i am bad(s)

rOckAway '09

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:37:00 +0000

before you join a marathon....

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:21:00 +0000

....watch this video, t'is will definitely inspire you.

To my fellow bundokeros who will be participating in the North Face 100km challenge, hope this video inspires all of you. Nothing is impossible!

Rappel for a Cause for the victims of typhoon Ondoy

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:58:00 +0000

Rappel for a Cause for the victims of typhoon Ondoy (open letter)

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Bundokeros Adventure Club (BAC)
Singapore

Dear Kabayan,

As many of you already know, our country is facing an overwhelming tragedy brought about by Typhoon Ondoy. A great part of the National Capital Region -- the whole of Metro Manila and nearby Rizal province -- was submerged in flood waters reaching up to more than six feet high. A state of calamity has already been declared in those areas; and some victims are still on their rooftops crying for help and rescue. Some of us have families safe back home. A great majority is not as fortunate.

The Bundokeros Adventure Club has been actively involved in lending a helping hand whenever and wherever the need arise. This is one of those times. As our way to extend our help and sympathy, we have taken on the responsibility of conducting "Rappel for a Cause for the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy".

Details are as follow:
What: Rappel for A Cause for the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy
When: 3 October 2009, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Where: Clementi Old Railway, Singapore (meet up at Clementi MRT Station at 9 a.m.)
Registration Fee: SG$10/ head
What to Bring: There are no amenities nearby, so please bring your own food and necessities
(water, sunblock.. etc)
What to Wear: Comfortable top/shirt, running shoes/cross trainers, hiking boots, athletic shoes are the wisest choice, long pants are recommended, ponytail for those with long hair is necessary

Rappelling gear and equipment to be provided by BAC. Those who want to donate but could not make it to the activity, you may deposit donations in cash through the following accounts:

OCBC savings: 568-9-032075
POSB savings: 207-56912-7

If you are interested, RSVP on or before 2 October 2009. Email us at bundokeros_08@yahoo.com, kindly indicate your full name, mobile number, email address (if participant is not the mail sender) and your inquiries.

Donations will be collected during the event .We will be notifying you for any updates. During the assembly, you will be asked to sign a waiver of liability before the activity. For further queries and information please contact:

Bernadette - 91792763
Rhea - 90489393
Lerika – 83614822

All proceeds would be utilized for a noble cause, and we assure you that it would be for the benefit of the victims of typhoon Ondoy. You have always been a great supporter to our various activities and we look forward to your participation in this activity. It would help if you forward this invitation to your family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. We need your support in this effort.

kapatid and slapshock in Singapore!!

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:40:00 +0000

A Touching Story Especially for OFWs

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:10:00 +0000

This was posted in PinoySG website, it was Leika who first told me about the story but I was only half listening when she was telling me the story. A few days later, she forwarded the story to the Bundokeros Yahoo groups, and that's the only time I paid attention and took time off from my work hours and read the whole story. I was moved..well, all of us from the group because we all could relate and all of us are away from our parents. One friend even called his mother immediately while I sent an sms to my Tatay for I know Nanay was asleep because it's night time in the US.

Let me share this short story which will definitely give us pause and make us think on what really matters in life.

