Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone: Insightful Relationship Advice Video Series from Ramon Bautista

I stumbled over Tales from the Friend Zone a few days ago, and was in for a treat when I started watching the Tales from the Friend Zone video series in RARivera's Youtube Video Channel. Tales from the Friend Zone is hosted by Ramon Bautista where he answer questions sent via Ramon Bautista's Formspring by everyday Filipinos trapped in the friend zone. The usually 5 - 7 minute long episode begins with the disclaimer "Ang susunod na programa ay hango sa tunay na buhay" ("the following program is based on true events") which later transitions to the show's title screen with the background OPM "Kaibigan lang Pala".

About Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone

Love advise Internet show for people trapped in the Friend Zone. Made in the Philippines by Ramon Bautista and RA Rivera.

Source: Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone Official FB Page

So why does Tales from the Friend Zone works (Each video currently has more than 100,000 pageviews and counting)? The video series slash love advice show is spoken in Filipino, so every Filipinos will feel right. Not to mention that almost everyone has (is, had) or knows someone who fell in love with someone but eventually got friend zoned putting them in crisis or utmost pain. Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone (TFTFZ) is just like any of the currently airing love advice radio shows here in the Philippines. Ramon Bautista's TFTFZ features one chosen letter which will be read by Ramon with a funny re-enactment showcasing their interpretation of the letter sender's crisis. The re-enactment ends as soon as Ramon finish reading the letter where he later gives his insightful advice like a "pro" hahaha. In the end, the chosen letter sender will received a baby-tee, which Ramon says that should be given to their potential future partner with various prints related with being friend-zoned. He ends it with "Na-Friend Zone ka nga, may t-shirt ka naman" ("You might got friend-zoned, but you got a free t-shirt"). Besides the re-enactment, the episode is funny because we can all somehow relate and although it seems pretty simple to our perspective, the conflict is very much real in the eyes of those who got friendzoned. Well, honestly I am watching and learning from this video series, since I think I've experienced one myself. This will arm me from being friendzoned, hahaha. Well. I'll leave you with the first three episodes from Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone. You can hit both the Subscribe button to get regular video updates from Ramon Bautista or Like their FB Page.

TALES FROM THE FRIEND ZONE episode 01
A story of deceit, passion, and murder


TALES FROM THE FRIEND ZONE episode 02
Mahal kita, kaso finriend zone mo ako


TALES FROM THE FRIEND ZONE episode 03
Do not strike when the iron is not yet hot


So how did you find the first three episodes of Ramon Bautista's Tales from the Friend Zone? Share your thoughts and opinion in the comments section below:

A Citizen's View on 20 Reasons Why I Dislike the Philippines: An Entertaining Social Commentary

20 Reasons Why I dislike the Philippines is a ChannelFlix Presentation and a Sorted Production video hosted by Jimmy Sieczka. This entertaining social commentary video about a foreigner's (to the Philippines that is) top 20 list on the things he disliked about the Philippines came to me today March 14, 2012 on Facebook. Intrigued by the title and some people crying fowl on the said video made me more curious to know what is the fuzz all about. So here is my diyes sentimos on this latest "INSULTING" video about the Filipinos.

"Top 20 Reasons Why I Dislike ______", right from the very start we should know that this video is negative in nature. If you are so blindly passionate about something, then as much as possible you better stay away with such titles like this. I can't blame people for still watching this though, it is human nature to be naturally curios about things especially when someone of a different race is talking about another person's Father or Motherland, in this case it is the Philippines.

Watch ChannelFlix 20 Reasons Why I dislike the Philippines here

About: If you think really hard, I'm sure you can come up with a couple reasons not to like something. In the land he loves so much, let Jimmy take you on a lighthearted tour of the negative aspects of living in a crowded country located at the earth's equator. On the flip side, check out 20 Reasons I Love _____.

I suggest you watch the video from beginning to end to completely understand the nature of the video. It is a social commentary and a darn entertaining one. If you haven't seen it or have seen it and had a bad impressions on it, I think it warrants a second look. Finished? Now tell me what have you noticed on the video?

First, it is a video that intentionally finds the most trivial matters about the Philippines to include it on its top 20. Traffic is a problem of every (if not all) major cities around the world, so it is really trivial and nitpicking of him to include it in the list. I can add a couple more faults about the Philippines than traffic especially about religion and politics, but they didn't do so, so right then and there you know that they are not really aiming for the serious kind (or journalistic approach) on their top 20. Isn't it true that major roads, especially on the major cities here in the Philippines suffer heavy traffic? We can also traced this to poor enforcement of traffic laws, undisciplined drivers and pedestrians. He also included shameless beeping of horns of most Filipino drivers which by itself is very annoying. He included the very annoying and abusive Filipino barkers. I just hate it when these barkers position themselves on loading/unloading stations and have the shame to ask for a tip. My father was once a public utility jeepney driver and I used to accompany him back in the days, and by then I already hated their existence. The very small money we earned from each passengers fare were being stolen from us by such abusive and unnecessary barkers. Then they have the guts to get angry at drivers who won't pay them any tip? That's just twisted as hell!

