the adventures of little superhero boy

adventure # 305: 100% Guilt Free Shopper event Teaser 4

2011-05-06T11:48:00.001+07:00

A Fashion Blogger, A Graphic artist & illustrator and A Model-Host & Preschool teacher are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

adventure # 304: 100% Guilt Free Shopper event Teaser 3

2011-05-06T11:45:00.001+07:00

A French and A Japanese student volunteers, A Singer and A Model-VJ are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

adventure # 303: 100% Guilt Free Shopper event Teaser 2

2011-05-06T11:38:00.005+07:00

A Radio DJ, A Fashion Stylist, A Film Director and A Climate Change
Commissioner are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free
Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

adventure # 302: 100% Guilt Free Shopper Event Teaser 1

2011-05-05T02:44:00.003+07:00

A Beauty Queen with a cause, A Blogger, A Climate Change Warrior and An Icon are all united for FAIR TRADE. They are 100% Guilt Free Shoppers, how about you?

Make the SWITCH!
5.14.11
Shangri La Plaza Mall

Facebook.com/wftoasia

adventure # 301: 100% Guilt Free Shopper

2011-05-01T03:25:00.006+07:00

World Fair Trade Day is a worldwide celebration of Fair Trade which has been supported for the past few years by thousands of citizens, Fair Trade Organizations, social and environmental movements, local authorities, national governments, multilateral institutions, producers and consumers all around the planet. Last year, more than 52 countries took part in this global call for change. This year, more than 73 countries in 5 regions are expected to participate.

In the Philippines, WFTO Asia will be celebrating the World Fair Trade Day in Shangri La Plaza Mall Grand Atrium from May 13 to 15. There will be a photo exhibit, a mini expo of certified Fair Trade products from all over Asia, and booths where people can sign up to become a volunteer and/or a sponsor.

In line with the organization’s regional consumer brand & logo with the tagline, “Shopping with a Conscience,” WFTO Asia will launch its consumer campaign ‘100% Guilt Free Shopper’ on May 14.

The campaign aims to inform everyone, especially the consumers, what Fair Trade is and the 10 principles it represents. It aims to empower the consumers that by SWITCHING to Fair Trade by either BUYING (certified Fair Trade products and/or the organization’s advocacy merchandise) or SUPPORTING (Sponsoring/Donating/Fundraising, becoming a volunteer intern, and or participating in the organization’s events), they have the power to BEAT POVERTY, BEAT CLIMATE CHANGE, BEAT DISCRIMINATION, BEAT EXPLOITATION and BEAT IGNORANCE.

“This campaign targets 1,000,000 switchers by the end of the year. 1,000,000 people in Asia who realized that thoughtless buying isn’t enough. 1,000,000 people who believes that they can use the power of their purchase to change the lives of millions of disadvantaged communities all over the world,” says Toni Zuniga, Business Development and Brand Officer of WFTO Asia.

“Fair Trade is such a worthy advocacy and movement. It’s really big in countries like the UK and the US. It’s about time that Asia knows about it & unite for change which is not easy because of the relatively low awareness of the Asian consumers about Fair Trade.” says Zuniga.

Many celebrities like Emma Watson, Sir Paul Mc Cartney and Annie Lennox have been active supporters of Fair Trade. Emma Watson, for example, partnered with a WFTO member organization called ‘People Tree’ to release a line of Fair Trade clothing in the UK.

As part of the 100% Guilt Free Shopper campaign, WFTO Asia will be introducing 12
personalities who’ll be the Ambassadors of Fair Trade here in the Philippines. These individuals came from different fields and industries, some are already household names while others are well-known in their respective fields.

“Anybody can be a Guilt Free Shopping Ambassador. You don’t have to be a celebrity or
automatically be a 100% Fair Trade practitioner. The first step in becoming one is to be educated about Fair Trade and the 10 principles that comprise it. The next step is to slowly transition to Fair Trade. The change doesn’t have to be radical- Buy a Fair Trade product and try it. Sign up and be a WFTO volunteer or a sponsor. By the end of 2011, we aspire to have 1,000,000 switchers, 1,000,000 Ambassadors for Fair Trade.” says Zuniga.

WFTO Asia is partnering with the Philippine Climate Change Commission, AIESEC Philippines, Miss Earth Foundation, Nakamurka.com, Herword.com & Business World to make this event possible.

adventure # 300: Mt. Pinatubo

2011-03-14T11:49:00.004+07:00

"ARE WE THERE YET?"

That's the question that I kept on asking (and asking) when my friends and I did the whole 24 km back & forth trek to Mt. Pinatubo.

It was a beautiful Saturday. The sun was up and the wind was chilly- a PERFECT combination to embark in what proved to be one of the most challenging yet amazing adventures of my life.

It started with a 3 am meet up in Mc Donald's Quezon Ave Branch then a 3 hour road trip to the base camp. At around 7 in the morning, we all rode really cool 4x4 jeepneys and voyaged through the bumpy, dusty but AWESOME trail. The ride was COOL! The barren landscape was a perfect contrast to the deep blue sky above and the patch of greenery enveloping it. After almost an hour of bump and grind, we were dropped of in the O'Donell River trail where we began a 3 hour trek.

We were greeted by rocks of all sizes (from pebbles to boulders), stream (both stagnant & cascading ones), and the picturesque sceneries of both lush vegetation & dried up rock formations. The walk seemed never ending which was not exactly motivating but it was a great thing I have the best people to kill time with by laughing & talking.

With tired out bodies, sore feet, bruises, cuts & sun burnt skin-- we finally reached the crater peak. Although not as 'blue' as what the Pinatubo postcards showed, it was still a sight to smile about. It's just amazing how a once symbol for destruction has become a tourist destination that benefits not only those who travel but also the people & their respective families who make a living out of it.

Some of us swam while others just lied down the riverbanks to absorb the beauty that surrounded us.

After eating our lunch and taking some rest, it was time to head back which was not really an appealing option for us at that time since going back meant another 3 hour trek down the rocky, bumpy & oftentimes life-threatening trail. We actually HAD A CHOICE to do the short (and easier) route but we opted to do the 'OLD WAY.' Call it DETERMINATION. Or simply call it we-dont-want-to-waste-more-money (Short Cut=Additional Cost).

I don't know how we were able to do it,but we all got back to our 4x4 jeepneys in one piece! Whew!

All in all the whole Pinatubo trek was tiring, hot, challenging but F-U-N! And this is because of the people I shared it with :)

adventure # 299: WFTO Asia- Shopping with a Conscience

2011-03-10T17:09:00.006+07:00

March 8 is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is, “Equal Access to education, training and science & technology: Pathway to decent work for women”; over 100 countries all over the world celebrated on this day the various contributions and achievements of women.

The mission and vision of World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia) is to uplift the conditions of thousands of grassroots producers and workers in the poorest of Asian countries in which majority are composed of women. The WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN FAIR TRADE event is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women in Fair Trade and in their respective communities. It showcased women in Fair Trade as leaders and change makers, highlighting the experiences of these women in helping other women that created a cycle of empowerment.

Ramona Ramos, Executive Director of WFTO Asia says, “At present, we have more than 90 member organizations and communities in 14 Asian countries, majority are women and women led, who supports women in creating sustainable livelihood solutions for her and her family.”

Simultaneously, WFTO Asia pre-launched its new regional consumer brand & logo with the tagline, “Shopping with a Conscience.” In connection, WFTO Asia will introduce its 2011 consumer campaign called “100% Guilt Free Shopper.”

The campaign aims to inform everyone, especially the consumers, what Fair Trade is and the 10 principles it represents. It aims to empower the consumers that by switching to Fair Trade by either buying (certified WFTO Asia Fair Trade products and/or the organization’s advocacy merchandise) or supporting the organization (Sponsoring/Donating/Fundraising, becoming a volunteer intern, and or participating in the organization’s events), they have the power to eradicate poverty, stop child and forced labor, advocate for gender equality, support sustainability and capacity building, safeguard the environment, promote equality in trade, and open opportunities for health and education.

“This campaign targets 1,000,000 switchers by the end of the year. 1,000,000 people in Asia who realized that thoughtless buying isn’t enough. 1,000,000 people who believes that they can use the power of their purchase to change the lives of millions of disadvantaged communities all over the world,” says Toni Zuniga, Business Development and Brand Officer of WFTO Asia

The ‘100% Guilt Free Shopper’ campaign will officially begin on April with the launch of WFTO Asia’s Regional 100% Guilt Free Shopping Ambassadors. These people will follow the footsteps of WFTO’s Global Ambassador Emma Watson in promoting WFTO and Fair Trade.

adventure # 298: WFTO & the little superheroboy

2011-02-21T15:41:00.008+07:00

I know I haven't been blogging that often. But I have the perfect excuse!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the source of my sleepless nights, sudden-stop-then-smile moments, and occassional heart fluttering.

J-O-B.

And all of this sappy fanboy symptoms worthy of its own equally sappy soap is because of this three letter word.

I thank my lucky stars because since January of this year, I started working for World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia) as their Business Development and Brand Officer.

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is the global representative body of over 350 organizations committed to 100% Fair Trade. It operates in 70 countries across 5 regions; Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North American and the Pacific Rim, with elected global and regional boards, to create market access through policy, advocacy, campaigning, marketing and monitoring. It is the only global network whose members represent the Fair Trade chain from production to sale.

WFTO members are organizations differentiated by their 100% Fair Trade commitment to eradicate poverty through sustainable economic development; pioneering social and environmental policy and practice and continual reinvestment in marginalized artisans, farmers and producer communities in some of the most fragile places on earth. 110 million artisans, farmers, growers, producers, and supporters (30 million are small-scale producers, their families and communities) driving Fair Trade through cooperatives, networks, brands and businesses with a 100% Fair Trade commitment delivering US$2.2 billion in Fair Trade sales worldwide.

The goal of the WFTO is to enable small producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through sustainable Fair Trade. It does this by delivering market access through policy, advocacy, campaigning, marketing and monitoring. Fundamentally, the World Fair Trade Organization is a global community of pioneering and passionate change-makers, responsible for the development of the sustainable Fair Trade economy, for the good of us all.

Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seek greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.

Fair Trade champions 10 standards that all its member organizations should follow. These include the following:

1. Create opportunities for disadvantaged producers which aims to reduce poverty
2. There should be transparency and accountability
3. Payment of a Fair Price
4. Fair trading practices
5. No forced and child labor
6. Gender equality and non-discrimination
7. Safe and healthy working conditions
8. Capacity building through skills development
9. Environmental conservation
10. Promotion of Fair trade & education

Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.

Fair Trade is more than just an advocacy. It’s the solution that can affect the entire world positively.

I was able to get this job thanks to my Global Xchange experience last year.

For the second leg of our exchange which happened in Cebu, one of my work placements was with Fair Trade Cebu's SPFTC. Together with my British counterpart, David, we did several projects with them. We created an entire advocacy campaign called 'I want to be FAIR' which aims to inform people about Fair Trade. We also went to community immersions to really see how Fair Trade has helped the numerous diadvantaged communities in Cebu, went on a university tour to encourage more young advocates to join the cause, and a whole lot more.

I guess my work supervisor, Ms. Gigi, liked what we did that's why she recommended me to be part of WFTO's regional office in Asia.

I've been calling myself The Little Superheroboy for 3 years now. I haven't really lived up to that not until I joined Global Xchange and decided to reshift my career into development work.

Now I work alongside a group of brilliant and amazing people. Although working in a NGO (even if its global) is very different from my work when I was still in the mainstream-corporate jungle(primarily when it comes to funds since WFTO's funds came from grants and donations from mostlly European organizations), I can confidently say, I have never been this happy.

There's such an inner bliss that I couldn't stop feeling that at the end of the day, the real reason why our organization exist is to help alleviate the condition of the millions of disadvantaged workers, producers and communities that depend on Fair Trade.

And no amount of money can buy that.

As what my boss told me, WFTO and other NGOs may not be the richest organizations in the world, but it certainly is a billionaire in spirit :)

To know more about WFTO and WFTO Asia, please visit:

HTTP://WFTO.COM & HTTP://WFTO-ASIA.COM

adventure # 297: Flights of Fancy

2011-02-12T19:25:00.007+07:00

When I was 4, my Mom asked me: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

I looked at her and without blinking I replied, "I want to be an astronaut so I can collect the stars."
...
That of course didn't come true but my fascination for 'flying' and discovering 'what's up there' has never really died. I fed my hunger to fly by watching Nat Geo & Discovery channel shows about space exploration & airplanes (even airplane disasters), visit planetariums, collect model airplanes, and even post glow-in-the-dark stars on my room's ceiling.

I woke up @ 2 in the morning on a Saturday morning to head to Clark with my friends (Noel, Gracia, Blossom plus Ms. Irene with her husband & cute kid Nathan; and Ms. Anj with his son Sebastian) for the 16th Hot Air Balloon festival. I've heard about this for years but I've never really had the chance to see it in person.

The entire place was packed with people, mostly families sitting either on picnic mats or inside their tents. The sun hasn't risen yet but we waited there patiently, eagerly anticipating to see these magnificent flying artworks blaze through the early morning sky.

When the gigantic balloons started flying above us, I was in awe as it navigated the sky with the wonderful sun rising in its background. In a matter of minutes I saw fanciful hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes-- Pirate in a barrel, Flying house (that reminded me of the movie UP) and even the really big head of Darth Vader!

After the hot air balloons had already cleared the sky, people (including us) started flying kites. The entire sky was filled with kites ranging from really gigantic butterfly kites to cute and small spongebob types. That moment was reminiscent of a scene I saw in the movie 'The Kite Runner.' I ran like a kid in the grassland to make my kite (a military airplane) fly high as possible. I was sweating but it was all so damn worth it!

Before heading back to Manila, we all stopped by an Italian resto called 'C' located in the Friendship road. It's a fine dining resto with interiors that reminded me of this resto in Baguio called Cafe by the Ruins. The food was SENSATIONAL! I really love their pastas and pizza panini. Although you may want to bring loads of cash when you eat here, the food (and the trip) makes it so worth it. As an added perky touch to the serious-rustic interiors of the resto, signed plates were posted on the walls. Each plate has a dedication/message from the resto's more popular guests.

The day ended with a full tummy, a smile, and a (sort of) fulfillment of a childhood dream :)

adventure # 296: A tale of lost animals in Baguio

2011-02-11T09:00:00.007+07:00

So the first official trip we had for 2011 is in Baguio!

I've been to this place so many times yet it still remains to be one of my favorite. The coldness of the area juxtaposed to the warmness of the people makes this city up in the mountains a 'happy place.'

With my friends- Tina, Noel, Happy and our French guy (slash my officemate) Jeremy, we all headed there last Friday.

I personally wanted to stay in a place that's not so 'uptight' so I suggested PNKY which is a very quirky and lovely hotel. With excellent service from the hotel staff, it wasn't hard to cozy up. We rented the gallery that has one queen size bed, a pullover, a single bed and an entire private living room. It's big enough to sleep at least 8 people. (FYI: Most of the furniture used in PNKY is for sale. Heck, even the wooden door is up for grabs if you're willing to splurge in 48,000.00 pesos!)

Day 1 consisted of a visit in Tam-awan (where you'll see a replica of what a traditional Igorot village would look like), Bell Church (Taoist temple), Lunch @ Oh my gulay (Really cool mostly veggie resto), Dinner @ Cafe by the Ruins (good food, SLOW service), and a failed attempt to go to Ayuyang bar.

