dive industry: as bullish as ever

Amid news of a snow storm, some 15,000 divers and marine enthusiasts braved the cold and gathered at the Stephens Convention Center last Feb. 20-23 for the 39th Our World-Underwater Show. In this photo, the Philippine booth—with a head-turning collage of colorful above-land and underwater photos—commanded attention, capturing the interest of show attendees.

During the Our World Underwater Show, the Philippine booth, aside from its awesome display of Philippine underwater life, also offered a variety of information materials and tour packages from its partner dive tour operators and resort owners. In the photo, posing with Director Vernie Velarde-Morales (center) of the Philippine Department of Tourism – Chicago are (from left) Ken Scarbrough, President of Ultimate Dive Travel; Allan Nash, owner of El Galleon Resort in Puerto Galera, Philippines; underwater photographer and Women Divers Hall of Famer Lynn Funkhouser; and Ken Knezick, President of Island Dreams Travel.

The Philippine participation at the Our World – Underwater was marked by its two well-attended seminars and a film showing presented by three respected personalities in the dive industry: Stan Waterman, multi-awarded (read: 5 Emmy awards) film producer and director; Lynn Funkhouser, celebrated underwater photographer; and popular dive leader Michael Hoppe. In this photo are (from left) Philippine Tourism Director Vernie Velarde-Morales, Waterman, Allan Nash of El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, and Funkhouser.

The Philippine team, led by Director Vernie Velarde-Morales (center), Miles Escares (3rd from right), and Gracee Tolentino (3rd from left) of the Philippine Department of Tourism – Chicago, takes a moment to pose during the recently concluded Our World Underwater Show. Also in this photo are (from left) Monica Morales, Jennifer Opena, Mica Morales, Jonnalyn Benolerao, and Maureen Mallari.

adventures in travel expo: over and done with! yehey!

Adventures in Travel Expo Blows into Chicago January 10-11:

More than 200 Exhibitors from Around the World Highlight
Cultural, Active, Experiential Vacations and More

Chicago, IL, (December 11, 2008)— If you’re looking for adventure, escape and worldly activities, right here in Chicago, then drop the remote, rouse yourself off the couch, and head to the only place that fits the bill: Adventures in Travel Expo, Saturday and Sunday, January 10-11, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. While there, you can learn to scuba dive, climb a rock wall, ride a camel, and book your next vacation right on the show floor.

Plan a far-off adventure or a quick weekend getaway with the help of over 200 exhibitors from India to the Philippines: whether you join a group trip, or custom-tailor the adventure of your dreams, you’ll find top experts in every aspect of experiential and active adventure, ready to help and you will save hundreds of dollars on show only vacation discount offers.

“Our exhibitors and partners know how important value is to travelers today. Many have special experiences just for Expo attendees,” noted John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, Expo organizer. “And of course, there’s no better value than the unforgettable memories of a life-changing adventure.”

Throughout the Adventures in Travel Expo, the National Geographic ADVENTURE Theater and the Adventure Expo Theater will spotlight seminars and presentations by top travel experts and adventure travel authors and photographers such as Andrew Zimmern, host of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and Bizarre Worlds; Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die adventure journalist and photographer Peter Potterfield; and National Geographic ADVENTURE photographer Peter McBride.

The Global Beats stage will feature entertainment from around the world, almost nonstop, including the Mariam Tanzania Dancers; Kaua'i Hawaiian Entertainment; Royal Scottish Country Dance Society; Oneida Nation; Filipiniana Dance Troupe; Jasmine Jahal Dancers on Saturday; Hooked on Drums, the Natya Dance Theater and That Tall Juggler Guy will join the lineup on Sunday.

The event is presented by the Chicago Tribune with National Geographic Adventure magazine as the National Magazine Sponsor, the Travel Channel as Supporting Sponsor and the Philippine Department of Tourism as Featured Destination. It is being held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (formerly the Rosemont Convention Center). Hours are 10:30 AM-5:30 PM on Saturday; 11 AM-4:30 PM on Sunday. Tickets are $15.00, and may be purchased online at http://www.adventuresexpo.com/.