PARA SA LAHAT NG MAGULANG AT ANAK NA NAWALAY SA MAGULANG

by: ernie

Huwebes ng hapon noon, galing ako sa isang birthday party… pagkatapos tumunga ng dalawang bote ng beer ay nagpaalam na ako…. mukha kasing uulan, ayokong maabutan ng ulan sa daan. Anak ng pitong kamalasan, tumirik ang kotse ko sa daan… no choice kailangan kong bumaba para ayusin ang makina. Sobrang malas talaga at naiwan ko ang gamit ko, nag uumpisa ng pumatak ang ulan… kung bakit kasi hindi agad sinauli ng kumpare ko na nanghiram ang mga gamit ko sa pag-aayos ng kotse. May natanaw akong isang bahay, nagbakasakali akong tumawag… lumabas ang isang matandang lalaki, siguro mga 70 yrs old na… “ Magandang hapon po ‘tay, nasiraan po kasi ako eh, di ko po nadala ang gamit ko baka po may lyabe kayo ay pliers jan?” ngumiti sya sa akin, maya maya at bumalik at may bitbit na bag at dalawang payong, iniabot sa akin. Sumama pa sya sa akin sa aking kotse… malaki ang deperensya, mukhang tinamaan nga ako ng napakalaking malas. Inaya ako ng matandang magkape muna sa kanila, medyo malamig nga at basa na rin ako ng ulan kaya sumama ako. Pagpasok namin ng bahay ay nakita ko na hindi maayos iyon… sabi nya pasensya na daw ako kasi nag-iisa sya. Roman daw ang pangalan nya, dating dyipney driver. Umupo ako sa sala, maalikabok yun… pumunta sa kusina ang matanda siguro magtitimpla ng kape, ayoko na sana kasi iika-ika na sya, hindi na masyadong makalakad pero mapilit si mang Roman. Nakita ko sa dingding ang mga nakakwadrong larawan… siguro family picture nila yun, sa ibaba ay picture ng lalaking nakatoga katabi nito ang isang kwadro rin ng babaeng nakatoga din… siguro mga anak nya. Malinis ang mga kwadro, halatang kapupunas pa lang at parang ayaw maalikabukan man lang. Tama ako, sabi ni mang Roman anak nga daw nya yun. Inilapag nya ang kape, mejo hindi malinis yung mug pero nakakahiya naman kung tatangihan ko at isa pa nilalamig na rin ako at malakas ang ulan, gusto ko ring mainitan ang sikmura. “ kung gusto mo anak… ano nga ba uli pangalan mo? “ tanong nya sa akin, “ Jun po”, sagot ko naman. “ kung gusto mo Jun eh sayo na lang yang mga gamit ko, wala na rin namang gagamit nyan dito… gamit ko dati yan ng driver pa ako ng dyip pero mahina na ako ngayon Jun, di ko na kaya na magdrive pa uli.” “ naku wag na po, meron po ako nasa hiraman nga lang kaya di ko nadala, asan po mga anak nyo?” tanong ko “ Si Danny, Engineer ko yan… may pagmamalaking itinuro ang litrato sa ding-ding… nasa Saudi na ngayon, yan naman babae sa litrato si Juvie yan… nakapag asawa ng taga Davao at doon na nanirahan… yun naman asawa ko limang taon na akong iniwan, nag-iisa na lang ako dito eh… kahit nga mahirap kinakaya ko. Itong bahay na ito kasi ang kaisa-isang ala-ala ko ng aking pamilya, dito ko binuhay ang asawa ko at ang dalawa kong anak. Pinagbili ko na rin yung jeep ko, okay na naman napatapos ko na ang dalawa kong anak at may maganda na silang trabaho, may sarili na rin silang pamilya at bahay, maayos na ang buhay nila”. “ Hindi po ba sila dumadalaw dito, I mean po… sino pong tumitingin sa iyo dito, mahirap po ang mag-isa lalo na at may edad na kayo?” “ isang taon na siguro na walang dumadalaw sa akin dito, minsan tumatawag naman sila sa telepono… kahit nga di ko masyado ginagamit yang telepono eh ayaw ko ipaputol ang linya, araw-araw naghihintay ako sa tawag nila… yung kahit boses lang nila masaya na ako, basta maramdaman ko lang na naaalala nila ako. Mababait naman ang mga anak ko, buwan-buwan may natatangap akong pera sa bangko, pero di ko naman ginagalaw… pag-namatay ako kasama yun sa ipapamana ko sa mga apo ko. Yung kapitbahay jan sa kabila, tuwing umaga binibisita nila ako at dinadalhan ng pagkain, nagbibigay na lang ako sa kanila ng konting pera pamalengke”. “Hindi po ba kayo nahihirapan?” “ mahirap iho, lalo na pagnakakaramdam ako ng pananakit ng katawan… pero siguro ito ang buhay ko, pag may nasakit sa akin iniisip ko na lang na bunga ito ng walang tigil kong pagtratrabaho noon upang mapatapos ko ang mga anak ko tapos mawawala na