He also included beggars on the streets which I too have personal experience with. I saw this mother of three kids who are all beggars on the street taking a ride home. So basically she let her kids do the job for her rather than providing for them. He is also right not to give money to such beggars as it is stated by our law. We can pity them, and give them food if they were really hungry, but if they preferred money over the food you offered then the more reason to doubt these poor straved beggars, not to mention that most of them are taken under the care of the social services, but they eventually escape to just return to begging on the streets. Talk about these beggars really desperate for food and shelter? ...that was a sarcastic statement. LOL.

Then there are the laughable trivial things like the Filipino comfort room. You obviously know that the guy isn't completely honest that every comfort room in the Philippines is as unsanitary and as bad as what he featured on it. Heck, he even featured a decent hotel and shopping mall in Cebu but did he include the comfort rooms on those said establishments? He didn't which makes it funny. I've got to agree with him on some parts, most public toilets whether they are inside or outside shopping malls usually don't have tissues, luckily we are not that big users of tissues, unfortunately for him, he does. Then there is the excessive use of plastics and little tissues, which he also had some very valid points.

One very funny moment in the video was when he was attended to by lady-boy's in a bar/restaurant where he ask the question "Why is it that every hot girls in the Philippines is a lady-boy?", which is duh? That just cracked me up. We all know that there are very hot and lovely REAL women in the Philippines you just have to look at the right place.

This is really a creative and funny video in a guise of a social commentary. What makes it more funnier is that it is based on actual facts about us, our people, culture and tradition with some pretty trivial and irrelevant stuff added to the mix. Do not be mislead by the title alone or the negative feedback received by the video. Try watching it with an open-mind, think that what if the host was not a foreigner but a Filipino. Is there really a need to be defensive and be butthurt over this video?

I for one have been very open in saying my mind (opinions) on various local and international issues, films, and tv shows. I am not even a citizen of the said country, but I was able to express my thoughts on it, but have any of these political figures, celebrities, film and television productions cry fowl of my commentary or reaction to them? They don't because first I am not that popular to warrant their attention (HAHAHA) and second the internet is a free platform where one can freely express himself (to a very justified extent). The video itself is not even that comprehensive as a social commentary, so why even take it too seriously. If you check out the official ChannelFlix website, you will know that it is an entertainment channel. The same channel who previously made a 20 Reasons I Love the Philippines.

Watch ChannelFlix 20 Reasons Why I Love the Philippines here

We, Filipinos are happy people. We can still smile or laugh in the face of adversities and challenges, so why are most of us can't seem to take criticism about our people, culture, and tradition? Why is it that when some of us laugh at other nation's many faults, mishaps or shortcomings it is alright, but when the tables turn and they in turn does the same exact thing, it seems so wrong? It is so double standard. It is alright to be patriotic and nationalistic only if it is on the right context. An acquaintance on my social network used to say that it is a case of misplaced patriotism and I completely agree. Now if you are to take this supposed to be creative and entertaining video to the teeth, then let me ask you this question, did he not raise any valid points on what you now call a an offensive and racist commentary?

Everyone is free to express their opinion on this video. But sometimes it gets really tiring to see such videos or personalities featured on local news not because of their talent, but for their said to be "offensive" and "controversial" content. This is just my honest opinion about this particular matter. You might have a completely different interpretation of the said video, if you do or do not, then fell free to share your thoughts on 20 Reasons Why I Dislike the Philippines? on the comments section below:

It's More Fun In The Philippines DOT Slogan Online Pinoy Community Discussion Extravaganza

It's More Fun in The Philippines is the latest (second) tourism campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III's regime. Pilipinas Kay Ganda was the DOT's first slogan which was coldly received by majority of Filipinos both online and off because of its obvious resemblance to another country's tourism slogan. This time it is "It Is More Fun in The Philippines" turn to go under such scrutiny.

Wherever you go in the Philippines, it's the Filipinos that will make your holdiay unforgettable. Just ask anyone who's bee here. In fact, Lonely Planet guidebook calls us 'among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere'.


Find out for yourself why it’s more fun in the Philippines.
And make the most out of your next vacation.

The Republic of Philippines' Official Department of Tourism Slogan for 2012 It's More Fun In the Philippines http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/

Patawad, Papatawarin, Wala, Sa Pasko Na: A Filipino's Guide to Turning Down Christmas Caroling

Ah! It is that merry month again once a year where you hear the innocent and jolly voices of children and adults singing songs of praises, letting you know that it is Christmas, and naturally you just want to shout "PATATAWARIN!", "PATAWAD!", "WALA!", "SA PASKO NA!", or if you are a lot more sinister let them exhaust themselves singing without giving any attention to them... DEADMA lang ba? Hahaha. It is a funny thought right, but what is funnier is when you apply it every Christmas season.



A decent example of what this post is all about. A photo from "My Silent Sanctuary's Blog" post on PATAWAD.

