eto ang eksena ng byahe ko from tupi to general santos city via yellow bus, ang bus liner na andyan na yata simula ipanganak ako..

" aah taga dubai pero nag yellow bus padung dyangas!" pang-asar na salubong sa akin ng nakatayo sa estribo, na sinabayan ng tawanan ng mga kumag pati na driver at konduktor. may tag kasing emirates air ang trolley ko kaya nya nasabing taga-dubai ako. ginawa ba akong source of laughter sa miserableng siksikan?

hay naku manoy, panu na lang natin isulong ang platapormang pangkapayapaan nyan hinawayon kaayo mo?

anyhow, di man state of the art ang byahe gaya ng dubai metro, at least maaliwalas naman ang state of mind mo dahil sa picture perfect na tanawin. at may bonus ka pang "mani day?" "itlog?"

Ps from 'Postscripts to Blood bath'

Did the end justify the means? Or did the means justify his end?
I’m just as confused.
While I deplore a murderous act of any man whatever his cause, I’m just as sadden what fate awaits his family. And in a society where the blame easily rests on others except us, where do they go from here?
We all can fall victims of unjust circumstances, and If so, seek justice your way. But our legacy to family should be foremost in our head!
Not too long ago, I thought deeply of what legacy I can leave my daughter when I figured I don’t have that much money to leave behind when its time to go.
I found out there was something more important and lasting than just money.
It is the legacy of Honor. Goodwill. A name.
So I self published a book.

The Heart of Photography

"I like the sensation of being able to freeze time, and have absolute control with what I want people to see in my images." That’s not me talking, but Dino Kintanar on his photography.

This guy, who is nutty in experimenting settings, and gritty at risky exposures and angles, could spend a hell of a time under the scorching Arabic sun; composing, angling, changing lens, etc.. just to capture that one perfect shot. Ako? Di siguro!

Honestly, getting to know some Pros, ahead of you getting to know your basic photography, would certainly cause you insecurity if not discomfort. Especially if you have already published an imagery coffee table book, that you have launched across 3 continents, e nakakahiya na talaga magtanong some basics as to your camera settings or to ask how deep is the depth of field?

Soo time con-fusing, getting to know the technical aspects of photography.

If you have neither time nor patience in understanding the manuals of your camera, that you need to know how aperture and focusing distance defines your depth of field, that bouncing your flash towards a wall is a lighting technique (as I learnt from assisting Dino on his portrait shots)or even knowing the difference between Nikon d90 or canon d400 is too complex for you, as I do, then sit back and relax, because the very heart of photography lies not in its complicated technicalities...
It lies nowhere else but only, and only in the heart of the photographer.

So get your digicam, go point and shoot!

swiss bretz vs american pretzel

authentic american blueberry pancake, paghahanap nyan ang una kong misyon pagdating sa new york. back in dubai, pancakes - of all varieties: oatmeal w/ almonds; banana w walnuts; sweet corn; plain pumpkin; chunky cheez; choco & nuts; black and/or yellow raisins & almond n pecan nuts (ganyan ako ka-nutty sa aking pancakes); have always been a weekend treat for myself and friends, to try my delightful recipes..kasi mind you, when it comes to my kitchen, i break all the rules and have it my way!

thats why when i embarked on US tour last month, american SIZE pancake lang ang nasa isip kong kainin for the rest of my 2week breakfasts..

but i found out pretzels pala ang kinalolokohan ng mga new yorker. so di na ako nag-aksaya ng panahon at nakigaya me na palakad-lakad sa streets of NY na kumakain ng pretzels (yes totoo ang nakikita mo sa pelikula na ang mga kano kebir kahit naka coat n tie basta kakain yan ng burger or pretzel kahit pa tatawid ng kalsada) oh by the way, speaking of pagtawid, lam nyo bang wala din silang paki sa traffic signals? gosh yours truly lang ang the only traffic law abiding crossing citizen in new york when i first arrived there..opo and i mean both pedestrian at motorist! pero thats another story..

back to my food expo, di ko man type ang pretzels (mabibili mo to sa mga street vendors) nila at super alat ang una kong natikman? di gaya ng bretzels sa switzerland na unang tikim pa lang..woww ang sarap!

2 b cont..

missing something

Whenever i visit a new place, esp big cities, i always look forward to a bonus side trip in the suburbia. And soo happy indeed that in this return trip to Washington DC (from NY) on Memorials day, we did manage to find time to dine in a Chinese resto in Fairfax, around 15min drive from DC. The bonus dinner trip was courtesy of her graciousness Ms. Grace Valera, the lifestyle editor of migrant heritage chronicle-a DC based magazine.
it was 10pm late when we hit the road back to NY, passing through the states of Virginia (not sure aktwali kung state nga ba to? haha) Philadelphia-where bob lost his way twice, Baltimore, Atlantic City (may sign board going there lang), New jersey- the border of NY ..so exciting it was that we travelled 7hours instead of 4hrs lang! kaya umaga na pagdating NY.
in my 14day US trip, every single day was jammed with fruitful activities, accomplished business, new friends, and good memories..yet i still have this nagging feeling that i miss something... or someplace?

o baka someone?@#?

