Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2012

  

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is a must-see, hear and feel for music aficionados all over the country and I was fortunate to be part of the second Malasimbo Festival last March 2-4, 2012. In one word, I had to say that my Malasimbo experience was surreal—not a word that I have been using lately.

All in all, Malasimbo 2012 had the right mix of everything—positive vibes, steady people, good music from local and foreign musicians, proudly Pinoy artists, and the magic of nature. Aside from the rain during day three, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.  

 

Nature was a big part of the festival as it was held on a mountain called Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. The stage was set at a lower ground to create a natural amphitheater.

I had to give it to the sound engineers and the bands for giving us top quality music and performances. 
 

Joey Ayala's performance was awesome

Deoro with Waway Saway

Paul Zialcita

Tao Aves was one of my top two picks during the festival. It was the first time I heard her voice and it was very powerful and distinctively Pinoy. I learned that she is the daughter of Grace Nono. My other pick was The Skarm, a  Filipino Hip-hop group. I was  surprised because I don’t usually like hip-hop and rap music, but they just got me. Unlike the usual register of Hip-hop/ rap to me, theirs was easy on the ears—very smooth, clean and captivating.

Where we got our P50 Manila Beer (the brand). Yes, we were drinking Manila Beer in Galera—sadly, it was the only brand available.

Much thanks and appreciation to the Malasimbo Festival organizers and crew; Mt. Malasimbo owner, Mr. d'Aboville; engaging and skillful host, Sarah Meier—really glad she took over even for day two only; bands and artists for creating a life-changing event for me that I will—for sure—always remember. I am eagerly looking forward to Malasimbo 2013.

Ang mga artists

Giant tutubi 

 

Photos by Peter Tom Tolibas (More of Peter's work; visit his website,  twitter, tumblr, or flickr) and Paulo Subido.

If you are contemplating if you should go to Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2013, I'll say, "Go! Fly! And enjoy!"

What to bring for Malasimbo 2013

1. Comfortable clothes and footwear - apt to wear in the mountains; no heels please
2. Jacket or sweater
3. Rain gear—in case it rains—like umbrella and raincoat   
4. Banigs or mats
5. Blankets or sarongs
6. Tissue or wet-ones
7. Lots drinking water
8. Vitamin C
9. Alcohol (not the one for drinking) and insect repellent
10. People you love. Wee! Because Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is worth sharing with the people you love. 

Pinto Art Museum

The search for the perfect wedding venue...

I like Pinto Art Museum. It is almost an hour ride from Eastwood and a bit hard to find; yet I am willing to forgo the convenience factor. If it wasn’t for the Php100,000 rental fee, my fiance and I would have chosen Pinto Art Museum as our wedding venue. There is something about the museum that we would have wanted to share with the people we love. 

The rooftop of one of the art galleries. This area can be used as a wedding venue. I can clearly see myself marching here as a bride.  

Upon entrance to the museum, I immediately felt like I was warped to a totally different place. 

Sa lugar na iyon, Filipino lang ang bida. Makikita sa mga likhang-sining sa loob museo na ang talento ng Filipino ay hindi basta-basta. Bawat likha at mga pinaglagyan nito ay may sariling kwento; lahat may dahilan; lahat pinag-isipan. Napuno ang puso ko ng iba’t ibang emosyon- saya, galit, tuwa at ngitngit. Ngunit sa halip na maguluhan, ako ay nakaramdam ng kalayaan. 

 

In that place, it is all about the Filipinos. It is evident from all the artworks that the Filipino talent is world-class. All the artworks and where they are placed have a story; everything  has a reason; everything was well thought of. I was overwhelmed with different emotions yet I felt so free.

Pinto Art Museum is called as such because of the many doors—called “pinto” in Filipino—that connect one gallery to another. And because the place is open to all forms of art and artists. 

Different art works—mostly paintings, sculptures and installations by Filipino artists are being showcased in Pinto Art Museum. These are all part of Dr. Joven Cuanang’s collection. Dr. Cuanang is a neurologist and a passionate supporter of the Philippine contemporary art.

Andy Orencio, one of the featured painters, moonlights as the museum guide. He did a good job of showing us around and sharing the stories behind some of the artworks.

I highly recommend Pinto Art Museum. If not as a wedding venue, Pinto Art Museum is a place where one can appreciate art, relax and reflect, make his own artwork, or spend time with family and friends. It is best if you can set aside one whole day when you visit the museum. 

