Stray Daddy 2

The real story of a inspirational love between a father and a son.

2009-02-23T01:24:00.000+08:00

Lost Generation

2009-02-09T07:01:00.001+08:00

Go Star Rangers!

2009-02-08T08:53:00.001+08:00

I grew up watching this show, para sakin eto ang original.

A Walk To Remember

2009-01-27T01:39:00.035+08:00

“Walk in the park”. This was the phrase that we used to describe the up coming climb on Mount Pulag, mainly to entice our fellow climbers to join this hastily planned trip. A few emails here and a few text messages there and we had a plan set. We were going to Pulag via the Ambangeg route, considered by most as the easiest of the routes to take up the mountain.

It was long over due climb for out group, most of which have already “retired” from active status in the UP Mountaineers. A good number of members of the team are climbing this mountain for the first time, maybe lured by the easy trail and availability of local porters. And so before we knew it we had 17 people signing up to join the climb.

Pre-climb sa "Old" UPM Tambayan

Bunny speaks

Pointers sa mga aakyat for the first time

Let's go happy climbers

Blackboard ni Isla (anak ni Bunny)

Paa ni Timaws, veteran na ng madaming climbs :)

“New and Old faces”

Majority of the people who signed up are members of the UP Mountaineers ranging from Batch 91 where I belong up to batch 2007. The rest are friends from work and some guest climbers (Bunny’s brother in law and his 2 teenage daughters). Interesting mix of people, all have different reasons for climbing this mountain. For me it was simple, I simply miss the place. I was going back to Pulag and an added bonus – I was climbing with the “old” team (no pun intended there). It’s been a while I guess, maybe too long ago that I can’t remember the exact year when we last climbed together. My heart was racing, I knew that there were many sleepless nights ahead of me before the trip. It was a trip back in time but this time with a slightly older (heavier) cast.

“Gears Galore”

3 words that best describe the mountain is this – cold, cold, cold. Last time I was there a few years back (I think 9 or 11 years ago) the temperature dropped -7. I was literally frozen stiff as I slept using the org’s old Eureka Tent. Some tents had ice forming on top of the tent body. I was still using my sisters white jacket as base layer for the cold weather (yes, my sister’s jacket that I borrowed way back 1991!). Gloves and other stuff was from Baguio (hmmm don’t worry wala namang name na “BAGUIO” na naka sulat). It didn’t do the trick that well because I can still recall waking up in the middle of the night shaking from the cold trying my best to keep warm.

Climbing Pulag during the 90's with my old crew. Ganda ng leggings Romy Garduce hahaha!

Having that flash back I was determined to fight the cold with new gear. At last I had an excuse to buy some new climbing equipment for this trip. Actually, I’ve been stock piling slowly all these years to the point that my wife said “San mo ba gagamitin yan? Punta ka bang US?”.

New gear for the new year!

Eto naman gamit ni Randell

I did mind her, like Noah and his Ark --- I was Ninoy and his Jackets. It didn’t matter if It was available online of the latest model from Surplus Shop, I had to have it. My wife Jen gave me a new backpack for Christmas (talk about a SIGN that I should climb!), this will go along with some of the gear that I bought ages ago that I stored in some dark corner at home.

“Pack Shirt”

Pack. Re-pack. Pack again and again. I was a wreck trying to fit everything inside my bag. Somehow I miss the good old packs, the really big ones because you never really cared what you put inside, well that is before you actually carried it up the mountain. I made some attempts at sleeping but only dreamt of my backpack. Crap, it’s late. In a few minutes I will have to leave for Joel’s place and help them pack. I made a quick check on my list, everything was there. My pack was bursting, it was a bit heavy but in the end I was ready to make some sacrifices for the sake of comfort.

Daming kalat!

We were supposed to meet up at 6pm but had to beg off since I had a busy schedule during the day, I arrived 6:30pm. Joel and Mariel (Joel’s sister) was in the middle of packing stuff. Everything seemed normal, I gave them a few tips here and there but something caught my eye --- they had tons of FOOD.

Food galore. Di kami magugutom hehe

Food to perhaps feed an entire army or a small country somewhere. I thought to myself that if we die in Pulag we would not die of hypothermia but of over eating. Good thing that place is perfect for foodies since it had water, we can cook all the meals we wanted without having to scrimp on water. Midway Ryan came in, I glanced his way and was surprised. He was packed and just had a paper bag with him. Good, I thought to myself…one less person to worry about. Well this feeling did not last very long as I watched him open his pack. He did not waterproof anything. Nothing. I was baffled by this and approached him.

“Ry, naka waterproof ba mga gamit mo? Baka umulan dun”

He replied with a cool voice “Noy, ok lang waterproof yung pack”

I didn’t know if I wanted to laugh or cry, I was speechless. I knew if he did not waterproof his gear he would end up freezing to death up there. Good thing we had some spare plastic bags that came in handy. After a few minutes he was done. We had no time to waste since we had to go over to Panay and hitch a ride going to the bus station. We loaded our bags and headed to Panay, no turning back now. We were off.

“Nasa CR lang”

I looked at my watch, it was almost 10pm, we were leaving at exactly 11pm. Randell was nowhere to be found. People who know me, know that I hate people who are late. I had a gut feeling that he would not make it on time. I was right. We boarded the bus at exactly 11pm. I called him up to ask where we was, he was in my estimate around 20 mins away from the terminal. Not enough time to make it by 11. I was fuming mad but kept my cool as I knew that he would have been sweating bullets just thinking about it.

The driver asked “Meron pa ba?”. Marica who was seated beside me replied “Boss asa CR lang yung kasama naming”.

A few tense minutes passed by and still no Randell. The driver asked again “Asan na yung kasama nyo kala ko ba nasa CR lang”. That was it, I knew that the bus will be leaving the terminal, as we made a U-turn I got a call, it was Randell 15 minutes late. I was a bit sad since I knew how excited he was, we all were. Oh well, I guess that’s one lesson you learn the hard way.

“Dagups”

If this climb were a training climb he’d be gone, kicked out of the training program for being late. Late is Late. I was always late for class in UP but was scared of being late for climbs for fear of being kicked out of the training pool.

Good for him this was just an ordinary climb among friends – I made a suggestion that he get another bus, any bus going to Baguio that can bring here by 6:30am. Any later time I advised him to go back or simply stay in Baguio until we return.

Midway our bus ride I got a text message, he caught a bus that would bring him to Baguio. He made it, but I knew riding Dagupan Bus Lines was an experience for him (imagine riding an old bus for 6 hours, you had tiny roaches and possibly a Bong Revilla movie for company hehe. Torture).

Randy, the lucky bastard..buti nalang umabot siya haha

Because of this the team coined a new name for him --- Randell “Dagups” Centeno.

“Wow bahay”

In the 4 or 5 times I’ve been to Baguio to climb Pulag this is the 2nd time we were fortunate to have stayed in a house, not just any house but a house that can accommodate all 17 of us. Jojo Gutierrez (UPM 88) was kind enough to let us use the house as a jump-off point for the trip. I was a good thing, much better than spending hours inside a bus station. Times have changed for the Timawa Family, buti naman hehe.

Thank you Jojo! Di kami namatay sa lamig sa labas hehe

Randell sent a text message saying that he was on his way to the house. Good at least umabot siya, my blood pressure went back to normal. Emman and I walked towards the main road to wait for him and our ride. After a few minutes waiting in the cold he arrived, smiling like a guilty dog hehe, well Dagupan Bus Lines was enough punishment for him so I let it go. We were at last complete.

Randell the late bastard hehe

Ang pagdating ni Dagups :)

“The Jeep”

I called up Roger our driver for the trip to inform him that we were ready for pick up. It was a bit dark and cold so I wished that he would hurry up. The past jeeps that we hired up Pulag were total wrecks, I remember them as old and beat up. Most could not manage to climb the steep terrain up Babadak (Ranger Station). I hope Roger’s ride is different, 4 hours is a long time to spend inside a jeep.

From a distance I heard the roar of a jeep, hmmm maybe it’s not a jeep I thought, maybe it’s a truck. I knew it was our ride. A monster sized jeep that will be our home for the next 4 hours up the rough and muddy trail of Mt. Pulag. It sounded like a beast as it revved towards us.

Our macho machine was at last here. But wait….I must be dreaming, our ride had colors so familiar to all us Metro Folk. It was PINK, as in MMDA Art pink! I froze in disbelief but found it amusing, I could not wait to let the group see our pimped up ride.

Pimp my jeep MMDA style

I heard some funny comments as we loaded our gear. I guess pink isn’t at all bad, the sky was dark and I had a feeling that this was going to be a wet ride.

“The Road to the Ranger Station”

After dozing off, we took a quick stopover at the view deck of Ambuklao Dam. After a few minutes of picture-taking we headed off our last stop for brunch – Pinkan Jo. I can still recall a stop where we had our lunch a few years back but it was in a different place, maybe this route was different, I really couldn’t remember and had a few pictures to review.

Mike and Amel - the comeback climbers!

Pinkan Jo Model - Marika aka "Uy Masuy"

Group shot muna tayo.

Emman and the general's daughter - Marge.

Dagups pagod sa byahe hehe

It was a nice cozy place to make a stop, at this point everybody was smiling and excited. The food was ok, I order of rice is good for 2 people. I wasn’t really that hungry and knew that we were about to go uphill, I was afraid of barfing or worse I might have to ask the jeep to make a stop along the road hehe. As we left the place my excitement doubled, this is it. I’m back, we’re all back…another story to repeat over and over again when we get the chance to get together.

Stop muna sa Pinkan Jo!

Kids along the road.

Nice shot.

Before I knew it we were hitting the rough roads up the mountain. Our pink jeep’s engine was screaming as it navigated towards to steep terrain, not a good place to overheat I thought to myself, not good at all. The view outside was spectacular, you could see the mountains that surrounds Mt.Pulag. I wish we could stop and take pictures but I guess that would take too much effort and time. We passed by some small villages along the way, I think how little has changed for them since I last climbed some 11 years ago.

Soon we reached the DENR office were we’ll be briefed and paying our park fees. I was surprised to see that they had a brand new office complete with video presentation about the mountain. We paid our fees and watched a short clip on the mountain. It was interesting, although it was a bit anti-climactic since you could see the features of the mountain.

Look alike ni Ryan sa bulletin board ng DENR.

Watching the video primer made by the DENR staff.

I had mix feelings about this, gone are the days when you felt you were entering a wild and untamed mountain --- my feeling was we were entering Parks and Wildlife near Quezon Memorial Circle. I guess I’m just too sentimental about some things, well 11 years is 11 years. I guess times have changed and Pulag along with it.

On the other had it was an excellent way of educating the visitors on park rules and guidelines. I guess in the end if it helps preserve the place I’m all for it.

After the DENR station our last and final stop was the Ranger Station in Babadak. This part I remember, it was the same as I remembered it, complete with the had written sign on the entrance. We last checks while some found time to eat some lunch. Outside our guides and porters were waiting for us.

Unloading the bags.

Ranger Station

I was in charge of securing porters for the trip, we had 5 for 4 members of the team. It was a good choice since we had people with back problems and some have not been actively climbing these past few years. Having porters would have been unthinkable 11 years ago but I guess 11 years has a way of changing the way you look at climbing, you’re less of the “gung ho type” and more of the “I want to live to climb another day” type of a climber. We secretly called them Harry as in Harry Porters, I know it’s corny but at least we didn’t need to call them porters, Harry is good enough. From now on all porters are named Harry hehe.

“Uy Masuy”

We managed to convince some “retired” climbers to join because we told them that this was going to be a “walk in the park”. We were walking alright, but the trek up was a bit too intense for some, this included Marica aka “Uy Masuy”.

I’ve known Marica since 1991, she was my batchmate but she was inducted in another batch. She’s one of my favorite people in UPM, the best person to play “kontra-bida” to my Bunny “Haring Timawa” Soriano. The stories between these two are legendary, some I would say can be passed on from generation to generation.

I knew that she was excited to climb Pulag for the first time, excited enough to place the news on Facebook. She was alright the first few minutes of the trek until we reached the point after the first sign I saw up the mountain. Her mood began to change, her looks as cold as the freezing weather.

I knew that it would take some effort to convince her that this trip was worth it. I was a couple of feet from her and I could hear her ask after a few steps “Malayo pa ba? Ilang minutes pa ba?”.

This phrase would be her mantra as we negotiated the trail up. She was getting a headache from the climb hehe, I can just image her being the perfect model for Tylenol or Advil. Then it started to rain, the trail steeper and Marica’s temper a bit shoter. She was asking our guide how look until the first camp, I know this is a hard question since the locals could reach the place in no time, the pace varies from climber to climber.