ang sakit. Yung ala-ala ng masayang buhay namin noon ang gumagamot sa akin, sana nga lang minsan maalala naman nila akong dalawin dito, gustong-gusto ko na rin silang makita lalo na ang mga apo ko. Masarap siguro yung mga araw na kasama ko sila dito, alam mo ba si pareng kanor jan sa kabila, hindi nya napag-aral ang mga anak nya kaya hanggang ngayon sa kanya pa rin nakatira… kaya lagi nyang kasama yung mga anak nya at mga apo…. Mahirap yung buhay nila, minsan walang trabaho ang mga anak nya… yun ang ayaw kong mangyari sa mga anak ko, gusto ko maayos ang buhay nila… pero alam mo, Masaya si pareng kanor, lagi ko syang naririnig na tumatawa kalaro ang mga apo nya… minsan naiingit ako, iniisip ko na lang na mas masaya ang mga apo ko sa buhay nila ngayon”. “ paano po pag may sakit kayo, sino po ang tumitingin sa inyo?” “ kapitbahay jun, sa kanila na rin ako nagpapabili ng gamot… sapanahon na may sakit ako doon ako nakakaisip ng matinding depresyon at pangungulila, sa totoo lang ay nagtatampo ako sa mga anak ko, pagkatapos ko silang mahalin at bigyan ng magandang buhay ay hindi na nila ako naalala na dalawin dito… kahit dalaw lang o tawag sa telepono, yung marinig ko lang na…. o tatay buhay ka pa ba? masaya na ako nun… pero iniisip ko rin na responsibilidad ko na bigyan sila ng magandang buhay at papagtapusin ng pag-aaral at responsibilidad ko rin na maging mabuting ama sa kanila… alam ko hindi na magtatagal at magkakasama na rin kami ng asawa ko, hiling ko lang na sana bago mangyari yun ay makasama ko ang mga anak at apo ko.” “ ayaw nyo po bang tumira sa kanila?” “ magiging pabigat lang ako sa kanila, ayaw kong bigyan ng isipin ang ang mga anak ko, dito na lang ako sa lumang bahay namin, bibilangin ang mga patak ng ulan, siguro pagkatapos ng isang libong tag-ulan maalala na rin nila akong dalawin dito. Alam mo bang birthday ko ngayon jun? kaya matyaga akong naghihintay ng tawag nila. Kung hindi naman sila makatawag iisipin ko na lang na siguro ay busy sila sa kanilang buhay… mahirap kumita ngayon at kailangan nilang magtrabaho ng hindi naabala”. Napalunok ako saa king mga narinig, naawa ako sa kanya… “ Ikaw Jun, may magulang ka pa ba? “ Nanay ko na lang po, nasa bukidnon kasama ng isa niyang kapatid.” “ kailan mo sya huling dinalaw?” tanong nya… hindi ako nakapagsalita, huli akong pumunta sa bukidnon noong pasko… malapit na naman ang pasko hindi pa uli ako nakakapunta doon. “ sana madalaw mo uli ang iyong magulang Jun, sigurado ako… gustong-gusto ka na nyang makita katulad ng kagustuhan kong makita ang mga anak at apo ko… subukan mo, alam ko magiging maligaya sya” Tumila na ang ulan, nagpaalam na ako, nagpasalamat… nagpasalamat din sya sa akin, nakita ko sa mga mata nya na talagang sabik sya sa kausap, sabi nya ay magkwentuhan pa kami habang hinihintay ang tawag ng mga anak nya pero dumating na yung hihila sa kotse ko papunta sa talyer. Nangako na lang ako na dadalawin ko sya pag may libreng oras ako. Dalawang lingo ang dumaan at naisipan ko uling dalawin si mang Roman pero sarado na ang bahay… nagtanong ako sa kapitbahay nila at nalaman ko na namatay na si mang Roman tatlong araw ang nakakalipas, pagkatapos paglamayan ng dalawang araw ay dinala na ng mga anak nya si mang Roman at pina-cremate. Aalis na sana ako pero pinigilan ako ni mang Kanor, iniabot nya sa akin ang isang bag, yun ang bag na pinahiram sa akin ni mang Roman… “ bilin ni Roman ay ibigay ko raw syo kung sakaling babalik ka, kakailangan mo daw ito sa pagbalik mo sa Bukidnon, baka ka daw masiraan sa daan”. Hindi ko napigilan ang pagpatak ng luha ko, ramdam na ramdam ko ang pangungulila ni mang Roman sa kanyang mga anak at apo. Nagdesisyon ako, magfifile ako ng leave… uuwi ako sa Bukidnon para dalawin ang nanay ko, tama si mang Roman tiyak matutuwa yun pag nakita ako.
“Anak…kung nasaan ka man sana maalala mo ako. Sana dalawin mo ako kahit minsan lang. Sabik na akong makasama at makausap kang muli. Kung may pagkukulang man ako…patawad anak. Gusto kong malaman mo…mahal kita higit sa pagkakaalam mo. “

