Top Model Suite: Evolution of Design

Conceptual Sketch

 Rendered Proposal

Finished Product

Photoholic Pahiyas with Travefactor

It was PHL360 that first introduced me to Travelfactor and the many packaged tours they offer.  It was a web based travel show that documents bloggers as they visit 4 different destinations located on the four major directions of the country.  Sta. Ana, Cagayan for North, Bicol for East, El Nido for West and Cagayan de Oro for South.

Watch the full series here:
#PHL360

As one of the major presenter of the show, I went to visit their site.  That was the first time I was introduced to the many packaged tours they offer.  Admittedly, i would visit their site to grab some itinerary and check on interesting places to visit and took more than a year to actually join them for Photoholic Pahiyas.

I remember visiting the site last January only to find out the all the slots are filled.  To my surprise, when I checked on the site last April, they opened up more slots so I made my reservation that day.  I almost didn't make the payment deadline.  I was suppose to pay at their office in Pasig, but could not find a parking slot.  I just went back to the office hoping that they're still open past 7 PM.  Luckily, they were!  I think they have a pre-event meeting for a trip somewhere.

A week before the trip, I received a more detailed itinerary and what to expect.  The instruction was to be at El Pueblo in Ortigas by 4:30 AM.  Because of my busy schedule, I did not sleep anymore and just waited until it was time for me to prepare and commute my way to the meeting place.

When I arrive at Mcdonalds, theres already a line of participants registering and claiming their shirts and tags.  We waited about 30 minutes for the others, afterwards we boarded the bus that would take us to Tayabas for an early lunch.

I used the ravel time too catch up on sleep.  we made a quick stop along SLEX when finally, we arrived at Palaisdaan sa Tayabas an hour early from our itinerary.  Since they were still preparing our meals, we took the time to tour the restaurant.  As what the name suggest, dining huts are scattered on  huge pond connected by bamboo rafts.  Function halls are also available for big groups.

Palaisdaan sa Tayabas

Our lunch consisted of vegetables, grilled pork belly and Tilapia in coconut cream sauce.  Delicacy that made Quezon famous is being sold near the entrance.   They have Budin (Cassava Cake) and Yema Cake from Rodillas.  I should have bought the cakes here.  The lines in Lucban were just as long as the parade itself.

I still haven't tasted Rodilla's Yema Cake!  I should have bought one here!

Here, I was able to taste Pilipit.  It's very similar to Churroz but is made from squash, and Butchi (glutinous rice dough filled with sweet Ube).

Pilipit and Butchi

After lunch, we rested a bit until it was time for us to go back to the bus for the short ride to Lucban Town.  We parked far from the town centre.  Some opted to take the tricycle, but I chose to walk since I don't want to miss out on the happenings on the side streets.

There are more and more tourists as you approach the church.  The main plaza and side streets were filled with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to household items and food.

Along the main street are the famous Lucban landmarks.  Buddy's that made the Pansit Habhab popular in Manila and the only authorised sseller of Rodillas Yema Cake, which you would not miss because of the long line at the entrance.

Lucban Church

After visiting the church, I walked my way to the procession route where the houses where decorated with the local produce in thanksgiving to the town's patron saint San Isidro Labrador.

The houses made colourful with the decorations are a sight to behold.  Some made more effort than the others but all showcased their creativity and artistry.

Its very difficult to get a good shot because a lot of people are doing the same. But, here are some of what I got.

Dancing Vegetables

My Striptees is just as colourful as the decorations!  I totally belong!

Healthy Street food! Crispy Mushrooms!

Doing what the local do!  Pansit Habhab for only 10 pesos!

It took me more than 2 hours to completely circle the street under the scorching heat of the sun, but it was all worth it.  Every house sells their own version of Pansit Habhab.  I gave in to one of the stalls that has a fresh batch prepared.  I was given a serving on a banana leaf for 10 pesos.  A drizzling of the local vinegar adds flavour.

There's also a house decorated with giant mushroom that sells Crispy Mushroom.  It's actually Oyster mushrooms drenched in flour then deep fried.  It's popular to western tourists.

