If there’s one place I’d recommend you folks see at least once before you die, Mt Pinatubo is one of the better choices. Just 3 hours away from Manila to the take-off point, another couple of hours (give or take) of rough, mountainous terrain then an approximately 45-minute uphill trek (depends on your pace, of course) and finally, upon reaching the ridge, your eyes will feast on this majestic view —

You will forget that you’re soaking wet in your own sweat and that your muscles are sore cuz you simply can’t shake off the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a gem in a country you thought you already knew. Personally, it took my breath away. I knew I was in the presence of a masterpiece of some sort. It’s like seeing the Chocolate Hills in Bohol for the first time multiplied 10 times over. It was truly a humbling experience.

The trip reminded me of the reasons why I love traveling. Partly the same reasons that caused me to start blogging and taking photos.

I’m leaving you folks with the product of my very first try in filming and editing. Equipment used was a Flip Ultra courtesy of DOVE Philippines (chose me as one of their Ambassadors, god knows why) and one of the iLife apps in MrBoo, iMovie.

Hi to all my co-trekkers: Penny, Jeff, Madel, Jen, Yoshi, Angel and Arnold, The UBER Trekker (just because he had a gazillion of gadgets and trinkets esp made/used for, er, hiking..? Whatever.) LOL.

Any of you folks been to Mt Pinatubo? Any plans of going? Perhaps you know of an awesome eco-tourism destination that you’d like to share? Please do! I’d love to explore options, esp now that I’ve tested the waters (sort of) and found I can take it. Hahaha. Don’t you love traveling?

Sharing video clips I made for the DOVE 7-Day No Mirror Challenge:

DOVE 7-Day No Mirror Challenge: Day 1 and 2
DOVE 7-Day No Mirror Challenge: Day 3 and 4
DOVE 7-Day No Mirror Challenge: Day 5, 6 and 7
Dove 7-Day No Mirror Challenge: The Mirror Days (An Epilogue)

I hope you enjoy them!

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Yes, take a seat and rest a bit. It’s time for a bit of a break. No one said that life will ever get easier. Take this opportunity to enjoy some Handorf Humour. Hehe.

Women have been “cleaning the house” all our lives? Pah. LOL on that bit about the dull woman. Canetoads! WTF! LOL.

Are Rottweilers really that vicious? Good guard dogs then. Heehee.

“Who’s your daddy now?!” LMAO.

‘Nuff said. LOLOL.

Hope you folks had a good laugh!

Happy 2009 y’all!

P.S. Photos taken on a trip to Handorf in Adelaide Hills, South Australia. All spotted at this quaint shop that leather goods on the high street.

Photos © 2009 Sasha Manuel

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Pushing a trolley laden with a set of luggage amounting to 60kgs (or somewhere close) became less taxing when I saw a beautiful family holding up a home-made placard saying “Welcome Lola & Tita!” walking through the airport doors. Now, that’s what I call a warm and love-filled welcome! I’ve always wanted to get that sort of reception!

In photo: Sasha (me!) with my gorgeous nephew, my equally gorgeous neice in my brother-in-law’s hands, and, yes, my mum — aka “Lola”.

Not in the photo is my sister Shai, who had offered to take some snaps. Good thing I had my camera ready!

It’s been over a week now and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time with these two little munchkins —

C is incredibly smart that it often amazes me that he’s only turning 5. Would you believe that he breezes through learning books tailored for first graders and is now starting to learn division??? Dear me. He also easily beats me in any of the Wii games we play. Goodness! (P.S. I’m so stealing his made-up word: thingamadoodles Hahaha!)

Now, as for H, she’s only turning 2 but she’s starting to learn her ABCs and can even say “there it is!” Remarkable! She’s way, way adorable! It’s funny how she loves clothes, shoes, playing dress up, and shopping! I love how she’s always ready to smile in greeting. I just want to crush her in a big, big, hug sometimes. Too cute for words!

Celebrating 31 Years

Having received “Happy Birthday!” greetings from the family as soon as I woke up and a question from C, “How old are you now?” to which I answered, “I want you to guess how old I am!” C quickly answered, “35?” YOUCH. Missed it by 4 years. Do I look that old??? LOL.

While making tea, I started to hear the birthday song from the hallway. Then C came bearing my birthday gift and H with the birthday card. I found a fabulous long necklace in stone and faux-swarovski inside the bag. And when H saw it, she didn’t mind trying it on and saying “Pretty!” Awww, how adorable!