The Adventures in Travel Expo (ATE) is the world’s largest active and adventure travel show for the trade and consumers. In 2009, it will be presented in five U.S. cities: Chicago, January 10-11; Los Angeles, February 14-15; Washington, DC, February 21-22. New York City, October 10-11; Seattle, December 5-6. ATE highlights responsible, experiential, active, adventurous, cultural and heritage travel with exhibitors, presentations, hands-on adventure experiences and cultural performances. For more information, visit the Adventures in Travel Expo website at www.adventureexpo.com.

#

--adventureexpo.com

********

This is the Philippine booth. Aside from being the largest booth (well maybe aside from beadiver.com which has its own scuba diving pool), it also has the best location--right behind the registration area. That strategic location, along with extensive visual exposure through banners and different kinds of advertisements, comes with being this year's Featured Destination.

Moreover, this is also the kickoff point of an extensive "Adventure Philippines" campaign across North America and Europe.

This is the rear view of our booth. It has a mini-theater with an LCD projector. We used that for our film and music video screenings, free "hilot" massage, and cultural performances.

It's really cool to see these little ones perform native dances. I like the fact that they are still in touch with their native culture despite the fact that most of them are born and raised here.

You can just imagine how amused the Caucasians were seeing our young cultural dancers perform native dances. We were standing there along with the huge crowd and clapping wildly like proud parents. It was just one of those moments when you feel so proud to be part of something that has done something big.

Of course another big hit here is our authentic "hilot" massage. Randy here had to go beyond the show hours just to finish his long list of those who want to find out how good he is with his hands.

Co-founder of Adventure Travelers Society Lisa Greyhill at the Adventure and Travel Theater. She visited the Philippines recently and had the time of her life. She was more than happy to give educational seminars on the must-see adventure destinations in the Philippines on both show days.

We also had a very good exposure at the Global Beats Stage.

...and the crowd loved it!

Patricia Schultz, author of "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" was also on hand to give educational seminars to adventure traveler wannabes. Local columnists from Inquirer, Star, and Manila Bulletin were also there to cover the event and interview her.

Team Philippines.
For those who do not know, that two days required three months of non-stop, nerve-wracking, grueling hard work. Of course we had so much fun organizing and facilitating all the activities during the event. Plus it gives a wonderful feeling being able to serve and represent your country in a big way even if you're miles and miles away. Imagine if those 12,000 people who came to know about the Philippines told two of their friends about it--even if only one percent of that number actually managed to book a flight to the Philippines, that would still create a substantive ripple of change.

Still, with all that said, I am so glad the whole thing is over! A breather is all I need before Our World-Underwater on Feb 20-22.

***
at shempre all work and no play makes gracee a dull girl. (Well actually nauto lang talaga ko ni Micah para sumakay sa camel.)



Natalo si Micah by a millisecond! Hehe ang walang hiyang yun, hindi man lang pinagbigyan yung bata!



Waaah! Pussy, ayaw sumale!

ako lang ang walang yearender...deym

in the meantime, let's add traffic to bongpanget's website. kawawa naman e.

kapamilya.bongpogi.com

merry christmas to all!!!

one short day in the emerald city

here's another reason why i love this city: it's oozing with arts and culture. two weeks ago, vera and i went to see wicked. it's a little expensive, but vera couldn't have said it better when she said it was money well spent.

of course you have to know the story of the wizard of oz to appreciate it. it's actually about the untold story of the wicked witch of the west. basta panuorin niyo when you get the chance.
grabe up to now i still can't get over it, and i'm looking forward to catching the next big show in broadway. hayy dito ko namimiss si nek and des. remember guys when we watched that international silent film fest. that was german right? hehe basta it's about the big, bad dr. mabuse! hehe

anyhow. below are excerpts of some of my favorite wicked songs. enjoy!

Wicked

NO ONE MOURNS THE WICKED

GLINDA:
And Goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked die alone
It just shows when you're Wicked
You're left only
On your own

Ozians:
Yes, Goodness knows
The Wicked's lives are lonely
Goodness knows
The Wicked cry alone
Nothing grows for the Wicked
They reap only
What they've sown

DANCING THROUGH LIFE

FIYERO
The trouble with schools is
They always try to teach the wrong lessons
Believe me, I've been kicked out
Of enough of them to know
They want you to become less callow
Less shallow
But I say: why invite stress in?
Stop studying strife
And learn to live the unexamined life

