I research about locations where one can do zip lining and the sorts.  From my research, I found a not so far place from Manila that offers these activities.  I have always had altophobia, which means I have major scares of heights.  Well, I anointed 2007 as the year to conquer my fears.  So it was about time that I went for some high-flying action. 

I was anxious about planning this trip.  When I was probing Bubba, I learned that he had already been to Pagsanjan Falls, the trip to the falls was supposed to be the highlight of the whole weekend.  I thought it was going to be a first for both of us.

I booked us a room in La Corona de Pagsanjan on May 12, 2007 through a travel agency that gave me a package that included the high rope activities.  Initially, I planned the trip as a group but it became difficult for me to tie everyone’s schedule.  I decided to just make it a trip for two. 

After we settled in our room and rested for a bit, we were called for our afternoon activity.  We were briefed by the rope marshals about safety precautions.  To my disappointment we were told that we cannot do most of the rope activities even if it was paid for because there were only two of us –most of the rope tricks had to be done with at least 6 people in tow to belay one person.

Nevertheless, we got to try out 4 of the 10 rope action.  The highlight of the whole Saturday afternoon was the Slide for Life.  We had to climb about 25 meters of the slope in order to get to the top or the take-off spot.  Bubba had to go first of course!   

So he jumped!  And there he went swooping 30 feet high across 40 meters.  He’s gonna smack my head for this –but he did let out a manly yelp when he leapt.  Emphasis on MANLY.

When he reached the end point, he was all smiles.  He totally loved it and I totally loved seeing him so excited.  My nerves started knocking my bones to a noise though because it became my turn. With Bubba’s face at the other side egging me on, it took me only 5 minutes before I actually did the JUMP.  What a thrilling experience!!!  I felt like I was flying!

Bubba climbed again for his second round.  He jumped.  No manly shriek this time, only a yell of joy.   He asked me if I was ready for my seconder.  Even if I enjoyed my first Slide for Life 10 minutes earlier, I already maxed out my limit for thrills for the day. 

Much to our surprise, the afternoon was still young as the two rope marshals steered us to another area.  Being the person to be blindfolded, I was left alone while the instructors briefed Bubba on the mechanics of the ‘game.’  The area named as the Blind Man’s trail is a series of trap-ridden path.  The goal is for the blindfolded one to reach the finish line by trusting the voice of the partner.

The next morning we had breakfast of tasty and crunchy Lucban longganisa and garlic rice, served with a cup of local hot chocolate with pinipig.  After the scrumptious breakfast, we rode our own rented banca with two boatmen and started our voyage to Pagsanjan Falls.

We went through several mini rapids, which made it quite a terrific trek to Pagsanjan. 

 After we checked out of the hotel, we drove to the town proper of Liliw and ate at a popular town pizzeria, Arabella’s. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/186/07_0512-_Pagsanjan_Weekend#

Whenever we are in the area of Banawe, we can’t help but drop by Ersao.  Quick meals.  Inexpensive food.

Dumplings

Porkchop Rice 

Spicy Squid Rings 

Mango Shake with Jelly 

They sell frozen dumplings that you can bring home. 

I was scouting the Cav restaurant when I met with Chai and Lorenz for coffee.  We fell at the steps of Mag: net Café, which was just right across Cav.  Chai had coffee while Lorenz got a snack at Mag: net Café.  We were lounging there at 4 in the afternoon and found ourselves chatting with part owner Ralph Walker regarding the Café and the signage.  Since I still had a lot of restaurants to visit, we went our way and promised to visit Mag: net soon.

I have yet to check Mag:net Café from my list since schedule has been pretty tight but a return soon to watch an Improv or Honey and Jaycie’s show is in the itinerary for June.

Time check: 09:55 PM. I timidly approached a slim guy holding a Photoholic banner at the assembly venue in Mc Donald’s Quezon Avenue. It was the night of the Peninsula Siege and the government declared a 12MN curfew. I’ve never experienced a curfew imposed by the government before and I was terribly afraid of breaking any law. Leia who said that we have all the necessary papers and identification to validate our trip to Ilocos calmed my fears.