If this is the sort of thing that I wake up to in the morning, can it be my birthday everyday? No? Darnit.

I’d like to say that I’m starting the next year of my life focused on health and wellness cuz I’d really like to. I still haven’t given up my late nights and smoking, though. But I’m working towards it so I’m keeping my fingers (and toes!) crossed.

Looking at a bright future filled with long happy, healthy years, makes celebrating this birthday a whole lot more meaningful.

Don’t you love the colours and the idea of freshness and health that this photo brings? What a way to start a Birthday (I actually had English tea and some butter and jam on toast before this fruitbowl).

I had promised myself I will not work on my birthday (I couldn’t concentrate anyway) so I had spent my morning playing with little H. She’s such a cutie. She even sat on my lap as I went through uploading and processing photos. This funny little bundle of energy did something naughty when we were looking at a photo I took of her mum, brother and lola with Alex of Madagascar. She decided to call her Lola, “Rawr” like the how she had called the Lion. This caused wild laughter when the rest of the family found out. LOL.

C deposited himself on the sofa, carrying a huge plastic bowl. It was only later on did I find out that he’s been helping his mum bake something — something Chocolate-y by the looks of his hands and face PLUS the huge bowl that used to hold something with Chocolate.

Hmmm. What can it be? It sure smelled good, though!

He looked too cute not to take this small memento. I loved looking at the innocent and unabashed love for Chocolate that you can only see in children. Yes, he still looked gorgeous even with all the chocolate-y mess!

But before we find out what was baking in the oven, let’s go over the birthday nom nom nom nom of choice: Pizza and Chicken!

I loved the pizza! I loved the Chicken wings and Nuggets! I loved Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce! I reckon my tummy had never enjoyed pizza and chicken this much! I guess eating will always be good if you’re surrounded by people you love. The food always tastes twice as good! And as C would say, I’m giving it 31 Platinum medals! Yay! LOL.

Glen, a family friend, had joined us for dinner and desserts.

Note to self: Must bring home some Nando’s (not unless it’s available in Manila!).

And now for the main event — Ta-DA!!!

My birthday cake!

A home-baked Chocolate cake with fudge and candy sprinkles, made with love by Cam and mum.

C even turned off the lights (didn’t do much since there’s still light out but tis okay!) before the cake made its grand entrance. Of course, the birthday song was sung once more but this time it was accompanied by a musical candle on the cake! It’s the pink one! C and H helped me blow out the candles. Happy birthday, Tita! Yay!

The freshly baked cake (still warm!) is best had with ice cream! Yes, you eat it together with the ice cream. I had a birthday ice cream with flavours: Choco Chip, Vanilla, and Chocolate. Cake and ice cream for my birthday dessert! Yum, yum, yum!

Capping the night off is putting the Mamma Mia! DVD on and a bowl of popcorn. I wasn’t able to see this movie when I was in Manila so it was a real treat esp since I thoroughly enjoyed it! They made ABBA songs seem so contemporary but listening to these songs brought about memories of my childhood.

It’s funny how my nephew C had stayed up (till he grew too tired) and watched the movie with us. He loved the songs and watching all the singing and dancing! Even H copied some of Donna’s dance moves (ones she did lying on the floor!) LOL. These kids are undeniably adorable and such hoots!

Anyway, I’d like to say thanks so much sis for making my birthday real special! I’m grateful that I’m able to celebrate my 31st year in your home, with your family. This is one heck of an original thing to do for my birthday (something I always strive to do each year)! It’s been a memorable one!

And, yes, I also want to extend my gratitude to all who remembered me on my birthday —

Thanks to all who sent in their greetings via Plurk, listed as follows:

maialancholy
Penny Pie
MakaiKnight
claricedesign
Adam Mordo
UltramanSiopao
annalyn (who also greeted me over at SashaManuel.com)
rain
Juligel
xmas voodoo
Dave
RIYO
nostalgia
Jonas Diego
Star
meyu-kun
mallorn leaf
gadgenista
Lasha
Queenofthepack
Em_Dy
GarryG
Grumba
sharmskee

Update: Still via Plurk — FilipinoVoices.

