10sense

I am Extraordinary

2008-10-10T11:04:00.000+08:00

I was born thinking that I am ordinary. Not ordinary in a bad way but a person who is just like everybody else. Normal. So I've lived most of my life trying to find that one thing that would make me Special, better than the rest; and the reality is I don't think I have yet.

Now that I've had a little experience, I know a little better. I believe in God, and I believe that he put a little piece of himself in me: the Extra on top of my ordinary. I used to live in the US and I always thought that Better was some place like that w/ more opportunities. I know now that Better is NOT in the place, but is in ME. Inside of me has been placed the ability to make any place where I am Better.

Knowing that has made all the difference for me. I can find my place without all the insecurities attached. If all I can do is say that one word that can make that one person laugh, or clean this one room better than anybody else can clean it, then I have already done something Extraordinary. So I say to myself:

BE EXTRAORDINARY!
Why?
Because I already am.

About Honorable Men

2008-10-06T12:41:00.000+08:00

an excerpt from a script.

MOM: so do you think she really loved him?
BEST FRIEND: i think she loved him the best she knew how.
MOM: and that would not have been enough for you either?
FRIEND: no. it wouldn't have been enough for me either.
MOM: so you would have ended it too?
FRIEND: well, he and i are built differently. he's stronger than i am. he was strong enough to um... uh, we're not built the same
MOM: honorable men are all built the same.
BEST FRIEND: and you think i'm an honorable man?
MOM: do you know when to walk away? do you know when not to take less than you deserve? if you do, then you are an honorable man.

Sam Concepcion's Birthday Concert

2008-09-15T15:59:00.000+08:00

Discoveries Made by Cellphone Cam

2008-08-17T07:33:00.000+08:00

Baby Jack gets duleng when you put an object near his face and his eyes stay that way until you "reset" it by closing them.

Dita von Teese doesn't allow any photos or videos when she performs and so you're stuck looking at this Belo 18th anniversary invitation (or does she?).

During afternoons in Bacoor, taho turns into UBE.

Help! Missing Books, Ransom to be Paid

2008-07-06T18:16:00.000+08:00

I am missing two of the books from my Narnia Chronicles set. Actually I lent them to someone, but I have forgotten who! So if you know who has them or YOU are the one who has them, please find a way to get them back to me. Please, please, please. The two missing books are The Magician's Nephew and The Horse and His Boy. Should you require "compensation" for returning them, all ransom payments will be coursed through Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Sulu.

The 5 Best Things I learned from John Maxwell

2008-06-10T18:31:00.000+08:00

I was privileged to attend the John Maxwell Leadership Summit today. It was quite pricey but the value of what I took away from it cannot be counted. It turns out that the guy is a huge Krispy Kreme fan and now wants to become a Filipino citizen because he learned that you can get free donuts here while waiting in line. hahaha.

(btw, for all the ARTISTS out there, I recommend that you find (and read) this book: Talent is Never Enough)

1) Finding YOUR PURPOSE in life is the key to success and happiness.
Finding it takes time and is a combination of learning what you are uniquely gifted in and being passionate about developing that gift to the maximum.

2) Stop working on your WEAKNESSES.
What's the point of improving yourself from a 2 to a 4 in a certain area? When you can be more productive by taking your 7 and making it a 9. Nobody wants to pay for average. People will always want the exceptional. So focus on improving what you already are best at.

3) Making good decisions is NOT ENOUGH.
It's how you manage that decision each and everyday after you've made it. Managing the decision is what makes the difference between a forgotten New Year's resolution and a major life change.

4) The Best Leaders are the BEST LISTENERS.
What gets us in trouble w/ other people most of the time is that we assume what they are thinking and feeling instead of taking the time to listen to them and really find out.

5) Surround yourself with what you ARE NOT.
The people closest to us should be strongest in what we are weakest in. People say opposites attract, but more than that it is about leading others in what we are good at and following them in what they are better at.

Skye in Concert - LIVE!

2008-05-31T21:55:00.000+08:00

Guess who got a new guitar? My superstar niece:

Trumpets Playshop Alumni Star in U.S. Productions

2008-05-18T03:53:00.000+08:00

Playshop turned 15 this year and I just wanted to share about a couple of alumni who is doing well abroad and "pursuing the dream". I read in Alvin Trono's blog that 18 year old Alexa Ortega is starring in the lead role of AIDA (the musical by award-winning Elton John and Tim Rice) in San Mateo, California. Alexa is the older sister of Cheska Ortega, who played Gabriella in Stages production of High School Musical Onstage! at the Meralco.

Another Playshop alumni making it is Katrice Gavino who as told by Lito Villareal (the composer for both Trumpets' Little Mermaid and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) starred as Dorothy last year in a Los Angeles production of The Wizard of Oz. Both Alexa and Katrice are original members of the Playshop Kids.

I strongly encourage all our students out there to keep honing their skills in Trumpets Playshop and using what you have learned to great advantage in the world. God gave us that talent and it makes Him happy to see us excel with it.

Dont forget to check out Playshop's Official website.

Enchanting Teens Musical at Enchanted Kingdom

2008-05-05T22:01:00.002+08:00

Starring:
Sam Concepcion, Cheska Ortega, PJ Valerio, Athena Tibi
Seve Ching, Kevin Concepcion, Jackie Dos Santos, Janeena Chan

Directed by Audie Gemora

Christian, Sam, Aria and Reymond

2008-01-09T02:38:00.000+08:00

Four friends in the same concert:
(poster design by yours truly)

Mental Sparklers

2007-12-11T06:15:00.000+08:00

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

Money makes a terrible master, but it sure makes an excellent servant.

This and that and other things i picked up on

2007-11-24T21:36:00.000+08:00

1) Sleep is the poor man's physician.

2) Trying to convince yourself you're happy is not the same thing as actually being happy.

3) The moment you stop learning, you stop becoming a teacher.

4) Facts are only temporary and subject to change. Truth is universal and forever.

5) Belief is the inner conviction that God's Word is true. Faith is the outward action based on that belief

6) Kindness is never random nor is it an act. It is a way of life and always deliberate.

7) You cannot hate someone you care nothing about.

8) Often the most difficult person for you to love, is yourself.

9) Love goes past all feelings. It is a choice to trust, to care, to give and to forgive.

10) Patience is not the ability to wait long. It is the ability to remain unmoved from what you believe no matter how long it takes to happen.

First Name: A Whole Notha' Level

2007-11-16T19:47:00.000+08:00

Last nights 7pm show was for the benefit of Alabang New Life's building fund and this show was on a totally different level.

I'd like to personally thank everyone who was part of it: cast, crew, ushers, the audience, etc. for being part of the best show to date. Thank you for listening to us and choosing to let God flow through you. Amazing really what can happen when you let his 'super' go on top of your 'natural'. The show was so full of life and truth that no one left that theater without being touched and moved.

Ring was trying to apologize after the show for missing some of her lines, but it didn't really matter because what she sang was so moving and true. Most of the cast was crying during the last song and it was so sweet to see them enjoy the presence of God and not be ashamed of it in front of everyone. It's really hard to describe the amazing atmosphere inside that place. It just had to be experienced.

Tonight was the First show of many more and our aim is to keep reaching new and higher levels, wherever it is God wants to take us!

Christianity is NOT what I thought it would be

2007-11-14T23:39:00.000+08:00

Just so you know, I grew up in a Christian family and went through Sunday school, youth group, and Sunday church services. Ever since the age of 8 I've called myself a "Christian". Yet it's only in the past few years that I realized that most of what I'd been taught about Christianity was only partially true and in many cases totally inconsistent with what the Bible really says.