BFF

USC, Cebu City. Dekada 80. ganito na ang porma namin ni marivir montebon, then editor in chief of Today's Carolinian-the official student publication of USC-CC, at ako naman, then the renegade President of USC Theatre Guild. enjoy kami sa buhay aktibista..pero di kami masyado enjoy na laging tinatawag ng guidance office para kastiguhin ni mamita alo..haha (bff na rin kami ngayon ni mamits nu!). pero nuon pa man, lagi na kaming laman ng cafe shop sa kanto para magdiskusyon or magpalamig or magpainit (ng ulo), depende sa panahon. pero ang totoo, mas maraming oras ang ginugugul namin (bukod sa tulog at katatawa) ay ang mangarap ng gising.

foremost sa mga pangarap ay ang maglakbay sa ibat ibang bansa lalo na sa US of A (mga kolonyal na aktibista!), kasama na dyan ang kumain ng french bread sa paris, mag sweiss cheeze sa zurich at yes, magkape sa streets of new york...

mga higala..after conquering our collosal struggles in life in the last 2 decades..(o sya sya, almost 3 dekades grr) eto na po kami ngayon!!

(pambansang wika na ang ginamit ko para mas maintindihan ng madla..vir, you may translate in english for the benefit of your fans club)

2 b cont..

budget travel -NY

since many are asking, here's more on budget travel in new york.
as mentioned previously, planning ahead is the way to jumpstart your trip.
for locations, directions, transpo options, travel time to and from your airport of destination, you may Map quest. for accommodations, always get info from official local tourism websites. for budget travel, agencies normally quote 3star hotels i.e., comfort inn, days inn , holiday xpress etc w/c price is reasonable enough. hotel rates in midtown manhattan (the center of new york city) for 3stars ranges from $150-$300 (depending on season) but if you book farther i.e., jamaica in queens borough, the rate for the same hotel can be less than a a hundred dollars.

as member of IBPA (independent book publishers asso in manhattan beach, CA) and exhibitor at BEA (book expo america), i was given a discounted rate of $199/night at roosevelt hotel in midtown manhattan (orig price is $400) , pero di ko naman ma-afford ang discounted rate na yan for 14days kaya syempre hanap ng medyo reasonable acc to budget.

lucky me, at siguro dahil malakas talaga ako kay bro, he always hear my prayers. ayun , a good pinoy samaritan who runs a learning center/convention center / hotel accommodation in midtown manhattan came to my rescue. mantakin mo naman i was given a big room w bath (sa NY pag less than $100/- may ka-share ka na sa banyo) at 5th ave/43 st ang address, just two blocks straight ahead to times sq/broadway..and i paid only $35 /night!

2b cont'

zurich's hometown attitude

zurich, switzerland
5jun2010,7am

at 9degree C, the cold summer breeze and the sweet scent of the alps brought me a familiar chill.
its now almost a year when i first arrived here, but this city never lose its charm on me.
cant help comparing Swiss Airport hometown hospitality and service to visitors as compared to other bigger cities .. but at this beautiful early morning, reserve ko muna energy ko at ayoko magsalita ng di maganda, so i will only happily talk about the free wi-fi / public internet and yes, the delightful hefty breakfast free only at Swiss Flughafen..
walang ganyan sa NY or sa Paris sorry!
(2 b cont')

book launched at kids party in NJ, Sun 30May2010

EJ proudly showing off his check payment for the book, and kid's party host-father of celebrant Greg gave us a very warm reception to present Postscripts from Mindanao to his guests.
kaiba rin ang sense of community ng mga pinoys sa new jersey..kung may party, di na kailangan ng imbitasyon go na agad! mixd race na talaga sila dito and many pinoys are married to japanese, americans, at mga latino/latina. greg's wife yoka is japanese at sobrang hospitable din.
im so thankful to have been invited to this gathering, as seeing a happy mixed family of pinoys is always a welcome sight...at syempre to savor the taste of american bbq party..sarappp!

Memorial Day in DC, 31May2010

celebrating memorial day in DC yesterday is one of my most memorable days in this trip.

why? becoz we were on the road 24hrs and were soo dead tired when we got back to New york at 5am next day, thats why!

and dya know that in DC-the US capital city, at this very day where people were feasting and drinking beer in honor of the war heroes, dya know that all shops: cafe/bar/resto/mall and even the 24hr convenient stores closed at 6pm? goodness! i was dying from dehydration we couldnt find any store within the next 1000mtr (i walked farther nu!) radius of the white house! i told myself if darkness prevails in the next block, i shall return and willl have to ask tito barack to serve us drinks... and then there was light at the end of the tunnel..there was mc do!

