Traversing Makiling 1999

Traversing Makiling in 1999

We traversed Mt. Makiling from Sto. Tomas to Los Baños in the company of able climbers TJ Farmer, Danny Balandra and Larry Hillboy Honoridez. It was a five-hour trek on the first day highlighted by a tall wall, which we scaled against strong typhoon winds overlooking a deep ravine right below.

Right across the wall is an open camp called Haring Bato at the edge of a cliff good for 3-4 tents exposed to non-stop blowing winds. Estimated altitude is 900 meters ASL. Visible below from the campsite is Gubatan where a group of East Wing climbers were stationed for the night.

With my technical buddy, TJ, our shelter was adequately sufficient for the condition-tents that can withstand the wind, reinforced with guy lines and pegs. While it may seem dangerous, it was a safe trek to cross over the wall which a tin poster declared a 40 degrees inclination.

There were about 4 to 5 sets of ropes securely placed in branches or roots of miniature trees by good Samaritans in the last 30 minutes of the wall climb. Watch out though for leeches and poison ivy, which were in abundance in the forest at the foot of the wall. You can both bleed and itch to death.

The full moon was intermittently visible, as fast-moving clouds would cover it. Danny and Larry tested their new stoves in that extreme windy and cloudy setting. Stoves passed but burned more fuel than expected due to the 18° C temperature and the strong gusty winds.

Next day trek was a 2-hour ascent to the traditional Peak 2 Campsite. The crawling and the bending will humble you.

Completing the traverse was the usual 2 1/2-hour descent to the UP Campus. Upon reaching the campsite, we were told that Barry Barcelo , Russel Aguinaldo, and Elmer Cabotage, senior members of PAL Mountaineering Club did a day trek via Los Baños just to stretch their muscles.

The weekend completion climbs both for me and TJ were well documented courtesy of Larry. The persistence of TJ paid off as we explored a new adventurous world. Thanks to the encouragement of Regie Pablo of MFPI who provided us with references to the traverse.

Each time I see the span of Mt. Makiling from the Skyway connecting Katipunan Loyola to Katipunan Blue Ridge, I just stare and say to myself, “we crossed that range stating from Batangas to Laguna simply out of passion for the outdoors and for the discovery.”

And we did that that stormy weekend simply because of the passion.

Keeping track:

1. Enter Sto. Tomas trek via the Barangay San Bartolome arch. It’s a P 10.00 tricycle ride.

2. The private resort of Almeda is your jump-off point.

3. You’ll pass through a station of the cross ending in a grotto. Another trail skips the grotto.

4. There’s a hut surrounded by giant gabe leaves (root crops). Area serves as the link between two ridges. Profile of Maculot visible. Your last chance for water through a water pipeline.

5. You will cross two ridges in a dried-up stream. After the forest cover, it’s cogon all the way. Sto. Tomas, MakBan Geothermal plant and Malipunyo are visible from this site. Climb, climb, climb.

6. Enter a forest cover, reach the viewing deck, ascend further and descend at the foot of the wall. Expect poison ivy, leeches, and snakes. Trail a bit moist. There are deck signage and ribbons along the trail.

7. Rock climb in an open space.

8. Reach Haring Bato.

9. Crawl towards Peak 2.

10. After 1 1/2 hours of trek going up to 1000 meters ASL, you’ll smell stench and hear voices. You’re nearing Peak 2.

11. It’s a safe descent down to UP Los Baños.

Chito 30-31 January 1999

Revisited 7 October 2024

Duma Siqui

 Siquijor via Dumaguete. This 4-day adventure is an exciting exploration for the Luzon-based associates, flying to the Visayas to discover the beauty and charm of Dumaguete, the quaint gateway to Negros Oriental.

With open minds leaving biases and urban living behind, embrace the unique attractions the region has to offer.

After a brief city tour in the university city known to have the best curators and protectors of Negros Oriental history and culture, ferry to the mystical island of Siquijor.

Spend two days or more immersed in nature—swimming in waterfalls, cliff-jumping into turquoise waters, and exploring untouched beaches.

Fill each day with laughter, bonding, and new discoveries as you move, eat and drink.

Conclude the journey with a nostalgic farewell in Dumaguete interacting with gentle and amiable residents, leaving an unforgettable memory and a renewed appreciation for the diverse wonders of the Philippines.