I've tried serenading a few of our neighbors once with a Christmas carol, I think I was eight that time. It was a different era that time, the 90's. During those times public transportation fare, cost of living (utilities, rent, and daily expenses) weren't that high, and people were generally all loving and warm-hearted everyday Catholics. Fast forward that to today and turn all what I've said around, and now rejecting those neighborhood kids (and adults, LoL) who just want a buck from you is so much easier. To everyday hardworking Filipino middle-class families, every coin counts. Once the Christmas season hits in full throttle mainly starting from December 16 (Simbang-Gabi series) to the December 25 (Christmas Day), some home owners fear such innocent Christmas Carols.

But we here at the Aquino residence have already grown tired of it all, especially that we now own a Sari-sari store. We are literally a fire that attracts a moth of carolers. We are your modern day practical middle class Filipino family. We only earn a small amount of income from the sari-sari store and it is foolish to just give that away for a duration of 10 days. Instead of wasting hundreds of pesos for the everyday Filipino Christmas carolers (kids and adults alike). We just say those popular Christmas "Bah! Humbug!" lines like PAPATAWARIN, PATAWAD, WALA, o SA PASKO NA. We don't live in a high class subdivision or village, so while others find it adorable and entertaining to be serenaded a few times a week by children in the duration of that Christmas week, we here at the barangay level are irritated with the same "sa aming bahay ng aming bati" Christmas carol for every freaking day. What is also irritating is that these kids are devious in a way that they separate into one, two, three groups, and even as single one man caroler to just to get more buck from us. There also have been times when we have seen the same faces of kids for over four times just for that single night alone but for different groups. Others even hid themselves in the darkness of the night or the shrubs nearby while their "accomplice" do most of the singing to not get detected. This just spoils the whole Christmas caroling thing. So here is some of is my personal guide on how to reject and say those Christmas Carol Rejection lines without the guilt.

• Use hand gestures like waving, or showing them that you have nothing (turning or twisting an open hand back and forth), or shooing them if you want to remain anonymous, but who are you kidding? right?
• Try the direct approach which always works best. Say PATAWAD!, PAPATAWARIN!, WALA!
• Make a written placard and post it in your gate, door or window or somewhere where the Carolers would clearly see this. Just jhope that these kids learn how to read or you'll just doing the first two examples.
• Try turning off most of your house lights to give the illusion that nobody is home or is already sleeping. We have evaded both children and adult Christmas carolers using this method in the past. It usually works except for those carolers who care less if you are already sleeping just to get money from you.
• If you have a relative far away or a vacation house, it is the best time to get out of the neighborhood until Christmas just to evade such carolers. If you plan to travel it is also the best time to do it starting on the 16th of December onward.
• Place your aggressive dogs in front of the gate to scare of kids. Enraged dogs barking muffles the scared Filipino children caroling.
• You can also just ignore and deny that hey are there. You sure will be criticize for being a snob and an inconsiderate douche, but that would teach them that all their efforts are worthless. This one method we have tried only once or twice with kids especially those who don't listen to first rejection.
• This one we haven't tried yet and I don't think we'll ever will, but I want to do personally. That is to just talk to the carolers and say that I am not a Catholic or Christian, and I do not believe in Christmas. That would give the impression to the Carolers or remind them yearly that the person in the house doesn't care about a religious sect's tradition.

But being in a Catholic family, all of these seemingly Scrooge ways of evading and turning down Christmas carols are set aside for only one day. The 24th day of December "Christmas Eve", we finally allow Christmas carolers to do what they like. A time when we are finally act like normal grateful Filipino Catholics (even if I am no longer one). The three kings only gave their presents at the birth of Christ, and we are far from being luxurious kings. Even a fictitious jolly old man like Santa, but even Santa only gives presents on Christmas Day alone. We are a practical middle class Filipino family and patawad is a practical counter action to that very impractical tradition of Christmas Caroling.

Okay ng matawag na barat, kesa kami naman maghirap..

Looking for Tagalog Love Quotes? Metro Manila Barkada Got You Covered!

Love can bring out the "cheesiness" in most people when in love. Filipinos in particular can be very romantic towards their special someone. Whether they are on the courting stage or already in a relationship, there will always come a time when love birds need to go on separate ways. So the question is what is left for them to express their love towards each other? The answer is by a healthy exchange of sometimes silly but always romantic Tagalog love quotes.

Some good Tagalog Quotes that is bursting with cheesy but romantic goodness.

"Nagseselos ako sa mga taong nagiging malapit sayo. Lalo na at wala ako. Hindi naman sa selfish ako o possessive. Takot lang akong maging masaya ka sa iba at makalimutan mo kung paano kita napasaya."

"If you feel so sad, lean on my shoulder. If you want to cry, eto panyo. Pero pag di mo na kaya, yakap na lang kita. Para feel mo, hindi ka nag-iisa. Nandito lang me lagi just 4u!"

"Kahit ilang beses pa akong masaktan dahil sayo, di kita iiwan, di ako susuko. Dahil kung may 100 dahilan para iwan ka, hahanap pa rin ako ng isang dahilan para ipaglaban ka."