On our way back to PNKY (we decided to just have a private party in PNKY), we saw a wall filled with animal hats for sale. After a few should-we-buy-this-and-waste-150-pesos-or-not, we decided (as a sign of our friendship and a good thinking cap) to buy each. And from that point on, we walked the (cold) streets of Baguio looking like a band of Animal misfits.

Back at PNKY, we all mixed up some booze and played games like 'I have never', 'Pinoy Henyo', etc. When the alcohol started to kick in, we were all laughing and dancing to the tune of Florence and the Machine's Dog days are over. Conversations ranged from Larusso to Fair Trade. One word- EPIC.

With a little hangover from last night's festivities, we headed to Camp John Hay. We ended up in Manor Hotel wehre we watched a traditional Chinese Lion-Dragon dance. We also had a very, very sinful meal @ Carlos' pizza (BUFFALO WINGS-SARAP. SOLID). Then we went to Strawberry farm to buy veggies and other pasalubongs.

We were all tired by the time we started our journey back to Manila. But nobody's complaining. With our animal thinking caps on, we all slept with a smile :)

adventure # 295: Naermyth- not another f*ckn twilight garbage.

2011-01-13T14:34:00.017+07:00

Never were they myth in the first place…

The world ended. It was not because of a comet, prophecy, natural disaster or whatever garbage foretold on the internet, but because every myth ever written turned out to be an account of historical fact. These monsters we’ve read about as children waged a war that lead to the human race’s downfall. And the unlucky who survived are hunted down or, worse, tortured.

In these dark times, people could only turn to the Shepherd for help. I am one such Shepherd and I thought my only task was to protect the few humans who still thrived on this desolate world. But when I rescued Dorian from Dwende captivity, I discovered that not only is he the most dangerous thing to have around, but he could be our one hope for redemption. I now find myself protecting a born killer, but in doing so, I’m turning my back on everything human.

I've always been fascinated with mythology and the paranormal. I remember being excited as I purchased my own copy of Greek Mythology from a local bookstore. I was a senior in high school back then and although we were discussing works of Homer and Plato in English class, we weren't really required to buy the mythology book. It was my own prerogative. I was THAT into it.

So when my best friend Tina gave me a plastic bag of books to read (see I have this 2011 goal to read at least 150 new books), I was drawn to this book with a pretty interesting cover and a more interesting story.

As I read the first few pages and when found out it was a dystopia that infuses Filipino mythology above all things and that it was written by a Filipino writer, I got really, for a lack of better word, 'kilig' (err... excited!).

Naermyth (word play of the phrase 'Never Myth') by Karen Fransisco is a story about a girl named Athena Dizon or more known to his circle as Aegis. The story is set in the Philippines 5 years after the entire human race was defeated in war. Now this war was like no other war that man has ever experienced. It was a war won over by creatures that men thought didn't exist-- only myths and stories we heard of when were children. Aswangs, dwendes, kapres, mananaggal, sirenas, diwatas, nuno sa punso and even the least known ones (at least for me) like the batibat, pasatsat and the bakunawa. [side story: I was also thrilled to read that the undin was mentioned (a character I saw in one of Shake, Rattle and Roll movies)]. Armed with their deadly superhuman abilities and for some of them, the desire to hunt for human meat, it was pretty obvious why the humans were no match.

The last hope for the remaining humans was a group of highly skilled men and women known as National Bureau of Conflict and Transport or the NaBuCAT, informally known as the Shepherds, whose basic task is to find other survivors scattered all over the country and keep them safe against the Naermyth.

The story takes flight when Aegis rescued a man named Dorian from the dwendes. Unlike the other that she had rescued before, what made this man's case extra special(and strange) is the fact that he has no memory of the last five years and no knowledge of the Naermyth at all. Aegis decided to bring him to the NaBuCAT headquarters, and despite being disconnected from most people around her, she found herself drawn to Dorian in ways she could not fathom. Slowly as the facts unfolded right before her eyes, she finally found out who (or what) Dorian is. This realization ultimately tore Aegis apart leaving her to choose whether to help the man she barely knew or stay true to her oath as a Shepherd.

I'm a bit critical when it comes to the books I read especially if I'm really, really interested with its theme. With this disclaimer being said, I'm happy to say that Naermyth lived up to my expectations. At first, I thought it would be a some local rip off of LJ Smith's Nightworld. But as I finished the first three chapters, I knew I was reading something more than just your typical paranormal trash (Twilight *cough*).

The characters were well fleshed out and the world that Fransisco painted was believable. I 'get' what she envisioned. She cleverly interpreted Philippine folklore in such a way that it made me not question her constructed reality. From making Capiz as the new Malacanang Palace for the Naermyth government to mentioning that Pangasinan was relatively a safe spot for humans (since Pangasinan(name etymology- Pang asinan; place for salt making) is known for its salt production). She also made the Naermyth invasion massive and global by mentioning that other countries were attacked as well by Naermyths 'endemic' or unique to their own region like the dragons in Norway, vampires in Europe and even the Loch Ness monster.

I found myself glued and engaged with this book as I traveled from home to work and vice versa, during lunch breaks and even before I sleep. Although some parts were a bit too 'wordy' and that the characters , from time to time, sounded like minions of Kuya Kim Atienza giving facts about something, I was still pleased with the solid narration of the story. There was a right equilibrium of drama, mystery, conflict and the oh so needed love angle to keep readers glued to their seats.

When I read about Karen Fransisco's 'About the author' part, it made me sense that she would be able to create something as 'visual' as far as literary work is concern. (She finished a degree in Visual Communications)

Book trailer/preview

Naermyth I believe is a first in so many ways.

It's first ever paranormal-dystopian novel I read that's written by a Filipino. A solid debut from an author who was able to make the overused imagery/concept of Aswangs and Kapres into something fresh, believable and (in a good way) serious.

I'm very proud that more Filipino writers are really pushing into the mainstream market (cause God knows how I dare not travel the Filipiniana section of bookstores because it'll be a shelf filled of tourist magnet books and/or borderline textbooks). As a (struggling) writer myself, I know how hard it is to just put something out there for the world to consume (and criticize).

And although I'm in no way convinced that the Naermyths exist, (no) thanks to Fransisco, I'll be sure to check my back once in a while.

PS: Thanks Karen for writing something really, really good! Looking forward to more books from you. (Kiss that Edward 'Shine' Cullen! LOL)

To know more about Naermyth, visit their website @ http://www.naermyth.co.cc/

adventure # 294: Are we really 'living' life?

2011-01-11T23:16:00.004+07:00

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007.

The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately.

2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.

He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

The actual footage of the said experiment

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…

How many other things are we missing?

Source:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html

adventure # 293: Pas de trois

2011-01-08T22:59:00.010+07:00

PAS DE TROIS- a ballet term, a dance of three people. Means 'not three.'

Thanks to Jay, a GX lunch meet up finally materialized. Only Marvie, Des and I went to the Fort that Saturday morning since our other team mates were somewhere doing something.

The initial plan was to dine in Mercanto Centrale, an area where different food stalls offering different kinds of food ranging from the really... yummy down to just plain weird were located. It would've been wonderful to have stayed there if only we could find at least a table to place our food. The place was packed!

After walking around, we decided to just transfer into an indoor place where an a/c system existed (it was mighty hot in Mercanto). Jay suggested the Eco Cafe near Serendra. The entire place promotes vegetarian and eco friendly food products. The look and feel of the store reminded me of Fair Trade.

This spontaneous change proved to be an awesome move for not only did the cafe serve yummy, organic & healthy food (yummy malunggay pesto!), but the cafe screams GX! From the advocacy keepsakes down to the eco friendly products displayed in the numerous shelves inside the store. Spell G-C-D/C-A-D, anyone? :D

After everybody has settled, conversations started rolling in. We were able to meet former GX volunteers from different batches. It's just so amazing to hear their stories of what their life was post GX. Some are now working for UN while others are working for other non-government organizations. There was even this one guy named Joseph who'll be flying to Spain in a few days c/o of his organization who specializes in education projects. It was also good that Marvie, Des and I were able to tell them that we're working for Petron Foundation, Climate Change Coalition and World Fair Trade Organization Asia respectively. The three of us got excited when Jay reminded us that if my team would organize a forum/event that would educate a certain group of people about a significant social topic, VSO would help fund it.

Post GX meet up, I treated Marvie and Des in a quaint and lovely dessert store called Miss Desserts. Their earthquake cake was just sensational! This was the time we updated each other about our plans and other stories.

Yummy cake + fancy drinks + genuine laughters + some of the best people in the world= Fantastic time!

Before driving home, Des took us to an American cemetery in the Fort. I thought it would be creepy hanging out in a dead guy's haven but I was wrong. It was beautiful! The white crosses were perfectly aligned and nestled in the manicured green grass lawn. The place glistened as the sun's rays hit the ground and as the trees casted shadows. The place proved to be a really relaxing spot in the middle of urbania.

"Le plus grand faible des hommes, c'est l'amour qu'ils ont de la vie!" (Man's greatest weakness is his love of life.)

Being with them, my GX loves, reminded me of the many great possibilities that's in store for all of us this 2011.

"2010 was plain amazing. But I believe that 2011 will be absofuckingly better!" I said.

And with the car window rolled down and as the wind blew inside the car, we glided into the sunset with smile in our faces.

2011 will be a year of pure awesomeness!

adventure # 292: Not a typical He said-She said love story

2011-01-05T02:09:00.008+07:00

BRYCE:
My mom didn’t understand why it was so awful that “that cute little girl” had held my hand. She thought I should be friends with her. “You like soccer. Why don’t you go out there and kick the ball around?” Because I didn’t want to be kicked around, that’s why. And although I couldn’t say it like that, I still had enough sense at age seven and a half to know that Julianna Baker was dangerous.

JULIANNA:
What did a kiss feel like anyway? Somehow I knew it wouldn’t be like the one I got from Mom or Dad at bedtime. The same species, maybe, but radically different beast. Like a wolf and a whippet. Only science would put them in the same tree. Looking back, I think it was at least partly scientific curiosity that made me chase after that kiss, but it was probably more of those blue eyes.

I haven't really had the chance (yet) to read Wendelin Van Draanan's Flipped but thanks to my best friend in the world Tina, I was able to get a copy of its big screen adaptation.

Remember your good old adolescent years when your feelings about romance turns from non existential to full blast (blame it to the hormones!). The girl you thought was a total monster becomes the object of your dreams. The boy you've had a crush on since the beginning of time, in a blur, becomes one big A-hole.

If only you could turn back time and undo all the stupid things you've done. Maybe, just maybe.

Flipped is a lovely movie, in essence, about a girl named Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll) who has adored a boy named Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe)ever since the latter moved in their neighborhood in the second grade. It was love at first sight for Juli! She even likes the way he smells (like watermelons, she said). However, our boy Bryce isn't as thrilled as Juli. In fact, it was the polar opposite. He's annoyed with everything Juli.

Determined to win her man's heart, Juli did everything to get noticed-- she talked to him even though he'd rather not listen and she would give him eggs for free every morning even if he just kept on dumping the entire dozen to the bin (because his dad said it may contain salmonella).

At one point of the film, Juli fell in love with a sycamore tree planted near the bus stop. This is where she would usually climb up to see the picturesque landscape of the meadow. When there were threats to chop of the said tree, Juli made a stand. She didn't climb down even if the contractors threatened to call the police. She called Bryce to make a stand with her, but instead of rallying with her, he opted to ride the bus and go to school.

The more and more Bryce rejected Juli, the more she realizes that he isn't the charming prince with the dazzling eyes she had envisioned for years. He's actually a jerk.

Then things began to 'flip' when Juli was featured in the local dailies for her stand for the sycamore tree. Bryce's grandfather Chet(John Mahoney) was impressed by Juli's spirit. He told Bryce that if he were the young lad, he would definitely notice Juli. This statement started to linger his mind. Slowly, he began to notice that Juli's not like any other girl in his school. She's a stand out.

Set in a small American suburbia in 1963, Flipped is a charming he-said-she-said film directed by Rob Reiner. Backed by a talented cast and the sweet-syrupy music of that decade, the film is seen from both points of view: Bryce's and Juli's. The scenes happen as they seem to, and not in alternate universes. But they seem so different, depending on who is seeing them.

Aside from the masterful direction of Reiner, the true gems of this film were it's two young but talented leads- Caroll and McAuliffe. It's a given that these two are just so adorable to look at but what makes them effective as Juli and Bryce respectively is the vulnerabilty, rawness and honesty that they breathe in to their characters. We smile when they're happy and shed a tear or two whenever they got hurt.

To borrow words from Film Critic Roger Ebert: "Maybe what makes Flipped such a warm entertainment is how it re-creates a life we wish we'd had when we were 14. That's true for adults, and also I suspect true for some 14-year-olds. In a way the audience flips, too."

I agree.

This film isn't pretentious.

It doensn't claim to showcase a social statement nor pretend to inspire people to change their wicked ways. All it wants is to show that there's always two sides to a story and that sometimes even the simplest of things such as young love can be as equally inspiring as the quest for world peace.

Bow.

Adventure # 291: The shiny red balloon

2011-01-03T22:48:00.001+07:00

It hurt when I lost each of the various men I fell in love with. Now, though, I am convinced that no one loses anyone, because no one owns anyone. That is the true experience of freedom: having the most important thing in the world without owning it.

- Maria of P. Coelho's Eleven Minutes

We met up one night
I saw you waiting for me carrying a red shiny balloon
A big smile crept up on my face
Eagerly anticipating what will happen next.

Under a starless sky
with the cold night breeze blowing on our skin
We began walking in circles
Not really knowing where to go

You asked me to close my eyes
trying my hardest not to peak
Feeling a little jittery
as I anticipate what will happen next

"You can open up your eyes now."

You said.

As the dim lights enter my eyes
a lovely picnic set up was laid on the damp grass
with flickering candles surrounding it
dancing, inviting, breathtaking

My soul jumped with glee
not even the most expensive course meals
can compare
to the home made pasta you brought

We ate.
We laughed.
We held hands.
We hugged.

The night was picturesque.

"All we needed were the stars and this could've been perfect."

I said.

Never in my life have I felt like this
If thought bubbles can be seen
you would've seen that what my heart and mind kept on screaming
was "I Love you."

It was already past ten
the night joggers all went home
the once busy park now became silent
All left

But us.

"Do you trust me?"

You said.

"Yes"

I replied without a doubt.

You leaned over and planted a soft kiss on my lips.

I felt electricity sparking within me.

I closed my eyes trying to memorize the feeling.

"I have something to say."

My eyes abruptly opened with the sound of your voice.

"What is it?"

I said.

"I like you but my heart is saying that this is wrong"

I swear my heart skipped a beat.

"I can never leave the man that I'm with now. We can never be more than just friends."

Tears began forming on my eyes.

Dropping in slow motion as if melting like a candle when lit.

"So this is goodbye?"

I said almost shaking.

"Yes."

You said coldly.

We left the place physically together but emotionally disconnected.

All along, I thought we can work this out.

But I was never your destination, just one of your stop overs.

Under the starless sky
I walked with my head down low
walking slowly as if my feet were chained

I stopped walking.

I opened my right hand.

The shiny red balloon that I've been holding on the entire evening
slowly flew up in the dark sky
I followed it with my eyes
Seeing it vanish, being digested by the sky.

