Kho Youth League 2010 Trip (Day 2)

March 29, 2010 (Monday)

We were awake by half past five despite the monotonous whirring of the air conditioner trying to lure us back into slumberville. On the second day of our out of town trip, the Kho Youth League is scheduled to go to Legazpi, Albay - a two hour drive away from the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC).

Wiping sleep off our eyes, we quickly dressed up to meet the group gathered outside the front of our cabins - most of them punctual to the dot. Realizing it was already the second day of the trip, the decade old banner of the Kho Youth League was produced out of nowhere ready for a round of picture taking to immortalize the moment.


The morning was cool as we went to the lobby waiting for breakfast to come. Apparently, boredom got the best of us and we ended up taking the liberty of going around and taking photos of the Villa del Rey lobby as could be seen below.

A definite favorite. This is the Men's comfort room.
Apparently, a lot of guys loved it. LOL

At the back of Villa del Rey, we found three choppers, which we reckon to belong to the some of the big names that have stayed the night at CWC. Being such naive and enthusiastic children, we amused ourselves with the vehicles taking rounds to have a photograph with them.


As you can see the letter stuck onto the window of the helicopter, you can already guess which big name's orange (*hint hint) chopper I am likely posing with.

After breakfast, we all boarded our respective cars and the two hour long journey to Albay commenced. I'd like to elaborate more on our way there, but in general, I spent almost the whole time sleeping, only waking when we reached our destination.

Our first stop was Globe Quest Adventures at Lignon Hills, Legazpi City to try out their zip-line. The weather had shifted from bright and sunny to cold and windy paired with a light drizzle of rain. Mom did say that the climate in Albay is awfully fickle.

Lignon Hills is a steep uphill climb. Tarpaulins of the stations of the cross marked almost every turn up - an annual event they practice for Holy Week.

Aside from zip-lining, Global Quest Adventures also offers rappelling and ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) rides going to Mayon Volcano. Prices are generally affordable with zip-lining and rappelling costing at 200 pesos/ head. While ATV rides good for two people are 1800 pesos/ hour and 2500 pesos/hour for ATVs good for three. We would've wanted to try rappelling, but due to the light rain shower, it wasn't advisable.


Lignon Hills overlooks the Mayon Volcano, the volcano famous for it's "perfect cone", which makes Lignon Hills a perfect camwhoring location. And nothing beats jump shots c/o Stephanie's Linux LX3.

My brother and me

Me, Val and Steph

Me and Steph

We boarded our cars once again, this time to go to a rented beach house beside Bacacay Beach. It was another long ride going there, I lost track of time sleeping all the way until the car halted and passengers began getting off.

It was almost 1 in the afternoon when we arrived and a buffet of seafood was waiting for us. From grilled fish to steamed shrimp and crabs and laing, we stuffed ourselves full as the children impatiently swallowed a few bites of food to convince their parents they're ready to jump into the spring water pool or to run off to the black sand beach of Bacacay.





Not being a big beach fan, I decided to wade in the cold salty water; the weather keeping true to its cool and cloudy mood throughout the day would cry a few tears of rain occasionally as the children and adults played and swam. As the rain began to beat harder, I retreated back into the beach house to dry up and do some karaoke.

Our hosts, Auntie Grace and her husband, tried to convince us to stay the night at Legazpi so we can travel early the next morning to Donsol to watch the butandings (whale sharks), known as the world's largest fish. Whale sharks visit Donsol from late November until May, and during our visit, we were told that there was a good chance of seeing the said mammals. Unfortunately, due to flight schedules and work commitments, we had to beg off. Perhaps we can add that to the itinerary on our next trip.

After an afternoon full of swimming and karaoke-ing and eating, we headed back to Naga. Another nauseating two hour trip back, which I have to admit gave me quite a headache. For dinner, we stopped by Bob Marlin, where we once again were served the usual Filipino favorites as Bulalo, Sinigang, Dinuguan and the like.

Tired

End of day two.

*Some photos were taken from Stephanie and Ahya William Villanueva's albums.

