It's March already!

Hi there!

Didn't realise that the last post was on last Christmas. Time flies, doesn't it?

So, what have I been up to lately? I did go back to the Philippines, to give a birthday surprise to the celebrants, Tricia and Papa Momoy. I must say it was a well-planned surprise, because nobody knew that I was coming, except for the 3 ladies in the house. :)

And coincidentally, just a ferry ride away, Ilo-ilo was celebrating its Dinagyang Festival. In conjunction with that, ASAP (a Filipino music-and-dance programme) was doing a live show there. Knowing that many of the good-looking faces would be there, well, more importantly, my Papa Piolo (!!), I went there and joined in the Dinagyang fiesta mood. Very much thanks to the relatives in Ilo-ilo, I've got a chance to witness the colourful Dinagyang Festival parade from the VIP area of the Freedom Grandstand. Not only that, a free ticket to the ASAP show bundled with police escorts. Haha!

And! Piolo was also holding his album mall tour there as well, do you think I would let go of that? :) The purchase of his latest album included an upclose blocked seating area, an autograph and a photo taken with him. Ah.. that was almost like a dream come true. Haha.

I guess that was really the highlight of the entire trip. :)

And then came the Chinese New Year. It wasn't a big affair for the family, most of the time was spent in the house. I was just plain unlucky to get gastric flu on the eve of the new year, I lost track how many times I had vomitted, and many of the new year goodies were out of limits. It was only till Day 3 that I could stomach some solid food and a small piece of my favourite bak-kwa and shrimp roll.

Before the trip to the Philippines, I had an ear infection, and I was panicking, worried that I couldn't take the plane. Thankfully it got better, and I had medications along the way. And then it came back just a few weeks back, thank god it was a mild one. I guess this year's wish should just be good health.

Other than that, I've been stuck at work, caught up in the aftermath of taking too many photos (it was a real headache to sieve through and edit hundreds of photos), meeting friends for meals, attending performances here and there.. Life still goes on the usual way.

And then what's up coming next? More performances (and photo-taking assignments), work, work, work.. Haha. Till then!

Back from hiatus

Apologies for going on an unexpectedly long hiatus. I had to change the hard disk of my laptop and hence all the photo-editing was delayed. And surprisingly, I could survive without a laptop for 2 months, and still connect to the world via work computer and iPhone. Ha. I just increased my TV-watching hours unknowingly, that's all.



Anyways, to share what I've been up to recently, I went to the Philippines twice in 2 months. Call me an addict, but that's what I like. The first trip was to bring a friend there to conduct music lessons for the children in Bago City.
















It was a 2-week teaching course, but I could only be there for a week. Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable experience with the children, seeing them getting excited when they were learning new things.

















































































































The second trip was to Manila, just for a weekend. I had friends who were there for a working trip, and so I joined them for a weekend before flying back to Singapore together. It was a shopping trip, and to meet up with my friends in Manila as well. Despite the short duration, I managed to gain new experience - taking the jeepney without local's help. Haha.

And now after all the travelling, it's back to the hectic life once again. I foresee that I'll spend much more time at work for the coming months, but hopefully I could get a short break once the project ends. But meanwhile I could try to escape away from the reality by watching (more) TV. HAHA.

17 days in paradise

17 days in a place I call home.

It was supposed to be a much deserved break, but I left for the Philippines with a heavy heart. Things happened at work, which made me felt that despite the fact that nothing is fair in this world, I deserve something better.

Things wasn't going smooth either for the children's workshops in the schools in the mountain areas. It took everybody by surprise when I had an emotional outburst one night. I have never cried so hard for the past 8 years in Bago City, and even if I had encountered problems, they would only hear occassional rantings from me. I guess it was an accummulation of all problems and the stress I was going through, that resulted in the outburst.

I never like sharing my problems with the whole world, but I am thankful that I have friends there who are always ready to lend me their ears. A hug, a pat on the shoulders, it's comforting.

After this experience, I'm giving second (or maybe more) thoughts on working with groups again.

I had 1 week to unwind from all the stress and problems, I gave enough quiet moments to myself, and spent time with friends. I went out to the sea, swam with the fish and corals, and watched the sunsets. We even spotted a blue dot stingray while snorkelling in Carbin Reef in Sagay. A few of the many reasons why I'm loving it there in the Philippines.