I first stumbled across Travel Factor through their post in the PH Photo yahoo groups. I was deeply intrigued since the trip was dubbed as Photoholic. I am not a professional photographer nor am I a photo hobbyist since I can’t find the time to actually go out and shoot. I’ve only taken my Canon DSLR for a ride on 11 occasions since I first bought it 2 years ago. I love taking pictures though of scenery, people, food, captured moments… does that consider me as photoholic? Nevertheless, I booked Bubba and me for the Ilocos trip, again unbeknown to him. It was my pre-Christmas trip for him. I deposited the payment before the cut-off date and availed 2 slots.

Let me take you to a photo essay cum time blog of the tour.

DAY 1 (11/30/2007)

6:00 AM

ETA Vigan

St. Augustine Parish Church of Bantay and Bell Tower

7:00 – 8:00

Breakfast at Villa Angela Heritage House

First taste of authentic Vigan longganisa. I still prefer the crunchy Lucban or Alaminos longganisa but Vigan’s was yummy.

8:00 – 11:00

Walking Tour of Vigan Crisologo Street

St. Paul’s Cathedral @ St. Paul’s Bell Tower and Plaza Salcedo

Paburnayan Pottery Making

11:00 – 12:00

Buffet Lunch at Villa Angela Heritage House

12:30

Batac and Paoay

Marcos Museum

Paoay Church

Malacañang of the North

Laoag

Fort Ilocandia - X Sand Dunes - X Sinking Bell Tower

 

07:00 PM

Check-in at Polaris Beach House, Saud Beach

Buffet Dinner at Polaris Beach House

08:00 PM

Karaoke Time

DAY 2 (12/01/2007)

5:30 AM

Sunrise at Bangui Windmill

Brrr… It was freezing cold when I stepped out of the pink bus. The cold morning did not let up. I didn’t realize what was in front of me. Amazingly gigantic windmills!!! I’ve never seen anything as large and as many. It was a sight to behold, an experience to see. It’s weird but I can just stare at them the whole day and remian fascinated.

8:00 AM

Trekking at Kabigan Falls

It was my first time to trek and it wasn’t so bad. It was one of the activities I enjoyed during the trip. It only took 20 minutes to trek to Kabigan Falls. We had to walk in the woods and cross mini-streams.

It was also my first time to see a bee hive –and a massive one at that.

 

 

12:00 NN

Picnic Lunch at Maira-ira Blue Lagoon

The picnic lunch here was my favorite meal of the trip. They served Filipino Style Curry Chicken, Barbeque Chicken, Rice and Eggplant Salad and everything was delicious.

After lunch, we all took a stroll along Maira-ira beach.

Bantay Abot

Patapat Viaduct

5:00 PM

Sunset at Agua Grande

06:00 PM

Sunset at Pagudpud

 

 

07:00 PM

Buffet dinner at Polaris Beach House

DAY 3 (12/02/2007)

Lounge day at the beach! Our free day for beach bumming @ Saud beach.

08:00 AM

Breakfast at Polaris Beach House

09:00 AM

Lounge by the beach

 

 

12:00 NN

Buffet Lunch at Polaris Beach House

04:00 PM

Buffet Merienda/Early Dinner at Polaris Beach House

Pagudpud

Sunset at Cape Bojeador’s Lighthouse

6:00 PM

Pagudpud to Manila

9:00 PM

Pasalubong Pit Stop

4:00 AM

ETA Manila

The investment to the trip was worth every cent. I’ve reached the top most part of Luzon and was able to lounge by the golden beach of Pagudpud.