Kho Youth League 2010 Trip (Day 1)

A little past seven, the family has already gathered outside the house; set to go to Binondo Plaza - the meeting spot set by our Kho Youth League president, Zenaida Co. Although the rendezvous time is still 8.30 and our house is just a good half hour's ride away, dad insisted that we depart early as many streets are potentially crowded by teams of presidential, senatorial and local candidates trying to win public interest by closing down some roads to entertain the masses with their own brand of hodgepodge "entertainment" and campaign speeches.

March 27, 2010 - March 28, 2010 (Saturday - Sunday)
For the year 2010, the Kho Youth League decided to go to Naga, Bicol for our annual out of town trip. It is a 9 hour bus ride from Manila to the Naga city proper using the SLEX (South Luzon Expressway). With this in mind, most of us opted to travel by night in order to arrive at our destination early the next morning.

Together with my siblings and 23 other youth members of our association, we departed from Manila at approximately 9 pm and arrived at Naga City roughly at 7 in the morning the next day. Our bodies, half-frozen from the bus aircon.


Our first stop was Biggs' Diner, Centro Branch for our breakfast. Originally Mang Donald's, the store name was later changed to Biggs' Diner due to some legal complications against the name. Go figure.

Biggs' is a vintage pop culture inspired restaurant serving western favorites as Pork Kebabs, Tenderloin Tips and Cordon Bleu. Decorated with poster size photos of legendary celebrities as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and the Beatles, and 1950's knick-knacks, Biggs' is Bicol's brand of the American Diner.




Right across Biggs' Centro is the San Francisco Church and the Plaza Quince Martires (as seen in the photos below). We were told the the Plaza Quince Martires, in between Elias Angeles Street and Penafrancia Avenue, was constructed "at the heart of Naga City" in honor of the 15 Bicol Martyrs during the Spanish occupation.


After breakfast, we boarded the bus once again and headed to Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC). Quite timely, Manny Villar, presidential candidate and his team happened to be in the same vicinity together with other big names as Manny Pacquiao, senatorial candidate Ramon Mitra Jr., Willie Villarame and Ara Mina to name a few.


We lodged at the Villa del Rey Cabanas section - I shared rooms with my younger sister and a good friend, Stephanie Obiles. The room we got, Number 14, was fairly comfortable; it was furnished with two single beds, a television with a DVD player, a decent bathroom and some shelves to put our things. During our free time, Steph and I left our group to explore the said resort, figuring out the different activities that could be tried out.

Below is a map of Camsur Watersports Complex:


CWC is said to be known for wake boarding, water skiing and wake skating daredevils. To be honest, I don't know what water skiing or wake skating are, but I think I've seen a fair share of wake boarding lovers practicing their moves at the CWC Cable Park. For beginners, CWC also offers half day to whole day lessons on wake boarding.


That afternoon, after lunch, the group tried Lago del Rey. A man-made lake equipped with several fun, floating obstacle games. The price list of the activities at Lago del Rey can be found below:

The obstacle courses I mentioned can be seen from behind me. Among favorites are the trampoline, the iceberg and the slide.

After a tiring afternoon of climbing up and down floating obstacle courses, we finally retreated back to our rooms and changed for dinner. Meeting at the lobby, we managed to steal a couple of photos with Mon Mon Mitra and Willie Villarame. Can I say that Mon Mon was especially patient with us and he really does look good in person.

We had dinner at the Triboo Grill, where we were served several delights as Crispy Pata, BBQ, Laing, Bicol Express, Sinigang and other Filipino favorites. All of which were care of our president's sister-in-law, Auntie Elsa.

Below is a group photo of the Kho Youth League at Triboo Grill.


It was an extremely filling first day.

*Some photos were taken from Stephanie's photo album.

Thoughts to Live By

It's been two months since my last blog post, and much has occurred in the past nine weeks from association meetings, events and inductions. I do not intend to elaborate on these endeavors any more. In addition to all these activities, I have a demanding job that leaves me tired by the end of the day.

Not that I am complaining, but at some point, I cannot deny my frustration and utter exhaustion - there are moments wherein I feel myself sliding away from reality into a blank space in my head, other moments I can feel myself choked from within like a knot building within my chest getting tighter with each breath I take, other days I have an undetermined fear swimming in my belly like a fish swishing its tail playfully back and forth. Panic attacks, I call them. Not my favorite feeling, but regardless how often I try to shrug them away, they linger annoyingly like a belligerent companion seeking my attention.