Come back but stay longer to deepen engagements with the people you encounter.

Japan Men's Volleyball Paris Olympics

 Power. Fierce. Play

Japanese Mens Volleyball Team 2024 Paris Olympics

___________________________________________

Legs and shoes that propel them leap so high

Biceps strong to drive turbo speed

Eyes alert to quickly scan blind spots

Leads setting up for brilliant plays

Each one highly charged to deliver

Not letting their guards down

Each 6 working seamlessly as a team

Aggressive of red

Feel the fire in their belly

The libero on defense keeping the ball alive at any cost

Blockers providing a quick defense

The hitters synchronize to drive the attack

The game the Japanese men's volleyball team played to win over Argentina

The ecstatic feeling of a secured win and the high of victory

________________________________________

Japan faces USA next

Abangan Sat 3 Aug 10 a.m. (GMT+8)

Channel 298 HD Cignal TV

https://en.volleyballworld.com/.../nishida-unstoppable...

Cinemalaya Bente Short Films

Cinemalaya Bente Short A Short B

Watching a compilation of selected short films on Cinemalaya at a commercial theater exposes me to diverse stories focused on a single provocative theme.

Though not glossy and most visually textured, due to the limitations of technology and infrastructure, the filmmaker still successfully sends across messages clearly and convincingly told differently.

While watching them, two ideas flow through my mind: first, I'm immersed in the unfolding of the story with no expectations, and second, I'm subconsciously seeing the constraints of creating the film behind the scenes (one shot in an iPhone, another written and directed in a remote location single handedly, another a thesis in a film class and the rest in collaboration with other young friends).

There are two sets of shorts with 5 films each

•Short A themes are on death, mother, memories, space and the environment
•Common in Short B is the loss of hope

Thank you for the opportunity to talk back with the young and skilled film makers sharing Pinoy stories told in minutes.

Short Films A
• Cris Bringas of All This Wasted Space
• Breech Asher Haran of Pamalandong sa Danow, reflections in the marsh

Short Films B
• Ryan Capili of I Was Walking on the Street of Chinatown
• Sam Manacsa of Cross my Heart and Hope to Die
• Alexandra Brizuela of Mama

Short stories were told capable of provoking and making a statement.

https://cinemalaya.org/films/finalists/short-films-2024/

#CinemalayaBente  #Cinemalaya2024

A Wedding and a Birthday Party

Three weeks ago, I attended a millennial wedding, the 2nd one in two decades. I experienced how it was to witness a Catholic ceremony and a reception managed by an events’ group. So different from how generations X conduct theirs.

The ceremony before, during, and after is thoroughly documented. The reception is organized around a program, with food and beverages given as needed. A module was put up for the bride and groom before concluding with a same-day video editing demonstration.

A week ago, I attended a birthday party at a restaurant bar with a stage for live musical performances. This one, like the wedding, appeared to have an event organizer. Confirmation of an invitation was requested weeks ago.

At the gate, guests were asked to show their invitation and confirmation. Seating was allotted. The highlight was a mini concert by a well-known vocalist campaigning for no cover songs, just original live singing, accompanied by two singers and five musicians. Every now and again, the solo performer includes information about the celebrant, adding a personal and intimate touch.

Food and beverages were served during the performance. The entire party was thoroughly captured by a photographer and videographer. Android phones were in a tripod to cover activities on and off stage.

Following the concert, the stage was open for any guests to sing till early morning.

Reflecting on the current wedding and birthday festivities I attended, I can't help but be amazed at how much has changed since the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, our celebrations were basic, generally hosted in our homes or offices, with homemade décor and family-prepared food. Guests bring in bottles of hard liquor for consumption. Today's events combine creativity, technology, and professional touches to create experiences that are both personal and grand.

The satisfaction was undoubtedly different.

What struck me most was the attention to detail and the desire to make each celebration unique. From personalized vows and custom playlists to interactive photo booths and gourmet catering, every element was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the personalities and stories of those being celebrated. These modern celebrations honor our traditions while also embracing new ways of bringing people together.

The infrastructure set up was provided for the comfort and pleasure of the guests taking away the burden of preparation from the celebrants. The center remains to be the interaction and socialization of the guests; while dining, memories were recalled, anecdotes shared, and significance of the activity highlighted fully credited to the hosts.