I also chanced upon a store that sells Leche Puto.  A box with with 25 small pieces costs 180 pesos.  This popular delicacy of steamed rice cake is made special with a custard topping.  I'm also not leaving without bringing home their famous Longganisa and the Cassava Cake.  I got myself a woven bag for 20 pesos to carry all these things.

The experience was tiring but fun.  Pahiyas is something that each Filipino should experience.  It showcases our hospitable nature and the richness of our culture.

In hindsight, I hope the tour guides offered more information about the festival.  Its relevance and history.  It doesn't have to be something detailed.  To me that would differentiate them from a transport service.  They were really nice though and as much as I love the fact that they allow us to discover things for our ourselves, we also don't want to miss out on anything.  I would have love to know who prepares the best  Pansit Habhab, or where to get the best Longganisa, or where Leche Puto is located and the other must do's!  Little things that would have made it more convenient for us!

OUTings Launch and Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert

Our company was invited to help support the launching of OUTings last May 8, 2014.

OUTings is the newest brand of the consortium of leading travel agencies in the Philippines: Afro-Asian Travel and Tours, Rajah Travel and Tours and Travel Warehouse Inc. This newest brand offers alternative domestic and international tours for the LGBT community.  Among the packages they offer is the Amsterdam Gay Pride, and an Asian Cruise with activities suited to the LGBT lifestyle. 

I'm very optimistic about the brand.  I just hope they would offer more domestic options and more affordable rates.

I remember coming up with the same idea.  Imagine going on group tour on board a bus much like Priscilla, with good-looking tour guides to take care of the travellers needs.  On board services includes massage for long trips and games.

After the short program for he launch that included a fashion show and messages from sponsors that I missed because I was late, we were treated to the technical rehearsal viewing of Priscilla Queen of the Dessert musical at Resorts World Newport Performing Arts Theater.

The performance was good, and the story line remained true to the film.  I felt that the stage was too big for the production.  It was lacking the flamboyance and exaggeration I would expect from a Musical about Drag Queens.  Nevertheless, I was singing along with the songs famous from the movie.

All in all, It was fun to watch and worthy of seeing the films musical adaptation.

My First Tattoo from Chilli ank Ink

For a long time, I always wanted to get inked.  It started when I set up our booth at Dutdutan a few years back. Victoria Court was one of the participating sponsor for the biggest event in the Ink industry.

I almost got myself inked that time, but was undecided on the artwork.  Also, i find it too expensive.

Then came a promo in Groupon offering a 65% discount for Black and Grey Tattoos.  I bought the 5x5 size worth 6000 pesos for only 1800.  My only problem now is the artwork.

I was looking for something that would best describe me as a person.  I'd like to be known as a traveler and and explorer.  I am constantly mobile and in a constant search of adventure.  I thought a compass would be the most appropriate symbol.

I came upon this artwork online and was immediately drawn to it.  But, for my first tattoo, I don't want want it to be something I just downloaded, I need to add a personal touch to it.  I need to add something that would describe me as a designer.

On my table that time were carved wooden scroll moulding left over from a project.  I then re sketched my tattoo integrating baroque scrolls inspired by the items on my table.  I also changed the major directions initials to Tagalog.  H for North, T for South, K for West and S for East.

With my finished artwork done, I then went to Chilli and Ink to have it done after scheduling my appointment.

While waiting, I was advised by the owner, that a crew from IBC 13 will be featuring their restaurant, and if it would be OK if they include me in the shoot.  Just my luck! I agreed not realizing that this might capture my pain on live TV.  I can't change my mind anymore, especially after they started the shoot with the owner introducing the the place, the food and the services offered.  It is an interesting concept after all.

After the tattoo artist Ryan Larosa prepped his things, I was called to the small both behind the dining area to get started.  The first contact was tolerable.  Painful but tolerable.  Then came the interview.  Fortunately, we had to stop the pricking while I answer the interviewers questions, because the sound of the equipment interferes with my response.  Otherwise, I would have stuttered with the pain.

