Millions of my kababayans had been greatly affected by the catastrophic mayhem brought about by the consecutive Typhoon Gener and the recent Monsoon Surge. It was said that the volume of rainfall of the monsoon surge had surpassed that of Bagyong Ondoy and consequently, its effects to people, crops and properties were worse than ever.

Seeing my fellowmen in this state of chaos and adversity, I cant help but acquire a part of the pain they are going through. And because of that I decided to spearhead a relief operation for the victims of the nature's wrath. Thanks to my fellows in the Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines-BatStateU for their support and help. We are still accepting donations until tomorrow before directing the stuffs that will be collected to TV Patrol Southern Tagalog station. 

Donations can be in kind or in monetary form. We would like to prioritize these stuffs for the in kind donations:

• Ready to eat/easy to open canned or pouched goods/foods
• clothes for men, women and babies
• medicines
• tarps or toldas
• blankets 
• footwear
• drinking water
• plastic

A small act of charity is of a great help for the recovery of the victims of the flooding. Batangas City is very blessed for not having the kind of chaos its nearby provinces had.

Donations can be brought at the Batangas State University Main Campus II's Extension Office, Ground Floor, Engineering Bldg, Golden Country Homes, Batangas City.

A Back to School Campaign in Brgy. Malitam, Batangas City

Since classes will resume tomorrow, I would like to share with you guys what we've done (together with my fellows in JIECEP-BatStateU or the Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines) last summer, few weeks before public school classes officially commence. 

I am happy that the organizations I am into have the initiative to conduct outreach programs like this. It is a really heart-warming and rewarding feat!

So we've been at the Badjao community in Brgy. Malitam here in Batangas City to give some school supplies to Badjao students who are studying in elementary and high school levels. 

The heat that day was really sick and walking under the sun can already be a sacrifice! lol. :)

When we came to their small yet lighthearted-atmosphered classroom, I've already noticed the glow in the students' eyes suggesting how happy they really were. 

So we were with Engr. Albertson Amante, one of the faculty members of the Electronics Engineering Dept. of the University. He was the sole pilot of this activity that is why I am really thankful to him! :D

We entertained the students through games which they really enjoyed so much!

They even instructed us their native dance which was really fun! :)

So I was the one who was tasked to give thanks to the whole Badjao community in Malitam for their warm welcome. We promised that we will be back there soon. :)

So here's a photo of the whole team present that day! More powers to JIECEP-BatStateU and to our Badjao brothers and sisters.

Photo credits to Mr. Aldrin Rayos. :)

The Only One

Since summer is almost over, I would like to share the only summer get-away I had this year. (poor me) Yeah, you heard it right, this is the single one. Since I was enrolled in a 9-unit summer class this academic year, I've got no time to have more summer adventures. Anyways, there are lots of years ahead of me to make up for this mayhem. lol. :D I just have to wish that the world won't end yet this 2012. :)

Moreover, I would also like to stress how beautiful the province of Batangas is. Pity those who have not seen the grandeur of our province. :D Also, to prove that the beaches in Batangas are really good in contrary to what former RP Vice President 'Kabayan' Noli de Castro broadcast in TV Patrol last April 2012; quoted, "...galing akong Batangas. Di naman maganda ang beach" Well Kabayan, I'm pretty sure you haven't been to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. Or I should ask, are you sure you've been to Batangas?


Laiya in San Juan, Batangas is filled with numerous beach houses all offering a great stay in their white sand and crystal clear beaches. It is about two hour drive from Batangas City. So for those who cannot afford the distance and cost of Puerto Galera and Boracay, Laiya is sitting quietly for you! :)

That day, I was with my super college buddies. Since we are now in different engineering majors, times like this is a gift because we rarely see each other and our schedules seldom meet. Thanks to those who lend their cars and gave some goodies in order for this not-so-planned outing to go through. Haha. Let the photos do the talking. :)

Laiya also offers a lot of beach activities to beach bums like banana boat, jet ski, boat tour, snorkeling and henna tattoos! 