And via Facebook, listed as follows:

Raymond Racaza
Marc Conrad Cruz
Ena Rico
Mel Gilera
Michael Angelo Yambao
Venice Furio
Lu Lee
Janette Toral
Christine Gooding
Lia Amanda Espina
Ricky Moldez
Ampy Corpus
Didi Tiu
Rizzle Razzle
Zoe Ezequiel
Jed Quiambao
Mitzi Duque Ruiz
Kenneth Fadri
Crissy Martinez
Roman Dvaladze
Andie R. Baui-Ceremonia
Armine Joy Lantin
Jobelle Lantin
Shannon Crino Nelson
Christian Evangelista
Gigi Santos-Castaneda
May Galang-Buencamino
Christian Libao
Odette Callao
Kaye Cariño Olfindo
Mike Abundo
Raissa Polintan
Alissa Mendoza

Update: Still via Facebook — Maria Palma, Salih Onur, Darcy Vany, Connie Luayon, Jerome Dela Cruz, and Arnold Manuel.

PLUS!

Berns Relos who greeted me via email.

Josh, P and L, also Sara Masakayan of GeiserMaclang and again Mike Yambao who greeted me over YM.

b5media Beauty & Style folks: Kori Ellis, Michelle Smith, Dexie Wharton, Lara Kulpa, and Liberty Kontranowski who greeted me over at b5 Beauty & Style Skype Chat. And Dave Diaz also via Skype Chat.

and Lootwagon who greeted me here at The-Parody.com

Thanks guys for taking the time to greet me on my birthday. Much appreciated!

Note: To those who sent me a birthday greeting via SMS, er, I wasn’t able to receive it cuz I chose not to turn International Roaming on.

Twas indeed a HAPPY Birthday for 2008!

Photos © 2008 Sasha Manuel

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I’m sure there’ll be loads of new things to discover but, personally, there are a few *new* things I’m looking forward to that I plan to share. I’ll probably tell you folks about them as they happen.

Anyway, I’ll need to pack this lappytop up real soon and start finalising the luggage. So not looking forward to traveling with such a heavy set of luggage. Pah. PLUS I need to start getting ready for the 10-hour flight on board Singapore Air. Yay for more KrisFlyer miles! LOL.

This reminds me, keep me company during the long wait at the airport. Any plans for the holidays? How are you spending yours? Done with all the Christmas shopping? Also, how’s the “resolution” list going? Getting longer each year? Would love to hear from you!

Hope you folks are well and do wish me Bon Voyage!

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

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This trip was a bit different. Which is something good cuz we wouldn’t want to travel to a place you’ve been to before and do the same things over and over, yea? Anyway, it’s more like hanging out with good friends, filled with conversations, laughter, and photos.

I love these girls to bits!

Primary reason for making the trip was to visit our friend K who had moved back to Palawan to settle. She was having her son, RK, dedicated esp on the weekend of our visit since we were all ninangs (godmothers). Let me tell you this, I’ve seen my share of babies but he was one huge 2-month old! He’s so fair and adorably looked Chinese! What a cute baby! (So says a proud ninang!)

Alright. Apart from the child dedication, other things on the plate were, yea, FOOD.

I guess I’m referring to sampling their coffee over at a popular local coffee shop, Itoy’s. That’s where I mooched off some free wifi cuz I needed to work a bit.

For the third time, dinner and drinks at the now surprisingly “reservations only” Ka Lui. Sampling the Tubataha Salad was certainly a new experience for my good friend, R. The place has quadrupled their loyal following since I had last been there.

Late lunch at Nitchie’s Vietnamese Noodle House, where I had sampled their Spicy Ribs and Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls till I was too full to walk.

Varied dishes but with grilled chicken specialty at Inato. I enjoyed the lechon so much that I wanted to go for seconds.

And one of my favourites, hotel breakfast at The Legend Palawan. If only I wasn’t nursing a massive headache that morning, I would’ve wolfed down all the suman (rice cake) and latik (coconut-based sweetener) around.

Time to check out some of the photos!

Nitchie’s Vietnamese Noodle House

Spicy Ribs at Nitchie’s

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls at Nitchie’s

What I ate at Inato. Look at that positively sinful lechon! Of course the chicken inato was yummy, too!

Right before we went and cooled off at the pool.

Just checked out so we can hit the market and shop for pasalubongs.

The blue cake that’s so pretty you’re about close to not eating it. Nope, didn’t happen.

Moving on to the rest of the things in our itinerary.

We also scheduled a time to visit the studio of my friend’s cousin who happens to be a photographer. It was our chance to get a few photos taken together and with baby K. It’s been a while since we last did this that’s why this was pretty awesome!

I grabbed the opportunity to snap some photos and make use of the studio’s lights. I also took a few using the cold light streaming in from the glass windows. I actually was able to take some interesting photos. Cool! I’ll upload the rest of the photos sometime soon.