"My Life According to RAZORBACK"

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:14:00 +0000

I was tagged by Elaine on my facebook account and then again by her genius bf libert. The excitement of connecting every song of my ultimate fave band to my life urged me to post this one as well to my multiply and blogspot. Trust me it's "astig", help yourselves and enjoy reposting.

READ THE RULE FIRST!

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 15 people you like and include me. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It might be harder than you think.

Repost as "My Life According to (Artist)."

Pick your Artist:
RAZORBACK

Are you a male or female:
Diwata / Black-Heart Woman

How do you feel:
Giyang

Describe where you currently live:
Munting Paraiso / Tabi Ng Bulkan

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Sa Gitna Ng Lahat/Temple

Your favorite form of transportation:
War Pigs ( hahaha no choice)

Your best friend is:
Pepe the Hepe / Lunatic

You and your best friends are:
Summa Cum Laude / Walang Silbi

What's the weather like:
Tikamanangulan / Tie Dye Sky / Let It Rain

Favorite time of day:
Center Of The Sun

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
GOLDENTHROAT: THE ELECTRIC MISTRESS

What is life to you:
Riddle

Your relationship:
Inflatable Love Thing / Paghihintay

Your fear:
Op. Death Squad

What is the best advice you have to give:
Seer Of Visions

Thought for the Day:
Voodoo, Who Do?

How would you like to die:
As Spicy As It Gets

My soul's present condition:
Payaso

My motto:
We Gotta Move

Ninoy’s letter to his daughter Ballsy

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:29:00 +0000

August 18, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
Makati, Rizal

Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City

My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.
An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!
I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.

During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.
The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the Santa Rita Elementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.
I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories, little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.
From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.
Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.
Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.

Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.
Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so.
Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all.
You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.
Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.
I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.

I love you,
Dad

Carlo and Carlo's beerday

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Carlo T. and Carlo M.'s birthday celebration last June 20.
Events were documented by joey's slr cam.
Every minute automatic shots for almost 14 hours.
Watch and enjoy!

da flag, da bundokeros and da tuk

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:21:00 +0000

The Philippine National Mountaineering Society (PNMS) organized the biggest celebration of Independence Day for Filipino Mountaineers by simultaneously holding climbs last June 13. The 1st Annual Freedom Climb was originally intended to be mounted solely in various summits in the Philippines, but because there are also Filipino mountaineers outside the country who are more than willing to participate in this event, the organizers of the event deemed it best to accept registration and participation for international climbers. This decision paved the way for the China and Singapore contingent to be represented. I was part of this historical and one-of-a-kind event. We were informed less than ten days before the climb, yet despite the fact that we were pressed for time to prepare for such a big occasion, the bundokeros managed to plan everything smoothly and almost perfectly.

The highlight of the event was the simultaneous and synchronized raising of the Philippine Flag on The 13th of June at exactly 8:00 a.m. over almost 50 mountains in the Philippines plus one in China and one in Malaysia. Over 2,400 mountaineers participated in the event, needless to say it was a big success for PNMS and to all the Pinoy mountaineers.

1st Annual Freedom Climb’s International climbers

It took us two days to finally come to a decision which mountain to climb. Since we did not have enough time to prepare, we initially planned to climb the nearest mountain: Gunung Panti of Malaysia in Kota Tingi, an hour and half bus ride from Singapore. Restrictions of camping overnight the Gunung Panti made us decide to change it to Gunung Datuk, five hours away from Singapore.

Those who took their day off from work on June 12 made it to the first batch that left Singapore and I was with them. There were 12 of us and we left SG at around 7:30 a.m., unfortunately we missed the 8:30 bus to Mallaca, and so we settled for the next earliest bus at 11:30 a.m. Unfortunately, our itinerary didn't pan out according to plan. We made it to the jump-off point at around 4:00 p.m., had our lunch at 4:30 p.m. and started trekking around almost 6 p.m. It was my first time in Datuk and I already expected an exhausting climb, it was like a never-ending trek to the top of 2,900ft above sea level. After an hour, the sun began to set and we were embraced by darkness. We turned our headlights on, and thus started my first ever night trek. The only things visible along the trail were those that reached by the light from my lamp. After three hours, we finally reached the campsite. We pitched the tents, had dinner, and started the party while waiting for the next batch to arrive. I got so tired that I had no energy during socials, I was so beat, Datuk was so steep, fortunately I had toots, libert, kukuy and Derek as sweepers. Hey have I thanked you for your patience? Hahaha.

The next batch -- regie, kat and jilbert -- left Singapore at 2 p.m. by KTM train. It was bound for Tampin so they didn’t spend much traveling. The second batch arrived minutes before 12 midnight, just in time to join the night’s party. With reggae music from an itouch, the bundokeros started to dance and party like we just had our freedom.

