The Marimar Connection: Short but Sweet Conversation with Cambodian Vendors

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Hello from Siem Reap! I am on my 5th night here and to be honest, I don’t want to leave! I just love the laid-back feel of this place. It is not as chaotic as other tourist destinations and it is a big relief that most Cambodians can speak english.

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Talking to Pre Rup vendors (Photo by Andrew Mamangun)

It’s just the second day of our Angkor Wat Tour yet I’m already experiencing the so-called Temple Overload. I can’t help but feel amazed on how the ancient Cambodians created these temples and structures. Temple-hopping on a very hot day is not really that ideal because you the heat will suck your energy.

That morning, we first visited the famous Ta Prohm temple. If you’re a Tomb Raider fan, you will surely know why. I got too tired in exploring that specific temple that’s why I got a bit lazy on the second stop, which is the Pre Rup. I seated in one of the corners where some of the tired tourists were taking a break. I then saw a Cambodian man in his mid-twenties who unleashes his creative side by painting some of Siem Reap’s historical landmarks and sell it to tourists. On the side, there are young kids selling various products like bracelets, bamboo flute and postcards.

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Living the Dream and Wandering – Why?

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I am seated right now in a pizza and pasta place somewhere along Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is my 3rd night here and I am truly savoring every moment. I am not a Tomb Raider fan and I only saw the movie once in an unclear copy, but I knew that I wanted to explore Angkor Wat. During the release of the Angelina Jolie starer, traveling from Manila to Siem Reap is not easy. Well, it is not really that easy since there are no direct flights yet (although a local airline announced that they will launch their Siem Reap routes by June.

I Wander while I work

It is my first time to cross borders. Thailand and Cambodia are two different countries with a certain charm that makes them a favorite destination of foreign travelers. I spent two nights in Bangkok and will be going back in a few days, but I now know why the tag ‘Amazing Thailand’ worked. I met a number of Thailander students in Pangasinan who are studying Medicine and they’re thoughtful especially to my grandparents. Gallivanting along Khao San Road is an overwhelming experience – it is chaotic yet I love it. I even went on the middle of the famous backpacker’s lane and danced like nobody’s watching. Well, a lot of people were watching hehe 😀

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How Jade Lopez surprised me!

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It is no secret that I am a fan of Jade Lopez during her Starstruck days. I can say that Starstruck helped me in a good way in terms of diverting my energy and attention to it. As a high school student, I experienced a number of ups and downs in terms of my personal and academic life. Watching these fourteen teenagers outshine each other became a good outlet for me. You can also blame the show on why I became addicted to online forums and eventually, blogs.

Jade in her normal self before the pictorial

Jade in her normal self before the pictorial

It is also no secret that among her female batch mates, Jade Lopez is rarely seen or heard on the previous years. Jennylyn Mercado won, had a baby and bounced back in the scene with flying colors. Yasmien Kurdi starred in a number of teleseryes as lead actress before she pursued her dream to study a medical course. Nadine Samonte is still there and starting anew with TV5, Katrina Halili gone through a lot and is currently stuck in kontrabida roles, Sheena Halili is consistent on being Kapuso’s favorite sidekick and Cristine Reyes is one of the most popular female stars of ABS-CBN and Viva Entertainment.

So what happened to Jade Lopez? Continue reading →

In Love with Kazaky!

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‘You Want Me, You Love Me, You Hate Me – I Don’t Care!’

I first saw a video of KAZAKY, a Ukrainian dance group when a friend shares one of their catwalk video on Facebook. I am just amazed on how these four good-looking guys managed to dance and strut their stuff on the catwalk with grace and poise. Wearing high-heeled shoes is not easy even for a lady, much for men. I am impressed on how the men of Kazaky do it.

KAZAKY Original Members: Oleg, Kyrille, Artur and Stas

KAZAKY Original Members: Oleg, Kyrille, Artur and Stas

I’ve been watching their music videos and live performances via YouTube for almost a week now. It is a sign that I am totally in love with this group! The original members of Kazaky are Oleg Zhezhel, Arthur Gaspar, Cyril Fedorenko and Stas Pavlov. Mid last year, Stas Pavlov (my favorite) left the group and was replaced by Francesco Borgato.

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Ika-13 Araw ng Enero 2012

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Ang kalendaryo ay muli na namang pumatak sa ika-labing tatlo ng Biyernes at nagkataon pa na sa buwan ng Enero pa! Matagal na ang haka-haka tungkol sa dinadala diumanong malas ang ganitong petsa. Ewan ko kung may inbisibol anting-anting lang ako, pero lagi naman akong masaya sa tuwing sumasabit sa araw na ito.

Ika-labing tatlong utos: I-shoot mo ito!

Hindi naman talaga tungkol sa suwerte o malas ang nais kong isulat sa aking websayt. Gusto ko lamang ibahagi sa kapwa ko Pilipino ang mga gumugulo sa isipan ko noong mga nakaraang araw. Kapag nasa loob ka lamang ng bahay at halos walang ginagawa kundi ang matulog, kumain at magbabad sa harap ng kompyuter, kung minsan ay naglalakbay ang iyong isipan sa dako pa roon. Saan ‘yun? Ewan.

O eto na ha uumpisahan ko na. Halo-halo ito kaya huwag masyadong maguluhan. Kung sumasakit na ang ulo mo, eh di ‘wag ka nang magbasa. Hehehe.

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Rihanna: The Last Song Syndrome Queen

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RIHANNA is one of the hottest personalities in the international music in the recent years. With chart-topping hits, interesting personal life and dedication her craft, Rihanna is a superstar in her own right!