You wouldn't believe the volume of romantic and love quotations available for one to use. One can send them to people on a regular basis, but if you want your recipient to drown with your uncanny silliness and love towards them, try creating your own love quotes. As much as possible avoid sending old and re-used love quotes to your special someone. Try spinning an old one and give it with your own twist, your unique take. You can get various inspiration from various tagalog quotes online. Depending on your partner's tolerance or your guts, you can either be too cheesy or just be the dashing romantic type. Everything depends on the execution. Although sending them love quotes and keeping a steady communication amidst the distance matters, what a couple should always keep in mind, is to keep the love alive. Nurture it and let it take its natural course. Be loyal and accept each other no matter what. For mere words are nothing without action and true love.

I am You're Family Guy... Closer Than Before

I just would like to archive this feeling of extreme bliss with my family today. It is not anything special but rather just your average life of a working class family. I just feel so blessed that I am living the life together with my family. I can associate the blessing i have right now with my home-bound writing work which I owe a lot to my good friend Alvin and our boss Glenn.

I have been in a couple of misunderstandings this past few months and it is all hanks to my immaturity and genuinely stubbornness. This made me rethink my priorities and re-anlayze where I drew my inspiration and happiness. That it shouldn't depend on others but within myself. That before friends, there is first my family. Now more than ever, I feel much more closer to my family. I have seen a couple of tragedies recently, heartaches and got involved in a recent accident which could very well ended my life. I think this all constituted to the slow growth within me. I am not that black sheep kind of a son, and have always been closed to my family, but I just noticed and am happy that I am more closer to them than ever.

It is sometimes to be in my mind sometimes at it is generally dubious, assuming, messy, smart (yeas, i am that stubborn to admit I am smart), eccentric (in my own way), imaginative, and just crazy. I have think of thins that one can only have in his nightmares which i did and it also scared me. The fact that everything will eventually come to an end, gives chills down my spine. Now I really know what it is when people say that you should appreciate and show love to your family while they are still there, or while you are still there. I almost met my demise on a traffic accident, grieve in the death of our loving aunt, and have heard and seen various people tales of tragedy. I don't have anyone special to cherish right now, nor do I have a child to dedicated my whole life's work to. But for now, I will be as loving of a son as one could ever get. Your close to perfection family guy.

The Manny Pacquiao Effect: How One Filipino Could Affect a Whole Country

Manny Pacquiao has once again proven his supremacy in the field of boxing as he recently won his eight world boxing title on his bout with Antonio Margarito. If you are looking for an in-depth coverage of the Pacquio-Margarito fight, then you might have better luck somewhere else because this is a personal perspective and analysis on the "Manny Pacquiao effect" in general.



There is always this sense of pride amongst Filipinos and Filipinos-by-heart everytime Manny Pacquaio victoriously overcomes his opponent in the boxing arena, acquiring a new world record making title along the way. This alone can unite a people of various walks of life, belief system, and all sides of of the political and military spectrum in the Philippines. Everyone seems to route or cheer for Pacquaio, except for those who gambled by betting some hefty amount of cash on the opposing force, well guess what, you lose!

So what can a Manny Pacquiao fight do to the Philippines and Filipinos in general? Here are some of the Manny Pacquiao Effect:

• The crime rate in the Philippines drastically drops. Funny how even the most vilest of criminals and scourge to society have tendencies to just take a rest and route for a Philippine boxing icon like Pacquiao versus another country's representative.
• The usually heavily congested road traffic transforms into a seemingly deserted road which can only be seen on ghost towns. I personally testify this as I gave the Pacquiao-Margarito fight a pass to meet some friends over the weekend. I just know at the back of my mind that he will win the fight which he did, and the news would definitely be all over the place on his victory later on which will extend for the next week or so (probably until he comes back). I was amazed how fast I was able to go from our home to my friend's meeting place at a local mall. There were only a number of vehicles traversing that usually busy Sunday road, for it was a Pacquiao fight Sunday.
• A Pacquiao fight is probably the best time do make business. Local vendors specially benefit from a public screening of a Pacquiao fight. There are the local restaurants, bars, hotels and clubs which also provide a Pacquiao fight live screening (thanks to PPV subscription, a nice investment if I may add) which in return will make a profit for them. Even telecommunication company like that of the PLDT myDSL WatchPad rides such hype by offering a livestream coverage for interested subscribers. Then there is one local television company which cashes in on the fight by showing a way delayed Philippine telecast of the Pacquiao fight, and they make money by advertisements which takes longer than the actual fight. It's business people.
• Non-sports fans are later converted into a boxing loving fans (well, at least if Pacquiao is on it) which in turn can bring enthusiasm and focus back to the now fading and neglected industry of sports.
• The Philippines is starting to get the international recognition it truly deserves as Filipinos starts to make a big difference in the international entertainment, art and sports scene... one in particular is that eight world boxing title holder from the Sarangani Province, Philipppines.