At 4 a.m., the last batch that left Singapore by 7 p.m. finally reached the campsite. They completed the 1st Annual Freedom Climb’s International climber attendees. The party continued until dawn and some even stayed up all night.

The next day, no matter how tired we were the night before, we still managed to get up before 8 a.m. and climbed some more to reach the peak of the summit.

June 13, 2009, 8:00 a.m,. we started singing the Lupang Hinirang while we raised the Philippine Flag in the mountains of Malaysia. I don’t need to say more, we did what we have to do for our country and for our freedom. Photos below will say it all, no more elaborations needed.

Kami ay pumupugay sa watawat ng ating bansa, mabuhay Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang bawat Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Bundokeros Adventure Club!

sulat para kay tatay

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Tatay,

Where do I begin to even scratch the surface of the impact you've had on my life. I'm sorry for all the troubles I have brought to this family. Even in the midst of my success my problems (and there have been many) and my shortcomings, you have always accepted me as I am. I am in awe of your strength, your integrity, your intelligence and your painful endurance you deal with daily. I only ask God to keep you safe and pain-free for many, many years. You, Nanay, ate Lala, Rain and and Yuan are the biggest source of my strength, especially during the many troubled points in my life. And I pray too that with all I'm going through at this point in my life, I hope that I can somehow, someway come close to having your strength, your faith, your boldness and your wisdom to endure all!

I thought I hated you as a father, I thought there were people who had much better father than I did, but what I didn’t realize before was that I have the gift of life because of you. And I wouldn’t be able to write this letter now if I don’t have you.

I Love You!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Love,
Bads

Bundokeros Adventure Club on frontpage of Balikas Newspaper in Batangas

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:26:00 +0000

who said that distance is a hindrance?

Bundokeros Adventure Club of Singapore,raised the Philippine flag in Gunung Datuk Malaysia to celebrate our country's 111th Independence Day.

Special thanks to Mr. Walter L. Lingon, Editor-in-Chief of PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS.
The picture was published from their weekly newspaper from June 16-21, 2009.

freedom climb

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Sabay-sabay nating iwagayway ang bandila ng ating bansa...simbolo ng ating pagiging Malaya!

Nanay..

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:25:00 +0000

In our life, the place that my nanay holds can never ever be taken over by anyone else. She is always there to love us, care for us and even make sacrifices for us. In fact, there is no other person in this world who would be willing to do all those things for us than my nanay does.

Happy Mother's day to the coolest nanay in the whole universe! I love you!

Mangyan at ang Kagubatan

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:42:00 +0000

My very first composition in Singapore with Erwin de Rama. A friend I met through threads in PSG. Alay sa mga Mangyan ng aking bayang sinilangan.

chicken a la carte

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:11:00 +0000

It isn't my first time to watch a short film or documentary featuring hunger in the Philippines. I've seen Jay Taruc's "Basurero" in iWitness two years ago. Last week a friend forwarded a message to our yahoo group with a link to the short story by Ferdinand Dimadura, said to have won the Berlin Short Story Film Festival and has basically the same story as that of Taruc's.

Synopsis of the film:

This film is about the hunger and poverty brought about by gobalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of society: the people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

This is a reality that our country's facing, an undeniable fact of hunger that our government should take seriously. It also calls for awareness for everyone of us, think of where you are now, and think of what these people deal with everyday. If you care enough, you will also think deeply how these children's laughter could break your heart terribly.

rappel for a cause

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Please help us to be an ANGEL to baby Jose and SAVE his life.

baby Jose Lorenzo Marasigan

An article posted on the homepage of PinoySG, the online community of Filipinos here in Singapore. Click here to read the full story.

Prior to this story being posted on the webpage, an email already circulated to some of us here. It was sent by Reginald to the email loop of Bundokeros, and I was in the loop that time. Everybody from BAC wanted to help, right there and then they planned to have a fund raising. Rappel for a Cause, and Kalasag was invited. Without any hesitation, I pledged to help not only because I wanted to experience rappelling but also because I wanted to do my part, in my own little way. I even invited some of my old friends who are working here but they had prior engagements.

The Rappel for a Cause by the Bundokeros Adventure Club was held at the Bukit Timah Dairy Farm on the 4th of April. The support from the Filipinos outdoor enthusiasts was overwhelming. It was a big success. The BAC was able to raise 300% of the amount they expected. Were it not for the hardwork and effort of BAC, it wouldn't be that succesful, plus of course the participants including me..kaya ng pinoy basta sama-sama!

the people who made it possible (Bundokeros Adventure Club)

Congratulations Bundokeros at Salamat sa lahat ng tumulong!