I guess the difference is that before, all I knew about God was told to me by other people (the pastor, a church member, my youth leader, etc.), hearsay so to speak. Now that I've actually been reading and studying the Bible for myself, I'm finally getting to know God directly without any filters.

Here are some things I've learned so far (that I never knew in all my years):

1) God never wants me to lack any good thing. He wants me to be rich so that I can help others. Now that I'm doing exactly what He's called me to do, I spend less time striving to earn and yet I'm making more now than I ever have before.

2) I never have to be sick another day in my life. Anytime I feel symptoms coming on, I stand on His promises of health and healing for my body and within the day (no fail) all the symptoms disappear. In fact, the last time I ever had to be checked into a hospital was the day I was born.

3) I can call on him for protection so that I never have to be afraid of anything this world can throw at me (violence, accidents, natural disasters, even death). I remember during Typhoon Milenyo, I claimed this protection and not a single person or thing on our property was harmed or broken.

4) No matter where I go or with whom I interact with, I have special favor. This has made it so much easier for me to do my work everyday. People just seem to go out of their way to help me.

Not to say, that I don't encounter difficulties anymore because I do. The difference is I am secure in knowing that He has put an empowerment upon me that allows me to conquer any challenge I face. If God is for me, then who can be against me? I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

Protect Yourself against abusive MMDA officers

2007-11-14T19:30:00.000+08:00

message written by Gerard H. Kahayon

This is a MUST read especially during this Christmas Season. Protect yourselves especially against abusive MMDA officers. Have your drivers read this too.

Best also to PRINT AND KEEP A COPY OF THIS E-MAIL IN YOUR CAR FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.

TOOLS AGAINST MMDA OFFICERS

I just reached my limit last weekend, and decided to take action against the abusive MMDA enforcers. I basically called up the MMDA head office and inquired from the Personnel Officer, Antonio Pagulayan, to clarify their policies. Here is what I got.

If any of these abuses seem familiar to you, Mr. Pagulayan has asked that you call either the MMDA hotline (136) or call the METRO BASE at 0920-9389861 or 0920-9389875 and ask for an Inspectorate. They will send inspectors to the place where these MMDA officers are extorting, even while you are arguing out of your apprehension.

1.MMDA officers are not allowed to group together in order to apprehend. They are not even allowed to stand together in groups of 2 or more. The only time they are allowed to work together is for special operations (probably when they apprehend groups of buses for smoke
belching)

2. Swerving IS NOT a traffic violation. Moving one lane to the left or right is not swerving, no matter where on the road you do it. And it is even less of a violation when you do it with a signal. Swerving is defined as shifting 2 or more lanes very quickly. So you can argue your way out of this, and call the Metro Base for help.

3. Sadly, using the yellow lane is a traffic violation and will get you a ticket. However, buses are really not allowed to go out of the yellow lane, so if you see selective apprehension of private cars only, you may complain.

4. MMDA has confirmed that your license MAY NOT BE CONFISCATED at a traffic apprehension. The only time they can do so is if you are part of an accident, or it is your third violation and you have not settled your fines yet. They are only allowed to give you a ticket, which you can contest. He recommends actually receiving the ticket in some instances, so that you can report the officer who did it.

5. Also, you are free to ask any of these officers for their "mission order", which is written by their supervisor. If they apprehend you for a violation that is not in their mission order for the day, you can report them and they will receive disciplinary action.

So go out and fight for your rights if and when the occasion arises!

Upcoming First Name Shows

2007-11-06T12:26:00.000+08:00

Venue: Centerstage, SM Mall of Asia
Ticket Prices: P250, P350

Show dates:
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2pm
Thursday, Nov. 15, 2pm
Friday, Nov. 16, 10am, 3pm and 7pm
Thursday, Nov. 22, 2pm
Friday, Nov. 23, 10am and 2pm
Friday, Dec. 7, 10am and 2pm

You may call 631-7252 or 635-4478 to reserve tickets or buy them at the gate before the shows

The Adventures of Skye: Anyone Can Cook!

2007-11-05T13:11:00.000+08:00

The other day, Skye watched Ratatouille for the first time and it became another favorite as she watched it two more times the next day. She has now taken to calling herself "Little Chef" and goes around pretending she's cooking. My mom even made her a chef hat out of a paper bag and she wears it proudly. What's funny is that she goes behind people and pulls their hair trying to control them. We had to put a stop to that though after she tried to use her feet on the hair of my brother's fiancee. Her mom's coming home tomorrow so Little Chef will be reunited with Big Chef soon.

Trumpets First Name

2007-09-20T19:58:00.001+08:00

For inquiries about buying a show or buying tickets, please contact the Trumpets office at:
635-4478 / 631-7252 / trumpetsinc@gmail.com

The Guys' Rules

2007-08-08T09:43:00.000+08:00

At last, a guy has taken the time to write this all down.
Finally, the guys' side of the story (I must admit, it's pretty good). We
always hear "the rules" from the female side; now here are the rules from
the male side.
These are our rules! Please note... these are all numbered "1" on purpose!

1. Men are not mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it
down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about
you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.
1. Shopping is not a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it
that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do
not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!
1. "Yes" and "No" are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every
question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's
what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In
fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us
to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of them
makes you sad or angry, then we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it
done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during
commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.
1. All men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach,
for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no
idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like
nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle,
besides we know you will bring it up again later.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer
you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is
fine... Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to
discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round is a shape!

Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch
tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.
Pass this to as many men as you can - to give them a laugh.
Pass this to as many women as you can - to give them a bigger laugh.

Reymond & Aria - New Grand Champions of the World!

2007-08-04T11:47:00.000+08:00

A big congratulations to Reymond Sajor and Aria Clemente (members of the Trumpets & Playshop family) who are now the newly crowned Grand Champions of the World in Vocals! Reymond won in the Adult division and Aria in the Children's division.

Reymond went to Hollywood as part of the Philippine delegation to the World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Great job, Reym and Aria!! We're all proud of you.

Back to School...

2007-07-20T22:21:00.000+08:00

...High School Musical Onstage that is. For the past month I have been busy working on this show. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical of how this would turn out after watching the movie version (which I found to be too pop and superficial), but I was very much surprised by how much more heart the stage version has. Sam Concepcion and Cheska Ortega were the perfect pair as Troy and Gabriela. PJ Valerio and Alex Godinez stole the show as Ryan and Sharpay. Jeff Arcilla and Sheila Francisco were hilarious as Coach Bolton and Ms. Darbus.

I could identify best with the braniacs cos thats what I was in high school and at the end of each show, we look to God and give Him all the glory for He is the source of all our talents. I spent a lot of time with the cast and crew and I really enjoyed my time with them. Great job guys! Don't worry, we're gonna do more shows after this.

Forward

2007-07-05T21:29:00.000+08:00

Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.

but I focus on this one thing:
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
I press on to reach the end of the race

Three Filipino Tenors

2007-06-06T15:31:00.000+08:00

Watch this video of my cousin Lito Villareal performing live as part of the Three Filipino Tenors. They will be coming to New York's Off-Broadway Kirk Theatre starting next week.

Playshop Passes on the Passion

2007-06-02T16:19:00.000+08:00

Photos from the 2007 Tribute Show featuring Pamilya Maleta with the special participation of Maita Ponce and JC Gotinga.

Maits sings Burn

JC sings Could you be Messiah?

Pamilya Maleta at the AFP Theater!