Two hours into the session, the tolerable part of the ordeal is becoming less and less, and more and more painful.  After more than 3 hours, we were done.

I ended up paying additional 2000 pesos, because my design went beyond the 5x5 limit.  I should gotten myself another voucher, but was so impressed with the skill of the artist and did not mind the additional bucks.  Now I'm contemplating of expanding into the shoulder area, but still undecided with the design.  I'm also coming back to try their spicy food offerings!

Check out Chilli and Ink through their FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChilliAndInk

and their Groupon Deal:
http://www.beeconomic.com.ph/deals/metro_manila/Chilli-and-Ink/718035859

Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2014

I have been going back to White Beach yearly for almost 10 years now.  Except for the year we went to Sta. Ana, Cagayan, it has become my yearly tradition.  The first years were spent with housemates, and the last 2 was with my Waray Zumba Expert Friends.

Going there at these time is a challenge.  You would have to expect long lines at every transportation station, starting at the bus terminals in Manila.  This year was no different.  When I arrived at our meeting place at JAM Terminal along Taft corner Buendia, the end of the line has reached 7 Eleven around the corner excluding the many turns of the queue.  My tip, is that JAM is not the only terminal in the area that has trips to Batangas Pier.  We abandoned our line when we saw an empty CERES Bus, a few meters away towards Libertad.  We reached the Port of Batangas in less than 2 hours.  There we bought the earliest boat trips available.  Our mistake was buying round-trip.  You would find out later on its disadvantage.  Fixers, although not encouraged will provide you with convenience in terms  getting terminal fees and assist you with directions.  Some would even get you inside the terminal without having to go through the lines.

For first timers, the boat ride is just as long as the bus ride, so its best to find a seat that will allow you to catch up on sleep you missed the previous night.  We arrived in White Beach around 10AM, erlier than what we expected.  Our room was pre-booked months before at Las Villas de Natividad.  This has been our home for the last 2 years.  It is conveniently located behind Mikko's, and would be easier to crawl back from a night of drinking.  They charged us 5,000 pesos for a room good for 6.

The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking, partying, and hook-ups for some.  I for one, was so drunk on the first day, and missed out on the beach event that Thursday night.  We were drinking Mindoro Sling as early as lunch, and consumed two bottles of Jaggermeister in the afternoon.

The day after was a bit more controlled.  Loud music is not allowed during Good Friday, and expect the party to start at 12 midnight.  I need to pace my drinking this time.  Morning was spent with a Massage, Eating, Swimming, and ZUMBA!!!  It was only til late in the afternoon that I started with 2 beers.  I lost count by dinner time, and was partying like crazy when the music started playing until the morning.

I woke up with very little recollection of the previous night.  I would have extended my stay, but with the work week lurking ahead, I need at least a day to detoxify.  I left that Saturday afternoon after having lunch with my Galera buddies.  My return trip was originally scheduled at 2 PM, but the boat arrived 3:30 and we left White Beach at 4PM.  I would have booked my return trip with vessels that left on time like Manolo and Gallerian.  Ours is with Father and Son.  The boarding area is not really conducive for waiting especially under the scorching heat of the sun.  I was back in Manila by 8PM.

I think I would still be doing this for years ahead.  Apart from the sun and the beach, I enjoy the challenge that comes with the travel and the company of friends that makes it more fun.  And of course the BOOZE!

Special thanks to Janna, Franco, Joseph, Robby and Eirik for the company and the Zumba lesson! To Ate Juliet of Las Villas de Natividad (0917-4820505) and to Red Horse, Jaggermeister, Mindoro Sling and Liki Tiki, for making our stay so much FUN!!

Read about my other Puerto Galera Trips:

Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2013
Puerto Galera, Holy Week 2012

Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas

I can't resist an invite to visit new places, especially a secluded beach I haven't been to.  I received an invite from friends going to Burot beach during the last week of March for April 5-6.

Since I have nothing to do, we'll actually I have tons of things to do, but the opportunity is too good to pass out.  Plus, the pictures I've googled about the place is so tempting.

