What's up as of the moment.....

Work by: Pro Gelladuga
Such a magnificent talent.
Now this is what I call a live picture right there...

A friend of mine asked me to model for his
students taking up a course in lighting for
professional photoshoots. I had fun.
20 people taking simultaneous shots!
What an experience!

My colleague in the Bible Study and at work,
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
Ms. Ela Lisondra for making a difference in Euro-Disney...
You go girl! Take it! It's yours!

Engr. Patrick Mabanta, choreographer, photographer,
a graphic/web designer and a good friend visited us with
his mom and brother.
And so did Shei, her sister and with their
loved ones.


--00--

Kuya Vincent, my brother from another mother, spent his birthday...

I just had to mention him because he had been a very
good brother to me.
Dude! I salute you! Happy birthday man!

The "Rock" graced Hong Kong Disneyland's Disney on Parade
of his presence 2 weeks ago. It was a surprise for all of us.
I wish I have known of that but since it was top secret... or should I
say top surprise, only the ones who worked that day witnessed everything.

Full-moon gatherings in Pui O are just but exciting,
most especially when I saw Hogan do amazing doubles for the first time.
You could smell the sweat. Hahahaha!!!! Real live action.
He's really a raging talent! He just has amazing hands,
a full God-given talent, which is not to be put to waste...
And what's so wonderful about it is that I get to play the drums.
I just love the music, the setting.... incomparable...


It was fun after several months of hibernation from parties,
Hogan and I had fun at Gil and Rowell's party segue to
bar hopping at Cathy's friend's bar and Solas. Yey!

Smile after smile!

WORKING ABROAD....

"You don't know what the Lord has in store for you.", --- and I've proven this true. I didn't know one of my goals in life would be happening. Most especially when divine intervention constitutes it. Last May of 2007, I auditioned to become a performer for Hong Kong Disneyland. After 2 years, realizations just poured in and I just would like to share it.

Filipinos constitute almost 50% of the cast members of HK Disneyland, specifically the line of business in entertainment. One way or another, each of us, Filipinos share a common thought at the end of the day when we part ways after a day's work.... and that is, "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...".

I could say that Philippines is a much lax place compared to any country. May it be because of culture (Spanish "MAGNANA" habit) or just pure IDENTITY. I was pondering on the number of times I spent checking test papers in Starbucks coffee, how often I went to movie theaters... basically, there are just so much free time when I was back in the Philippines. To think, I got 2 jobs.

However, pay is way different when you work abroad. And since financial stability is a way to survive everyday of our lives, I am more than thankful of where I am today.

Right now, there are 3 main things I consider the most important to keep my career at hold.

I. My employer...

1. It is substantial for an individual of right legal age to know the capacity of the company he/she is working for, how it will develop his/her skills in that field, and how greatly the demand of consumers for the product it offers.

Right where I am, the commodity it sells is "HAPPINESS". And who wouldn't go for it? When I was young, I was told that Disneyland is the happiest place in the world. Don't you agree? You should always be on guard of your company's stability. If you find it rather shaky, it's always good to have a plan B.

2. The contract should always be fair and square.

The compensation for the service you should be rendering should be agreed upon by both parties, by you and your boss. Benefits are to be considered as well, such as: Health Benefits, Just Evaluation ( Training programs and suitable accreditations should be available), Vacation Leave, Mandatory Considerations (Pregnancy and/or being a single parent shouldn't be discriminated), etc.,.

3. Rules and regulations should always be respected.

Just wear the ID for crying out loud. It wouldn't hurt.

II. Myself...

1. My talent.

As a parade dancer, you should always keep yourself healthy. I keep myself abreast with new dance techniques. It's not that much but competition is tough. Anywhere you go, competition is tough so it's a must for you to always keep yourself aware of new trends. Whether you're a teacher, a fashionista, a writer or the president, always go for innovation, up-to-date substance and first-hand information.