Thank you my friends, for the friendships. And thank you Philippines, for the beautiful moments. Yes, I'll still be back again.

Goodbye, Tito Dad

Tito Dad passed away this afternoon, losing his battle with a stroke that left him in a coma for 3 days.

My heart just sank upon hearing the news.

Papa was admitted into the hospital last Wednesday, and before I left for Manila last Friday, I went to visit him at the hospital and Tito Dad was there. Having a flight to catch, I bid everybody goodbye, and kissed them on the cheeks, including his.

On Sunday, I was asking how was Papa recovering, but got the bad news instead. Tito Dad looked perfectly fine that day, having lunch and reading the newspaper in the ward. His stroke came so sudden, that I think everybody in the family couldn't believe it as well.

I was worried about Tita Vic as well. She just had a heart surgery in February, I was so afraid she might not be able to cope.

Perhaps, it was time for him to go, but I never like seeing people go, so suddenly, just like that.

I don't know if this is a mere coincidence, Lolo Samuel passed away last year, the day after I saw him in the Mondia's house and after I left Bago City. Is it a consolation that I was able to see them before their passing, or should I wish that I was never there?

Maybe I shouldn't even be thinking about that.

Tito Dad and Tita Vic live just across the Matti's house. If I wake up early enough to sit with Papa outside the house, or if I return early before dinner, Tito Dad would always be around, chatting with Papa. He was always so welcoming, and just like Papa, he would ask if I have eaten, where have I been to, where would I be going.

Now, I won't get to ask him back the same questions, but I know the answer, because he is already in a place with no sufferings and no agony.

My condolences to the Yulo and Matti family.

Goodbye Tito Dad.

Greetings from Bago City

Life here has been good, in my own words, a good way to detox from all evils. Haha. It might have been a short stay, but nothing falls short from feeling right at home here in Bago City.

I have not yet gotten to meet up with everyone (too many people I've known here), but of those people whom I've seen, they are doing fine. Except for Papa, he has just been admitted into a hospital due to his high blood sugar level. But I'm sure he will recover and get well soon.

This trip would just be a rest-and-relax trip, a time for me to get together with my friends, and some time for myself too. I did not plan for any activities or gift-giving for the children, I hope they won't be disappointed.

And so far so good, I have been sleeping and waking up early (so different from my usual body clock back in Singapore), and eating well too. :) Of course, I've satisfied my craving of chicken inasal, and lots of Starbucks because it is cheaper here in the Philippines. :)

But things have changed too. As the years passed, all of us have matured, and for various reasons, we might have grown closer, or become further apart. For whatever that may mean, I'm learning to accept that.

Alas, time is never enough. I have always wished I have had more time with my friends here. I wish them well, as always.

Till next time. :)

Back from the Philippines, for the 11th time

Yes, I'm back, since last week. But I was too preoccupied with the uploading of the photos and getting back to the hectic lifestyle. It felt like I have been back for weeks. :(

As always, the time spent in Bago City has been enjoyable and meaningful. There's always so much to experience, so much to learn.



That was my first time experiencing the fiesta and the Babaylan Festival in Bago City, and wow, what a colourful and awesome fiesta it was! Good to have Jiahui with me too! :)



I had so much fun during the fiesta. We had our very own kite decorating and kite flying activity, I think it was also the first time we had such activity in Bago City.



And it was quite a sight to behold, seeing 80 kites flying up into the sky above the Bago City sports field, all at the same time. I hope the kids have enjoyed the activity as much as I did.







And what's a fiesta without the presence of the celebrities? :) Princess Velasco of ASAP Sessionistas, 'Sample King' Jhong Hilario, Bianca Manalo, Bret Jackson, Andrew E. and 4 artistes from GMA performed live in Bago City. :)


Princess Velasco, Jhong Hilario


Bianca Manalo


Bret Jackson


GMA artists

And I've got autographs of Princess, on her CD. Woohoo~! :)



Andrew E taught me something too, "humanap ka ng pangit, at ibigin mo ng tunay". Which is translated to, look for somebody who's ugly, and love him/her truly. :)



Giving away 800 sets of stationery was also my way of giving back to the community. I've gained so much from Bago City, the warmth and the friendship, that I would wanna do more for the people there. I am very thankful to have friends who have been so supportive towards my cause. :)



The kids are so cute, their definitions of love are also out of the world. This is my favourite: Love is like a bubblegum. When it gets sticky, it will make you go crazy. :D



Got to visit The Ruins in Talisay City. Beautiful.