"I have no choice. I am letting go."

adventure # 290: of picnics & awesome, shiny people

2011-01-03T22:12:00.007+07:00

So it's 2011 baby!

And as part of tradition, we held our first surprise birthday party last January 2 for our boy Noel.

It's been our group's tradition to surprise each other during our birthdays. Although we already expect 'it', the method and effort to out do and cook up something unique was still a treat :)

Last year, Noel's 24th was a kiddie party in Mc Donalds. This year, we did it in UP.

After texting and messaging the troop, the 'Papa Pa-Picnic ka naman diyan! Noel's 25th birthday bash' was ready to roll.

Tina and I arrived in UP before 4 and already started preparing. We laid the picnic mats and blew the balloons. It was a bit of challenge since we only relied on our mighty lungs to inflate the ultra sensitive balloons that kept on popping when touched. So even if there were 20 balloons, sadly, only 10 survived. The picnic party was supposed to start by 4 but the others were late so it was one awkward wait for Tina and I. People were already staring at us since we're in a very strategic spot surrounded by balloons.

Can you spell date?

When the guys and the birthday boy finally arrived, we started the laughters, the talks and the feast! Thanks to Pau and her donuts, Gel and her Carbonara, Grash & company for their chicken and chips, Tina and her cake-- we had one amazing birthday feast.

Between chats, we would do something crazy like juggle the balloons, do some weird balloon capoeira and play balloon football.

At around half past 7, we all packed up so we can go to Sunday service. However, before we drive away, we decided to have fun with UP's Christmas decors.

Amazing people= Fun times ♥

To all these lovely people, thank you for the help. For a lack of better word, I say- ACHIEEEEEEEVE! :)

To you Noel, we say Happy 25th birthday boy! Welcome to Midlife Crisis :p More love and more happiness *cheers*

Adventure # 289: Love talks and Plus ones

2011-01-03T21:46:00.004+07:00

Started out as a spontaneous idea- let's have our post Christmas-Pre 2011 dinner but this time we'll dress up and we'll bring 'plus ones.'

And last Dec 27, that finally happened. Most brought their plus ones except for Noel and I.

First stop was in Cafe Juanita-- a very interesting restaurant with mismatched interiors and fixtures that somehow made sense. The food was okay but the conversations were better.

Post dinner, we all went to Moksha for some drinks and more conversations. Thanks to the ever reliable alcohol and a game of modified ice breaker plus pinoy henyo, we all started to loosen up.

Secrets were revealed and the birth of new private jokes was inevitable. It was a night to remember!

Booze, laughters and serious love discussions slash interrogation portion, this night was epic!

So to these wonderful people who made my life more colorful, I say- SALUTE! *cheers*

adventure # 288: Fine line between good and evil

2011-01-01T00:27:00.003+07:00

A wicked, sexy and ultimately devastating study of a young dancer's all-consuming ambition, "Black Swan" serves as a fascinating complement to Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler," trading the grungy world of a broken-down fighter for the more upscale but no less brutal sphere of professional ballet. Centerstage stands Natalie Portman, whose courageous turn lays bare the myriad insecurities genuinely dedicated performers face when testing their limits, revealing shades of the actress never before seen on film.

To say "expect the unexpected" is a worthy advise for any Darren Aronofsky film. Having seen some of his other movies (Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler) I knew quite well what he was capable of, yet adhered to this motto and expected to be given something I couldn't imagine. Fortunately for me, and I do stress the word fortunately, I wasn't too sure of the depths he would take his new film Black Swan, and after viewing it (thanks Isohunt!) I have to say he once again gave me something completely unexpected, even if that's what I expected.

Set within the highly competitive and secluded world of a New York City ballet company, Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina, an emotionally fragile, perfectionist who still lives with her overprotective mother (Barbara Hershey) on Manhattan's Upper West Side. When the company's director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel), decides to "retire" the company's aging star (Winona Ryder) in order to find a new soloist for his upcoming production of Swan Lake, Nina seems a shoe-in for the part of the timid and virginal White Swan.

But in order to become the soloist, Nina must also be able to play the dark, seductive Black Swan - a role that seems better suited to the company's newest member, the free-spirited Lily (Mila Kunis). Despite his misgivings, Leroy gives Nina the role, sensing within her an undercurrent of wildness carefully hidden beneath her cold timidity and technical skill; his sexual advances come, seemingly, as a matter of course.

As the night of the ballet's opening draws nearer, the pressures on Nina escalate. What begins as neuroses easily explained by a stressful job and a repressive mother soon blossoms into a much darker psychosis: she hallucinates seeing her face on other women, indulges bloody fantasies of self-mutilation, and grows increasingly paranoid that Lily, recently assigned as her understudy, is conspiring to take her part. Yet even as her fervent dreams begin to invade waking life, Nina is dancing the Black Swan better and better.

Black Swan is one of those movies that sneaks up on you. It plays more like a concerto than a film, using every instrument in the pit to paint a visceral, tangible picture for its audience. It starts off slow and steady, lulling you into the depths of its world, using every tool in the director's arsenal. The cinematography is so pitch perfect I felt myself getting agitated more and more with every shot, a discomfort that is completely intentional and in no way haphazard.

As I watched I got swept along so subtly I hardly felt a transformation at all until the film reached its crescendo and I found myself thinking "Did I see what I think I just saw or am I going nuts?".

My madness, like many others I'm sure, is in a large part due to a tour de force portrayal of the swan queen by Natalie Portman that will surely earn her awards. The dichotomy of her character makes one wonder whether or not she used a split personality disorder to carry it off so effortlessly.

Being a dark film, there is always the line a director is never allowed to cross where entertainment becomes torture. A director should never turn on the audience and as this movie progresses Aronofsky traverses this line like a tightrope walker, always pushing but never too far. Every graphic or violent or disturbing scene serves its purpose as part of a whole and nothing is left in that isn't absolutely essential. If the director wants you to be scared or agitated he shows it and if he wants you to be sympathetic he switches gears seamlessly.

However with all this talk of darkness I tread lightly, I'm definitely not saying there's no beauty in this film. After all, at the end of the day it is set within a rendition of Swan Lake.

What I am saying is that even though the film has heavily dark undertones, the beauty still manages to shine through. In fact I'd have to say that one of the darkest scenes, when Nina's transformation into the Black Swan is finally complete, I was taken aback by one of the most visually stunning scenes I've seen in years. It was lyrical and sad, reverent, yet twisted and frightening.

You know a film has done it's job when you experience more than one emotion at a time.

Aronofsky strives for philosophical complexity with Black Swan, a film that, at its heart, is about the sacrifices performers make to create great art - the dual processes of creation and destruction. Along the way, it becomes one of the more psychologically disturbing films of the year.

Black Swan is truly an incredible achievement: a beautifully shot, highly entertaining mix of high and low art that is guaranteed to mesmerize audiences.It's heartfelt and visually stunning, terrifying and sensual, and even at times a bit funny.

You don't have to be a film snob to enjoy this one.

adventure # 287: Welcome to the Freak show

2010-12-23T01:39:00.001+07:00

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls
Step right up, step right up
Come closer, you won't believe your eyes
Behind this curtain
So sit back, relax, fasten your seat belts
It's going to be a bumpy ride to the other side"

I've been listening to Christina Aguilera's song Enter the circus from her Back to Basics album all evening while watching news on the television.

For the past couple of weeks, I've been talking/chatting with some of my friends just to check on them. We've basically talked about almost everything significant. The most common thing would be on the subject of love and dating.

Based from all of our mixed experiences, we all concluded that dating in the big city is mostly like a freak show filled with weird characters possessing undeniably irritating abilities.

This got my brain screws working.

I posted this question:

What is your worst dating experience?

Freak # 1: The man who was anchored by his past

Friend # 1 met this seemingly normal guy in her work place. She's been eyeing this guy for weeks and she was just psyched when this guy finally asked her out for a dinner date.

On their first night out, they went to a movie then to a nice restaurant-- normal date activities that any normal soon-to-be couple would do.

Then came the conversation part of the evening.

During their getting-to-know exchanges, the guy suddenly blurted out that the only reason why he asked my friend out on a date was because she reminded him of his ex-girlfriend in multiple ways.

Freak # 2: The man who lives for Sex

Friend # 2 has been going out with this cute guy for almost 3 weeks straight already.

Everything has been going smoothly.

The guy was articulate and very gentle-- until the day he invited my friend over to his place.

It was Friday night, my friend just arrived on his date's place.

My friend parked himself comfortably to a couch on the living room.

While they were watching television, the guy's hand kept on crawling on my friend's anatomy. Well, lets just say that my friend is a virgin (and still is) so this move is a red flag.

The guy kept on making advancements, trying to get into my friend's pants.

My friend, obviously resisting, ducked out on all these moves.

"You are such a tease! It's either you spread your legs or get out of my place!" Screamed the guy.

Out the door my friend went.

Freak # 3: The man who gets angry for stupid reasons

Friend # 3 went on a blind date that was set up by her office friends.

It's with a guy from a rival ad agency who, according to her office friends, was one hot piece of man candy.

When my friend arrived at this fancy restaurant in Serendra, she wasn't disappointed.

Her man candy was really a man candy.

So she got excited and instantaneously made a mental note on her mind on what their second date would be.

During dinner, they were eating and having a good conversation when all of a sudden her man candy screamed.

"P*t*ng *n* naman oh! Natalsikan ako ng tubig sa polo. P*ta! Bayaran mo to! G*gong waiter na ito!"

The waiter accidentally spilled a drop or two of soda on man candy's Armani polo.

Yes, it's something to be upset about, but my friend thought that screaming on the top of his lungs, making a scene that attracted all the eyes of the people inside the restaurant, and cursing a person was not attractive to her.

After that dinner, she never called Mr. man candy.

Freak # 4: The man who hides in another person's identity

Friend # 4 is fond of chatting and meeting up with almost complete strangers.

He once chatted with this guy he met via a social networking site. They've been exchanging messages already for months. They've been hitting it off pretty well and already decided to meet up.

On the day that they planned to meet up, my friend was all jittery and excited to finally meet this guy. Based from the guy's photo and from the information my friend got, they're a perfect match.

My friend sat in a cafe in Ayala waiting for his date to arrive. Then he noticed that a small, bald, flabby guy who's around 30 years of age slowly approached him. At first my friend didn't even bother since he doesn't know the guy.

"Hi! I'm ****" said the guy

"You're ****? Are you sure? You don't look like him" said my friend obviously wondering.

"Ah...Eh... must be because of photoshop" said the guy who should be thankful that he's not Pinocchio or else his nose would've been so long at that moment.

"Really now? said my friend with a pissed non verbal signal.

Freak # 5: The man who is in love with himself

Friend # 5 has been crushing on his schoolmate since day 1.

Finally, he had the guts to ask this guy out.

They went out on a date- the typical movie and dinner routine.

My friend was really excited and in high hopes that their date would be perfect.

*Fast forward to the end of the date*

My friend was extremely disappointed.

He was so disappointed that his date couldn't even complete a sentence and kept on looking at his reflection on anything that's shiny.

His date might look drop dead gorgeous but that's just about it.

Is it true what they say?
Is it all just fun and games?
or is there more behind the make up
and the faces full of paint?

Based from these dating nightmares, it might seem like the dating world is a scary place to visit.

However, come to think of it, we are freaks as well.

We all have our flaws and ghosts from the past that sometimes revisit us when we least expected.

We all feel vulnerable and exposed when dating someone new, do clumsy and ridiculous things in front of our crushes, say the dumbest remark so as to look cool, and even completely hide our true identities, dreams and wants just to make our own relationships work.

But no matter how freak-like we all become, we should all not give up.

If the world's fatest man or the lady with the elephant nose can find real love, all we need to do is just wait.

Wait for another freak who will kiss our three heads to make it better and who will love our bearded face unconditionally.

adventure # 286: 62!

2010-12-15T16:37:00.004+07:00

爸爸生日快乐!!!

Happy 62nd birthday Papa *hugs*

The Good old times

adventure # 285: A perfectly imperfect life that is High School

2010-12-14T09:39:00.005+07:00

"Ayoko nga manuod ng Star Cinema movies. Trailer pa lang, napanuod mo na yung buong pelikula."- Senior Year

High school—a single word that can bring in a lot of blissful memories for some while for others can elicit panic and unexplainable fear. It’s about popular kids versus the less popular geeks, it’s about the euphoric first love and the am-I-not-good-enough-God-why-me drama of the first heartbreak; it’s when, back then, choosing where to go to college and what to wear for prom could be the hardest two decisions of your life.

I was wasting my time on Facebook a few days ago when I stumbled upon this wall post by a friend. It’s about an advance screening of an indie film called Senior Year in UP. The Warholesque poster caught my eye and the short synopsis I read in the movie’s official Facebook page sealed the deal. I remember saying to myself: “Hey it’s just a hundred pesos. If this movie really sucks, it’ll not be the end of the world.”

I'm a big fan of fluff and mush but majority of the mainstream love/feel good/coming of age movies that are being shown just makes me want to puke big time. Shallow storylines, predictable plot twists and (heaven forbid) song titles repackaged as movie titles.

So there I was, one Thursday night with no expectations and just so ready to get the curiosity urge over with. As the theatre lights dimmed and the enthusiastic theatre crowd finally hushed, I sat comfortably and became a silent witness of the oh so familiar high school life.

The screening was actually opened by a short film called Faculty which was for a lack better word, a warm up before the main event. It shows the final day of a teacher named Joan (Che Ramos) as she bids farewell to her co-faculty. What started as a last day for clearance and a casual chit chat with one of her teacher friends named Ria (Bea Garcia), it avalanched into a heated discussion of principles and raw belief.

On one corner we hear Ria’s side giving a friendly advice to Joan that she shouldn’t be too radical when it comes to her decisions, that sometimes conforming and sticking to a safer pathway could be the best route after all. However, Joan would argue that more than anything, she’s a teacher who plans to do just that—teach. She passionately states that just because she’s teaching filthy rich college brats doesn’t mean she has to act as their nanny and completely shield them from the social realities.

What’s so amazing about this heated banter was that no matter how hard you try to choose one side, you’ll always end up saying ‘I like her argument but the other one also has a good point.’ This was fantastic! The whole short film doesn’t feed you with what to think, thus, it made me want to think some more.

Faculty ended with Joan stating that she wanted to teach high school students for maybe, just maybe, she can start a ripple of change on the minds of these kids.

SENIOR YEAR is a film written and directed by Jerrold Tarog, the same guy who made one of my favourite films Confessional. It’s glimpse into the lives of ten students at St. Frederick’s Academy as they struggle through the final months before graduation.

The statement above pretty much explains what to expect in the movie. The movie started with a man pulling over a parking lot. He was inside his car trying to decide whether he should go to his high school reunion or not. He was convincing at the same time psyching himself out, then the movie flashbacked to this man’s senior year in high school.

From that point on, the audience became spectators to the ups and downs of the lives of ten teenagers in the last few months of their senior year. Everything that the movie showed was very familiar—from colourful characters of the students (the nerds, the popular girls, the wannabes, the bullies, the awkward kid, the class clown, the jocks, the rebel) to the teachers (the one who inspires you, the one you make fun of, the one who talks to the board while she teaches, the one that marches to her own beat, the beautiful teacher with a shady personal life, the PE teacher that’s such a standout); the drama (first love, break ups and breakdowns, batch unity (or lack of), college entrance exams, intrams) and down to the stories we never really saw in campus and/or just too embarrassing to share to our friends (parents fighting, identity crisis, pressure from the parents and the society).