Ems Bolaños as Kikay Japayukay

Jun Ofrasio as Kuya Talino

Noodles Chua as Ate Bechay

Tan-GA, Ate Bechay and Rosanna

Roden Araneta as Berto (tatay)

Roden Araneta as ewan...

Mayen Cadd as (Sino ka) Rosanna

Happy One, Hon!

2007-05-30T23:34:00.000+08:00

Maits and I went out to lunch (yummy margherita pizza) and saw Shrek 3 (laugh trip). Love you, Honey!

Playshop Children's Theatre 2007

2007-05-19T22:25:00.000+08:00

The showcases for Trumpets Playshop officially started today with the Children's theatre classes doing the show Goosical. I was at AFP Theater to take the official documentation photos.

Directed by Lorna Lopez
Original script by Luna Inocian (adapted by L.Lopez)
Music by Rony Fortich

More Pics Here

Skye

2007-05-14T07:19:00.000+08:00

Some new pics Leah sent...

Back to Bulacan

2007-05-04T22:17:00.000+08:00

After many many years, I finally got to visit Malolos, Bulacan again which is my father's hometown. When my grandparents were still alive, I remember we used to go there every sunday with all my cousins and every year we would always put on a big program. That's where i got my love for theatre i think. That's me playing the toy piano with lito v. over my shoulder.

I was there to set up a stage for a concert sponsored by a senatorial candidate (read: use of celebrities for electoral gain). Well, they did have 6 cycle mind and Katrina Halili. We set up the stage smack dab in front of the Provincial Capitol, which was built in 1930 but then was burned down by the Japanese during the war, and was rebuilt with help from the Americans in 1950.

The weather was hot hot hot and it didn't help that the day we were constructing was also the day they were distributing the ballot boxes to all the municipalities. Every ten minutes a new dump truck would park beside the stage and load up.

Elections is such a big thing here in the Philippines and a lot of time, money and effort goes into it. But in spite of all the busyness that day, it's nice to know that there are still those who are totally unaffected and can find peace and quiet...

Sampaguita at Omega

2007-04-07T21:04:00.000+08:00

For those of you who are very close to me, you already know that i don't like sampaguita (jasmine) very much, and i especially don't like it hanging in my car. Last Friday though, I found myself hanging a strand on my rear-view mirror...

I was in line at the local 7-eleven and in front of me was this lola stooped over on her cane. She wanted to buy a bottle of Omega Pain Killer and I heard her ask the cashier how much. She then she looked down at her hand and it was obvious that she didn't have enough cos she quietly walked away and left the bottle on the counter.

Then this little voice spoke up inside me saying, "Pay for it!" and before i quite knew what I was doing, I paid the cashier, grabbed the bottle and went after her. Good thing, one of the female employees saw what was happening and she stopped the lola.

It turns out the lola was a sampaguita vendor and before I drove away, she handed me some and I gladly took it and drove away with a big smile on my face!

Playshop Enrollment still OPEN!

2007-04-07T18:06:00.000+08:00

For those who would like to register, Playshop will still be accepting enrollees for the next week. Go directly to the Playshop venue in Podium (4th floor beside Astro Plus) anytime this coming week. The earlier you go the better so that you can immediately join in the classes (which started last week).

We are Blessed!

2007-04-02T00:05:00.000+08:00

Trumpets would like to give its heartfelt thanks and blessing to everyone who was a part of Sound of Trumpets IV. From the Trumpets Choir, to Sheila our choir director, to our artist friends, to our dancers, to the New Life the Fort band & P.Eric, to the people who worked on the production, the stage and the technicals, to Shangri-La Mall, and to the each and every person who went to watch.

You were all partners of something bigger than just a show or concert. It was a bold declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord of this country the Philippines, and that this nation is on the road to full restoration from everything it has lost throughout the years.

To all of you, you are blessed because you partnered with us and you must expect a major breakthrough to happen in your life soon. Our best is yet to come! Shalom!

To See More Photos, Click Here

My Modess Girl

2007-03-28T22:42:00.000+08:00

Four years ago (2003) Maits did her first TV Commercial for Modess:

And now exactly four years later, here she is again:

Suking suki na talaga siya!!

Southern Swing

2007-03-27T00:36:00.000+08:00

While Maits was busy Bangkoking, I on the other hand took a quick two day trip through our beautiful Southern cities of Davao and Cebu. Trumpets will be doing shows down there this August so a team of 5 (Sheba, Jaime, Jingay, Amor and I) went to ocular the venues and the living spaces, plus a little extra sight-seeing to boot.

There is a lot to see in Davao since it is the world's largest city in terms of land area. Pearl Farm, Orchidariums, The Philippine Eagle sanctuary where you can see this guy here:

And surprise! Birds are not the only residents at the sanctuary; you can even meet Mr. Pumba:

Most of us know that Pearl Farm is in Davao, but the residents there rave about going to Paradise Island because it is just a short ferry ride from the middle of the city and voila! instant beach resort.

I was surprised by all the new commercial developments in Davao since I visited it last, but alas still no Starbucks. Down there if you wanna coffeefy as Rony would put it, you go to Blu Grey (guaranteed to be the only cafe that will serve you a Durian Frappe). Anyway I think my favorite eating place there just for its name is the HoneyBear ChickenHouse hahahahahahaha.

We weren't able to go around Cebu as much since we were there less than a day, but we did go up to this place called Mountain View Park which gave you a great view of the city.

While there we saw this hanging bridge and dared each other to go across it. I promise that I really did walk on it but of course I couldn't take my own picture. At first it seemed ok but when you get to the middle part each step you take makes the bridge bounce up and down so it was kind of a mini-adventure.

So anyway, were all back in Manila but also excited to return there come August to do the shows and maybe even have an extra day off for more sight-seeing.

Multimedia-Hypeing

2007-03-18T21:48:00.000+08:00

I spent practically the whole day in G4 today helping Nokia to promote its new phone the 5300. I guess the best way to summarize it is that it's sort of an ipod video without the gigabytes of memory, but hey its a phone too!

I set up the computer system that was broken down into three stations: One was where people could have their photos taken and photoshopped into a rockstar wallpaper. Second was a green screen where people had their videos shot and morphed into a music video. The last is where people could take a quick class on how to play an instrument and get their jam session recorded digitally.

The cool thing was the photos, the videos, and the music were all sent to their Nokia phones on the spot. Oh btw, somewhere in the middle of it all, I did manage to bring Maits to Into the Woods auditions for New Voice Company, but I'll let her tell you about that. Goodnight.

Playshop 2007 at the Podium

2007-03-11T21:19:00.000+08:00

This year's Trumpets Playshop will be hosted by The Podium in Ortigas Center. Alabang Classes will still be at the ATC. Call 636-2842 for details or visit the Trumpets Musicademy office in Shang Mall. We will also have the registration booth in Podium up soon.

Manila, Manila

2007-03-08T23:53:00.000+08:00

I spent most of last week in Manila as my fledgling set construction company had back-to-back setups for two different events in the Malate area. First we set up a small stage on March 3 in Century Park Hotel, which is quite old already but is still well maintained.

Then on March 6 we set up another stage for a shipping company at the brand-spanking new Hyatt Hotel. It looks really great from afar and inside it's full of casino's. What's interesting about it is since it's in the Malate area, the building right beside this modern marvel looks like its condemned. Haha, what a stark contrast!

And oh I also had to go to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo to pick up Maits after her shoot. I got a bit lost since i haven't been there since I was a kid, but found my way thanks to a kind man on the street who gave directions.

