Thinking of C…

While waiting for August (the much awaited 3rd trip to Bohol), I’d probably scout for new places to discover that starts with the letter C. So where do we begin?

1. Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija > If I remember it well, I’ve been here once with my step-sister; it was just a picnic by the rice fields and where I had a chance to ride a rice field tractor
2. Cagayan
3. Cagayan de Oro > I’d probably try water rafting when I’m ready to die
4. Calamba, Laguna > I’ve been to this place and swam in its different resorts a couple of times…lost count
5. Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental > When I went to Puerto Galera some years ago, my friend and I explored this place just to have lunch in a European diner. The coolest experience was riding those jeepneys with window-like windshields…
6. Calauan, Laguna > Home of the hidden jungle–Hidden Valley Springs–love this place!
   

   Hidden Valley Springs

7. Calatagan, Batangas > Relatively near Manila, for some reason I haven’t been to this place
8. Caloocan City > My previous residence for 10 years!; where I had my secondary education at Our Lady of Grace Academy, now known as St.  Mary’s Academy of Caloocan (SMAC)
9. Camarines Norte > The Calaguas Group of Islands are worth seeing
10. Camarines Sur > My mom’s hometown; would be worth visiting again and go on a side trip to Caramoan Island and experience wakeboarding
11. Camigiun Island > I’ve been wanting to see this place and experience the White Island, Sunken Cemetery and Katibawasan Falls
12. Capiz > I wonder what’s going on at Aswang Festival in Roxas City?
13. Carles and Concepcion, Iloilo > I’ve heard this place boasts of pristine beaches and islands; thanks to Happy Sole for commenting as I was trying to recall where I discovered this place
14. Carmen, Bohol > Home of the famous Chocolate Hills and I have climbed it twice…probably won’t do it for the 3rd time
15. Catanduanes
16. Cavinti, Laguna > Went to this place for a tree planting activity in partnership with Haribon Foundation; stayed overnight at Caliraya Lake/Resort
    

    Lake Caliraya

17. Cavite > I’ve been here several times on a business trip to Gateway Business Park and usually stay overnight at Microtel (one of my favorite cozy mini hotels); a quick route to Tagaytay City and Sonya’s Garden at Alfonso, Cavite
    

    Sonya's Garden

    

    Tagaytay Casino windmill

18. Cebu > I’ve set foot on this place twice as an interchange to Bohol but was able to pay a short visit to SM Cebu, Shangri-la Mactan and Tabora Market; there’s still a lot to see in this place
19. Compostela Valley
20. Corregidor, Bataan > I’m not into history and ruins but it was a good experience to set foot on this Island Fortress
21. Coron, Culion and Cuyo, Palawan > I’ve got to see this place, most likely early next year…
22. Cotabato

Among these, I’d probably try Calatagan and Camarines Norte/Sur this year then Camiguin, Carles, Cebu and Coron by next year….

 

Impeded Monologue

On my way to work, I’d often pass by 7-11 to grab a drink. There is this old lady in shabby clothes who appears to be insane and would always stare at me as I take a swig of Mine Shine. Intrigued, I would often ask myself, “What is she thinking?”…”Does she know she’s crazy?”. With her every stare, I would attempt to stare back for a few minutes…trying to read her mind… As much as I want to approach her and get some answers, I’m just too scared…too scared to be mistaken for another young lady in business attire.

– 0 –

Finally, I was able to watch the 1981 Clash of the Titans. As much as I want to appreciate the plot which is somewhat different from that of the 2010 remake, I can’t help but laugh as early as the open credits. Of course, there’s nothing much to expect from the 1980s special effects when there’s a phony bird (eagle?) flying through the mountains where you can almost imagine a man holding an eagle cardboard attached to a stick. Not to mention, the Kraken resembled one of Shaider’s rivals as I imagine Puma Lay Ar shouting, “Release the Kraken!”.

– 0 –

photo from: filmofilia

If I wasn’t excited to see Robert Downey, Jr. again and curious about Scarlett Johansson‘s role, I would have dozed off while watching Iron Man 2. The film was too long and lacks focus in its attempt to introduce the characters while showcasing the ‘somehow’ star-studded cast.

