure, Perfection
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!
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!
Sep 2, 2011
First Radio Guesting
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!
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!
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!
Aug 31, 2011
Do You Know How to Touch a Girl? Part 1
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.
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.
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