2 b continued

Book launch at 5th Avenue, Manhattan

finally, we made it!

the launching of Postscripts from Mindanao in New York yesterday turned out surprisingly well.

at dahil iba-ibang lahi ang dumalo, nagmistulang united nations mini-conference and launching. i am soo thankful and inspired too for all the kind words i got from the guests na kahit hindi pa nakarating ng pinas ang iba, napaka-sincere ng appreciation nila for the book.

thank God for all these blessings talaga.

i am also deeply indebted to edward busque (administrator of the hotel im staying) for the support i dint expect from a pinoy new yorker (super snob daw kasi sila d naman ah?)for giving me the launching venue free of charge at room (hotel) rate na parang nagbabakasyong kapatid lang! thx din as always for ms. marivir-the gorgeous power host, daughter niki as videographer/photographer, ms. marivic, cultural officer-consulate office in NY, staff, members and volunteers of lovin life ministry, ms madonna davidoff-the global pinay ilustrator na power puff lady din, bob-who doesnt want to be called robert til he finished his phd, and to alll who joined me when i thought there were only 3 attendees , myself included.

hay salamat po..pwede na ako manuod ng sex in the city..phantom..mag-shopping ng tag 2$ shirt sa new jersey thrift mall..oh

ouch may new jersey (un)official book launch din pala kami kanina..children's party aktwali yun pero nag-gate crashed kami at sabay insert ng book launch sa program..(tama ba naman yun?)

pero idea ng host ko yun, so its not my fault..

Postscripts from Mindanao at Book Expo America 2010

"dont lose your focus, and dont take all those books only because its lying there free" was the first advise i got from an american author/publisher who's been in the industry for 25yrs and a veteran exhibitor of BEA (book expo america) and went on to give me a list of priority things to do as first time exhibitor.

in this year's book expo at jacob javits convention center in new york, independent book publishers are all over..a welcome sight, i was told, that independent publishing is now in the mainstream.

indeed, thats a good news to me.

but the bad news is, no other filipino exhibitor-neither author nor publisher was in there. an old timer (exhibitor) told me that i was brave to conquer BEA coming all the way from the mideast -, a 14hr direct flight from dubai, and all alone by myself, but made my strong presence felt. he told me its good enough i dint drown in the immensity of the event.

he was wrong aktwali, kasi nalunod ako sa freebies!

Budget travel advisory

catching up with below postings from www.angatingmindanao.webs.com ...

if 3star hotel is still way up your budget, there are many alternative accommodations in NY i.e., room to share or apt to rent, you may want to check out Easy Roommate.com, w/offers a thousand available rooms (rates ranges fm as low as $500/mo and up)wher u can easily find places close to your destination..but do it w caution kasi nga new york to.
alternately, you may just have to email friends from your hi-school class, im sure he/shel be glad to be of service to you. with FB around, your longlost friends are just a click away
********
if you get a hotel, try to get international brands para sure ka na malinis at maayos. there are affordable 3star brands halos ka-presyo ng B&B din yan. kung may pera at maarte ka at gusto mo talagang bongga at memorable ang bakasyon, pwede ka mag-check in sa waldorf astoria rubbing elbows kayo nila angie at brad. pero thank god talaga im so lucky to find pinoys in NY na very hospitable at welcoming. so tip #1 is keep all your friends intact, u never know when u need them (user-friendly ba?) im soo lucky to met a pinoy admin ng isang hotel at this ridiculously expensive 5th ave/madison area at binigyan nya ako ng 70%discount at pinagamit pa sa akin ang function room to launch my book without charges o diba sadyang pinagpala? thank god and thank kuya edward for his kindness kaya if you are planning to visit NY, email me and il send you all the tips to get the most out of your trip
*******
google map is very detailed and a big help in finding way around your city of destination. so long before you go on vacation, plan ahead and check the map of the whole city to get acquianted with it and so youl not drown in its emmensity esp cities like NY! the same map can also advise you the travel time from the airport to your hotel or any destination. likewise for the alternative mode of transpo. and oh wag mag-taxi unless you have unlimited resources kasi the train and buses is the way to go not only in NY but anywhere else. hilig pa naman magtaxi ng mga pinoys. i paid half the normal fare of my dubai-NY-dubai ticket at emirates air pa yan kasi i searchd for the best price (seek help from your travel agcy). for accommodation, i prefer bed & breakfast over hotels, not only for practical reasons but more bcoz mas exciting yung makilala mo ang mga lokal and get assimilated with the local lifestyle. i did that in zurich and had great time and learnd so much about the swiss . pero staying B&B in NY is not that easy daw kasi maraming unscrupulous ind in NY and you never know who youre dealing w..

finally..i can

hay naku finally i can blog..could hardly catch up w time in new york, kapagod maghabol ng oras and soo many great moments to share..pero pagdating hotel bagsak na sa kama ..and the day is over..