As I watched the joy and connection among the guests, I realized that while the methods and styles of celebration have evolved, the heart of these events remains the same. It's still about coming together, sharing joy, and creating memories with loved ones.

Witnessing this blend of old and new filled me with a sense of nostalgia and excitement for the future, wondering how we will continue to innovate and celebrate life's special moments in even more meaningful ways.

Both events ended with thanks with a twist. Thanking the guests for witnessing the moments with them, acknowledgement were also given to the sponsors and suppliers 

Best wishes to the couple. Happy birthday to the celebrants. These greetings have not changed.

Epileptic Seizure

 What one needs to do when in a company of someone having an epileptic seizure

During a celebration dinner at a grade school campus, I struck up an impromptu conversation with a young grade schoolteacher about their curriculum. I was drinking wine, and he was drinking water from a glass while seated. 

A few minutes later, he told me he was dizzy while grasping the edge of a round table. I suspected there was a moderate earthquake, but there was none. I thought he was joking, but it was clear he was not. Then it occurred to me: it could be a heart attack.

He sat firmly, stared into my eyes, held my arms, and asked for his glass of water. He said, "kalma lang!" 

After a few moments, he stood up and left, joining his colleagues on the other side of the hall, leaving his cell phone on the table.

"What could it be?" I asked, puzzled.

I strolled across the room to inform one of his female colleagues whether the newest member of the faculty had a medical condition and if there was a medic on the premises. She claimed she'd watch after him.

Several minutes later, I motioned for the schoolteacher at the other side of the hall, who was looking better, to come over. He then revealed to me his medical condition. 

He recently suffered an epileptic episode telling me remembering everything (important to note).  His first attack was during the pandemic. His last seizure occurred during a basketball game.

I asked him if he had seen a doctor, as I have no knowledge on seizures. He answered yes and is currently taking medication, but he has been asked to undergo an MRI.

He already has a PWD ID and has been working only for a year after graduation, but he still needs to earn funds for his medical procedure.

I was shocked learning this. With no medical background, I felt helpless in a condition like this. I don't even know his name.

Reaching home, I researched on the condition which generally stated that:

1. Person with the patient experiencing seizure must remain calm. Showing panic can aggravate the situation.

2. Time the seizure. Beyond 5 minutes is already an emergency situation needing hospitalization.

3. Movement and mouth should remain free and not controlled.

As I checked my reaction against the guides, I responded appropriately, and it was mainly because the schoolteacher prompted me before the seizure not to panic.

I was glad that the seizure of the schoolteacher I struck a short conversation with was just mild. But I pray that he gets support for a thorough medical examination from a neurologist.

Online Shopping for Clothes Ph

 The conventional shopping channel is via physical shops with online gaining popularity for convenience, pricing edge and searching ease.

Passive online shopping through Lazada and Shopee has lately been supplemented with live online where human sellers display, present and model their goods to streaming potential buyers interacting with them.

Behavior changed, new lingoes are introduced, and a new outlet of spending game changed shopping and commerce requiring logging in the internet.

“Flex. Profile. Comment. Code. Mine. Yours. Screenshot. SSD. Check out. Follow.” Words one must be familiar with to navigate and to complete a transaction in a live online selling.

Looking for a blazer, it led me to TikTok live online selling based in Baguio. To my amazement, the three shops specializing in pre-loved blazers for men I’ve been directed to owned by a sole entity have about hundreds of apparels for all user sizes, shapes, informal and formal occasions paraded starting 8 a.m. to midnight.

How can one select given sizes and preferences must be matched? Online selling has sharpened the system with a structured approach.

Prospective buyer must provide info on height (in feet), weight (in kilos), general build (S/ML/EL), shoulder size (in inches). The young professional, courteous at times playful seller then “flexes” several suits with his size as reference. They show how the sleeves extend to his hand, how much allowance it has at the tummy, and upper body.

This initial parade triggers a series of presentations on colors, design, fabric, buttons, back slits, inner lining and pricing. Price is a surprise as it just ranges from P350 to P700 for the branded and premium items.

The good sellers interact with the buyer suggesting even occasion suit can be used. Other than the usual debut, wedding, travel they mention other interesting occasions such as events hosting, court hearing and would you believe, thesis defense.