Jumping off was not an easy thing to do, it takes a lot of courage and determination. It was some hundred feet above the ground and for a person with acrophobia like me it was a fear factor, not to add the additional effort I did making it to the top. I conquered my phobia in the name of Baby Jose and now I can say that fear is definitely not a factor anymore. :0)

safety measures

going down and on they way up

1,2,3....

...i did it!

we all did it!

Another interesting part of the day was when I saw Sol and his son Gabby with a group of Singaporeans rappelling on the other side of the rock. I was introduced to her husband and while we waited for the first set to finish before lunch I played and talked to her adorable son gabby.

sol and gabby

Camping at Pulau Ubin

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:34:00 +0000

While the PSG KALASAG climbed Gunung Datuk in Malaysia as part of our first year anniversary celebration, I went to camp Pulau Ubin with the troupers, or the Bundokeros -- another group of Filipino mountaineers here in Singapore. Issues, like lack of proper training and internal conflicts which I do not want to elaborate on, were some of the reasons why I wasn’t able to join KALASAG. Anyway I did find a way to enjoy and spend my weekend with other friends.

Pulau Ubin is an island located in north east of Singapore and its literal meaning is Granite Island. It is one of the last areas in Singapore that has been preserved from urban development, concrete buildings and tarmac roads. When you reach the island, the mobile network that will reflect on your phone is Maxis from Malaysia which auto-roam our network provider.

We took a ferry from Changi port to the island. The boat ride was really exciting! It was as if I was back in Sablayan, my birthplace. The campsite was quite far from the port and according to Lem who has been there several times, the campsite is only accessible through walking for hours or riding a bike. It was raining cats and dogs and it was getting late so we decided to buy a poncho for $2 and we rented a bike for $6. I was hesitant at first because my backpack was fully packed with almost 3kg tent, two liters of drinking water as there are no potable water in the area and my personal stuff, plus the kare-kare I was carrying. But then again biking would be much faster than trekking, so with no choice at all we started to bike. It was a tough ride. Aside from slippery roads caused by the rain and the additional weight from my backpack, we also biked on a mountainous range. I almost gave up, but there was no turning back. After 30 minutes, we reached the campsite by the seashore. I was so exhausted by the bike ride, what made it worse was the information from Caloi and Gay who came in earlier with others that they made it to the camp by van for only $2 each. Waaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!

If not for a good dinner we shared (inihaw na talong, inihaw na pusit, liempo, chicken barbecue, manggang hilaw, kare-kare, and bagoong) I almost killed Lem..hahaha. After we pitched the tents, the socials began and it was again an experience to remember.

We stayed until noon the next day and we went back to the port by van. Thanks to Libert and Elaine who volunteered to take the bike ride back to the port.

sunset at Pulau Ubin

campers

caloi,annie,reggie,karen,bads,gay,lem,toots,libert,elaine,gea,olan

el bolso del regalo

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:34:00 +0000

This bag has travelled from Maryland USA to NAIA Airport to Mindoro then back to Quezon city then to Clark and at last Singapore.

It was a gift from tita Armie who visited Sablayan last January, an unexpected pasalubong fom a tita I've known for years but I haven't met in person. Tatay handed it to me when he visited last February.

More than the present you've given me tita, it's the thought that really counts.Thank you for the note card with my name on it and a present on top of that! hehehehe

Maraming salamat po, God bless you and tito Larry!

Tragedy

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Part of my daily routine at work is to tune in to the local news in the Philippines over online streaming via the worldwide web. I start my day with Ted Failon and Korina Sanchez and then after I’ll switch to RMN Manila until my day at work ends.

When I started working here in Singapore, the idea of being left out on issues which concern my being a Filipino bothered me. And so I thought of a way to somehow be updated despite being overseas, and the best way aside from subscribing to TFC at home, is to listen to RMN DZXL. Well, aside from being a responsible media network, two of their newsmen are my kababayan: Buddy Oberas, the news director, is from Abra de Ilog and Michael Rogas, a field reporter, is from San Jose.

Last Tuesday, I was listening to Ted and Korina discuss Tony Calvento’s feature on the Dacer-Corbito case. After they interviewed the personalities concerned, Ted Failon suddenly went off topic. He extended his condolences to his friend Buddy Oberas, according to him a tragedy happened to his family in Abra de Ilog. Details were not given so I immediately switched to RMN and contacted one of their producers Leo Navarro who became my chat mate since she started hosting the Bantay OFW segment. Every time there is news flash I confirm it with her.