Anyway, I can’t wait to see the prints!

Last but not the least, we found ourselves in Puerto Aventura Beach Resort Cottages, located half an hour away from the city center.

Puerto Aventura is owned by R’s uncle and was quite an interesting place. I remember having seen it on my last visit but a lot has changed since then.

Exploring the place, I found myself captivated by rustic designs: net curtains with dried coconut leaves knotted into birds that are seemingly trapped in the net, fish carved on the bark which are then used as decors on the post that holds up a multi-level cottage, plus other wooden knick knacks.

And then there’s the shell curtain.

We came at low tide so there’s this wide expanse of white sand littered with young Mangroves.

If there’s one thing that tourists often over-look about Palawan is that it’s one of the places where Mangroves are found and protected.

Last time I saw tons of Mangroves on the beach was on one of the islands in Honda Bay during my first trip to Palawan. I was incredibly fascinated by them then and had wondered how they thrive in salt water. But I failed to read up on it. I reckon I’m adding that to my to do list for, er.. I’ll do it within the next few days.

Do any of you guys know? Help a girl out. Hehe.

At Puerto Aventura, you’ll also see huts surrounded by Mangroves at one side (and trees!) and the sea on the other.

Fascinating beach backdrop. Instead of massively tall coconut trees, you’ll see scores of Mangroves all around sands and even in the water!

We also checked out the almost-finished Baywalk (yes, they also have one in Puerto Princesa!) which looked promising! I reckon they’ll be putting up restos around the area, er, I’m hoping, that is. It’s a great place to hangout. Sorry, no photos cuz we didn’t stay long.

Okay. I hadn’t planned on doing a long post but with so much to tell and lots of photos, I reckon it ought to have been expected. LOL.

With that I leave you with two last words:

“Whatever Yaya!” (Sorry, inside joke.)

All Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel except for the first two and last photos; by Marivic Arteta and the rest by Roel Almonte, accordingly. Picnapped from Raissa.

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We all have dreams and wants in life that seemingly fuels our drive to wake up each morning and do the things we ought to do for the day. We may wish for small things and, sometimes, we dare to dream big. The important thing is to never stop dreaming and, of course, chasing after those dreams.

I’ve always been the type who’d set goals and establish a list of wishes that leads to the achievement of the goal. It often feels like I would always prefer to go for the bigger fish but would still find joy in a school of little fishes that can somewhat be likened to getting the big fish, know what I mean?

Anyway, here are seven (7) of my dreams that had been fulfilled, not last week, but during the course of my lifetime. Comes with the memory is a reminder of what I am thankful for this week:

1. Live independently at 25. Ah, freedom! Even when twas just for only a year. But I lived it! On my own, no allowance. No running off to mummy when you need a decent meal or money when the month’s utility bill comes. Not even going home on weekends. I was definitely living independently. My reasons for moving out was nothing to be proud of, though. But I reckon that’s how I often learn, eagles do push their young off the nest so that they can learn how to use the wings they were born with. I’m now back living with my mum but not because I need to but because we need each other. I’m thankful she allowed me to have the same amount of freedom as when I had lived on my own.

2. Own a car. Technically it wasn’t mine yet. I was still paying it off but it was very much for my own use. I love cars. Owning that car allowed me to learn how to fix certain things, i.e. what to do when the car won’t start, but I have yet to change a flat tire. Anyway, twas a white 95 Corolla GTi, 16″ wheels with chrome rims, turbo-injected and that vroom-vroom muffler. Oh, yea. You’d think it was a guy’s car. LOL. Too bad I had to say goodbye, reason? See #4.

3. Become a model. I know. I know. I wouldn’t even dare say this out loud had it not come true. Whatta embarrassment. LOL. But, to my surprise, it did. Life is filled with one cliché after another and this one is no different (was approached by a scout in a mall! LOL). After a series of ramp gigs during the initial months, got signed by a modeling agency in Makati, approached by a free agent, attended numerous VTRs and cast calls, appeared as an “extra” in some nondescript beer commercial back in 2004 (Nyahahaha!). I’m so glad to see this chapter of my life closed. But I do sometimes miss the photoshoots. Ah, well. See #7. Ha.

