The 11-11 Pages

Cam Bo Xao @Pho Hoa

2012-02-13T00:06:00.000+08:00

Had dinner at Pho Hoa, a Vietnamese resto. I developed a love for that particular type of cuisine while staying in Hong Kong back in the mid-90s. Had Cam Bo Xao which is tenderloin beef on rice with a bowl of salad on the side. I always order sliced tomatoes to go with it as it adds flavor. Dig in!

Giving a lecture at State U

2012-02-11T22:53:00.002+08:00

In the last three years, aside from my media work, I have taught in my alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University, and have done workshops/lectures in other universities like UST, San Beda, Immaculate Concepcion Academy, Mindanao State University, and Perpetual Help. Although I gave a talk at a UP Junior Marketing Association, today was really my first time to give a lecture in State U. I was invited by a class in the College of Business Administration to talk about social media as modern version of "word-of-mouth" marketing and how to use it. Having used it unconventionally for my career, it has been a Godsend.

The talk was at the Villar Lecture Room where some 30 students were present for the talk. Quite honestly, I was nervous at the beginning never mind if I have done this so many times. I guess, once the first few minutes go by, I'm okay. And like my Journalism class in Ateneo, I made this as interactive as possible by making sure the audience was involved. Loved the interaction with the students.

The class' professor, Maila Pablo of Nestle was most helpful in easing me through. I am also thankful from the invite from State U to teach there. I would if there was another day in the week and there was more time. As it is, my sked's pretty full. I am not even sure if I'll be back for next school year.

Was surprised at the end how the student's signed a Starbucks mg. But the writings sort of faded as it was passed around. By the time, I got home, I could hardly ready anything that was written. Luckily, I took a snapshot while at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Nifty end to a beautiful day.

Videos of our trip to Wawa Dam

2012-02-08T05:27:00.003+08:00

A class field trip to the Wawa Dam in Montalban, Rizal

2012-02-07T18:14:00.002+08:00

A classfield trip to the Wawa Dam in Montalban, Rizal

A lesson on tourism, history, social concern, andjournalism.

words and pics by rick olivares

Where art thou, Bernardo Carpio?

In my journalism class, I try to makewriting fun for my students by presenting topics that appeal to their tastebuds and sense of adventure. Sometimes I make the classes issue-oriented. Idon’t believe in forcing them to write. I will get far better results by havingthem write about things that are relevant.

One of our topics has been history,tourism and geography. We initially wanted to go to Corregidor but it waspricey for the students. I tried to get a discount but the travel agency thathandles the tours on the Rock never got back to me after they said they would.

While talking to my dad about it, hesuggested going to Wawa Dam which isn’t really too far yet isn’t much of atourist spot. It also carries with is a special significance owing to thelegend of Bernardio Carpio and that the nearby caves were used by AndresBonifacio’s Katipunan.

After a couple of postponements, wefinally got to do it today, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 since it was also aholiday in Ateneo (President’s Day). The field trip was always considered to be“extra work” and “optional” but would help the other catch up on their grades.

We left Ateneo around 930am, 30minutes later than we would have liked since Stu Balmaceda was late (hahaha). Ittook us about 45 minutes to get there as there was a little traffic owing toroad construction.

Once we got there, I wasn’t sure if wearrived in some quarry because of all these massive marble boulders everywhere.But we were finally here.

I had to register first at the localtourism office where they assigned us a guide named Michael. Since it was aTuesday morning as they mostly get their tourists on weekends, we had the placefor ourselves (aside from the locals) and that was just fine.

One of the first things we noticedwere the locals carrying huge sacks of coal and vegetables down the mountain tosell in the markets of Metro Manila. Busy day, I chuckled. There is money to bemade.

We took shots of the stone that issaid to be the footprint of the mythological Bernardo Carpio, a giant of a manwho was trapped between two mountains and was trying to break free of them. Asthe folklore goes, when there is an earthquake, Bernardo Carpio is said to betrying to free himself.

The rocks that are said to belong to the mythological Bernardo Carpio.

Aimee, Bea & Meg at the watchtower.

Then we went up the dam’s oldwatchtower that was built by the American Colonial government in 1909. Thewatchtower was used by Japanese forces during World War II but has since beenstripped of all hardware. Most of the effects of the war have been scuffed awaybut our guide said that there are still a few nicks on the watchtower here frombullets. Up to the last decade, it was still common to find pieces from fallenwarplanes or even munitions.

The Wawa Dam used to supply MetroManila with water until the (Angat) La Mesa Dam was built to replace it in1967.

The reservoir because of years ofdisuse and lack of maintenance is green from the moss and siltation. Below thedam are now cottages for tourist use (Php150 for the whole day). They sell beerin a nearby sari sari store and it must be a unique way to booze away.

Wawa Dam.

According to Michael, there are plansto revive the dam, to build a cable car, and to beauty the area. I sure hope sobecause I find it to be a colossal waste of resources as the fresh water thatcomes from the mountains is used as a bathing area for the locals. I inquiredabout the locals using the river as a dumping ground and Michael said that theymindful of further polluting the river. He hesitated for a few minutes beforeanswering so I am not sure if he has told me the whole truth. And the path upto the dam is littered with trash. The watchtower has its share of graffiti. Somuch for conservation. I shook my head in disappointment.

Stef, Bea, Meg, Robi and Anne on the raft to the other side so we could go to the cave.

We took a few minutes rest at thetourist office while Michael scrounged around for flashlights as we were goingto the cave -- called Pamintinan -- that was used as a hideout first by the Katipunan (during theRevolutionary War) then later by the Japanese (WWII).

We took a raft (Php100 per trip backand forth) that took about a minute for us to cross to the other side. Sincethere were 10 of us, that meant two trips.

From there, we had to do a littleclimbing to get up to an observation deck at the entrance of the cave.

The entrance to Pamintinan cave.

We prayed first before we entered thecave – for those who perished inside and in the surrounding areas during thewartime. Once inside the air became a little stale. The flooring was uneven androcky. The flashlights and hardhats (rental fee is PhP50 each) came in handybecause the last thing we needed was someone to bang their head against therocks.

The walls and the ceiling were dampwith water seeping through. After walking for about 30 minutes, we decided toturn back. It was too dark and the mud was really causing problems with ourfootwear. Our best advice, wear strong and thick sandals or rubber shoesbecause the mud will ruin everything else.

We were done past 130pm and drove backto Ateneo.

I thought it was a fun day for theclass (even if only nine of my students – Robi Non, Meg Rementina, AimeeDacanay, Stef Martschei, Bea Ocampo, Chris de Chavez, Denise Jose, AnneMalicdem, and Stu Balmaceda not to mention my comrade in arms Brosi Gonzalesmade it). The idea was to awaken a sense of adventure especially for localtourism, to get a better grip on Philippine history, and to introduce a senseof awareness about social issues that plague our country. All that and to writeabout it.

As for this old dog, it’s never toolate to learn new tricks. It was a day well spent.

With Stef and Anne after our "rafting."

Check out my students' group blogs here:
Aimee Dacanay and Robi Non
http://140thcorner.wordpress.com/

Chris deChavez, Bea Ocampo, and Anne Malicdem
http://com140tobeannounced.tumblr.com/

Meg Rementina
http://thesteaklibrary.blogspot.com/

Stef Martschei and Stu Balmaceda
http://kentuckyfriedveins.tumblr.com/

Denise Jose
http://the-rookies.tumblr.com/

and some videos that I took:
http://the11-11pages.blogspot.com/2012/02/videos-of-our-trip-to-wawa-dam.html

I'll be jamming today.

2012-02-06T19:25:00.000+08:00

Today, February 6, would have been the 66th birth anniversary of Bob Marley had he not been cut down by an assassin. I became a fan of Marley way back when I was in high school. My love for reggae music intensified through the years and his music remains a constant in my iTunes rotation. Happy Birthday, Bob Marley! One love.

Completing my collection of animated film faves

2012-02-03T20:59:00.000+08:00

For as long as I have lived, I havealways enjoyed animation. Those old Marvel superhero cartoons complemented mylove for comic books. As a kid, I wanted nothing more than to write andillustrate a Marvel comic book series. And to this day, it is still a dream.And I got to stalk former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada outside their ParkAvenue offices in Manhattan while trying to pursue that dream.

Back in my school days, I tried tocollect betamax tapes (later in VHS format) of my favorite cartoons. Theproblem with tape-based material is they get worn out after repeated playing soI was quite thankful when DVDs were invented.

In recent years, I began to collectthe animated films of my youth beginning with the Ralph Bakshi animatedadaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Then I picked up NinjaScroll, Mobile Suit Gundam: Stardust Memory (my all-time fave Gundam series),Akira, and Battle Angel Alita. I also got Appleseed, Patlabor the Movie, CowboyBebop, and Blood the Last Vampire.

Then the other day, my packagecontaining the other Baskhi films Wizards and Fire and Ice as well as HayaoMiyazaki’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind arrived. In a marathon session, Iwatched all three films including their bonus features. Watching them was morethan a trip down memory lane. It was like visiting an old friend. It was ahappy thought and a good memory that brought a broad smile to my lips. It allthe more convinced me to pursue what I really want. As soon as my eldest soongraduates from college, I can earnestly pursue these dreams of mine.

One of my favorite restaurants: Krung Thai in Marikina

2012-01-31T21:37:00.000+08:00

I love trying out new restaurants particularly those that are out of the way and not in the fashionable districts. Krung Thai is one such restaurant. It is situated somewhere in the Marikina Public Market (M. Cruz corner WC Paz, Sta. Elena with tel. no. 646-4041) and almost all its patrons go out of their way just to eat here. I discovered Krung Thai years ago while walking around the area. Everyone of my friends who I invited to eat here all swear by it and in turn have brought their own friends as well.

They infuse traditional Thai food to go with a Filipino palette making for a flavorable dish. I like how when I go here there are always a couple of people eating but it's never packed where it becomes irritating. That way the quaint and quiet atmosphere makes the dining experience even more enjoyable.

What did I have? I'm a creature of habit and I usually order the same stuff -- liempo cooked the Thai way (with a bowl of veggies it fetches for PhP199). The set meal also comes with a tall glass of Thai iced tea so it isn't so bad. Now I love veggies so I got the stir-fried kangkong (PhP59). I think I spent 45 minutes eating this dish so I could savor all the flavors.

Here's the menu to Krung Thai (picture below). It really is an affordable and sumptuous place to eat and you'll love the quiet and laid back ambiance. One of their best sellers is the crispy chicken with steamed rice in coconut cream (PhP99).

Who said making sandwiches wouldn't be this fun? But in an Intro to Journalism class. You bet.

2012-01-17T15:45:00.000+08:00

In my Intro to Journalism class, I teach my students different facets of journalism. We'd done simulations of broadcasting. We've done podcasts. We've done a photo session. We've done a music review. And there was the more difficult investigative report. For this class and the next few ones, we're going to be doing more opinion-based ones.

What that means is it's a food class where every team gets to prep sandwiches with ingredients costing not more than Php500 and they must prep it in three minutes of less. Everyone gets to taste every group's sandwich and they have to individually review it. The kicker here is, we had a real chef... Chef Edward Bugia (Paolo's cousin) to review each and every sandwich and pick out the winner. The winning group goes for dinner with me at a restaurant they have most likely not eaten at.

While some group members were prepping their sandwiches, the others had to sell their original recipes. It is an exercise too in creativity. We had the "Fancy-log" (as in Tapsilog). The Buff Dude Sandwich. The Red Light District Sandwich. The Breakfast Club. And a few more (including a donut burger).

As usual, we got to see the class at its creative best. Was it an attempt to be healthy? Er.... just taste them and decide for yourself. While the some members of the teams were prepping the sandwiches, the showmen took over in selling their original creations. In the pic above, Robi Non attempts his best Paolo Bediones impression. Stu Balmaceda (not in the pic) as always was a riot.

The big idea for my class is to give the students a taste of all sorts of journalism. Who knows how this will work out for them in the future.

The group of Meg, Jiggy, Raymond, Migo and Lou won with their "French"-inspired sandwich. Now the biggest treat of them all was Chef Edward prepping an original sandwich -- the Kani Dilis Salad Sandwich! A master at work, indeed. The sad thing is -- I didn't get to taste any of it. My students finished everything.

My class (three were absent as they were all out of town - Kirk, Thea, and Steffi) with Chef Edward.

Re-discovering the X-Men after Re-genesis

2012-01-13T19:56:00.001+08:00

During the Holiday season, I boughtmyself a couple of trade paperbacks of X-Men comic books. I practically haveevery single X-Men comic book from until two years ago when the flood waters ofTyphoon Ondoy destroyed much of my collection and with it my interest inreading and collecting.

But I guess you can say that I am afan for life. I distinctly recall only one time when I stopped collecting andthat was when I was in college and I lost some prized titles (mostly originalFrank Miller Daredevils) to a burglary. In a fit of anger and madness, I soldmy entire comic book collection. Months later, while in the midst of lecture onlaw, a classmate of mine brought out an X-Men comic book. I didn’t payattention to the lecture and instead read the entire comic that was an X-MenAnnual with Alan Davis doing the art chores. I was lost in the story arc thenbut my interest was piqued enough for me to go back into collecting.

