Pacman Foreover

Source: Philboxing.com

"Paano ba yan? Forever Manny fan na tayo?". Daisy's forwarded text message not only amused me to bits but nailed my fascination with the world's best pound-for-pound boxer and Mexican destroyer. The boxer's latest bout with the crowd favorite, one-time Olympic champion and ever charming, Oscar 'Golden Boy' dela Hoya not only catapulted him to the world's center stage, sent dela Hoya to possible retirement but also provided a momentary unity for all Filipinos (well for once, the roads are clear, people don't mind sitting side by side in crowded restaurants and politicians stop their usual nonsense bickering). Imagine, what boxing can do for this country? If only those politicians hugging the much deserved limelight from Manny in an aim to snatch a face recall for the 2010 elections (it is just plain revolting...) will disappear. Hayyy!

Source: Las Vegas Review Journal

Pacman's (Pacquiao's monicker describing his boxing offense on the ring) throngs of avid fans while smiling on their winning bets (some husbands even got a Lacoste shirt from their wives. Congrats, Joven!), had been somewhat disappointed for a TKO or in layman's terms; dela Hoya for being such a wimp for giving up the fight just like that. But if I would be pocketing $60M surely and had the chance of promoting Manny's fight next time, why would I risk having some jaws dislocated and not giving the little man his much-deserved victory? Personally, I think dela Hoya played it smart...really smart!

Source: Philboxing.com

In last Sunday's fight, it was evident that dela Hoya's weight loss to get to the 147lbs weight limit has taken a toll on his middle as it fell prey to Pacman's relentless body punches. Tsk, tsk...never a good turn out even if you managed to loose all that weight. Weight watchers, beware!

I never really liked Manny's motivation why he dabbled and failed in politics, why he disillusioned himself into TV hosting (Pinoy World Records at GMA 7 with Chris Tiu) or why he thinks he can sell with all those commercials (Imagine, he even endorses a vinegar brand?) but I never question his skill and determination when he is on the ring. The man is really unstoppable. End of the story!

Beauty Knows No Pain

"Beauty knows no pain!" This is what Lynn's mother told her as she defended her usual choice for pretty, pointy but feet killer stilletos in one of our casual lunches. Am cannot even convince her to shift sides even with her ominous quotable quote "walang magmamahal sa paa mo kundi ikaw lang".

The range of things women subject themselves into to beautify themselves is endless and legendary. I would argue that this is actually bordering on being masochistic from consistent culturing (Gerbner's Theory) through our long history of social preconditioning, e.g., corsets, stilletos, facial scrubs and lately, hair rebonding.

For years, I convinced myself that I am a no-fuss girl and I would think twice bursting my budget on those expensive hair treatments. If you shop around, the price of one rebond session (a good one) is a more than the price of a small 14" television set, imagine? But for years also, I have to contend with my unruly curls that sometimes nauunang pumasok sa pinto kesa sa akin. There was an adage that you have to brush 100 times every night so it will grow long, straight and silky. I tried that since I was eight but by 25 strokes, I decided to go to sleep or watch TV. So, I grew up with curls (although I disillusioned myself that it is just a worst case of wavy hair ---tipong masyadong mahangin lang sa labas...). I get late in the morning trying to tame them and if I gave up in frustration, I wear them up in a pony, which made me really aloof looking (if not older than I am). I also used to wear them short but the frequent trips to the saloon to have it trimmed when the curls start showing was also a drain on the budget so I let it grew to a liveable shoulder length.

Last Sunday, I decided to try this new science of hair rebonding. I went to the saloon as soon as the mall opens at 10 o'clock in the morning. Thea, the hair 'estimator', asked me to remove my pony and ran her hands through my curls weighing the strands in her palm and scribbled in her form. I couldn't decipher much but the price and the "semi-kinky" description led me to an astonished, "What?". She tried to reassure me with, "Conservative estimate lang po ito, Ma'am. For the chemical treatments..." But ask any girl with wild curls, 'semi-kinky' description is far from reassuring. The five-digit estimate also made me slightly dizzy and reminded me that I only ate two slices of bread that morning so I could be in the saloon when the mall opens. I should have relented to my mother's fragrant garlic rice and crispy, fried danggit with tomato salad. Kainis!