2. My capacity.

Be aware of you strengths and weaknesses and don't stop redeveloping yourself. It's undeniable that working abroad could be like hell when loneliness creeps in. Because of that you indulge on some vices (smoking during breaks) and bad habits (indulging on shopping too much). A good way of handling it is to keep everything in balance. Kidding aside, unwind on weekends and have a getaway during your day off. But then, make sure you come to work on time and fully loaded with the capabilities expected of you as your company's employee. Meaning, avoid disappointing your boss. Find a hobby that would make you engaged to it at least every 2 weeks so that you have something to look forward to and to give you a breather once in a while. Explore your surroundings, mingle with people, and avoid being idle. Idle mind is the workshop of the devil, do remember that. Once you get to be in control, you'd always feel refreshed when you go back to work.

I always have this thought in my mind that I represent my country wherever I go. So as much as possible, be productive. Thru your words, thoughts and deeds. Who knows, 5 or 6 years from now, the people's lives that you've touched thru good words, inspiring thoughts and respectable deeds, would one day become thankful of getting to work with you because it helped them to become better people.

3. Discipline.

Know the company's rules and regulations. Know your schedule, have a mind set of what to expect everyday and keep in mind that you'll always do your best no matter what. It's hard to keep up with that though, if you're not happy with what you're doing. So, it's always good to have an assessment of yourself at least everyday after work if what you did for the whole day makes you feel fulfilled or if it makes you feel that you just want to get it over with. This could be tricky. If challenges are presented to you and you find yourself stressed out about it, you might fall into deciding that you can't handle such workload which may lead to thinking that, "Oh! This work just makes my self-esteem go so low". And before you know it, you're jumping from one career to another which doesn't lead you to moving up to the top. Since you're always starting with something new, you end up not growing up, but getting stuck while the people you've been working with before are enjoying their own hierarchy of promotions. So start now by thinking it over whether where you are now makes you happy...

III. The Consumers.

Now, why did I include this as one of the 3 important things. One fact that remains uncommon to a lot of employees is that the real bosses are the consumers that ask for your service. As a performer, it's always good to see that your audience gives you a well-applauded standing ovation or if they always come to see you perform. One thing that I always strive for whenever I go to work are constant fans. You may not know it but consumers have their own favorites and that they talk about it a lot to other people. Just like when an advertisement pops up on TV. Well chosen celebrities are paid to make a label known. I always see to it that I'd catch the subliminal language behind it. There is an assured guarantee that even if the product is not that good, still, it would be believed so if a very well known celebrity pulls it up amongst the viewers.

Now, whatever you do, wherever you go and whatever you are, may you be a sculpturist, computer engineer, or a model, SELL IT!!!!!

Related posts:
1. WHY PHILIPPINE OFW'S GOT THE POWER TO REBUILD ITS ECONOMY THRU FINANCIAL EDUCATION - Philippine OFW's are all over the world. Due to that, they are the ultimate dollar remitters and they are the largest generator of funds contributing to the country's GNP. Therefore, it makes sense for them to be guided through financial education.

2. AFFORDABLE FOOD IN HONG KONG THAT WILL SURELY MAKE YOU COME BACK FOR MORE - For the foodie tourists bound to Hong Kong who are on a budget, check this list out of the Instagram post worthy local delicacies that are affordable and yummylicious!

3. GOOD DEBT VS. BAD DEBT - As per advice by a lot of financial advisors out there, before going for any form of investment, make sure, you're debt free. But are all debts bad? Read on.

My Magic Egg-LOVE-plant

I am, but more than excited for this one to work. I've always cried out to Hogan how much I wanted a pet in the house. We both like to have a dog but that's not really possible since Harbour Plaza Resort City wouldn't allow that. Fishes.... too hard to keep up with... so this Valentine's, I was so thankful with what he got me... a plant to grow...

I am not quite sure with how to do it.
I don't know if I even own a green thumb...but this is a start.

Instructions for this cute little thingy go:

1. Open bottle cap.

2. Giving water into bottle till water level upper egg.

3. After 1-3 hours, tap part of egg will automatically be broken slowly.

4. Please remove extra after egg breaks.

5. Add suitable soil to the cup and cover it with 1 centimetre thick soil. Make sure water it every
2-3 days. Do not water it everyday or too much at once.