Overall this is a nice way for Pacquiao to portray and sell himself as a hero of the masses. He already infiltrated the congress, with millions of dollars of winnings from each title matches, whoc would dare think of a leader such as the caliber of Pacquiao to ever commit corruption in public office. This then make him a potential head of state for the Philippines, and maybe that is his ultimate goal. Just my two cents on it. Let's just hope that if ever that come to fruition, we won't see any of those "pambansang aninos" pulling his political strings.

Manny Pacquiao as President? Why not, most Filipinos chose Erap Estrada and Noynoy Aquino in the past right, so why exclude Pacquiao?

Globe's Super One: What Makes it so Super?

You will never go wrong with Globe Telecoms. The number one telecommunication network has once again unveiled another great deal for Globe subscribers... The Globe Super One. What is so super about it? Well, you are about to find out.



From prepaid to postpaid, everyone has the chance to connect with their friends, families, work, and special someones. Globe is known for providing quality mobile telecommunications services to the millions of growing Globe Subscribers. This time Globe gives back to their postpaid, Fully Loaded Plan and Super Plan subscribers with the new Globe Super One.

What makes it so "Super"?

Have a special someone that you just can't get enough of but are too restricted with the package you just acquired, then why not try Super One which let's you handpicked a single number (or many numbers, if you want more and sign it up as your Super One). You can use your Globe Postpaid plan to call and text that person to your heart’s desire for as low as P150.00 for Fully Loaded and Postpaid subscribers, and P175.00 for Globe Super Plan holders for each number every month. Now that is more than a great deal! It's Super!

The sheer awesomeness of the new Globe super One does not end there as with its new unlimited plan comes the Super One Blogger Contest. A contest open for all bloggers who would want to share whose their special someone (and probably dedicated their Super One plan to). What makes this contest Super is the chance to win a brand-new Samsung Galaxy S Android phone for that winning Super One Blogger contest Winner.

Typhoon Ondoy's Devastating Effects in the Philippines x A Call for Help

September 28, 2009 (Monday) - I have mixed emotions regarding the effects that Bagyong Ondoy or internationally known as Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines. A feeling of relief, pity, and concern took over me upon seeing the Typhoon Ondoy updates.

I found this video about Typhoon Ondoy on Youtube and put here for it links to various organizations that will help the victims of the typhoon. Click the video to see the numbers to dial and let's help rebuild the lives of the hundreds of Filipinos whom the Ondoy has devastated...



Make your help count. Help our fellow Filipinos overcome this darkest chapter of their lives yet.

On Ondoy - A Feeling of Relief

Here in Dasmariñas Cavite, we also have experienced the continuous rain that Ondoy has brought for almost a whole day but never imagined that it has taken and ruined the lives of so many Filipinos. First, I felt relief that Dasmariñas Cavite was unaffected by Ondoy. This is what made me feel thankful that in all places in the Philippines that we can live on with our lives, our parents decided to get a house in Cavite.

On Ondoy - A Feeling of Pity

As I've watched the news updates on Ondoy, see the images of dead bodies after the other being rescued from the flood, properties ruined, and the families in utmost grief over the loss, I can't help but to feel pity for them. I know this could make some eyebrows raised on me but this is only natural for me to feel such emotion over the case. Later, I've decided to help in my own little way here as a blogger by posting about the Typhoon and sharing the contact numbers of organizations so we can help (through cash donations or pledges) the victims of Ondoy (See the video above).

On Ondoy - A Feeling of Concern

Being an active blogger who usually go to the Metro Manila area for events, I can't help but to feel worried and concerned about the welfare of the bloggers I'm usually with. I can only hope and pray that they were unaffected or the damage would be minimal (especially to those living in the Rizal and the Marikina area). Hope you guys are alright there.

-

At a time like this, where everyone is helping out each other, showing concerns over their fellow Filipinos, temporarily forgetting their political indifference, it makes me feel happy that the Filipinos are still one people and can be reunited with one greater cause. Hope this can be maintain in a long run without sacrificing lives.

"DAYO sa Mundo ng Elementalia" The First Filipino Full-Length Digital Animated Movie Premiere Night

First of all, I would like to give thanks to my good friend Azrael for including me to the premiere night of the first Filipino full-length digital animated movie "Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia"




Kudos to you my friend

Well, my quest or "pagdayo ko sa Dayo" from Dasmariñas Cavite to SM Megamall is a path filled with long hours of traffic. The road to Manila is bustling with vehicles inducing a heavy traffic. This time I've anticipated the traffic, so after i received a plurk from Gab asking me to what time will I leave for SM Megamall (venue for the Dayo movie premiere), upon reading that plurk, I immediately fixed and readied myself and at exactly 2:55 I was on the Bus going to MRT station in Pasay.

A Dasmarineños Route To The Metro

Dasmariñas, Cavite to SM MegaMall EDSA, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City Route

Here is me again acting oh so wise (even though I'm not) to guide my fellow Dasmarineños and fellow Caviteños the quickest (as far as I know of) and safest (I hope so) route from Dasmariñas Cavite to SM MegaMall EDSA, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City. First of is to ride a bus heading to Pasay MRT/LRT Station (You won't miss it, unless you are waiting at the wrong lane). Drop off at the MRT Station. Avail a MRT train ticket going to Ortigas Station (It is the quickest route but you have to endure the rush of people using the train as well). From Ortigas Station it is just a couple more walks until you reach SM Megamall and Ta-Dah! You are there.