To cut the story short, I took the proverbial leap of faith. I signed the agreement form on the price and treatment with squinting eyes (bigat din sa loob e but beauty knows no pain :p ) as I allowed Thea to whisk me inside for shampooing. After they blow dried my hair, Char and Michelle (Imagine, we're already first name basis --- you get that for staying in the saloon for almost 10 hours) started applying the chemicals. They left for about an hour with my hair tightly sealed in a Glad wrap. After the second hair washing, they blow tried my hair again prior to the straightening process (Read: painful pagpapalantsa ng buhok strand by strand). With my curls and the volume of my hair, it took them a little more than four hours. I tried to chat up Michelle whose thumbs have been scalded by hot flat iron so she goes easy on my scalp. But still, I had a migrane from too much scalp tension afterwards. Yes, beauty knows no pain (whoever thought that adage must be really something!). But when they finished, my hair was so flat and glossy that you can see your reflection on it. Feeling dyosa ka talaga!

For those contemplating of doing it, some guideposts:

"Was it painful?" - Yep (try having three people pull your hair at the same time...)

"Was it costly?" - Naman?!? (you can buy a good cellphone from the price)

"Was it taxing on your health?" - Yes! (you'll eat fastfood junk the whole day since you can't leave the saloon unless you want to roam around the mall with thongs on your hair)

"Was it worth it?" - Yeah... Just look at the line of curly haired girls lining up to have their hair done. Think of all the pesos you can save from tons of conditioners, setting lotions and hair ponies just to tame your wild curls.

We only live once so try living a little bit dangerously and pretty!

Cat's Guide to Driving in Metro Manila

Hi. My name is Sugar. Driving in Metro Manila became more dangerous lately (I like to watch a lot of news on TV, you know?). And, I always wonder how Merzy fares in those perilous streets everytime she drives out in the morning. Her mother's trashbin even flies sideways when she takes out the car from the garage sometimes. I sit nervously on the window sill at night, waiting for her and praying that she comes home safe, especially during rainy days.

She forgot too many times to check her water reservoir and tires. She drives her car even in flooded areas. She honks even at pedestrians. Crazy, if want my opinion. But I love her to bits. She buys my favorite Mackerel flavored Friskies regularly and cried when I'm sick. She tries to get my litters, Bruno, Matilda and Sunshine, even though they're still too fragile to hold and I am scared to death she might drop them.

Here's my view on how to be safe on the streets:

Dealing with Stray Animals on the Road

1. PEATC and LTFRB need to look closely at major highways (i.e., Aguinaldo Highway) for the burgeoning number of squatters along the area and their wayward animals. They pose dangers to motorists.

2. Note to other pet owners: If you can't be responsible for your pet (e.g., let them roam even in highways), don't take one home. Road kill is on an uptrend even for my own kind.

3. Honk at the animals for at least 20 meters away to alert them. Our natural instinct is self-preservation but it would be impossible for us to run if your bumper is hairlength away from our fur!

Big Car Bullying

1. Public utility vehicles especially jeepneys, buses and trucks can be really nasty on the road. These drivers need to take some orientation seminar on road ethics!

2. Traffic authorities need to remind them to stay on the right lane. Maybe an implementing circular or ordinance to make the enforcement more forceful.

3. Take the offense: Keep distance and honk if they tailgate too close for comfort or try to swerve na alanganin.

4. For those monster, gas guzzlers SUVs that overtake you and snatch your rightful lane just because they're big, make their renewal of registration license a little bit harder next year by texting their irritating driving habits to LTRFB at 0921-4487777. In situations like these, do not get angry (because you will be late or get killed in case the big car driver is a psycho. Who in his right mind would counterflow and bully you out of your lane if they're not otherwise mentally deranged?) ---better to get even.

Corrupt Traffic Enforcers

1. According to Chairman Bayani Fernando, traffic officers or policemen should not take your driver's license. If you have an infraction, just take the ticket and pay them at any Metrobank branch. Let's make the traffic enforcement clean!

2. Kotong enforcers seem to be nowhere in sight during lunchbreaks, high noon at rainy days. Be extra careful during merienda times, breakfast and early evenings --- these leeches are on the prawl.

3. As a motorist, spend extra time familiarizing yourself with road signs, road courtesy and traffic rules. It's your first defense against corruption.