Vigan Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/287/07_1130-_Sunrise_Vigan

Bangui Windmill Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/290/07_1201-_Sunrise_Bangui_Windmill

Laoag Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/288/07_1130-_Laoag

Kabigan Falls Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/294/07_1201-_Kabigan_Falls

Other Cams Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/295/07_1201_Other_Cams

Picnic Maira-ira Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/296/07_1201-_Picnic_Lunch_Blue_Lagoon

Aqua Grande Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/297/07_1201-_Afternoon_Aqua_Grande

Patapat Viaduct Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/298/07_1201-_Patapat_Viaduct

Sunset Pagudpud Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/299/07_1201-_Sunset_Pagudpud_Beach

Sunrise Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/300/07_1202-_Sunrise_Pagupud

Lounging Pagudpud Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/301/07_1202-_Lounging_Day_Pagudpud Sunset Cape Bojeador Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/302/07_1202-_Sunset_Cape_Bojeador

Pacquaio with a record of 45-3-2, 34 KOs while Marquez with 48-3-1, 35 KOs, it was an epic 4 years in the making.  Both fighters are toe to toe in their own departmental skills.   However, we didn’t see a conclusive ending last Sunday.   

The first date between the two was in May 2004, but it wasn’t a candlelit meeting.  It was pound for pound knuckle sandwiches that got served as dinner.  Pacquiao was able to topple Marquez three times but Marquez stood his ground and made his way to the 12^th round.  It was declared as a draw.  Manny was equivalently bruised but he should have been the victor that night.   

A Sunday morning in 2008, March 16 in the Philippines, I watched quite a similar ball game between the two.  I woke up early to catch the live telecast at Off the Grill.  But this time, I think they reversed roles. 

Freddie Roach continuously trained Pacquiao, a natural lefty, in developing a powerful right hand as an additional armament.  Unlike Marquez who brought a lot of game plays to execute, confusing Manny a bit, Manny only had a few.  But Manny being a spontaneous and genius fighter as well, played along with Marquez.  Round 3 showed that one power punch and Pacman can very well own the game. 

The fight went to the 12^th round with both brilliant boxers standing, dressed in cold blood.  The fight was a close match.  But my 2 cents on it:  I have to give this one to Juan Manuel Marquez.  Pacman himself had a “shocked” face when he heard his name called as the winner.  He was NOT expecting to win at all.  At the most, he might have expected a draw.  Much as I admire Pacquiao’s boxing abilities, Marquez should have won that fight.  Pacquiao was the one engaging the fight, but it was Marquez who scored so many blows.  He was the one consistent throughout the game.  Moreso, the person who is challenging the champ should have a really convincing win to strip that person off of his belt.  The win for me wasn’t clear-cut.   

I guess what goes around comes around.  Pacman should have won the first, but it was a draw.  This time it should have been a draw or a Marquez bout, but Pacman won it stripping his opponent of the WBC belt. 

For me, the business is still obviously unsettled.  

(Photos courtesy of www.swipesomegloss.com)

We arrived 810AM in Pasay A Room at Makati Shangri-la and as soon as we stepped in the room, we were asked to sign an Insurance form that covers us during the race.  Our measurements were taken.  Hair and make-up done.  A lot of waiting time and getting to know the other teams.  We only found out then that only 5 teams were taken from the 35 semi-finalists that had the interview.  We initially thought 10 teams.  The 5 other teams are celebrity-media paired participants, while we, the other half, were the “consumer” participants.  Some of the celebrities/media joining are Karylle, Andi Manzano, Geoff Eigenmann, and Alfred Vargas.  Pam Pastor and Kathy Moran from media, who were part too of the first installment, Soul of Manila.

Good thing I brought my laptop as I was able to burn some time.  We had breakfast of chili con carne and macaroni cheese quiche, mango muffins and brewed coffee.  I’ve never tasted quiche made that way –very interesting take on quiche.

Oh, and we were handed our N82 phone kits and they revealed that the phones were ours already.  I didn’t want to expect that they’d give us the N82, but Christian and I got one each.  We have 2 weeks to befriend the phone and bond with it.      

Around 11 AM, we were ushered to Circles where we were briefly welcomed and congratulated by Nokia’s brand manager.  Product orientation followed conducted by Nokia’s knowledgeable product manager.   Buffet lunch at Circles followed.   They asked us to change into our black Press Con shirts.  A few minutes later, we were outside Rizal ballroom getting instructed on blocking.  We are Team #2.  Rovilson hosted the Press Con.  Since he was hosting, Bubba had an idea to do the prominent jump mantra of Rovilson and Marc in Amazing Race Asia whenever they reach the pit stop.  They called our team.  The door opened.  We cheered and ran to the stage and did their famous mantra jumping in unison going 360 with two hands up.