I was avoiding to have to answer her, to be honest I can’t recall the time it took us to reach the first camp since it was just a stopover. Finally we reached Camp 1 where most were having a break, Marica can finally take a break and rest.

We’re safe from the wrath of Uy Masuy for now.

“Comeback Climb”

Mike was with me during the last few times I climbed Pulag. He’s my batchmate and is a veteran of many major climbs. How can I forget Mt. Halcon 1998. I was waiting for him, Jojo and Kerwin at the summit ridge. It was getting dark and I was worried since we had to pitch the tent and get ready for dinner. Trust me, you don’t want to pitch in the dark up the slopes of Halcon. Minutes passed, finally I saw him, he was tired but ok. I thought someone got injured or something only to find out that they saw a rat along the way and decided to give it some crackers. I’m sure Mike is some sort of a god in the rat community in Halcon.

"Comeback Climb"

This climb up Pulag is his “comeback climb”. I guess the years have taken it’s toll on his gear, most especially his shoes. When we reached Camp 1 it was in the ICU, it was falling apart. Good thing we had some duct tape and some zip ties for some quick repair. The trail was muddy due to the rains, I hope his shoes hold up until the trek up the summit.

Sira na si Salomon

“Break muna sa Camp 1”

The mood during this stop was light, almost festive despite of the rain. Food was everywhere, a big leap from past climbs wherein you just drank water and waited for someone to take out some trail food, this time there was none of that we had all the junk food we could ever want. I guess theses were lest over from Christmas, maybe even Halloween.

Happy Campers

Pagod na si Sadako

After a few minutes it was time again to put on our packs and track towards our final destination for the day --- Camp 2.

“Camp 2”

The trek up Camp 2 was a series of rolling hills. The trail was ok, save for some areas that had patches of angle deep mud. We reached the camp at around 4pm. We quickly pitched our tents and prepared to some soup to fight the cold. It was colder than I expected. I actually don’t recall Camp 2 at all, I can’t seem to remember if we ever camp there in the past or spend the first night up the peak of Pulag. Anyway, it didn’t matter. What’s important was we were all able to survive the first day.

Ang lamig sa Pulag...just look at Marica's face hahaha

“Sinigang sa fresh na sampaloc”

After making camp, the next agenda was to prepare dinner. We pitched a tarp in between tents that will serve as our kitchen/socials area. Aside from the porters another interesting thing about this climb was we had a chef with us – Eugene (UPM 96). We requested a dish that had some soup for dinner for obvious reasons, it was cold and water was not an issue. Good thing we were able to pre-cook all the ingredients beforehand and soon we were devouring the meal like a pack of wolves. Walang pansinan hehe. It was good so I had several servings until I could no longer contain myself. Next step was to find my “spot” just in case I needed to go “into the wild”. Not to worry though, I saw during the video presentation at the DENR that they had pre-designated latrines on Camp 2.

Hours past before I knew it was time, I asked Randell if he wanted to check out the latrine. I usually go alone to do the “beast” but figured that it would be better to have someone with me so he can alert me if someone is coming.

“Left 4 Dead”

The latrine looked promising from afar, it had a sign that gave out directions for the male and female areas. There were GI sheets that acted as cover from the camp above.

In all my 18 years of climbing I’m used to the “cat hole” technique, just dig a hole and forget about it. This latrine experience is new, I walked slowly and surveyed the main area. I had a headlamp on so I could see the wooden planks that made up the place, it looked solid. But what if I slipped, hit my head and passed out or maybe fell inside the whole?

My imagination ran wild as I looked inside the latrine, images of the witch (complete with the sound track) from Left 4 Dead raced across my mind, the hole was dark and murky and I’m imaging being chased by the witch across the campsite. Playing a video game about zombies before a climb is not good at least for me it isn’t.

It was freezing cold and I didn’t want to go out again in the middle of the night to go back. I had to do it now, I removed all my layers of clothing and just let it go, in a few minutes I was done. Randell on the other hand had a harder time. Namamahay daw siya. It’s actually not as hard as some people think. When you need to go, you need to go.

“Russian Vodka Vs. Ginebra Premium”

Dinner time was quick for most of the team, everybody headed back to their tents as the mercury dropped. I can’t stop thinking how cold it is, I hope all the hype given to my new tent is true, I don’t want to wake up freezing in the middle of the night. I dropped by Bunny’s tent. He was outside with his wife Joy (UPM 94) sipping a cup of tea, I joined in. Soon our tea session became an exchange of Vodka (I’m assuming Bunny got this one from his trip in Russia a few months back). I took a shot and found it interesting, medyo matapang ng konti but it was alright.

We bought along our own vino – Ginebra Premium. This is the current rage in the UPM right now, I guess because it’s cheap and it tastes good. I like gin, I remember one climb in the past that we exchanged a bottle of Johnnie Black for 2 bottles of Gin Bulag hehe. Jologs talaga ako, at least if I progress into a full blown alcoholic mura lang ang gastos.

Only a handful of us came out to drink. Marica, Mike and the rest were fast asleep. I couldn’t blame them, just standing outside was a form of torture in itself and we had to wake up at 330AM to head for the summit. You heard that right, 330AM! Despite of the obvious bad weather we were still hoping to get a chance to see the sunrise and some view.

Our drinking session soon became another eating marathon. Joel began cooking some Hungarian sausages and I made some hot chocolate. Soon it was clear that we had to call it a night, it was getting late and I didn’t want to have to go back to the latrine. Haha natakot dun sa witch.

There was a slight drizzle as I headed back to the tent, Randell was already there. I set my alarm at 330am and went to sleep.

“Gising na!”

I woke up once during the night, I was shaking from the cold. I turned around to close the door that I left open and went back to sleep. Sulit yung tent, we were dry and warm the entire time, I’ve waited for more than a year to finally use it good thing I had a chance.

My alarm sounded off. Crap, I still wanted to sleep but I knew that we would need to move quickly to reach the summit in time. Sun or no sun. As soon as I went out, I wanted to go back in. The wind was blowing hard that it knocked down our tarp. Oh well, I’ll handle that later, I went to Bunny’s tent and woke him up.

Soon everybody was up and ready for the hike up the peak. I counted heads. Out of the 17 there were 14 people who were joining the trek. Honestly, I was surprised that Marica was one of them…kala ko katapusan na ni Uy Masuy nung gabi. Maybe some sleep did her good. Waking up is one thing, trekking another. Bahala na.

Gising na 4am na hahaha

We had a short briefing and soon headed off into the darkness. Good thing I bought along some batteries for my headlamp, the trail was a bid tricky and knew that it would be difficult for the team to move fast, I stayed behind and acted a tail along with Joel, Mike, Amel and our guide.

You had to pay attention when you walked, water was everywhere and there were some slippery areas along the way. 10 minutes off I spotted something shiny along the trail, I picked it up and examined it, it was duct tape. It must have fallen off as he made a step, I put in my pocket just in case, baka magamit pa hehe

Mike’s Salomon shoes was falling apart, I knew that it was only a matter of time before he would stop and notice. He did. A few minutes I saw him pick what’s left of the soles of his shoes. The zip ties didn’t help, I should have punched holes to secure them.

Soon after, I saw Amel lying on the side of the road. Obviously in pain and unable to move. She slipped while tying to cross a muddy portion of the trail. I checked her out and was glad she didn’t break any bones. She must have sprained her ankle though and I knew this was the end of the road for Mike and Amel. We stopped and gave Amel my climbing stick along with my headlamp. I made a decision to accompany them back to Camp 2. I told Joel to continue on with the trek with the guide.

We turned around and headed back to Camp. We were moving slowly, careful not to cause any more injuries. There was one point going down when Mike fell down along the side of the trail, I kept thinking on how he’ll manage to go down later that day. We reached the camp and headed towards our tarp.

I made an effort to fix it since it got knocked down by the wind earlier that night. Mike made some Miso soup while Amel when back to their tent to attend to her sprained ankle.

We had nothing to do but wait for the team to go back. I didn’t want to sleep because there might be an emergency of some sort. I stayed out until I saw Bunny. He approached us and had some interesting news about the climb up the peak.

Malapit na, malapit na

I wasn’t there but I’m sure these pictures will tell you what happened.

Group shot sa summit.

Dagups sa summit.

Uy Masuy, frozen sa summit.

Ryan, malamig ba?

After a few minutes all the team members have been accounted for, now it’s time to have breakfast and to break camp. I still hoping to see a little view of the summit from the camp, I guess a consolation prize of some sort but I knew it was not going to happen…not this time at least. I needed to start packing so I could get a head start but unfortunately for me I needed to wait for everyone to finish eating so I could pack my Trangia Stove. I also needed to wait for Randell to finish so I could pack the tent. At this point I was beginning to be come restless, all I could do was wait and hope it doesn’t rain.

Before I knew it I was the last person packing, I was in a panic mode since I didn’t want to the cause of delay. The guides were very helpful in fixing some of the stuff but to tell you honestly, I was a bit apprehensive since I might forget something, mahirap bumalik sa Pulag mag-isa. After a few minutes of “barubal packing” I was done. I looked at the summit (or at least the general direction of the peak) and said goodbye.

I won’t be seeing this mountain for a while but I vowed to be back, hopefully with the same group of friends.

We started our trek down in a leisurely pace, this time we could take our time going back to the Ranger Station below. It’s strange how you pass by the same road and see it differently coming from another direction. I saw some interesting views as we headed down the trail, stopping at times to take some pictures.

The road is long...

The narrow trail quickly gave way to a wider road, we were getting near and at this point I made a choice to make a dash for it, well dash is an exaggeration for a 37 year old hehe…basta humataw ako as best as I could. So fast at one point I went back in time, I was 21 again! I felt like I was climbing Pulag for the first time, back in the day when climbing was all it ever cared about. I could feel the wind rushing to greet me as I navigated the trail, my heart was raising with every step. It was a rush and I enjoyed every minute of it but like ice cream you can’t enjoy it forever. Soon I was tired and went back to walking, napagod na si Daddy Pusa.

Don't try this at home

I was trekking along the trail when I saw some familiar tracks along the trail – Nike Shox. Si Amel yun, sila siguro nasa unahan namin. A few minutes passed and I saw her with Mike, it was good to know that her sprain did not hamper her walking. Mike on the other hand was also doing ok, Chef Eugene’s sandals did the trick, matibay ang Manjaru sandals! My group quickly gained ground on us and soon we were together again as we headed back to the station just a few minutes away.

“Deboto”

One thing about climbing with the Timawa Gang we always find time to goof around, to make find humor in everything. I guess this is why we click, we don’t take things seriously as much as we needed to. It’s one way of coping and over the years we have tons of stories to tell all making fun of disastrous situations.

After a quick lunch we were started to load our gear for the ride back to Baguio. Bobby Acosta was there to meet up with Bunny, they were going down a different route on foot for another 2 days via the Nueva Viscaya route. Wala ng nagawa si Joy and admitted that this was Bunny’s “calling”.

“Cool Change”

At this point, our climb was over. It was a good climb despite the nasty weather, my old climbing buddies are back and hopefully back for good. It was a good cap to a long Christmas break.

Nawala ni Ryan cell niya sa trail, here he is giving the extra battery to Emman.

Oh my Gulay, 5 floors!

The name of the taxi we rode in Baguio.

Let's eat Shref!

Strawberrrrries!

Kainan na!

Look Ma, no meat!

Monkey Man

Nice tree.

Wolverine using his claws to eat the strawberries

I'm glad to see Mike climbing again!

Baguio Market

Hehehe sarap!

Watch this...This is why we climb.

For some it wasn’t what they expected, for me I guess I’ve come to learn one thing when climbing, don’t expect things to always happen as planned, sometimes mother nature has other plans. One thing is for sure, no matter what happens we’ll be back for more. For me, It was fun to be 21 one again..even just for 21 minutes or so.

Positive Vibes

2008-12-15T00:56:00.002+08:00

Found this online, a short film on validation and how it plays an important role in our daily lives.

What's New?

2008-12-14T18:26:00.004+08:00

I've been very busy these days so I don't have that much time to post. 2 Weddings to attend and a few Christmas parties here and there, not to mention a deadline coming hehe.

On the homefront, It's a girl! Jen arrived this afternoon with a certificate from the doctor. Kuya na si Jacob. Speaking of Jacob, he has become very affectionate these past few days, lagi akong niyayakap and he would always make it a point to go to where I am, I guess he knows that a new baby is coming :)

Come January, I'll be climbing Pulag with some of my friends. Looking forward to this activity. 2009 will be a big year with the birth of my daughter and my parents 50th anniversary.