4. Never attempt to beat the red light in dimly lit intersections. Most traffic enforcers are just nearby hiding out in the dark or trees.

Rainy Days

1. Check your brakes and bring flashlight in car to check how deep are those flood waters before letting your car wade through it.

2. Stay in the middle. It's the best policy.

3. Apply a rain guard repellant on your windshield and side mirrors. Better to be safe than sorry.

4. Open your headlights and stop if it becomes zero visibility. Drive within the 20-40 kph range if road condition worsens.

5. Memorize the potholes, manholes and humps in your daily route including possible safe car parks where you can leave your car in case the rainwater becames too high.

The sad thing about humans is that they don't have nine lives. It really puzzles me why they can be so reckless on the road.

When Strangers Became Family: Best APG Bondings

APG Members with PGMA

We all met at the PICC during the Asia Pacific Group Conference on Anti-Money Laundering in 2006. A significant milestone with the Philippines' removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist. The event was keynoted by no less than PGMA. We served as liaison officers for the Anti-Money Laundering Council of the Philippines.

Thad and Pearl: Certified APG Loveteam!

While the event was generally successful, it had its share of logistical nightmare: lost flights, missing delegates and annoying executives. From these constraints, our plain his and hellos turned into whining banters, to extended chats and finally into meaningful conversations.

With Venus, Thad and Sir Toby at Josephine's

We hanged out a lot even after the conference. Initially just to catch up on each other but later turned out into a regular social exercise.

One of mga biglaang dinners with Sir Toby, our Jedi master

The sense of family is not exclusive to blood relations. Extended affiliations with strangers can blossom into meaningful friendships that are similarly founded on love, trust and joyous camaderie definitive of any family unit.

When Strangers Became Family: Best APG Bondings 2

One of the highs of being a part of the APG core group is having Iya and Pearl around. They're the best event organizers and can really through a fit to get everybody out of their busy schedules to attend our regular getos. It's nice because it's a chance to catch up and makipagkulitan with friends who became almost like a family to you.

Videoke session, Macapagal Boulevard

Videoke session is one of the group's favorite past time. Best singers: Olga, Jacke and Eli. The rest of us were just hang out for moral support (in case di nila maabot yung ibang notes :P).

Since we have a grand database of each other's details (e.g., birthday's and what-have-you) courtesy of Iya, we make it a point to be with each other's best moments or even kahit wala lang --- bored, stressed or naaliw lang. Last June 14th, we treated Thad for a lunchout at EDR before he leaves for a two-year study leave in Tokyo, Japan. (Real story: we felt guilty because we missed the dinner he threw for the group a night before at San Miguel by the Bay).

Thad's Despidida at EDR

With Pearl around, we can get really semi-rowdy even in places like EDR where there is higher probability to have some of your bosses also lunching out. But, who really cares?

Me and Iya in B&W (Ok pala effect)

Iya and myself have gotten close through the years because of our mutual love of writing and of late, blogging. Btw, she just launched her new book --- Bound to Last (available in Powerbooks).

New vegetarian Ms. Ding. Not sure whether she's happy with the meal.

Ms. Ding, one of our elder group members, recently turned vegetarian due to health reasons. But knowing from an aunt who is a staunch vegan (one who doesn't eat anything that came from animals and animal by product or simply anything with a face), vegetarianism is a tall order and I admire those who has the discipline to live the lifestyle although is not always a fun experience. You'll have to pass up fun family reunions because you can't eat the lechon among others. Right now, I'm happy being a carnivore (although I am trying to minimize the slaughterhouse violence by eating less red meat these days).

Soup of the Day, EDR

The meal was not exceptional but the ambiance of the EDR is good for it to be considered an ideal watering hole of highly opinionated and talkative APG members.

Vegetarian Dish daw (Parang di masarap :P)

EDR's Lechon Kawali, Thad's fave dish.

Thad: "Hmn, parang kulang sa akin ito? Tingin mo, Pearl?"

Thad promised to keep us posted of his funny experience in Tokyo for a year in a half. Although Pearl said that if he misses us, he can also send his excess lapad (student allowance) along with his emails to the group so we have sufficient funds for future getos. It was a day filled with laughter and good memories. To Thad, best of luck to you.