After Ondoy, I tried reading a fewtitles but I had a hard time figuring out what had happened in the space of twoyears. I was lost. I found a re-entry point with Schism and have since pickedup every X-title. What helped bring back my interest was picking up many of thetrade paperbacks that collected the run of “the new X-Men” of Chris Claremont,Dave Cockrum, and John Byrne. And it was like getting reacquainted with an oldfriend. The stories have retained their charm over the decades. Every issue wasa voyage of discovery that built on one another. And I intend to get trades ofevery single X-Men arc that I love.

Over the intervening years, the storiesgot darker and more grim. I have to admit that yes, there were some greatstorylines but what happened to self-contained arcs that were masterpieces instorytelling that laid the fount for the next generation of X-Men stories? Arcssuch as God Loves, Man Kills, Madripoor Knights, and Mutant Massacre? In itsplace we had E is For Extinction, the Messiah Complex, and Schism.

Quite honestly, I am not crazy aboutthe direction the books have taken but I understand why they have happened.

But I do miss the days when the teamdid not have to regularly deal with extinction events. The Regenesis titleshave been interesting but I am still not in agreement with the premise of manythings. The idea of reopening the school in Westchester is insane. How many peopleknow that the X-Men are based there? It seems a little foolhardy andhypocritical. Wasn’t this the premise of the Generation X title until thecreative groups strayed from their original vision.

The illusion of a normal life willcome crashing down painfully on this group of X-Men. On the other hand, withCyclops’ team, there have been so many compromises that it is quite obviousthat some have agendas of their own. And poor Cyke will probably regret some ofhis decisions. But at the end of the day, these two teams will be reunited. Andeven at my age, I’ll be there for the ride.

Coincidence? Nah. 2011 was good for me.

2011-12-31T18:17:00.000+08:00

On New Year's Eve, I went to the grocery to buy a few things. And guess what -- my bill added up to PhP 1,111.11! No bull. The year 2011 was a very good one for me and considering my birthday was sort of unique as it was on 11/11/11. The lady next to me in line offered to buy the receipt. I thought about it for a moment then said, "Sure. Is PhP10,000 okay?" I must have overstated its value. She didn't get it. Hahaha. But I did keep the receipt. As far I know the winning lotto number wasn't anywhere near this.

2011 was memorable for me

2011-12-30T19:04:00.000+08:00

Going to Kuwait and Dubai * Seeing the Azkals grow into a phenomenon * Watching Liverpool in Malaysia * Teaching in Ateneo de Manila University for a second straight year * Getting to do television work on AKTV * Doing a regular podcast with some great friends * Patched up a bunch of broken relationships * Ditching my comic books for trade paperback and hardcover collections * Fabio Moon & Gabriel Ba's Daytripper * Watching Marvel finally do a Captain America film justice * Katy Perry * The Walking Dead Season One * Pearl Jam 20 * Denden Lazaro * Ateneo Blue Eagles' four-peat * The Big Bang Theory * X-Men First Class * Broken Social Scene in Singapore * iPad 2 * Steve Jobs * Top Chef * Mark Waid on Daredevil * The Los Angeles Galaxy go to Manila *

Loving Pearl Jam's 20

2011-12-17T20:49:00.001+08:00

There are a couple of albums that I play at least once a month: The Boxer Rebellion's Union, Counting Crow's August and Everything After, Zwan's Mary Star of the Sea, and Pearl Jam's Rearview Mirror. Although I came of age with the punk and new wave scene of the 1980s, I have always preferred the 90's alternative music explosion. I was a huge Nirvana, Helmet, and Oasis fan then. I liked Pearl Jam but not in the way I do since the turn of the century. I sort of outgrew Nirvana (I still listen to Nevermind occasionally) and listening to the lyrics of Eddie Vedder really grew on me. When I first heard of Cameron Crowe doing "20" I was excited. Music has played a prominent role with his films and this one was the opposite because the music came first before the film. I picked up both the DVD and CD and spent hours listening and watching both. The songs remain as powerful as ever. Will grab the hardcover coffee table book in a few days. That will complete the experience.

Cool minds. My Intro to Journ class in Ateneo.

2011-11-30T07:18:00.001+08:00

Last year was a learning experiencefor me in teaching. That sounds funny, right?

I always said that as much as mystudents will learn from me so will I learn from them. And I learned a wholelot in managing and teaching a class of students.

This year, classes are betterstructured that are designed to make them even more fun. I instituted a QuickWrite Challenge (ala Top Chef’s Quickfire Challenge) where we get to see thestudents’ spontaneous creativity and writing skills. We’ve done three so farand think they’ve loved everyone of them. We still have our group work that isdesigned to make them work with other people and to make new friends. And inour fourth session together, I’d say that it is a smashing success.

Today’s lesson was on “BroadcastJournalism” and with my limited experience, I needed help from former GMA-7(and Atenean) James Velasquez and TV5 reporter and TV host Chiqui Roa Puno(whose brother is one of my best friends in Ateneo). It was a fantastic class.

For their Quick Write Challenge, theyhad to pretend that they were reporting a massive flood ala what hit Maniladuring Typhoon Ondoy. The playacting was simply awesome!

I think my students are seeing thatthere are things that they can do. Take for example, Kirk Long. Like EmmanMonfort before him, he can write. And write them really well, I say. Everyweek, I’d have to see he impresses me. And there are others too.

I’ve had bad experiences withprofessors and I always wondered why I had to go through them. They neverencouraged me and instead made me fear them and not want to learn. There’sanother way of looking at it and its being bold and proving one’s self. Thething is everyone has a different character make up. I the me of today was inschool, being more confident, I’d do a whole lot better.

I can honestly say that I am lookingforward to class in order to teach and to learn from my students.

Flashpoint. It's all new... 'til the next reboot.

2011-11-13T08:04:00.001+08:00

Having read and collected comics books for most of my life, I can actually say, "I've seen it all." And when I say that, I'm quite unhappy with all these reboots and revisionist histories of characters from Marvel and DC. The latter seems to be more guilty with this as they cannot seem to get it right. Convoluted history aside, that really smacks of the lack of vision and direction. What happens is do good stuff then render it invalid by having the next creative team do an updated version. What gives?

And then the next hot creative genius after Geoff Johns will come up with a means to undo Flashpoint or we'll see a Flashpoint Crisis or V.2 five years from now. Marv Wolfman left a means for the Barry Allen Flash to return after Crisis On Infinite Earths and we've seen Infinite Crisis and Final Crisis (I thought we'd see Crisis XX). And now he's a catalyst for Flashpoint. Hasn't Barry Allen learned anything at all?

I bought the Flashpoint series and the first few issues of the new 52 Universe of DC. There's some good stuff here and there only because they're starting supposedly from scratch. But really. There's nothing that jumps out and makes you go, "Holy, Eurkea Moment, Batman!" Whatever happened to good storytelling without having to resort to reboots?

The pull list November 7-12

2011-11-12T09:19:00.001+08:00

Stormwatch #3

Green Lantern #3
Flashpoint Hardcover

Point One #1

Fear Itself 7.1 Captain America

Fear Itself 7.2 Thor

Avenging Spider-Man #1

Uncanny X-Men #1

Of all the titles this week, the one I looked most forward to was Uncanny X-Men. I have bee a fan of Marvel's mutant team since the days of Roy Thomas and Neal Adams. I have every comic until four years ago when I stopped. Too many teams, too many characters, and too many gimmicks forced me to stop (not to mention the steep prices). I tried to jump in every now and then but I felt lost. With Schism, I gave it a go. One last chance to see if I'd follow what was once my favorite comic book. So far it has held my interest. The two teams of X-Men (nothing new since the days of the blue and gold teams) have some interesting rosters that should make for interesting stories. I will give it until the first two story arcs before I make the decision to continue or stop. But the first issues of Wolverine and the X-Men and the Uncanny X-Men have been interesting. And that's the best thing that I can say about this franchise in a long time.

Drawing my dog.

2011-11-06T10:33:00.000+08:00

Just doodling. Miss drawing and painting. Something I did extensively as a kid. My skills at that have atrophied and I'm trying to take a new stab at it.

Stepping off the fast lane. Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba's Daytripper and what it means to me.

2011-11-02T17:36:00.001+08:00

"If you travel too fast all you're gonna see is a blur and you'll never really meet anyone interesting."

At a time when I have been thinking of where I am going and what I am doing -- Is this that mid-life crisis people talk about because I am not yet there -- this book comes at the perfect time. I wrote about some of that in IN MY OWN WRITE that is somewhere below this post. I first saw Gabriel Ba's work in The Umbrella Academy with Gerard Way. I thought it was a great piece of work on a different slant on the superhero genre.

I have become very discriminating in my reading fare. I can never tell what I'll enjoy today from tomorrow. What I have been engrossed with at the moment is Andre Agassi's exceptional memoir Open and Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba's intoxicating Daytripper.

Here's the synopsis on Daytripper and why it moves me so:

DAYTRIPPER follows the life of one man, Bras de Olivias Dominguez.Every chapter features an important period in Bras’ life in exotic Brazil, andeach story ends the same way: with his death. And then, the following storystarts up at a different point in his life, oblivious to his death in theprevious issue – and then also ends with him dying again. In every chapter, Brasdies at different moments in his life, as the story follows him through hisentire existence – one filled with possibilities of happiness and sorrow, goodand bad, love and loneliness. Each issue rediscovers the many varieties ofdaily life, in a story about living life to its fullest – because any of us candie at any moment.

Daytripper has gotten ahold of my senses and in the manner that films like Garden State, 500 Days of Summer, or One Day have on me. I love the quirkiness yet so poignant for the simplicity and realism. It's something that speaks to me and understands me.

Reading Daytripper is like watching a movie that you just watched. I read it thrice over as soon as I purchased it. There's so much -- the gorgeous and lovely art that transports me to Brazil where I can smell the air and walk its exotic streets. The fabulous writing. The characters. You know you're hooked when you feel like you're privy to your best friend's secret and you care and feel his pain. I can already see this being adapted into a film and it is the right thing to do.

The graphic novel comes to me at a time when I am reevaluating a lot of things going on in my life. There's so much that I do not have control over. There are times when I am clearly unhappy with the way things are going but I just have to suck things up. The one thing that I miss the most about living in New York is looking at the world through different eyes. I have been deluged with work and clearly it has gotten the better of me and forced me to forget the tenets that I teach to my students. At times, I have become jaded and bitter about perceived injustices and frustrations. Daytripper through its characters is about second or third chances. Four chances even. It's about seizing the moment. Taking the opportunities that come one's way before they're gone or life throws a curve ball at you. Maybe nothing is an accident because life is designed for people to face certain things. It's how one grasps the moment. And I should thanks Messers Moon and Ba for reminding me of how life is so precious and golden. The book provides so many parallelisms that I can feel it speak to me.

Now pardon me, I have a book to re-read.

Tuesday sunset. Ateneo de Manila University.

2011-11-01T19:08:00.001+08:00

Sunset Tuesday November 1, 2011. I snapped the pic just as my youngest son and I wrapped up our walk around the Ateneo de Manila campus. I have always been one to sit back and enjoy the sunset. Walking always provides a time for introspection and reflection. Or I make use of the time to seek inspiration for what I need to write or create. Today was time well spent.

In my own write

2011-10-31T22:26:00.000+08:00

In my ownwrite

by rick olivares

I bumped into one of my best friendsfrom Ateneo the other day at the mall and he introduced me to his family. Hethen said to me, “I see you everywhere.”

I smiled and simply said “thanks” then“see you ‘round.”

Everywhere. And ‘round.

To be perfectly honest, I never knewwhere I was going. I never knew what I wanted to do. I just did whatever ittook for the moment. I always felt like a square peg in a round hole. In short,I was drifting.

When I give advice to my students oryoung folk who ask for it, nowadays, I tell them to do what they want to do andnot what people want them to be.

How I wish when I knew that and stuckto that when I was younger.

It’s funny how people know me as a Iwriter when I don’t think I ever was. Lost in all the newspaper and magazinearticles are those pieces of artwork I lovingly painted as a child. I went toart school every summer (because I was mostly not allowed to play football). Iwanted to do animation or comic books that’s what I wanted as a kid. But when Igot to Grade 6, I put up a band in class and me and my classmates began towrite songs. So I guess that was the beginning of writing. If I was intosongwriting then poetry wasn’t far away. I still have one of my notebooks thatcontain most of what I wrote back then. Including love letters to girls that Icourted. When I read them nowadays I cringe and flagellate myself. What kind ofdouche bag writes such cheesy stuff?

When I was out of the football team, Iwanted to join the photography club but we couldn’t afford a second camera forme to use. Instead I joined the school newspaper. But I wrote sparingly hopingto take photos because those guys were able to get on to the court during UAAPgames.

Then my first job after school was inan ad agency and I was asked, “What can I do?” “I can draw,” I said. No openingreplied the HR Manager. “But I can write,” I offered desperate for a job.

I got in. But I still never thoughtthat I was a copywriter. I still had illusions of playing in a band. It washard though because although I had a chip on my shoulder, I did not in mybelief have the requisite angst to become a rock star. I didn’t smoke, dodrugs, or party like an animal. I was an ordinary bloke without anyextraordinary talent.

Even then when I was in advertising, Idid a few cameo appearances for television commercials (PLDT is the mostprominent one or two) and a number of radio commercials as a talent. One of thecoolest things ever is seeing the commercial you wrote, art directed, orappeared in shown on television or in movie theaters. Of course, it wasembarrassing because my siblings never let me hear the end of it. They loved totease me about them.

When I moved abroad, I worked in anentirely different field. The only writing I did were in the form of lettersthat I wrote to my family and friends about my adventures. While working in aprivate school in Brooklyn, I was also asked if I could do the newsletters forparents. But that’s it I swear.