2-Liter Bottle as a 50 Watt Light Bulb

2008-11-15T13:35:00.002+08:00

A very good GREEN idea :)

Old Manila

2008-11-14T01:16:00.001+08:00

Ganda ng Pinas...dati :(

Travel Sick Philippines

2008-11-14T01:10:00.003+08:00

Philippines - definitely interesting :)

Life Lessons

2008-11-09T21:27:00.015+08:00

Just came back from Binan, we took time out to visit my mother-in-law who has been sick these past few days. There was no traffic on the way so we were there by lunch. Jacob was in a good mood today, he only cried for 2 minutes hehe. All day he was running and playing with the people around him, this made him happy and made the people craving his attention even happier. He watched in awe as I made bubbles with his P50 bubble machine and played with his slinky toy. Life for my son was good.

This made me to think how life is for me. As we were having lunch one of Jenny's aunt made a bold prediction for 2009. In a nutshell 2009 will be very hard for most people due to the crisis at hand. She's quite a firebrand in the finance world so this assessment should not be taken lightly, if there was a bitter pill this was it. I began to think of how miserable things will be and how it will affect us as a family. These things bother me now I must admit, more so now that I have a family of my own to raise. My finger is looking for the panic button and making up dozens of strategies to tide us over this financial mess. Mind you this happened in just a few minutes, in my mind everything is in overdrive.

I took a pause and glanced at Jacob, he was eating ice cream like crazy, his mouth was covered with food and his smile was big. His eyes were firmly fixed as each scoop would glide towards him. I wish I could eat like him, happy and thankful for each serving. He was running around and exploring every cabinet in the kitchen. He would fall down once in a while but would quickly get up as if nothing happened. Falling down has become part of his life now since he likes to run around a lot.

Looking back, once he hit his head on the wall and fell flat on his back, he started crying but as he did that he was getting back on his feet, still clutching his toys (some plastic kitchen utensils) in is hands. After a few minutes he stopped crying and started playing again as if nothing happened. It was a funny and scary situation for a father to see but I'm proud to see that my son was man enough to get up on his feet after a fall.

Back at the lunch table, I took a step back and realized that the experiences we have with one another is more valuable that anything material on this planet. Having my family around makes me realize that money has no real value, it is true that it's buys us things and makes life more comfortable but in the end It's an empty promise of true happiness.

Learn the meaning of the word hope from Nick Vujicic

I began to look at the situation in a more positive light, my Dad would always say to me "Without crisis there is no growth". I guess what he meant by that was all of these things will test our character, make us more aware of what's important and has value both for work and family life.

I guess with this crisis I must find a way to restore my faith in that statement and continue with life crisis or no crisis, to take life one day at a time and to find joy in ice cream and making bubbles.

Rat Killer

2008-10-30T01:48:00.002+08:00

This is funny in a weird way.

Saw this post online.Reason kung bakit walang daga sa China nun

So True

2008-10-30T01:13:00.004+08:00

Saw this picture from another blog.

Classic Pinoy Movies

2008-10-24T16:12:00.002+08:00

Watched this movie during lazy afternoons in the 70-80s kasabay ng Anak ng Bulkan and a whole lot of movies from PPP, if you don't remember kung ano yung PPP* wala kayong TV nun haha...

*PPP - Piliping Piling Pelikula sa Channel 13.

Back in Banahaw

2008-10-21T13:54:00.027+08:00

Banahaw Sunset

Time has a way of changing things and this is perhaps evident during my recent climb in Mt. Banahaw. Days before the climb, I could not think straight it was consuming me in a way, part excitement and maybe a little bit of fear. The excitement was for obvious reasons, the fear I guess stems from the unknown. While it is true that I have climbed this mountain before, this is the first time I will do it without my usual gang, the mountain being closed for so long might pose new challenges to my already challenged 36 year old body. Here is my story.

I “woke-up” early Friday morning, well actually I didn’t even get the chance to sleep. I would try several times but would get up to double check my gear, making a list in my mind and reminding myself to get the last items on my checklist. I loaded everything up and carried my pack. It was heavier than what I expected. Since we were not sure if there were available water sources along the way, we had to bring our own supply, 8 liters total (6 for group and 2 personal), I also brought along with me a bottle of Ginebra Premium (ang pumalit sa good old Gin Bulag of the 90’s)

There’s no turning back now, I quickly hurried down the condo to get a taxi. I got one quickly and realized that it was the oldest taxi in the planet, practically falling apart. Just my luck I thought to myself, I hope it doesn’t breakdown. The driver was another story, he beat all the red lights along the way. Anyway, I had no choice but to sit it out and just hope I get there quickly.

Our IT said the meet up place was Tritran Cubao. Taking about time wala na palang Tritran Cubao, It’s now being operated by Jam Transit. I scanned the area to look for some familiar faces. I saw all of the inductees present. Good sign, walang late.

Wala ng Tritran sa Cubao, wala!

Soon to be members having breakfast inside the bus.

Lonely is the night when I'm not with you....

After a few minutes the rest of the group came in, soon we were loading up and went on our way. I was wasted, I slept the entire way and woke up a few minutes from our stop in San Pablo. I hardly recognized the place, daming bagong buildings.

San Pablo

Anyway, we had to transfer to 2 jeeps to get to the Dolores jump off point. Syempre just my luck again I ended up riding the brand new jeep as in 1982 brand new hehe, everything inside was busted hehe. It had character though, I felt na I was riding an old horse, maybe this was the same jeep I rode when I first climbed this mountain in 1991.

Old Jeep

The trip was ahort, just 30 minutes or so along the highway and another 30-45 uphill to Dolores. We made a left turn from the highway and after a few minutes like a switch I was back in time. I saw the old buildings put of by the Rizalistas and some other familiar landmarks around the area. It was cool both figuratively and literally. The group made a quick stop to meet up with local group who will serve us as guides up the mountain. This again is another new thing for me since I never climbed this mountain with a guide, but hey times change and I figured that it was good livelihood for the community and also builds positive rapport with the locals.

Mistica De Dios

Perry Guide

The guides where seasoned veterans, except for 1 or 2 maybe but in general I knew that they were old guards since all spoke vividly about the trail/climbing in general. Well it was a mix of local beliefs and facts of the mountain. We handed over the permit to the local DENR rep and started to do last minute checks.

DENR Permit

Road to jump off

I was all set, I think I checked my pack at least 20 times in the past 24 hours hehe. I was set to go. The whistle went off and we started walking down the road towards the foot of the mountain. I quickly noticed that there were less trash than a few years ago, saw the old water pipes and I knew that soon we would slowly start our accent.

"Cartoon" hehe

Jump-off point

Dark skies above

30 minutes has passed and I’m feeling tired already, my mouth was bone dry and I had this urge to sleep. Yes, sleep. I was beginning to feel the effect of staying up late. I felt like crap. I didn’t stop but my pace was beginning to slow down. I drank water to keep myself hydrated. At this point I was starting to look back and reminisce how it felt like being an applicant all over again. I was imaging my old black and khaki Bomika pack and my green World Balance boots. I wanted to remember how hard it was back then and also the feeling of adventure climbing my first big mountain. At 115 lbs, I felt pretty macho in a sort of Montgomery Burns kind of way hehe.

Henry "2 poles" Nakpil

Pahinga muna anak...

These thoughts raced through my mind while climbing up and enjoying the view, trying hard to remember if I saw this tree or rock. Some looked familiar but some were definitely new. We had a few rests in between the climb, this gave me a chance to recover and chat with some of the members. Dennis (UPM President) who’s climbing this mountain asked me If I remember climbing this mountain, my reply was “Akyat di masyado, yung pababa naalala ko”. He looked puzzled and quickly brushed off my reply.
At the back of my mind, I knew going up was the easy part. It the way down that will test if you’ve got the knees.

Perry talking

After a few relaxing moments along the trail we continued our traverse through the forest towards the place called “Tatlong Tangke” loosely translated it’s “3 Tanks”, maybe referring to the 3 levels of pools found along the route of the falls. After 2 hours or so of trekking we reached the place to have lunch. Finally a chance to eat some breakfast and get some rest. After eating I looked around to investigate.

Tapa, rice and ponkan

Naalala na namin kung bakit...

Funny, I only saw this place actually had running water, there was a signal 2 up I think that was way back 1994, this time the water was still, the falls was smaller as I imagined it to be. I can recall back in 1991 I had “InstaMeal” and rice using my ever reliable army mess kit. Ubos lahat sa gutom and pagod, this time around it was beef tapa / chicken longanisa and a pot of rice. I was hungry but could only eat so much, more rest will do me good.

Tambay muna tayo

Nilo Ocampo

An hour has passed and we gathered around to resume the climb, this time this will be a 2-3 hour to a campsite called “Kapatagan” or as I know it, Puroy.

Puroy Gubat

As I recall, the Puroy during the 90’s was a huge campsite, I’m quite sure of this since we bought along an 8 man tent. Obviously this tent belonged more on somebody’s backyard that up in the mountain but was applicants that was the only tent we had (actually I borrowed this tent from a friend, a few years past Mike’s dad bought him another one hehe, talk about super sized gear).

Camp site - Puroy

You didn’t have a campsite problem since it was big, we were at the tail of the group so I figured we can camp anywhere we wanted. I was dead wrong, the forest reclaimed much of the campsite and we were left to pitch along side the other tents.

Henry nababaliw na papuntang Puroy

My yellow tarp, laking tulong sa ulan

We set up camp and moved quickly to prepared dinner, Papa Dick’s meal was the ever classic adobo and itlog na maalat. Good thing since It required little preparation and in no time dinner was served. Other groups had sinigang na isda sa miso. After dinner it started to rain, it rained so hard that the entire front area of our tent was muddy, good thing we had a tarps set up. We used these tarps and venues for our evening socials, socials meant talking and drinking gin while holding an umbrella to keep dry.

Putek hehe

This is clearly where the age gap is evident, remember that these inductees weren’t even born when I was in college (we have a pair of 16 year olds), I would play my 80-90’s classic rock to glam rock collection and I could hear them say “iba naman, wala bang iba or Kuya, ano bay an…”. Crap, anyway, I was god since I owned the Ipod. We met halfway sa The Best of OPM. Hehe funny how Sharon Cuneta can unite us all, maybe a good choice come 2010.

Sisig, pampabata.

Dennis shot naman dyan

Bernie, Casper and Dennis

Sisig was on the menu, the kids didn’t like it. Hmmm the kids these days will live forever. We killed time exchanging stories and passing the gin around, the topics ranged from WHEN YOU BECOME A MEMBER A FEW HOURS FROM NOW to Yamaha Vino and Vespa. Konting lecture again on why the UPM needs more students like you etc etc. One was grilled about her relations with another member.

Papa Dick and Al

This was the first time the inductees were allowed to bring alcohol during climbs so you can say that they were all excited to have a drink or two. The gin was running low since not all members/inductees were able to bring some.

Shot muna

Dilim

Socials sa ulan

Bagets

Henry galing sa ulan

We called it a night after the last bottle of gin, but before that we sent a special text message to our contacts below. Bring 1 gallon of Lambanog. That’s the power of communication for you, we paid a local to hike up and send us a gallon of Lambanog (fermented coco wine).

TNF tent.

Sleep was ok except that our tent floor was wet and the fly was leaking, good thing I was able to but an inflatable mattress and packed my emergency blanket. I woke up at the sound of people moving around, I checked my watch. 6:30 am. I can smell the people making fried rice and eggs. I woke up and slowly crept outside for a peak, most of the other groups were awake. Al was assigned for breakfast, actually most of the adobo was still intact so it was just a matter of adding some more comfort food.

Umaga na sa Puroy

As I waited for the food I went inside the tent again to pack my things, Henry was still fast asleep. Walang pang balak gumising to I thought to myself. I was done packing my stuff and made a bee line for breakfast, I didn’t each much since I knew that in a few minutes we would be on our way up the summit. I was in charge of dinner so my pack was still a bit heavy.

After eating breakfast we started to break camp, some of my gear got wet from the rain and it was a bit harder to pack. In a few minutes we were off, the air was crisp, you could smell the vegetation around you. I looked around Puroy and surveyed the place for the last time, it was alive, save for a patch of trash that was probably remnants of the past years the place was perfect. I vowed to myself to bring as much trash with me on the way down, as a way of thanking the mountain.

The trek up was difficult because of the lush terrain, we had to hurdle rocks, roots and more rocks. The roots were a bit slippery because of the moss. There were some familiar spots along the way up, rest stops that we have used in the past climbs. We would use these stops for a bit of rest and syempre “chismis”, I think this has always been a part of UPM culture.