It was pretty funny for us, but I’m not sure anybody else got it except for Rovilson.  Rovilson interviews us about our team name and history.  Audio Attack.  I said we’re into music.  Christian said he leaves the singing to me.  Then Rovilson put me on the spot and asked me give a sample.  WHAT THE HECK???  That totally rattled my noggins.  I was sputtering trying to get out of it.  He said ok, how about happy birthday.  I said, can I just rap?   

<Completely Deafening Silence> 

The next few minutes that followed were the most embarrassing moments in my life.  PERIOD.

 We went to our respective seats on stage.  Finally, all teams were introduced.  Then the press started asking a few questions.  15 minutes later, the press con concluded.  

Link: http://www.swipesomegloss.com/2008/03/16/girl-crush-alert-and-more/

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/387/08_0311-_Nokia_Soul_of_the_Night_Photo_Op

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/388/08_0314-_Behind_the_Scenes_Nokia_Press_Con

I haven’t eaten this since high school.  My dad introduced me to this Chinese-owned chicken restaurant.  I love the chicken skin and the sauce.  I can finish their 1 whole chicken in one sitting, especially when the meat is moist.

We passed by the branch in Quezon City and decided to order 1 whole chicken to go.  The oldest branch is located in Binondo, while the one I used to frequent was the one in Shaw Blvd.

Listening to combos.

 

Drinking Bailey’s.

 

Chill. 

It took me one year to actually write an entry about my Soul of Manila weekend adventure.  And what triggered it is the event that transpired the past few days. 

Mid-February of this year, I saw an ad banner in CTC website regarding N82’sSoul of the Night.  I read through it and brushed it off.  I already joined last year and got in.  There’s no way that I can still get in on this one.  A few days later, I visited the site again and said what the heck.  I’m a sucker for thrills.  I applied and sent an entry including a photo of me and Chris.  He didn’t know I actually us both.  A few days later he sent me an SMS telling me about the Nokia website and asked if we should try and send in an entry.  I replied that I already sent one.  This time I really tried to forget about it since probability will say that I wont get in on this one.  Last year, I applied for Nokia N95 Soul of Manila, Canon Photo Marathon, Amazing Race Asia 2 Promo Event and was qualified to join all three to my amazement.  Like in basketball, the team with a winning streak is bound to lose –so I kept an open mind that this time I might just be watching on the sideline. 

Prize to be won: PHP 100,000 cash money, N82 Phone, and Trip to Macau.

Sunday night, I was feeling kinda down.  9 PM, my phone rang, unidentified number.  A split second hesitation and I answered.  Bernice from IdeaShop informed me that me and my teammate are one of the pre-selected teams to join.  We had to attend a panel interview on Tuesday at Temple Bar, Greenbelt. 

Since it’s a tight week for me and Bubba at work, we couldn’t pinpoint what schedule to take.  Finally, the 730 PM slot opened up and with the strike and all, got to Temple at 645 PM. About 10 other pairs were there waiting their turn to be interviewed.  I guess the interview schedule all piled up.  I saw the registration list and there were 35 of us.  We signed the forms and had some cocktails.  We were then ushered to an area where a photographer took a photo op.   Chris had two beers to ease up.  I didn’t take anything because I know one of us had to be sane.  And even with two beers, that sane one is going to be Chris.   

We didn’t realize the time but we were called in around 845 PM already.  Climbing to the 2^nd floor of Temple, my bones crackled inside my skin.  This is the first time I’m going to have a panel interview with Chris. Inside, we were asked to stand in front of the Mic and the camera.  The panel consisted of 5 “judge” who informed us that out of the approx. 1,800 entries, they picked out 35 entries set for interview.  Only 10 from the 30-35 interviewed would be part of the Adventure.  The three (from the Ad Agency) were beaming which made me relax a little.  The two others from Nokia had stoic expressions on their faces.  The interview rolled and it was light and actually fun.  I heard a few laughs in between, which can (haha) be a good or bad sign.  