After an intoxicating January and February, I've put my foot on the ground and dedicated my March for personal space, personal time and relaxation. This is the month where I am doing things for myself. Although there might be a couple of extra activities on the side, March is the month for myself.

While doing my mall visitation and checking today, I found a good "Day Starter" posted on the bulletin. Without hesitation, I copied it on my notebook. I need a little inspiration and I don't mind having one to remind me to be appreciative of what I have.

Permit me to share the short piece below. Though to some, the items may sound like an over reminder. I agree, we've already had our fair share of these survival tidbits - but I've realized it is good to keep them in a visible spot when things get out of hand, common sense does have a tendency to become a dastard hiding from the arrows of emotional distress.

"Thoughts to Live By
Author Unknown. Source Unknown.

You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.

You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.

You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life's burdens.

You shall face each problem as it comes; you can handle one at a time anyway.

You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bedfellows.

You shall not borrow other persons' problems. They can better care for them than you.

You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now.

You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own.

You shall not become "bogged down" with frustration, for 90 percent of it is rooted in self pity and will only interfere with positive action.

You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one."

Monster Campus

As the orange red sun slowly descended into the diminishing horizon, melting slowly into dusk, I ran to our roof top with my dad's camera phone to photograph the new addition to my personalized shoes collection. Monster Campus. This new pair actually hails from several different visual and auditory light bulbs in my head - but for most part, I got my inspirations from two songs shared to me by a dear friend: Matchbook Romance's Monsters and Vampire Weekend's Campus. I do like to acknowledge that the look was also helped by my brain-dead staring at the Globe Tattoo flyer I found in one my shopping bags.


This is the fourth pair I've designed and the third to be added to the collection. The other pairs I've designed are: Butterfly, #2 and Rhapsody in Green.


Like Rhapsody in Green, this pair was completed at the Manila Memorial Cemetery in Cavite last Sunday, December 27, 2009. Though thematically, the shoe's idea does not seem relevant; it is another tribute to my grandmother who, with her own little way of communicating to us, patiently waited for me to complete this artwork before permitting us to go back home. This can be attested by my dad, who blamed me for our late return, but on the other hand, as my grandfather had also pointed out, I can still experience how much my grandmother loves me, despite her physical absence.

Assessing my shoe collection, I noticed a growth in my style as I begin to incorporate and play with more colors. I've never really been a fan of color, and would sometimes think of them as unnecessary clutter. Curiously, as I progress I find that color helps to enhance images and add contrast when used properly. I won't be delving too much on the artistic aspect of the pair, but all in all I believe
there is still much for me to learn and experience, I am just at the tip of what could still be accomplished in this hobby.

My friend sent me an SMS earlier saying, "Art is never perfected, only mastered." Surely, there is still a long road to be explored.

To see more photos of Monster Campus, click here.

Lickqueur Adult Ice Cream

In celebration of Anne's birthday, my friends and I decided to try something different. Earlier last week, my friend, Christel, organized an ice cream taste testing get-together for the occasion - quite unlike your regular Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry store-bought flavors though, we got to try ice cream with an alcoholic twist.

Christel touch based with Ms. Pinky Jacob-Ileto, one of the five founders of Lickqueur Adult Ice Cream to arrange the said ice cream taste test at their crib in Greenhills.



Adopting an innovative idea from their travels, five friends: Arnel Bondoc, Patricia Gana, Pinky Jacob-Ileto, Mimi Manalo and Earl Yu banded together to come up with Lickqueur Adult Ice Cream - the first premium alcoholic ice cream here in the Philippines. Their name, Lickqueur (pronounced as li-‘kur), was derived from the French word, "liqueur" and incorporated with “lick” to suggest that it's alcohol you can actually lick.

It was pretty interesting to learn that the company had just launched their products a few weeks earlier and quite impressively, have been receiving a lot of orders and publicity in such a short span of time.

My first impression of the product, after "What a cool idea!", was: Isn't ice cream and alcohol a dangerous combination that could lead to stomach revolutions? I raised this to Ms. Pinky, who knowingly answered that alcohol has long been combined with cream, as in the case of Bailey's. And what better answer than allowing us to actually try the products; and I can attest that I haven't experienced any bad stomach as of yet. LOL ;)

There are 8 flavors available in half gallon sizes divided into two groups: Premium and Standard.