The trail going up

I could see some cogon grass along the tree line, I figured at this point we were nearing the summit. My pace quickened and my stride a bit wider, I was excited to see the mountain were my “career” as a mountaineer was born some 17 years ago. I wanted to see how much it has changed and if I could still recognize it’s features. Large treess on the sides were growing diagonally and cogon grass was becoming more common along the trail. “Malapit na” I thought to myself. In a few minutes I saw the first camp of Sir Nilo’s group. Then Niko and then the rest of the team.

Cogon area towards Durungawan

Gapang Dennis, Gapanggg!

At last we reached the camp near the summit, I dropped my pack and raced towards the ridge to look at the view. It was still imposing and as huge as I imagined. You could see the rock formations along the rim of the mountain and the clouds rushing upwards as if to greet you on your arrival. I was great to be back, the peak was covered with trees, it has eaten away the patches of camps below where we would usually camp. Hmmm nice place to visit after a heavy meal hehe.

The view from the top

I prepared lunch, beef and vegetable Teppan cooked in clarified butter. Hehe secret to long life. We had left over rice so I didn’t have to cook. In a few minutes of preparation I cooked the meal and lunch was ready. Dami pala ng dala ko hehe, I bought 4 liters worth of beef and some veggies. After a few minutes of rest we came back up summit.

There was a huge metal cross left by the locals on the ground, the wind must have blown this thing off it’s hinges or something. There was also another cross at the center or at least remnants of it, it looks like it was vandalized by some people who came before us.

Some members of the team – Dennis and Casper decided to lift the cross and move it in a different location, at least move it from the ground. They carried the cross and placed It upright, using some plants for support. It was a bit unstable and we were sure that it was going to fall again.

Attempting to move the cross

Attempt ulit

The at this point most of the members were beginning to gather around the place, curious on what was happening. In an effort to prevent the cross from falling again, Dennis carried the cross by himself to attach it to the remnants of the other cross. We couldn’t help but laugh since we could see him grimace in pain because of the weight of the cross, it reminded me of scenes from the Holy Week TV specials.

Pasan ko ang UPM

We raised the cross and tied it to the pole, at last it was in a place were it should be, lording above all the trees and facing the sun as it set.

The Cross

The sunset was spectacular, since the horizon was full of clouds. The trees also gave the scene a more dramatic effect due to the contours of the braches. I took several pictures and then some more to remind me just how beautiful this mountain is. Something to look at during the sunset years. Naks, how profound.

Sunset View

Relax and enjoy the view

Trees covering the old camp sites

After an hour or so we heard that the inductees were already near, we quickly assembled to greet them. At this point I could see just how things have changed in the past years. The line was shorter this time, gone are the days when the lines would extend to for form a semi-circle. “Ganun kadami ang mga umaakyat nun I thought to myself”, at this point I missed my friends, my usual climbing group. On the other hand the numbers didn’t matter to these inductees. They had every right to be here having passed the rigid training of the UP Mountaineers.

Picture muna

Strike a pose

One by one each of them passed by, I shook their hands and looked at their faces. They were all smiling, happy I guess that that this is all over, at last they were part of the group. We had 9 inductees, lucky 9. Yung ibang ka batch nila nag-chicken out sa December na daw mag papa-induct, sayang since it's not often you get to climb this mountain.

Mabuhay UP Mountaineers!

Soon they found themselves going through the induction rites of the group. Needless to say, it was a memorable event for some. I will not expound on this subject, you need to join. Just remember, I was 115lbs then and thought that I was sporty because I played billiards hehehe. Kung kaya ko I guess anybody can join (naks plugging pa for 2009)

Dinner was chicken and mushroom resoto and grilled pork chop and tons of left overs. Henry was the main cook at this point. Niko and Bernie made some cheese sticks. In between we drank coffee and hot chocolate to keep us warm as the moon rose over the horizon.

Cheese sticks bagay sa tagay

Luto muna tayo

Ang lamig, I was wearing 3 layers of clothing to stay warm. Some of the new members stayed over to recover from the cold, obviously some were hungry. Lahat ng ibato mo kinakain nila haha. Dinner time was wild, everyone was busy feasting on the wide array of food available…from yesterday’s adobo to beef teppan and resoto, may pahabol pang tiring chicken langonisa haha. I was stuffed and as my batchmate Bunny used to say “Next Step, Hilata”. I went inside the tent for a quick nap, sarap malamig and it was not raining. After a few minutes I got up to join the group having their socials near the summit.

Lambanog was the available at the open bar. Honestly, I liked the gin better. I’ve always liked gin, better than Johnnie Walker or Tequila. But hey, no more gin so Lambanog Country here we come. The shots just kept coming,
I wasn’t getting tipsy since I ate so much food hehe. In between we just ate and listed to music. There was not much interaction this time since it was cold haha, some of the members were just too cold to even move around.

The moon was out so it was bright, you could see the entire mountain around you and all the city lights below. Music was a bit retro and to my surprise the newer members knew these songs from the 70s. Some started dancing, I don’t know if it because of the alcohol or they just wanted to move to keep warm. Hours passed and it was time to sleep. I was sober, this different from past induction climbs where I was usually crawling out of the tent looking for water at the middle of the night. Tanda na talaga ko hehe, sleepy na.

Woke up, Tope was busy cooking outside our tent, I could hear him prime the stoves to boil water for coffee. I was still half asleep, I could sleep all day hehe, the weather was perfect. The tent was dry and we had the entire camp to ourselves. Soon I started hearing some more people outside, I went out and saw that the breakfast was being prepared, Boneless Bangus. Looks good.

Tope in action

I went up to the ridge to find a number of people taking pictures, they must have been there since sunrise. It was nice, sarap magpaaraw kasi malamig. I took some pictures and headed back to camp. Breakfast was quick and we broke camp soon after.

Good Morning Banahaw

We were last on the team, I don’t mind being the tail since you can go down at your own pace. I was with Henry and Niko as we walked away from the summit. It was a great climb and I was happy to have climbed again.

The trail down was a bit tricky, it was hard to negotiate the roots and rocks along the way. I was careful not to injure myself. I already have a knee injury and would not want to get myself hurt going down. “Chika Pace” lang, we juts took our time going down the mountain, exchanging stories from the past hehe. We didn’t rush at all, I guess there was no use since we knew that it was a long way down to Dolores.

Birds singing

We reached Puroy in a few hours and took a quick rest. We all picked up trash from open pit near the campsite. There were assorted items you can choose from, I made my choice to pick up the old plastic sacks and bottles of mineral water and gin. Soon my blue plastic bag was full, I got some strings and tied it around the pack.

Time to pick up some trash

Basura Boys Club (BBC)

Henry sorting the trash

Niko getting ready to load the trash

I put on my pack and felt that it was quite heavy, bigat nung mga bote hehe. I hope we could bring some more down but I guess we juts need to do this some other time, I think several clean up climbs will do the trick. After this we headed down Tatlong Tangke. This time with heavier packs, now the party is just getting started.

Pack ni Pong Pagong

The way down to Tatlong Tangke was full of slips and slides. I fell down a couple of times and was just lucky I didn’t break an arm or twisted a ankle. The rocks were especially dangerous since there was moss and it was wet and very slippery.Slippery When Rock ang tawag ko sa place na to hehe.

Around 10 minutes away from Tatlong Tangke it happened. As I drove my climbing stick to the ground I git the rock and it slipped. I fell sideways and hit the rock hard, good thing the trash bag absorbed some of the shock. I almost broke my wrist as I tired to break my fall, good thing…well there’s no good thing at this point. I was happy It didn’t break anything.

As I reached Tatlong Tangke I was thirsty as hell, I took a quick sip from my hydration pack and walk towards the pool of water, it was still and there was no movement. I wanted to take a quick dip to cool myself but it looked a stagnant. Sarap siguro maligo if this had running water I said to myself.

Trail

This is the last stretch of the climb and I know that this would be the most difficult since we would be zigzagging down the mountain without forest cover, the roots will give way to muddy and slippery trails leading to the jump off area. I was beginning to feel hungry, we did not eat lunch to make up for lost time. I took a sip from my hydration pack and took some more….then it was gone, I ran out of water already. Most of the water was used for cooking, I was supposed to get from Henry when we broke camp but decided not to last minute since I had some left. Anyway, I figured we were 30-45 minutes from the jump off since I could already see signs that we were close. There were some farmers along the way and I could see houses in the vicinity. Just a few more minutes and we’re there.

Our pace quickened at the last stretch, I could sense that everyone wanted to go down quickly, hehe para matapos na. My knees started to hurt from the awkward position going down. At last we reached the road, I could see the new members fixing up in the distance. At last, may malamig ng Sprite hehe. The local Kapitan was kind enough to let us use his shower, we got ready to leave. Our jeeps were waiting to take us back to Manila, back to reality.

My boots after the climb

As I left the place I took a last look at the mountain again. It was like saying goodbye and thank you to an old friend. Climbing up was this mountain gave me a chance to look back at the past and realize that the world in changing. The UPM is evolving, the numbers of applicants may have gone down over the years but I could still see in them the fire within, this is their time. As for myself, I’m just happy to have been given the chance to see it all over again.

Lastly, on the way down the slopes we would pass by signs that say “DON’T CHANGE THE MOUNTAIN, LET THE MOUNTAIN CHANGE YOU”.

I now realize that it has, and I guess it always will.

AMDG Club

2008-10-16T17:48:00.001+08:00

Let's join the "dangerous" gang hehe.

Whirling Dervish

2008-10-13T20:39:00.000+08:00

Nice moves, galing :)

Serendra

2008-10-13T09:33:00.005+08:00

Jen took these pics last weekend. Obviously masaya si Jacob. Freedom!

Happy Boy Jacob :)

Goofball look No.1

Another Goofy Look hehe

Eto pa isa...

Trying to do a headstand

Got Hair, di nako kalbo.

Smile muna

Smile while walking around

Serious face

I'm the King of the Road

2008-10-13T00:49:00.017+08:00

Cramming for this race was not good but I kept things as real as possible. I just wanted to run and finish the run without walking. Yun lang, bonus nalang if I can keep my time under 2:30 mins.I'm not stranger to long distances but this one is different since I will be running alone, it's also my first race in long time that's more than the usual 10km fare.

After training for a week or so I finally walked into starting point for the start of the race. We were the first batch to go followed by the 10 and 5km race participants. I was a bit uneasy, at first I did not see any familiar faces. I started pacing inside the enclosure until I finally settled in the back section where most of the "non-serious" runners were. Crap, Pen saw me, then Neville. There were UPM members joining the race -- just my luck 2 members of the Pinoy Ultra Marathoners hehe. They will surely be witness to my death march across the urban jungle. So much for UPM pride. Dibale na, I thought to myself. There's no need to worry since I was sure that they would start off quickly...sa likod nalang ako. The gun went off and the race was on. Crap, I want to pee. I suddenly wanted to go to the CR to take a leak just as the race started. Hmmm maybe I'll look for a tree or something. Hold it, I'll just hold it all in for a while.

After a few minutes familiar faces started to emerge, some of our applicants have joined the race. That's just icing for the cake since I will have more audience for this run...thoughts ran through my mind "Uy, si Ninoy hinimatay dun sa Adidas race hehe...wasted". I quickly waved and said hello. Keeping distance so I don't need to go along with their pace. Remember that these guys are probably 10 years younger than me, maubos kaagad ang yabang ko if I keep this up.

After a few minutes running along with the crowd I saw one of our clients - si Rivka, she was running alone but I knew that she always ran with a pack. Now I had to scrap the tree thing since we have clients on board "Hey, Ninoy ikaw ba yung nasa puno last Sat?". At this point I had no choice but to run a bit faster so I could reach the gas stations along Buendia. Dun nalang, I thought to myself. I just hoped that I'll make it there.

The sun was out as we crossed the Buendia Flyover towards Makati. Nice day to wear shades, shades na naiwan ko sa unit when I left. Buti nalang I had a cap on, it gave a bit of relief from the sun. It's going to be a long and hot race I thought to myself.

Why am I doing this? -- This question kept popping up as I scanned the crowd for familiar faces. Bahala na, just keep on running and try to keep from fainting or something. Saw some friends along the way and made a quick stopover to unload, I was off and running to make up for lost minutes. The fast pace of most people became more relaxed, maybe it's the heat or most were just conserving energy for the long road ahead. 21km is long, you have to keep yourself amused. I have my Ipod with me but I was busy with running so I couldn't enjoy the music that well. So I did what I did best -- I made names for all the other runners that were running along with me.

My first running "buddy" was Tennis Shoes. He was an old timer and he was wearing tennis shoes! 21km and you wear tennis shoes. Either he's crazy or forgot that he was joining a foot race. He was quick though, looked a bit serious at times. We had a turn around before reaching the Buendia tracks

After a few minutes I met up with Daddy Long Legs, he had a beard and an Ipod. He ran for a few minutes then walked a few steps. Haba ng stride but slow. He looked younger than Tennis Shoes but had his game face on. He looked tired when we reached Petron.