After the interview, Chris and I watched Sleuth and forgot about it. 

Today, an hour ago, I received a call from Bernice congratulating me because we are 1 of the 10 teams that got in.   

Next Stop: 

Soul of the Night Press Conference

March 14, 2008 –8 AM

Circles @ Makati Shangrila Hotel

“Ten passionate teams set out on a quest to discover the soul of Manila in the Nokia N95 Wireless Adventure, where, armed with a Nokia N95, they had to undergo several fun tasks for two days that made them shop at a market, learn a secret recipe, put together a work of art, record a song, shoot videos, take and edit photos, find their way around the city, and sing their hearts out.”

May 30, 2007.  3 days after the Nokia Wireless Adventure Weekend, a culminating party at Ayala Museum was held.  I invited Chai, Chris and Kenny to go with me since we were allowed to bring guests.  Chai was in a lovely violet dress.  I was wearing a black and white ensemble –black Regatta off the shoulder top and white skirt. 

All of the participating teams were present.   

Team #1 –Capone’s Jay Server and Jennifer Juco

Team #2 –Digital Tour’s Manu Sandejas and Michelle Aguas

Team #3 –On Foot’s Tim Tayag and Cathy Garcia

Team #4 –Fully Booked’s Jaime Daez and Jane Chua

Team #5 –Maxim’s (and now famous AR Asia 2 3^rd placer) Rovilson Fernandez and Carlo Suerte

Team #6 –Breakfast’s Patty Laurel and Stephen Ang

Team #7 –Bag Designer Amina Aranaz and Pam Pastor

Team #8 –Stylist Pam Quinones and Glen Flores

Team #9 – Cat Juan and Ed Capulong

Team #10 –Marie Claire’s Rorie Carlos and HWM’s Paolo Manzano 

We started hovering around the cocktail table and got some grub.  We shared a cocktail table with Jennifer Juco, Michelle Aguas and her friends. 

Iya Yotoko, Manu Sandejas and Archie hosted the event.  There was a portion where they showed video clips of the Soul of Manila challenge and we were able to relive the mad dash in finishing the tasks and getting to the venue first.  The bands played.  They posted some of the photos in a big Soul of Manila wall.

The part came where the hosts called the teams one by one on stage.  Team #1 was first and they were interviewed on their insights during the race, while videos of them doing tasks played at the big screen on stage.  Team #2.  Team#3.  Then us. 

Iya:         Your video in Intramuros is the most informative in the group… where did you get the details?

Jane:       Uhm… (stammering)  it’s all Jaime.

Iya:         Aah… Jaime got it from all of his books at Fully Booked.

Finally, all of the teams were on stage.  The moment of truth drew near.  They called one team at a time to step forward (like American Idol style) and told them that their journey ended there.  Three teams were left on the stage, I see Patty on my left and Jaime on my right, and Cat Juan beside Jaime.  I was surprised to still be standing on stage.  Patty’s team was called next.  And then there were two.  A 5-point difference separating them.  PHP 50, 000 and a trip to Amanpulo for two per participant (the one I’ve been dreaming to go to since 4 years back) were at stake. 

They announced the winners.  Deservingly, Cat Juan and Ed Capulong won the whole event.  Everyone cheered as we blissfully closed our Nokia adventure. Thank God for the blessings that came my way in 2007.  I had quite a ride with Nokia Wireless Adventure, Kota Kinabalu, and Amazing Race Asia Promo Event among others.

 Link: http://www.nokia.com.ph/A4533013?newsid=-6026

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/179/07_0530-_Nokia_Culminating_Party

Related Entry: http://cushee.multiply.com/journal/item/203/Discovering_the_Soul_of_Manila

Video: http://cushee.multiply.com/video/item/23/Nokia

Video: http://cushee.multiply.com/video/item/24