In a film like this, it’s so easy to just fall into the trap that most mainstream films tend to quicksand into—the curse of the clichés (aka stereotyping). But fortunately, Senior Year was able to create a visual imagery backed up with good narrative that’s so authentic that I could still smell the collective sweat of the students after of that tragic loss in the intrams. The dialogues were very natural both in the way it was written and acted out. At one point, my seatmate was whispering that the scenes looked like clips from a home movie.

The real strength of Senior Year was definitely the cast of awkward, pimply, flawed but enthusiastic students of St. Fredrick’s High school. There were no Kim Chiu’s in this film. What it has was an ensemble of uninhibited non actors who created a natural undertone that’s both effective and sincere. The vulnerability and undeniable innocence of these non actors made the film fresh, natural and all in all honest.

I was rooting for the fat kid to create a good valedictory speech, I was cheering for the awkward girl as heads turn her way when she walked in the hallway and started to receive compliments when she finally underwent a physical makeover , I felt for one of the girls when she found out the real identity of her secret lover and how her uber religious dad reacted, I wanted to tell the bullied boy that he’s more macho than any of his straight classmates because he was true to himself, and I secretly shed a tear for ‘Bunda’ who was a silent victim in the war of worlds that her parents created every single night.

The film has a great balance of humor, drama, romance and everything else in between. The relationships were played in such a way that it didn't get too sappy nor too melodramatic. It was handled with a restraint that made the audience feel fuzzy in the inside but still allowed them to be grounded afterwards.

These restraints, the masterful use of color, imagery, sound, and the smart execution of the story helped the film build flawlessly on its way to the conclusion that showcased the resolution being unfolded as the graduation speech was being read. Although the film ended in a happy note, it still opened a lot of realities.

Watching Senior Year inevitably made me reminisce about my own High School life. I was geek back then. But at the same time, I was somewhat popular and as unbelievable as it may sound, the corps commander of our CAT. I really had a blast in high school (not so much in college). It made me rethink about my own dreams back then and how much of these have already materialized in real life.

In a couple of years, I’ll be receiving one of those soap scented invites from my high school as they encourage their alumni to attend the high school reunion.

How many of us are successful? I hope majority did strike gold but I bet most just failed or got married or something else.

Will the ‘Ms. Joan’ in my life be proud of me when she sees what I’ve become?

There were so many questions that entered my mind as the closing credits of Senior Year began to roll. The movie made me reflect and rethink of my own life. It inspired me that hey, life is not about fulfilling the expected, thus, creating the unexpected.

Senior Year is a charming little movie that doesn’t only make one fuzzy and warm in a good way but also challenges an individual to reflect and think. In a society where it’s so easy to be deceived by flashy billboards and hardcore consumerism, this film has proven that one doesn’t need overly compensated ditzy ‘actors’ nor a well oiled production company to create great films. What Jerrold Tarog has proven yet again was that a good narrative, executed with sincerity and passion can melt even the most frigid heart and can ignite even the most dozed off consciousness.

With a smile on my face and a perked up enthusiasm, I left the theatre thinking that watching Senior Year was the best investment I ever made with my 100 pesos.

Starring:

Che Ramos, LJ Moreno, RJ Ledesma, Ina Feleo, Arnold Reyes, Ramon Bautista, Dimples Romana, Aaron Balana, Celina Peñaflorida, Eric Marquez, Rossanne de Boda, Nikita Conwi, Daniel Lumain, Mary Lojo, Sheila Bulanhagui, Francez Bunda, Daniel Medrana

Studio: Digitank Studios, Inc and Metric Films

Produced by: Franco Alido

Directed and written by: Jerrold Tarog

Website: http://www.facebook.com/SeniorYearFilm

adventure # 284: YES, it is possible!

2010-12-09T03:22:00.003+07:00

They have every reason to just quit (no support from the govt, has the reputation to be one of the worst teams in the region, representing a country that's obsessed with either basketball or boxing). Yet, they still managed to deliver results & inspire one nation that YES, everything is possible. It's not just luck baby, it's what you call hardcore PASSION.

Why Azkals?

An askal is a Filipino term for any dog with no pedigree, no breed, no class. The askal is usually astray, unsupported and survives by feeding on whatever provision it can find. The Filipino national football team can relate to this mongrel, they have almost no support from a government thats suppose to support them, they are underdogs not just only to the world but even in their own region, South East Asia. But despite these odds, just like an askal the National Team is a survivor. No matter how many 5-0s or 7-0s it suffers, it keeps on fighting. Despite no funding, it continues to strive to become better. And in a country where basketball is the main sport, even if they don't have a whole lot of support from their own kababayans they still manage to pull out results and try their very best to inspire a nation marred by corruption, violence and civil war.

So yes, they are underdogs, but they never surrender our fight!

An official statement from the Philippine National Men's Football Team

Mabuhay!

The Philippine National Men’s Football Team would like to offer to every Filipino this great triumph achieved in the football fields of Vietnam.

In the 14-history of the Suzuki Cup, the Philippines only qualified twice in the biennial competition that is at once the most prestigious tournament in the Asean region.

To get through the final rounds competition in Vietnam, we played three qualifying matches Laos where we finished second to the host country to advance to Vietnam.

And for the first time, we have advanced to the semifinals where the Philippines will play Indonesia in a home and away series where the winner, determined through the aggregate goal score, will play for the championship.

As we drew 1-1 with mighty Singapore and beat the defending champions Vietnam on their home turf 2-nil with 40,000 people in the stands cheering them on, we got word of how you, our fellow Filipinos watched us, cheered us, and sent us messages of support.

Believe us when we say that it was fantastic to hear and see all of that considering how the sport has largely gone unnoticed back home. We hope that this will be the start of football taking its rightful place as a premier sport In the Philippines.

As we drew Myanmar in a scoreless affair that saw us finish second to Vietnam in our Group, we received word that the Asean Football Federation has deemed that our homefield of Panaad, Bacolod to not be up to the requirements of the AFF Suzuki Cup after consultations with PFF President Jose Mari Martinez and therefore our hard-fought “home game” will be played either in a neutral venue or at the homefield of the other semis winner.

We deplore this decision that was arrived at without consulting the national team management team or even having the facilities inspected. We believe that this is an opportunity to provide Filipinos with a chance to watch some world-class football action that will inspire our countrymen to take up the sport and break new ground for the Philippines.

Just as you were all on our side when we were playing in Vietnam, we ask that every Filipino and football fan out there to express this indignation with regard to this decision in every venue, fora, or media so that we may treat the country to Azkals football. We implore you to express yourself on twitter, facebook, messenger, and everywhere else.

After all, the home field game is rightfully ours.

The Philippine National Men’s Football Team

Team Manager - Dan Palami, Head Coach - Simon McMenemy, Assistant Coaches - Edwin Cabalida, Edzel Bracamonte, Roland Piñero, Trainers -- Wally Javier and Josef Malinay, Media Officer - Rick Olivares, and the players -- Ian Araneta, Jerry Barbaso, Yanti Barsales, David Mark Basa, Joebel Bermejo, Alexander Borromeo, Emelio Caligdong, Christopher Camcam, Jason de Jong, Anton del Rosario, Neil Etheridge, Mark Ferrer, Roel Gener, Robert Gier, Christopher Greatwich, Peter Jaugan, Ray Jonsson, Nestor Margarse, Reymark Palmes, Kristopher Relucio, Eduard Sacapaño, James Younghusband, and Philip Younghusband.

Come on Pinoys, now is the time to unite! Oy, oy, oy!

adventure # 283: Yanggaw

2010-12-04T21:38:00.004+07:00

Every culture has their lycanthrope legend. In the Philippines, we have the aswang monsters, which are usually women and always savagely lethal. While falling prey to an aswang might be a gruesome fate, for one father, the anguish of watching his daughter succumb to the aswang affliction, the so-called yanggaw, is a far worse nightmare in Richard V. Somes’s Yanggaw (Affliction).

Living was hard enough for Amor’s provincial family before she was forced to return home, suffering from a mystery ailment. Briefly, her health seems to rebound in the loving environment provided by her father, Junior, a former local official. However, her condition soon degenerates precipitously. Unfortunately, even basic medical care represents a considerable economic sacrifice for Junior. In fact, his wife Inday prefers seeking the more reasonably priced services of local healers, causing friction between the worried parents.

Initially, it is not clear whether Amor’s malady is medical, paranormal, or even psychological. That uncertainty puts Junior in an agonizing position, made all the more desperate by his family’s subsistence standard of living. While Somes eventually tips his hand, Yanggaw keeps the audience off-balance for quite some time, wondering if they have been immersed in a world of the supernatural or the superstitious.

Clearly, Somes understands horror films are always scariest when they suggest rather show. While there are several on-screen killings, he films them in a manner that maintains the sense of mystery rather than reveling in gore. He effectively creates a mounting sense of anxiety from the unspeakable acts happening off-camera, including behind Amor’s door. The atmosphere is further heightened by the darkly foreboding environment. That jungle would be spooky at night even without an aswang on the prowl.

Though shot on a minimal budget (1 million courtesy of Cinema One), Yanggaw boasts a well-known Filipino cast, including the riveting Ronnie Lazaro as Junior, evoking the deep, primal dread of a parent fearing for their child’s safety. In truth, Junior’s family is very well cast, with the actors seemingly disappearing into the roles, which makes the disturbing scenes in their home all the more realistic and frightening.

adventure # 282: 2 books worth buying

2010-12-04T17:21:00.005+07:00

The APAT NA DEKADA COMMEMORATIVE BOOK captures VSO’s more than 40 years of development work in the Philippines. It is dedicated to former volunteers and partners who were part of that four decade journey and who made it possible for VSO to have an impact in its fight against poverty and disadvantage.

BRAVE NEW WORLD: FILIPINO VOLUNTEERS IN A GLOBAL VILLAGE book tells the story of seemingly ordinary Filipinos who decided to do something beyond the ordinary by becoming international volunteers for VSO to help fight poverty and disadvantage. The book is a testament that the “Pinoy” is a capable agent of change and an active global citizen.

Visit Libros.com.ph to buy these books

adventure # 281: The smiles that can light up the whole world

2010-11-20T22:30:00.004+07:00

"When there are children smiling, there is hope."- MUSMOS

Musmos is an Ateneo based organization that reaches out to children that came from less fortunate families like urban dwellers found all over the metro. They conduct Saturday learn & play sessions in different areas. All in all, they cater to more than 150 kids.

T...oday, I joined them for two events-- one is for Ateneo's annual BLUE CHRISTMAS where in we invited 20 kids of Musmos for an entire day of activities which consisted of good old games (Simon says, bring me, etc), story telling sessions, arts and crafts (angel hat making) and free food.

Post lunch, we headed to an elementary school in Cubao to help facilitate the other Musmos kids who weren't able to make it to the Ateneo event. It was an afternoon of singing, dancing, arts and crafts, and good old play time! They were also preparing for their Chrismusmos event.

I will not lie! It was a riot especially since we were dealing with hyperactive kids with ages ranging from 4 to 13 (I guess). They were all over us.

Hugging us, kissing us, climbing on our backs, screaming on top of their lungs-- major fun!

These kids may not have palaces or the most expensive toys to play with, but they have their priceless spirits, undeniable charm, pure innocence and heart melting smiles.

At the end of the day, we were all tired, sweaty and we stink but we were happy.

Thank you Musmos kids for reminding me what's essential in this life is not money but a happy spirit.

adventure # 280: First love bites, literally

2010-11-14T02:27:00.006+07:00

We all know what vampires are and you’re either one of those who screamed like a crazy fan girl (and even a fan boy) or just puked whenever you see a shiny Edward Cullen (or a naked Jacob Black) in Twilight. But this Swedish film I’m about to tell you will make you think twice when you think of the whole paranormal love drama.

If Twilight is for screaming, wide eyed teenage girls, Låt den rätte komma in or “Let the right one in” is for everyone else.

Let the Right One Slip In.
I’d say you were within your rights to bite
The right one and say, ‘What kept you so long?’

The lyrics above came from a song by Morrisey called “Let the right one slip in” which says that vampires cannot enter a house unless invited.

12-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) spends his days at school friendless, his nights in his room, stabbing the air and whispering 'Squeal, Piggy!' As if it needed to be said, he is a child of divorce. Hope for companionship comes in the guise of a pale girl named Eli (Lina Leandersson) who moves in next door with what he believed to be her father named Hakan. At first, Eli firmly announces that they can't be friends but soon enough, they're spending their nights together and tapping Morse code to each other through the bedroom walls. Oskar is so happy to finally have a friend that he doesn't notice the blood-drained body found in the nearby forest, nor the disappearance of a local drunk.

Named for the belief in folklore that a vampire cannot enter one's home without being invited, Alfredson's film carefully balances genre elements as the tween couplet move from friends to, as Oskar puts it, 'steady.'

It's a story of first love but one favoring imagery over sentimentality. Alfredson, aided by cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, concentrates many of his compositions on the frozen environment of the Stockholm suburb where Oskar and Eli live, strewn with hauntingly elemental sets like the small playground where the duo meet and Eli's barren apartment.

The story moves into more familiar terrain as a friend of one of Eli's victims (and the lover of another) begins to snoop around while Oskar's newfound courage against his bullies suffers repercussions. The film's most tender scene happens outside a candy shop when Eli asks Oskar if he would still like her if she wasn't a girl (which she/he really was. Eli was actually a castrated boy as revealed in one of the scenes when she/he was changing clothes).

Bookended by shots of snow falling on an empty night, Let the Right One In allows one final scene of unadulterated carnage before its 'happy' postscript. And though it packs in its share of horrific images (an acid-scorched face, a sunlit vampire engulfed in flames), the focus accountably returns to the delicacy of Oskar and Eli's twisted relationship.

True, the film is open to much interpretation, but too often I find it’s almost to the point of someone creating their own story in their head and imposing it on the film.

If I were to add what will happen to Oscar, he will become Hakan. He will grow old while Eli stays the same age. Eventually, Eli will treat Oskar with the same derision that he treated Hakan. Then Eli will discard Oskar when he's outlived his usefulness. You have to understand that even though Eli looks 12 he/she's not. Much of what she/he does is calculated. She/he sees the capacity to kill in Oskar and even though Oskar shows hesitancy Eli can afford to play the long game. Eli even encourages Oskar's violent tendencies in the film.

If you'd like to believe it’s a love story then by all means enjoy the movie as you see fit.

Let the right one in- a really dark, morbid, and manipulative love story. A must see!

POSTCRIPT:

Hollywood has ~~butchered~~ remade this film.

“Let me in” (Hollywood title) was actually a good adaptation. Most scenes were the exact same copy of the Swedish version but there were some details that were added and or deleted.

Although this was actually a decent version, I still prefer the morbid romanticism of the original.

adventure # 279: Little boy blue

2010-11-12T20:00:00.000+07:00

"I’m surprised that my mother still doesn’t know.

Surely she must notice her cosmetics diminishing every day.

Surely she has noticed that the ends of her lipsticks are rounded, their pointy tips dulled by frequent application to my tiny but full mouth.

Surely she has noticed that her eyeshadows have been rubbed to the core, a silver eye looking back at her from the metal bottom of each case.

