The traveler goes to Batangas

Before I proceed with sharing another travel adventure, let me first confirm a particular matter as regards my previous post which was about starting over again.

I've got a new job.

It's not at a big TV network as I originally planned and badly wanted. Nevertheless, it is a job offer worth accepting, because first, it dwells on my passion which is writing, and second, the company belongs to a big, fully established and well financed corporation that operates in accordance with Philippine labor laws.

So, what am I?

I'm the copywriter of a real estate company situated within one of the high-end locations in Metro Manila--McKinley Hill in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. People around me said that it would be quite hard to live and work in Manila, especially that I would just be renting a place and become independent (which means I cook my own food, wash my own clothes, clean the space, do the dishes and all other household chores). I agree. But, to the person who said such a thing with the intention of ridiculing me and not because she was concerned, I'm up for the challenge (s).

The set up is corporate, somewhere I only imagined myself to be without the sheer intention of becoming an office person. But, as I stepped onto the premises, I told myself, "Why not?" Besides, since I need to do a coverage of events, I will have to be physically present at places where they will be held. Which means I get to travel!

And speaking of travel, on my second day (June 3, 2014), I got what I wanted.

Our company's Marketing and Business Development Division (where I belong) held the first quarter awards for Sales Suntrustees (sales people of the company). The venue was Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian, Batangas, about a 1.5-hour drive from Metro Manila.

It's a vast land on which the resort sits. It looks old, though.

Truth be told, I wasn't amazed with the place, maybe because, first, the place is old and it is not properly maintained, and second, there is nothing extraordinary and jaw dropping with the beach. Fun and adventure, though, is present, so guests will definitely have fun still.

Along the shore, boatmen greet tourists and offer them a boat ride for a fee. Snorkeling may also be enjoyed.

For those who don't want to get too far from the shore, there are other activities that can be savored. Pedal boats (I'm not sure if that's what they're called) await passengers along the shore. For P300, a group of six can experience fun and leisure off the waters for 30 minutes. Banana boats and kayaks are also available.

Just like in my previous job, the one-day event was a work-leisure combination which, though this early, I love about my job. And with that, I say, "More adventures are about to come!"

Collaboration starts with GBG Pangasinan inaugural meet up

Map and hop with us!

Connect. Inform. Inspire.

These are the three guiding principles on which Google Business Groups (GBG) all over the world are founded. This is a living proof that even in the age of digital technology where everything seems to be impersonal and fast paced, many aim to use the web to connect with others to achieve a unified success.

A Blogapalooza Saturday---the event!

It was indeed a fun and jam packed Saturday event at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Aura Premier, Taguig. And I, together with my colleagues, was there to personally experience this annual gathering of bloggers.

A Blogapalooza Saturday awaits

If I remember it right, the first time I heard the word 'blog' was in second year high school (2006). Back then, I was still learning the ins and outs on the Internet, its benefits and other important things related to it.

It was two years after when I tried blogging, but it was in fourth year college that I became serious about it. Since then, I've been blogging about my cool adventures, fun experiences and exciting activities (and about realizations and life's harsh realities when the circumstances compel me to). That was when I got the hang of it and enjoyed blogging more.

And this coming Saturday, Nov. 16, I'll be receiving one of the perks of being a blogger. My colleagues and I will be attending Blogapalooza 2013, a gathering of small and big businesses 'who have something cool to share' and bloggers 'who love to share.'

As of now, 425 bloggers RSVP'd for the event at SM Aura in Taguig and few slots are left vacant, so sign up now and partake in this one of a kind experience! The event will start at 11 am and will end at 9 pm. With that long period, we can expect fun and exciting activities, and cool giveaways. On top of all that, entrance to the event is absolutely FREE!

Thanks to When in Manila for this one in a million chance. See you on Saturday, fellow bloggers!

Busier than ever

September was a busy month for me (well, which month wasn't and isn't). The last few weeks before this week were more hectic. And the last few days before today were quite stressful and exhausting.

But, I'm not dreading my busy schedule. Neither am I hating my job. In fact, I'm very enthusiastic about it especially now that we've been preparing for the very first Talk TV Global Media Congress which has kept me quite busy lately.