Being Not a Dragon Warrior: Lessons from Dreamwork's Kung Fu Panda

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery,

but today is a gift,

that is why it is called the present..."

--- Master Oogwai, Kungfu Panda

Dreamwork's latest installment of animated cartoons hit the child-fun button right on target. I accompanied my nephew to his first movie experience (the poor boy has to be temporarily sent away before his elder sister's brand new notebooks and textbooks got a full dose of his artistic expressions ;P) and I had to sit in a jampacked row of shrieking kids and toddlers in all shapes, sizes and level of cuteness...name it, they're all there. If the bubbly laughter and jubilant glee in every Po's antics were any indication, Jack Black (voice behind Po) did a good job. Very well, indeed.

The story revolved around a clumsy and confused panda (he calls a duck his Dad, imagine?) named Po that was thrusted by a mix of funny circumstances to be hailed as the Dragon Warrior. A true-blue foodie, his master Shifu (voice of Dustin Hoffman) has to train him using the best tool available: food. Apart from the amazing fight scenes (Kung Fu fanatics: yehey!), the movie made every cartoon character cute--- enormous eyes, pudgy cheeks so kids were amused eventhough these characters kicked each other to death. No wonder there is so much violence in the world!

The scenes of the movie also reminded me of the Forbidden City in China and its majectic halls.

Facade of the Forbidden City. Tourist lines are always long.

Imperial Gold. Gold coins found in the Empress' coffin.

Obviously impatient. Sharon and I waiting in line at the entrance.

Still waiting. Arnie amused himself snapping away while Ruth, our tour guide, was nowhere in sight.

Inside the City. With the influx of tourists here at present (background), it's amazing that this was off-limits centuries ago. There are still some parts of the palace though that were not open for public viewing even today.

It's nice to be king. The imperial throne in what was left of its glory.

Payong Girls. Posing at the signage of the Hall of Central Harmony.

In one way or the other, we have been like Po forced by circumstances and life choices to become something that we are not or we thought that we are not (being a dragon warrior is just a syllogism). Amidst the rough edges and apparent ineptitudes, one can be the best the they could possibly be so long that you are prepared to toe the line (with or without siopao in a bowl). Moreso, there is no secret formula in the silk scroll. Ain't life great?

Row, Row, Row Our Boat

Some 2000 years ago, Chinese statesman, warrior and poet Qu Yuan threw himself in the Mi Lo River as a last heroic act of protest against the tyrant government. His people rushed to their boats and tried to save him by beating their drums and throwing rice dumplings into the river to distract the fishes that might devour him but Qu Yuan still drowned.

Fast forward to the new millenium, the Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng) was held every fifth day of the lunar month (June in the Gregorian calendar) to commerate the frantic search for the body of Qu Yuan.

In the Philippines particularly here at the Manila Bay (at the back of the Manila Yacht Club), dragon boat racing is fast becoming a popular sport and drawing a number of teams and enthusiasts alike. Laila a member of One Piece Dragon Sangres, one of the teams that compete in the Annual Dragon Boat regatta, has been very insistent that I should try out paddling as a guest in their women's team. For a while, I have been putting it off for a lot of reasons: foul smell of the Manila Bay, tight schedule and most of all, the activity itself is bawas ganda points (you'll get emusculated through too much sun exposure and physical exertion since to be good at it you need to practice everyday. Plus, you also need to be a strong swimmer, not just good swimmer, if you will be competing in open sea regatta.)

Probably it's the time of the month, a desire to be close to the sea or need to trim down my current body fat content all conspiring together so Laila did not exert much effort in dragging me and another newbie, Chiqui, to Manila Bay yesterday. We arrived at the Philippine Navy pier around 5 p.m. and after a brief orientation, we were led to the boat and I had to hold my breath (yes, good cardio) till we went closer to the breakwater walls of the Manila Yacht Club due to my morbid fear of inhaling microbes and further aggrevate my colds (yup, I'm a little bit crazy for going. :P).

Admittedly, it was not all that easy as it looks on TV. The rowing part needs to be properly coordinated and timed so you move smoothly and flawlessly in the water. The oar is a little bit heavier and trickier to manipulate in the water since the paddle is flat compared to the customized and tapered kayak oars. The movements are precise and more technical. With a minimum of 12 rowers in a dragon boat, teamwork is the key. You need to be really attentive on the movement particularly the lifting arm of the rower in front of you so you don't make a mistake and destroy the momentum of the team.

