Oh hello there bagtak! LMAO! :)

I haven't told everyone about my upcoming short Eurotrip. Or no. I just shared it to some very close friends and family.Honestly, I was quite uncomfortable. I don't like this thinking that "hey, go there, find a boy friend there." Like oohhhh. give me a break..I travel because it is my passion. I travel because I want to learn, to see the world, get lost and take these different cultures with me. Not because I am desperate to find a romantic partner. Okay? It can be funny but too much of it, like your relatives telling you repeatedly, it becomes irritating. I can fend for myself. Thank you very much.

Or probably, they are conditioned for so long that a woman in mid-20s should "settle down" and settling down means marrying, having babies, getting a regular job and wait for your pension afterwards. And marrying is like getting the best choice, preferably a European to pass on good genes to your future kids.*eyes roll*  Because our models, the Azkals are half-breeds and they really have good looks. Great idea.  But wait. It doesn't work for everyone. I just believe that you cannot hurry Love. If it is my destiny, it will just come. :-)

But anyway..why I was here? I just made an unnecessary rant.Forgive me.hehe..Ooohh, I'm here because I applied and was accepted to a two-week short course on Competing Claims and Natural Resources at Wageningen University. I got a fellowship from Nuffic Fellowship Program (NFP) and after a 3-month struggle with my Visa, here I am.

Europe is definitely a whole new experience for me.It is my FIRST TRIP ABROAD And currently I am in a huge delta called The Netherlands.:)

Women showing poer over in class with one of our lecturers, Karen. :)

We are 14 in class coming from 11 different countries- Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Indonesia, Mongolia, India, Ethiopia, Zambia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Philippines. We came from different backgrounds dealing with various cases of competition over minerals, wildlife, water, mountains.

So we came with these cases, discuss it and learn the framework and theories about it. For the first week, we really had fun just getting to know each other, debating about trivial things and getting the coursework done.



And I love the fact that I met Nur Hasanah, an Indonesian bubbly girl who has the same interests with me. We walk around and take pictures together! And she reminded me about Couchsurfing and shared her experience. So I signed up and had a wonderful experience too! :D

I learned that women, regardless of age and ethnicity will understand the language of shoes, bags and accessories! :) We women do a lot of shopping or going out at the market after class since shops here close at 6PM! Yeah, they have their social life too. But we say, "That's too early!" in our countries, we even have 24 hour shops. Of course, there's no point of comparing for labor cost with our respective countries. 

What I love is that, Wageningen is just a small village and it seems everyone knows everybody. Generally Dutch people are gentle people but here, it's like everyone's extra polite and helpful. Cars stop when you're at the pedestrian (even though you're still far and you have to even run and ashamed for dillydallying) or trying to cross but the traffic light still on Red. They would ask you, "You want me to take your pictures?" whether you are in groups or solo. Tourists possibly do not get here that much as Amsterdam is the always most known tourist area. I love to say this is a quaint charming village. I like the atmosphere of being in a community here. :)



Then, last Saturday, we went to Oosterschelde where a storm surge was made to stop the seawater from entering the country after the devastating North Sea flood in 1953. It is part of the 13 ambitious Delta Work.


It also the coastal boundary between Netherlands and Belgium. We can just see Antwerp at a distance. And one in my bucketlist is really standing on a border between to countries.Just like what Jamie Sullivan, the female protagonist did in A Walk to Remember? She wanted to be in 2 places at the same time. So step at the boundary of two countries or area. Yeah I want to do that too. But probably, this is the closest thing I can do for now! :)


at Zeeland. No, not in New Zealand. :) Photo by Nur Hasanah


Then we went to this very charming historical village of Veree. Around 500 inhabitants only! I can imagine during spring or summer people are just sitting outdoors, enjoying the sea.



Then for Sunday, I made a solo trip to the neighboring cities (it deserve another long blog) meet awesome guys from Couchsurfing (would probably make another blog solely about this online community) and just walked around, lounge around, drank coffee and beer, and just TALK! as in truly talk. and that's better than jumping around, taking too many photographs without making any real connection. I can say I have made new friends, and I see the city on a different perspective. I went there without even knowing what "tourist spots" I have to see. But these guys, Kevin and Freek, the gentlemen who lived there accompanied me to the streets and 'untouristy' alleys and corners. :)


And today is Monday. Everyone's still having a hang-over from the week-end. But we had a very interesting lecture on Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). It's about making monetary value of thing you'll possibly lose and gain from a certain activity. But there are controversial issues to consider like: How do we value the ecosystem? There are other factors like psychological and social things like spiritual value of that area that cannot be monetized. But CBA should ideally guide the decisions of the legislators.