Outside work, I’d go all over thecity, out of state and just about anywhere. On the days I kept to myself, Istayed in my hangout near the Angels of the Waters where I wrote short stories,poetry, and my diary.

When I came home and worked for SolarSports, my old college classmate Ralph Roy, who was VP for Operations for thecable network, asked Jude Turcuato who hired me, “Isn’t Rick a writer?” Theyneeded a marketing manager. But I did have a marketing background as well. Andlater, while doing occasional work with on air creative’s, I wrote a number ofplugs as well as several television specials (that I also got to produce anddirect as well).

I could never understand that. Nomatter how hard I tried to stay away from writing, I was always doing it in oneform or another. Even while working as a copy writer, my boss asked me to doextra work with the public relations department. So maybe they saw somethingthat I was good at but never had the brains to embrace it.

Someone in twitter asked where do Iget the energy and drive to do what I do with nary time off?

I have no idea. I guess it’s doingwhat you need to do, that’s all. When I decided not to go corporate, I knew Ihad to hustle just to earn and it has pretty much worked out. My mother used tosay that there wasn’t any money to be made in writing. And I agree with her.However, if you write pretty good enough, then it does.

I’m just not crazy about working seven daysa week. I feel the pressure of having to deliver. Not just deliver but make toensure that it is well-written. The tough thing about that is I am a lousyeditor. I sleep late and get up early. Take for instance being in Roxas Cityfor the 16^th University Games. At night when others were going outto Baybay and wherever, I was at the hotel writing. I guess I’m a slave to it.But I shouldn’t really complain because it has opened doors, paid the bills,and allowed me to experience things and meet folks most people would normallynot get to meet.

Are those the perks? Certainly not.

I’d say that getting the opportunityto teach is one. That’s one dream scratched off the bucket list and I don’t mind doing again. It’sseeing others influenced by the writing to do some of their own. It’s openingminds and hearts to sports, teams, and people. And if it helps the people Iwrite about then it’s all good.

So now people consider me a writer(while some traditional media people derisively peg me as a blogger – ah, whatthe hell do they know anyways). And maybe I am. My dream now is to write forthe New York Times, for National Geographic, to do reports on television, towrite that X-Men comic book that I dreamt of as a kid, to cover the World Cup,and there’s more.

Now is it wrong to wish that I’d getrich along the way?

Where are you going?

2011-10-28T22:41:00.003+08:00

At the rotonda in Panay trying to figure out where I am going -- back to the US, staying here, looking for work in Singapore, or heading back to Roxas City to watch the football competition. Seriously, I wish I had time to explore and go out. This was my first time to cover the University Games and I realized that you can only pick the sports you like and get some help in reporting about them. Now I know.

At the Santa Monica Parish in Panay, Capiz

2011-10-27T07:37:00.001+08:00

Am in Roxas City, Capiz for the 16th University Games. Since I arrived here last Monday, I have been pretty much taking shots at the poor facilities in the sports venues and the general lack of cleanliness of the city. Luckily for us, we went out of town yesterday, Wednesday, for some women's volleyball games. The trike ride was about 25-30 minutes long (PhP80-90 bucks) to Panay, the capital of Capiz. The moment the trike got out of the city I was so happy. All those paved roads, trees, rice paddies, and mountains sure does soothe one's soul. When I arrived at the Panay Civic Center, the first thing I noticed was the 16th Century church Santa Monica Parish. At the risk of the11-11pages serving as a travelogue for old churches, let me say that as a history buff, these churches tell a story. It has survived typhoons, Moro raids, and World War II, yet it still stands.

I went up all the way to the belfry that's so high up that my legs hurt. Well, I am fat and overweight so this does not help my knees. Given the history tour, the bell was built using old coins and had to be hoisted up by several pulleys that took days to set up to its present position. The tours up the belfry are now guided as students have vandalized the church (what a-holes). Plus, it's got a great view of the surrounding areas. If it weren't for the bat dung, it would be a great place to do some thinking, prayer, and meditation. The Museum tour (just give a small donation) is also an awesome sight seeing all those ancient tabernacles and relics. Just loved this place!

My dog's all ready to go to the beach!

2011-10-22T22:53:00.000+08:00

My doug, Lougee, wearing her Puerto Galera shirt. She's a Beach Dog! My dog is really one of my best friends. Even on days when the world is a bad place, she'll put a smile on my face. When I'm out of town or out of the country, I always make it a point to call home to check on her and make sure that she's fed and has her water bowl changed periodically. She sleeps in my room and she even has her own bed. Talk about being spoiled.

Those punk rock shops in Recto Avenue, Manila.

2011-10-05T07:54:00.000+08:00

I love checking out the shops in Recto and Quiapo in Manila. It's something I have done since my school days finding bargains here and there. I also love checking those punk rock shops in Cartimar with all those shirts and second hand CDs (they've got a lot of bootleg and underground stuff as well). I didn't wear too many of these shirts back in the day. In fact, the one shirt I preferred to wear had British two-tone band The Specials in the front (the one with the dancing man in shades). I find it interesting to see how this subculture has not changed since its nascent days in the late 1970s. I guess once a punk, always a punk.

There are a lot of used and new CDs shops along Recto Avenue and Quaipo Boulevard. You'll find a lot of stuff that never even makes it to the regular music stores. Some are pilfered stocks from local music companies (it's got a "promotional use only" tag on it). There are also a lot of metal and alternative stuff as well. Make sure that when you buy, you don't just agree to the price. Haggle. Haggle. Haggle.

My jumping on point for the X-Men. Unfortunately, they're all broken.

2011-09-24T08:05:00.001+08:00

There are those moments in X-Men history where I felt that chill up my spine.

The ending of God Loves, Man Kills where Magneto left the X-Men with a chilling reminder that should Charles Xavier’s dream of peaceful co-existence between humans and mutant fail then it would be his turn.

The destruction of Genosha where Professor X despairs as the mutant population was swiftly eradicated by a monstrous sentinel. The death toll that takes place in a few panels is chilling. “16,521,063… 11,001,467… 8,290,025… 800,000… 763…”

“All those lights going out,” cried out a helpless Xavier.

And there’s the death of Jean Grey where she holds Cyclops by the hands as they go out swinging against the Imperial Guard.

X-Men history has been pockmarked with countless tragic moments but these three (and a few others) have stood out and have grafted themselves indelibly in my mind.

Now with X-Men: Schism #4, those last few panels where Cyclops and Wolverine have a go at each other releasing years of pent up frustration with a murderous sentinel fast approaching. They held back somewhat but there was pain dripping in those panels. When Scott Summers throws in a dagger, "She never loved you." Man, you know that goes all the way back no matter had happened since. Incidentally, that was a veiled reference to the love triangle with Jean Grey.

I gave up comic books after a typhoon destroyed my home and almost my entire collection of books, dvds, compact discs, toys, and comic books. I have had them for decades. Many dating back to my schools days.

I only recently began to pick up books although most of them are the hardbound collections. Perhaps the single biggest casualty of that misfortune was my X-Men collection. I have every single book all the way from the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby days. Those early years were all hand-me-downs from an uncle of mine and they were one of the simple pleasures of my childhood (I began collecting with Giant Size X-Men #1).

I tried picking up a few X-Men books in between but felt so discouraged at what I missed (I stopped for more than three years). You needed a scorecard to know who was where and why this happened. Unfortunately, there was no such thing perhaps save for wikipedia.

When I saw the ads for X-Men: Schism #4, I was intrigued. I picked up the series with the third issue and hunted down the previous ones. The story represents an interesting shift with Cyclops and Wolverine taking the philosophical differences of Xavier and Magneto to another level. I won’t mention what caused the rift in the event someone out there has not read the story but I am siding with Slim in this.

Having read the X-Men for much of its glorious print history, I know that down the line, the two split teams will reunite. That much is certain. But for now, it would be interesting to see where all the X-books go. I hope that all follow the central story and take off from there.

Schism indeed.

Yes' Fly from Here is good stuff but restrained by misses on the production side

2011-09-19T08:08:00.001+08:00

Got Yes' 20th studio album FLY FROM HERE from Amazon the other day and I totally love it. You can hear the influence of Asia on the album which sounds rather funny since keyboardist Geoff Downes and guitarist Steve Howe play for both bands. I can totally listen to the album from beginning to end (perhaps save for "Fly from here Part V Bumpy Ride") but I think that producer Trevor Horn could have added a little more punch and power to the production. For example in Part 1 of "Fly from here" when new singer Benoit David (who does a swell job of replacing Jon Anderson) sings "lingering... lingering..." there's a magnificent opportunity for Howe's guitar to do more but instead it flickers in and out. The band sounds restrained but you can appreciate the solid musicianship. "Fly from Here" is a five-part song that clocks in just under 25 minutes but you can listen to them separately and still enjoy them. "Into the Storm" was a perfect way to end the album. It's a good album. Not great because of what I feel are production misses. Nevertheless, I am just glad to see Yes back in harness.

I wonder what this album would have sounded like had someone like David Bottrill produce it.

You think they've got five bucks frapuccinos?

2011-08-27T07:19:00.000+08:00

Snapped this last Friday, August 26 at the ground floor of Saint Francis Square. Wonder if they have frapuccinos as well. But not a bad name, huh?

Going around Kuwait City

2011-07-24T06:24:00.000+08:00

At least from what I know, whenever the men's football national team travels to another country, they usually visit the Philippine Embassy for a courtesy call. So it was not different in Kuwait. It also gave us a chance to see how our officials help our countrymen abroad and the programs they have in place. It was also great meeting other people. The gulf coast country by the way is really beautiful and fully modern (in spite of the darn heat).

Aside from embassies, another staple of country life is checking out the local mall/s. In this case we went to The Avenues Mall and the Marina Mall in Kuwait City. This is the former and check out how spacious it is. They seem to have everything save for two stores -- a big and stocked book specialty store and a music/DVD shoppe. Those are the two shops I always look for when I go abroad. The funny thing is at Kuwait International Airport, they have a shop there that still sells cassette tapes! For real.

These Kuwaitis were asking me about Philippine football and they predicted a blowout. Of course I disagreed (little did I know...).

The Shake Shack. You can see how this is real popular along with ice cream retailers because of the heat. But Kuwait is so Western in appearance. Wanted to buy a shake but the lines were really long in the two shacks I went to.

Look who's endorsing KFC? And what does that slim can of soda say (if ya know).

At the Movenpick Hotel in Kuwait City

2011-07-23T15:36:00.000+08:00

Staying at the Movenpick Hotel in Bida'a, Salmiya District of Kuwait City. It's a five-star Swiss hotel (and there are two of the sort here in Kuwait). It's a gorgeous hotel with fantastic service. That's me posing outside and just below the sign. There's wifi everywhere in the hotel, dudes.

The back of the hotel that faces the beachfront of the Arabian Sea. I really wonder how people can hang outside in the heat. But I guess it works for some.

Me by the beach and walking about at 6am during my third day at the hotel. Love the sunrise!

There's an area for beach volleyball just outside the dining area. Somehow seeing the chair with "Lifeguard" stenciled on it reminds me of Baywatch. Was waiting for Pamela Sue Anderson to come running from the water in a bright red swimsuit. What I got were a bunch of them -- of the local kind but no less vivacious!

Thought that shooting pics this early in the day will give me some unusual light colors to play around with. I was just using a digital camera and the result wasn't so bad.

Kuala Lumpur trip July 2011

2011-07-16T09:50:00.000+08:00

In Malaysia for the Liverpool Asia Tour 2011. Malaysia is full modern and a beautiful country. Just feels so good to be traveling again. Kinda miss it. And of course when you're here, how can you not go to the Petronas Towers?

From where I am staying in Jalan Imbi, I can spot the Petronas Towers. It's not actually a close walk. It's about at least 30 minutes of walking. I could take the monorail but not at this point. Walking's the order of the day.

Dinner during my first night here at KL with good friend Ariel Vanguardia was at Nasi Ayam Hainan Chef Meng. Chicken rice with veggies and siomai. After dinner, met up with other Pinoy Liverpool fans (Leo, Mika and Mich) and Coach Ariel and I accompanied them for street dining at Alor Street.

Milk Tea after the Liverpool event at the Pavilion. We all went to the Petronas Towers and Suria Mall afterwards.

What an incredible and humorous name for a store. This is at Suria KLCC mall. I just had to ham it up.

Petronas Towers at night and after a downpour with some thunder. Just like the Empire State Building in New York and the Hong Kong Symphony of Lights, it's just beautiful.

At Sofitel Manila

2011-07-01T22:04:00.000+08:00

On duty as Media Officer for the Sri Lanka-Philippines World Cup Qualifying Match on July 3, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. It's a lot of work but it's fun. Except when you have media people who do things last minute. One of the perks is staying in a cool hotel -- the Sofitel Manila. And this one here is my room. And I got the whole place to myself! It's nice, spacious, and really comfortable. And it's got a huge television too. Only I don't watch too much of it myself. I spend a lot of my time writing.

I've got a nice view of the Manila Film Center from my room and balcony. I know it's a spooky place but is it still? Once took part of a film shoot with the MFC as the venue. It was a cameo role with a very short speaking part. Honestly, thinking about it makes me cringe. Hahaha!