Our scheduled meeting time is 10 AM, but due to late arrival of companion and changes on meeting place, we left the South Bound Provincial Bus Terminal at NAIA Rd. around noon.  We took the Nasugbu bound bus, because the Calatagan bound has no air condition, and looks as if it has no plans of leaving. Three hours later, we arrived at the town of Lian.  This is where the Nasugbu bound bus makes a turn to the opposite direction to Nasugbu.  There, we waited for a mini bus to Calatagan, while others ordered a quick snack from a convenience store at the corner.  Bus going to Calatagan is very rare, and we don't want to wait any longer.  Instead, we went to the public market where there are jeeps departing as soon as it gets filled.  Luckily, we were the ones that filled the jeep and immediately went on our way.

The jeep took us to the Public Market in Calatagan.  There, we purchased our provisions for the night and the next morning.  Also, our tricycle driver contact picked us up and took us to the Beach.  It is still 15-30 minutes ride from the market.  We passed by a fenced property, over rough roads that seem to traverse mangroves and fish pens.  Towards the end is the stretch of white sand that is known as Burot Beach.  We arrived just in time for sunset, and it was breath taking.

Since, its the start of Summer, the beach is more crowded than I expected.  The shaded areas were occupied and we pitched our tent on a clearing above the beach.

Immediately, we started preparing our meals.  Actually, my friends started preparing our meals since, they don't trust my cooking skills.  There are toilet facilities in the area, but you have to wait for your turn, since the line gets longer as the beach becomes crowded.  There's also a store that sells ice and just about everything that you would need.  They even rent out tents.  Some guests would even drive their vehicle to the beach and camp beside it.

I still managed to swim while the sun was still out.  The evening was spent eating and drinking and star gazing.  We were blessed with a clear sky that evening and I managed to see a shooting star.  That was until the red horse took over me, because all of them seemed to be dancing.  Thanks to the store nearby, I think I managed to finish two grande.

It was surprisingly cool that evening.  That afternoon, my tent struggled with the wind.  The next morning was different story.  It was hot and humid by 8 AM, and since were at a clearing, It became unbearable for us, that we decided to pack earlier than our itinerary.  We left the place around 10 AM on board a bus from Calatagan Market straight to the South Bound Provincial Bus Terminal near Macapagal.

As usual, Robb, our organiser made it fun with new found friends who are just as eager to discover new places.

Our small group, with Robb taking the picture!

Aegis and the Rak of Aegis

I have been a fan of theater, but like most of Filipinos, I don't have the money to spend for tickets.  I remember in college, I would watch the free staging of plays and musicals by Intramuros Administration at the many venues within the historical walled city.  I have heard about the musical Rak of Aegis last year.  Being a fan of the group, I am instantly drawn to watching it and curious on how a story develops from their popular songs I would attempt to sing along.

Now, I am very fortunate to belong in a company that supports Filipino Music, Theater and Artists.  Victoria Court have help sponsor concerts of big artists like Regine, Ogie and Musicals like Full Monty, and Rock of Ages.  I literally jumped off my office chair when I found out that, we are also sponsoring Rak of Aegis.  It was a different Marketing team that handled the project, and I was texting and emailing non-stop to secure myself a seat.  I got an Orchestra seat for the 8PM show last March 5.

In the audience were the officers of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong  Mang-aawit that included Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez to name a few.

I was laughing and crying with the different characters in the story, top billed by Aicelle Santos.  It was about the struggles of girl who lives in a flooded area of the City who dreams of making it by posting a video on youtube hoping it would go viral and be invited on Ellen Degeneres show.  I will just name the more popular cast members that included Robert Sena and Isay Alvarez, but all of them gave a stellar performance.

After the curtain call, and the standing ovation, I was on my feet again, when the actual group Aegis entered the stage and performed their classic hits.  I was singing on top my lungs not caring to hit the high notes.  I would have posted pics, but my battery gave up on me.  I am close to tears hearing them perform live.  Now I know how it feels to be a fan and seeing your idol up close.

After the show, I waited at the entrances so I could have a photo of them.  I so love Aegis!!!