I arrived at SM Megamall at around 5:00 in the afternoon so that calculates to an approximate two hours of travel time via the bus and train from Dasmariñas to Mandaluyong. I read Azrael's direction in my phone to where will the Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia premiere will be and saw it after a couple of floors and ride at the escalator. After seeing the venue I continued to Megatrade Hall 2 for the 3rd Toys and Collectibles Christmas Fair 2008 or Toycon event where Azrael is, and man! There sure are lotsa toys ranging from the cheapest 3 for 100 and as expensive at 5000 to 10000 Pesos worth of toys (I haven't seen nor asked if there are other toys which costs way more beyond that because I'll just drool over them hahaha). I scour for toys in the 3 for 100 section toys which is highly possible for my kind a job and living (hahaha) but failed to find the right toy for me so in the end I ended up window shopping and drooling over toys and other collectibles at the 3rd Toys and Collectibles Christmas Fair 2008.







For more Toycon Photos Visit Azrael's Coravege Here:

3rd Toys and Collectibles Christmas Fair 2008 - DAY 1 photo coverage

Az later bids farewell to his friends at Toycon because of the Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia premiere. We got down over at cinema 10 and saw a horde and almost a stampede(oh well, i guess i am exagerating a bit too much hehehe) of movie goers excited for the premiere of the the first Filipino full-length digital animated movie Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia









We are some of the bloggers whom were lucky enough to be the first to watch the very first premiere of the very first full-length digital Filipino animated movie entitled Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia



This is Ada one of my adorable blog friend and source of these grabbed photos while my camera is out hahahaha. thanks Ada. you can visit her blog at ADAPHOBIC.COM





Yes! We braved and dared to walk the red carpet hahahaha.



While we wait for the stars to come to stage and for the premiere a small program was conducted which features some trivia questions and interesting facts about the movie Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia. My two friends Ada (http://www.adaphobic.com) and Carl (http://thewebmagazine.blogspot.com) joined the trivia question. Go bag em all bloggers! Hahaha but what about the kids? XD







Pictures by Carl Valenzona of The Web Magazine (http://the webmagazine.blogspot.com)

We eventually went in Cinema 10 to reserve some good seats for a nice view of the movie. After some time Az, Monique, Carl, Monchst, Sire, Trixie and Azrael went out to grab some "grub" which took them some time which I later found out was because of the stars arriving at the Stage and some celebrities and Philippine television faces.



Minutes away from the actual premiere of Dayo. After some short program and games for the kids, the suspense and long wait is finally over. Here comes Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia.



Prrrrtttt!!!! The movie is now over with me and Az going out with the movie goers who just saw the first ever full-length Digital Filipino animated movie (and I couldn't emphasize the "first ever full length Digital Filipino animated movie" even more hahaha). What's missing? Uh, yeah, the actual movie. How was it like? Well, all I can say is you go watch it this coming December 25, 2008 at your local cinemas or you may go to other blogs and spoiler websites to find out more about the story hehehe.



This was after we went out cinema 10... and nope i was not in shock hahahaha. I am waiting for my friends to finish up taking photos of the crowd and the celebrities.





After the movie we went two more floors to accompany Az to bid farewell to his colleagues at the Toycon. Before we went there, we saw these "cute" Winnie The Pooh and Tigger Photo-Op corner and decided to fool around with it. hence The Bloggers are transported from Elementalia to "Elementarya" hahaha.. because only kids from elementary or elementarya are fond of Walt Disney characters (or I could be wrong) Hahahaha





It was a fun day together with my fellow Blogger plus the fact that we are the first people to watch the first full-length digital Filipino animated movie "Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementali"

A Night of Delight Part 2: My Clog Shaked with TV5's "Shake Mo! Blog Mo!" Bloggers Event

This is Part Two of The Night of Delight December 10 Bloggers Event and this time it is from Chilis Bar, Greenbelt 1, Makati for the Shake Mo! Blog Mo Bloggers Event held by the people of TV5 (Philippine TV network formerly known as ABC5).





All hail the overgrown and supersized Chili... hahummmm

The story starts up at around 8:30 as a group of Bloggers consisting of Sire, Jonas, Gab, and Chris bids farewell to the Red Ribbon Cake Tasting Event for Bloggers. They finally rode a taxi heading to Chilis Bar at Green Belt 1 in Makati. While in the taxi, the bloggers discussed about the mythical "elite bloggers" and if they exist or not... we just laugh and fooled about the topic. After a half hour drive we finally got off the taxi and went to Chilis Bar with Jonas Diego bidding us a farewell for he has other appointments to attend to. So it is only the three of us now... Gab, Sire and Me.