A day on the sea

As part of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the government acquired two warships for the Philippine Navy from the US Coast Guard--BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

During this year's celebration of Pistay Dayat, PF15 or BRP Gregorio del Pilar docked on Lingayen Gulf with the Philippine Navy opening the ship to Pangasinenses from April 28 to May 2. Their curiosity and excitement could be felt as they waited for their turn on the motorboat that will take them to the ship's location anchored at 3 nautical miles from the shore.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF15)

And being a broadcast journalist, doing a report on this special event required hopping into the ship and having a tour inside. My adventurous side entered the scene and I found myself feeling excited about this first time experience.

I got sucked!

Blood went streaming out of my veins...passing through a narrow pipe...coursing towards a vessel...

Yes, I got sucked. Not by a vampire, though—thank heavens.

On June 20, 2013, for the first time, I donated blood during the mobile blood donation activity of the Provincial Health Office of Pangasinan in partnership with Red Cross. Honestly, all I planned to do that day was to cover the activity held at the Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City, Pangasinan for a news report—not to donate blood. That wasn't because I was selfish and didn't want to share my blood to those who might need it. I just thought I wouldn't qualify because of my underweight look.

But the weighing scale said I qualified, having a total weight of 55 kg, so I went to the registration area and signed the form. Further screening revealed that my blood pressure was (and is) normal, therefore I am neither hypertensive nor anemic. Thank heavens again.

The bloodletting activity was conducted in the conference room of the hospital where 77 good Samaritans, including me, donated 450 ml each of blood.

Experiencing Albay

Upon stepping down from the plane, we grabbed the opportunity to have our pictures taken with the Mayon Volcano in the background.

We weren’t able to take many pictures, though, when the guard shooed us away already. We then proceeded to the arrival area and looked for our service. A van from The Oriental Hotel Legazpi, the venue of the conference, stood waiting for us. We hopped in and off we went to the hotel.

In the cabin

The take off

“Cabin crew, prepare for departure.” Then the plane zoomed up to the clear blue sky.

I was Wright (pun intended). The feeling was as euphoric as that of the inventors of the airplane when finally, I was flying up in the sky, over white fluffy clouds. Waiting for four hours for the check in counters to open, and then another hour for the boarding gate to let the passengers in, was all worth it.

Yes, it was my first time on a plane, so I savoured every bit and inch of the ride. Among the nine of us, only three had previously experienced it, but they were as excited as the rest of us because of the majestic Mayon Volcano awaiting our arrival.

Early birds

The day that I have been waiting for has finally arrived! It's been one of my life long dreams to ride on a plane that will take me wherever I want. I can only imagine how euphoric the Wright Brothers were during the first successful flights of the Wright Flyer.

1903 Wright Flyer

The 1903 Wright Flyer made four flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903, the best covering 852 feet in 59 seconds. It was the first heavier-than-air, powered aircraft to make a sustained, controlled flight with a pilot aboard.

The Wrights used their proven canard biplane configuration which was rooted in their initial 1899 kite design. Key to the Flyer's success was its three-axis control system, which featured wing-warping for lateral balance, a moveable rudder, and an elevator for pitch control.

The right wing was four inches longer than the left to compensate for the engine being heavier than and mounted to the right of the pilot. The wings were rigged with a slight droop to reduce the effects of crosswinds.
Gift of the Estate of Orville Wright
http://airandspace.si.edu/wrightbrothers/

Getting high...literally

“Cause I’m leaving on a jet plane... I don’t know when I’ll be back again...”

This song has recently come to my mind as two weeks from now, I’ll be riding on a plane for the first time!

On February 10, I together with my colleagues in our student publication will board a domestic flight to Legazpi City in Albay for a three-day journalism contest. That’s the next level of the competition after winning at the regional level in December last year in the City of San Fernando, La Union.

This is one of the few perks I enjoy as an editor of the publication, going places with colorful historical relevance in the country and having a taste of their rich culture. This time, I’ll be seeing Mayon Volcano in person, that volcano with the almost perfect cone shape that I’ve only been seeing in pictures since childhood.

The trip’s still several days ahead and I’m excited. Meantime, “I’ll pack my bags and get ready to go.”