6. Await 3-10 days for germination. (Suitable germination temperature:25-35 degrees C for
3-10 days).

Valentine's Day '08

As my Hogan and I were trying to relax, all cuddled up on the couch, him watching the Rugby Super-14, and I, trying to finish one chapter in my book called, "I Love You", by Gordon O. Martinborough, I came across a very informative insight about the importance of communication while dating... I can't find the most perfect way of revising it so I would just present to you how he wrote it...

"Ask wise questions.

Some dating partners are quite talkative. Others, however, are shy and silent. Some are nervous because they are fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing and losing the friendship. But the big reason for dating is to know one another better, and we cannot know each other unless we communicate with each other. Effective communication involves both talking and listening.

Those who feel afraid of talking should learn the art of asking questions. The fact is that when we do the questioning, we get the other person to do the talking! One of the biggest secrets of a good conversation is to ask the right questions. A question that allows "yes" or "no" for an answer is a poor question, for it fails to encourage conversation. A good question gets a person to express himself or herself. For example, instead of saying, "Did you like the concert?" one may ask, "What do you think about the concert?" or "What do you like about the performance?"

When we date, it is wise to discuss things that will help one to know who the other really is and hopes to be. Talk about education, lifestyle, likes, goals, family, etc. We should avoid majoring in minors. In that sublime description of "a virtuous woman" recorded in the last chapter of Proverbs, one of the qualities is, "she speaks with wisdom" (Proverbs 31:26). And a noble man does likewise.

Learn as you listen.

If one listens long enough, and observes well enough, one will learn who his or her partner really is. Jesus said that "out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). The one who listens intelligently is able to evaluate and answer the question: Is this the kind or person I am searching for? If it is not, there's a red light. If it is, there's a green light that may someday lead to the marriage altar.

The benefits of intelligent dating are many. It affords opportunities to know oneself better, to understand and evaluate persons of the opposite sex, to deepen friendship, and to make the ultimate choice of a life companion."

Hogan's 1st Trip to the Philippines...

Honestly, I just couldn't really bear the idea that Hogan wouldn't be able to meet my cousins Jep and Alvin. Not that I only have two but, at least, he could have some memories to bring by being with these 2 crazy cats. Hahaha! My cousin Jep was bound for U.S. this February 19 so, we had to see them. I booked the ticket with Cebu Pacific with the help from Ate Aima, one of my angels. It happened during our 2 days off from work. 2 hour trip, 2 hours of waiting in the new Terminal 3 airport, then before we know it, we were standing in front of Andok's Lechon Manok ordering some booze and pulutan... We spent our first night in Jep's rest house in Pansol, Laguna. And we drank the night away talking just about anything. The fun part was, the boys getting along with each other and reminiscing the crazy fun times we've spent together in this place. Love it, love it!!!!! Too bad, Hogan didn't get a taste of the KTV fever and the pool. But we lacked time and there was a lot of shopping to do. After witnessing the sunrise, Hogan decided to sleep 7am-ish and we woke up 2pm. Had a hearty Bulalo lunch and then headed for Manila.

On our way to our target hotel, Contemporary Hotel (located along Araneta Ave.), Alvin didn't realized that he's car violated the "Coding Law"... I don't know if I have called it the proper way but this is the law where cars whose plate numbers end in 0-1, can't go out on Mondays, 2-3 on Tuesdays... and so on from 7-10am and 3-7pm. There's a window time thought where all of the cars can go out from 10am to 3pm... Moving on, I was so thankful and embarrassed at the same time when we paid the police to let us go. Firstly, Hogan had to see it personally, that's why I'm thankful that I didn't have to have a hard time explaining to him how corruption goes in the Philippines. Forgive for being not so much of a patriot to my own country but that's what's so true about Philippines. Corruption is just incurable already. Then, I felt embarrassed since, that's not something to be proud of. My goodness!!!! Just a freaking hundred and we got away. That's how needy and greedy they could be.

Complimentary Hotel is just walking distance from SM Centerpoint. This SM branch is so limited but Hogan and I managed to have fun shopping. He was so surprised to see me so scared of the by-standers that we've encountered as we crossed the overpass and he was laughing at how I react with my own country. We did some shopping for the planned night out.