And tonight, for de-stressing, we've met another CSurfer studying at Wageningen who brought us to this small pub and introduced us (Nur and I) to his group of friends later. They have a weekly dinner together and we joined them. The dinner table was so lively with people switching from Dutch to English to Spanish, joking and laughing at mundane things. That's another aspect of a locality's culture that one should experience. Oh, when we were going back to the hotel, we passed by this marijuana (they call it weeds here) store. Everything is quite legal here especially marijuana. And it becomes a tourist come on too! hhhmm....:D

And right now, I am sitting on my table, unable to sleep. We are now on our 2nd week, everything seems to moving fast....I hope to maximize my stay here, to learn more and determine how to make my re-entry plan at the office. Yes, it will be a big work when I get back but for now, it's not bad to grab the opportunity right? :)

As the Mcdo Commercial sings, HOORAY FOR TODAY!

“Valentine’s Day is a celebration, but it becomes a crucial time for self-evaluation. There are a lot of reasons to celebrate Valentine’s Day – and being in a relationship isn’t the only way to enjoy life."

So the best way to enjoy the much awaited Hearts Day? Spend it with your single friends. travel together. be crazy. And it was our FIRST trip together.



Saturday is for learning about history of Manila. We took Carlos Celdran Walk Tour. Lunch time is for Binondo Food trip. Afternoon is for Divisoria shopping.

Sunday is for the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark Air Field, Pampanga.

(will post more after I find my sanity. hehe

Branding. Tagline. Tourism.

It's an answer to the question of tourists especially foreigners: "Why should I go to the Philippines?"

A marketing strategy. to promote our country. From Wow Philippines!, short-lived Pilipinas kay Ganda to the new tourism brand: "It's More Fun in the Philippines."


Wow Philippines conceptualized by former DOT Sec. Dick Gordon was very successful. No doubt about that. They had statistics to prove that claim. That's why when it was changed into 'expensive but poor Poland ad copycat" Pilipinas Kay Ganda, so many raised their eyebrows. If ain't broke, don't fix it.



Pinoy OFW posted on its blog reasons why this new slogan lacks appeal and criticized its lousy concept. No wonder a month after it's launching, it flopped and was junked.

Here comes another administration. Another DOT Secretary. A man with PR background. and the new brand was launched!


The new brand carries a bright, colorful logo that features a colorful “banig” or mat bearing a woven image of the Philippine map in yellow. Overwhelming reaction of citizen rose. But it was mixed with disbelief when someone discovered this tagline was "copied" (again! Poland ad hello?!) from Switzerland ad in 1951.


I was even shocked when my journalist friend said it was copied and tagged me the 1951 ad. But looking closely, the presentation was very far. It was the same okay. But maybe Foucault is right. No one holds the Absolute concept. That there is no such thing as "original" idea. Probably. And what's more important is for us, Filipinos to own this concept.

As DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez said:

“Come to the Philippines because we are more fun… we are a place to reconnect with your humanity, with family, laughter and basically with yourself...We need a line that is easily understood. Competitive. More fun in the Philippines is true. Keri natin ito.”

This ad is not solely for the foreigners but also for more Filipinos to travel within our country. Explore our country first! Explore you locality first; be the local guide. Know more about your place- Beyond history, beyond restaurants and tourist spots. But know also the political dynamics, the threats; its strength and weaknesses. Own your place.

And I would like to promote MINDANAO tourism above all. WOW MINDANAO especially to our fellow Filipinos who still think Mindanao is about bombs, bandits, terrorism and boondocks. And as Cielito Habito wrote,

"...Mindanao is the future of the Philippines,” remarked my daughter last week. She was marveling at the futuristic new city hall rising in Tagum City, Davao del Norte (“looks like Singapore,” she said), the wide highways we traversed to get there, and the great natural wealth visible in the lush agricultural crop around. It struck me how she could make this observation on what was only her second visit to Mindanao. She had formed her first impression of Mindanao several years ago when a friend invited her to their place in Bukidnon, and was deeply impressed then at how well endowed our southern regions are...
......I haven’t even begun to talk about the great tourism potentials in Mindanao, which I had my family sample firsthand for the first time last week. Everyone’s now mouthing our new tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” Well, we discovered that family vacations could be even more fun in Mindanao...I think my daughter had it right: our country’s future is in Mindanao."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

So here's my contribution to the new tourism slogan.