But here she is again, cooking obliviously in the kitchen, adding fire-colored turmeric to the boiling basmati rice and humming in her husky alto."
-excerpt from Blue Boy

Image came from here

Remember the days when you thought that everything seem to be possible? How we all believed in the existence of Unicorns, fairies and even Santa Claus (which some fortunately/unfortunately still does)?

In Rakesh Satyal's debut novel Blue Boy, we are transported back to that innocent part of our lives. The days when finding a job nor finding a lifetime partner were our hardest problems but rather fitting in and finding our own identities.

A funny, entertaining and whimsical adventure, we follow a troubled Indian-American 12 year old boy named Kiran Sharma on his journey to self discovery while living on the almost "all-white" town of Cincinnati, Ohio in the 90s.

Kiran Sharma is a lover of music, dance, and all things sensual; son of immigrants, social outcast, spiritual seeker. A boy who doesn't quite understand his lot — until he realizes he's a god.

From the first part of the book, we can all see Kiran's big problem-- he simply doesn't fit in.

First the lipstick, then the eyeliner: Kiran is raiding his mother's cosmetics again. The 12-year-old only child finds his life divided between his almost all-white school in a Cincinnati suburb and his parents' all-Indian world of Sunday school after Hindu temple and potluck parties every Saturday night at a rotating series of houses owned by affluent immigrants just like them.

Convinced with the fact that he is "special", he finds comfort in the simplest yet most bizarre activities and interests that an adolescent boy was "expected" to NOT do-- he finds unexplainable bliss in makeup sessions, ballet classes and playing with dolls.

Kiran's life took a wild turn when he started formulating a ballet routine for his class' talent show with the Indian deity "Krishna" (whose icon he often sees nestled by his mother's bed) as his inspiration.

Then an idea takes hold: Might he be the tenth, hitherto withheld incarnation of the god? Blue-skinned Krishna played the flute, gorged on butter and was a famous lover; Kiran buys a recorder, increases his butter consumption and notices blue tints to his skin.

Being a lover is the hard part, for our hero doesn't yet understand sex, though his eventual orientation is clear.

Kiran studies the porn bibles-- Penthouse and Playboy. He happens on some teens having wild group sex in the park. He spies on a boy and girl making out at a house party. This spectacle gives rise to a most un-Krishna-like jealousy, and he tells on them.

A snitch, a crybaby and at one point an arsonist, Kiran is not easy to love, and his voice veers erratically between that of a child and an adult.

The author never manages to come up with much of a plot or develop credible supporting characters, leaving readers stuck inside Kiran's head as his illusions became ever more grandiose, until he finally declares himself: "just as great, just as godly, just as genius as Krishna."

The climactic talent show, although hilarious, fails to provide a clear resolution.

"If not for the people around me who surrounded me with love that could last a lifetime, growing up feeling "different" from the rest of my peers would've been a pain in the butt"

"They "made" me kiss a girl and I'm not so sure if I like it."

Reading Blue Boy was both a delight and walk in memory lane.

Before you start picturing me in ballet flats and some hideous frothy tutu, let me just say this-- no I didn't attend ballet classes nor did I play my sister's dolls nor did I ever played dress up using my mom's clothes and make up.

Growing up, I've always felt that I was "special."

What's that I see? An eyebrow raised from you? Haha!

Contrary to the rumors that I am narcissistic, I used to be the awkward kid on the block. I guess it's somewhat due to the fact that I lived a sheltered life.

Since both of my parents were working abroad, I was raised by my Aunties and you know how girls can be like.

I remember being pampered in unusual ways-- my Aunties would be prohibiting me from playing outside whenever it's too hot or too cold or too crowded or too gawd-knows-what. I was never allowed to play with mud puddles nor dance in the rain.

I've always been "the kid" who stared outside his window watching the neighborhood kids play ball, bike around the village or just simply be total firecrackers.

Although I don't regret not ever "experiencing" these stuff for they all made sure that I felt "loved", I somehow feel a little bit left out.

Upon entering school and having gotten the chance to meet other kids, the more and more I felt like the odd one out.

While everybody enjoyed playing basketball, my face was always buried on something less "physical" like reading books, playing board games and (oh yes) even studying.

Can I just say: B-O-R-I-N-G!

I see myself in Kiran-- we're both individuals that didn't follow the "mould" that people expected us to be.

I've always been labelled as the boy with the weird ideas. Ask my friends, they will definitely agree! (Right, Tina?)

Sometimes I thought about just being a follower, just shaping myself up for the so-called "normalcy."

However, the more and more I thought about this, the more and more I begin to repel the idea.

As the cliche goes, while everybody else is laughing at me for being weird and unique, I am laughing at them all for being the same.

Note to self

There was a scene in Blue Boy when Kiran noticed that his skin was turning blue, similar to that of the deity Krishna. He was firmly convinced that he was finally turning into his ultimate goal-- to be a god!

Day by day, as I encounter more and more adventures-- meeting new people, surpassing unique circumstances, failing and/or winning challenges, discovering new aspect about myself that I haven't known before-- the more and more I find comfort in myself.

I may not turn blue nor be a reincarnation of some from-whatever-part-of-the-planet god, but I know that this little superhero boy-- as geeky, awkward and weird as I maybe-- can still do something that will definitely matter.

adventure # 278: conundrum

2010-11-01T15:56:00.001+07:00

It's been raining like crazy for the past few days making the pavements 24/7 wet.

Enter the good old November rain.

It won't be long before we hear the (haunting) voices of Jose Marie Chan and other unidentified singers singing good old Christmas carols.

I like the rain, I seriously do. What I don't like is the fact that rain creates problems.

1. Given the fact that I'm not a morning person, waking way too early feeling the cold air enveloping you and listening to the oh so Au natural sedative that is the sound of raindrops does not help during work days.

2. Water creates puddles and puddles equate to mud. Not my style.

3. First word: Traffic.

4. Second word: Flood.

5. Third and Fourth word: Broken umbrella.

6. Last word: ~~sick~~

It was a long weekend (or should we not use extended instead since the word "long" is subjective?. The sloth (not slut) in me was obviously overjoyed.

The downside of long weekends is when you don't have any plan to make use of it.

And basically that's my case.

I'd probably just go domestic (helper). Just plain B-O-R-I-N-G.

I can say that I'm happy right now.

After months of seeing the world through slightly fogged up glasses, I can actually see a vivid direction to the route where I'm supposed to be going.

I'm so thanking the universe for making things fall into their proper place.

Experiencing the rain evokes a lot of emotions inside my body. For one, it reminds me of a person and a whole bunch of important memories.

I was 7 or 8 when I first experienced true love.

It was raining that day when a strange "barking" sound from not so far away.

I had a golden retriever that my Dad bought for me. Named him Bibo.

It was love at first sight-- his golden brown hair, dolled up gray-brown eyes and that swagger that's just incomparable.

Bibo and I had good and fun memories together.

Playing catch, running like wild boys, licking my face whenever I rub the spot behind his ears.

I was happy.

He made me happy.

However, one day our house helper forgot to lock the main door in our house. Bibo, being the rascal that he was, ran outside.

That was the last day that I saw Bibo.

A yellow beetle ran over him.

It was raining that day.

I've always been wide eyed and bedazzled when it comes to the big L word.

By "L" I mean LOVE.

However, as relationships began and ended in my life, I now became a bit vigilant and cautious.

I sometimes envy people who has never fallen in love (like my best friend who-I-shall-not-name). They've never experienced the whole I-thought-you'll-be-my-forever-but-I-guess-you're-not kind of bull.

co·nun·drum(k-nndrm)

NOUN:

A riddle in which a fanciful question is answered by a pun.
A paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma

Love has always been a conundrum to me, an age-old mystery.

It has always been a riddle that I haven't solved yet, a formula that I haven't mastered yet.

I'm a bit obsessive compulsive by nature so manipulation and knowing the details has always been a big issue.

In the past, I've tried to "control" and "submit" myself in order to make things work.

However, now that I'm 25 and have experienced Love's battlefield (in a way), I've learned that not all things should be "mastered."

Sometimes, I just have to let go and let it simmer and boil in its own time and pace.

Today I watched the rain.

Each drop slowly consuming the street pavements, leaving no spot left untouched.

I didn't move, didn't think.

I just watched it.

"I hope this is it."

The truth is no matter how complicated nor hard we try to decipher Love's conundrum, we simply can't.

All we can do is just hope.

Hope that the one you're with will be the last and the only one to really make you realize that the word "forever" is not fiction.

At the end of the day, there's nothing more rewarding that being with someone that makes you forget about the other billions of people that inhabit the planet.

*fingers crossed*

adventure # 277: Adventures of a teenage torpe

2010-10-20T10:32:00.000+07:00

Even I was amazed at myself.

There I was, in her house, in her living room, sitting on her sofa with her right beside me.

And we were alone.

I wasn't entirely sure how I ended up there, but I congratulated myself for a job well done anyway.

It sort of happened like this:

I called her up that evening just to talk to her. I didn't give any excuses. I just told her "I felt like talking to you." when she asked when I called. She took it a little too well, with a smirk, "So you miss me already?" I sort of choked.

We talked about movies, and how she likes violent, blood and guts "boy movies"-- a term we coined for the antithesis of chick flicks. I told her I had a DVD copy of Battle Royale. She replied that she has popcorn waiting in the kitchen. Minutes later, I found myself driving over to her house in disbelief and excitement, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

At times, I think she knows that I like her, which would make her one of the three people in the world who know. There's her best friend, her and then there's my mother, who somehow just knows, no matter how hard I try to hide it.

Other times, I think she doesn't have a clue. She's so used to guys heaping her with attention.

Sometimes, I just want to blurt out that I like her.

There are million of reasons why I don't-- none of them good ones.

After the movie, we just talked. It got late, and when her parents announced that they were going to bed, I offered to go since it was the proper thing to do. She would have nothing of it, and made me stay. I wanted nothing more than to stay.

With her parents safely tucked away, we let our guard down.She reclined on the sofa, pit her feet up and leaned against me. Her hair was in my face, but I didn't mind. She smelled great.

Our voices got very quiet, and I kept stroking her hair while we talked.

"I like that," she said "It makes me sleepy."

And we talked more about movies and our lives and other things I don't remember. Before I knew it, she was asleep.

At first I didn't know whether or not I should be upset that she had fallen asleep on me in mid-conversation. But as I looked at her, all traces of annoyance disappeared. her face looked so peaceful. Her mouth was opened slightly. I could hear her breathing.

I continued to stare at her upside-down face. Her head had slipped down to my stomach, and I leaned over her and asked, "Are you asleep?"

She obviously was, but she answered me in her sleep, mumbling something inaudible. I leaned closer to catch what she was saying, but I couldn't make out of it. I watched her lips move, but I couldn't make out the words. I was so close to her, I could have kissed her.

Still looking at her, I lay my head on the back of the sofa and began talking to her.

And then I told her everything I wanted to tell her.

Fifteen minutes later, I woke her up by gently nudging her shoulder. I told her I had to go, and wished her a good night.

And it really was a good night because I knew part of her knew, even if it was that part of her that slept and didn't remember anything when she woke up.

That was enough.

adventure # 276: Vanity Question

2010-10-05T05:48:00.005+07:00

to shave or not to shave?

adventure # 275: CHANCE

2010-10-04T13:44:00.000+07:00

Everything happened by chance.

That statement pretty much summarizes how I was able to get into the Global Xchange program. Thanks to an email from the British Council that I almost didn’t read, I was able to be part of a 5 month long youth volunteering exchange program in the UK and Cebu.

When one of my teammates asked me what enticed me to join GX, I candidly reply that it’s all for the free travel. I partly meant what I said. But the truth was, I joined GX because I’ve been living my life the way everybody thought I should live it—surrounded by the people I love, working in a good company, getting the material things and other luxuries I want. I was like a bird inside a golden cage.

However, that’s also the exact same reason why I joined GX, I’m living an expected life.

Does it make me happy? Yes.

Does it satisfy me? Maybe.

Do I see myself living the exact same life forever? No.

With doubt at the back of my mind, I left the Philippines and fully committed myself to the program.

I thought GX will be a breeze. But I was wrong, very wrong. It was challenging especially because we lived in a constructed reality where we were placed in a situation where we have to adjust to 17 other new individuals that were totally different from us. Just imagine the drama and the complications that went with it.

With GX, I traded my business clothes for a normal shirt, pair of worn out trousers and flip flops. Instead of hailing a cab, I balance myself in a habal-habal, wearing and holding on my dear life as I trekked the mountains of Cebu for community visits. Forget the senseless office gossip, in GX, world issues and current events were all being discussed on a daily basis even before taking my morning coffee. Even with almost nothing, I’ve met the kindest and happiest people on the planet through this program.

However, more than the work we went through, what struck within me was how it humbled me. I tell people that I’ve never been much of a team player. I’m so used to being the leader that I tend to dismiss the opinion of others. But through this program, I realized that there were a lot of more important things other than my ego. Moreover, I should learn to work and trust the people around me to be able to produce an output that will be better and more effective.

5 months have passed. Sooner or later, my teammates will pause for a second or so before they can remember all the names of the rest of the team. The moments that we all shared were all but mere echoes of the past captured in photographs, time by time being visited when we stumble upon our Facebook profiles. Another team will be organized and GX Team 107 will be now referred as the “former team.”

But what GX has imparted to me will last forever.

Now, as I went back to my normal life, the allure of going back to my old habits, my golden cage was calling me. But this time, I know what I want. GX inspired me to be a bigger man for others. It made me realize that developmental work is what I really to do in life—that I would gladly trade my business clothes for a plain shirt, worn out jeans and a helmet just to do community work.

And you know what, this all happened by chance.

adventure # 274: The 5 great loves

2010-10-03T12:18:00.000+07:00

"A life’s worth, in the end, isn’t measured in hours, or dollars. It’s measured by the amount of love exchanged along the way."
- Douglas C. Means

Without a doubt, the most overrated topic in this world is love.

Since the earliest works of the Greeks to the oh so tragic classics of Shakespeare and up to modern writers like Coelho, love has somewhat flickered with our fancies in almost every possible angle.

To wide-eyed sappy romantics like myself, this is something enjoyable but for those belonging to the opposite side of the spectrum, this is a major case of guts being vomited out.

There are gazillion of songs talking about love.

99% of all the television shows and movies have some love storyline intertwined into it.

Yet, somehow, love is the most difficult topic to define.

Anatomically, the hypothalamus is to be blamed.

To the romantics, it’s all about the heart and the ancient concept of soul mates.

I was sitting in my room, listening to some tracks in my iPod and just reading a book containing short stories when a rerun of Sex and the city played on the boob tube. It’s the episode where Carrie, Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, was talking about the overplayed one great love.

As I’ve mentioned, I’m a hardcore romantic and the idea of having that one great love is like rainbows and sunshine wrapped in an attractive box with a big red bow on top of it.

However, do we really just meet one great love in our lifetime?

In the billions of people inhabiting this planet, are we just limited to just one?

I know, the word “great” is already superlative so technically, it should refer to one.

But as I assess myself and the stories of the people around me, I feel that in our lifetime, we really fall in love and meet 5 great loves.

The Kin

These are the people that we either are obliged to live with (aka our family) or the people that we chose to include in our circle but without any hint of romance (aka friends).

These group are the people that we connect with, shed our inhibitions, reflect our honesty and feel totally safe.