I know what you did last valentine's

2007-02-18T10:49:00.000+08:00

Well maybe not, but I'll let you know what I did: I watched Sinta. It just might be the last time Maits performs it too so it was extra important for me to be there. I was coded that day so I ended up coming to the katipunan area by 3pm (the show was at 7).

So i took over a table at starbucks, plugged in the laptop and spun Peter Jackson's rendition of the classic King Kong. It turns out I didn't need anything else cos this version is so darn loooooooonnngg! hahaha

Anyway, here's a short clip i took from the valentine's performance of Sinta. Maits plays Sinta and Ray Guinoo plays Narding.

Trumpets Playshop 2007

2007-02-13T23:37:00.000+08:00

Where's the place to go now summer has begun?

Happy Birthday, Honey!

2007-02-12T22:28:00.000+08:00

It's Maita's birthday today and I took her to dinner at HEAT in Edsa Shang. She ate very modestly while i pigged out on the buffet! Hahaha! I didn't even get to the fondue fountain. Strange, considering that I'm crazy for chocolate.

Speaking of crazy, we filipinos really love our dance crazes. From Macarena to Mambo #5, from Ocho-ocho to ispaghetti. Since Korean telenovelas are so popular here now, I'm predicting this Korean song will be the next dance craze in the philippines. It's called "balloons".

Surprise Post

2007-02-06T20:03:00.000+08:00

Ok as I'm typing this post i have no idea what is going to appear. The code was just sent to me by the spectaculah Maita Ponce. Here goes...

- Get Your Own

I'm blessed

2007-01-27T09:31:00.000+08:00

Coming in 2008...

2007-01-12T03:40:00.000+08:00

Apple's first ever cellphone! Of course it's quite predictably called the iPhone. At least it won't come out in Asia till 2008 so you have one year to save up for this (P30k-P35k). It's a cellphone, a video ipod, a wifi pda, and it runs on OS X.

The biggest concern though for us text-savvy pinoys is that there is no keypad and you'll have to enter everything through the touch screen and so far no cellphone company has succeeded in making one that is easier to use than an actual keypad. We shall see...

Technical Specifications

Screen size - 3.5 inches
Screen resolution - 320 by 480 at 160 ppi
Input method - Multi-touch
Operating system - OS X
Storage - 4GB or 8GB
GSM - Quad-band (MHz: 850, 900, 1800, 1900)
Wireless data - Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0
Camera - 2.0 megapixels
Battery - Up to 5 hours Talk / Video / Browsing; Up to 16 hours Audio playback
Dimensions - 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches / 115 x 61 x 11.6mm
Weight - 4.8 ounces / 135 grams

Dalian Darlin

2007-01-05T19:22:00.000+08:00

My momma went to Dalian and all she brought back were these photos...

Look at the little eskimo child!

Leah and Skye in their traditional Christmas tree pose.

Skye's hair has gotten quite long.

Dalian princesses: Skye with Alisha (the boss' daughter).

Happy Birthdays

2006-12-31T00:18:00.000+08:00

As the year ends I was part of Enchanted Kingdom's celebration of our Lord's birthday. Here I am playing one of the magi. Johann and T.Raymond were the other two. Maita as the angel, Ashley as Mama Mary and JC as Joseph (not the dreamer!)

After that birthday, we went straight to alabang for my cousin Franco Laurel's birthday where we enjoyed a lot of singing, laughter and food food food! (I must get me one of those chocolate fondue fountains someday).

This year has definitely been the best year of my life to date (and I know that 2007 will be even better. God has prospered me in every area of my life (health, family, career, ministry, etc.) And here's one of the biggest reasons for my continued happiness:

Love you Meemay!

East of Eden

2006-12-24T04:21:00.000+08:00

Did you ever wonder how Adam and Eve felt everytime they looked west at the Garden of Eden and saw what they once had and compared it to what they had now? Ever since Maits received her Macbook and I got her "old" ibook to fix it up so we could sell it, I've become a believer in Apple again practically overnight.

It didn't take long for me to start tinkering with OS X, downloading and installing apps, etc. before I realized that I've always been an Apple user and it's only right that I should return to my roots. The very first computer I ever used was an Apple IIe (but somewhere in the middle of everything I got sidetracked onto PC's and Windows). Check out my rich history with Apple:

So as soon as I buy my new Macbook, I will have come full circle and returned to Eden. And those who still think that the forbidden fruit Adam ate was an Apple don't know the truth. Read Genesis again.

(btw, i still have that old Apple IIc and it still works!!)

Acting Debut

2006-12-21T09:15:00.000+08:00

If you hadn't heard already, i will be "acting" in Enchanted Kingdom's show "The Best Christmas Gift Ever" this december 22, 28 and 29. I will be one of the 3 wise men. Although technically, it won't really be my debut since rumor has it that i was seen on stage during Trumpets' Little Mermaid as a bird, a fish and a wave.

This time though, I HAVE LINES!! hahahaha
Okay, okay, so they're pre-recorded and i just have to lipsync them and it's not even my voice on the recording. Who cares? I still get to put on a fancy costume and maybe even make up. Now if i could only find someone to be my PA...

Busogaleros

2006-11-29T13:20:00.000+08:00

We had lunch (for the early chickens) and filipino games fest (for the late birds) at george's house last monday with the Joseph people. How do you know when you've eaten too much chicken? When you look like these people:

The Busogaleros

Meemay and I with our host Georgieboy

Famine = no more food
Felix & Johann = too much food

Goodbye for now...

2006-11-09T10:46:00.000+08:00

My older sister Leah and her daughter Skye are now in China. We brought them to the airport yesterday morning along with our other sister and brother who will be helping them settle in for about 11 days. They'll stay in Shanghai first for training then move to Dalian for the one year contract with Gymboree.

I hope that i get to visit them there before the year is up. I also pray that God keeps them safe there and that they will both grow and prosper in that place. Bye Lea, bye Skye. Before she left, Skye recorded her voice on my phone and I use it as my ringtone. I miss them already.

Capturing True Faith

2006-11-07T11:14:00.000+08:00

I was on location at the shooting of the band True Faith's latest music video. It was done at the Jumbo Kingdom restaurant in the CCP Complex. The video stars lead singer Medwin Marfil, of course, and guess who else?

I was impressed by the production team and how fast and professionally they move. Since both Maits and Medwin are non-smokers, the props guys were constantly ready to replace the prop cigarette for every take that needed one.

The band has six members including Benedict Esguerra (the big guy way on the right) who is a member of and also plays the drums for our church New Life the Fort.

Since everything was shot in one day, the schedule was quite hectic so members of the crew (including Rozie the stylist) squeezed in a break whenever they could.

I'm excited to see how the video will turn out and don't forget to ask who the Wong Kar Wai girl is. hehehe. More pics in Maits Multiply.

Lucy and Chase and their Adventures

2006-10-31T16:45:00.000+08:00

I'd like everyone to view the first two episodes of a serial cartoon created by a promising young animator. She could be the next Martin Scorsese.

God's Spelled G-O-O-D

2006-10-29T21:14:00.000+08:00

Recently, I have really been stirred up inside and I owe that to the fact that God has been tugging at me and telling me not to be satisfied with where I am now, but to keep on climbing to the next level. I look around me now and I can only say that "all is well":

jobs and money keep being given to me w/o solicitation
I am free from all forms of sickness
my relationships are growing stronger and I'm learning a lot
Trumpets is continuing to blossom and the message of a better life is shared
my church New Life the Fort is booming

So what else is there to do but head on up to the next level? I'm so thankful that God still has a whole lot in store and I can't wait to see what is coming...