Black shirt was not far from where we were, small girl around 5-5'1 but she was quick. Mukhang may pera kasi todo outfit for running, maybe she had her bonus already. Init I thought to myself, running in all black apparel. Well I guess kahit sa running it's still important to look good.

On the way back to The Fort I saw 2 friends, classic. You just know they are not ready for this race. They were just walking up the fly over and had a look of disbelief, bakit kaya tayo andito hehe. The other girl's fuel belt was hanging way down low. It's not her size and I just bet malamang it would have fallen off if she ran hehe.

After this I stopped making up names since I was feeling the heat, we were heading back The Fort for the final stretch. I saw the route so I know we're headed towards Heritage. I know that place and I know it's going to he hot going back, good thing I was carrying a full load of water bottles - all 3 of them for the race. At least di ako mamatay sa uhaw. There were water stations but most were using water from drums, ice cold but you get to wonder were they got them. Ok na din, I got a few cups and washed my face. Sarap, it's a good way to wash off the grime.

15km - I saw the marker along the road. Ok another 6km and I'm done. Damn it was hot, I felt the sun burning my back as I ran the last leg of the race. I must move quickly so I could reach the shaded area, it's going down towards Heritage. A tree lined stretch provided comfort, the building also helped. Downside was since It was downhill we had to go back up again, up again the same road and face the run this time towards the finish. My feet were becoming heavy and I was not longer interested in music so balik na naman ako sa climbing buddies ko hehe.

Boy Leggings had a weird way of running. Instead of facing forward he ran with his back, ergo he was facing you as he ran. Hehehe pag pagod ka na you begin to wonder why we was doing this, at first kala ko he turned around to ask me something. He would face forward and turn his back hehe...ang labo. I had to over take him baka he starts taking to himself.

Saw Stripe Girl, bilis ng pace maybe I could use her pace as guide for my own. Parang di ko yata kaya hehe, She had this yellow liquid for a drink, mukhang masarap but I figured that I could not wash my face with this. Lakgit nun hehehe. She was too fast for me so i followed another group. Red Shirts and Blue Pants.

The Red Shirts were quick but started walking 3km from the finish line. At this point I started to hear voices telling me to walk - "Lakad ka nalang, you have nothing to prove" hehe. Now everyone around me was walking uphill. Crap ayoko maglakad, I wanted to finish this race running. If I can't run fast I should at least start and finish the race on my feet. My mind was playing tricks on me "Takbo lang, bawal maglakad". I made a pact with myself, if I walk I don't eat lunch. The voice inside my mind stopped, gutom na ako hehe.

I quickened my pace to reach Blue Pants. She had a good pace, pwede ko siguro sabayan to pabalik I thought. I was wrong hehe, she was faster than I was. I pushed myself for the last kilometer but pulled away at the last minute. Baka maubusan ng gas si Daddy hehe.

I turned the road towards the finish line looking for Jen and Jacob. I can't seem to find them. Daming tao, a crowd was forming along the sides of the road. Baka she's at the finish line. My fear was I was going to have a hard time looking for them baka they were late. Finally at a corner I saw Jen's smiling face. Si Jacob had this expression "What's going on, it's too hot outside. I'm bored" hehe. I waived at them and headed for the finish line.

Natapos din, after 2:22 mins I crossed the finish line and walked towards Jenny and Jacob. It felt good to run a long race after running my first 42km some 12 years ago, iba na talaga pag tumatanda, you FEEL everything hehe. It was tough but I guess I'm tougher, takot ako magutom hehe. More than the physical exercise running this race gave me a chance to see if I was still mentally tough. This cat lives to run another day hehe.

Minsan as you grow older it's more important to know that you can still take charge of yourself, to finish your race. I was happy to finish but was happier to see my family waiting for me at the finish line.

Now, nasan na ba yung number ng McDo hehe..

* Official time ko pala is 2:19:06, number 451 out of 717.

My Mom...Marina Salazar Leyran

2008-10-06T23:57:00.003+08:00

My Good Thing :)

2008-09-29T23:42:00.014+08:00

Spent the afternoon in UP, my meeting got canceled so I had some alone time with myself. My scooter is sort of not yet legal since the plates are still with the LTO, I already paid for that but I guess the red tape is delaying the release of the actual plates. Bought some protective gear over the weekend, medyo I let myself go -- syempre safety first! next...porma hehe. The guys over at the store thought I was riding a big monster of a bike, yun pala 50cc lang, at least it looks cute.

Anyway, I just took the chance. I took the back door passing by Xavierville-Sikatuna road towards UP, walang MMDA dun so I guess it would be a less risky option. It was fun, there's something great about riding a scooter to UP, you get to avoid the killer traffic in Katipunan during rush hour. Great way to see things on two wheels. I saw some new restaurants in the area that I will check out soon.

After a few minutes I was in UP. I went to the UPM tambayan, walang tao as usual. It was too early for the regulars to be there, I went to Aling Amy's stall to drink some banana shake, not bad for 25 pesos. I noticed that they were selling a huge variety of goods nowadays, dati parang Coke and Chippy lang ang benta nila, and syempre Chocolate Mallows hehe.

I took the Vino for a quick tour of UP, dami namin napuntahan hehe. It's a good thing it wasn't raining and the sun was out, the acacia trees were in full bloom, green na green. A number of people were already running since it was already past 5pm.

I brought with me a book, I was planning to spend my time reading in Sunken but the rains made the grounds wet. Scrap that hehe...next time nalang. Pinaka-patawa sa lahat sa isang stoplight may mga naka big bikes hehe, lalo tuloy nagmukhang midget si Vino.

Maybe next time I'll bring along some food and have merienda there or something. Sana by then I already have my plates, hirap takasan ang batas ng MMDA hehe.

Sumbong kita sa Ate Ko!

2008-09-28T00:55:00.002+08:00

Galing hehe! sana may ganyan tayo sa Pinas, retire na si Pacman e :)

Scooter Happy :)

2008-09-22T23:54:00.009+08:00

Gawa kami ng sticker "TaranTODA"

I never thought riding a scooter would be this fun, hehe tama si Jen delayed ako ng 20 years kasi scooters or "the hopper(?)" was in fashion nung 80's lalo na sa South. Crap, oo nga kasi naman di uso yan dito sa North and syempre had an awful experience riding sa bike ng barkada ko, tatlo kami muntik nang sumemplang hehe, buti nalang the driver was 6'2, isang baba lang ng leg ayus na kami.

Sa loob ng isa pang 80's icon, the L300.

Don't get me wrong, I love walking and biking, if I had a choice sana lahat pwede i bike or lakarin nalang hehe. Saves you gas and you get to see more things. It's just that riding a scooter is more for leasure -- walang kahirap hirap hehe.

Ngiting aso hehe

Di marunong hehe

We got semi-identical black Vinos, 50CC haha (parang scooter ng ate mo or ng tita mo). I wish I was in Vietnam or sa Dumaguete where they ride the scooter/bike everyday, basta anything with 2 wheels ok. I wish I could ride this tiny scooter to Makati hehe thing is here in Manila that's close to impossible since the jeeps and buses rule the road. Wala pa dyan yung taxi.

Black Vino

I showed the scooter to Jacob, he was crying...antok na kasi. I'll show it to him again tom baka magbago isip nya.

Maybe I'll be able to bring this to UP one of these days (wala pa kasing plates), and syempre huli ako agad ng MMDA. Hmmm maybe a good idea also to bring this in Tagaytay, at least dun walang tao. I'm so happy, kulang nalang yung Voltes V na malaki na promise samin ng sister ko hehe..

Pancit Monster

2008-09-16T04:14:00.001+08:00

Tawa ng tawa may pancit naman sa bibig hehehe...

Vino Riders

2008-09-16T04:07:00.005+08:00

Ms. Agnes King GM of Jethhol Caloocan.

Eto pa isa...

We're getting the units next week :) Funny di kami marunong mag scooter hehehe, well medyo lang :)

V is for Vino

2008-09-12T16:49:00.004+08:00

Can't wait to take this scooter for a spin. Pero bago nyan I need to buy a helmet hehe...

This one is for my son Jacob

2008-09-10T00:45:00.003+08:00

...who is fast asleep and playing in dreamland :)

UPM Party 2008

2008-09-08T22:14:00.008+08:00

Sawa nako sa salabat, been sick lately. Actually kaming dalawa ni Jacob may sakit. Jen left for Vietnam with the girls, hehehe spent the weekend at home.

I thought about going to the UP Mountaineers applicants party but changed my mind last minute, baka magkasakit na naman ako or baka maging victim na naman ng kawasakan hehe (been a victim all my life lalo na when there's Gin around). Dami ko ng kwento dito parang ayaw ko na dagdagan hehe. Saw the pics, medyo nainggit ako haha...it looked so much fun, naisip ko pano kaya kung applicants kami this year nina Bunny? Hmmm isa lang yun.

Malamang wasted....for SURE wasted kami. Maaga pa lang.

Panalo talaga UPM, bawi nalang sa climb mga laos katulad ko hehe.

More here.

My 10

2008-09-02T00:28:00.019+08:00

Bat kaya siya natatawa? must be playing with his Tito RJ :)

This is my first attempt to make a list of things I love, just general stuff that make me happy. Why make this list? I'm always busy but when I have free time I like to ponder on such things so I can compare when I'm a bit older.

Spending time with Jacob and Jenny - Not those wild birthday parties or family get together but more just walking around UP doing nothing. It gives me great pleasure to see Jacob running around without a care in the world.

Falling flat on his face and getting up again...takbo ulit as if nothing happened. Jenny nervous look as she tags along. Sooner or later he'll have his own life (hmmm maybe that's thinking way ahead) and leave home. These images I would like to take with me.

Getting lost - Having no plan IS THE PLAN. Sometimes I just like to leave my car and ride the MRT, destination unknown (well, not really basta dapat along EDSA lang). It's cool since most of my day is scheduled, there are some days that pass so fast I hardly notice things around me. When I ride and just go with the flow I get to see people around me, I often wonder how their day went etc. I like going to lesser known malls around the metro, it's funny what you can find by just walking around.

Eating Pares, Lugaw, Tapsilog etc - "You are a creature of habit" that's what Jen would always say. Well I can't entirely say that's not true, I guess when you're on a budget most of your College life you develop a habit hehe...and one of my habits is eating Pinoy street food but not just any street food it has to be THAT EXACT BRAND. For Pares it has to be Jonas, for Lugaw it's Via Mare (well actually masarap yung Goodah dati kasi ngayon hindi na, ok din yung mga sa tapat ng BLTB bus station dati), for isaw it has to be Mang Larrys in UP, sa BBQ Beach House. I don't know, but after trying almost all of the known high end buffets here in Metro Manila, I still go back to the basics hehe. I'll probably go crazy if I can't have these things when I crave for them.

Jackets, shades and other mountaineering gear - Well this is a given, I guess when you experience hell when climbing you constantly dream of having the right gear. You're freezing to death and wish to God to send you a better tent...of course that doesn't come and a few years down the road you see a nice tent and remember how close you were to freezing yourself to death...ka-ching. Presto you have a tent. Hehehe well climbing is a different story. I guess I need to climb more often so they don't go to waste.

Doing something for nothing - The world we live in revolves around money and making money. I find that quite sad since I believe it destroys people. Don't get me wrong, I know how important it is but I guess what I don't get is the way some people handle what comes along with it - the power, fame, greed hehe. I guess doing something for nothing is my way to balance things out, to keep my mind focused on what's really important (hence this list). When you know how it's important to know WHY.

Spending some quality time with friends and family - This is quite rare now since we're quite busy with other things but when we do get together I want to make sure we have fun. The more mindless fun the better. I hope to be able to do this until I'm old.

Getting/Giving advise - My folks have advise for everything, I guess when you raise 8 kids you develop a knack for giving advise. Some are ok and quite sensible but some are quite weird and a bit funny. I'll get what I can from all sources - from my folks, cab drivers, kids etc, the rest is I just have to experience for myself hehe.

This part is a bit tricky since I never sugar quote when I give out advice. Never.
Kaya naman it's often that I hear from Jen na "masakit ako magsalita". I don't know, maybe I feel that if I hold back or don't say it as it is then it's like not saying anything at all. Pero I'm trying to correct this since women in general will SEEK YOUR ADVICE but will most likely just want you to HEAR THEM OUT hehe. Hehe funny but true.

Being on time - On the flip side I hate people who are always late. This I guess is the result of my training in UPM, if you're late you're out. Don't know how I became this way, looking back in College I was always late for everything,I once got an additional "3" for being late (.5 per day) for a plate. My final grade was a 7, may utang pa ako hehe. Except my "classes' in UP Mountaineers (UPM).