At the end of a bad day, these are the people that you know you can count on to call at the 3 in the morning when either your house just collapsed and you have no where else to go or you simply just want to talk about how bad/good your day went.

The Aspiration

These are the most beautiful people that you will ever meet in your life- the high school jock, the hottest girl in the office, your drop dead gorgeous boy next door.

They’re flawless, they take your breath away, your heart palpitates whenever they’re within your immediate radius, and you place them in an imaginary pedestal.

But that’s just about it.

You just stare in the distance.

If in case you do swallow the necessary guts to ask them, it somehow didn’t work out.

The Ignition

He/She is the first person you first invested real emotions on.

He/She’s your first kiss, first romantic hug, first date- first everything.

He/she is the reason why you finally understood what your mom has been gushing about whenever she talks about your dad and how she felt during their wedding day.

This is the person that made you feel surreal and made you desire to just map out an entire future with him/her even if you’re still unsure about tomorrow.

With him/her you finally learn and mastered the terms “weeksary”, “monthsary” and “anniversary”.

To some lucky few, this is their pit stop.

But for the majority, this is also the same people that made them experience their first heartbreak.

The Flash in the pan

You’ve finally moved on and decided to give love another shot.

You began dating people with the same wide-eyed hope but now with a dash of reality and cynicism.

You go out with this person/s and during the first/second/third or the five hundredth date, you finally figured out that you either don’t have the spark or it just died out.

You do like him/her/them a bit but not enough to see yourself being with them for a long, long time.

The One

You’ve already acquired the battle scars in the battlefield that is love.

You almost lost hope and decided to give up all together.

Then this person comes along.

You see the connection, you can totally be honest and shed all your inhibitions in front of him/her yet you know that what you both are feeling something that’s beyond friendship.

He/she is not flawless- He has crooked teeth, bad skin, six toes on each feet, snores when he/she sleeps, can't articulate enough words to save his/her life- yet, you don’t seem to care. You see an inner glow that radiates way beyond the imperfections.

You’ve been dating him/her for months now and still you can’t get enough.

You think, feel, dream of him/her.

He/she maybe not the most perfect of all the people you’ve met but whenever you’re with him/her in a huge crowd, everyone else seems to disappear, to become faceless.

You just focus on him/her.

He/she is the one you can see yourself with walking hand-in-hand together on a beach with your hair all grey and skin so wrinkly looking at the sunset with that same warm feeling inside that just brings you bliss above everything else.

He/she is the person who would make you stop looking because you now feel that you’re finally found.

"To love is not to look at one another, But to look together in the same direction."
- Antoine de Saint Exupery

As sappy and cheesy as it may sound, we all strive and spend an entire lifetime to find the one who would make us believe that life doesn’t suck as much we first thought it would.

No matter how easy or difficult the road to find the “one” is, I believe that once we do, all that we can exclaim is:

“It’s all worth it.”

adventure # 273: Poster Boy

2010-09-24T15:14:00.002+07:00

My dear friends, I've got so many stories to tell but I'm just too lazy to write it all. I promise I will really soon. Just give me more time to be a lazy ass :)

Anyway, thought of sharing you these photos.

Yes folks, I now officially have posters. Although this is not my first time to be featured in one (was part of a campaign before), this was the first campaign that's for a really good advocacy.

My posters are found in the Fair Trade Shop in Osmena Boulevard in Cebu City. Soon it'll be all over Bohol and Naga. Haha!

So if you're in Cebu, be sure to drop by the Fair Trade Shop.

Even my bestfriend, Tina (refineme.org) went to the shop to take a picture of the poster.

adventure # 272: Love exists

2010-09-15T15:25:00.000+07:00

"All you need is Love. Love is all you need"
-The Beatles

Does Love really exist?

Does love really, really exist?

When at this very second an innocent child is dying in Africa because of AIDS.

When at this very moment a school girl is being raped by a group of bored rich kids who are not afraid of being caught because they belong to a family of politicians.

When at this very moment a hungry street child is standing outside the window of a store that says "It serves billions."

When at this very moment, a child is secretly crying inside her bedroom closet because she overheard her parents arguing again for the hundredth time.

When at this very moment a mother is skipping meals in London just to save up so that she can send her family their monthly allowance in the Philippines.

When at this very moment a gay college student is being beaten up and ridiculed for just being himself.

When at this very moment the corrupt governor is buying a brand new car while his driver's son is sick of dengue.

When at this very moment I am crying.

Tell that love doesn't exist to a tired mother who just got home from work and saw a card made by her now sleeping son that says "You're the best Mom in the world"

Tell that love doesn't exist to a wet pedestrian who just got the surprise of his life when a kind stranger offered him his umbrella.

Tell that love doesn't exist to an elementary teacher who was visited by one of his students who just graduated from college to personally thank her for being the best teacher she has ever had.

Tell that love doesn't exist to a couple who after 10 years of waiting for a child finally got the result of the ultrasound stating that it's "Positive."

Tell that love doesn't exist to a gay man who wasn't abandoned by his friends and family after they learned that he is HIV positive.

Tell that love doesn't exist to an old lady who is now sitting comfortably in the LRT after a college boy who she doesn't know offered her his seat.

Tell that love doesn't exist to an old couple who after 70 years of being together still visits the place where they first met and hold hands the entire evening.

Tell that love doesn't exist to me who is still experiencing unconditional love from my family and friends.

Life is full of shit.

We all have our own reasons to hate it.

But to deny that love exist is synonymous to denying that we exist.

We need not to look for the perfect couple nor the best gift to experience how tangible love really is.

Sometimes all we need is just to look closely to realize that the glass is full.

Love ~~does not~~ exist.

adventure # 271: the man and the moon

2010-08-31T23:19:00.001+07:00

"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

- Oscar Wilde

Today I am alone and I will stay alone for at least half a fort night.

I went off to eat dinner unaccompanied.

I prefer my own company to those of my chattering friends who couldn't talk of anything sensible.

I sat down from across the wide window and absently stared at the great expanse that is the sky.

After a while, I noticed that the sky was gently specked with all the shades of blue and purple.

I looked around me and almost everywhere I looked, I could see lovers intent on speaking the language only they could comprehend.

It led me to ask why there seems to be an exclusivity among lovers even when they are in the most public of places.

I have seen lovers act as if they were on a deserted kayak in the middle of the Pacific when in reality they are sitting amid a crowd intent on watching a classical play.

I have heard lovers speak a language more complicated than any scientific jargon you could think of.

I noticed that the waiter was looking at me.

"Did he look at me like that because amongst all people here, I was the only one who was solitary, and therefore to his estimation, lonely?

Just because you're alone doesn't mean you are lonely; that just because you are devoid of company doesn't mean you are a social outcast."

I decided to rest my eyes on the awesome view outside the window.

For a while there, I could get lost in the majestic view of the sunset enveloping the urban city. I could imagine that the din of vehicles and screeching tires has somehow faded into the background.

But events like this never last for more than an instant.

Just when you feel your whole body involved in its beauty, reality in the form of a myriad of things crashes into your reverie and you are again sitting in a place where you feel lonely even among a multitude of people.

And you are again in a time when fulfillment is measured by the presence of a lover as a permanent fixture in your side.

I finished my food and the next time I looked up, the sky was already dark, so dark that I swear it was the middle of the night instead of early evening. I searched the heaven for any stars, but there were none, only the moon waxing with all its glory.

Somehow I felt alone as the moon.

"Is the moon solely for lovers, that people like me have no place under its iridescence?"

I would like to believe not but then I have always felt restricted to my own quarters whenever I see lovers walking in the moonlight, hands clasped, walking in such a slow pace that one would think they have forever to get their destination.

Somehow, without intending to, I stay away from the moon when I feel that it has lent its glow to people who no longer walk alone, to people who have found a constant in their lives, to people who don't walk the earth as aimlessly as I do.

adventure # 267: CHANGE REVOLUTION: A Rockin night to make a difference!

2010-08-31T22:57:00.002+07:00

Global Xchange Team 107 in partnership with The Outpost Restobar and with the support of Not Yours Production presents Change Revolution: A Rockin’ Event to Make a Difference on the Friday, 3rd of September, 8:00 p.m.

Global Xchange (GX), an initiative run in partnership between the British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Now on their second phase in Cebu, the team has undertaken several initiatives for the benefit of the community: mangrove planting, 1GOAL football clinic, and ocean clean up, to name a few.

The concert, which will feature: Skankin’ Brews, Hastang, Melophobic, Nyor, and Xchange Sound is an effort by the team to raise funds for VSO Bahaginan which sends Filipino professionals abroad to work as volunteers in various fields.

The night is not just about music; it’s about having fun and giving for a cause. Exciting stuff will be auctioned and the profit will go directly to the organization.

It is also a treat for everyone, as the team members themselves will staff the entire evening. A special GX cocktail will also be available, limited only for the event.

A night to remember, this event will rock Cebu—creating change through music and rhythm.

For more information about Global Xchange visit: http://www.thebutterflyeffectproject.com

Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148890965129001

Global Xchange is thanking the following sponsors: San Miguel Corporations, The Bar Vodka, Fruit Magic, Jehzlau Concepts, GVSP, and Fairtrade Cebu.

adventure # 266: Breaking up and the day after

2010-08-23T11:01:00.001+07:00

One night, I found myself chatting with my close friend Phippa who is now in Singapore.

Fifi: I am so pissed right now.
Toni: Why is that Fifs?
Fifi: Moji and I just broke up!
Toni: Oh my! You've been together since college. What happened?
Fifi: I dont have a clear answer. He just woke up one day and decided he doesn't want for me anymore. What's wrong with me? I can't imagine waking up tomorrow without him.
Toni: Um...

The 6 year relationship of my friend and her boyfriend ended just like that.

From the outside, they both seem to be a really happy couple.

Always travelling together, carefree, obviously so in love and perfect for each other.

However, as what my friend told me, they're obviously not that perfect.

You know what's the feeling of breaking up with someone you really love?
It's like you are inside an isolated room, caged out from the world
You hear the people who care for you outside the gate.
Begging you to open up and eventually move on from your slumber
But you just can't
No matter how much you want to move a limb of your body, you simply can't
-Toni's journal, December 2002

Break ups are really tricky.

When people are in a relationship, it's almost a taboo.

Come to think of it, you don't enter any relationship simultaneously thinking of when it will end.

Unlike fresh milk, relationships don't have an explicit expiration date. You just ride the bliss until the day comes when it all has to end.

I must admit, I had my own share of unsuccessful relationships that ended,well, in breaking up.

Some ended okay, while a few ended nasty.

Whenever a friend asks me a thing or two about break ups, I oftentimes choke up.

The obvious, screaming answer would be: Move on!

However, based from experience, telling that to a devastated person is somewhat lip service. Like a stable iceberg, that suggestion won't break it.

It is a process.

Listening to mushy sad songs, watching comedy movies, crying your eye sockets out, pigging out on sweets, being surrounded by friends, drinking parties

We all have our own individual ways of getting out from the trap of the so-called break up.

Just give him/her time.

Never command the pace.

Go along with his/her pace.

BUZZ!
Fifi: So what should I do Toni?
Toni: From my perspective, you have two options. First is to just give in to your obvious maudlin state and cry all your body fluids out or you can brush it off and accept the reality that you really do have to hold yourself up because Moji obviously can't.

The above statement was the first line of thought that popped on my head. I was so tempted to just type that in.

However this was what I typed instead:

Toni: Cry all you want. Take some time off. I acknowledge the fact that you're hurting right now. It'll take time before that pulsating pain inside your chest will partially go away. Just remember, all's not gone. You still have us, your friends, to love you unconditionally.

It's oh so tempting to just believe in happy endings and ever afters.

We all grew up believing that love is just like a Disney movie- after a song or two, the cute couple will ride off to the sunset living happily ever after.

However, reality tells us a whole lot different story.

Breaking up with someone you invested emotions with is never an easy task to do.

Regardless if you are the breaker or the breakee, it still has some degree of pain.

Fifi: I know. I must suck it all in but I just don't know how
Toni: I'm no shrink, but trust me, the time will come when you just know. I don't know how, when or what, but it will just come. So you better cheer up. Moji was just a fish in your pond. I'm pretty sure there are schools of other fish hidden somewhere there. Lol
Fifi: Oh shut up! Lol

You run and tell your friends that you're leavin' me
They say that they don't see what you see in me
You wait a couple months then you gon' see
You'll never find nobody better than me

-from the song Heartless, Kanye West

adventure # 265: bus ride home

2010-08-23T10:54:00.003+07:00

And I hope you'll be hearing this
From the radio by your side
For all it's worth, you did leave me behind
-from the song Two weeks by Nikki Gil

My busy day will finally end.

An entire day spent battling the elements, irrational drivers and Manila's life threatening smog was too much for this boy.

I'm thankful that I'm on my way home standing on a bus stop waiting for my ride.

It's drizzling a bit-- a complete turn around from the blazing heat just this noon.

It's been over a week since we've last seen each other.

We barely communicated.

I guess you're keeping up with our little bargain that we talked about during our last dance-- that we'll forget about each other.

Or you may just feel relieved that finally you got rid of me.

"You're being too cynical, again over analyzing"

I can hear my friend's voice on my head.

The first few days when we separated, I was in a complete state of pain.

I woke up feeling heavy, intoxicated of our memories that we've shared-- our dates, our long walks, our senseless conversations

and when night time came, it got even worse.

I had trouble sleeping.

Everytime I closed my eyes, your face was all that I can see.

Vivid images of our last day kept on replaying like some bad public service announcement.

I kept feeling these pangs on my stomach like carnivorous butterflies eating my insides.

Everybody kept on screaming for me to move on, to forget about you.

But they just couldn't seem to grasp that it takes time.

During the fourth day, I just couldn't contain myself.

I lost the battle.

I called you up.

I was shaking when I heard your voice on the other end.

For days, that was the first time smiled.

You told me how you were

and I did the same.

We laughed-- just like the good old days.

We ended the conversation again saying that we love each other

but when we hanged up, the loneliness crept back again.

The following day, I again reached for you

but you said you're busy and you're with "him"

Your boyfriend and you're both happy to be together.

I choked up since I felt that I was again sinking my feet in your love trap.

That night, I went out on a date with another girl.

Trying to divert my mind from you.

She's lovely-- with her perfect hair, perfect smile, perfect personality.

But there's one thing that was missing.

She's not you.

She's perfect to the rest of the world but not for me.

I texted you.

"I'm on a date right now."

"Really? Haha! Good luck!"

You said.

That did it for me.

Did I become the poster boy for masochism?

Now that it's been a week since I last saw you, I won't lie by saying that I've forgotten about you.

I still check your website.

I still look at our picture that I haven't deleted yet.

I still hug my pillow at night thinking of your warmth.

I still catch myself impulsively grabbing on thin air as if my hand was programmed to hold yours when I walk.

I still get anxious when someone gives me a call secretly hoping that I see your name on my phone.

I still get those pangs whenever I think of you.

But tonight on this dark bus stop I finally realized that I can never have you.

Simply because you don't want me to have you.

You never fought for me.

I've been chasing the intangible for the longest time.

"It finally stopped."

I said as I stretch my arm, open my palm and try to feel the last droplets of rain water on my bare skin.

A big green bus stopped right in front of me.

As I stepped in, I forced my head to not look back.

"You're not there, what's the point?"