And revisited the Kipot Twin Falls and Paradiso Beach.


Kipot Twin Falls, Paradiso Beach

And I survived Manila. :) Was going around places alone in Manila, good that I know the shopping malls well. A perfect excuse for retail therapy. Haha. My friends in Bago City were a little paranoid about me being alone there, but I think they worry too much. Haha. There were incidents where taxi drivers tried to cheat me of my money, thinking that I was just like any other foreigner easily bullied. But hey, I can speak Tagalog, and I can deal with you. HAHA.

It was also good that I was able to meet up with some of my friends there. The me-and-myself-alone time I promised to give myself was comforting, in a sense that I was able to give myself some space, to sit down and do nothing.

Was also able to witness the 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at SM Mall of Asia. Fireworks right before my eyes. Breathtaking. I think I was just too lucky to have seen 3 times of fireworks within 2 weeks. :)



And for the 11th time, I am still not getting enough of the Philippines. Can't wait to be back there again, god knows when.

Going back to Bago City again

After 5 (long) months of waiting, soon I'll be on the road back to Bago City again. It has been 7 long years, and I still love this place.

For the first time, I'll be there for their city's charter anniversary fiesta celebration and the Babaylan Festival. And I do look forward to our very own kite-flying activity, which to my surprise, is a part of the fiesta celebration. :)

And a very big thank-you to my friends for the support, we have raised slightly more than $800 for the stationery sets to be given to the children. :)

I'm also giving myself some me-and-only-myself-time during this trip. I hope I can survive, and come back safely.

Will be back 2 weeks later. :)

Raising funds for Bago City

It has been quite a while since I did something big scale for the children in Bago City.

In 2006, I managed to secure sponsorships for the shipping of 4 boxes to the Philippines, and an enormous amount of stationery. We had 2 fabulous Christmas parties for the children, and these donations came as a pleasant surprise to them.

I guessed I was just being lucky.

People were touched by the video of that trip. It never fails to make me laugh and cry, leaving a beautiful memory.

I continued to help the children whenever I was back in Bago City, however in much smaller ways.

This time round, I'm planning something big. I've secured a sponsorship of 100 kites, and I'm going to do a kite-flying activity. It was also ambitious of me to set a target, to raise $500 for stationery sets to be given to the children.

I'm very thankful to have friends who have been supporting me in my efforts to help the children. Within a week of my announcement, the target was achieved. Some even donated toys and clothes. I can't thank them enough.

I'm just lucky to have you guys as my friends.

P.S. I hope I'm not being too ambitious to raise the target to $800. :)

Pasko na!

With the release of ABS-CBN's Christmas station ID, the Christmas spirit is starting to get festive.

Very heartwarming to watch the video, to see my favourite stars coming together. :) Because I'm a true Kapamilya. Haha.

But I still prefer last year's station ID 'Bro, ikaw ang star ng Pasko'. It was more catchy, and more meaningful because of the unity the Filipinos have shown after Typhoon Ondoy has wreaked the islands.

Sadly, I can't be there this Christmas. I miss spending Christmas with my friends in the Philippines. And now, I wish I could have a 'parol' hanging in my room.

Another busy week has passed

It has been a busy week, with my time packed with work, the shifting of the office, and being the tour guide and host to Tricia and Joseph.

This was the 2nd time Tricia has been in Singapore, and the 1st time for Joseph. They were here for a conference, and definitely to meet up with many of their friends here, starting from the legendary BHBH1, to BHBH5 and some other groups. I hope they have had a good time here in Singapore, just like how I would always enjoyed my time in Bago City.

It's funny when I was kept being asked if I am close to the people in Bago, and if I've been going back there often. I don't want to make it sound like it's something to boost about, I just want to cherish my close relationships with them, and keep it private.