My clock is set 15 minutes early, I'm usually an hour early during meetings. For me being on time is your way of showing respect. You can always argue about work but you can't argue when you're late. My name is Ninoy and I'm a Time Freak.

Jacob laughing - This does not make me happy, it makes me very happy it melts my heart. My son has his moods but lately he's been laughing more often, as in laughing at anything. He laughs while watching Tom and Jerry (but I also saw him laugh at John McCain). Maybe John McCain is funny. Will see his reaction to Obama.

Tawang tawa si Boss

Jenny - My wife takes forever to comb her hair and generally fix up. One day the time freak in me will time just how long this activity takes. Fix hair, check dress. change dress, fix hair...change shoes, fix hair, put on make-up.

Pause for effect (this takes a few seconds). Changes dress again.

It drives me crazy lalo na when we're pressed for time and I have to load all our things sa car aka Noah Ark (yes, ganun kadami gamit ni Boss Jacob)

Well, even if it takes an eternity, I have to admit I like watching her when she prepares to go out, she has that "pixie" look that drives me crazy (hence the 2nd child on the way hehe).

On second thought, to hell with time...I'll just sit back relax and enjoy the view.

Stray Daddy Part 2

2008-08-12T02:40:00.002+08:00

Coming this 2009! :)

My Shuffle is dead....

2008-08-08T03:43:00.001+08:00

Crap. Kinalawang na yata hehe...

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2008-08-07T03:21:00.014+08:00

Spent the whole day last Sunday over at Serendra. Bored na kami sa condo so lumipat lang kami sa...ibang condo hehehee. At least walang pwedeng sirain dun si Jacob. Lakad lang siya ng lakad. Ordered food from Conti's. Pagbalik ko, wild na sa gutom si Jen. Bought Arroz Caldo for Jacob, gusto nya.

There's nothing to do so we went to Gymboree. The place was ok, but it was a bit small. May asshole na bata na ayaw mag share ng bola, he pushed Jacob hard.

Medyo unimit ang ulo ko, pero had visions again of Tabloid front page - "TAGA QC NAG AMOK SA SERENDRA, YAYA AND ERPATS TEPOK" hehehe. That brat also hit another kid, yung mommy mukhang Espanol, sama ng tingin dun sa erpats. Next time I will bring a bat hehe.

I had fun seeing Jacob, parang nag enjoy siya seeing so many colors.

We saw one of the best actors in the land of Pampanga - Mark "Saging lang ang May Puso" Lapid.

After 1 hour, we went back to the unit to take a nap, the guard asked me 3 times "Ser, sang unit kayo?" next time maglalagay nako ng sign sa dibdib ko nung unit number. Umulan, got bored so I went to ROX.

Checked out the gear, ganun pa din, same as last year. Good thing I didn't buy anything kasi may mga nahanap akong murang stuff. Walked in the rain. Thought of eating Doughnuts kaso tinamad ako. Lakad ulit sa ulan. This time sa harap nako dumaan so I don't see the guard na makulit. Woke up Jen, ginutom ako. Bumili sa Pho Hoa.

Next time sa Riverbanks na kami, si Jacob ang hari dun kasi walang tao hahaha...

Mt.1901

2008-07-31T15:28:00.009+08:00

Don't know the local name, pero sa map it's just 1901.

My last major climb with Bunny and 2 other friends and some locals. At 1901M ASL, I think this is the highest point in Sierra Madre. Matarik siya, don't be fooled by the number, walang patag dito sa bundok na to hehe. 4 years and several pounds ago.

Nahihintay sa mahirap daanan.

Matarik to, ganyan ALL THE WAY

Giant palmera and other wild plants, daming tinik. Perfect for going down. May nahahawakan kang halaman na magpapasaya sayo buong gabi.

With the homeboys sa landslide, laki nyan. Buti nalang di umulan hehe, baka lumaki pa lalo hehe

Ang Blair Witch moments namin sa "tent" sa gitna ng kawalan. Thank God for BMC.

Big Rocks along the way.

Sikreto ng malusog na katawan

Boy Biak

Eto pagtapos kong gumulong sa putikan hehe

Climbing Again

2008-07-29T01:30:00.027+08:00

It's been years since my last training climb, hmmm too long I can't remember the exact date. So after years of postponing this activity I finally made up my mind to join a training climb last weekend.

Putik hehe

My journey to the top started way before taking that first step up Mt. Tangisan, actually I spent 3 days looking for my gear, preparing food and packing. It took me 3 days what usually took just hours a few years back, back when I was still actively climbing. Maybe I've become slower this time around, more flimsy in choosing what to bring up the mountain etc. I'd pack and repack again, each time adding more gear and trying hard to anticipate anything that might happen during the climb. I was sick and was trying my best not to get any sicker since I know that Jen would get worried (syempre game pa din kahit sick hehe). In my mind there was no turning back. I had to know if the mountains have changed, but even more so if I had changed with the times.

Applicants 2008

I was up and about an hour before we were scheduled to leave at 4am, I packed the food that I had prepared the day before (Korean Beer Stew c/o Chef Eugene) and loaded some last minute supplies. I carried my pack to the car. Crap, parang ang bigat ata hahaha...memories of my first climb was rushing in mind. Some mental computation on the contents -- 6 liters + 2 liters of food + 2 liters of trail + Cook Set + my personal stuff = hehe never mind. I wanted to ditch some items like the sleeping bag I bought on impulse the day before, but in the end I got lazy and just went ahead with whatever was there. Bahala na, I was just too excited to do anything more.

Bus Station

I woke up Jen and we went to the bus station in Cubao (Dagupan Bus Lines, sosyal!). I was there early so I had time to kill. It hit me instantly, I did not know anybody -- both members and applicants. Patawa, after years of climbing with my usual crew mendyo ibang experience to, I was in a different time zone and a different generation. I just stayed in one corner, quietly scanning for some familiar faces, I saw some applicants that I met during the pre-climb and spoke with them, small talk really just asked if they had completed the required gear etc. After a few minutes Dennis arrived, siya lang talaga ang kilala ko being the UPM president. I discreetly asked him to point out the members among the sea of people, which he did and syempre I quickly forgot. Stupid old man, I should have given them name tags hehe. Anyway, It's 5:30am. Time to ride the bus. Even the bus was a different for a training climb - aircon siya. Gone are the days of the BLTB bus in Pasay, walang aircon and was packed to the brim with noisy applicants and members. Time to relax and enjoy the ride.

After 2 hours we transfered to rented jeep and elf truck. We rode the jeep, this was a lot more comfortable since the sun was out, walang cover yung truck. Midway, Dennis began playing his ipod - from 90s glam rock to TVJ classics. I looked at the applicants across and realized some looked a bit young to appreciate his music. Some as I would know were just 16 years old, hahaha...kakapanganak lang nila nung nag apply ako sa UPM nung 91. I always get that look when they would ask me what batch I belonged to. "Sir, ano hong bacth kayo po" (Hmmm, nagsawa na ako kaka-correct, wala pumayag nako sa tawag na Sir, Kuya, Tito etc). Sagot ko "Batch 91". They would compute and some would say "ah di pa ako nag aral nun a". Hahahaha how I wish kasama ko sina Bunny, Mike, Jun etc. I'm sure matatawa lang sila dun sa mga bagets.

We hit the jump off area and after a quick stop at the local barangay hall to register proceeded to start our trek. Eto na yun, it's show time. The first 30 mins was uneventful, we crossed a river to an area where we had our lecture and ate lunch. Lunch was equally uneventful since I just had Skyflakes and dried tapa hehe. I just sat there and listened as the UPM members conducted their training on Knot Tying and Ropemanship (?).

Knots ni Dennis

Some terms I was very familiar with since I was part of the training poll for a number of years, but some items were new. It was good I was moving around and it's good to note that the training pool is still the same, mahirap pa din pumasok sa UPM hahaha. Just before we left a group of farmers went for a break and had a chat with us, most were women dressed in work clothes. All spoke in Ilocano, so did not understand fully what they said, one asked to try to carry one of the packs that we had and I could translate what she said -- "Ang bigat!". With all the crisis we have on fuel and food, the average Filipino will still find humor in anything :)

Got Rice?

We had to cross a patch of rice fields before reaching the base of the mountain, this requires a lot of concentration since one slip could mean disaster for you and the newly planted rice. Rice fields quickly became forest cover and the flat land started to gradually increase in slope. The trail was a bit muddy since as I understood was used by the locals to transport local cattle. Crap was literally everywhere hehe. Good thing I had a good pair of boots on me, but true to all Level 1 climbs I was sure na may bibigay na shoes along the way,and our first casualty was Carina's tennis shoes. Dead on the spot na agad yung left and the right one was in the ICU. Good thing we had some duct tape and zip ties to repair her shoes on the spot. After a fews minutes she was back on the road, not good but good enough for the trek up I hope.

Sira na siya hehe

Dead Shoes

A few hours trek led us to grassy area, nice view of the field below and the trail above. The trail was no joke at this point since it was steep and rugged. We had to hurdle several rock formations single file to reach the top. No contouring here, this will be a direct line going up, as the last person on the team I know the trail will be a bit wasted when It was my turn to cross. Good thing there were some cogon grass that we can hold on to, and good thing my good old climbing stick was there to give me support - Go Mountain Goat!

Trail up!

Tarik nito

On the way up, one applicant got wasted. Kulang daw sa siya sa tulog so he felt tired going up. We rested a bit waiting for him to recover.

T-Rex

It was raining hard at this point, it may have been a blessing since we were quite exposed, if the sun was out and nahilo ka, mas mahirap yun. Mainit sa cogon.

Trail going up

Dark clouds

At around 4:30pm we were at the campsite. Not as big as I expected but big enough to host the entire team. Tama yung ibang members, cow dung was everywhere hehe. Good thing we had a nice spot to pitch our tent, near by a tree that was good spot for cooking. I had first meal for dinner - Korean Beef Stew was on the menu, Kimchi and well Chocolate Mallows hehehe.

Kitchen

I had to cook rice first, after the first boil I adjusted the flame to simmer. Hmmm medyo kinakabahan ako, parang di maluluto ng maayos, I kept opening the pot to check (actually a no-no in cooking rice hehe). In the end naayos naman, wasn't perfect but was literally seconds from disaster hehe. The Beef Stew was great, good thing I had 2 containers so we had the chance to share the food. After dinner was the next step --- hilata (a qucik nap). Had a chance to clean up and change to dry clothing.

At around 8:30 we started the usual socials. Aside from climbing this is another activity that I have not been doing for a long time. I was curious how things would go, I did not know the group that well so bahala na. The group was composed of mostly students from UP, some working while some were outsiders. Things got out of hand quickly and soon it became an all out "alaskahan" session. It was fun, I hope no one got offended, I guess the best thing you can do na walang alak hehe.

We interviewed all of the applicants, gave nicknames to most of them. There was Glock 9, Fish and Co, Harvard Jeans, Wonder Twins aka Anak ni Nap 90, Chin Chen Tsu (?) aka Rez Cortez, Japanese Businessman, Princess aka alay na birhen ni Apocalipto (Si Boy Tinik, utol ni 3k!)and may more hehe. The things you do when you're an applicant hehe.

Woke up early, I was coughing hard so I woke up. Some of the team went to the peak for a quick look, Dennis and I stayed inside the tent, tamad pa bumangon. It was raining outside.

Dirty Omelet ni PJ hehe

PJ was getting ready to cook, on the menu was hotdog and eggs! Pucha kung andun si Nap alaskado yun hehehe. This was fine by me since I rarely ate hotdogs so ang sarap, sana tinapay nalang para talagang classic. He cooked the eggs in the same pan where he cooked the hotdogs thus -- the dirty omelet hehe. Pero ang classic yung Near Death rice hehe, nasunog man ng konti naubos pa din namin nung hapon.

After breakfast, we quickly broke up camp. It stared raining really hard. Carina (our customer sa Mr.Quickie) was wearing sandals aka flip slops. The shoes she wore was hopeless, hindi na umabot ng umaga. We had to find an alternative so she could go down from the mountain safely. Good for her we borrowed Mona's sandals and quickly put her knot tying skills into action hehe. After a few minutes she was good to go, I lent her my climbing stick for support on the way down, haha sana pala 2 dinala ko :)

Lakas ng ulan

Mag ekrersays tayo tuwing umaga

Rez Cortez Jr

Anak ni Nap 90!

The way down was not as steep, it had a nice view of the dam below. It was raining hard and visibility was poor. Water was everywhere. The trail was slippery in some areas so it was a good thing that no one got injured going down.

Smile lang

Basura Kids

Flower

Group ni Fish!