Dancing through life
Skimming the surface
Gliding where turf is smooth
Life's more painless
For the brainless
Why think too hard
When it's so soothing
Dancing through life
No need to tough it
When you can slough it off as I do
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life
So keep dancing through

I'M NOT THAT GIRL

ELPHABA
Hands touch, eyes meet
Sudden silence, sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl:

Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl

Ev'ry so often we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in

Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him
Gold hair with a gentle curl
That's the girl he chose
And Heaven knows
I'm not that girl:

Don't wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
I wasn't born for the rose and the pearl
There's a girl I know
He loves her so
I'm not that girl


DEFYING GRAVITY

ELPHABA: (sung)
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo,
At least I'm flying free.
To those who'd ground me,
Take a message back from me:
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity!
I'm flying high,
Defying gravity!
And soon I'll match them in renown.
And nobody in, all of Oz.
No Wizard that there is or was.
Is ever gonna bring me down!

meeting with the president

Her Excellency Gloria Magapagal-Arroyo
Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Il.
November 11, 2008


well...i was just there for the food. =)

sloppy firsts

"Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God." - Aeschylus

The first snowfall of the year descended upon Chicago on my first day at work.

It was four p.m., and just as my colleagues and I were hopping inside the rented vehicle that would take us to O’Hare, where my first project as a marketing and communications specialist would take place, one little snowflake hit the tip of my nose. It sent a tingling sensation down my spine; it felt like a soft kiss from the sky. At first I thought it was raining; then I looked around and saw a million white things dancing in the air. For a while I was worried I wasn’t as bundled up as I should be.

“Nah, it’s just flurries, you’ll be fine,” my colleague said. Unlike most people here, I wasn’t trained to sit through weather reports before leaving the house. I didn’t know it’s something that they really hold sacred here, like a bushido or something that they really need to know by heart and live by. Anyway.

I should have captured that moment, I know. I must have looked really silly. There I was in the middle of downtown Chicago, grinning like a child on Christmas morning, holding my palms up, waiting for the sky to open up and drop some more.

It was just so magical. It gave me a weird feeling—the happy kind of weird if you know what I mean. It felt almost like I was in grade school again and it was the first day of school. Or I was five and it was my first time to ride a bike. Or the first time I rode a plane and went out of the country. The first time I went to Disneyland. The first pay check. The first kiss…

They don’t like the snow very much around here. Partly, I think, it's because of the major inconveniences it entails—heavier and costlier coats, oversize gloves, unflattering bonnets and ear muffs, slippery roads, a driveway-full of snow, coughs and colds, precious leisure time spent inside the house. And partly, i think, it's because of the cold. It can really get pretty cold around here. Really cold. In fact too cold that sometimes even the noon-time sun seems useless.

I am yet to feel the kind of cold that winters bring, but if I may be so brazen, I must say that I’ve had my fair share of autumn’s chill. It made me miss the seemingly endless summer days of home. I knew from the start that the seasons would change eventually; I just didn’t think the transition would be drastic, quick, and sometimes harsh. Of course, in times like this, one can always opt to hide under the heavy sheets and curse the weather. Or, one can get up, take one baby step out of the comforter, and start moving.

Physiologically, working out those lazy muscles helps in blood circulation and maintains body temperature. Psychologically, it makes you forget about it. Now I’m not sure about the physiological part, I’m not a doctor. It’s the forgetting part that worked for me. The sheets are so damn comfortable, I know, but it can only do so much. I have learned that if I want to fend off something—whether it’s the winter chill or not—I’ve got to help myself, because sometimes, if not most of the time, nobody will.

Especially in downtown. But I love the downtown—its urban rhythm, beat, bustle and all. It’s mad, mystical, and whimsical. It’s fierce, foreign, feisty, and unforgiving. It won't give you enough elbow room for adjustments; no time for grace period. In most part of Illinois, leaves fall, trees die, wild geese migrate, skunks hibernate, but life goes on in downtown Chicago. Despite the wrath of winter, the men and women in suit would soldier on, wander the streets purposefully like young soldiers in the battlefield. Now I’ve encountered fatal deadlines and worked with some of the fiercest editors before, but never have I understood the meaning of "life on the run" until now. You’ve got to move really fast and learn really fast to keep up with everybody’s pace. Americans are wasteful of everything except time.