Lito Villareal with Stephen Schwartz

Speaking of God's goodness, my cousin Lito Villareal is experiencing great favor over in the States. He recently performed the finale number for the show "An Evening with Stephen Schwartz". In case you don't know who that is, he's the guy responsible for the music of shows like Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, and the music of the movies Pocahontas and Prince of Egypt. What's great is that when Stephen was bowing after the last number, he goes and pulls Lito and tells him to "bow with me".

From Ben Stein

2006-10-22T22:53:00.000+08:00

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Hurricane Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.

And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

My Best Regards. Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein

My Sinta

2006-10-15T11:10:00.000+08:00

There are certain experiences in my life that are permanently burned in my memory. Last night, I watched Maita play Sinta for the last time this year and what could possibly the last time. If you've never seen this musical by Sibol, then it would be difficult for me to make you understand what it means to me. Sinta is not a show that you just sit and become a spectator of. Everyone who has ever acted, sung, played, produced, or simply watched it has become part of Sinta and Sinta has become part of them.

What makes Sinta even more special for me is Maita. It's not really important whether I love Sinta because she is Maita or I love Maita because she is Sinta. The distinction is blurred already because the two are so much a part of each other. If I ever watch a new girl play Sinta, I will not be able to help but compare her to Maita because she has become the picture of the character for me. Sinta is definitely one of those experiences that I am better simply because I have become a part of it. Thank you, Maits, for introducing her to me. You will forever be My Sinta.

Go Watch This

2006-10-11T22:28:00.000+08:00

A couple of guys I know are celebrating their birthday this october:

Thanks to doing this ad, I was able to get my hands on a boatload of Bench GC's which shall be put to good use expanding my drab wardrobe. hahahaha. Time to resume the workouts and trim the tummy.

Seen in Dreams

2006-09-25T02:52:00.000+08:00

Some of my favorite scenes from Joseph the Dreamer taken using Franco's camera (thanks cuz). As usual click on the photo to see a larger version:

The color coated ones

One thousand talents

Praise him

An open window

Golden boy

prison break

brothers again

One Night is Not Enough

2006-09-19T12:18:00.000+08:00

Franco and Ayen Laurel hosted the Joseph people to a delicious Pinoy style dinner. Adobo, tapa, pasta w/ tuyo, shrimp, and a whole lot more. After dinner we watched a video of Rama at Sita. I was one of the few there who actually saw it live (hahaha)and it just goes to show that Filipinos are up to par with the rest of the world when it comes to theatre. Maits brought her Nikon so i aslo took a lot of pictures with it. Oh and congrats to both Reym and Gian for making the final 12 of Philippine Idol.

Ang pagtatambul ni Maita Ponce

Ang pagyayakap ni PG

Ang pananakot ni Junevee

Field of Mines

2006-09-12T00:17:00.000+08:00

I dreamed that it was morning and before a very large golden field stood two. The One said to the Other, "Look at this very beautiful field, will you join me in exploring it?". The Other saw the serenity of the field and so agreed to go. Hand in hand the One and the Other stepped in and began walking through the field.

The One and the Other enjoyed their walk through the golden field very much and kept wandering through it until the Other stepped on something hard and in a short moment what had been a blissful time exploded into a burst of pain and anguish. The Other had set of a mine. However the two were determined not to allow this setback to stop them and so they went on, but this time a bit slower and with a lot more caution.

They went on with their journey and they learned to watch out for the mines, but some of them were quite well hidden and so they would still run into them each one causing a great amount of hurt. So the two started to tread cautiously suspicious of every step they took, but no matter how careful they were, they still ran into those hurtful mines. They were now so wary of pain that they began to advance slower and slower till they were almost at a stop.

Once the One spotted a mine before they could step on it and upon close examination the One was shocked to discover that the mine was made by his own hands and so he shamefully hid it away and said nothing to the Other. Later on other mines were found that bore the signature of the Other and this caused the One to be suspicious of the Other. Both could not believe how each was responsible for the many pains that the two had been experiencing.

Still they resolved not to stop but to push on further. With each new step they began to notice the pattern with which the mines were appearing. They seemed to be concentrated mostly on the outer fringes of the field and the closer they got to the middle of the field the sparser the number of mines became; until they could see that right in the center of the field was a straight path that was completely free of those hurtful things. It was as if someone had already walked the same path and had cleared the way for anyone who would follow after.

And so both the One and the Other did their best to follow this cleared pathway, but every once in a while when something interesting appeared that was further from the path, curiosity would cause them to wander and run into a mine again. As soon as a hurt came, they would hastily scamper back to the center path where sure safety was to be found. And so they continued on not always seeing what was ahead for the grass was taller in many parts of the field, but always with the assurance that if they stayed their course, they would be able to avoid being hurt by the mines.

Opening Weekend

2006-09-05T00:49:00.000+08:00

After a tiring week of little sleep and lots of late nights (and mornings!) at Megamall's Cinema 4, we finally opened Joseph the Dreamer. Thanks for all the prayers and support and we'll continue to need them as we go on. I haven't had a chance yet to take proper photos of the set or show (Maits, can we bring your trusty Nikon again? Please?). In the meantime, the lowres cellphone cam will have to do. Go also to Archie Sy's photoblog to see some excellent photos from the press preview show.

Btw, there will be a special "reunion" show of Joseph for all Trumpets members and Playshop alumni (who will be entitled to special discounts) this coming Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7pm. You can drop by the Musicademy office in Shang Mall for tickets or just come to SM Megamall Cinema 4 this Saturday.

Kainan at Kantahan sa Uva

2006-08-26T09:04:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was another full day as cast and crew of Joseph the Dreamer descended upon Franco Laurel's restaurant UVA in Greenbelt 2. Everything about the place spoke artistry from the paintings of Martin Honasan (yes his dad is GH) to the food by Chef Fernando Aracama. It was a good day to perform and a great place to enjoy food!

Franco Laurel and Alvin dela Peña share the role of Joseph

Tito Freddie told the story of how the press helped to jumpstart JTD's long run in the Philippines. It was only to be performed in Cebu in 1989 but in the middle of a coup d'etat, the press came to watch and Ethel Timbol told Freddie that Trumpets had to bring this to Manila. And over 40 members of the Press came to attend yesterday thanks to the efforts of Oliver Oliveros and his team. Btw, Oliver denies the rumor that he submitted my photos to the tabloids, hahaha...

PG and the girlies: Shanda, Maits and Ring

Joseph the Dreamer hasn't even opened yet but we've been through quite a journey already. Every team working on the show (rehearsals, creatives, marketing, sales, etc.) has experienced breakthrough after breakthrough and we always thank God for every good thing that comes our way. This is gonna be an amazing run and I want as many people as possible to be connected to this.

Very Very Soon!

2006-08-19T12:59:00.000+08:00

Click on the pics to see large version...

...and more to come!

Japanese TV

2006-08-14T13:59:00.000+08:00

I got this from Eli. I can't believe they can get away with this. Just watch...

Fun with Joseph

2006-08-12T19:19:00.000+08:00

We had Joseph the Dreamer pictorials today at Patrick Uy's brand new studio on the 29th floor of Atlanta Center on Annapolis. We had a lot of fun making the cast try to do cartoonish poses since we are still on the Keith Haring peg. I stole some shots using Maits Nikon.

george, maita, the ashley and jepoy

here's a nice one of pam g. while waiting

Anyway, I won't get the official cd of the photos till tomorrow, but here are some fun shots taken in front of Johann's macbook camera (more photos in mine and maits multiply sites)...

chocoholics

huwaw boobs!