San Juanico Bridge, Leyte
Sunset and Full moon experience! <3


Mayon Volcano, Daraga, Albay


Ricefield in Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte during sunset
The sky is like a painting, splashed with watercolors!



Habal-habal Ride coming from Lake Holon, T'boli, South Cotabato
The risk and the laughter that come with it is priceless! Onli inda Pilipens!
Photo by Mr. Julz Mella

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Skylab or Habal-habal. Ingenuity and Risk taking!
field work going to Butuan City


I love jumpshots! and doing it with new acquaintances are even better! :)
Lake Holon climb


Walk for Earth Celebration at Hubo Falls, Tupi, South Cotabato


Kadayawan Festival like no Other.
To enjoy it more, act like a Turista! Be curious! :)

And to cap my love for traveling and learning, here's a visual treat on why you should discover this 7,107 islands called Philippines:



There are lots and lots of reasons why you should visit our country. Tara, byahe na tayo! TRAVEL YOUNG! Boost Local Economy! be a green traveler. :)

The Mayan calendar predicted that 2012 is the end of the world. If indeed next year is the apocalypse, then I die happily!




2011 is the year of the rabbit, and it's truly my Year- the year of Dorarabbit! :))
I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to commune with nature and climb mountain (literally). Lake Holon trip and my Linan climb are just memorable - Meeting new friends, being a part of the TAKSA small mountaineering group.

Although I started the year being healthy, I wasn’t able to continue the climbing exercises. I was invited to Mt. Apo but I declined (conflict of sked and I don’t want climbing event with many climbers). Traveling to Visayas is another milestone in my travel list. Being a salimpusa is not bad after all. You just need to be friendly and be open to a lot of possibilities. Traveling is only enjoyable if you have the best company. Traveling entails new learnings and knowing more about yourself.

God knows how itchy my feet gets, so He wanted me to take another trip to open my eyes and mind to the different faces of poverty and richness of human spirit. Visiting Kulaman and meeting the Manobo Dulangan who struggles to keep their ancestral domain is a trip I could not forget. In every cup of coffee, a dream continues. 


To end my year, I got to finally take one thing on my bucketlist- watch Azkals live and see David Beckham in flesh.


2011 have been a great year despite the challenges. Thank you Lord for blessing me and my family. Here's to more love, travel and life!

Water dragon, Let's get it on!! :)

Dream big and be busy making it happen.
If God didn't wnat us to reach for the stars, He wouldn't give us the power to dream.

2011 is the year of football renaissance. Football gained the limelight again when our national team, the Azkals made a Cinderella win in Vietnam. The Azkals, the underdogs defeated the defending champion, 2-0 on its home stadium. Christ Greatwich scored the goal through a header on 37th minute and Phil Younghusband sealed the fate at the 79th minute. It was pandemonium. It was December 5, 2010.

And it was never the same again. Azkals rose to prominence. They got the media mileage, corporate sponsors came in. Azkals, like the stray dogs were homeless and under supported. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) management was reformed (the former president Jose Mari Martinez was booted out and replaced by Nonong Araneta).



365 days after and the universe conspired. The football superstar David Beckham and his club, the LA Galaxy came to town to play with our boys! Together with Landon Donovan, Robbie Keanne, the 2011 Major League Series (MLS) Champs! Now’s that is one hell year-ender.


Adding to this memorable event is, this is David Becks last year with LA Galaxy (and we knew he won several cups in 3 different leagues on his last year of contract with them- Real Madrid (2003) and ManU UEFA Champions League (1998).

Who doesn’t know David? The charismatic (sometimes snobbish) football player, Unicef ambassador and father of 4 boys made a stellar career kicking balls with his trademark: Bend it like Beckham. The Becks technique is a top free kick goal scorer. There’s even a movie with this title (and I highly recommend it!). A free kick curve technique wherein the ball swerves, like a thunderbolt, the goalie could not see where it’ll land.