The sunset from Pinto Art Museum. I call this photo “Ang Nag-uumapaw kong Puso” (My Overflowing Heart), which is what I felt when I was there.

Photos by  Paulo Subido

Jardin de Miramar

The search for the perfect wedding venue...

Jardin de Miramar is a 3.5 hectares garden situated in San Jose Extension, Antipolo. It has ten function areas; each having its own appeal and features to suit different event needs. Rental fees range from Php7,000 to Php50,000.

The whole place is undeniably breath-taking. It has a romantic and cool atmosphere, which I think is best for weddings. It is well maintained with properly groomed plants and trees, art sculptures, and sanitary comfort rooms.

Travel time to reach the place is more or less 40 minutes, coming from Eastwood and considering light to moderate traffic situation. For our case though, we had a hard time looking for the garden even with the detailed directions I got from their website. I suggest that you ask directions from the locals the minute that you think you are lost.

Flowers and vines scattered all over the garden add a romantic and dreamy touch.

Pathway to Ylang Ylang. I like this function hall because it is hidden from the main farm thoroughfare.

Jardin de Miramar has a mini-Intramuros, which looks and feels like the Intramuros in New Manila. I am not a fan of the pond at the center—might be a mosquito habitat. 

 Intramuros looks nice on photos.

The Pergola

The Paradiso

 Green all over; the Pergola and Paradiso are best for the garden theme wedding.

I recommend the Plaza for couples who want a garden theme wedding but are worried that it might rain. It is covered; yet two sides are open and have a view of a garden.

The Sevilla is the only function area that can be air-conditioned in Jardin de Miramar.   

Seating capacity and rates are available at Jardin de Miramar's website. 

Photos by Paulo Subido

Practical Wedding Venue

Because there are so many weddings happening these days, I would be crushed if we can’t get a venue just because they are all fully booked for the next two years.

I have been to a number of weddings since I was young. Those weddings had venues ranging from hard-to-find provincial churches to five-star hotels with Php100 per hour parking rates. I will never forget how my dad always flared up because he could not find a parking space. He usually ended up parking the car very far. By the time we arrived at the church, my feet had blisters. But I love weddings, so I mentally took note of what would make an ideal wedding venue. 

5 things that will make a wedding venue practical

1. Convenient. Easy to find by car or by public transportation. Take in consideration that not all your guests will bring or has their own vehicle. 

2. Enough parking.

3. Well ventilated. During a wedding, the following are most of the time present: humid Philippine weather, elegant and high healed pair of shoes (which are only comfortable for the first few hours), and make-up for women. Need we say more?

4. Charming and romantic. It's a wedding. Everything should be romantic. 

5. Photogenic. I know for a fact that after the wedding ceremony, only the photos are left to remind the couple of their wedding day. The place should look lovely on camera.

Below are the places we have seen so far; click to see venue review.

• Jardin de Miramar 
• Pinto Art Museum

Smoke-Free

I was a cigarette smoker for 15 years. I am proud to say that today is my second year anniversary of the day I decided to end the deadly habit. 

I was really young when I started smoking cigarettes. It was curiosity that led me to the addiction. It evolved from trying a menthol cigarette I stole from our gardener, to buying my own pack—almost every other day. I lit a cigarette every time it was possible. I even wished I could smoke inside of the office. 

My friends and I sharing a couple of beers in cold Baguio a few years ago. We all have our own cigarette packs!

It was only when I decided to take care of myself that I chose to give up the habit. Here is how I did it:

Quitting smoking the practical way

This involves just one big step and that is to just STOP. Quit smoking cold turkey. Electronic cigarettes can't do the quitting for you. They just prolong the addiction.

What to expect:

It will be hard. The first three months is the hardest. I suggest that you surround yourself with non-smokers during these months. My boyfriend and I decided to quit at the same time. It helped that we went through the whole adjustment period together. 

• You will be very irritable. This happens on and off for six months. When you feel irritable, don’t forget to breathe. Inhale long and deep, and exhale slowly. Then scratch your head. I really did scratch my head. It is frustrating, but I knew I had to keep on fighting that urge to taste and feel another drag.

• Your self-control will be tested. Refrain or lessen activities which you usually pair with smoking—like drinking alcohol or coffee, waiting and doing nothing, or going to cold places. These are just a few examples. Smoking can be paired to almost everything.