– 0 –

At some point, most ‘ordinary’ people would want to see themselves in TV or their names in print. Others…like budding writers, would want to see their writings published…having to see their names with a byline. I don’t consider myself to be striking nor good in writing. I’m not a celebrity nor a writer material. In short, I consider myself as ordinary…but…I have:

• Appeared in three TV commercials locally and abroad when I was still a kid up to my early teens
  
• Interviewed for a feature article in a business newspaper insert
• Written three blogs for my company’s global intranet site
• Written  a feature article for a global charity newsletter
• Asked to contribute a themed article on innovation for my company’s global newsletter

Most of which have my face and name on it.

photo from: Platform Nation

Looking back, I just realized…I have accomplished all of which without even extending an effort nor asking for it. They may be simple for some people but these are truly among my personal achievements.

– o –

My heart is filled with so much hatred and disappointment. I can only think of forgiving these people as an option to ease my pain. As I move on, I wonder…should I leave a farewell message? Do they deserve it? As I ponder, probably I should. My conduct and high regard for ethics urge me to do so but I’ll leave a message as simple (somewhat generic) and fitting for those a few. Admittedly blunt, I may have a hard time drafting this so I should probably start…That is right after I play another round of game where the funny zombies and mutated plants await.

 

Haribon Earth Day 2010

Haribon Foundation would like to invite everyone (visitors, participants & volunteers) to join them in launching various events and activities in celebration of the Earth Day 2010.

For those interested, please see details below:

Date: April 16-22, 2010 (mall hours)
Venue: SM Marikina Atrium
Activity: Green Re-Fashion

CPM Events Management has launched a design competition called Green Re-Fashion to promote the need to re-use, reduce and recycle materials.

Twenty-four designs were submitted by the following schools: La Salle College International, School of Fashion and the Arts, FEU College of Fine Arts and the Technological University of the Philippines. All designs made use of scrap materials and recyclable items.

The organizer is also raising funds for Haribon’s forest restoration campaign called ROAD to 2020.   Tickets are sold for P100 each and part of ticket sales will go to Haribon’s ROAD to 2020’s Adopt-A-Seedling Program.  The ticket also entitles the holder to join a raffle whereby the winner gets a trip for two to Boracay.  Drop points for the raffle will be in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf outlets in Metro Manila.

Date: April 16 – May 15, 2010 (mall hours)
Venue: Art Asia Gallery, 4^th Level Mega Mall
Activity: Opening of Robotars Exhibit by Jomike Tejido

Thirty (30) tarsier robots (Robotars) made from resin and hand-painted by Haribon member JomikeTejido and friends .  These toys, which are both decorative and functional, will be on exhibit.  The Robotars are up for sale.  Haribon gets PhP1,000 for each toy sold.

Date: April 22, 2010 @ 5:30am – 5:30pm
Venue: Around CCP complex, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City
Activity: “Luntiang Lungsod, Luntiang Sining”

5:30 AM – Bikathon
6 AM to 8 AM – Opening ceremonies with dragon boats and Human Mural
7 AM – CCP will install a human mural on Earth Day at the CCP front lawn. We request participants to join the event. Call time is 5:30 AM. Please wear a RED T-shirt.
Haribon is required to have 100 participants for the mural. Please ask members; supporters; friends; family; school partners to join us.  Please pass this request to your networks.
8AM to 12 NN – Slow Food
12 NN – Picketing on How to be Green
12 NN – Opening of Hats and Weaving at Main Theater Lobby
1:30 PM – Opening of Haribon exhibit at Little Theater Lobby
Afternoon – Hats competition; plays; film showing
5:30PM – Closing ceremony

Date: April 23-25, 2010 (mall hours)
Venue: SM The Block Activity Center
Activity: Exhibit

Exhibit to promote the importance of forest conservation and reducing, reusing and recycling of materials.

Date: April 24, 2010 @ 5:30am
Venue: McKinley Hill
Activity: HP Fun Run

This Fun Run is open to the public to benefit Haribon’s ROAD to 2020 and Kythe Foundation’s assistance to children with cancer.

Contacts:

• Chris Cenal >+63922-8152052 / resdev@haribon.org.ph
• Yolli Deveza > +63922-8151931 / order@haribon.org.ph