Of course this is pretty unusual for someone who has always lived the alternative lifestyle—the kind that some people will never get the chance to live even if they work their asses off all their lives. Oops, how mean of me to talk about that during this difficult time. I keep on forgetting that I now belong to a world where the word “economy” makes noses cringe. For someone who’s used to economy flights and economy size, I find it amusing the way Americans deal with recession.

They keep on relating it to the Great Depression, a time when Americans stand in long bread lines and hide their money under the mattress. It was a time of hardship and suffering on a massive scale. If you ask me, the long NFA rice lines in the Philippines look more like the Great Depression kind than the near-empty shopping malls here. I think they’ve become so accustomed to their high life that they think it’s depressing already that they need to hold off any attempt at hitting the mall and buying one of those things they’ll never use. If you want my honest opinion, I’d say the war on terrorism and the surging oil prices are not the problem. It’s this culture that is cushioned and conditioned by credit cards and the generation that turns a blind eye on this glaring fact that kill them. But then again that is just my opinion.

Aside from money, almost everything else here is fast and fleeting, which is why running is a way of life. Everything comes in unceremoniously, and just as you are starting to recover from the shock and get comfortable with it, it leaves—also unceremoniously. Just like that big sale at the corner of State Street. Just like that train I’ve waited an hour for. Just like the flurry that day at four p.m.—it didn’t even last for more than 20 minutes. Just like autumn.

Autumn was my first heartbreak. For someone who came from California where the weather is more Pinoy-friendly, the thought of living in Chicago used to give me the chills. But that was before I saw autumn. It was picture-perfect, not to mention the climate is just right. The sun is bright and hot but the chill of winter is in the air. It is truly Chicago’s crowning glory.

On a good day, the skies would be so blue--the bluest I've seen so far—even at noon when sunlight is at its prime. It would complement the cacophony of colors everywhere—mostly from the falling leaves along tree-line sidewalks. I just love that crackling sound when dried leaves crumble beneath my feet.

The best thing about autumn is that it changes its face every day; no day is the same. And every day I would tell myself to make it a point to bring my good old camera whenever I go out. For some darn reason and some vague excuse, I never got around to doing it. Before I knew it, the leaves have fallen and then it was winter. Just like that. Winter came just as I was growing emotionally attached to autumn. I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.

Well I guess that's just one of the realities I need to live with from now on. It's not like I have much of a choice. I can't hold on to something that doesn't belong to me. Right now I'm just glad I was one of the privileged few who got to see and appreciate it. And so I say hasta luego, autumn, I’ll see you when I see you. Even with bad reviews, I still look forward to the promise of winter. Come on, it can't be that bad, right? And besides, I’ve always loved the color white.

But I'm afraid I'm the only one who does. They didn’t even flinch at the idea of the first snowfall, those men and women in suits in downtown. For them it simply meant shoving aside their bright summer clothes and stacking up on high-calorie junks. But for me it represented the first of the many firsts that I will enjoy and endure from this day onwards.

I’ve just turned 25. Isn’t it weird that I’m already about to start the second quarter of my life (suppose I live to be a hundred years old), and yet I’m still encountering a lot of things for the first time? Did I start late? Do they ever run out? Will I wake up one morning and dare to say I’ve been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale without much humiliation? I don’t know. I really wish but I really don’t know. I know there’s perfection in things familiar, but that’s just too far ahead right now. After all, all I am is just a small girl in a big big city. Maybe tomorrow I’ll conquer Chicago; then after that, the world. But before I get there, I am fully aware that there would be undulations in the process. It's the same everywhere; who am I to complain? The trick really is to be optimistic and believe in the fact that the future will always be better than the past. For now, I'm just enjoying the thrill of discovery that comes with experiencing all these firsts.

obama wins

i know i owe you so much kwento but right now, i can't afford to just sit here and write about mundane things while america is making history. the good thing about this is i'm right in the thick of the action. my workplace (uhuh, i'm a downtown girl--details to follow) is right across where the obama rally is being held right now. since no one is allowed to stay in the surrounding office buildings beyond 3pm, i went over to grant park as soon as i got off just to catch a glimpse of whatever's gonna happen--a party, a riot, a terrorist attack, whatever. they said this is quite the first time in a long time that america has gotten too much involved in their election. if i'm not mistaken, today's voters are more active, engaged, and enthusiastic now than at any time in history. this election has been the constant subject of conversations since i got here. even oprah and saturday night live made it into the front page of leading newspapers just for flirting with politics. now i'm not sure how this is all gonna change my life here. i'm just more than happy to be part of it.

before anything else...