Premium Flavors:
1. Margarita Passion (Margarita)
2. Sinfully Butterscotch (Butterscotch Amaretto)
3. After Midnight Mint (Choco Mint Martini)

STANDARD Flavors:
4. OMG!!! (Screaming Orgasm)
5. Strawberry Kiss (Strawberry Martini)
6. Paint The Town Orange (Choco Orange Martini)
7. Cuban Fever (Mojito)
8. Amaretto Scream (Amaretto Orange)

Below are some of the photos of their ice creams:

Margarita Passion


Strawberry Kiss


Amaretto Scream


Paint the Town Orange


Cuban Fever

In the end, my friends and I opted to get the Margarita and Butterscotch Amaretto, which topped as the group's favorites. The other flavors were good as well though; Choco Mint was another favorite, BTW. One thing I learned in trying out alcoholic ice cream is that: it's better to try the milder ones first, before going for the more daring flavors. By trying the stronger variants earlier on, your tongue may not recognize the alcoholic intensity of the milder flavors thus not giving you full appreciation of the experience.

After trying out all the flavors, I found them to be generally satisfying. The ice cream was such a mouth pleasure with its rich, creamy texture that melts gradually on your warm tongue. The mix were all true to the taste of the cocktails, complete with the alcoholic zing that could lead to subtle intoxication when taken in large portions with its 3-7% alcohol content. A perfect ingredient to a fun get-together celebration.

So below is the photo our non-alcohol drinking friend as she blows her candle (Yes, I'm the last person on earth to be assigned to prepare the candle) and takes a bite of her "cake".


And us? We happily savored our ice creams.

For those who want to try Lickqueur Adult Ice Cream out, below are their contact details.

Pinky Jacob-Ileto
lickqueur@gmail.com
0917.850.2702
(02) 502.2700
Facebook Page

Kho Association Relief Goods Operation 2009

The third and final leg of the Philippine Kho Association's Relief Goods Operation concluded just last Saturday, November 21. After a series of typhoons hit Luzon, the sad aftermath is a horrid depletion of many basic resources, the ever threatening price increases in all staple necessities as well as a loss of morale in people as many still desperately find solace and answers to address their daily needs.

Thus officers and members of the Philippine Kho Association has taken upon themselves to aid in alleviating the burden of many of our suffering comrades. Together with REACT Philippines Inc., a three phased relief operation drive was organized to help several local communities.

Phase 1:
Dagupan, Tayug, San Nicolas

Due to some sad circumstance, I wasn't able to take part in the said outreach. Therefore, I can merely share photographs of the event c/o Allan Co. Kho Youth League's president, Zenaida Co, was present in the said outreach.








Phase 2: October 24, 2009
Marilao and Meycauayan

I was able to attend the second leg of the operation, leaving our headquarters promptly at 8am. Me and my fellow youth sector officers were tasked in distributing medicines, positioned at the end of the Relief Goods train.

Our first stop was a covered court in Marilao. Tickets were provided to barangay officers earlier to circulate among those who are most in need, and only those with tickets will be able to avail of the relief items. Photos and video is care of Peterson Co.

It felt like an endless line of trick-or-treaters; we were shooting goodies into their little containers and seeing their faces light up, brightened by a smile as most of them whole-heartedly express their gratitude. Others though, would try to quicken their pace, not looking at you anymore, sometimes getting lost in confusion and excitement, as ushers push everyone to speed up the line. There were many more who were waiting for their turn.

There were a variety of items being given away including pails, rubber slippers, instant noodles, rice packs, detergents, biscuits and medicine. Being in the medicine division, we gave away four different kinds of pills targeted to temporarily resolve common problems that may have risen from the typhoon: Diarrhea, Leptospirosis and the Flu. The last blanket of pills being a Vitamin C multivitamin pack, meant to strengthen the immune system.


A general rule though that I learned first hand was: never to offer or casually give a freebie to one requesting for special treatment. One of our peers good-naturedly gave a child a pack of medicine that he was requesting, and upon seeing this, the crowd rushed towards her and began to help themselves. Needless to say, she was powerless over the surge of desperation and greed that blinded the group. Her box was emptied in a few seconds, with none of the mad-striken hoarders having any idea what the medicine was meant for.