And thanks to Dermplus sunblock which worked well to all of us except to Aldo! :D

And twas my first time to see a starfish! Poor boy. 

Twas really a fun experience. And to note, that was also the night when the Supermoon conquered the sky. 

Serene Holy Week at Marian Orchard in Batangas

If last year we visited Caleruega in Tagaytay for our family’s Visita Iglesia (you can see my entry bout that HERE), this year, we’ve been to Marian Orchard at Brgy. Malabanan, Balete, Batangas for our Holy Week practice. Balete, Batangas is a municipality adjacent to Lipa City and it’s only about 30 minute drive from Batangas City.

Marian Orchard is just too perfect for solemn activities like praying, meditation and Visita Iglesia. 

What I really like here is their version of the Stations of the Cross wherein you can reach each station by trekking a hill-like trail. Doing the Stations of the Cross here can already be your own sort of penitensya!

There are also life-sized stone statues of some biblical scenarios at Marian Orchard.

When you have already accomplished the stations, you will reach a park full of colourful flowers and Greek-inspired structures. Indeed, it’s a perfect scene for picture taking moments. :D

So next Holy Week, if you will be having hard time choosing where to go and where to do Visita Iglesia, why not try Marian Orchard?

Why the 90’s children have to watch Titanic in 3D

When Titanic was first shown in silver screen in 1997, I assume, we, the early 90s children, were just about four to seven years old way back then. And we are the ones who did not actually watch it in movie houses! Instead, we’ve seen Titanic for the first time either in a free TV premiere in a local TV station or by playing the bulky three VHS-tape set of the movie in our VHS players at home. And if your chance happens to be the latter, I hope you can still remember the red Ferrari VHS rewinder.

The question is, why do we have to watch Titanic in 3D this April?

The big deal is not how it will be shown once more—whether in 2D, 3D or in iMax. But the big deal here is that the reviewing of Titanic is a good chance for us, former kiddos, to feel what Titanic really has to offer and to bring us back the nostalgia now that we are in our bidding-gooddbye-teenhood years.

So grab your tickets now and set your eyes as one of the biggest ships ever made in the world witness a confession of true endless love and a timeless journey.

The Moment of Impact: Falling in Love with The Vow

Paige: I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness and 

to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are 

needed and to share the silence when they are not and to live within 

the warmth of your heart and always call it home.

Leo: I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever. 

I promise to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime love.

The fact that The Vow featured a collaboration of two of my favorite actors from two of my favorite romantic movies made me really excited to watch the movie since the release of its trailer. Here, Channing Tatum (from Dear John) and Rachel McAdams (from The Notebook) created a sweetling, lush tandem one will surely fall in love with.

What I love about this movie is that it presented love in its best form. From the time Page (Rachel McAdams) met Leo (Channing Tatum), the life they had before they met an accident, Leo trying to win Page back and the new life they have gained after fate took its turn.

I would love to meet someone like Page—responsible, independent, artistic and carefree. Someone who is willing to take risks and surrender the ‘best’ for her own interest. Someone who is courageous enough to face life at its dynamic form.

Page and Leo’s wedding was also interesting. Since they are both artists, a wedding in a museum is better than perfect for them (though it’s prohibited). Hence, their vows can really make you feel the romance at its highest.

But what happened after the accident was so hurtful for Leo. And I admire his courage and persistence to win Page’s memory back. The scene when Leo almost give up in trying to regain Page’s memory was very moving (in a cheesy note, I felt the pain!). And I understand that because it’s all upon him—that his actions are those that which can make or break their relationship. 

But love will conquer everything. Sound cliché, but that is how it really goes.

Favorite Scenes:

When Leo invited the bewildered Page as if they’ve just met for the first time.

Their monthly ritual of going to the nippy beach at night, soaking their naked bodies in the very cold water and finding pleasure in it.

 Moreover, their house was really cool. It’s not that elegant but it’s fancy and kind’a reflected my interests. :D