We finally got to point A to point Z (it's really kind of far) and saw Fitz outside together with other Bloggers and mentioned that the event was already over (sigh) but ensured us that the bloggers are still inside, and thus we entered the festive and very lively (for a late night) environment of people dining and chatting. We approached the table where Azrael (http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com), Lace (http://suzakulace.blogspot.com/), Carl (http://thewebmagazine.blogspot.com/), and Ed (http://blog.edarevalo.net/) are. I also saw some of my known blof friends and acquainted with new ones like Ada (http://adaphobic.com), Mica (http://micamyx.i.ph/), Jehz (http://www.jehzlau-concepts.com/), Trixie (http://ktrix.blogspot.com/), Aerin (http://www.irisaeirincollections.com/), Coy (http://thisiscoy.net/), Winston (http://www.batangyagit.com/), Montsch (http://www.techsterr.com/), Nan (http://nansantamaria.aminus3.com/), . Those are some of the bloggers (in the TV5 Event) I got acquainted that day, if I forgot to mention you here, please inform me.

We talked about what happened earlier and in both events (Red Ribbon and TV5 Event), and met some cool people from TV5 (Luigene, Myk and Yoanna). The TV5 People are really accommodating and a warm bunch of people. I admired the effort of TV5 (overhauled network station) for getting the feedback and inviting us (the bloggers) over. After some light drinking (*gulp*), we waited until TV5's The Evening News a.k.a Ten were there will be a segment which will feature the TV5 Bloggers Event. That is the first time I saw bloggers watched news together in one venue (eventhough they are not fans of watching news)... and a'las! The Bloggers Event was on the top 3 of TEN and everyone was all smiles and cheers.



This is me explaining to Luigene what blogging is and the opportunities derived from it. And yes my eyes turn yellow when explaining hahaha



I may look drunk but i am not! hahaha that's my regular face wahahaha




TEN's SideTracked from Coy Caballes on Vimeo.

TEN's Sidetracked Blogger Segment Video is from Coy Caballes TV5 Bloggers Event Coverage - Here -



After a few minutes later, everyone called it a night and decided to leave for home... of course there are still last minute photo op outside of Chilis but that was not the last part of my Night of Delight Coverage...





We missed the appearance of TV5's main reporters. Oh well, there is always next time.













Finally, the Part 3 of A Night of Delight... The Bloggers Conquered the Baconator

Part 1 Can be Found here:
A Night of Delight Part 1: Tasting The Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake

Kudos to my fellow Bloggers fro letting me use their TV5 Bloggers event coverage: See the rest of their photo coverage here:

• Aerin's Photo Coverage
• Nan's Photo coverage
• Coy's Video and Photo Coverage
• Azrael's Photo Coverage
• Carl's Photo Coverage
• Myks's Facebook and Photo Coverage

A Night of Delight Part 1: Tasting The Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake

December 10 of 2008, a Wednesday marks one of my most delightful food experience for the year of 2008. First of is the Red Ribbon’s Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake Tasting which happened earlier at Red Ribbon in Eastwood City, Libis at around 7:00 in the evening.



Well, first things first. The story behind how I came to knowledge of this event. My good friend Azrael (http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com) pointed me out to Jayvee's A Bugged Life Blog (http://abuggedlife.com/) and once I saw this event, I immediately signed up because it is going to be another great event together with my friends in the blogging community, plus the great food and latest coverage to update my CLOG.

On with the journey...

Route from Dasmariñas Cavite to Eastwood City Libis

I am not a big fan of traveling around the Metro, clubbing and nightlife during my college days, plus the fact that I am miles away from Quezon City, so it is another new experience for me to travel from Dasmariñas, Cavite all the way to Red Ribbon in Eastwood City Libis, Quezon City.

"if my "old friend" is reading this post now, I believe he'll remind me again that I shouldn't have put this information in my blog, because other people will probably think of me as a "probinsyano"(a person from the suburban province) and a stupid for not knowing these known hotspots. Well, like i always say to him, i have nothing to hide, if that is what they think of me then so be it. I am just being true to myself and to my readers."

After I finished the doing the family laundry from Sunday which took me til 2:00 pm, I immediately took a shower and fix up for the Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake Tasting in Red Ribbon Libis. Thanks to azrael for helping me out with the directions... I have been looking for information regarding the route from Dasmariñas Cavite to Eastwood City, Libis in Quezon City, but I couldn't find a single reliable result.

So for people from Dasmariñas Cavite and beyond Region IV this will be my route from Dasmariñas, Cavite to Eastwood City, Libis Quezon City.

(1) Ride an air-conditioned bus (I prefer this) with a signboard Cubao, Ortigas Ilalim in the main bus stops in Dasmariñas Cavite's Aguinaldo Highway. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Robinsons Galeria in Ortigas. I've experienced heavy traffic at around 5:00 pm (a time which the road in known for being jam packed with various vehicle due to heavy traffic and the rush hour) which took me until 6:00 before I was able to arrive at Robinsons Galeria.