From now on, I'll be going home alone.

And the funny thing was, it felt damn good.

adventure # 264: Back to back events for a big change!

2010-08-04T14:20:00.006+07:00

Mark your calendars!

Something BIG will happen in Cebu this coming August 7 and August 8.

Global Xchange, a youth volunteering programme by the VSO and British Council that is composed of 9 Filipino and 9 British 18-25 year olds, have prepared two back-to-back events this weekend as part of their Butterfly effect project advocacy (visit: http://thebutterflyeffectproject.com).

The first event will happen on August 7. It is called 1GOAL: EDUCATION FOR ALL Football Clinic.

The second event will happen on August 8 which is the I WANT TO BE FAIR CAMPAIGN LAUNCH.

The Global Xchange volunteers have been back from United Kingdom and are now on their second phase in the Philippines. Taking the lead in affecting change in their community, they now venture in promoting 1GOAL: Education for All campaign.

Global Xchange, which is an initiative set up by VSO in partnership with British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and the UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

The 1GOAL campaign, on the other hand, aims to gather as many signatures as possible to send 72 million children to school, giving them the chance to learn and have access to good education. It aims to use the influence of football to ensure that education for all is a lasting impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Having this in mind and bringing the cause to the Philippines, the Global Xchange (GX) Team 107 takes the campaign to Cebu through a football clinic. It will be held on the 7th of August 2010 at the University of San Carlos- Montessori School grounds from 10:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon.

“I am confident that this endeavor will help in fostering awareness to the cause of the campaign,” says Karl Benson Molina who handles the 1GOAL campaign for the GX team.

Coming to lead the football clinic are members of the Philippine National Football Team themselves.

Over a hundred people are expected are to participate in the said event.

“This will surely help in adding up to the current number of signatures made for the campaign,” says Molina.

The campaign calls for ‘Education for All’ by getting 30 million people globally to sign up and support the cause. The signatures that will be gathered will be presented to the world leaders attending the UN Heads of State Summit in New York, USA in September to urge them to prioritize learning and influence policies on education in their countries.

People may take part in this campaign by signing up online at www.vsobahaginan.org.ph/1goal.

Cebu- do you want to be FAIR?

The Fair Trade Shop Cebu and the Global Xchange Team 107 are choosing to be FAIR.

This August, their unified statement is- “I want to be FAIR, do you?”

As part of its first anniversary celebrations, the Fair Trade Shop Cebu is launching the “I want to be FAIR” campaign. It aims to improve awareness of the global Fair Trade movement and demonstrate the role it can play in the Philippines. By giving small-scale farmers and artisans a fair price for their goods, Fair Trade aims to tackle the huge inequality in the current system of trade and help some of the poorest in society.

The campaign, with the guidance of their supervisor Geraldine Labradores, was conceptualized and created by two Global Xchange Volunteers, Toni Zuniga from Manila and David Thompson from England.

“Fair Trade is a big concern in the UK. As more people become aware of the unfair system of free trade that impoverishes farmers and workers in the South while huge retailers get richer and richer, more and more people are willing to pay for products that have been traded fairly.” Thompson said.

“We hope that through this campaign more Pinoys, especially the youth here in Cebu, will realize that by making small changes, such as buying Fair Trade products and by explaining Fair Trade to friends and family, we can all help affect the balance of trade in favor of some of our most disadvantaged workers.” Zuniga said.

The campaign will be officially launched with the unveiling of full campaign posters and a Fair Trade fashion show this August 8 at The Fair Trade Shop Cebu, Office Room 102, Jose Martinez Building, Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City from 9am to 12 noon.

Fair Trade products will be available from the shop during the celebrations. The campaign will then continue throughout the year involving school tours and store promotions.

So if you want to be FAIR this August, make a visit to the Fair Trade Shop Cebu on Sunday and be part of the BIG CHANGE!

See you there!

adventure # 263: Cebu- do you want to be FAIR?

2010-07-28T15:32:00.003+07:00

Toni Zuniga and David Thompson

The Fair Trade Shop Cebu and the Global Xchange Team 107 are choosing to be FAIR.

This August, their unified statement is- “I want to be FAIR, do you?”

As part of its anniversary, the Fair Trade Shop Cebu is launching the “I want to be FAIR” campaign. It aims to inform and to mobilize the public about the Fair Trade advocacy and how it helps in eradicating social inequalities especially in business and trade.

The campaign, with the guidance of their supervisor Geraldine Labradores, was conceptualized and created by 2 Global Xchange Volunteers, Toni Zuniga from Manila and David Thompson from England.

“Fair Trade is big in the UK. As more people become aware of the inequalities that take place in the trade system, more and more people are willing to pay a higher price as long as they know that what they are purchasing is traded fairly.” Thompson said.

“We hope that through this campaign, more people, especially the youth will realize by doing small changes such as buying Fair Trade products can affect the balance of trade in a big way.” Zuniga said.

The full campaign ads as well as the campaign launch will all happen this August 8 at The Fair Trade Shop Cebu office Room 102 Jose Martinez Building, Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City. A big product sale will also take place in the said event.

Join the FAIRness revolution this August! Be part of the BIG CHANGE!

adventure # 263: I want to be FAIR campaign teaser

2010-07-28T14:28:00.007+07:00

Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering producers and promoting sustainability.

It's an alternative trade and business model, fair trade encourages enterprises, particularly the small community-based ventures, to observe socially and environmentally just practices and to act as an active agent in improving the quality of life of their community.

Fair Trade Shop Cebu and Global Xchange Team 107 are unified in choosing to be FAIR.

This August, our unified statement is

"I want to be FAIR, do you?"

In an era of mass consumption, Fair Trade puts forward a big challenge for producers and consumers to seriously think about.

The underpaid workers at the far end of the line, the rapidly degrading environment, the fading cultural identity and traditions, the discriminated women, the exploited and overworked children, and the families and communities searching for means to survive.

Fair Trade organizations challenge everyone with a very basic inquiry – do we allow business and trade to contribute in perpetuating these social inequities and environmental injustice?

Join the FAIRness revolution this August!

Watch out for the launch FULL campaign ad on August 8 at the Fair Trade Shop in Cebu.

Photographer: JP Maunes
Creative directors: David Thompson & Toni Zuniga
Post Prod editor: Toni Zuniga
Models: Global Xchange Team 107

adventure # 262: 25!

2010-07-22T19:22:00.002+07:00

So the day has arrived- I'm officially 25.

Wasn't really expecting much on the first day of my quarter life (crisis?). But thanks to the people around me (physically or in spirit), I had a good turn of the quarter.

Aside from the lovely text messages/facebook messages I received, here's the lowdown of my day:

My living-working counterpart/dance club partner/jeepney compadre/best guy ever David Thompson surprised me with a gift and a card. The gift was a recycled bag he got from the Fair Trade shop we're volunteering in. I told him yesterday that the bag was cool & I guess a light bulb flashed on his head and decided to get it.

The card was pretty amazing as well.

He's a ball of cheese (even if he doesn't admit it.)

The next surprise came from my work placement. Armed with a gift pack, a massive cake, a birthday banner and some wicked birthday song chorale-- Ms. Gigi and the rest of the staff made me smile & hide my face all at the same time.

Post work, David and I went straight to Ayala where most of the GX people serenaded me with their best version of Happy Birthday (before devouring the left over cake to nonexistence) :)

The last but certainly not the least was a surprise birthday dinner from my lovely host parents in a hidden yet delightful Spanish restaurant called Arano. Yummy lengua!

So to all those who greeted me via call/text/facebook- THANK YOU!!! :)

adventure # 262: Shalala Cebu

2010-07-20T21:19:00.006+07:00

Oh yes, I'm back to my sunny Philippines.

After 3 months of basking myself in the land of fish and chips, it's time for me to embrace the toweresque glory of the coconut trees.

After a 15 hour flight, I pretty much had a mad first week in my island Philippines. With barely any rest and the weight to the jetlag monster on our backs, it was all work and almost no play for the young volunteers.

First stop was a TV interview in ABS-CBN with my mate David. It feels a bit surreal being interviewed in a TV show. But I'm not complaining, it's all good :)

After 2 hectic days in Manila, we all flew to Cebu!

I've been to Cebu in the past but still it's one of those places that you always look forward to go back over and over again.

Thanks to Plantation Bay, our welcome dinner in Cebu was awesome!

Day two in Cebu was our Press Conference and community welcome.

We basically presented ourselves and answered questions thrown at us by the press people.

Aside from the Billie Jean impromptu madness, I reckon we held ourselves well.

David and I were also happy to meet our volunteer work placement supervisors from both Fair Trade and Youth Links.

It's only the beginning so I'm pretty sure I'll be having a hella great time in Cebu!

adventure # 261: Lampton Park

2010-06-22T22:21:00.003+07:00

I hate every couple I see.

Obviously, you're not here.

On the other side of the world,

you're as far away from me as you can get.

So do we live our lives in direct opposition:

you still asleep or perhaps already greeting the sun,

just as I am saying goodbye to her,

surrounded by misery in these strangers enjoying themselves,

playing football and throwin frisbees.

I wish I had a frisbee.

But mostly, you, here,

to catch it.

-- For FB, June 22, 2010

adventure # 260: I've seen how massive Mr. Big Ben is

2010-06-10T20:31:00.009+07:00

And yes, I know I've been a bad blogger lately since I wasn't able to update my adventure blah for almost a month.

But being in the land of Mr. Big Ben can be overwhelmingly distracting (and quite hectic to say the least). So let me try to paint a picture of how my London life has been so far.

Since joining Global Xchange and finally being able to go to London (thank God the whatever-that-volcano's-name-is finally stopped spitting ash clouds), everything has been surprisingly awesome. My new 9 Brit friends were awesome. Couldn't ask for anything else. Sure there were some bad times and yada yada but over all they're uber cool!

So here's the rundown of my adventure in full visual overload ;)

adventure # 259: Race & Equality Council

2010-05-15T23:26:00.004+07:00

So our UK placements finally started.

I'm assigned to the Hounslow Race & Equality Council (HREC)with Renata.

The HREC's aim is to promote equality by providing a professional and effective service to individuals and organisations and to campaign for social change by using their influence.

Their aims are:

* To work towards the elimination of discrimination
* To combat racism, harassment and hate crime
* To promote equality of opportunity for everyone in education, employment, health, housing and democratic activity
* To promote good relations between different groups to create a stronger and cohesive community

I'm quite happy to be working in this place for the simple fact that equality issues interest me and it really has a wide range of subtopics that one can really discuss. I do hope the next following work days will prove to be more exciting and more fun.

Here are some images I took while I was in my workplace:

This made me laugh (spotted in a mall on the high street):

Wherever in the world, some people can be just clueless *eye roll*

adventure # 258: The Butterfly Effect Project

2010-05-13T23:29:00.004+07:00

Global Xchange Team 107

A single butterfly flapping it wings can cause a hurricane half across the globe.

This may sound poetic, or even implausible, but some volunteers of the Global Exchange Program (GXP) believe that they can help create that spark and start the fire burning for youth volunteerism in the Philippines and around the world.

Putting the internet to good use, this year’s volunteers or Team 107 created the first ever GXP volunteers’ project dubbed as The Butterfly Effect Project.

Trixie & Rachelle

Toni & David

Sam & Karl

“We based this on the chaos theory. A single butterfly flapping its wings in this particular place can cause a hurricane. The same with this project, that no matter how small it is, this would ultimately make a difference for somebody, a group of people and ultimately for the world.,” explains 24-year-old GXP volunteer Anthony Ross Zuniga.

GXP is a project of the Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) in partnership with the British Council Philippines. Participants do a three-month volunteer work in the United Kingdom and another three months in the country. Aside from Zuniga, Team 107 is composed of Mark Aethen Agana, 22; Dionell Chris Batoon, 21; Margarita Victoria Caballa, 21; Joseph Eduard Larano III,, 20; Desiree May Llanos Dee, 21; April Karnette Maniacup, 21; Karl Benson Molina, 21; and Christina Lucia Marian Palami, 24.

The UK group is composed of David Thompson, 23; Bridget Hutchings, 18; Patrick Dougherty, 18; Rachelle Kitty Francis, 22; Renata de Groot, 22; Dani Sempers, 23; Neil James Thomson-Turner, 23; Sam Rowles, 18; and Michael Hoban, 19.

Ren & Marvie

Neil & Mark

THE PROJECT

The Butterfly Project is a website where the GXP volunteers upload videos of their experiences during their volunteer work starting in the UK, and then the Philippines. It is really like a reality show, but online.

“One small act of kindness, one small act of change can elicit a bigger change in the future. We’re going to do that first by creating this website. It’s like a reality show wherein you get the young people of the Philippines, the young people of the world to actually experience global exchange through us,” Zuniga shares.

The group will update the website of their real-life experiences “Hopefully these people will get inspired not just to join the program but also to act out and speak out and make a difference,” Zuniga says.

The website is likewise connected to their Facebook and Twitter account where they can interact with the website’s visitors.

Joed & Mike

Chris & Patrick

Bridget & Des

April & Dani

TO TRANSFORM ALL

GXP member volunteer April Maniacup quit her job to do developmental work.

“Eversince college, I’ve been thinking of how I could be of help to the Philippines.

I quit my job when I reached a crossroad. I realized that I want to do developmental work so I worked for the Red Cross,” April shares. “When I thought of the program, I think it’s an avenue for me to really experience working from below and I can really say to the people that I did something.”

The group hopes that young people like them can set aside their doubts and fears and create that change. “Because sometimes the real question that people ask is how to start. How can I start giving back? How can I start creating that change? I’m just one voice, can I really make a difference?” Zuniga relates.

The Butterfly project urges the young to go into something bigger than themselves.

“This particular project answers all that question, even with one voice, one individual with one motive, if we combine those intentions and those motives it can bare something bigger than ourselves. We shouldn’t be afraid to make the first step because the first step is really the hardest but once you do the first step, the second, the third, and even the final step much easier. It’s just the fear that stops us from actually doing something,” he adds.

VISIT:THEBUTTERFLYEFFECTPROJECT.COM

Article by Angelo Garcia. Published in Manila Bulletin last May 10.

advenTURE # 257: 17 new friends in UK

2010-05-10T05:37:00.006+07:00

So it's almost been a week since I arrived in London, England and I just have to say that I am absolutely loving it!

To be honest, leaving the Philippines wasn't as smooth as I thought it would be. More than the obvious physical separation, there were some problems that I had encountered a few hours before flying out of the country (which made me feel helpless and restless the whole 15 hours of my trip from Manila to Bangkok to London) but once I felt the cold breeze of Europe, I was somewhat relieved.

Stepping out of Heathrow Airport in Hounslow, London felt surreal. I've never in my wildest dreams that I would be in London this year. I entered 2010 without that in mind, but thanks to Global Xchange, the impossible just happened.

Our UK Counterparts

Week 1 was pretty interesting and so packed!

We were picked up with a bus and headed straight to Birmingham which was a good 2 hours from the airport. We stayed in the VSO training center which looks like a really fancy Scottish castle nestled in a quite suburban area. We also were able to meet our UK counterparts. At the beginning, we were all nervous since we don't know what to expect but we had a pleasant surprise.

They gave us a warm welcome-- organized a children's party for us, played kiddie games & even made us a quirky song called "Hello, Kamusta. Welcome, Pagsalubong."

Fantastic!