Typhoon Falcon the day after (here in Industrial Valley, Marikina)

2011-06-25T16:14:00.000+08:00

I took these pictures at 11am this Saturday morning. Look at all that stuff that caught on to the rails. In this picture, you can see how strong the current is. I spoke to one Navy frogman and he said the best way to swim in this kind of water is to go forward along with the flow while trying to go in the direction you want. To swim against the tide is futile.

There were a couple of television crews in the area -- ABC5 and ABS CBN. As of 3pm today they were still on site for any changes in the weather. As of 10pm last night the waters had overflowed into the nearby areas but not as alarming as it way during Typhoon Ondoy. But the roads were caked in mud.

One of the landmarks of Marikina Riverbanks are these statues of carabaos heading to the water. No need now. The water went to them. And you can see the trash all over them. Click to enlarge the pics.

Some of the nearby factories put up sandbags and stuff to try and keep the waters out. During Ondoy, the water was as high as the gate. The water was brown and black in some places. Pretty frightening.

Typhoon Falcon and its effects on the Marikina River

2011-06-24T18:12:00.003+08:00

Since the rains began falling I've been rather uneasy. It brought back all the unpleasant memories of Typhoon Ondoy. When I got home today, I went to the Marikina River which is nearby to take a look at the water levels. As of 6pm, it has spilled over onto the road. If it goes up by two more feet according to local authorities, they'll sound the siren for evacuation of the low-lying residential areas. The frightening part is that it's almost nighttime and the rains have not let up.

Those cluster of buildings is at the Eastwood area. You can see that the higher floors are obscured by clouds. Kind of frightening. I thought I'd see military units or emergency services stationed in the area already. As of 6pm Friday night. Nada.

Because of the flooding, it has left vehicles not much road to pass through lest they be swept into the raging river. I stood next to the river and there's this frightening gurgling sound as it its sucking in everything in sight.

In the Industrial Valley Barangay Hall, they've got this one raft to rescue people. I wonder how this can navigate the strong current without even an engine to propel it forward. It is considered critical level when the water reaches 17 feet. Right now it's at 15 feet.

The riverbanks have been lined with people watching out for more danger signs. I stayed beside the riverbanks myself and the water lapped at my feet. Got that eerie feeling.

Vaughn gets an “A” for X-Men: First Class

2011-06-18T20:45:00.000+08:00

Vaughn gets an “A” for X-Men: First Class

by rick olivares

I grew up on the X-Men. I lived and breathed it. I knew the canon more than most of my school subjects. I know and love it so much that I was skeptical of Bryan Singer’s production of the first film.

When it came out, I felt that it raised the bar for further adaptations. That was the first comic book film adaptation that really rocked and paved the way for Hulk, Iron Man (especially Iron Man), and Batman Begins.

The one thing that I realized that much of the origin story and other subplots cannot be adapted for film. There’s a difference in the more compact storytelling in film as opposed to a 24-monthly comic book so I understand it perfectly. You can also get away with drawing costumes and armor in comics but in the movies it just doesn’t work all the time.

X-Men: First Class isn’t a straight adaptation of the limited series by Marvel. For one, the limited series features the original X-Men of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby – Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, the Beast, and Iceman. Matt Vaughn’s film version uses Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr extensively as the main protagonists. But that doesn’t matter.

Marvel for years has retro-mined the old stories for newer ones (read the Uncanny X-Men issue titled Madripoor Nights) and the story of Professor X and Magneto had been a rich ore. There’s the connection to Moira MacTaggert, Proteus, Juggernaut, Cassandra Nova, the Scarlet With and quicksilver, and lots more.

The relationship between the two has been an interesting one – once brothers, once enemies. Even Magneto became an X-Man later on. Incredible.

Vaughn was very faithful in his adaptation of Mark Millar’s and John Romita Jr.’s Kick Ass. There’s none of that with X-Men: First Class. The only thing it has in common with the comic book series is the title. And thus, Vaughn takes it in a bold new direction (sort of like J.J. Abrams’ modern spin on Star Trek) by setting it in the middle of the Cuban Missile Crisis and using characters who would come much later in the X-Men mythos (in the comic series, Xavier loses the use of his legs during the Korean War). The Beast was part of the first generation of X-Men while Banshee was with the second gen that was a part of the now classic X-Men #94 where the old team left leaving Cyclops to break in a new team of mutants. This “prequel” mixes all three generation of mutants (a fourth including Zoe Kravtiz’ Angel) and it’s a wondrous mix for film and fanboys who I am sure will not mind the massive changes.

During the promotions for the movie, I purposely did not read anything. I wanted to be surprised just as X-Men #94 surprised me all those years ago. I knew nothing not even the cast so imagine my elation at seeing quite a cast – Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Matt Craven, Oliver Platt, James McAvoy, and Michael Fassbender. There are even cameo appearances by Michael Ironside

The two leads – McAvoy and Fassbender – played minor roles in Band of Brothers and there’s something about sacrifice they all know about which they brought to X-Men: First Class. And what performances! McAvoy’s Xavier somewhat reminds me of how Brendan Fraser played Monty Kessler in With Honors – cocky, smooth, but damn good.

Fassbender, in my opinion, nearly steals the show. And rightly so, I always thought that Magneto was a more interesting character. After God Loves, Man Kills (if you haven’t read that X-Men Graphic Novel then get on it post-haste), Magneto became a real cool character. Fassbender without any trouble turns Lehnsherr/Magneto into a sympathetic character.

Rose Byrne has the right amount of spunk and beauty to play MacTaggert. Thankfully, she isn’t underused her in the way Halle Berry was as Storm in the first installment of X-Men.

Kevin Bacon, after a career of playing awkward and flawed characters such as quicksilver’s Jack Casey, Tremors’ Val McKee, The Air Up There’s Jimmy Dolan, he’s played some memorable villains beginning with The River Wild all the way to Wild Things to Hollow Man. His Herr Schmidt/Sebastian Shaw character is probably his most frightening to date.

The crux of the X-Men canon has always been about racism and mistrust. X-Men: First Class, manages to expound on what was shown in Bryan Singer’s opening scenes of a Nazi death camp. Schmidt/Shaw prods Lehnsherr and shows his how violence can produce the results one desires. It is reinforced later on when the CIA and the American and Russian navies attack the mutants (in Uncanny X-Men #150 “I, Magneto”, the Master of Magnetism sinks a Russian nuclear submarine after he is attacked. This is, aside from God Loves, Man Kills, where we see Erik’s character begin to change from a one-dimensional villain to a complex and tortured anti-hero). Vaughn understands that and makes good use of those learning’s without ramming it down the throats of the viewers.

Magneto’s and Xavier have divergent roads that eventually meet before going into different directions. And I have to love the symbolism here. Vaughn does a marvelous job in taking X-Men lore and blowing it up into a brave new world. It’s a superb movie that snuck up on all and revived the X-Men film franchise (just as Batman Begins did for the Caped Crusader after George Clooney and Chris O’Donnell did the horrible – cringe cringe – Batman and Robin).

For the comic book geeks, this is the equivalent of the Ultimate treatment of the old Marvel Universe. And just as it was after Singer’s first film, with X-Men: First Class, you’re left with the wonderful feeling that “I want to see more.”

And that means you can expect a sequel.

My favorite comic book adaptations

2011-06-18T17:50:00.004+08:00

My favorite comic book adaptations:
1. Iron Man
2. The Spider-Man trilogy
3. Batman Begins
4. The Dark Knight
5. 300
6. The Crow
7. The Rocketeer
8. Watchmen
9. X-Men
10. The Incredible Hulk
11: X2
12. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
13. Sin City
14. Kick Ass
15. 30 Days of Night
16. Punisher (Dolph Lundgren version)
17. Hellboy
18. Flash Gordon
19. Aliens Vs. Predator
20. Blade
21. Dick Tracy

I wanted to add The Walking Dead but it's not a movie but a television series.

I need you so much closer (and other songs)

2011-06-09T14:24:00.000+08:00

I was chatting with good friend Pat Ozaeta today who saw my status on YM playing Death Cab for Cutie songs from Transatlanticism. He asked if I was playing “Tiny Vessels” and on cue a few seconds later, the song came on (my iTunes is playing it in album order).

I only became a big fan of the band when that album, their fourth, came out. I recall it being heavily promoted in Virgin Records in Times Square where I worked at that time. One day, I played it while working the DJ booth and I along with a few others fell in love with the music. A few came up to ask what album was that and I showed them the cover. The scurried away to buy the disc.

One time I saw them play at Coney Island and since the album was brand new, most people had not memorized the lyrics. The place was packed with people yet I have never seen a crowd so quiet except between songs when we all applauded. It was like everyone was digesting the lyrics and soaking in Ben Gibbard’s voice. Now Coney Island is next to the Atlantic Ocean and the synchronicity was not lost on me. Never more so when they sang the song “Transatlanticism.” We were in like trance-like mode as the waves crashed on the Brooklyn shore.

When Gibbard sang the lines, “So c’moooonnn. C’mooonn.” We all joined in creating a powerful moment. It was like a communion with the band. And that hour watching, listening, and singing along to Death Cab for Cutie remains a powerful and memorable memory.

St. Anne's Parish (Molo Church)

2011-05-19T09:10:00.000+08:00

St. Anne's Parish or Molo Church in Molo, Iloilo. On my way to Barotac Nuevo a long time ago, I passed by the Church but was only able to visit in just today. The church was constructed in 1831 with a couple of painters commissioned to paint the murals inside. I understand too, that this is the only "gothic" church outside Manila (I'm thinking the San Sebastian church) aside from being a feminine one. The statues inside are all female saints -- St. Marta, St. Margaret, and St. Cecilia are just a few ones I noted.

According to the plaque outside, the church was partially damaged during World War II during the liberation of the Philippines. I asked one of the caretakers and he said it was one of the belfries that was hit hard because Japanese soldiers used it as a machine gun and sniper's nest. It was blown away by American bazookas.

Love the wooden doors. The stone outside that forms the facade is said to be corral stone (whatever that is). But when I first saw it I wondered if it was imported from elsewhere.

Above is one of those murals I spoke of earlier. It's really beautiful and I am no architect and I certainly wonder how they painted that up there. Amazing. Sometimes, I wish there was this virtual library that you can peek and watch events of the yesteryear. As much as I'd love to see a lot of events from the Crusades, to WWII, Custer's Last Stand, Magellan's Death, and even the assassination of JFK, it's simple and little things like watching a church mural being finished.

My trip to the different churches here in Iloilo is a communion between me and my faith. It has been a difficult time for me and He just keeps me going. I feel blessed to cover a fantastic football event in the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup and the sidetrips are all the more enriching.

Dinner @ Perri Todd's

2011-05-16T21:12:00.001+08:00

After the football match at CPU, I went with a friend for merienda/dinner. I asked her to choose a place that's truly local rather than go somewhere that's too common. Hazel (the daughter of a friend from Barotac Nuevo) asked me if I wanted to have a burger and so we went to Perri Todd's. It's a short walk from the Jaro Cathedral and located along a side street. The prices for the grilled burgers - their specialty - are from PhP 150-up. The meat patties are pretty good. Tender and juicy (hey, they aren't hotdogs, okay) with great sauce. The drinks are huge too considering the ones we ordered are just of regular size. I'll be going back here! Thanks, Hazel.

Brunch @ Daily Buns

2011-05-16T20:56:00.000+08:00

Brunch today was at Daily Buns just across the hotel. Kinda reminds me of Heaven & Eggs in Manila. They serve breakfast, pasta, pizza, and quite a few others. They have free wifi to sweeten the deal. The prices aren't so bad.

I had a Mexican omelette, bacon, eggs, rice, and a cup of coffee. The omelette was a little disappointing. It being a Mexican -- I expected a little more veggies and spice. Instead, I got more cheese. So Queso omelette it is. A bacon and eggs is well... how different can it get? The brewed coffee was pretty good though.

The homey feeling of Daily Buns is not bad at all. Maybe it's the location (along General Luna near San Agustin) but they can certainly add a little more to the ambiance because the front part of the restaurant could use a newspaper and magazine rack, a few more paintings or decor, and maybe a little pipe in music to complete the atmosphere.

Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo 5/15

2011-05-15T22:17:00.000+08:00

I went to Mass this morning at the Jaro Cathedral. How ancient can you get? The Cathedral (a church a long long time ago) was consecrated in 1874! It's known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Candles as well as the Parish of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. As a history buff, I have always championed the preservation of historical sites and remembering our Spanish heritage. I think it's a shame that many Filipinos have gone abroad first before seeing our country. I am proud of our heritage.

Anyways, after being interviewed in a radio talk show this morning, I went to Mass at the Cathedral and was fortunate to catch the English Mass. In fact, I plan on making a pilgrimage to all the Spanish era churches in Iloilo. Maybe when I come back for PFF Suzuki U23 Cup Finals next week.

Bibingka! Not really a fan of it but I just had to try it. Cost 20 bucks but it's not bad. I bought a few more for the guards at the hotel.

Posing in front of the bell tower which is across the street. See the pic below that was taken from the second floor of the Cathedral.

Never been to the Vatican. Soon I will.

Back in Iloilo

2011-05-14T20:36:00.000+08:00

Here I am again in one of my favorite places in the Philippines -- Iloilo. Am here for four days for the semifinals leg of the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup. Right now I am billeted at the Residence Hotel along General Luna St. in Iloilo City. It's got a nice city view but an even better river view. I am not really crazy about the hotel (and it amenities but it is cheap) but it's location is close to eateries and the malls. The Water Front Terrace has a nice view of the river and I was lucky enough to snap this pic of some folk doing late afternoon fishing. I love the way the water shimmers in the fading light.