So here is the story:

Last Monday night, the father of Buddy had a stroke, the family rushed him to a hospital in Abra but he had to be transferred to the provincial hospital which is an hour away from their town. Buddy’s mother and three brothers decided to come along in an ambulance to Mamburao. On their way, the ambulance collided with a van. The father died, his eldest brother died as well, his mother and two brothers were seriously wounded.

That night, I received a message from Edelyn that his brother had an accident on the way to Manila. He was supposed to fly to Taiwan that day. She told me that three people from the van died. Fortunately her brother is safe. The van from Sablayan with people I know was the van which also caused the death of Buddy’s family members. My sincere condolences to your family Sir Buddy.

I was shocked hearing the sad story. These accidents happen almost twice or thrice a year in my province. Our province is situated just three hours away from Metro Manila and yet our national road is one of the worst in the country. These things could have been avoided if the powers that be, the TRAPOs who are in position now in the province, have done their job. Shame on you people.

Twenty years ago, when our Governor ran for the position for the first time, I was in her meeting de avance. My sisters and I looked up to her, she was like the hope of our province that time. She had many dreams for the province and Rain even memorized her speech, and I can still remember the dress she was wearing and the famous line “I dream of Occidental Mindoro with people not knowing the meaning of hunger….I dream of Occidental Mindoro with concrete road from Abra to Magsaysay..blah..blah..blah…”

After 20 years in power, seems that this lady is still fast asleep with her dreams. Where did her dreams bring our hopes to? Twenty years and we’re still the same province without progress. How many more lives will be at stake? How many more families will suffer the pain of losing their loved ones from senseless accidents that could be avoided?

Sobra na.Tama na. Palitan na.

westpoint

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:40:00 +0000

The last batch of my visitors arrived on the 27th of February, three days after the Untalan's. Kiko suggested that I should put up a transient house here in SG since almost every week and every month, I have someone visit from Philippines...Unlikely, I'm not as rich as you are kikomeister.

Their flight left Manila around 9pm so I was expecting them by 1-2. And since It was a Friday, I decided to join my co-mountaineers at Lau pa Sat for dinner frst. JB and his wife Marivic were there before me and we were later joined by Tere, Marvin and Gitz. After almost 4 pitchers of beer and a platter of my favorite bbq chicken wings, I left the group and headed to the airport.

The flight landed earlier than expected, Cebu Pacific's really improving huh! Tatay was with his friends from San Jose-- Tita Remy and her daughter May and Tita Luz. They spent 1 full week with me here. I wasn't able to join most of their getaways, but I sure did enjoy with them. They were spending like there was no tomorrow, and they actually prepared financially for this trip. Yun lang, the day after they came, the famous Merlion in Splanade was struck by lightning. It was closed for public viewing and taking of photographs wasn't possible. If not for the statue in Sentosa, they wouldn't have any picture with Merlion.

One thing I cannot forget about their visit is the bonding I had with my tatay. For 30 years of my life, it was my first time to sleep with him. Para akong naging bata ulit. Something I never experienced when I was growing up. And this is one thing I think would never happen If I didn't work here in Singapore. He also bonded with uncle, the Muslim-chinese owner of the supermarket below our flat who visited for some chit chats and brought packs of chipster and pringles.

Anyways, they also visited Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia, and they've been to places which I haven't visited yet here in Singapore. Looking forward to tatay and yuan's summer vacation here.

La Familia Untalan

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Three days after yuan, ate lala and pen left, I had a new batch of visitors. My cousins Nates, Agie and Kaye visited me with tito Boy and tita Noli. They spent four days here and two days in Malaysia. Kiko already posted about their escapades here in SG, we missed his presence but he never missed to call almost twice a day. Thank you dear, if it's not for your effort and your money I wouldn't be able to bond with your family again.

I got to play my role as a tour guide only on my sat-sun off and every after work. It excites me whenever I act as a host and I know I'm good at it. It didn't matter if I got to sleep for 3 hours or I had to rush to the city after work to join them, all were worth the effort. I can't wait for May to come, for sure we will have a better and quality time in the Philippines, Kiko will fly home from UK and tita Siony will be coming from US and I will be joining them. See you soon bananaman!

The Untalan family minus kiko plus me

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The next generation....

My closest cousin among the girls---kikay machine!

little yuan in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 04:57:00 +0000

Friday, 13th of February was Yuan's first day here in Singapore . They arrived at around 12.30 am and were able to checkout of the airport half past 1. Yuan was so excited when he saw me, I still can picture how he peeked at me when they were still inside the immigration area. When they finally came out I got too excited about the reality that they finally came. Ate lala will surely blog about this so I’ll just post photos of our whereabouts during their four day stay.