The Eye of the Beholder

2006-07-24T13:45:00.000+08:00

Do you recognize what this symbol represents?

I read somewhere that the human mind (in cooperation with our eyes) is trained to recognize and remember patterns. Everyday around us we see things that allow our memory to associate or connect an image to a certain idea. Click on the Swoosh logo above and download the excel file so you can test how many of these symbols you recognize. NOTE: It's not as easy as you think. Have fun!

Just as a bonus, here's the ship song from Trumpets' puppet musical Mr. Noah's Big Boat:

Fujitsu's 10th

2006-07-15T13:32:00.000+08:00

Just a few pics from our event last Wednesday July 12 (I took these pics using Maits Nikon D50 - a very good and reliable camera):

Front view of the set

Audie Gemora singing with Maits

Teacher Lionel serenading Maria (West Side Story)

Ponce doing the Pose

Knick knacks

2006-07-11T00:27:00.000+08:00

On Missing Persons
Last week my dad and I brought my mom to the airport where she left to go visit our sister who now lives in Canada. We had barely left the airport when he said to me "I miss her already." I know what he means...

On Mixed Emotions
Last night we dropped by the wake of Robbie Guevara's mom at Santuario de San Jose and he was relating to us the moment of her death. He told us that he was at her side for the past few days and he would constantly watch the monitor and see her heart rate going down steadily until eventually it flat-lined. This brought on tears of course and as they were crying and the resident was called in to pronounce the official time the monitor started recording a pulse again. The resident then was caught in a dilemna on whether to pronounce or not. Robbie said that although they were in tears, this curious situation actually put a smile on their faces.

On Wholeness
I've had a chance to chat with Crisel several times recently and we've been talking about past and ended relationships. We came to the agreement that coming into a relationship when you are lacking inside puts an immediate handicap on things. It's actually best to be whole and secure by yourself first so that when you do walk into a commitment, you are not focused on what your partner can give to you but on how you can give and take care of him/her.

On Doctors

Practice

2006-06-28T20:52:00.000+08:00

Just so i will have an easier time adjusting to the MacBook which i will buy sometime in the near future,

i converted my windows desktop to OSX. well almost...

CMT-I Kids

2006-06-28T12:27:00.000+08:00

Just something to remember for all of you in CMT-I class this past summer...

Joining Our Hands

2006-06-23T21:35:00.000+08:00

Joseph the Dreamer is open for potential show buyers, schools, churches or organizations which want to produce individual shows. Just call the numbers on the poster (Poster design by Joel Reyes and Maita Ponce).

Also here are some excerpts of previous performances
(edited by Andy Lim)

Wet, Weight, and the Wait

2006-06-21T09:08:00.000+08:00

I had just taken a shower yesterday when I realized that the shirt I wanted was still in the laundry room so I strode shirtless through the middle of our house. I hadn't made it there when I was assaulted by a yell from my mom:

"Lumalaki ata tiyan mo ah!"

Huwat??? But I've been working out and doing sit-ups and crunches and what have you and it seems like it's taking a long time for the tummy to tone. Maits told me before that for guys, the tummy (or Mr. Tumnus as she refers to it) is the most difficult thing to get in shape. Grrrrr. That of course reminded me of this comic I had that proves it:

Yes friends, even superheroes struggle with the tummy :)

Celebrity Jeopardy!

2006-06-18T15:46:00.000+08:00

If you've never seen these spoofs on SNL then you're missing a lot. I find them so funny that I have a collection of these in my hard drive. ENJOY!

Joseph the Dreamer

2006-06-16T22:37:00.000+08:00

The Philippines longest running hit Musical returns! If you are interested in buying a show for fundraising or getting your school to watch please call Trumpets office at 635-4478 or 633-4387.

And the Winner Is...

2006-06-14T12:26:00.000+08:00

I recently submitted set design studies to Fujitsu Philippines for their upcoming event and now I'm waiting to see which direction they want to go. The first one is based on the jujitsu tatami mat; the second is has a construction site feel; while the third has a slight broadway influence. I'm a minimalist so of the three I hope they choose the first one. Off to work on Joseph the Dreamer now...

Among Other Things

2006-06-10T19:02:00.000+08:00

I'm currently working on a set design for Fujitsu's 10th anniversary celebration so I actually found myself in Makati (which is rare) since I had to do an ocular of the Rizal Ballroom in Shangri-La Hotel. I also had to help out my apprentice with her photo shoot for sabs hernandez portfolio. Had some time to kill betwen the ocular and the shoot so Heaven and Eggs was a convenient place to have lunch. The apple waffle is good.

The artist busily working away.

Flavored syrups and flavored sodas are a specialty.

The artist takes time to pose with his apprentice.

On a side note, this photo taken from Maits' blog reminded me of a comic that I liked a lot. Funny how life often imitates art...

As You Wish

2006-06-02T01:06:00.000+08:00

I spent the whole day yesterday in AFP, as part of the make-up crew for Playshop. PamG did mostly stage make-up, Maita did hair & make-up, while I did face painting and other FX make-up. We did charge for a modest fee, but mostly it was for the fun of doing it (since what I did manage to earn went to our make-up fund, hehehehe).

BTW, my bestest friend in the whole world, Maita Ponce is searching for the next Candy Cutie. If you have a brother, a friend, a cousin, a boyfriend, or if you think you yourself are qualified to be a candy cutie, send her a photo, a brief description and contact number/s at this address: maita.ponce@gmail.com

Ten Things I Learned in Playshop

2006-05-25T02:27:00.000+08:00

These are 10 things I learned from Playshop this summer, especially while helping out in Teacher Enchang's class:

1) Stage mothers (and fathers too) often get a stigma of being too meddlesome, but the truth is that they really do care about their children THAT MUCH
2) Sam Concepcion has a cult following among the adolescent and will sometimes get randomly mobbed by girls
3) Being a teacher is one of the most tiring jobs in the universe
4) It doesn't take long before you know who everybody's crush is in the class
5) Teaching is not just getting a student to learn a set of skills but sharing your life with someone and mentoring them
6) Kids appreciate it when you relate to them at their level and not look down at them
7) George Gabriel looks like Mr. Bean
8) Whichever restaurant is closest to the classrooms doubles their sales during the summer (this year's winner is KFC)
9) Maita Ponce is a very good teacher and I'm really proud of her
10) No matter how many times we correct her, T.Enchang will always call Maits, "Maite"

Return of Mermaid

2006-05-19T10:53:00.000+08:00

Well, not to spread rumors or anything but Trumpets will be doing this again OUTSIDE of Manila sometime this year. Meanwhile here's a clip I dug up from rehearsals in Stand from last year's run. I won't tell you what's in it, so just watch it...

Sakae Sushi

2006-05-15T09:52:00.000+08:00

We tried out Sakae Sushi at the Fort (beside McDonald's and UCC) as a sort of Pre-Mothers' Day get together. Yeah, it's one of those restaurants that feature the conveyor belt service.

The all-you-can-eat buffet costs P500 and includes all sorts of sushi dishes and your choice of bottomless iced tea or hot green tea.

Oh btw, the buffet is only from 5-7pm and 10pm to 12 midnight. We went there at 10pm and apparently that was a little bit too late for Pops. Looks like he had a lot to eat though...