I’ve seen this moves several times when he was with Manchester United and Real Madrid and to see this move, and see my childhood love in flesh is once in a lifetime experience.



Last December 3, 2011 it happened. Aptly titled as the Dream Cup, the LA Galaxy faced our Azkals for a friendly match.


At first, I had second thoughts whether to watch it or not. The general admission ticket is quite pricey. P2,000 for blue and green bleachers, P5kfor white and whooping P15k for grandstands! It’s Christmastime, expenses started to pile up. Gifts for godchildren, nieces and nephews, some random kids on the list. But I made a bucketlist before and one of the things on my list is to watch any Azkals match live. I failed to watch their game vs. Sri Lanka for the AFC qualifiers. This is a chance. Well, David Becks is a bonus.



Luckily, Ticketworld has an outlet at Abreeza Mall. I bought the tickets after I watched the Pupil gig. They say never decide when you are happy or mad. I was so enthusiastic meeting Ely Buendia personally and I said to myself, Life is too short. And I’ll never know when I’ll be able to see David Becks. Rumors say he’ll transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. We’ll never know when he will retire. He had suffered several injuries already. I want to grad this opportunity.



Pikit-mata, buwis-buhay, ika nga! Wagas na wagas na pag-ibig! ahahaha

Since I had a business appointment in Makati within the week, I extended my stay. I was able to meet my mom, uncle and attend the 17th Annual Pride March too!

I had to watch the game solo. My football buddies Nina, faith, Maybelle and Anna could not make it. Conflict of sked, expensive ticket. But nothing could stop the fangirl in me.

I searched for directions online going to Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS). Withstanding the fact, that I don’t have a sense of direction. Dora lakwatsera na hindi alam ang direksiyon, kakaiba di ba?! haha! As Beatles sang, I get by with a little help from my friends. Tin-tin decided to meet me and accompany me to RMS.

The line outside started as early as 4:30PM, But it was 5:00PM that the gates opened. Next to me in line are two cool moms whose kids play football. They got their tickets as complimentary for their kids football clinic. They were amazed when they learned I came from Davao.. we were annoyed with the guards at the entrance. They didn’t give clear instructions. At first they told us to form two lines- females in lfet, male in right only to be switched midway inside and to form two lines each for each sex. It was like a scene in a cotillion dance. It was nice to look at if it’s a small audience but with a line up to La Salle, this is no laughing matter. Sweat, soft drizzle and no umbrellas allowed inside mase some irritated. Even bottled waters are not allowed. Part of the sponsorship deals of food stalls inside.

After seeing my assigned seat, I looked around. The Kaholeros were practicing their cheers. Ushers in pink were busy helping fans look for their seats. Then I saw two girls with face paints of Philippine flag and Azkals. I was jealous, of course. So I went out again, look at the booths outside and the face paint was offered by Smarth. You just buy a load,you got to get freebies of your choice- vuvuzelas that don’t work, balloon clapper and/or face paint.

I fell into line. Another girl’s face was being painted. She looked up and smiled. Then she asked me, “Di ba taga UP Min ka?” I nodded. “Ngano te, Bisaya’g nawong jud ba ko?”, I asked her. Welaughed together. Her face is familiar. I know she’s an upperclass. Then we introduced ourselves. She’s Ate Richie Ross Rellama, an Architecture upperclass. It turned out she’s going solo too as her boyfriend went home to Davao.

I accompanied her to find her seat at the blue bleachers, only to fin out that she was seated just behind me! Talk about destiny of fellow futbol enthusiast! Our seat is just behind the Phil. Goal post. Ate RR would like to change seats. “we should find a seat perpendicular to the field to have a better view.” As an architect, I trust her calculation, of course. So many seats were not yet filled especially the seats near the white bleachers. We went here and if the ushers would found out, we will just smile and go back to our assigned seats. She went there first to check. All clear. I followed. It was a better view indeed.

The LA Galaxy players were already limbering. Our eyes immediately scanned for the blonde-haired man with a thin headband. There he was stretching, passing balls with Frankie Hedjul, Robbie and Landon. Then he went at the corner (near our area) and the mothers next to us shrieked, even louder than us! After several minutes, the show started.