The fun though starts when you finally get the rhythm. It is when paddling becomes a joy, the smell of the Manila Bay starts its immunizing effect on you and the lull of the waves underneath the boat drowns away your stress. It leads you into a trancelike state until you paddle load home, see the murky water close to the pier, board off the boat, feel your saltish-tanned arms and ease your aching limbs through hot shower that you start questioning why you went in the first place.

But like most things unknown, the joy of knowing them pulls you back for more...

Visita Iglesia: Las Piñas Bamboo Organ

The Parish of St. Joseph in Las Piñas is home to the world famous bamboo organ. Although some parts of the Church have been restored, it retained much of its charm and outlook since 1814. (Note: Bring your own transport and travel during the day, if you plan on going.)

World famous 19th Century Bamboo Organ, the keys maybe rustic

but still they produce harmonious missal melodies to the delight of parishioners

La Pieta

Christ on His cross

Facade of the Church, hours before the procession

Mongolian Memoir 2

Ranch hand with supladitong camel on his ward, Turtle Mountain

Mongolian String Quartet at the Piatza of the Red Theatre

The Red Theatre in Downtown Ulaanbatar showcases the unique music and culture of Mongolia

The Khan Family of Rulers

Through these harsh plains, the Khans ruled Mongolia

At the Genghis Khan wax replica. Sa tangkad niya, I looked like a midget.

Turtle Mountain, Mongolia

Traditional Ger (Home) Furnishings, di ba aliw? Who wouldn't live in this tent?

Inside a Ger Tent: Super Lupit na Skylight!

Traditional Mongolian Music, Hotel Mongolia

Mongolian Memoir

Golden Temple, Ulaanbatar

Dinner with friends, Hotel Mongolia

One can always start the travel itinerary doing the usual stuff: unpack, soak in a warm bath for one hour to ease the jet lag, check out the shops, get dolled up, visit some famous landmarks and have quiet dinner with friends. For some free spirits like myself though, any trip is not complete without sneaking out to some rustic and uncharted destinations (usually unplanned and without the whinny or sheltered friends or family members).

Modern Mongolia Country Home: Quite colorful amidst the arid surroundings

Rural Mongolia

I believe I am a backpacker at heart (but with better fashion sense :p) . Never really felt contented travelling through the usual tourist routes, except if I'm travelling with my mother who hates adventure. I love to see the country for what it is (not through glammed up post cards or posh travel buses). Rural Mongolia is truly a delight in its simplicity and quiet charm.

Mongolian Girl, Hovgol Nuur

This girl's family is also taking a field trip at the famous lake when we got there and she was so adorable in her underpants and pink hat not to take her picture...

Hovsgol Nuur, Asia's second largest freshwater lake

When we arrived at the place, my friends got busy taking pictures but I just had to take off my shoes and walk through the cool, clear lakebed...bakit? Instant foot spa, what else?

Marshland, Outskirts of Ulaanbatar

Mongolia is a hard but an exciting place to live: dry weather, beautiful mountain ranges and water basins far and between.

Commercial signage in Ulaanbatar were mostly in Russian

"It was a delight to see someone who looks so Chinese but behaves totally like a Russian especially when drunk."

Colossal mural at the Liberation Monument, Ulaanbatar

The artistry of this colossal mural, which depicts the 'white knights' of the Mongols, is so awe inspiring in its vivid detail and mastery of the chiaroscoro. The monument is also a proud reminder of the long-standing relationship between Mongolia and Russia, which the locals consider to be their "white knights", in defending the territory against Japan during World War II and geopolitical tensions with China that dates back as far as the reign of Genghis Khan.

Tourists on top of the Liberation Monument

The climb at the 1,500 step of the Liberation Monument definitely could strain your tendons but the spectacular view of the Ulaanbatar provides an idyllic respite for any weary traveller. "It's definitely worth it!"

Mongolian Hills, Ulaanbatar

I have never seen the sky so blue and the smell of the morning breeze so crisp from any other airport except in Ulaanbatar, Mongolia.