Insects

2006-05-13T19:33:00.000+08:00

Some quick updates from last week:
* I arrived from a 4-day stay in Caliraya (as support staff for a youth camp) exhausted, slightly tanned, and with bigger calves because of all the climbing up and down from our cottage to the dining hall at the top of the hill.

* I also went to Divisoria to help Maits buy materials for props and costumes for her playshop class with teacher Francis. Along the way, I found this pair of butterfly wings for my niece Skye.

* And finally after a gazillion changes, the call center event pushed through and yes PGMA did show up.

Traveler

2006-05-04T22:37:00.000+08:00

I'll be in Caliraya for the next 3 days and I don't know if they have internet there.

Update: They have pala but it's sloooooow. I am currently being mobbed by 250 hyperactive teenagers...

From Canada to Bora

2006-05-03T01:20:00.000+08:00

The past week was a very busy week spent working on designs for a call center event, but somehow in the middle of it all I was able to go to DFA and have my passport renewed since we're planning to visit my sister in Toronto this June.

Even though I've never been to Boracay or Hawaii (well my plane to LA did stop over at the airport when I was a kid), I still had to manage somehow to create beach-themed signages,

and this stage which we spent all of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday constructing and setting up, only to find out that it's not going to be used at all since the President was going to show up at the event...

and apparently THIS is what her staff wanted the stage to look like. Sigh.

Good DSL Service

2006-04-30T13:19:00.000+08:00

Our PLDT MyDSL service has been down for five, YES 5!! whole days now. What do you guys use and is it reliable? We're actually thinking of changing ISP's. This is totally unacceptable. GRRRR.

(this was posted by 10man from an internet cafe that he had to spend extra for).

UPDATE: After seven whole days PLDT finally fixed our DSL, but this was only after I threatened to have the service cut. It's amazing what ultimatums can do.

Sowing Seeds

2006-04-25T01:16:00.000+08:00

From The Message:

The Master, GOD, has given me
a well-taught tongue,
So I know how to encourage tired people.
He wakes me up in the morning,
Wakes me up, opens my ears
to listen as one ready to take orders.

This was the first thing I read yesterday as soon as I woke up and its amazing how spot on it was because it was exactly the words I needed for the day. I took a friend to lunch and we were talking about how tiring all the pressures of life can be, and I was glad for a chance to speak words of encouragement to someone who needed to hear them.

Even in difficult times, God has given me so much that I now have plenty to give away to those around me. He gave me a specific instruction to share a certain amount to another friend of mine and I was immediately willing to do it. There is nothing that can surpass the feeling of helping somebody out especially when you know they can't repay you. Just reading the text I got that said, "your odedience is my blessing" spoke so much life to my spirit.

The thing about it is I was happy to sow those seeds of blessing into other peoples lives and I look forward to the future when the little bit of help, encouragement, trust, and joy that i've given becomes a harvest of wellness and strength and success in them.

Wow

2006-04-20T00:45:00.000+08:00

Katharine McPhee.

Musicademy Launching

2006-04-19T16:52:00.000+08:00

Although it has been officially open for a couple months, Trumpets Musicademy was introduced to the media today thanks to the efforts of our PR/Marketing people: Oliver, Michelle, JC and Amor.

Both Christian Bautista and Sam Concepcion joined us at Cravings in Shang Mall (which is right beside the Musicademy studio) to greet the press and sing songs with them in a live jam session.

There I am hidden in the corner listening and enjoying the food as Both Ian and Sam are interviewed by a member of the Press. Trumpets Musicademy has voice, language, speech, and instrument lessons. You can call the office at 636-2842 for details.

The Gospel of Adam

2006-04-17T23:40:00.000+08:00

With all of the attention being given recently to the gospel of Judas and the gospel of Magdalene (which the Da Vinci Code is based on), I would like to present to everyone the Gospel of Adam. Well, not the Adam in the Bible, but Adam Sandler.

A couple weeks ago, I was watching 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Because of an accident, Drew's character can only retain new memories for one day, so she always wakes up the next morning forgetting what happened yesterday.

There was this one scene where she asks Adam Sandler who he was and he says, "I'm the guy that makes you fall in love with me again everyday". I've seen this movie so many times and yet when I heard it this last time, BAM! It just hit me: It's the same way between God and me. He shows me everyday how much He loves me and yet it seems like I keep forgetting it everyday and yet He never gets tired of showing me again each new day that comes.

The unfailing love of the Lord never ends
His compassion doesn't fail
They are new every morning
Great is His faithfulness

I want to get to that place in my life where I never forget what God has done for me and when He greets me again in the morning, I WILL REMEMBER. And just like Him, I want to be that man who will be so faithful to a woman that I will keep making her fall in love with me again and again, every single day. That to me is the Gospel of Adam.

Try Razon's

2006-04-16T08:11:00.000+08:00

Went to Razon's of Guagua a couple days ago with some of the family to beat the oppressive summer heat since they have great halo-halo. We dropped by the one on Julia Vargas in Ortigas Center.

Their halo-halo contains only leche flan, macapuno, and sweetened bananas, but I actually find it better since I don't like all the beans and stuff found in other halo-halos.

Razon's started out in Guagua, Pampanga and I believe they also have branches in Greenhills and Makati. We also ordered the Pancit Luglug which is another specialty of theirs. Sarap!

Me, Kris, Leah, Skye and Mum went here and also stopped by OMF bookstore, the Ortigas Builders Center and Shang Mall.

Happy Ressurection Day, everyone. Jesus lives forever!

Thurs Day Trip

2006-04-13T23:22:00.000+08:00

I went out of town today to Laguna (somewhere in the vicinity of Southwoods) and gave a short talk during a retreat. While the others were busy getting things ready, I took the opportunity to walk around and shoot some photos. It was very therapeutic and I haven't really gone around to just take pics for quite a while now. Today was a tiring day but it was a satisfying day. I ended it talking on the phone with a good friend and I always enjoy catching up on what's happening with people I'm close to.

(Click on the thumbnails to see the larger images.)

All About the Pants

2006-04-12T12:33:00.000+08:00

I'm about to start the 3rd month of my mass building program and apparently it's working well so far. The other day I opened my closet to put on a pair of jeans and I had to go through four pairs before I found one that would close at the waist. Ah, the promise of a wider waist line combined with a flat stomach. Still working hard at it!

Mental note: Time to go pants shopping. Any suggestions?

Update: And so I bought not one, not two, but three pairs of new pants!

F Cell: The Car of the Future

2006-04-05T22:15:00.000+08:00

In case you've been wondering where I've been lately (haven't you?), I spent the past 3 extremely exhausting days helping CATS Motors and DaimlerChrysler (the makers of the Mercedes Benz) promote the future of the car industry.

I started out as just the production designer but ended up having to supply the sets, find the lights & sounds and the projector supplier, hire the production staff and even take care of the food. So when did I start becoming a PM? (Jingay!!!)

The seminar featured the Fuel Cell car which runs on hydrogen gas and get this: It's exhaust/emission is pure distilled water. According to the germans, it is clean enough to drink!

So while I DID NOT drink from the car's tailpipe, I did manage to eat nothing but Via Mare food for two whole days...

Here's a bale of abaca fiber from Leyte which surprisingly is used in the production of many Mercedes Benz parts (mats, seats, tire covers, headrests, door paneling, etc.)

After two days I was glad to strike and have everything packed up, and there's always a good feeling of satisfaction mixed in with a touch of sadness at the end of every show that you worked hard on.

I always thank God for each new thing He brings my way. I am truly blessed and walking in favor in everything and with everyone I face. I never knew before that I could live with this much confidence that I will do well and all things will work together for my good simply because He loves me. It's exhilarating!