We were supposed to go to Embassy but Jep changed the itinerary. Since he said, there's this sister club of Embassy in Eastwood, Libis that they haven't checked out, he decided for us to have a 1st feel altogether. It's called "The Manor" and Hogan jokingly reacted, "What? The Man-Whore?" Boys will be boys! It was the club's house warming, so it was a good idea to experience all that fun. The guest list wasn't that hot. Nevertheless, we came. So, it wasn't all that bad. (This is my pain-body talking so, just kidding....give way to self-esteem people. LOL!) We had fun and that night, "Whatever You Like" became the official song for our little getaway. Yahoo!!!!

We ended up the night by eating breakfast at Tapa King. Our all time favorite.

And like all good things, it has to somehow come to an end. More shopping in SM after waking up at 10am. Made Hogan taste the local steak. The cool lads brought us to the airport. Thank God we didn't explode, Hogan and I. Almost, since the airport staff was such a pain in the ass. They command you to hand in the boarding pass in the meanest way I know. Hogan was right to say that the airport should be a place where people would flash you a welcoming smile or would wish you have a nice trip. It's my first time to get a "not-so-excited" feeling. Because, they're just so mean. Maybe Terminal 3 hasn't been that developed yet. It looked gloomy to most of the people whose about the leave. Or maybe, it's just the people.... Oh well... back to reality.... Work, work, work!

Happy Accessories for Sale

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/video/video.php?v=43646246525&subj=646881525

Thanks CATV for choosing me to be one of your models...
Thanks Mr. Ben Rosagazo for the wonderful photos...

Splendid Holidays!

It has been indeed a fruitful year... I ended up the year like how I used to in the Philippines. 12 cast members did ledge dancing for HK Disney and it was all a night of dancing and fun.

However, I'd like to criticize somebody. Excuse the non-universal language that I'm going to use. But it's only for concerned Filipino citizens...



Minsan lang ako mag-Tagalog sa blog ko ano!!!! At kahit kailan, hindi ko binalak na maglagay ng something negative dito. Pero, ganun pa man, wala akong pakialam. Meron kasing ungas na nakakahiyang sumagot sa tanong ng emcee during the event. Tinanong siya, anong new year's resolution niya for 2009, ang sinagot ba naman, "I have a message for our president, f**k! May konting pause tapos tinapos niya with, "good luck, SH**!" Ang nasabi na lang ng emcee eh, "Peace?!" Grabe! Sobrang nakakahiya. Pinoy pa naman. At lalo pang pinalala nung sinundan siya ng isang bagets ng matinding sagot nung siya naman ang tinanong kung anong new year's resolution niya, ang sagot ng bagets, "ang magkaron ng maraming 100 na score sa exams!" Hindi man lang niya inisip na maraming Filipino overseas workers na present. Unang una, hindi man lang niya sinagot 'yung tanong. Pangalawa, daig pa siya ng bata sumagot!!!! Maayos at may pinagaralan. Sa harap pa ng international camera niya sinabi 'yun!!!!! Hay nako!

My 2008 line of favorite pics...

"JANUARY"

I have to admit, even if it's a season of extraordinary fashion,
I hate winter. And by this month of the year,
I was practically longing and dreaming of clear waters, blue sky

and lovely sun so I choose this to stand for the first month of my year.
Maldives, Hawaii, Bali, Phuket, Boracay.... oooh!!!!
Thoughts of it help me to feel warm already.

"FEBRUARY"

Need do I say more?
Yes, they got married and they too said their own vows of LOVE.
I just love the ultimate happiness shining from these two people.
Very true...
APPLAUSE!!!!!

"MARCH"

Mr. Rick Twombley...
A very good artist, a very efficient coach,
very talented, very passionate with what he can do and share to co-workers.
Such a beautiful picture, I think how I described him
is said by these shot alone all at the same time.

"APRIL"

Benjie Caraig in action.
This was taken during the High School Musical Show.
There are many who don't know that there is a part
in the show where the High School Musical performers invite guests
to learn the Wild Cats Chant while doing simple dance steps.
This one just captured my heart because of its sweetness.

"MAY"

Ms. Erin Gray,
simply stunning,
simply beautiful!
I love this shot, truly amazing and creative!