Unlike most journeys that require only a single step, mine began with a giant leap. Surprisingly though, the decision didn't come as a painful struggle. In fact, there was a highly tempting invitation that made deliberating rather useless. The bait--or should I say, the major driving force behind the movement--is the perennial presence of my long-time boyfriend. The other--which they say is equally important--is "the good life."

But as some of you know, the weeks before my departure had been tumultuous. I guess if it were not for the wonderful people I'm leaving behind, the transition wouldn't have been as drastic. But still I'm glad I felt the way I did. If it had been easy for me to let go, then what kind of a life have I lived in there? I am so lucky I have a loving and caring family who supported me through and through and a wide circle of hot, gorgeous, intelligent, and ever-supportive friends.

Grabe, you really can't have too many friends in this life. Napatunayan ko 'to during my most trying times. Hindi ko inexpect yung warmth na inextend niyo saken. Up to now, I still can't help but smile when I remember my last few days there. I don't know kung paano ko susuklian lahat yun, it meant so much to me. Sobrang thank you, everyone, for giving me a rare opportunity to be loved and taken care by all of you.

So before I begin a new chapter in my life, I just want to thank these people who threw in their extra time and effort just to give me something to look back and go back to when I leave.

Fit for Royalty

My very chic, Manhattan-inspired surprise bridal shower at Elan Hotel with sher, nek, des, and rhas.

Friends for like Forever!


Good times and thought-provoking discussions with my bene friends over japanese food and cream rose at santana and four-twenty.

BF Kids on the Block



A heart-warming, tear-jerking, blair bitch-themed despedida with my fellow drunkards. I didn't know these mahaderas and car junkies have a soft spot. =)

It's in the Blood.


Family gatherings are never complete without the force field of noise my relatives create whenever they see each other. Above are pictures of my cousins. We're cousins by blood, but they're brothers and sisters to me.


Time Warp




September 21, 2008. My family threw a surprise birthday and christmas party at home with guests pats and pj. I left for the States that night.

happy one year to my blogging life!

yey!!!!

pride can stand a thousand trials,
the strong will never fall
but watching stars without you,
my soul cried.

The Big, the Bad, the Bold, and the Beautiful

You know how karmic revenge works? It’s like one moment you’re so happy you can die tomorrow and the next you’re so upset you wanna die today. Well the same disparity applies in this industry. One moment you feel a deep sense of purpose, the next you find yourself surrounded with a bunch of superficial bitches, whose asses—perfumed with designer labels, of course—must be kissed at all times.

A day after the karting event, I was invited by an old friend of mine (a creative director by profession) to attend a cocktail party hosted by Makati Shangri-La as part of the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics. I didn’t look around that much, but from the stench of the plush, oriental-themed lobby I could detect the presence of the people who matter. The scene was amusing from where I was seated. As the sweet sound of the orchestra was playing in the background, different kinds of dimsum and Peking duck rolls were passed around by costumed ladies. Imported wines in different colors were consumed by dignitaries. Business transactions were openly discussed. Designer clothes were paraded. And pleasantries were exchanged even between competing forces.

Being part of these occasions used to be part of my job. As an editorial assistant, it was my job to serve as a walking advertisement of my magazine. Ah, the glamour and grandeur—I just feel so lucky that I’m not part of this anymore. There were times that night when I felt the urge to break into a conversation and talk about the existing woes in Burma and China. If I weren’t too Catholic, I would’ve asked them why oh why do they think the poorest of the poor are always the ones feeling the brunt of nature’s wrath, when in fact there are people like them who seem to be better equipped to handle such catastrophes. What would the brats have said? I guess I’ll forever wonder.

You know what, sir, I finally said, let’s get out of here. After all, Chinese food—whether fine-dining or street-cooked—tastes pretty much the same.

And so we walked into the dark night, leaving behind all the bright and fancy lights of the big bad city.

Silent Night

Christmas na!

. . .

...and here i was thinking love rewards those who wait. god, i have to stop being bitter.


Apple and Basty