After bout an hour we reached the road going to the pick up area, it took us around 30 minutes to reach the junction where the jeep and truck would pick us up. This time around we where riding the truck, swapping places with the other applicants who rode the truck on the way to the jump off area. We reached the river area to wash up and eat lunch. Lunch was sisig and fried chicken (kulang nalang San Miguel Beer hehe). We finished the left over kimchi and rice. Sarap pala ng Kimchi and Sisig hehe. The trip going to the station was a bit tricky since we where all riding the truck, it started raining again, again it was our lucky day we had an extra tarp handy to keep us dry during the trip. At the station, we had a taste of the classic 20 peso chicken mami hehe, ang init tuloy. This time we were riding ordinary, ok lang since it was cooler because of the rains.

We reached Manila at around dinner time, ate dinner at KNL and had a few drinks at Sarahs. Same routine as before I thought of my previous climbs but this time with new friends and a different perspective of climbing. I'm happy na madaming students ngayong 2008, a good mix of young and old.

Why so serious?

The mountains did not change, ganun pa din sila -- beautiful, unpredictable and unforgiving at times. As for me, ganun pa din pero this time around ok na ako na tawaging Kuya hehehe...

Tara, climb naman para maiba hehe

*some pics kuha ni Dennis, ninakaw ko sa Multiply nya haha

Panay ang Chill

2008-07-16T02:35:00.005+08:00

Tambay lang sa Panay with the "King of Chard" hehehe -- Ninong Reggie!

Life is beautiful

2008-07-15T00:02:00.005+08:00

The best gift I got this year. A surprise dinner from Jenny, and this video from my little son - Jacob "Munggo" Leyran (and Jenny). Life is beautiful (parang yung movie hehe).

Beware of the smiling dog :)

2008-07-11T02:08:00.003+08:00

"Beware of the smiling dog" (saw this sign sa isang jeep here in Quezon City)

Everyday Jacob

2008-07-11T02:03:00.004+08:00

1 Wedding, 6 Birthdays and 1 baptism

2008-07-11T00:59:00.023+08:00

It's been a busy June-July for us since many friends (including some family members)celebrate their birthdays during this time.

We attended the wedding of Jen's cousin in Sta. Rosa the day before Typhoon Frank hit Manila, good thing we stayed an extra night in Alfonso.

Next it was my Dad's birthday on July 3rd (actually for those who don't know sunod sunod kami hehe...my Dad on the 3rd, ako on the 4th and my Mom on the 5th). Jacob's Ninong Reg and my Tita Chit have the same birthday on the 5th as well. Had a small party with some friends in Panay. My brand new niece Celine was also baptized on the 5th. Isla, Bunny and Joy's 1 year old on the 9th.

Yes, ang gulo. It's been busy on the home front hehe.

FYC - Good Thing

2008-07-06T01:12:00.002+08:00

Saw this video when I was in college, I really liked it because of one thing - Scooters. I wanted to buy one but never had a chance...until now.

Good thing? we'll soon find out hehe

4 shy of 40 :)

2008-07-04T03:06:00.003+08:00

Happy birthday sa Dad and Mom ko. Also my friend Reggie Yuson and Tita Chit Manabat :)
It's going to be a busy weekend. At least not a work weekend hehe.

Signs of the times :)

2008-07-04T03:01:00.003+08:00

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Vidoe clip from www.gmanews.tv

Go Padyak or go scooter...pwede din go online nalang hehe :)

Ang daga kong si Ben :)

2008-07-03T01:23:00.001+08:00

Classic MJ :)

The Original Dahon Ranger

2008-07-02T03:07:00.002+08:00

Hehehe just found this pic while surfing :)

Nice moves

2008-06-28T23:08:00.001+08:00

Hehe nice moves :)

Peach Blossoms or Kowlooon House?

2008-06-28T21:30:00.004+08:00

This is an old video, Bunny is discussing plans for his wedding :)

Laught Trip with Mommy and Ate Vangie

2008-06-17T18:19:00.001+08:00

Tawang tawa si Kalbo :)

Eto nung may buhok pa siya hehe

Kamukha ko siya dito

2008-06-17T18:16:00.003+08:00

Yes, mukha akong daga nung bata ako hehehe

Gupit Binata...Well more like gupit Bilibid :)

2008-06-17T18:03:00.006+08:00

My little drunken master!

2008-05-25T04:56:00.007+08:00

My little drunken master

Some of the IMPORTANT things you miss out while you're busy working hehe. Crap, at least I get to watch the video clips. Anyway, natatawa ako just watching this clip, I'm just amazed how he's grown. Palagi kasing tulog when I see him (well what do you expect, I'm out all day and go home at around 6am...working around 20 hours lately). This cat is wasted hehe, time to catnap hehe. Hilot na to di na spa.

Well I guess it's time to go running again, sama ko si Jacobito.

Jacob is 1 year old

2008-05-03T02:14:00.007+08:00

I'll post some more pics later hehe

Uncle Junstein

2008-04-30T10:21:00.001+08:00

Uncle Junstein loves Savory Chicken

Pagod na si Mommy

2008-04-28T22:50:00.001+08:00

Fun times with Mama Mia, enjoy ko na to I'm sure pag malaki na to iba na magpapasaya dito hehehehe

Happy times with Baby Einstein

2008-04-28T22:48:00.001+08:00

Adik dito si Jacob, as in mas mahal pa nya to kesa sakin hehe

One Big Step for my baby boy

2008-04-28T22:46:00.002+08:00

Minsan if he's in the mood he can do 2-3 :)

Mizuno Running

2008-04-27T23:57:00.005+08:00

This shot was taken last April 2, haven't done 15k for long time so I'm happy to have finished this race. Mainit and walang water for most of the race...race na parang climb hehehe.

Hehe been eating a lot lately, kailangan ko na bumalik mag run.

Batugan Family

2008-04-27T23:50:00.003+08:00

Lazy time

Hmmm nothing to do but relax..

Teach your child to chill

Into the TimeZone with Mommy!

2008-04-27T21:55:00.005+08:00

Panic mode si Mommy hehe...kawawa naman si Little Monkey :)

View the entire video below.

Zoommmmmm...April na (actually lapit na mag May)

2008-04-27T21:38:00.011+08:00

It's been a while since my last post, I guess it's just a combination of too much work and just being lazy. Anyway, it's been a busy 2008 for me.

There are lots of things that I'm very thankful for -- first I guess is in a few days from now my son Jacob will be celebrating his 1st birthday (Yehey!), i can't believe that it's been a year since he came into our lives -- bilis talaga, he's grown a lot and is very active (lalo na pag kaharap niya si Baby Einstein).

MTV ng "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar

He has 4 teeth! Loves eating crackers and syempre above all adores Jenny like crazy (syempre si Daddy super inggit). Hmmm just wait until your baby sister comes along, laos ka na Mr. Jacob hehe. Just kidding boss.

Jacob praying (naks!)

Second on my list is my Dad's recovery from his stoke last November, he's back playing golf so that's a good thing at least he's not sitting around all day.

My folks with "Mr. Bawais" - Ver Tatlonghari :)

It's during these times that make you think on what's really important in life. No amount of money can replace the joy when you're with friends and family.

The Leyran Family

Jacob and Lola Ludy

Frozen look hehe

Bear hug from Lola Marins

Wala lang, you don't have to be doing something spectacular basta andun lang kayo -- being there at the same place and sharing the same experience together. You know at the end of it all, all you can do is look back.

Third, the stray cat is turning 4. It's been wild ride, overall I'm happy that things turned out the way they did. for all of us. Equally happy that all our friends are safe and also doing well on their own. Looking forward to the next 4 years. Go Astray.

Last, I'm thankful that I am where I am right now.

Bath time - daddy style :)

2008-03-04T05:05:00.002+08:00

Don't worry, may kasama namang sabon yan after hehe

2 months nalang...1 year old nako.

2008-03-04T04:15:00.004+08:00

One day I will plan my escape :)

Help me, wala akong kasalanan!

Nababaliw nako dito!

Bored na naman ako...

2 months nalang tao na ako hehe. Aside from watching TV and learning how to walk I love eating...my right foot.

Gupit Ricky Reyes :)

2008-02-11T01:34:00.000+08:00

A few days ago, after months of waiting for the right time we finally agreed to cut Jacob's hair -- his hair was always a mess and gets in the way when he eats and watches Baby Einstein (bad news yun since that's the only thing he loves to watch hehe).

Eto si Mommy, montik na maputol tenga ni Boss :)

Eto si Daddy, bawal pumalag hehehe...

Masahe pa! complete service hehe

New Toys for Jacob

2008-01-09T23:17:00.000+08:00

Bad Hair Day 2008

2008-01-09T23:00:00.000+08:00

Peek....a...booo!

2008-01-09T22:57:00.001+08:00

Playtime with Mommy :)

7 months na siya

2007-12-10T20:11:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since my last post. daming nangyari in between. Will post that later. Meantime eto muna...

It's a climb sa December 28

2007-11-22T12:29:00.000+08:00

Two thumbs up daw sabi ni Mikey!

Laugh Trip

2007-11-17T01:51:00.000+08:00

He's obvously in a very good mood.

Mr. Mukasim 2007

2007-11-17T01:48:00.001+08:00

This is what he looks like when he's not in the mood hehe

First Meal - Oatmeal!

2007-11-08T22:01:00.000+08:00

Mas excited pa si Mommy and Daddy kesa sa kanya.
Goodbye baby breath, hello killer poops hehehe

Look at Mr.Lee

2007-11-05T15:20:00.000+08:00

Bored sa traffic pababa ng Sta.Rosa.

Road Trip 2007 in pictures

2007-11-04T22:08:00.001+08:00

Jacobito with Daddy sa Cliffhouse. Taba na ni Jacob (si Daddy din mataba na, time to run hehehehe)

Happy time with my Mama Mia

My South Park look

Pormang Korean with the hat

Mga fans ko hehe (cousins)

Isa sa mga nag alaga kay Daddy, ngayon ako naman :)

Good Morning Mommy...pahingi ng gatas!

Tulog mantika

Lazy Boys

Ate Bea :)

Ate Bea and Ate CJ

Big Lolo Ramon and Little Jacob

Ninong Reg

Pa-cute sa pond hehe

Goofy Look

Group picture sa bahay ni Tita Mona

MYDP (make your daddy proud hehe)

2007-10-23T02:25:00.000+08:00

I don't get that much time off to play golf with my Dad. As long as I can remember my Dad was hooked on golf.

I got introduced to the sport at a very young age, around 8-9. My dad would leave me and my brother at the driving range while we played. Bottomless buckets of golf balls hehe, he would instruct the range attendant to bring us a fresh bucket until he arrived. We had two clubs, I guess they were old clubs that my Dad cut so we could use them. Golf at that age meant one thing -- bottomless food at the clubhouse. Didn't pay much attention to where the ball went or if I hit the ball at all. I was more interested in what I would be eating after we hit the range. Bata pa lang patay gutom nako hehe

During HS it was a different story...(to be continued hehe)

I Love you Weng Weng Rap!

2007-10-17T15:32:00.000+08:00

Astig talaga si Agent 00

Photos from the Next9 shoot

2007-10-14T23:04:00.000+08:00

We just got some raw pictures from the shoot for Next9 (www.next9.org) and I'm thankful for the following reasons.

Mr. Snob appeal 2007

1) Wala siyang mga kagat ng lamok sa mukha

Parang nasa beach siya dito

2) He's in a good mood

I just love to eat my hand :)

3) The shoot was over in an hour

Look at the camera

4) We get to have his photos taken for free (hehe cheapo)

Smile jacob kaya mo yan!

I hope I can keep him this way for a few more months. I can't wait to take him places once he is big enough to travel on his own, let's just hope I'm fit enough to keep up with him.

Mommy wag mo akong hubaran, malamig

Happy Jacob

2007-10-08T10:10:00.000+08:00

And then he's 5 months old!

2007-10-04T02:10:00.000+08:00

Our son Jacob has just turned 5 months last October 2. I can't believe it, it's been 5 months already since I first saw him there in the hospital. So many things have changed since then, he's a whole lot bigger now and more aware of his surroundings.

Jacob crawling in bed.

He's not as cranky as before when he wakes up. He likes laughing nowadays, particularly when you tickle his chest or make faces. He's very fond of his toy Dolphin.

Playing while listening to Lola's CD.

Eye to eye with Dolphin.

Playing with Lolo Ramon

I hope tomorrow he's in a good mood because he has a photoshoot -- hehe well he's a last minute model for a friend who own's a diaper/sling business. I won't be there but Jen will be with him the whole day.

I'll be posting some of his pics here.

Drawing Jacob

2007-09-26T09:33:00.000+08:00

I am Jacobito!