Rihanna, you da one and only LSS Queen!

I love Rihanna and although I am not a die-hard fan of hers, I do love to sing and dance with her songs. Actually, I think her songs have the power to capture every listener’s attention and eventually keep it on loop until one gets tired of it. I can mention a number of awkward encounters wherein I sing out loud or dance in a public place one I hear a song of hers LOL. I’m sorry but I just can’t help it! Most of Rihanna’s songs can cause one the so-called ‘Last Song Syndrome’.

Want me to give examples? Here you go!

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2011: Time to Learn, Grow and Let Go

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It’s January 1, 2012 already and I just came from the rooftop of the place where I am staying now. The inner kid in me enjoyed the colorful fireworks display and I even started a few chats with some of our neighbors. It’s funny how many people can live in one building yet they don’t really interact.

I Survived 2011!

Yesterday afternoon, I met up with two travel bloggers and accompany them look for some items in a nearby shopping place. It’s been months since I entered the tiangge area. I am not really a shopaholic and I don’t buy clothes and shoes not unless I really need it. I guess I’m just a lazy shopper and I would rather wear comfy clothes that exert extra effort to look good. Is that a good thing? I think not.

I talked to my mom via Skype and I truly miss my family and friends in the UK. Last NYE, we made noise by singing loud OPM songs via thru the Magic Sing.I think every OFW owns one to ease their homesickness and it does help!

If 2010 is the year of travel for me, I can say that 2011 is one  rollercoaster ride. I experienced some uncertainties emotionally and financially, although these are not really problems if you take a look at it in a bigger picture. Sometimes, overanalyzing things can drive you crazy. Also, ‘Too Much of something is bad enough’, no matter how good (or bad) your intentions are. Sometimes, you need to take risks, sacrifices and let go. Learn to step back and try to see where all of these are headed to.

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Remembering Tyron Perez

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The news is out that Tyron Perez, a Starstruck avenger turned Kapamilya actor passed away. I am not sure about the details of his death as I write this post since everything I read on Twitter and Facebook are unconfirmed reports. Whatever the reason is, I am praying for him and his family.

Remember when I blogged about how I loved the first batch of Starstruck? I am an avid supporter of their batch and I think I saw almost every episode. I was in my senior year in high school then. After the Starstruck Ultimate Male and Female Survivors were revealed, the 14 then teenstars started touring around the Philippines making their fans happy.

Tyron Perez (September 14, 1984 - December 29, 2011)

I first met Tyron Perez in a mall show in Dagupan City. He was with Railey Valeroso. I cannot remember exactly on how I was able to contact Tyron (maybe thru Christian or Jade), but I’m glad I went despite the huge crowd. He sang onstage to promote his TV show for GMA-7 (Love to Love). I remember he sang the song ‘Like a Rose’ with that genuine smile on his face. Backstage, you can see the epitome of a typical probinsyano – he was quiet, smiling all the time and a gentleman.

My friend Ruby is a big fan of his so I am more than happy to tag her along (can’t find the pictures now T_T). Tyron and I managed to communicate via text in the succeeding days. Now I figured out why Christian and Jade consider him as one of their closest pals in showbiz.

Fast forward to 2008. SOP went to Dagupan for a mall show and it is timely because Jade Lopez is also a guest for that leg. By that time, Tyron Perez already starred in the critically-acclaimed Twilight Dancers. If I am not mistaken, he is the first Starstruck male alumna who bravely accepted such challenging role. When Jade told me that they will visit me at home after the show, I panicked LOL.

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#iResist: Stop The Bullying!

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The internet is a very helpful tool in communication and as a resource of handful information. Imagine how hard it is for our ancestors to contact their relatives and friends abroad. You need to wait for weeks or months just to receive one letter. A phone call is expensive and a telegram message delivery can be unreliable at times. Now, we have emails and instant messaging programs and the good thing there is you can just download it for free.

No to Cyber Bullying! Photo Credit: UprisingArchives.org

Remember the days when then the library is one of the best and most reliable place to look for concrete information? In the old days, they used to go through all the reference books and journals just to get the details they need and it can take hours or even days to look for specific data. Now, all you have to do is go to your favorite search engine, type the keyword and kaboom! The links are there and all you have to do is verify which of which delivers the right write-up.

The Internet is a big help to us and we are lucky that we can do a lot of stuff conveniently. What if the internet is not used in a good way?

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Someone’s Watching Over Me

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After sharing my oh-so-funny-and-unusual airport experience from my Manila – Cebu flight last week, let me share to you the ’emo’ or ‘sentimental’ side of the trip.

Although I am sentimental all-year round, I can say that the ‘peak’ season of my emo-ness falls on July and December. It is the month of my dad’s death anniversary (July) and his birth month (December). For this year, I found myself in Cebu, which I consider as one of my favorite places in the Philippines. I dunno…. there’s something about Cebu that makes me happy and at the same time dramatic. Is it because of the people? I think yes. I have some good friends there that never fails to cheer me up and you can also talk to them about serious matters. The Food? Naman! The ambiance? I guess so. It is a city that is not as chaotic as Manila. If I had a choice, I’d move there or in Davao.

Maybe he is seated here beside me...

Prior to the Cebu trip, I felt a bit guilty. You know, me having fun with my friends while I should be ‘celebrating’ my dad’s supposed 48th birthday that week. After all these years, I chose to just be happy than sulk. I am enjoying but I never forget him. Never will I and I think he really made sure that I will not forget his birthday. Let me share to you some instances:

NOTE: If you are no sentimental fool, don’t read LOL.

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