This photo was taken earlier in the day across the river. I love the clouds and hoped that I captured it neatly. Tomorrow, I'm off to Barotac Nuevo.

Towing the Rhumb Line: my being a fan of Ra Ra Riot

2011-04-20T07:33:00.003+08:00

As a serious music enthusiast, I oft go out and buy and watch indie bands. There are a lot of really good indie outifts there but it’s also a hit and miss proposition. Some albums I buy end up in the garbage bin or used CD shops elsewhere.

With Ra Ra Riot, I struck gold. I picked out their debut album The Rhumb Line on a whim and instantly fell in love with their music.

Interesting bit about New York’s Ra Ra Riot, they are now signed to Barsuk Records which became famous because of Death Cab for Cutie. The two bands share the gift of melody but that’s where the similarity ends. What adds to the lush sound is the string section of Rebecca Zeller (violin) and Alexandra Lawn (cello). They are far more than a hip addition. The strings can be every bit intense as guitar solo. Think Boyd Tinsley on what he does for the Dave Matthews Band.

Behind the music, there’s a hidden pain and intensity after losing drummer and vocalist John Pike who mysteriously drowned after a show in Rhode Islands. The song “Dying is fine” a staple of their live shows became all the more poignant after Pike’s death. In the band’s second album, The Orchard, the band still pays tribute to their former bandmate with the song “Massachusetts” where Pike hailed from.

If you like the music of Broken Social Scene and Death Cab for Cutie then you’ll love Syracuse's Ra Ra Riot.

-------------------

I prefer to buy CDs to this day to add to my huge collection of over 3,000 discs. I don't purchase fake or pirated CDs. I don't download illegally. I support the music industry not music pirates who are lazy thieving bums.

Sunrise in Dumaguete

2011-04-19T12:49:00.002+08:00

I once saw a feature on Dumaguete on Living Asia and I remember telling myself, "Cool! I gotta go there sometime." I remember watching the joggers along the promenade and the awesome sunrise and sunset and I resolved to experience it for myself. When I did arrive, some of the locals were telling me how couples would propose and breakup along the boulevard. And if I wanted to take pictures, I had to go there during sunrise and sunset. I did go there quite a few times. I spoke to an American who made Dumaguete his home and to a girl who sat there painting. Those are stories that I will tell another day. So I did stare out to the sea and snapped some pics myself. Here they are.

An acquaintance of mine once moved to Boracay to live and work there. He grew his hair long and sort of lived a Bohemian life. And one time, I visited him there. While talking outside the restaurant where he worked, I asked him what made him decide to stay there. He paused for a brief moment and said, "It's stress free, man. If I need a break, I just step outside and look at the girls and the sea. You've got the sunrise and the sunset... I say these are the perks."

Dumaguete obviously isn't Boracay but they have so many things in common. And these pics and what they represent are just one of the perks.

Eat outs during my stay in Dumaguete.

2011-04-19T00:28:00.000+08:00

When I first mentioned that I was headed for Dumaguete, you won't believe the number of emails and tweets I got about suggestions on where to go and eat. Cool isn't it? Since I was here for work not sightseeing it was a little harder to really go out. I did try my best and eschewed the darned fastfood joints (I'd barf and die if I ate in them again). I ate at Sans Rival, Atong Kamalig, Don Atilano, Ka Waway, Gabby's Bistro, and Hayahay. Not much but it's a good thing there are other places to look forward to in my next trip!

At Ka Waway with the PFF Suzuki U23 National Cup guys after a long day. I smelled of the sun and after eating here, smelled of smoke! Taking a shower and a scrub was never so good and welcome.

At Gabby's Bistro with Ina and Johnna. Gabby's is like Chili's or Friday's. We had some pasta and ice cream. Yes, I know the Bistro part sounds weird. In the pic below, I'm at Sans Rival. I love their sylvannas. It's just right -- not too creamy and not too rich!

The picture below was taken at Don Atilano. Am with Coach Diding Cabalida, Roroy Piñero, and Red Avelino (with some dude I don't know). I preferred the crepes to over the main meals. I thought we'd be having steaks and all but nooooooooo!!!

The Promenade @ Rizal Ave in Dumaguete City

2011-04-15T12:34:00.000+08:00

The promenade along Rizal Avenue in Dumaguete City is a really nice place to kick back and relax. Unless you don't like the taste of the salty air. I don't really mind and this is an excellent place to unwind. The thoroughfare is lined with restaurants and watering holes. Coach Butod tells me that they've nicknamed this the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" because many a couples break up if not formalize their relationship here. Friday and Saturday nights are really swinging over here so we should see Friday night.

The Dumaguete First-Timer Part 2

2011-04-14T23:28:00.001+08:00

We had brunch at Sans Rival, the local cake shop that was first put up by the mother of the current Dumaguete City mayor. She passed away some seven years ago, but her children continue to operate the shop (there's also one in the Robinson's Dumaguete Mall). Our first meeting here in Dumaguete was at the Robinson's branch of Sans Rival and on Day 2, here we are having brunch once more only in the main shoppe. By the time we left around 1030am, the place was packed with people. I wonder what lunch is like here.

The choices for me were narrowed down to two -- a simple salad or three pieces of sylvannas (my favorite). The extreme sugar rush won out. The sylvannas aren't bad. Not as rich as what they sell in Red Ribbon so I prefer this more. When I was younger, my aunt would buy us a box of sylvannas in Dau before they'd head over to Manila. As I recall it, it once cost Php25 that was an expensive price back then. Now a single piece at Red Ribbon is about 20 bucks!

The Dumaguete First-timer Part 1

2011-04-14T16:16:00.003+08:00

When I was asked to be the media officer for the PFF Suzuki U-23 National Cup, I was excited. For one, it's good to be in that capacity where you have great access to teams and athletes that makes it easier to write about the sport. That means, I don't have worry about other media people not living up to their promises about sending me material when I couldn't go. If that's a dig against the others then so be it. That's their problem. The second reason why I was excited about it was the opportunity to travel. It's only in recent years that I began to see the Philippines at great length. And considering that I have never been to Dumaguete that was all the more enticing. The only thing I knew about the city in Negros Oriental was Silliman University, the University Games being held there, and the belfry. I have always talked and written about my love for history. I just love reading about it and seeing all those historical sites and landmarks. And there's also something about going to old churches. Dumaguete has that in St. Catherine's Church. Before I leave for Manila, I will attend Mass here for sure.

This is a trike that we sometimes take to around the city. I kinda like it since it's spacious and it no problem squeezing my big old self inside. Just don't let the drivers fool you. They can spot a tourist a mile away and jack up the fare. So it's always safe to ask people you know for the proper fare and directions. I made a mistake and got charged P48 bucks from Robinson's to Maria Luisa Inn. According to some locals, we got robbed.

The reason for my trip here is football and next to Iloilo, this sure is a great place for it. This photo was taken at the Mariano Perdices Field at the Negros Sports Complex. Everyday, some 400-500 kids gather here to play the beautiful game. According to Negros Oriental Football Association President Dick Emperado, there is no shortage of players here. The glaring need is for coaches. At least that's a good problem, right?

Pick up lines, Liam Gallagher, and goodbyes

2011-04-02T22:43:00.000+08:00

Pick up lines, Liam Gallagher, and goodbyes

by rick olivares

There’s this dude in Times Square in New York who walks about with sign that says “1001 pick up lines for a dollar”.

One time, I was watching this Brazilian model have a street artist do a sketch of her when the dude said to the girl, “Girl, you’re so beautiful you must be a tourist attraction here in New York.” The girl flicked her hair back and laughed.

“That’s a good one,” she said handing over five bucks.

“Oh oh!” squealed the dude in delight. “I got four more good ones for you and if you like it, we can have dinner at Tavern on the Green.”

He was smooth. Real smooth. I for one have never been like that.

During soirees back in high school, while a few of the “chick boys” stayed with the girls, I on the other hand, joined a few others in watching the food table lest the food go away.

Now that I am older, I’m not as shy as I used to be but it still isn’t easy for me. What I do know is that I use my iPod as an icebreaker. Think about it: “What’s on your iPod?” What a great ~~pick up line~~ idea, huh?

And I never thought that I’d thank Liam Gallagher for helping me meet a girl. This isn’t a love story. It hardly qualifies as one, you know. It’s boy meets girl. And boy says goodbye to girl. That’s all.

You see I was killing time at Starbucks in Wheelock Place along Orchard Road before meeting up with some Singaporean friends at Kinokuniya in Ngee An City. I thought I might as well check my email and do a little writing. I got two and a half hours to kill after all.

I had a comfy couch to myself where I was sipping some tea (I had stopped drinking coffee) and I slipped in the CD of Gallagher’s new band Beady Eye that rose from the ashes of Oasis. I had my headphones on and was minding my business when she sat down on the chair opposite me (it’s a big couch with plenty of room). She had this paperback novel she had with her but that’s all I noticed because I was transfixed by her… beauty.

“God Almighty!” I whispered to myself. She resembled French actress Sophie Marceau. Only she was prettier.

She smiled. I smiled. Then I said nothing and went back to work. At least I tried to. She said something yet amidst the noise of old time rock ‘n’ roll and Gallagher’s Lennonesque wail, I heard her voice.

“I beg your pardon,” I asked.

She smiled through perfect teeth and her eyes glittering in the electric sun. “Is the album a good one?”

“It’s the first time I’m listening to it,” I replied. It was the truth. I bought the disc about an hour ago at HMV. “But it does sound different from Oasis. It is a pleasant surprise though. I think it’s good that they don’t sound like Oasis, if you know what I mean. My favorite is Noel Gallagher and I guess Liam found his voice.”

“Oh, I must be talking too much.” Now I was thinking out aloud.

“That’s okay.” She giggled.

Then I kept my mouth shut and put back my headphones. She in the meantime picked up her book and began reading.

A few minutes later our eyes met again. She smiled and said something.

“I’m sorry for bothering you,” she apologized.

“No problem,” I said trying to remain cool. It’s not everyday that a pretty white girl talks to you.

Chrysta was her name. She’s from Amsterdam and was going around Southeast Asia with her boyfriend (my heart sank). Singapore was their first stop and from there they were going to Indonesia then Malaysia. Hong Kong was their final destination before heading back to Holland.

She wore a gray short-sleeved blouse with Guns ‘n Roses in front, khaki shorts and slippers. Chrysta wore shoulder-length brown hair that scattered lazily in front of her beautiful brown eyes. She giggled again. Maybe she knew I was – what’s the term – profiling her.

We chatted. About Liam Gallagher, Oasis, and Beady Eye. She shared a headphone with me and we listened to “The Roller” one of the better tracks on the album. She closed her eyes and let the music take her. I couldn’t hear the music anymore. I was transfixed with her.

End of song. So we chatted more about traveling in Asia, what to do in Singapore and the probability of going to the Philippines. And the book by Meg Cabot that she was reading.

A while ago, I was praying time would move faster. Apparently, 6:30pm couldn’t come quickly enough. Now, I was hoping that I had more time. Jeez Louise, we had been talking for over an hour now. And I was hoping her boyfriend would never come. He was in Borders which was next door looking for books and stuff.

A few minutes later, the guy arrived. He sat down in the chair next to me and opened his laptop. Chrysta and the guy began speaking in Dutch and my heart sank even further. She then nodded towards the Beady Eye disc and the guy (I don’t remember his name nor do I care to). “So how’s the album? Are you liking it now?” she asked.

“Well, it’s better than I expected,” I said. And well, it was the truth.

Chrysta didn’t talk much now that her BF was back. I guess he didn’t feel comfortable about it and I surmised that he was telling her to transfer to another table as he nodded towards the back.

I quickly began packing my stuff. “It’s okay.” (No, it wasn’t.)

“You can stay here. I have to go.” (I wish he left and I didn’t have to go.)

“Oh, do you have to?” her smile was gone.

“Yeah, I have to meet up with some friends. I don’t want to be late.”

She pouted and her BF was aghast.

“So pick up Beady Eye,” I said by way of parting. “Don’t download it. I think we owe it to the artist to buy the disc. Besides it’s a pretty good album.”

I gathered up the rest of my gear and collected the tea tumbler to throw into the trash bin.

On my way out, I glanced at Chrysta. She smiled. Not the dazzling one she flashed when we first met. I smiled back then went out into the Singapore night.

I played Oasis’ “Roll With It” on my iPod.

“You gotta roll with it, you gotta take your time, you gotta say what you say and don’t let anybody get in your way…”

Hop On Hop Off at the Lion City

2011-03-31T21:15:00.000+08:00

In front of the Hop On Hop Off tour bus outside Tower 4 of Suntec City. Actually, we didn't need the tour bus since I know my way around very well. My son absolutely loves Singapore. Honestly, as much as I love the Lion City, I have a soft spot for Hong Kong. But Anthony is convincing me to move to Singapore. He spent the whole day at Universal Studios (second time he's been there) and he never did seem to tire of it. As for me, I was doing some work and when I wasn't, we did go around. He's bugging me to go again during next school year's sembreak. But this time, he wants to go back to the zoo (including the night safari).

At HMV in Singapore

2011-03-31T08:13:00.001+08:00

My favorite shoppe

With Virgin Records and Tower Records gone, what else is left for traditionalists (if you can call someone who buys CDs over vinyl discs that) like me? There’s still HMV and Borders to a way lesser extent. In Hong Kong, you have Hong Kong Records but their selection is kind of wanting. So thank God for HMV. Long may she live.