• You will gain weight. To intensify your detoxification, it would be great if you include regular exercise during this challenging phase. Keep yourself busy by shopping, painting, writing, reading, taking care of your younger siblings or pamangkins, or doing volunteer work.  

 
Ending a habit is a continuous battle. Just believe in yourself, stick to your decision and think of the advantages of continuing to be a non-smoker. For the most part of it you will be healthier; you may live longer, breathe easier, have more time to do good-for-you things, and even save money.

And now, let's find the (not so) hidden yosi. Yosi is the Filipino slang for cigarette stick. Some photos I got from my old social networking accounts. 

2004 in Baguio; while my friends and I waited for our tour guide.

2004 at Boracay's Bom Bom Bar; while my friend and I waited for our cocktails.

2005 in Boracay; while doing nothing, I decided to take a photo of my slippers.

2009 during my birthday get together. My friend, Joel, had stopped smoking cigarettes, too!

Outfit: Valentine's Day 2012

For Valentine's day this year, I decided to wear a romantic and dramatic outfit—it's heart's day, anyway. I chose my peach maxi skirt with dainty paisley prints of just a bit darker shade of the same color. That detail was responsible for adding romance to the skirt; while the length—it being a maxi skirt—brought the drama. 

I was at Baguio that day; so wearing my white long-sleeved shirt and layering it with my chic cardigan was absolutely a good idea to shield the cold. The hat brought life to the entire ensemble as it was a good pop of bright color red.

Total outfit cost is Php330 (USD7.67)

Breakdown of costs:

• Skirt - bought from ukay-ukay (thrift shop), Php150
• Shirt - gift from my cousin
• Cardigan - bought from ukay-ukay, Php60
  
• Pearl necklace - bought from bazaar, Php120
• Hat - borrowed
• Shoes - gift from my aunt

 

New Year, New Goals

I like starting a new year. It is the time when I reflect on the year that was and create a new set of goals. Last year was definitely a good one for me; all is still going as planned and more. My goals for last year were: get my own place; enroll in an insurance policy and mutual fund; set up an out-of- town trip with my long-time friends; and be promoted at work. All of these I was able to do and I am so happy.

As we begin 2012, I would like to share how I set my goals and achieved them. 

Here is how I did it:

5 easy steps for starting the year right

1. Reflect and give thanks. Make sure that you thank the people around you. You are who you are right now because of them. It is said that gratitude is the most powerful feeling that can attract more love, happiness and positive outcomes. Who wouldn’t want those? 
2. List your Top 10 from the previous year. Keeping a written record of what you accomplished will make you feel really good when you read it. It will help if you arrange the list under categories, like family, career, love, finances and travel. These are just a few examples.
3. List your goals for the coming year. This list must be:  Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound (S-M-A-R-T). I usually refer to my previous Top 10 list and aim for more. If you were able to save P10,000 what is stopping you from saving P100,000? Remember that you can only move forward and upwards. Keep reminding yourself to move forward.
4. Plan your attack. Your list is not just a list; you must know how you can achieve each and everything on that list. Again, write your plan. It is different when you have it written down. It is like telling yourself that your goals are accomplished already.  
5. Lastly, smile, breathe deeply and face the coming year with positivity. What we hold inside is what we attract.  Promise yourself to be strong. Persist. Not every day is a holiday. 

That’s it. Setting goals is easy to do. I wish everyone the best for 2012. May it be full of love, happiness, and growth.

My Tops for 2011 (These are just some. Those I have photos of anyway.):

45 ft. cliff jump at Boracay's Ariel's Point.
Totally liberating. Definitely a high for 2011.

Climbed the biggest & oldest Balete tree in Philippines. 

It’s in Negros & approximately 1,800 years old.

I turned 30! 30 years of love, life & happiness.
Picture taken during my "Come Fly with Me, I'm 30" birthday party.

That's me! My face on buses

on a billboard

  and on a stage backdrop!
and that is one of my best friends, Nica Danganan. 

Stoked surfing in Baler. Now that's another Top.

Scorpio meets scorpion.
This was in Butterfly Farm, Palawan.
The whole trip was a Top in itself.

Award-winning and one of the new 7 wonders of the world--
Undergound River, Puerto Princesa.