4. Travel. Who has no dreams of going abroad? Growing up with parents, my mum in particular, who loved to take their kids around, had let in the travel bug to infect us. I’ve always wanted to travel and see the rest of the world. Initially, I had dreams of conquering Asia first. But I had wanted to be different. While most talk about going to Hong Kong, my first trip outside the country landed me on Singapore (back in 1999 then again in 2001). Then this early year, I had been to Vietnam and Cambodia. Yes, I still haven’t been to Hong Kong. LOL. Then this reminded me of my plans of visiting a “Western” country next. As usual, everyone is talking about going to the US, I had found myself taking a two (2) 3-month sabbaticals in Australia. Yes, two! September to December 2005 then January to April 2006. True to His word, he had given me the opportunity to have a different travel experience. It’s kinda’ awesome when you think about it.

5. Local trips. Where do I even start? One of the things that makes me proud as a Filipino is that we do live in a gorgeous country. From vibrant cityscapes to amazing stretches of untouched shorelines. If you’re able, let it be part of your life’s itinerary to visit the different Philippine locales. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to experience places like: Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay, Punta Fuego, Vigan, Puerto Galera, Zambales, Subic, etc. AND, of course, the place that occupies the top spot in my heart, Palawan.

6. Sustainable lifestyle. From that day I wrote it down on my journal, I’ve been daring myself to try new things. Grabbing opportunities to experience things that I haven’t thought of doing. Now, I’m able to confidently say that I’ve learned what I sort of lifestyle I would love to keep. I take simple joys from quiet walks, coffee breaks, thrifty and splurge shopping sprees, economy flights, modest accommodations, or a luxurious home. Actually, I’m not entirely done yet. I still hunger for a certain balanced lifestyle that suits my personality and needs but I’m taking my time. There’s no rush. I’m simply thankful that I’m fortunate enough to continue seeing and making full use of opportunities that nurture and even stretch it.

7. Find a passion. Getting to enjoy my current work is awesome. It has allowed me to exercise certain things that I didn’t imagine I’d be passionate about, writing and photography. I’m able to enjoy fashion, styling and beauty almost everyday. It paved a way for more opportunities to come into my life. Oh, I’m so excited about the new ones that seem to be drawing my online work offline! I can’t wait to tell you guys about it. Soon!

Thinking of these things made me realise how one can be undeservingly fortunate. I’m overwhelmed by the wonderful things that had happened in my life. It’s such a delight to be reminded of the fact that dreams do come true. They may not come in the exact form as you may have imagined it, the important thing is that they came and they were all for you.

So, what about you guys? Have any of your dreams come true? What dreams are you thankful for this week?

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Look up. You’ll see that there aren’t many towering skyscrapers in Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon. But you will notice that there are quite a number of tall trees scattered around the metro.

You don’t really need to strain your neck, there are a lot of interesting things to see on its streets anyway.

They remind me of the streets of Manila. However, instead of seeing jeepneys, you’ll be seeing a lot of motorcycles. I’m not kidding. I actually got the chance to ride in one. It was an experience that stirred a mixture of fear and excitement. Definitely made the trip a little bit more unique and memorable.

Of course, the trip won’t be complete without a quick trip to the War Remnants Museum.

There are actually quite a number of museums you can visit, you just have to plan your itinerary for the day in order to see them all.

Taking a break to enjoy cold caffeinated drinks and frozen desserts in varied flavours.

And taking photos of the people enjoying them. (Hi, Phoebe!)

There’s even this fascination with chairs.

I guess it’s due to all the walking and waiting. The heat was exhausting.

Of course, if you plan to take a trip to Vietnam, be sure to take with you a pocket guide.

Believe me, it’s really useful!

Note: The trip took place last February 26 to March 03, 2008.

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Can you believe how small oranges can be as sweet as the regular-sized ones? Admittedly, I’m not particularly fond of oranges. I’d pick an apple over it any day but I know nothing of the existence of mini-apples. Hence, my fascination with these mini-oranges. Notice how small they are compared to the orange slice seen on the photo. They’re cute, aren’t they?

This brings me to my point that, sometimes, good things come in small packages.

Take for example the photos you can take with a mobile phone, you can actually use it to practice composition, lighting, and such. Using a big-*ss equipment like a DSLR wouldn’t automatically make you a better photographer and give you the fancy-schmancy photos. You can work with something as simple as using a small gadget that captures photos.

Here are some of the photos I was able to take using a NOKIA N82 mobile phone:

If you mobile phone, like the N82, comes with an app that can allow you to take panoramic photos (mind you, taking such using a DSLR can be a real pain learning) like PanoMan, you can come up with interesting photos that can take in more subjects.

And if you like to travel, like how I was able to take the unit to my Vietnam-Cambodia trip last February, you can try taking landscapes with it.