Unspoken

2006-03-29T18:13:00.000+08:00

Forgive me for being selfish.
Forgive me for not thinking of you first.
Forgive me for the times I didn't speak
because I was afraid of what you would think.
Forgive me for the times I spoke
when I should have listened quietly.
Forgive me for not seeing things
from your point of view.
Forgive me for not waking up each morning
and loving you like the first day I knew you.
Forgive me for taking you
and all you gave for granted.
Forgive me for loving myself
more than I loved you.
Forgive me for not saying this
when it still mattered.

The Phantom of the Opera

2006-03-27T09:18:00.000+08:00

I finally got the Ayala Museum photos from Jeff. The theme for the event was Phantom so I decorated using pleated fabrics, an 'operatic' arch, and touches of art nouveau garnish.

The event was a local merger between American Express and TDG

This is how the completed set looks without stage lighting.

Teacher Lionel Guico and my friend Crisel Consunji played the Phantom and Christine.

The prod team: Alvin, Leah, Carol, and Me getting caught with Jamaican Patty on hand.

Dampa sa Libis

2006-03-26T08:58:00.000+08:00

Our youngest brother Raymond came back from Vietnam for a week and before he left for his early flight today, he treated us to dinner at Dampa last night. Thanks, Raym!

Carla, her BF Vince and Raymond

"I wanna fish!"

I really wanted to take pics of the food after it was cooked, but it disappeared too fast!!!

Before we ate: Charlotte (Robin's GF), my bros. Robin and Raymond, Carla, Vince and Me.

After we ate: Is it time to lie down on the grass?

Billboard Boys

2006-03-25T22:04:00.000+08:00

Watch out for our billboard along the corner of EDSA and Shaw featuring Sam Concepcion and Christian Bautista.

Full Day, Fun Day

2006-03-24T23:08:00.000+08:00

9:45 am Did some word study and watched an episode of BVOV featuring Billye Brim talking about the incredible things that will happen in 2006

10: 05 am Morning workout (I'm on a self-imposed mass gain program)

11:15 am Got my first ever Urban Spa aromatherapy massage courtesy of a GC from a friend (thanks, Maits). After a super tiring event day yesterday, this was a great and relaxing experience.

1:08 pm Ran to Metrobank to cash my check from the Ayala Museum event

2:10 pm For some reason I just had to get my hair cut shorter still. I almost feel like a jarhead now.

3:50 pm Gave a short talk on behalf of the board at the Playshop teacher's orientation. It was nice to see that the two people I recommended (Maits and Geeg) were assigned two classes each.

5:01 pm Had to work with JC to frantically beat Philippine Star's deadline for the print ad we were placing. We just made it!

8:10 pm Red and I ran to Power Plant in Rockwell to meet up with Ashley, her mom, her sister, Gino, and Chevy. We had dinner at Dencio's to celebrate Ash's birthday. I think Tita got a little tipsy from her two beers :)

10:45 pm Yeah, I know it's still early but I was really tired and since I had Skye with me I had an excuse to go home early. Time to catch up on more Zzz's.

Goodnight, world. Thank you, God :)

Midnight at the Museum

2006-03-23T01:14:00.000+08:00

Spent the entire night at the Ayala Museum erecting the set for a corporate event. The event's done but I don't have proper pics yet. Since Jeff Arcilla was the official photographer, he shot the show and the set so I'll just wait for copies from him and make a more complete post later.

However I do have to mention NOW that Albergus was the caterer and the food was excellent. I especially loved the chocolate fondue fountain which up until tonight, was only a blogging urban legend to me. Now I have seen it for real and I will never be the same! hahahahaha

Chocoholics beware!

Passing the Torch

2006-03-20T23:25:00.000+08:00

Trumpets new Board of Directors were inducted/anointed/committed tonight at Word Community near Ultra. It was a special time as members, friends, founders, pastors, and previous board members came to support the new leadership. We received lots of prayers and instructions and left the place with an incredible anticipation of the good things that are to happen this year.

The Board: Me, Sweet, Noodles, JuneV, Carol, Sheila and Alvin

Our new President's first talk to the members

Tito Freddie and Jaime receiving special instruction from Pastor Nomer

Noodles, Sweety Pie and Skye hanging out

Sabi ni Skye: "Joe, I am so very glad to see you!"

I'd like to encourage those of you who haven't officially become members to sign up at the office in Pioneer. This is gonna be a glorious year for Trumpets and we want you to be part of it. Special thanks to my friends George and Hannah who made it. Eli, sayang you didn't make it.

Friendly Date?

2006-03-19T20:55:00.000+08:00

Last night, I was going to go with my friends George and Hannah to watch a play at Niel de Mesa's Koine (did i spell that right?), but since Hannah's family had a dinner we just ended up hanging out in a coffee place at Shang. We talked about a lot of things, but the question of the night was this:

Q: Is there such a thing as a friendly date?

Joel: I don't think that there really is cos no matter how innocent or 'friendly' you make a date out to be there is always that tiny seed of interest buried in the mind/heart of one or sometimes both people.

George: If it doesn't exist then how else would you get to know someone you're interested in if there was no other common venue like work, a project, or an organization?

Hannah: I think there has to be since sometimes, as a girl, you just want to take the opportunity to learn about a guy before you step into anything more serious.

I guess there are other good arguments for both sides but I still stick to my opinion that 'friendly date' is just another name for "a real date but we're afraid to call it that because of what some people would think so we think of a safe name to use".

Overflow!

2006-03-15T22:16:00.000+08:00

Is it possible to be so blessed that it literally overwhelms you? YES!!

God is hitting me with it on the left and on the right, front and back. He's throwing me things coming into a place and even as I'm walking out the blessings are running after me. I'd be just sitting in a room quietly and people I don't know or haven't heard from in a long time call me up and offer me jobs. In fact, the prosperity is coming in so fast that I've had to bring in other people and give them work too. And I know that this is only the beginning of it. I am expecting a tsunami of good things to come my way the rest of this year. So much so that I won't be able to give it away fast enough.

And don't just think that my overflow is financial or in my work. It has spilled into ALL parts of my life: in my inner life, my relationships, my family, my creativity, and even into Trumpets.

And this all happened because I chose to obey an instruction God gave me. It was difficult to do and difficult to get through but these words strengthened me:

For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

I stuck with my choice to follow Him, there was no turning back and the dam of blessing broke wide open. So who wants to be next? All you gotta do is Let go and let God.

KopiRoti

2006-03-15T01:29:00.000+08:00

If you haven't tried this yet then I suggest you go asap because you are missing out on something really good! I'm talking about the KopiBun which is available at KopiRoti (Blue Ridge, Katipunan Ave) which is on Katipunan road BEFORE you reach the flyover going to Ateneo. The KopiBun is absolutely delicious and combines a crispy golden crust with insides that literally melt in your mouth like butter. I don't know how else to describe the taste other than saying that you just have to go find out for yourself. GO! Go now.

It's Nearly Summer

2006-03-12T17:53:00.000+08:00

Time for beach outings, air conditioners, shorts, and NEW haircuts. Btw, to all my friends who are standing up for what they believe in and are choosing to risk the consequences to make themselves better, I support you guys all the way. Just one small bit of advice: don't be disappointed or devastated if it turns out you were wrong. Just pick yourself up, learn from it, and "Fail Forward".

This is the shortest my hair has ever been cut.
(Kris, you better like it, cos I got the idea from you!)