1st day Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island has a lot to offer. Yuan enjoyed so much. While we’re up in sky ride he made a serious but funny comment “I hope I am old enough to appreciate rides like this” and then followed by “ I wish I am not experiencing this right now”… hahahahha, that is how you complicate simple words as “ I have a fear of heights”.

Ambiah Lookout and the Oceanarium

Inside the butterfly and bird park and up in the sky ride

The Dolphin show and the musical fountain

2nd day Trip to Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia

We left Singapore around 8 am, I booked the Super VIP coach to KL as early as January that’s why I managed to get the front seat for me and Yuan. It was a 5 hour trip but wasn’t boring at all, aside from the comfort of travelling on a coach, I was with yuan, plus the intermission of corny jokes from the soon to be chief legal counsel of POEA. When we passed across the town of Merlimau , Malaysia he cracked this funny joke:

Pen: Kung ang Singapore ay may merlion,mermaid na lion, ang Malaysia may merlimau.

Me: Anong Merlimau?

Pen: Mermaid na Halimaw

Wahahhahahah…corny!

We arrived around 3pm and checked in to Renaissance Hotel in KLCC. Lucky enough the receptionists were Pinoys and they gave us the best room to view the Petronas Tower . We visited the tower, took photos and enjoyed the rest of the day with whatever KL has to offer.

Konsortium Bus Express

The view of petronas tower fom our room

KLCC Malaysia

Terima Kasih! hotel's pool

Suria KLCC, petronas tower, the pinoy and the pana

3rd day from Malaysia to Singapura

We had a much better coach back to Singapore . Everybody has their own mini tv where you can choose your own movie, massage chair which I enjoyed the most and a video game. We went straight to East Coast where Jhong, pen’s cousin treated us for dinner with his wife and cute baby, then after we went to clark quay and watched people try the reverse bungee. Pen really wanted to try it but the wife did not permit him. Dismayed by his wife’s refusal, he began to get serious, but I know he will try it next time, when ate Lala is not around.harharhar.

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Susuana VIP coach

w/ jong-jong's family little

4th day, last day in SG

The hardest part of being with yuan is saying goodbye. It was their last day and I tried to be as strong as I can. I tried to enjoy every single minute of the day. The last day was just a chill out day and shopping day where we had a tour around the city.

the bookworm

Science Park at Jurong and my present for his birthday

HERMES run, run baby run....

splanade mall and the Merlion

Boat Quay

books

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:24:00 +0000

I am not a bookworm as my tatay, yuan and ate lala are. I have quite a few collections of books and most of them are history books particularly of the Philippines and asia and a few novels by Nicholas Sparks, one of my favorite writers. I read when i have time and only when ate Lala and rain have sensationalized reviews on what they have read. Some of those I finished and ended up agreeing with them were: the kite runner, da vinci code, nothing lasts forever, memories of midnights, the other side of midnight, the five people you meet in heaven, hope for the flowers and the little prince. Believe it or not, never did I become interested in Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings, I just think it's too boring, as for yuan he finished three books of J.K Rowling's masterpiece. Though i am very much interested in Spiderwick, but I haven't read the chronicles, in time I will.

Attention Kiko: 1 set for me from UK, ayt?

After the stormy times of my life, I got so overwhelmed by people who cared. Some would pm me,email me and sms me, and some gave me something to read. I am writing this post because I found myself reading the first book Jog gave me last year-- This is My Story: 31 lives, 31 stories and 31 miracles...when i finished the 7th story i realized that I have a collection of inspirational books already and all were given to me as gifts. I am the most unlikely person to read these kinds of books but to my surprise I have them and I am reading every page. Amazing, God really has His way!

Let me share some of my collections now, and I hope you find yourself inspired by these too:

Happy Birthday Yuan

noreply@blogger.com (bads) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Yuan turns eight today and part of his birthday celebration was his 4-day visit here in Singapore and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I'll be missing his birthday for the first time, they went back yesterday morning, so sad but he has to make it for their field trip. He will be celebrating his birthday at the Manila Ocean Park with his classmates at the Ateneo. Imagine how cool is that!

Cable car to Sentosa, Singapore

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Eight years have passed in a dash, i can't imagine my family without yuan, he is a grace from heaven and nature's greatest miracle! He constantly make us all proud.

I love you honey! Happy birthday Pokeboy!!!!