"JUNE"

One of the most common natural disasters Hong Kong experience often,
are rainstorms. This year, t9 and t10 hit the country making
every mountain vulnerable to having landslides.
This is a proof of what happened last June in Pa Mei, Tung Chung.
Surprisingly, people that resided here were still expected to go to work
that day. I can't believe there would still be people who would
want to go visit the park during this time of the year.

"JULY"

Mother and son, goofing around. Helen was having fun with her son in the park as they took these cute pictures. I hope someday I would be granted a bonding moment like this if I get kids of my own.

"AUGUST"

The contrasting features of this pictured made me pick it
as one of my favorite pictures this year.
Ana Gloda, a cousin of mine who models for
the John Robert Powers Modeling Company.
I am so proud of her pulling a very cool picture.
"America's Next Top Model"?
Love the show.

"SEPTEMBER"

Ahhh.....
Such a very wonderful site...
This was taken in one of the housemodels a friend of mine checked out.
Who wouldn't want to live here?

"OCTOBER"

Commemorating first year anniversary.
Ever thine,
Ever mine,
Ever ours....
LOVE as it is, has its ups and downs.
But the most important thing is the TRUTH...
It's the secret ingredient of all things.

"NOVEMBER"

It's been a year that I've tried this very bad habit.
Sometimes accomodating especially when you think alone.
But if you're SMART, don't START!
I'm not proud of it.
Hahaha!
I still say NO to drugs.
BLECH!!!! Ain't cool!

"DECEMBER"

Homeless....
Shattered....
Alone....
Destroyed....

Each one of us is entitled to LOVE, CARE and HUMANITY.
Everything that goes with it.
Keep social life at hand,
treat RESPONSIBILITY in the most proper way you know
and most of all,
TRUST GOD,
He'll never let you down!!!!

Wig Party

Jane Logan, ladies and gentlemen, the girl who's full of fun and pretty ideas, came up with a Christmas Wig Party in Tin Shui Wai, 22nd of December, 2008. All of the guests are expected to be in a wig of course and nobody is allowed to attend with just the usual look. Of course in getting the wig, you have to think of the complete ensembles that would perfectly go with it.

Hogan and I had fun in picking up the right wig. We planned to have the same but when we were in Mong Kok to pick up something, we ended up following the "gusto" in us on how to give justice to a persona brought up by the wig. Hogan ended up getting the opposite of what he got. Curly top chose the green straight one after a series of "We don't have that anymore" options. Lol!!!! I chose a very girly one, somewhat opposite of what I had as well, a pink short wig! Oooohhh! I was thinking it will go well with my darling dress.

Cocktails were made, desserts and sushi are in place, room was well decorated with blue, white, silver and gold ornaments... VOILA!!!! Party time!!!! Check out all the people who were behind the scenes! Yey! Another succesful party at hand...

The night didn't just slip away like that.

We had to choose who was the most well dressed up.
Or should we say the one who got the best wig and get up to go with it.
Cathy Cheung, with a pretty and fun set of ensembles together with
Brian, who came up with the most innovative wig/head dress
got the prizes... pineapple and chocolate! LOL!

2008 Babies!!!!!

Having a Tatoo

Sparkling Royal Christmas Ball

High School Musical was put on halt for the Christmas season
to give way to this very nice castle stage show.
It comes with great firework effects...
made me work with a lot of people...
and it's a one-of-a-kind performance which was beyond my imagination.
I didn't expect that the parade team would be trusted of it.
I would surely miss performing this.

Beach Party

Like the good old days, I got the chance to celebrate my birthday with Ms. Ma. Fatima Hermosa, also known as Aima, this year. We decided to celebrate it on December 13 since her birthday falls on the 11th and mine on the 15th. We thought, it wouldn't be bad to make it on the 13th. 5 days before the said celebration, we found out that it was full moon that night. Every full moon, we celebrate under it by coming up with a Drum Circle... It was a night of music, fire knife and drinks!

I want to thank everybody who came and to the best chefs ever....
amongst people from the Pacific Islands, men do the cooking!
Saarraaaapppp!!!! Thank you Hogan and I love you!
Cheers everybody!