In Singapore, they have two branches – at the fourth floor of 313 Somerset (take the North-South Line or the Red Line and get off at Somerset station) and Raffles Link (get off at the Esplanade station and walk a bit).

Between the two the one at Somerset offers more variety. Take my word for that. Excellent selections on music and movies. They have several racks for CDs from Pop-Rock to Dance to Classical to Jazz to Hip Hop/R&B. Now if you want to purchase magazines, it’s best to compare prices at HMV, Kinokuniya, Borders, Harris or other stands. The difference can be a dollar or two. It really depends where you are. But for an audiophile like me, this is nirvana. I check out the new releases and new artists always going to the listening stations to sample their music. I've found out many new bands this way.

My Singapore soundtrack:

Baroness – The Red Album

The Naked & Famous – Passive Me, Aggressive You

The Boxer Rebellion – The Cold Still

VersaEmerge – Fixed at Zero

Beady Eye – Different Gear, Still Speeding

The Cold Still by the Boxer Rebellion

2011-03-30T07:54:00.002+08:00

I discovered the Boxer Rebellion with their song "Spitting Fire" and since then I've picked up all their albums. This international indie rock band (their members are from the Australia, England, and the USA) delivered on the promise through their three albums unlike similar bands like Razorlight or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Quite quickly they jumped up into my hallowed list of all-time favorites. And I'd say that it was a tremendous bonus that they were featured quite prominently in the film Going the Distance starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long (for some reason I got the same kick that I felt when I saw Siouxsie and the Banshees in Out of Bounds starring Anthony Michael Hall). Their new album The Cold Still was released just this month of March and when I first played it, it seemed there was a little Radiohead influence to it. But am not complaining. I just love the new album. It might start out a little slow with "No Harm" but I urge you to give it a listen using your headphones to appreciate it. I think that's important because it sets the tone for the album before other songs like "Step Out of the Car" and "Cause for Alarm" have that vintage Boxer Rebellion sound. It's a keeper.

Discography:

Exits

Union (the best of the lot)

The Cold Still

And if you like the Boxer Rebellion, check out Canadian outfit Arcade Fire.

The Merlion Hotel where you can check out anytime you want.

2011-03-29T22:53:00.001+08:00

March 29, 2011. Forgive me for that rather cheesy stab at the classic song by the Eagles. Anyways, I am back in one of my favorite places -- Singapore. It's the Singapore Biennale -- an art fest and I heard what the Merlion Park has undergone a transformation! For the period of March 13-May 15, the icon of the Lion City is turned into a hotel where people may get a close up look at the famous statue. So there I am crossing from the Esplanade. No new shows I'm going to be watching yet (that's reserved for Eyes Set to Kill in Jakarta this June or July).

Ah, there's me poking fun with the miniature Merlion right in front of the hotel. Hmm. Begging for dole outs from the looks of it. Anyways, every 15 minutes, 20 people are let inside for a unique viewing experience. It seems quicker than waiting for the riverboat cruise that seems to be poorly managed nowadays.

The idea for transforming Merlion Park into the Merlion Hotel belongs to Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi who has been making out-of-place out-of-sclae experiences with public spaces throughout the world. He's done similar "exhibits" in England and Australia if I am not mistaken.

Below is that ice cream sandwich that I always have. Yep, am a creature of habit. Sweet Corn Ice Cream wafer.

That's me trying to hide behind the sculpture in front of the Paragon mall along Orchard Road. Am too fat to hide. Hahaha.

Okay, chicken rice or chicken biryani? Choices. The chicken rice costs SD $6.30 while the chicken biryani fetches SD $6.

Hope it's no longer for the nookie but serious music

2011-03-28T17:10:00.000+08:00

Guess who's back?

What did I do during Earth Hour?

2011-03-26T21:27:00.000+08:00

What I did during Earth Hour... I walked my dog around the neighborhood. I watered the plants. My son and I talked about our upcoming trip to Singapore. And we reminded some of our neighbors that it was Earth Hour. Unfortunately, we only got smiles in return. Only four houses (ours included) switched off their lights. Two neighbors even had a full blown party going on. I don't know how many times I have to write about caring for our environment. Lately, it's all been bad stuff -- earthquakes, tsunamis, and wars. Going up against nature is a fight we cannot win. Hope that resonates with you.

Sulit o mura ang bogchi sa Ateneo de Manila?

2011-03-16T20:47:00.003+08:00

I divided my class into four groups and each one was supposed to put up their own blogs and produce their own newscasts. They also did photography and weekly papers. For this group "Kahit Anong Laman" which is the name of their blog, they chose a topic on the various eats spots in Ateneo. This is the group of Iza Fajardo, Frank Golla, Julius Lagman, Vince Velasco and Adrian Yujuico. Kept laughing all throughout. Had Frank doing an M. Night Shyamalan with cameos here and there. Here's their blog http://kahitanolangnamaaan.blogspot.com/

Watching the Stone Temple Pilots made me reminisce

2011-03-10T08:08:00.000+08:00

Watching the Stone Temple Pilots made me reminisce

by rick olivares

Went to watch the Stone Temple Pilots at the Araneta Coliseum last night and it’s been a while since I went to watch a concert. That sounds kind of odd for those who know me as a bigger musichead than a sports enthusiast.

There was a time when I’d go watch a gig or concert at least twice a week. Moreso when I lived in New York.

I was really excited about going to STP even if I do like a few of their songs for the simple reason that I’m not big a fan of theirs. Nevertheless, I am still glad I went to watch.

For someone weaned on 80’s new wave and punk rock, I totally enjoyed the 90s alternative scene more. There were fewer one hit wonders that was the hallmark of the 80s.

Watching STP and seeing Scott Weiland gyrate on stage and sings many of the band’s hit songs brought back great memories of the yesteryears. I thought of the time that grunge was starting out and how an exciting time it was. The second wave of local bands was getting underway and it was a great time to be a fan.

Moving to the United States later got me an opportunity to see many bands who I only saw on MTV and later VH1. And some of them remain a great memory.

Here’s a list of some of the best shows I’ve seen in my life:

The Cure – Curiosa Tour at Randall’s Island in New York on July 31^st 2004 (this was the time they released Bloodflowers and in one show they played songs from Pornography and Disintegration that are my favorite albums). In this tour, the other bands that played were Interpol and Mogwai.

Reel Big Fish – I became a fan of this band in 1997 and seeing them at the Irving Plaza in New York was a dream. This remains one of my all time fave shows as it was once dance-a-thon from start to finish. Everyone was drenched in sweat after the nearly two hour show.

Limp Bizkit – Madison Square Garden. This was at the height of their popularity and Significant Other just ruled the world. Yep, they did it all for the nookie and I couldn’t care less because for the first time in my life I joined the mosh pit.

My Favorite at Sin-E in the Bowery. One of my all time favorite bands who I still listen to a lot even after they broke up. The Sin-E is a small club but that rainy night in Manhattan, the club throbbed and swayed with so much energy. I will never forget the mohawked female bartender. She just looked really really beautiful.

Vans Warped Tour 2002 – 2004 I went to watch this series of tours primarily for one band – Rancid. I first saw them on the cover of Spin magazine at the time of the release of And Out Come the Wolves that prompted me to check them out. I purchased the album at the Silvercord Centre in Hong Kong in 1995 (it came out a few months before Oasis’ (What’s the story) Morning Glory and I got them at the same time. I was fortunate because I got to see the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish, Tsunami Bomb, NOFX, the Used, and the Dropkick Murphys. I felt out of place at first coz I am not the sort to go to the mosh pit as I stayed in the back. But it was enjoyable. I wanted a picture of with Tim Armstrong and Lars Fredericksen but it was impossible to get close.

Death Cab for Cutie – Coney Island. I’d say there were like 4,000-plus people watching them on this sunny and breezy afternoon. It was such a narrow place to watch that some fans climbed a fence to get on top of a small guardhouse. One fan ripped his hand open in the wires but that didn’t stop him from watching. This was at the time of Transatlanticism which was fairly new. When Ben Gibbard began singing the melancholic lines of that songs it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. It was like everyone was witness to a masterpiece. When I think of Gibbard singing the lines “The distance is quite simply much too far for me to row it seems farther than ever before oh no. I need you so much closer…” It was like he knew what I was feeling. Then at the end of the song when he sang “I need you so much closer” again the whole crowd chimed in. the poignant moment was not lost even as the thousands of voices joined in. It was and remains an awesome awesome moment. I have frozen that moment in my mind.

The Pixies – Coachella. Where is my mind? I have to admit after not being able to see their faces on their album sleeves (courtesy of the artsy and weird 4AD sleeve designers), it was a let down to see this band way past their prime as they had put on weight and were balding. But the moment they launched into “Debaser” they were that band I played endlessly in those college days of mine.

The Misfits – Virgin Records Times Square 2003. I am not a fan of the band. Really. When we talk about punk rock, I like Rancid, Bad Religion, X, the Dead Kennedys, Fear, Ramones, and those from the LA scene. But this was a different line up then – Jerry Only, Lee Ving (of Fear), and Marky Ramone of the late lamented Ramones. Seeing Marky in the R train from the Forest Hills station was a shock. He was carrying the bass drum with “Ramones” in front. I it was a great performance (and they played “Sheena is a punk rocker”) and I got the band’s autographs on the Project 1950 album.

Broken Social Scene – New York and Singapore. I will not forget the ads for their New York show in the Village Voice and how it trumpeted the message that if I missed the show I will not forgive myself. So I did watch. This was around the time they released You Forgot it In People. I bought the album at the gate and never even heard the CD. When they played I thought of Yo La Tengo and Modest Mouse. But they were different. That is perhaps the best album I bought in 2002. Then eight years later, I see them in Singapore for the release of Forgiveness Rock Record and it was like a happy homecoming.

Dave Matthews Band – the Concert at Central Park. I worked halfday thinking I’d get a nice place at the Great Lawn. Wrong! It was packed with lots of people already. So I had to stay a lot farther out. I was one of the 120,000 plus people that night (and it was a bitch getting home in Queens that night). I think they played like 20 songs that September night and it was just really awesome. I later saw Devo, the Strokes, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs also at the Great Lawn later on but it did not compare to this.

Versus – I saw them at the Bowery Ballroom during the time they released Hurrah. It was such an explosive performance and this was right before their near decade-long hiatus. Perhaps for many of my favorite bands this was the sweetest because they are one of the reasons why I moved to New York (the other is Marvel Comics and the Yankees and Islanders)

Images from the Xterra Philippines

2011-03-07T16:56:00.000+08:00

Three of my colleagues walk up the road with the old Spanish lighthouse in the background. It was a hot and grimy morning. But once we got close to the sea we could feel the breeze and taste the salt in the air. There's something about lighthouses and the mystery of the sea that draws me. That's saying a lot because I am frightened of the deep.

This triathlete came out of the gates a little late. He was far from finishing in the Top 10 but the objective for many is to finish. That's the true accomplishment. The runner sets out on a lonely run.

Staring at the sea. A race marshall watches the swimmers alert for any sign of trouble.

Senator Pia Cayetano emerges from the swim leg and removes her gear on the run. I thought that she was buoyed by the cheers from the crowd that yelled: "Let's go, Sen!"

Is it work or a vacation? At Liloan, Cebu for the first Xterra Philippines

2011-03-06T18:45:00.001+08:00

Arrived in Cebu for the first full Xterra Philippines. Xterra is an off-road version of the triathlon. When I first covered last year's Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Camsur, I became hooked with the sport. I've been contemplating taking up biking again and hopefully by this summer I can begin again. Took Cebu Pacific inbound and thankfully I was the only one in my row so I stretched my legs across the seats. Wore the Grindavik jersey of the Azkals' Ray Jonsson. It's his club in Iceland. Worked well inside the plane and inside our cold resort room.

Am staying at the Crimson Resport & Spa in Mactan, Cebu. It's a lovely place to stay not just because of the facilities but also because of the atmosphere which is very homey and comfortable. You're pampered here. But wait 'til you see the prices. The scenery is gorgeous. I guess this is nice living.

That's the old Spanish lighthouse in Liloan that was built way back in 1857. I really wanted to go up and take pictures around. Wish I had the equipment and the flexibility. Covering the event, I was doing a lot of note taking (and writing) as well as some photography. Such a beautiful place to shoot. Oh, by the way, the lighthouse is still in use.

Having my pic taken by the Amara pier docks. Windy day and the breeze helped beat the stifling heat.

Staring at the (Camotes) Sea

2011-03-05T18:48:00.005+08:00

I used to love the beach. That is until my own personal encounter with a shark. You know the one with those huge jaws with jagged teeth? One time I was with some of my cousins swimming in the far deep of Calatagan, Batangas when a shark decided to bust our reverie. No one got bitten but we all got out of the water and onto the boat. We watched it circle around for a while before it decided that it wasn't going to get its hamburger meal for the day. But that freaked me out. Since then I never went back into the water. I know of course, how to swim but you'll never ever get me to go back into the deep.

So while here at Crimson Resort & Spa in Mactan, if I wasn't in the swimming pool (yes, I can swim there since I can see the floor and know that there aren't any sharks) I was walking along the docks and the pontoon bridge. The water is about ten feet deep when it's around 4:00 in the afternoon. By evening when it's high tide, it goes up another six to ten feet. Walking along the pontoon bridge made me feel a little uneasy but I didn't mind it. I do things like that once in a while to fight my fear of the water. And... I'd like to thank Olsen Racela for my San Miguel Beer jersey (#17)!