(2) In the right most, side of the Robinsons Galeria ride either a jeep going to Rosario or a bus to Cainta (I prefer you go with the jeep to save some fare and time) and ask the driver to drop you off at I.P.I., i don't know what I.P.I. means but a man seating beside me in the front seat of the jeep told me that the quickest way to Libis is not from Rosario (because it was a couple of kilometers away) but at the I.P.I.. He was also headed to Eastwood City so he accompanied me, and crossed the other lane and sidewalk to ride a jeep with the signboard of Cubao in it. I asked the driver to drop me off Red Ribbon but I think he didn't hear me, the Good Samaritan told me that he will point where the Red Ribbon Libis is. Once the jeep drove, he prompt me to where the venue for the cake tasting and I happily and sincerely thank him by tapping his shoulder and saying "Salamt ng marami, manong" ("Thank you very much, mister") and drop off in front of the venue where the Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake Tasting will take place.

I first met up with Gab (http://www.flipclan.com/) whom I got acquainted back at the Yehey and Super Bowl of China Event (which I haven't posted yet but will soon do after these posts). We chat and chat for a while, we talked about the TV5 loggers event which he said he is also included but can not attend due to personal businesses and appointments. Later, he asked me if I want to go to that TV5 Blogger's Event at Chilis in Glorieta 1, but I answered that I don't have any invites that's why i am not going. He assured me that it is going to be okay so i say yes because muy other blogging friends are there as well. Later, Sarah (http://journal.sarahcada.com/), a fellow blogger whom I met through Jori last Clear Black Night Halloween Party, and thus we are three on our table. I saw some familiar bloggers from another table like Brian Ong (http://brianong.blogspot.com/) and Tiffy (http://tiffy.i.ph/) of Manila Foodistas (I don't know if they know me, but I surely know them just on the face, haven't really talked to them). I also saw Ms. Maki (http://www.makieduardo.com/) with the camera she use to pull out those photo masterpieces, I got to know her on plurk, and Jonel Uy(Let's Go Sago http://letsgosago.net). Arpee (http://arpeelazaro.blogspot.com/), whom i got to know and befriended over at plurk. I also saw Edelweiza (http://www.edelweiza.com/). Sire (http://yourmajestysire.blogspot.com/) came a bit late and thus we are four in the table. Jori (http://joriben.blogspot.com/) also came a bit late. he is one of my good 'ol blogging friends. Saw Sir Juned (http://baratillo.net/). Saw The Magic Man Marcelle (http://www.mistervader.com/) who looked a bit stressed but still bursting with energy. Sir Jonas (http://hellomictest.blogspot.com/) entertained us with his witty remarks and creativity. Well, that was a long list of bloggers whom I know as of the time being and hope to link other bloggers in the upcoming events.



These are two of my good blog friends. Sire and Jori. Photos courtesy of Jonel Uy from his (Let's Go Sago http://letsgosago.net).

At around 6:45 pm the bloggers (who includes me) started flocking the small buffet table. Some of the food served in the event was a very scrumptious Carbonara, the cute yet semi-crunchy Chicken Lollipops, and Palabok. The refreshments were given by the ever courteous waiters after we have selected our beverage of choice. I picked four seasons. After some time, we were summoned in a small presentation hall where they showed as a small presentation of what does Red Ribbon has in store for everyone this Holidays. Featuring the Tat-ta-dah-da-dah... Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake.



They started serving small slices of the cake to the Bloggers inside the room. The cake looks delicious as I saw it on the table from before and now they are serving it, my sweet tooth started going crazy and wanted to have my share already. soon enough it was there the ever so creaminess and sweetness of the Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake. I wasn't sure if it is okay to eat the cake because the Red Ribbon People asked us to wait for the cake toss (did I got the spelling right XO) but some Bloggers already munched on it, but the toss was still continued and finally we had the opportunity to taste the sweetness of the cake in our tongues.


Bloggers Group shot in Red Ribbon Blogger's Event: (From Left To Right) Me (Chris A.), Jori, Maki, Jonel, Gab, Sire, and Sarah. (Links to their sites are provided earlier.)

Like the usual photo opportunities after the other can be seen inside the venue. Sadly my cmaera is still broken so I grabbed some photos from Jonel of Let's Go Sago to document some of my appearances (of the missing link) in the cake tasting.

A raffle draw was started inside the presentation room and lucky for me (Wow! That's a first!) that my name got called up as a winner of a box of Coffee Walnut Bavarian Holiday Cake! Yehey!

FYI: I am not lucky with raffle draws and the game of luck and chance so whenever something like this occurs I get excited and overjoyed... also am very thankful.

We (Gab, Sire, and Sarah) went outside the presentation room to accompany Jori on the table and were served our second serving of cake and the special coffeee with Kahlua.

It's already around 8:15 and we decided to now proceed to the TV5 Shake Mo Blog Mo Event which started at the same time as the Red Ribbon Libis Event did. We bid farewell to the other bloggers and got frustrated a bit with taxis zipping past us until finally a taxi stopped. Me, Sire, Gab and Jonas Diego went to Makati for the event which was a fun 15-30 minute drive from Quezon to Makati....

Next is the Part 2 of A Night of Delight... The TV5 Shake Mo Blog Mo Event