Attack of the Giant Hand!

2007-09-11T20:25:00.000+08:00

Good morning Jacob :)

Alfonso Trip

2007-09-11T20:08:00.000+08:00

May faint dimple sa right side and kagat ng lamok sa left side ng mukha niya hehe

We just came back from a short trip to Alfonso last weekend.
My cousin Ricky and his wife and in laws where there for a quick visit.

It was hot here in Manila but once we hit Tagaytay it was a different story altogether, it was raining hard. It was good except for the fact that Jen could not take picures of Jacob outside.

We made a quick stop over at our favorite Vietnamese place in Tagaytay - Bawai. Good thing their dinner reservation got cancelled so kami lang andun. We should go there often because I just bet they will be flooded by reservations come Oct-December.

Isla Jacobito

2007-09-01T12:37:00.000+08:00

Baby Isla Soriano and Jacob Leyran.

Boys will be boys

2007-09-01T12:34:00.000+08:00

Christmas comes early for Jacob's cousins (Lance and Lyle Salmingo)

The Binan Connection

2007-09-01T12:29:00.000+08:00

Jacob with the Lolas :)

Jacob Laughing :)

2007-08-31T03:03:00.000+08:00

This is the first time I heard Jacob laugh. Looks like we have another night stalker in the family, parang vampire gising pag gabi.

Mr. Saging lang ang may puso Vs Kapitan Kidlat

2007-08-31T00:01:00.000+08:00

It's a tight race for Best Actor between
Mark Lapid and Mikey Arroyo.

God bless the Philippines hehehe!

Almost 4 months

2007-08-30T02:19:00.001+08:00

It's been more than a month now since my last post, a lot of things has happened since then. For one, been swamped with work so I can't blog than often. On the home front well ganun pa din, still on diaper patrol until late. Lately though Jacob has been able to sleep until around 7am --- that's a major thing for us since we get to rest longer during the night.

Mommy's little Monster.

The first 2 months was hell compared to now hehe, 4 months na si Jacob. Everyday he seems to grow and inch or gain a pound (at least when I'm watching over him during night time or sometime in the am before I leave for work). 2 weeks ago we went walking in UP Diliman and he was asleep the whole time, I tried to wake him up by going offroad with the baby stroller but nothing happened. Mana kay Daddy pag tulog tulog manitika hehe.

Some quality time with Jacobito :)

Another major thing is that he seems to respond well when you talk to him, laughing once in a while, well most of the time when he's in a good mood.

We went to my in laws in Laguna last week and as expected he was the star of the show, hindi pa kami nakakababa ng car kinuha na agad ng Mommy ni Jen si Jacob.

Pic with Mommy and Lola Ludy in Binan.
Classic, this fly just landed in his forehead haha

You can see in his eyes that everything is new, I guess he now used to seeing other people just yet hehe -- puro Mommy, Daddy and Yaya lang palagi.

With Mommy sa labas ng Unit 603 :)

Well once in a while andyan sina Tita and Ninong Reg (Ninong Reg is around 32 years old pero I think he's around 6 years old pag kalaro mga bata hehe).

Jacob at Joaquin's birthday party last month (went to Trimona after to have dinner with Ninong Reggie and his family). Naks eye to eye kami a

It's almost September, before you know it it's already December! By then Jacob would be 7 months. Binata na yun, pwede na sama sa outdoors hehe. Well not yet siguro, maybe swimming is a good idea for him. Start em young, wag gumaya kay Daddy after 7 years sa Ateneo GS na may PE na swimming di natuto hehe (BUT carries a PADI advanced diver license hehe, how ironic) Well at least hindi na ako praning sa water.

I guess overall we're slowing coping, Jenny went to the parlor yesterday with good friend Reena. Girls go to the parlor for a REASON and I guess she's just happy with the new set up (lalo na yung new sleeping pattern ni Jacobito).

Ako naman well, as usual masaya na ako having the time to do nothing -- just to be able to spend time alone minsan with close friends and family ayus na ako.

May tawag yata dun...growing old hehe.

Jacob's baptized look

2007-07-23T14:25:00.001+08:00

Hehe serious a :)

Jacob's Baptism and the 100km run of the UP Mountaineers for Kythe Foundation

2007-07-23T12:42:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was extra special becuase of 2 events - it was Jacob's baptism and end of the 100km run for Kythe Foundation by my org in UP (UP Mountaineers).

For more info on the run go here : UPM Website

First the baptism, it was fun. It's good that you have a priest in the family, it makes events like these more meaningful and memorable. Everyone was there, my whole family including the kids and Jen's family aswell. My friends from UPM and my "Designer Friends".

My "Designer Friends" hahaha...Binyagan!

Jacob and his cousins + Ryan boy

Natatawa na lang ako kasi we're the same set of people but with slightly different actvities now. Gone are the days that we will be getting drunk during parties, now it's important that we eat something first, kain tapos tulog na hehe. Jacob was a good boy until the end, he was very cooperative and silent during the entire baptism. He did not do his usual "goblin" thing at the reception.

*goblin - as in green goblin. Jacob had a spell of green poops that made his Yaya Mylene vomit hehehe

Goblin with Yaya Mylene

With Lolas and Cousins

Jacob with Tita Anna, na-crop yung nasa likod

With Tito Manny, Father Tito hehe

With Ninongs and Ninangs, serious si Jacob :)

Syempre andun din ang mga friends for all over, from my HS (Lourdes Qc) and Jen's South Friends. malayong bayhe yun so they had to leave earlier. I had fun with the kids - lalo na si Ryan (inaanak ko). He's a big boy now and soon will be leaving for Australia. Favorite din siya nina Rex, pareho kasi silang mahilig sa toys.

Ryan boy with his toy robot :)

The 100km run on the other hand was another event that I wanted to be part of. Well, I guess posting stuff online is the next best thing to being there.

Here are some pictures. You can check out this site for more images of the 100km run.

Briefing sa UPM Tambayan

The runners

Beth and Olive

100km in 18hrs!

I finished a 42km race 10 years ago (Haha...wala ng PAL marathon ngayon). It was tough since I didn't do any training. I ran 3km and 12km a week before the race. I just thought of doing 21km, kung kaya then I'll finish the entire race. Mahirap pala, good thing kasabay ko si Bunny and we had a support team (aka LA, may dala siyang saging hehe).

I EXACTLY know where 5 hours of my life went. 5 hours means 3 days wasted in bed. Kung nag-100km siguro ako malamang nasa kama ako for 6 months haha!

Congratulations to all the runners who joined this event, kasama na din lahat ng nag organize and support teams. It's for a good cause and I hope we can help out sa susunod na event. Dahon Rangers unite!

Mabuhay ang anak kong si Jacob, mabuhay UP mountaineers!

Binyagan! ilabas ang Emperador Brandy and ang mga aso (hirit ni Bunny hehe)

Taking a bath

2007-07-21T09:43:00.000+08:00

Yawn muna bago maligo...

The big boy is almost 3 months now. Eto na siya striking his best pose before taking a bath. Don't know if he's Manny Pacquiao or Hugh Hefner here hehe

Jologs family outing sa Trinoma

2007-07-11T18:14:00.000+08:00

Tahimik ako ngayon pero pag uwi magwawala ako hehe

Spot the difference

2007-07-11T18:02:00.001+08:00

I'm sleepy....teka, I'm awake!

Mommy naman

2007-07-11T17:52:00.000+08:00

I look like this after drinking milk

Daddy's best friend - The Sling!

2007-07-05T16:39:00.000+08:00

Eto lang ang nagpapatahan sa kanyang mga wild moods. You can check out other slings here www.next9.org

Beep! Beep! Beep!

2007-07-04T10:54:00.001+08:00

Sunduin ko pa si Lola sa bahay, Mommy bilisan mo maligo!

Big Eyes

2007-07-04T10:48:00.000+08:00

UP Mounaineers 30th Anniversary

2007-07-04T10:15:00.000+08:00

Sali na kayo, email us now : join@upmountaineers.org.ph

Watch the video of our run here.

http://www.upmountaineers.org.ph
http://upmencom.multiply.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/daclan

Ang panget, 35 na ko hehe

2007-07-04T09:12:00.000+08:00

Just woke up, 35 na ako.

Our son Jacob

2007-06-19T19:15:00.000+08:00

This is an old post from another blog I wrote right after he as born.

It's 1am and in a few hours from now we'll be leaving Medical City with our newborn son - Jacob. I'm still trying to train myself to say it..."our son Jacob". It sounds so good saying it.

I can't describe the feeling when I first saw him, I felt like crying but instead held back. I froze and took a step back as he was being wheeled in the lamaze room, I heard him cry from a distance and before I knew it he was there --- looking into my eyes as if saying "where the hell am I and who the hell are you" he he. I could tell he knew who I was.

I barely slept for the past few days since he was born, I've been looking at his picture and videos over and over again. I can't believe it, he's finally here. As I look at him I wonder what his thoughts are. I wonder how he'll be in the coming months, I can't wait to see his face when he sees his first cat, hears the rain for the first time or even the first time he feels the warmth of the sun hit his face -- everything is new to him.

As for me, I know that everything will change because I will see the world through his eyes. Welcome to the world my son, I love you.

Who's your daddy?

2007-06-18T13:55:00.000+08:00

Hehe ang cute ni Boss dito a, mukhang mabait hehe

Guess who's next?

2007-06-18T04:16:00.000+08:00

Hooked up with some of my freinds from UP Mountaineers, Bunny and Joy are exepecting sometime August this year. They're still mum on the subject of sex of the baby so we're not yet sure what to give them, basta ang wish lang ni Joy malinis yung paa hehe..

Daddy Bunny getting tips from Ian

7 Lessons I learned when I was a kid

2007-06-18T00:32:00.000+08:00

The original batang yagit hehe...Ninoy Leyran.

1) BE READY FOR COMPETITION
When I was a kid we would always play "sari-sari" store along the driveway leading up to the main entrance of our house in Chico Street. Our main customer was my Dad, we sold everything that can be imagined from dried leaves plucked from the garden (gulay) to empty bottles that we pass off as make believe beverages.

Competition was fierce since we were selling the same set of homemade "products". My dad would buy from each and everyone of us and would pretend to eat what he has just bought. This game went on until we moved to another house -- this time the game was for real.

2) FIND YOUR NICHE
Everything inside the ref was for sale, from the softdrinks to the ice-candy that my sister made. There were actually price lists and ads posted inside the house. I had no money so my business was service oriented -- I control the shoe shine market, even had a since posted along the hallway of our house : "Ninoy's shoe shine, service with a smile". I must say that I came to regret that sign because my older brother would always say "O dapat naka smile ka buong time na nag shine ng sapatos ko!" and so I did, I had to smile until I was finished shining his shoes.

3) YOU NEED CAPITAL TO GROW
Soon I got tired of the shoe shine business, it was just too taxing since I had to wake up early to wait for my customers. Being the youngest boy meant I was way below the food chain when it came to errands, I was always being asked to buy stuff from the neigborhood store 2 blocks away from our house. I had to find a way to escape this cycle and so I turned to my parents for financial help, I borrowed money to set up my own little enterprise.

4) NEVER CONSUME WHAT YOU ARE SELLING
I bought everthing from the store. From soft drinks to snacks to various brands of cigarettes (I had to memorize which brand was the most in demand) and soon I had the ref under my control. Everything inside that was worth eating was owned by little Ninoy, business was good since most of the time my brothers and sisters would often have guests inside the house, during this time I know that sales would be brisk since they would be forced to buy from my stock instead of going to the store. I was so into making a profit that I would ask my older brother Manny to buy from my store and give it to me so I could eat it.

5) DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Collection problems? not to worry since I would report directly to the CFO (my Mom) any customers who have failed to pay for services rendered.

My CFO, Marina Leyran :)

6) KNOW WHEN TO QUIT
This went on for quite sometime now until I had enough money to retire -- at age 7 this meant buying all the toy soldiers that I wanted and finally having a taste of the stuff that I was selling hehe.

7) ALWAYS KEEP YOUR WORD
After enjoying the spoils of my "business" my Dad approached me and asked me to pay him what I borrowed to set up my store, initially I didn't underestand what this meant for all along I thought that they had given me the money. He said in a very calm way that there is a big difference in "borrowing" and just simply "asking" for money. Borrowing is a promise he said, so I paid him in full and went back to playing with my toy soldiers. Up to now, I'm very careful in using the word "borrow" hehe.

28 years past, I still live by these lessons that I've learned from way back. I look forward to teach my son these same lessons for I'm sure he'll be dealing with the realities of life as he gets older.

Meantime, it's back to "service with a smile" for me -- although this time it's more like "service with a smile while carrying a big stick" hehe.