In the picture below, that's me and three of my co-workers (Pepsico and GroupM).

Eye am going back to Jakarta!

2011-02-27T06:42:00.000+08:00

One of my current fave bands will be playing in Indonesia! Will be watching.

A talk about journalism at the University of Perpetual Help

2011-02-23T06:43:00.000+08:00

Sometime in January this year, I received an invitation to speak at the University of Perpetual Help by Bianca Saldua. We became friends during the last NCAA basketball season while she was working as a courtside reporter for the Altas and while I was covering the league basketball tournament for Business Mirror.

She sat in my Intro to Journ class in Ateneo and soon after that she invited me for a seminar in her school. And accepting it was a good decision because I thought that meeting people and making new friends is always a great and rewarding experience. Definitely a highlight for the month of February (it was on the 23rd and I was the first speaker).

My talk centered on new media and how to take advantage of it for one's career. I juxtaposed it with personal experiences while offering tips on how to approach the work (which is equal parts fun).

Roadtrip: Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental

2011-02-12T09:57:00.000+08:00

My recent trip to Bacolod wasn’t all football. On match day (yes, I know, I shouldn’t have done this but Ton Gatmaitan was insistent), we took a sidetrip to Don Salvador Benedicto. The area is the summer capital of Negros Occidental because it’s located up in the cool, pristine, and unspoiled mountains.

When I say we, it’s the team from GroupM (my office) and the party of Dickie and Cathy Rivilla. There were three vans in our party. That’s how many vehicles it took us to transport us to Don Salvador Benedicto which is about an hour’s drive from Bacolod City.

Truthfully, I was half-excited and half-dismayed. On one hand, I should have been in L’Fisher hunting down leads for stories to write. On the other hand, the real story for the day was the match and I had done my pre-work. So I could go. Besides, I knew it would be fun.

Ton, an old buddy from Ateneo, co-owns a farm here in the mountains. And as soon as we left the city environs and the landscape dramatically began to change, a wave of excitement began to envelope me. I’m a sucker for out of town/nature trips. It is as I always say, good for one’s soul.

Stressed out from the past few days of covering the Philippine Men’s National Football Team, it was a welcome and literal change of scenery.

If we weren’t on a tight schedule (we planned to be in Panaad Stadium by 2 or 3pm to beat the traffic), it would have been fun to go down and take pictures. The moment we turned into the town of Murcia, a quiet semi-industrial/agricultural area north of the city, I knew it was worth the sidetrip.

Lush scenery. Rolling hills. Clear, open, and beautiful sky country. I could live in a place like this. Well, as long as it’s got the best internet connection. Or maybe for a week. Hahaha. But it is quite lovely.

Ton had bragged that he’d prepare a feast for all of us and the man delivered on all counts. The farmhouse was Spartan in its appearance and furnishing. But then again, it’s not bad at all. I could sleep on a hammock! We were served a scrumptious lunch of inihaw na baboy, fresh veggies, fish, and homemade chicken inasal that we washed down with Coca Cola (the first time in years I drank that soda coz I stopped drinking them). Then you take it that gorgeous beautiful mountain-view from the outdoor table! Prior to lunch, we went to three lookout stations overlooking the valley (I called them make out stations coz it’s perfect for making out hahahaha). I so wanted to do an Echo and the Bunnymen shot. Did I succeed?

We stayed for about two hours before we had to go back down. Honestly, I wished we had stayed for a bit more. Maybe even the night. This is a place where one should go when you don’t have anything to attend to later in the day or maybe for the duration of one’s stay. It’s kind of like chicken soup for the soul.

I guess that’s a perfect excuse to go back now.

Lazy boy without a care in the world.

Going to "make out station #1". Bwahahaha.

At Calea with some friends

2011-02-10T09:57:00.000+08:00

Before we called it a night on the even of the Philippines-Mongolia match, Ika, Brosi, and I went to eat at Calea. I've eaten there before (sort of discovered it by myself the first time I went to Bacolod since I stayed next door at the L'Fisher) and I wanted Ika and Brosi to try it out. There we met up with Mary Ann Ingua who followed me on Twitter and what I write for Bleachers' Brew. Her friends also joined us at the table and as tired as we were that day, it felt good to kick back and unwind with some new friends. The food as always was good. Had Pasta Bolognese for dinner to go with a blueberry cheesecake for dessert.

Surrender your heart and your hips, mon.

2011-02-03T21:30:00.000+08:00

Watching Milagros Dancehall Collective on the 27th!

Signs that the apocalypse is upon us

2011-02-01T19:55:00.000+08:00

The videoke is probably one of the best and worst inventions known to man. I can never understand why people need to use a microphone to sing (unless they are in a show or some such). As it is, maraming walang K na gumagamit nito. And to see this sign next to one for a "tubero" - - how low can you get? As for the pic below, who in Sam Hill names their resort a "Thunderbird Resort"? Is this for a Stag Derby? WTF! Thunderbirds are go!

Look at what I found at St. Francis Square

2011-01-26T18:47:00.000+08:00

I love this medieval Japanese samurai series. Got the complete collection at St. Francis Square today.

When does a soldier know peace? Remembering my dear Uncle – Lt. General Thelmo Y. Cunanan

2011-01-24T07:04:00.001+08:00

When does a soldier know peace?

Remembering my dear Uncle – Lt. General Thelmo Y. Cunanan

I asked the General who sat by the porch as he puffed on his pipe. “When does a soldier know peace?”

He looked me in the eye and I gulped. I wasn’t sure if I offended him or just asked him a question that he’d chew on for the next few days.

“A soldier,” he said as he paused for effect. “Is always at war.”

I nodded in agreement not wanting to give way to my being perplexed.

“No matter where you are. You always have to be alert.”

My late uncle Lt. General Thelmo Y. Cunanan held a special place in my heart. My immediate family as well as the Caluags used to go out at least once a month to Cavite, Laguna, Tagaytay, Baguio, Ilocos, and just about anywhere our convoy of cars would take us. We’d eat regularly at Josephine’s and the 7 Sisters. We’d go to Subic and Clark and at one point, quite often at Lemery, Batangas where he once let me fire his M-16 rifle on a coconut that they tossed into the sea.

As a young buck, I was fascinated by the military. My grandfather in my mother’s side assisted the Americans during the liberation of Tarlac from the Japanese in 1944. And then in my father’s side, there was Tito Thelmo. He always found an eager audience in me when he talked about his job and what the military did.

Around fourth year high school, I thought about entering the military. I had two classmates go up to the Philippine Military Academy and another one joined the US Armed Forces. I wanted to. Only I never got around to it. That was because I didn’t have my head screwed on straight and thought that I was signing up for the wrong reasons.

Safely ensconced at home, my Tito Thelmo and I shared magazines like Soldier of Fortune and those Asia-Pacific Defense Forum magazines. He also enjoyed borrowing my comic books and we’d oft talk about it. Every now and then, he’d ask me what was new in the Marvel Universe. I thought that he was the coolest uncle because none of my other relatives read comic books and he was someone I could debate whether Gwen Stacy was a better girlfriend for Peter Parker than Mary Jane Watson.

I always knew my uncle’s job was dangerous. And it never hit home until that ambush in Gattaran, Cagayan where he nearly lost his life and that 1989 coup d’etat where his steadfast dedication is protecting the government from coup plotters saved the day.

What is death to a young man when you think every one else is invincible? I thought that my Tito Thelmo was Iron Man and impervious to harm.

In the last evening of my uncle’s wake at Heritage Park, I listened to my cousin Christine as she bared her soul in a way I never heard her do before. To hear her say that she was deathly afraid that every time her dad – Tito Thelmo – left their house to go back to his area of operations that it could be the last time she saw him really hit me like a ton of bricks.

I always wanted to write about military stuff since I began to write professionally. I once talked to my Tito Thelmo to see if he could help me get a lift to the Spratly Islands to write about the Marine garrison stationed there. But my uncle had been retired from the service for a while and he didn’t know the new officers who could see how they could help.

He said he’d look into finding me a story to write. Only soon after that, he was diagnosed with cancer.

In the morning of my Tito Thelmo’s funeral, I asked General Cesar Tapia who was a year ahead of him in Fort Del Pilar, “When does a soldier know peace?”

The General, like my uncle did all those long years ago, paused and looked me in the eye. “A soldier is always at war,” he said uncannily mimicking my uncle’s words to me as a youngster. “But now is the time for peace. His (Tito Thelmo) mission is accomplished.”

I thought about his suffering from cancer. About his name being slandered by people who were up to no good. I thought about those close calls in Gattaran and Camp Aguinaldo. About his service in Cambodia, the PNOC, and finally to the SSS.

The realization of his long and dignified record of service tempered the quiet pain I felt of losing someone dear to me. I accepted it and in my last look at him lying peacefully inside his coffin, I whispered a silent prayer of thanks and mission accomplished, General.

It was time for peace.

Journalism & sunshine in my corner of the world

2011-01-11T21:02:00.000+08:00

Journalism & sunshine in my corner of the world

by rick olivares

Years ago, I helped produce a recruiting video tool for the Ateneo de Manila University that was titled “Making A World of Difference”. The 13-minute video was used for overseas recruitment and quite honestly, aside from being paid to do it, the best feedback I ever got for producing it was “it has heart”.

What they meant about that was how it captured what it was like being in the university and that it made an emotional connection with the viewer.

Little did I know three years later, I’d be teaching in my school. And what a connection it is!

I thought about doing back some 20 years ago but the opportunity to teach never came my way. I have no regrets because I always maintained that my career in advertising helped me polish my writing, marketing, and public relations skills that are essential to the industry where I guess I made my mark -– in media.

Journalism is its barest bones is reporting news in its various forms. I decided to breeze through its history and theories to instead give my class an immersion into what it is like. After all, experience is the best teacher.

From the start, I never intended the class to be my sole voice. Who wants to listen to someone yakk for three hours anyways? Even the longest Shakespearean soliloquy didn’t last that long. I planned for it to be highly interactive while seeking participation by my class and resource speakers.

New media is constantly redefining not just the way we receive our news and how we present them but also our lives and careers. Blogging used to be a dirty word for the traditionalists but it has increasingly become an alternative medium for news and information.

Not every one in my class will choose a career in journalism but that doesn’t mean that they cannot participate in it. We’ve all seen stories of accidental journalists like basketball vagabond Paul Shirley (who has written a book about his hoop travels and become a website blogger), former pro basketball player and Ateneo Blue Eagle Eric Reyes (do sideline reporting in the PBA and for the last Southeast Asian Games held in Manila), and conflict reporter Kevin Sites (who was largely ignored by the major media outfits until his own enterprising reports landed him prime jobs) to name a few.

As for myself, I would always tape my father’s appearances on television or in newspapers. I wanted to do commercials, write comic books, write the script to that great novel or movie, or be a television reporter. The first time I ever contributed an article to a newspaper just made my day. To see my letters and articles printed in comic books and magazines that I read as a kid was a fanboy dream.

To be able to write, do videos, documentaries, or research material for lawmakers has been a fantastic experience. It has allowed me to meet people some of whom I idolize. It has also brought me to different places and allowed me to experience things I only see on television.

It has always been said that I wear my heart on my sleeve. And well, while that’s both good and bad (and if you know me then you’ll know what I mean) utilizing that zeal to go about my work in media has paid dividends.

With the media industry a competitive one (and with so much politicking), I decided that the best way to put myself out there is to make sure that my work was done well and to make use of the new media out there to get my stories out. It has worked and the days where I felt compelled to drag myself to work are long behind. I’ve been blessed with a career where I know I can make a difference.

And it is with that in mind that is my guiding principle behind my class – that they too can make a difference in this world through journalism.

I live by a few simply precepts – to bring my own sunshine and to start that out in my own corner of the world. I love my work in media and it has allowed me to share both of those in my own corner – my Introduction to Journalism class in Ateneo.

What if... lives! Got this from Jon Favreau's tweet.

2011-01-09T23:33:00.000+08:00

Isn't this awesome? Saw this -- what if Stanley Kubrick directed Iron Man. It's a parody of Full Metal Jacket.

It's a planner (calendar) not a threat

2011-01-08T16:18:00.001+08:00

There was this old comics strip of Hagar the Horrible where he and Lucky Eddie found a calendar stuck on his door with a dagger. Said Eddie, “I think it means that your days are numbered.”

Wondered Hagar, “Is that a threat?”

“No,” replied a nonplussed Eddie. “It’s a calendar.”

Since I was a kid, I’d make a list of resolutions and things to do for the New Year. When I was younger, I was more successful and faithful in adhering to what I planned. As I got older, I don’t know. Chalk it up to the demands of a working pro, indolence, and giving in to temptation, I kept at it for a few weeks then nada. I noticed it and with a lot of alarm. I used to pride my being OC and systematic but I guess things change when you are older.

Towards the end of the 2010, I told myself not for this year 2011. I intend to stick to what I’ve mapped out and planned for the year in which I’ve got great vibes about. Some of it might be vain or even weird but consider the synchronicity. My birthday for this year is 11-11-11. I stand 5’11” and wear size 11 shoes. And no, I do not have 11 kids! Bwahahaha.

I felt blessed the last two years as I am truly grateful for everything. And this year, I realized that I cannot live without my planner. Without this, I’d be in the dark and get all my deadlines and work mixed up.