Attending to one buyer at a time, when one selects an item, he claims in the comment section “mine” plus the code given. Sellers from the shop I spotted disclose details of the suit from inner linings, buttons, slits, issues. With a good hi-reso camera and lighting with close up capability, texture, patterns and details are seen. The buyer is then asked to screenshot the suit selected with price and code as reference.

The critical step is in entering the order using the yellow basket, choosing modes of payment from COD, credit/debit cards and GCash. Seller patiently guides the buyer on steps to do from choosing the price, putting it in the basket, writing the delivery address, and putting the data in the basket.

The shop partnered with J&T where costing is surprisingly about the cost of a special tricycle rate considering transport from Benguet to Metro Manila in 2 days. Tracking number is provided navigating through their profile chat.

While this system of shopping is quite new, one who is open to change can easily adopt. When the seller addresses all the buyers’ concerns without pressuring the buyer to claim mine and checkout, the buyer feels the power.

When one is stuck in the house, this mode of shopping is certainly a novelty, conveniently a 24-hour activity, with thousands of possibilities and fun.

As a social science observer, I wish to explore further how this approach picked up, the system developed, how the sellers developed their skills set to be good at online selling and how it gained traction generating income for the shop owners challenging the more established physical stores.

Disclaimer: This positive experience is simply based on a live online selling of one entity. Other accounts have different approaches.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSYHmtcP5/

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSYHmrHqM/

NewGen Champs Concert

You attend concerts to hear the musicians perform their own songs that you enjoy live.

You attend band gigs and concerts to hear other musicians cover tunes you enjoy.

As a music lover, you enjoy these events, especially if they are well-produced, with excellent production qualities and the program builds up to a high.

ABS-CBN's new generation champions are noted for their voice quality, wide vocal range, costumes, extensive song inventory, passion for singing, and mastery of their art.

Attending with an open mind with some expectation drawn from the pattern aired on ASAP TV Show on ABS-CBN where keys to the performances are the choice of songs, a customized musical arrangement and assignment of singing lines per artists.

Deciding last minute to attend the #NewGenChamp show at the Music Museum 27 April 2024 with JM Yosures, Reiven Umali, Khimo, JM dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, Lyka Estrella, and Rea Gen Villareal, I still managed to source ticket for the declared sold-out concert in a 700 plus seater theater.

Host Vice Ganda and two judges Eric Santos and Katrina Velarde supported the talents in this live concert most of them performing in a live concert for the first time. Reiven launched his dancing con singing talent in this event. Lyka and Rea Gen's trio with Katrina singing "Lason mong Halik and Hawak Mo" showcased collab on harmony, birit, shifts and shared staging. Both seasoned singers Eric and Katrina admired the qualities of the champions they sang with.

The boys prepared a series of cover songs from a single artist; boyish with fine voice quality Reiven chose Michael Jackson songs, the exuberant and highly charged Khimo performed Bruno Mars hits, and the latest new gen recruit, soothing and kilig JM Dela Cerna, sang Michael Bolton's love songs whose high notes were noted and appreciated well by the audience with a standing ovation. The husky voiced and seasoned champion JM Yosures interpreted Parokya ni Edgar songs.

The ladies known for birits presented equally strong providing balance renditions; the regal and formal Marielle sung solo without JM Adelle's new songs, Lyka’s dramatic segment of Beyonce's songs was backed up with dancers and costume changes and Rea Gen belting Ben and Ben songs.

The vocalists opened and finished the event together, with the boys doing a separate set as did the girls.

Though not their own compositions, the NewGen champions present fresh renditions of familiar songs modified by great musicians to suit the singers' voice range and capabilities. With the champs' voices, the evening's music may be claimed as their own.

When they opened the show, they asked the audience to allow them “to entertain you.” Through the musical arrangements customized to bring out their unique and pleasing voices, and their songs individually, duets or solo, they proved they are worthy to be marked as “champions,” ambassadors of the language of pop music.

Music delivers because it binds us all, crossing frontiers and connecting hearts via its universal language of emotion and expression, especially when performed well.

NewGen singers honing their talent of singing and singing endlessly inspire us as they convey the message of the songs to us intimately in live concerts like this.

#KapamilyaNewGenChamps