There is nothing to boost about anyway, the things I've done for Bago, is nothing compared to the large-scale projects carried out by the various groups. It is a good thing that there have been groups going to Bago to do community service, and I'm glad that the group leaders have been making a continuous effort to keep it going.

I'll just continue with my small little ways to help Bago. I'll just keep on going back to Bago.

:)

My beautiful home of Bago City

Many of you would have known that I'm very attached to my 2nd home in the Philippines, Bago City. A youth expedition trip 6 years ago has changed my life, I fell in love with the place and the people there. I can never have enough of Bago City, because there's so much more love, friendship and peace it can give me. :)

6 years on, I'm still in love with Bago City. I just came back from my 10th trip, and I definitely look forward to my 20th, or more.

This, is my beautiful home of Bago City. :)

Back from Bago City, for the 10th time :)

I'm back from Bago City, for the 10th time. :)

It was absolutely fun, and many firsts again. I am so glad to have my dear friend princess Sarah with me this trip, it was wonderful to reminisce the times we spent in Bago City 6 years ago (that's damn long ago). For once I could push away all the attention and avoid answering questions. Haha.

We went exploring 3 caves in Mabinay, walking through the caves up and down the stones and on muddy grounds wasn't exactly that marvellous, it was still a one-of-a-kind experience after all. We had photos taken inside the caves, and we ended up talking about the 'faces' that appeared on the photos and ghostly talks after that.

We were also lucky to be part of the action of releasing a giant green sea turtle out to sea. It happened that the fishermen in Puntaplaya accidentally caught the turtle in the nets, and the environmentalists were called in and the sea turtle had to be released. Our dear princess Sarah appeared on the local newspaper the next day. :)



We were also invited to be a judge of a poem recital by students in the Bago City College, which was actually the students' mid-term grading. I hope our comments didn't kill the students or ruin their grades. Haha.

And the Jollybee party! We managed to get the mascot to Bago City, and had a party for both children and adults! Haha. And I still don't quite understand why some kids (like my godson) are scared of the bee. It's so cute! I hope everybody have had a great time during the party. :)



This trip has been filled with lots of laughter, over the lansones VS chiku, the Jollybee party, and the SMSes between Sarah and her mum.

And one of the things I've learnt from this trip, or rather, trying to convince myself to believe in, is that 'everything happens for a reason'. If Tricia is reading this, I bet she must be laughing at it. Haha.



Thank you to everybody whom I've got to meet up, it was simply heartwarming to see you guys. :) Thank you for spending your time with us, for the treats, for the fun, for everything. And thank you Sarah. :)

I've fulfilled my wish to celebrate my 10th trip with a bang (Jollybee party!), what would my next trip turn out to be? :)

Dreaming of the TRY camp again

For the 4th time in a month, I dreamt of the TRY Summer Youth Camp.



I'm not sure if there's anything wrong with me, but I do feel a little distressed after every dream. I would be struggling, on one hand, trying to figure what was going on, and on the other, trying to fight the 'homesickness' that would strike as the day went by.

I find it unbelievable to have dreamt of the same event in such frequent manner. I told a friend about it, and she said, I should just find a job in the Philippines to ease the 'homesickness'. Then another friend said this (on a separate matter), 'This world is full of opportunities for the bravehearted'.

Perhaps I'm not brave enough to step out, just yet. Perhaps I'm just waiting for the right opportunity. Hmm.. right.

Back from hometown once again

10 days in the Philippines is definitely not enough.

And I realise, the more people I know, the less time I've got to spend with them.

The death of my camera no doubt dampened my mood, but perhaps I've learnt to step out of my small world through the hard way.

Manila was so-so, Subic was a disappointment. Bago City is always my safe haven.

A series of unfortunate events happened in Manila and Subic, and I sought solace in my hometown. I am thankful I had the company of my dearest friends during the TRY Summer Youth Camp. I did not speak about what happened, I don't like being asked as well. Seeing how everybody has been so accommodating, I really appreciate it a lot. I hope I've been of some help during the camp, I hope I've brought smiles and laughter to everyone.

The camp made me realise how much more I need to work on to become a better person. Sometimes I feel I don't deserve all the love and blessings. Sometimes I feel I'm better being by myself.

Maraming salamat sa iyong lahat. I'm missing you guys already. Very much.