In the past several years, I made only use of two planners – the Ateneo one and Starbucks’. Problem was after a while I stopped using them (I forgot actually) coz my bag was filled with laptops, cameras, papers, and sundry. With a growing workload, I’m really sticking with it. And I prefer the simple planners such as the new Starbucks edition. Guess I got my work cut out for me.

The poignant music: John Boswell's Festival of the Heart

2010-12-25T08:05:00.000+08:00

It was in 1994 when I first discovered this album by instrumentalist John Boswell (a year after it's release). I had become a fan since his album Count Me In that featured a beautiful song "Do it as a friend" that he co-wrote with actor Robert Downey Jr. So I plopped the disc in not really knowing what to expect save for the knowledge that it was a Christmas-themed album. All I can say is that it has become a staple of the season's music for me ever since. I've recommended this to quite a few people and they've come away feeling the same. That you can almost feel the snow fall on your head, that winter chill and a warm cup of coffee by the fireplace. The giddiness and cheer that the season brings. I remember playing this during one White Christmas and it made the moment all the more poignant. I previously mentioned this in the11-11pages and should have done so at the start of the Christmas season. This is something that tugs at the heart.

Overheard at the Greenhills tiangge 12/24

2010-12-24T19:31:00.003+08:00

I thought that the Christmas season is a time to be jolly. As I went to the Greenhills tiangge to buy stuff, I came across these Holiday scrooges and whiners:

Woman to husband: Wala bang mura dito?

They should have locked up this guy in a bank

Guy to his girlfriend: We should have never come to this place! Now I have no more money!

Take advantage why don't you?

Tourist to tindera: No. No. No. (it seems that the saleslady marked up the price for him). You're selling it to me at PhP800 but your sign says PhP300! You think I can't read?

One saucy biatch Fil-Am:

Girl: All they have are fakes!

When these gangster-types come up to me and say, "DVD. DVD." I reply, "Gusto mo bumili?" Snicker . Snicker.

Happy Birthday, Boss!

2010-12-22T18:04:00.002+08:00

Happy Birthday to my longtime boss Meckoy Quiogue! In our Gatorade group, there are five Ateneans but Abelle Lacuesta was a no-show for the surprise party. But here are the Fantastic Four from left to right: Oz Arcilla, MPQ, Ton Gatmaitan, and me. Lots of hidden talents among my officemates. Sure was fun.

An unexpected reunion and rootbeer floats saving our soul

2010-12-18T07:36:00.001+08:00

This is Lola (yes, she jokes everyone all the time that she's a grandma owing to here name). She was our liaison officer when I was with Smart Gilas Pilipinas in our FIBA Asia Challenge Cup stint in Jakarta two years ago. When the Azkals paid a visit to Balay Pinoy, the guest house of the Philippine Consulate in Jakarta, we were surprised to see each other there (she works there and now hopes to take up her masteral studies in either Ateneo or UP). Nice reunion! And to the Embassy people, thanks for the Mongolian food. It was a nice change of food for us all.

After our Balay Pinoy lunch, the whole team went to Mangga Dua for some crappy shopping. So me and old bud Mark Zambrano went to have this noodle type thing they call Mie Ayam (see the menu below). It was real good. There were lots of people eating at the store so we figured out we'd try it too. Then we washed the whole thing down with an A&W Rootbeer Float! Rootbeer floats rule! Mark and I used to work together at Solar Sports where we became good friends (aside from the fact that we both went to the same school) and it sure was nice to catch up and have fun! You know what song was running through my mind as we were having that rootbeer float? The Pixies' "Monkey Go to Heaven." Love that song!

Now take a gander at this vehicle which is their version of a tricycle. No way am I or Mark Zambrano or any of the Azkals' taller players going to fit in this. If we do, it's gonna be murder on our knees! Still it was amusing though.

Traffic was horrible. Took us an hour and a half to get back to our hotel.

Delinquent passports & no free wifi. Traveling with the Philippine National Men's Football Team in Jakarta, Indonesia

2010-12-17T08:48:00.001+08:00

I was supposed to leave with the Philippine National Men's Football Team last Tuesday night for Jakarta but I was not allowed on board due to my passport having validity for under six months (it had five months and a day left). I was planning on getting a new passport but we had to leave for Indonesia. It was so disappointing to not be able to leave and so much uncertainty about getting an extension that I couldn't sleep the night before. I spent several hours at the DFA getting my extension of the validity that I was unable to write anything. To compound matters, someone cancelled my flight. Barely an hour after I managed to re-book my flight with no incurred fees shit happened again. I swear it was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right. Luckily, I was able to seek the help of PFF interim president Nonong Araneta whose travel agency was able to get me a new ticket. Guess the good karma rolled around coz it was a business class seat! That was a real cool ending.

This is our room at the Sultan Jakarta. I am sharing a room with fellow writers Cedelf Tupas (Inquirer) and Abac Cordero (Star). There's no free wifi anywhere in this hotel. An hour's worth whether you consume it or not will expire in six hours. Twelve hours' worth of wifi is valid for 24 hours from the moment you use the card! What highway robbery this is!

But we have a great view of the surrounding area and we're 10 minutes walking distance to the Bung Karno Stadium. I've been to Indonesia several times before and every time it's been for work. There are times when I've been able to go around but not too much. I hope to look around for a spell on my third day back here.

Some food I ordered at the Bung Karno while covering the match on twitter and for Business Mirror.

Nam Dinh, Vietnam

2010-12-07T21:14:00.000+08:00

We left Hanoi past 8am and arrived in this rustic provincial city southeast of Vietnam's capital. This is a rural area out here. Rice paddies and all. What I noticed right away here in this country is how patriotic people are. I see a lot of houses and buildings with the flag of Vietnam hanging from a pole or a window. What pride! While at Saigon, I got to see some of those Russian Hind helicopter gunships and those weapons of destruction look so different when you're in front of one instead of watching them on television or in a movie. In Hanoi and on the way to Nam Dinh, we passed by T-72 battle tanks and a mothballed Mig. I've been wanting to buy those war helmets the Vietnamese Army uses but I wonder what I'd do with them back in Manila.

Sorry. Military buff here.

Nam Dinh is closer to China and from December to February, it's winter weather. Mercifully, I brought my jacket with me coz no way am I going to survive the cold without one. Winter after all, is setting in. And luckily, I've got my Yankees beanie too.

This city was the birthplace of Trang Durng Dao who twice defeated the barbarian hordes of Mongolian conqueror Kublai Khan. He is Vietnam's first national hero (if I remember that correctly).

Walked around the city streets and if you're looking for restaurants maybe not in this part of town (we're at the Vihoang Hotel along Nguyen Du Street). It's got lots of coffee shops though. Interesting. I stopped counting at 15.

Here's what I ordered -- black coffee with condensed milk. If you want to dilute its strength, add some water or ice (for an iced coffee version).

Free day @ Hanoi's Latin Quarter

2010-12-06T21:16:00.001+08:00

Free day today. Except of course for the media officer who still had to file his story. There was a press conference at 10am for the upcoming RP-Myanmar match. Then after lunch we all went shopping in the Latin Quarter. Wish I went to the tomb of Ho Chi Minh. We passed by but did not go down. I've always been a history buff and if there was time, money, and an interpreter, I'd go visit those famous battlegrounds like Dien Bien Phu.

I wanted to try this bit of food but I was afraid I'd get left behind by our tour bus. So I snapped a pic of it instead. Lotsa people trying this out. Tourists even.

Just had to take these pictures. Was using my digital camera. Wish I had a better one.

No bargaining? Hahaha. I was able to haggle VD 75,000 off one bag. Am kinda good at that.

Walking the streets of Hanoi

2010-12-04T16:40:00.001+08:00

I know that the streets in Hanoi can be somewhat chaotic. In fact, we witnessed an accident this afternoon (no one got hurt thankfully). But I could live in a place like this. Me just riding about with a Vespa. Hahaha. There are times that it reminds me of Macau and at times Bangkok. But it's still unique. I can't imagine going around without someone who speaks the language. What am I looking for? A Vietnamese football kit. That's what. Or something uniquely Vietnam. Will go around again. Their flag looks pretty cool though.

Does the wine suck?

Man fishing by the riverside at dusk.

As a media officer for the national football team to the 2010 Suzuki Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam

2010-12-03T11:40:00.000+08:00

Am currently in Vietnam covering the 2010 Suzuki Cup Final Rounds (Group B -- Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, and the Philippines). We're here in Hanoi for nine days (Dec.1-9) and I'm ecstatic about being here as the media officer for the National Team (my new assignment). It's my first time here and I wish I could really go out and explore. But you need an interpreter to go with you and someone who knows the area or else because of the language barrier, you could get lost. But it seems beautiful and maybe tomorrow morning, I'll do a little exploration. In the pic above, am wearing the photographer's bib that allows me to shoot pics from behind the A-boards and the goals. We can't move around during the game and can only switch during the half. As Media Officer, I have an all-access pass throughout the grounds including the locker rooms. Cool ain't it? But when I'm at the Sheraton Hotel, I constantly prep stories to send back to media friends back home.

After the 1-1 draw with Singapore, I got interviewed by Vietnam News TV about the match, Vietnam, the frenzied atmosphere in the stadium and our upcoming match vs Vietnam. I was quite surprised when I was asked. I was up in the fourth floor media center watching the Vietnam-Myanmar match when I was approached. Why not, eh? Sure is fun.

A millionaire even for just a moment

2010-12-01T19:36:00.003+08:00

Only in Vietnam can I be a millionaire even if only for a minute (unless I'm rather frugal when it comes to expenses). I don't advise changing money at the airport because it's always lower. Plus it's always good to ask around. But I needed it because I had to take an airport limo to the hotel. A hundred US bucks netted me Vietnamese Dong 1,948,000! But it cost me VD 600,000! Talk about being taken for a ride!

At the launch for To Give and Not to Count the Cost

2010-11-30T00:59:00.000+08:00

I'd really like to thank a good friend, Dean Rudy Ang of the John Gokongwei School of Management in Ateneo for asking me to be a part of this project. To Give and Not to Count the Cost is a coffeetable book about 150 Ateneans who inspired 150 other Ateneans and more. I wanted to write about four people -- Gregorio del Pilar, Fr. Manoling Francisco S.J. and my grandparents. In the end, my essay on Fr. Manoling and the Bukas Palad Ministry was used.

My third year high school teacher Esperanza Chee Kee was the second one to spur me to write (the first was Baybee Reynoso). In third year, she marked one essay in red ink with a note that said to see the Prefect of Discipline for plagiarism. She told me that no way could a third year high school student write anything quite like what I did. But the thing is -- I wrote my essay some 10 minutes before class and it contained profound bullshit. It was investigated and I got to see the details of this a few weeks ago when my mom found the letter of complaint she lodged against my teacher. When my essay was checked they realized that it was nothing but profound bullshit. She reversed my grade and gave me an "A+".

In the book, Bam Aquino wrote about Mrs. Chee Kee.

I was in the English Honors Section in first year college where I had Eric Torres as a prof. before we got into college, he was that terror prof that we were told to avoid. But fate had other plans. I was in the class or a mercurial yet brilliant teacher. I still have every essay that I wrote that he savaged. The highest I ever got for something I wrote was a "B+". And that college textbook that we used then -- The Elements of Style by Strunk and White? I still have it too. He changed the way I wrote until I got into advertising years later. This was a nice reunion! He even has that old English M t-shirt.

During the cocktails for the launch of the book. With some good mentors Fr. Ben Nebres, Monching Cruz, Fr. Bill Kreutz, and Eric Torres. We had a grand time catching up with one another.

My Intro to Journ class: A hatch is plotted (haha)

2010-11-24T08:30:00.001+08:00

Who knew I’d have a career in Journalism?

One of my students asked me what I wanted to do when I was in college. There were three things – a rock star (I didn’t have the attitude for it), a teacher (surprise, I am one now), and a US Marine (I wanted to put away the bad guys).

I wrote for the Eaglet, Hi-Lites, and the Guidon. Between college and my first job in advertising, I contributed to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Since 2006, the life of a journalist has been more or less my career.

And in five years it has been fun and quite eventful and it has led to this. A sort of fulfillment of one of those three dreams.

Teaching Introduction to Journalism can be tedious. We’ll go through the rudiments of it. But…. for me the best way I can communicate my knowledge and experience to my students is to immerse them in it. Plus, everything that we do is inter-connected. And we’re going to have fun wile doing it. During class last Tuesday, we played a game of Family Feud.

You see during the first day of class, I asked them to fill up an index card with their basic info (including grades) and to answer briefly four questions that I gave them. The questions were related to expression and communication, their interests and ambitions, and what they hope to learn from me.

We go through the traditional journalism to new media (I am a practicioner of both). They will be doing interviews, videos, reports, and podcasts which they will post in a blog site. I also instructed them to take advantage of today's social networking. For example, the other week, I tweeted about how some streets kid robbed a taxi passenger of her belongings while in the middle of a traffic jam and under the pouring rain. That tweet was one of the most resonated of that day and even made the news. So in effect, it became part of the news. So what we're trying to do here is utilize that as a vehicle for reporting news.

You see, I divided my class into four groups where they will do individual and group work. We won’t have much written tests but the work they put in here will be the basis for their grades. Each group will come out with their own name (for their site) and put in different work. We will have guest speakers who will talk on a variety of topics as well (so they can learn first hand).

Intro to Journ is also a crash course into getting into business. Perhaps more importantly, it will also serve as a resume to the world.