LA Galaxy Line up:
GOALKEEPERS (3) – Donovan Ricketts

DEFENDERS (8) – Gregg Berhalter, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Frankie Hejduk, Dasan Robinson, Ryan Thomas

MIDFIELDERS (12) – David Beckham, Chris Birchall, Paolo Cardozo, Landon Donovan, Hector Jimenez, Bryan Jordan, Juninho, Dan Keat, Jovan Kirovski, Mike Magee, Dustin McCarty, Michael Stephens

FORWARDS (4) – Adam Cristman, Robbie Keane, Miguel Lopez, Jack McBean

Azkals first LINE UP:

Rob Gier, Anton del Rosario, James Younghusband, Manny Ott, Phil Younghusband, Angel Guirado, Chieffy Caligdong (Captain), Chris Greatwich, Ed Sacapano (GK), Jason Sabio, Ray Johnsson

Substitutes: Joshua Beloya, Roel Gener, Misagh Bahadoran, Carli de Murga, Nate Burkey, OJ Clarino, Jason de Jong,Nestor Margarse, Paolo Pascual, Ian Araneta, Lexton Moy and Matthew Uy


FIFA flag entered. , our national anthem was played.

The LA Galaxy started to pass the ball, Azkals took defensive position. I stood near the railing. Someone called my name. I screamed. Another shout for my name. I looked around. Watched the field again. “May Cheeeeeee!” And someone waved. Deo Onda! A fellow UP student council officer way back in college, a goalie and a friend. And he’s watching solo too! I introduced him to Ate RR. Three Hans solo turned into groupie!



The three of us watched ht show with keen interest. Azkals showed great potential at the first half . David Becks scored at 19th minute. We cheered! Yes, we are traitors! Haha. Then Adam Christman made a goal. Phil Younghusband inspired, tackled the ball curled in a shot (the lone goal for the night for our team).

The UP Pep Squad provided entertainment on the half-time break.

Second half commenced. You know David Becks charm went beyond his sexy bod and strong legs. He is just David B. Every corner he went, the crowd just went ballistic!
Second half is no match for the Azkals. LA Galaxy players were just too fast, smooth ball passing, you weren’t able to catch their goals.
For the game highlights, I’ll let the this video do the talking:





It was 6-1. LA Galaxy had a friendly match with powerhouse Indonesia (1-0). But David Bcks was very impressed with our team. Our team’s newly gained strength is an inspiration to him. He was starstucked with our People’s Champ Manny Pacquaio too. After his substitution on the second half, he took off his shirt and gave it to Manny. But Jinkee yanked it off and wiped Beck’s jersey on her belofied face! Darn! She’s just lucky she’s too far, or else, the fandom will you know..hahaha!

The crowd started to leave after the players made their round, but Ate RR nudged us to go at the back. She wouldn’t sleep if she can’t get a closer glipse of David B. Binoculars during the game was irrelevant. So we went. We brushed aside other fans, took chairs to stand on and waited. Adam Christman (2 goals), was just walking to and fro to their bus (unlike other Galaxy players who always walk with escorts).

The burly event security were lined up up to the Galaxy bus. Frankie went out first. Then Landon. Then a tall guy wearing blue Adidas sweat pants and jacket and a bonnet. Swhoooosh! It just seems like a flash. David Beckham, yumminess! Arrrgggh!

Then I went outside and looked for Deo. Deo was standing at the gates pole. I took the place near him and watched David B mobbed by some giggling young girls (daughters of some PSC commissioners, perhaps?), then he went with their manager to the van before climbing their bus. Take the seat near the window please, we muttered under our breath. He listened. He smiled, waved. Fans continue to wave and shriek. Fans adoration is not new for him, that’s for sure. But he continued to wave. Then some fo the Azkal boys came out. Manny Ott was adorable. Ian, Chieffy and Jason Sabio came after. Ian continued to sign autographs at the Azkals bus. It’s already 11;30PM yet the crowd is still with high energy.



The three of us decided to call it a night. We walked outside the RMs gate, then some basketball players went out and asked us about the scores. “6-1”, I answered. They laughed. Oh! We lost but we gained so much. We expected that. And we don’t care, okay? Our team is in high spirits. David Becks, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane believed in our potentials. And that’s what is more important.




Football is not a fad. It is here to stay. And Brazil for 2014 World Cup, we will conquer. Dreams do come true after all! =)