Of course, you would have to be patient cuz you might end up with an unfinished PanoMan photo, otherwise.

Or, if you take too much time, you might record the changes in lighting, which will definitely ruin the photo.

Another thing that makes this small gadget great for photography enthusiasts, they have their own online photo community. It’s easy for you to upload and share the photos you took, fantastic way to connect with people with similar interests, don’t you agree? It can also be a source for future photo ideas.

Hard to believe that you can do all these things with something so small, huh?

This just shows that we ought not to see the big things like they’re what great things are made of. Sometimes, we can find what we need in the small ones. Sometimes, it’s the small ones that make the big things, well, BIG.

It’s not the what that matters. It’s the how. Think about it.

Author’s note: N82 demo unit courtesy of Nokia Philippines and BridgesPR.

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And then there was the PS3. BUT tis my way of holding on to my *youth*. Please bear with me. LOL.

Ah, the joys of becoming a full-pledged geekoid. I’ve been obsessing on a few games lately. One is Guitar Hero III, Legends of Rock. Gawd. Can you imagine using a Gibson Les Paul guitar controller while you’re battling it out with Tom Morello or Slash? My career peaked in the Easy round, I’m halfway through the Medium.

Image: keepgaming.com

Then again, it’s not the real thing. It just gives you the illusion that you’re actually playing a guitar. This game made me miss playing my bass guitar so bad. LOL. AND I suffered major finger cramping, my hands are still a bit sore esp my left hand. Gah.

THEN there’s Assassin’s Creed. Can you tell it’s a personal favourite? Omigod. I’m so hooked on it right now. I’m real close to finishing the game, currently playing memory block 6. You guys should really check out the graphics on this one. Gawd. You’ll love it whenever he offs someone either direct attacks or stealth assassination. The close-up is a must-see. Absolutely awesome.

Image: Wikipedia

Anyway, I’m going to try extra hard to be here more often. I hope you guys didn’t miss me much. I promise to show you guys some photos from my recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.

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I agreed to go on this trip out of curiosity and the allure of the open road. Hehehe. How does it feel like to be part of something like it? I had asked myself and sure enough, I got my answer. Not that I regretted coming, it’s simply that I came ill-prepared. Though, it was a unique and educational trip.

Things I loved about it were getting to see places I’ve never been to before. My family and I traveled around the country a lot but there were still areas that we had meant visiting but never had the chance.

The caravan was like it said it was — a caravan. It took us twelve hours traveling from Mandaluyong to Ilocos Norte. And, you guessed it, my arse hurt from sitting in the cramped coaster for that looong time! Arrggh. Anyway, when we reached Ilocos Norte and after getting the press conference with the Senator out of the way, the motorcade started.

These photos are some of the things I was able to capture while I was peering out of an open window of the coaster. I saw the awesome colours and interesting shapes of the place. Twas great!

And, now, for a taste of the traditional meeting de avance (this one was in Batac City) —

Hundreds flocked the venue to see the stars like Gary Valenciano and Sharon Cuneta but to tell you the truth, I was more starstruck when I saw politicos like Bong-Bong Marcos!

It was pretty exciting, actually. It felt like you’re a part of something. You’ve got to admit, these sort of things — anything that’s related to the government, in particular — goes into textbooks. Well, I’m not talking literal here, just the idea. Anyway, I learned a couple of things from Abe when I asked about towns wanting to become cities and vice-governors wanting to run for congressmen, a lower rank in government hierarchy. Wouldn’t you wonder, too? Well, I learned that the answer had one major component in common and it’s money responsibility.

Oh, btw, one perk I have to note about joining this particular political caravan is getting to see and stay in Fort Ilocandia. Gawd. The place is the only 5-star hotel in town — heck, scratch that — in the region!

Well, I’ve had enough of politics, so, I move on to travel. We broke off the caravan and stayed behind when we reached Vigan. Can you blame us? With the place’s gorgeous architecture seen in their town plaza, church, restaurants and, yes, even their streets.

I’m glad we did it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have seen and photographed these things. And even when we didn’t hang around Vigan long since we headed out to La Union that same afternoon (where we intended to spend the night and ended up doing the 3rd BoB Ladies Bikini photoshoot ), getting to experience it all with the likes of Aileen, Abe and Lauren contributed to its value and originality.

Nope. Sorry. I’m not posting the bikini photos. You had better ask the two ladies if they want them shown. Perhaps you can schedule a private viewing.

Whew! This is by far the longest post I’ve ever done. Hope you enjoyed the photos and the ramblings.

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