After our Marilao visit, we headed to Meycauayan, Bulacan - where we were greeted with a line of people waiting under the noontime sun, hoping for their packs of relief goods.

Having no camera, I am dreadfully thankful once again to big brother, Peterson, for shooting a clip of the queue for me to blog about. Once again, we were in the medicine division. Thankfully, a tent was raised to spare us from roasting unprotected during the lunchtime heat.

Phase Three: November 21, 2009
San Pablo, Laguna

Once again, together with my brother, Ahya Peterson and Allan, Clifford, Atsi Zeny and Gryshee, and the officers of the seniors section, we headed South to administer help among those stricken by the recent calamities.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by waves and smiles as we headed to the covered court where the recipients were already ready and waiting. As the crew set up, we were led behind the court - revealing still the sad flooded state of the area. After over a month since the low pressure strikes, the water has not yet subsided - which they attribute to their close proximity to Laguna de Bay. Photos are care of Allan and Peterson Co. Video is once again from Peterson.

I overheard that a thousand tickets were given to the barangay officials to disperse, and judging from the mass that communed in the area, it is highly possible. This was the biggest crowd, among the three outreaches I've attended, that I've seen.

This time, Gryshee and I were tasked to distribute plain white t-shirts to the victims, especially since many either lost their basic clothes to the flood or have heavily muddied apparel that are barely acceptable for everyday wear. Generally, the same basic items were being given away.





Below is a picture of the team that took time off to attend the last phase of the Relief Goods Operation.

At the end of the day, it does feel fantastic to be able to help others - in our little ways. The thank yous and smiles, quite curiously, was sufficient payment for all the trouble. Although, I doubt that the goods we provided would be able to sustain them for an entire week, I believe it would help give them a jumpstart in rebuilding their lives.

It is true, as Confucius had wisely said, "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for life." With these outreaches, we merely just gave them a fish, to help them for a day, to boost their morale - but in the long run, it is up to them to restore their lives into normalcy.

My 2009 Wishlist

Once again, the last two months of the year are hovering above our heads - hinting the time of extravagance and generosity as often suggested by consumerism. Gift-giving, family dinners, parties. Working for one of the biggest malls in the country, I can assure you that I feel the weight of this season - it's time to spend, everyone!

Yearly, I would organize a wish list; not that I usually get what I pray for, but it's nice to be able to let it out. Who knows, a kind soul might pass by and wave a magic wand with some Bippity-Boppity-Boo's.

So here goes:

1. Ultraviolet Perfume by Paco Rabanne
First introduced to me by my aunt in the UK years ago, this perfume tops as my absolute favorite of favorites. In my personal description, Ultraviolet has a scent of powdery sweet elegance and sophistication that clings to you all day and night long. Lavsit!

2. Canon EOS 450D
I know this isn't the newest in the line, and I am no camera geek to know every desirable spec, in fact I would already gladly settle for a Lumix - all I want is simply a good camera to inspire me back into photography. My skills have become so rusty, my photography teachers back in college might as well curse me with tetanus.

3. A year's subscription to Yummy Magazine or My Home Magazine
Though not a consistent patron, I enjoy reading these magazines. So to say, they allow me to get in touch with the homemaker goddess in me - yes, I do take a fancy in the culinary and interior designing world. So sue me, this is as feminine as I can get.

4. Charley to ride a plane home and spend Christmas with me, or perhaps, and this is really a wish that would require all the Whitney Houston-playing-godmothers in the world to work on, an all expense paid to visit Charley in the US.

5. Good health and more blessings to all my friends, families and acquaintances.

Of course, I cannot go all greedy and selfish. The situation just outside our door is not as merry, festive and cheery as the season is meant to evoke. With the fairly recent typhoon combos that hit the country, it has orphaned and stripped many people of their homes and loved ones. Truly a sad scene. Christmas won't be the same for many people.

I decided to end this post with a nice video that was shared by a fellow bender. Star ng Pasko by ABS-CBN, a song of encouragement, highlighting Filipino strength and resilience against adversity and their unceasing conviction that tomorrow will always be a better day.