My summer paradise - Bago City

Last part of my summer paradise - Bago City

Bago City has always been my safe haven. Everybody knows that. That's the place I know I can escape to, away from reality, but with a rather hefty price (expensive air tickets).

It was my first time spending the Holy Week in Bago City, and my shortest stay so far. 3 days is definitely not enough.



In this predominantly Roman Catholic country, Good Friday is commemorated in many communities with street processions.



In Bago City, people from all barangays gathered on the streets near the St. John the Baptist Church. The entire procession started in the evening, and took more than an hour (although I couldn't remember exactly how long it took), with the devotees and the carrozas parading from one station of the Cross to another.



There were actually two processions happening on that day. I was being told that there were just too many people joining in the processions, and the devotees were from two different churches in the city.



That was my first time experiencing the Good Friday procession in the Philippines. I wouldn't say it was exciting, it was supposed to be a solemn event anyway. But it did allow me to witness the colourful and ritualistic displays of faith of the Filipinos.



But I think the kids enjoyed it. Ha.



In some other part of the Philippines, Pampanga actually, there are devotees who self-flagellate, and some even have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance or in fulfillment of a vow accomplished in thanksgiving or exchange for a granted request or prayer. If given a chance, I would like witness the crucifixions too, but I guess it would take me a bit more courage to do that.

Anyway.

The Philippines will be having their political elections this coming May, and of course, campaigns are going on everywhere in the country. Billboards, posters, TV commercials of politicians everywhere. It's a rather interesting sight actually. Haha.

Again, it was my first time witnessing the campaigning in Bago City, and some of the people were teasing me that I was running for a senate seat. HAHA. I'm never into politics.



Children were rather excited though, because they got to get stickers and flyers, and soon they started singing the jingles that went around the barangays.



It was tiring walking under the blazing sun,but that's all part of the campaign. But kids just love it. Haha.



The short stay in Bago City ended with a serious bout of diarrhoea and vomitting. That doesn't stop me from going back to my safe haven. I have yet to experience the other important fiestas in Bago City. I told myself I'll celebrate my 10th visit to Bago City with a blast. This was my 8th visit. Two more to go!! :D

Could it be within this year? :) I love Bago City!

Philippines Christmas 2009 and New Year 2010

Photos of my Filipino Christmas and New Year have already been uploaded to my Flickr (and Facebook).

Much delay to this post, due to me returning to work (too soon) and nursing my cold, cough and fever.



I love spending Christmas and New Year in the Philippines. It is so much more Christmas-y over there in the Philippines than anywhere else in the world. The scale of Christmas mass at the coliseum is enough to overwhelm you.



New Year had been a blast too, literally. People lighting up firecrackers, starting hours before the clock strikes twelve, till the next day. The 17-minute long of fireworks on the New Year's night was just awesome. I've never seen fireworks that close, right before my eyes. Simply breathtaking.



But most importantly, I was with my dear friends in Bago City. People always ask why do I keep going back to Bago City, and like what Ryan says, we are just like a family. Not only that I'm the adopted daughter of Papa Momoy, I have 2 godchildren there in Bago City (Ryzel and Iza), and perhaps one more on the way. Haha..

I've got to meet up with the Mondia family too, for a short while. Haven't been able to meet up with them for quite some time. But the passing of Lolo Samuel came as a shock. I saw him during my visit to their house, and the next day when I returned to Manila, he passed away. Grief as there is, we are still glad that he was able to spend Christmas and New Year with the family.



Joining the mayor for the gift-giving was rewarding, in some sense. It gave me opportunities to take nice pictures of the people and the scenery.





I was also able to share my blessings with the others as well.



And back to Bantayan, "our boulevard of broken dreams". Haha.



As usual, I'm always amazed by the kids. How they can get entertained so easily. Simple pleasures, I suppose. And I can confirm one thing: baby boys like to flirt with me. Except for my godchild Ryzel.

And I love to amaze people with my (little) command of Tagalog, and my unbelievable knowledge of the Pinoy's entertainment industry. Haha.. Go Papa Piolo and Richard Poon!

Yes, I'm already a half-Filipino, and I look forward to more Christmases and New Years spent in the Philippines. Mabuhay.