Training days (May 4-7) rolled out smoothly. We mostly had activities to really make us more comfortable with each other. It was all fun! Our new British friends were really warm & super nice!

Thursday afternoon, they finally announced our host home counterparts.

(See: What's unique about GX is that you are being paired with a UK counterpart and you'll be asked to stay in a British host home so that you'll experience real British way of living.)

I got paired with a 23 year old British Guy named David Thompson (who's like 6 feet tall) from Middlesbrough, London.

Chris and Patrick

Me and David

Rachell (her Filipino counterpart is Trixie)

Dani and April

Joed & Michael

Bridget & Desiree

Sam & Karl

Neil & Mark

Ren & Marvie

Friday morning, we went back to Hounslow to finally meet our Host parents.

Unfortunately, for some of us, we had to stay in a Hostel for the meantime.

Saturday, we went to a Children's center in Redleey's to basically play with kids (which was super fun!!!) and Sunday was just a day off so we went to church, crashed some friends' place (played Pinoy henyo & Mafia wars) & played ball games in the park.

GX Team 107 hunks!

So far, so good!

More than the sights, what made me fell in love with this place are the 9 new British friends that made my home away from home absolutely wicked!

I'm definitely loving London!

Although, its only been a week, I definitely

adventure # 256: London!

2010-05-07T14:56:00.008+07:00

So I'm finally in London, UK. Exciting times!

The obvious first difference I felt once I stepped outside Heathrow airport was the cold, cold weather- a complete contrast to the hellish heat in Manila.

It's my fourth day in London & so far everything has been an absolute blast! I haven't fully explored the different borroughs yet but based from what I've seen so far, as the Brits say, it's WICKED!

Here are some of the snapshots I took during my first day in Birmingham:

Here's my plane ticket. Tried Thai airways so we had a stopover in Bangkok.

First sign I saw in the airport

I'm excited to explore the central and bask in all the sights and sounds!

A typical English town

This was were I stayed for the first 3 days in London. Quite big and totally classy. Kind of reminded me of Hogwarts

Double decker bus :)

Lovely :)

Team 107 has landed!

First English meal

My teammates said I looked like I'm in Korea or Japan rather than in London

Hmmm... Candid shot. *seriously*

First morning jog! yey!

Here's my room with an excellent view!

And you know what made our first day super special?

It was our super nice UK Counterparts who made a song specially for us!

Hello, Kamusta. Welcome, Pagsalubong

Exciting times ahead! I love LONDON!!! :)

adventure # 255: Greetings from London!

2010-05-04T23:08:00.004+07:00

May 4, 2010 (7:00 am, London time)- Finally arrived in London, England via Thai airways. Bloody cold *shivers*

Staying in Birmingham now before moving to Hounslow and Central London. First impression? Wicked! *love, love, love*

More pictures & chin wag on the next post! *wave*

adventure # 254: Off I go to UK!

2010-05-03T05:01:00.005+07:00

Today I'll board my plane for London.

This is of course part of the whole 6 month journey that is GLOBAL XCHANGE.

I'm really anxious but more excited.

Before being pulled away from my usual life, I shared the last 72 hours of my stay here in the Philippines with the best people in my life :)

Yummy Friday Dinner at Zao Vietnamese Restaurant in Eastwood

Cors and I (aka Toni & Guy lol)

Tina & Cors

Yummy Starbucks cakes!

Sunday Service at Victory Church

Gel & little sister Kim

A little preview of things to come for the next 6 months :)

Lovelies :)

The best, best FB :)

Hungreeeeee!

Packing 6 months worth of clothing & limiting it to just 20 kilos was a BIG, BIG Challenge

messy packer I am

Magic foot do your wonder!

So there you go, off I go to UK at exactly 8 pm tonight.

Wish me luck :)

adventure # 253: GX Team 107 ready to fly!

2010-05-01T23:01:00.007+07:00

The Butterfly Effect Project aims to mobilize the youth to promote and support volunteering through Global Xchange. This project seeks to advance the knowledge and awareness of the youth, by encouraging them to participate in meaningful activities to serve as a generative force in human resource development committed to the values of volunteerism, social transformation, equity and diversity.

In about 40 hours from now, 9 young Filipinos of Global Xchange Team 107 will be on a plane to begin their trip to London, UK.

Meet Global Xchange Team 107!

Global Xchange, which is an initiative set up by Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) in partnership with the British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Set to work as a team for three months in London, United Kingdom and another three months in Cebu, Philippines, these young FIlipino volunteers will live with local families and work with local community organizations to address the pressing issues on disability, secure livelihood, and environment.

Below are some of their Pre departure videos:

Lucia Palami, 24 from Tacloban, Leyte

Toni Zuniga, 24 from Cainta, Rizal

April Maniacup, 21 from Apalit, Pampanga

Dionell Batoon, 21 from Tanay, Rizal

Marvie Caballa, 21 from Quezon City

Joed Larano, 20, Iloilo City

Watch what will happen to the 9 of them in their 6 month Global Xchange Journey.

Experience GX through them & witness how 9 ordinary young people with extraordinary passion from the Philippines (and 9 more from the UK) can ultimately make a difference.

Check out their weekly videos, pictures, stories and other updates at

Http://TheButterflyEffectProject.com

Adventure # 252: WBMB Book 2- Sticky & Sweet!

2010-04-29T07:29:00.001+07:00

LOVE is definitely stickier and sweeter the second time around!

After experiencing another major heart break, Adam is now more determined to focus on his career and nothing else. He now has his own advice column in a major magazine. Things are looking up for him when he meets ambitious, vibrant, and sexy Brandon. Things started heating up between them until people from his past came knocking back on his doorsteps.

Join Adam and the wacky set of people in his life in the second book of When Boy meets Boy.

COMING MAY 10 2010

adventure # 251: Love Exists

2010-04-28T14:36:00.000+07:00

adventure # 250: New batch of Filipino representatives for GX all set for UK

2010-04-27T01:47:00.003+07:00

New batch of Filipino representatives for Global Xchange Programme bared
Volunteers chosen by Volunteer Service Overseas to do volunteer work in UK and RP

Quezon City, Philippines, 27 April, 2010 — International development organization Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) announces the roster of young Filipinos who were picked to join this year’s Global Xchange Programme. The group will represent the country in the United Kingdom-Philippines exchange in their campaign towards social growth and development.

The new batch, dubbed as Team 107, includes: Mark Aethen Agana, South Cotabato; Dionell Chris Batoon, Rizal; Margarita Victoria Caballa, Metro Manila; Joseph Eduard Laraño III, Iloilo; Desiree May Llanos Dee, Metro Manila; April Karnette Maniacup, Pampanga; Karl Benson Molina, Rizal; Christina Lucia Marian Palami, Leyte; and Anthony Ross Zuniga, Rizal.

“I have always been passionate about volunteerism and development work and I am both thrilled and privileged to be a part of a program that will allow me to engage in both at the same time. Global Xchange is a great platform for young people to be involved in communities to address the most pressing social issues and provides a great opportunity to widen our perspective as global citizens,” says Karl Benson Molina who is also the Ambassador Leader of the Global Health Forum, One Young World in the United Kingdom.

Global Xchange, which is an initiative set up by Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) in partnership with the British Council and VSO Bahaginan, is a volunteer exchange program which gives young people from the Philippines and UK a chance to work together to develop and share valuable skills to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Set to work as a team for three months in London, United Kingdom and another three months in Cebu, Philippines, these young FIlipino volunteers will live with local families and work with local community organizations to address the pressing issues on disability, secure livelihood, and environment.

Tessie Bugarin, Team 107’s Project Supervisor, will help them adapt to their new environment and learn as much as possible from their experiences. “I had a hard time choosing the candidates for this batch. Everyone was excellent in his/her field of work. I am confident they will do well in the exchange,” said Bugarin.

Meanwhile, the team is preparing for the soft launch of their campaign The Butterfly Effect Project which aims to mobilize the youth to promote and support volunteerism through Global Xchange. This project seeks to advance the knowledge and awareness of the youth, by encouraging them to participate in meaningful activities to serve as a generative force in human resource development committed to the values of volunteerism, social transformation, equity and diversity.

“I am thrilled and excited about the team’s bright ideas. Their energy and vigor make me feel younger. Truly, the youth is an asset to our organization,” Happy Ballesteros-Raagas. Resource Generation Manager of VSO Bahaginan Foundation, Inc., said.

There is barely a week before they take flight to Hounslow, London—their first community. All is excited but at the same time anxious due to the recent volcanic ash cloud from Iceland that moved to UK’s airspace and disrupted its air travel.

But despite all these, the volunteers are still hopeful that everything will be well. The whole country will be with them on their journey.

About VSO Bahaginan
VSO Bahaginan is a development organization that promotes volunteering. They are committed to fight poverty and disadvantage through a wide range of volunteering development programs. They are the federation member of VSO in Asia and the Pacific. VSO is the world’s leading independent international development charity that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries.

About Global Xchange Programme
The Global Xchange programme is a six-month exchange programme which gives young people from different countries a unique opportunity to work together, to develop and share valuable skills and to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

adventure # 249: Change in a Flap

2010-04-27T01:44:00.001+07:00

We often hear how the flap of a butterfly's wings can influence weather patterns around the world. Striking an allusion between this natural tendency and a metaphor, the butterfly effect is tantamount to the analysis that small changes, if properly situated, can bring about wide-ranging effects.

In a world stricken by poverty and divided by chaos, individual butterflies needs to step up to create an impact. Each butterfly, assigned to a specific task, should work in synergy with other butterflies to elicit an effect. An analogy of this process could be paired to individual youths aspiring to make a difference in their respective communities. Each youth, tasked for a specific purpose, should integrate oneself to a larger group working for a common goal.

This May, 18 young individuals from the United Kingdom and the Philippines will endeavor in this process of social transformation. Under the Global Xchange Programme, the group of young individuals will be forming Team 107 of the Global Xchange Programme (GXP) that is jointly implemented in the Philippines by VSO Bahaginan and the British Council. They will be placed in communities, first in the UK and then in the Philippines, to do volunteer work in the areas of disability, secure livelihood, and environment.

Dubbed as The Butterfly Effect Project, the team will work for six months to make significant contributions to both UK and the Philippines. As they emanate the value of volunteerism, these individuals will influence change to their counterpart pairs, to their host homes, and to the communities that they will be in. These changes, when put together, would bring about large-scale and lasting effects.

Like butterflies that emerged from the cycle of metamorphosis, nine individuals from different social backgrounds will be representing the Philippines. Ready for their counterparts from the UK, each will try to flap one’s wings to make significant contributions to the world:

Mark Aethen G. Agana, 22.

Hailing from South Cotabato, Aethen believes that one person is of more value than the world. If each would start caring for one’s neighbors, the world would be a perfect world to live in. For him, valuing a person more than anything else is the essence why people live. He joined the GXP because he wants to travel and experience a different culture. He sees the programme as a good training ground for life long volunteers and active global citizens aspirants like him. Having a background on Information Technology coupled by his marketing skills, he would like to help in the promotion and building of the GXP identity and vision.

Dionell Chris D. Batoon, 21.

Chris wants to stop saying he cares for other people. He wants his words turn into action. An enthusiastic individual who actively participates in volunteer work, Chris values time and uphold honesty and integrity in everything he does. For him, these things are necessary tools to become a good leader and an effective agent of change. Having a Degree on International Relations, he enjoys traveling and learning new languages. He is also into singing, dancing, and hosting events that require interaction with different people.

Margarita Victoria C. Caballa, 21.

Recently finished a Bachelor of Arts Degree Major in European Studies Minor in Development Management and French Studies, “Marvie” joined the GXP because it brings her closer to her chosen career. She aspires to work and invest her knowledge and skills in international development. Being the former president of the Ateneo Special Education Society, she believes that her experiences and abilities could bring about positive change in the world, if diverted to a worthy cause. Aside from traveling and reading books, Marvie enjoys being part and working with a team.

Joseph Eduard G. Laraño III, 20.

A native of Iloilo, “JoEd” is particularly excited about the opportunity being offered by GXP because the nature of the work will surely give him significant and memorable experiences. He believes that the most effective results stem from true commitment. Because of this, he thrives to have a close collaboration with others who share the same passion for equality and holistic development. He welcomes the next six months of his life as a life changing experience. He believes that knowing God’s wisdom will help him see far beyond the superficial layers of life. Bringing with him the value of patience and perseverance, JoEd will sure come a long way.

Desiree May L. Llanos Dee, 21.

“Des” live and breathe for adventure. She has climbed more than 20 mountains in the Philippines and has tried a lot of breathtaking escapades. She loves traveling because the act adds up to her understanding of the world. This act of moving from one place to another makes her independent, open-minded, and versatile. Des realized that she wants to do things for a noteworthy cause rather than for purely capitalistic motivations. For her, the world has enough of greed. It’s about time the world gives back, whether to disabled communities or to the environment. She sees the GXP as the perfect avenue for personal growth and for the fulfillment of her ambitions for the self and for the country.

April Karnette S. Maniacup, 21.

April takes the liberty of finding her own path and threads ways that are less traveled. Although raised in a very protective environment, she has seen suffering from the perspective of her own comfort zone. She has witnessed vulnerabilities from outside her window and these experiences have induced in her a sense of awareness and social responsibility. At the university, she took a Degree on Philippine Studies in the hope that she could be of help to her own country. But later, she realized that service and desire to make a difference should not only end in one’s own home. One should be able to transcend boundaries and set aside differences to be able to see the bigger picture. April joined the GXP because it could give her a broader perspective of the world. At the same time, it is a challenge to share her learning and experiences to other people.

Karl Benson O. Molina, 21.

Philippine Ambassador to the One Young World, London, United Kingdom, Karl has a lot of noteworthy experiences as a youth leader and a change maker. Most of his work experiences involve teaching young kids and children in the orphanage. For three months, he has served as a volunteer teacher at the Rumah Shalom Orphanage for Indian Boys in Malaysia. He joined the GXP because he felt that it is a great platform for him to become a global citizen. The programme will allow him to have a greater perspective regarding the most pressing issues that the world needs to face. His experiences on development and volunteer work have prepared him well for the GXP and he is confident that he will be able to contribute ideas that will benefit the host communities. Compared to others, his source of knowledge not only comes from theory but also from what he has experienced first hand.

Christina Lucia Marian Palami, 24.

“Be brave, right through, and leave for the unknown.”~R. Tagore. This is one of the guiding principles that “Trixie” hopes to live by in the next 6 months. Being the 13th child of a big family, Trixie values kindness, sharing, and hard work. She is currently employed as a Corporate Communications Officer for CB&T ProStaff, Inc. However, her 'soul' work is her development work for projects in rural areas of Leyte, with special focus on women empowerment and scholarships for poor but deserving youth. Trixie is a woman of imagination, sense of humor and an even greater sense of purpose, traits which she wishes to bring to the GX Programme.

Anthony Ross T. Zuniga, 24.

Originally, “Toni” joined the GXP because the idea of traveling for free was hard to ignore. However, as he learned more about the programme, the idea of actually doing something for somebody substantiate his desire to push forward. He may not have the cure for AIDS or the answer for world hunger, but he has pure intentions. Having lived a comfortable life, the programme would allow him to offer what he could for a greater cause. Working as a Brand Manager, Toni values equality and truth. In his spare time, he does wall climbing and marathon, read books, plays with his dogs, and enjoys music and film.