Boracay trip

Long overdue, but it's better late than never sharing my trip to Boracay. That was on the first week of June, the same week that the rainy season for the country officially started. 

Nevertheless, the weather was fair , just in time, perhaps, before the wet season actually started. The initial feelings of a first-timer was first written while I was actually at Boracay. It's here. 

This times, I just want to share some of my favorite photos during the trip. :) And maybe a timeline together with the pictures as well. :)

Day 1: June 4

5:00 pm- Arrival in Caticlan Airport. Media friends and I took the motor boat to Boracay Island. A mere five minute ride with these two beastly machines.

Two 225 horsepower engines

5:30 pm- Arrived and checked in at Boracay Garden Resort

My room was big

6 pm- First step in the white sands. Witnessed the beautiful sunset

8:30 pm- Had dinner at Boracay Garden Resort's Garden Cafe. Filipino specialty cuisines were served

Shrimp ukoy

Ended the day partying, drinking some, and just having fun in the different bars lined up in the Boracay beachfront

Day 2: June 5

8 am- Woke up and had breakfast again at Garden Cafe

I just loved the cafe's high ceiling

10 am- Had relay games and then continued swimming at one of the resort's beautiful pool

12 nn- Lunch was Chinese cuisine

In between before night time, I went to have a Swedish Spa at the sister hotel, Boracay Regency. And it was awfully good. Shocks, it was so good I didn't know how many curse I said in my head. Haha! 

7 pm- Korean dinner, poolside

Kimchi making

Again, spent the night out. :)

Day 3: June 6

7-9 am- Swim, swim and swim in Boracay beach

I could not get enough of it

10 am: By this time, I already fixed myself and then I took breakfast. Then by 

12 pm: Two hours later I was having lunch, Turf and Surf

1 pm- Last stroll along the beachfront. Went also to Boracay D' talipapa to shop for pasalubong

4 pm- Flight back to Manila

Boracay! I will be back!

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2’: A bittersweet finale

THROUGHOUT the long wait, anticipation and expectations over the final Harry Potter film, there is but one question that fans asked: Will the film prove to be the “perfect” ending to the Harry Potter saga they had loved so much?

Judging from the reactions of those fortunate enough to watch the advance screening on July 12 at SM Mall of Asia’s IMAX, the answer was a resounding Yes!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2 did live up to everyone’s expectations and silenced those who doubted the movie. 

Still it was a bittersweet ending.

Happy that the film stuck true to the Harry Potter story and sad that there would not be any more films to look forward to. 

In general, Deathly Hallows-Part 2 was executed properly from the script, the direction and the acting.

First, a lot of credit must be given to screenwriter Steve Kloves for being able to divide the last book of J.K. Rowling in such way that both parts remained engaging and equally shared in the excitement.

The movie immediately picked up where the first part ended, with Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) setting out to find the remaining Horcruxes to kill Lord Voldemort before he could kill Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and take over the wizarding world.

Kloves also did a good job with the flow of the movie, effectively setting up the final battle between good and evil film and making each scene important in the advancement of the story.

A big thumbs up also for director David Yates for showing how the Harry Potter novel had evolved through the years. He was able to effectively portray Harry’s maturity, that he wasn't a child anymore but a man ready to sacrifice even his own life for the people and world that accepted him.

ates was also able to balance the action and the drama in Deathly Hallows-Part 2. Visually, the film was loaded with fight scenes using wands and magic, yet amidst all the action sequences the emotions of the characters remained evident. 

It made the audience share in the sadness of how it felt to lose someone you loved; inspired that even the weak could still be brave and strong; and how anything could be possible with faith.

Lastly, every actor portrayed his character with heart. They were all magical beings whether the good or the bad.

As for Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint—for one last time holding each other’s hand after winning and surviving the battle—they became true friends just like Harry, Hermoine and Ron. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2 served as a fitting climax to the eight movies that spanned 10 years.

It would not disappoint even if it really means goodbye.

For Harry Potter fans, be sure to spend a little more in 3D especially IMAX. It’s an additional treat to the whole experience. 

Distributed by Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part 2 will be released in Philippine theaters and IMAX, in 3D and 2D on July 14. It opens worldwide on July 15.

First published for The Manila Times. See here.

Tears shed for last 'Harry Potter' premiere

“EMOTIONAL” was exactly how everyone—from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, the filmmakers, JK Rowling, to the fans — felt at the last red-carpet premiere of the Harry Potter saga on July 7 (July 8 in Manila) at Trafalgar Square, London.

The red carpet for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was set on a backdrop of thousands of fans who gathered and waited for days to catch one last time their favorite Harry Potter actors.

And as the last film adaptation of Rowling’s seven-part book series ends a 10-year journey, main characters Radcliffe, Watson and Grint could not help but be moved to tears.

Counted at 3,000, fans not only from the United Kingdom but also from other countries including Canada, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Sweden, Belgium and Singapore camped out at Trafalgar Square for days under bad weather.

More fans became part of the red-carpet premiere as Warner Brothers Inc. showed a live stream through its Harry Potter fanpage on Facebook.

Arriving at the much-awaited event, Grint, Watson and finally Radcliffe (who flew in from New York where he was rehearsing for Broadway to catch the premiere) were welcomed by the excited screams of the fans at Trafalgar Square.

They were not disappointed as the three signed autographs, had their pictures taken with them and returned gratitude to their loyal fans.

The three young stars made a quick stopover at the big stage in the middle of the square to share their feelings on what is dubbed as “the end of an era.”

The actors, who first became Harry Potter (Radcliffe), Hermoine Granger (Watson) and Ron Weasley (Grint) at the age of 10, grew up filming Harry Potter.

Now at 21, they said that they cannot believe that it really is the end.

The three admitted how emotional they were when they shot the last scene.

Still, Radcliffe, cannot help but feel “incredibly happy” despite the saga’s end especially on how the last film turned out.

He said, “The way it [Deathly Hallows: Part 2] turned out, we cannot have made a better version.”

And summing up, Radcliffe, who gave life to boy wizard Harry Potter, described the whole journey to be “inspirational, surreal and bizarre.”

The three then became really emotional when they said thanks to one another.

Watson, who really cried hard said that she will definitely miss the two boys.

Grint, however, expressed it best when he said, “The best half of my life, I shared with you two. I love you.”

Fans at Trafalgar Square and around the globe cried with their idols as they tweeted messages of sadness and happiness in Twitter.

They, too said that Harry Potter had been a part of their lives growing up reading and watching the saga.

Besides Radcliffe, Watson and Grint, the fans also showed their love to the Harry Potter creator, JK Rowling. Cheers of “JK! JK! JK!” from the crowd made the author cry.

She said that she did not imagine that Harry Potter would be such a phenomenon. But all the credit she gave to the readers saying, “No story lives unless someone wants to listen.”

And to Rowling, Radcliffe said, “Whatever happens for the rest of my acting career, I owe it to you.”

Other favorite Harry Potter actors who also arrived, much to the delight of the fans, were Robbie Coltrane as the half-giant Hagrid, Ralph Fiennes as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Lord Voldemort, Helena Bonham Cater as the evil Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange, Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape and Tom Felton as arch nemesis Draco Malfoy.

Distributed by Warner Bros., Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part 2 will be released in Philippine theaters and IMAX, in 3D and 2D on July 14.

It opens worldwide on July 15.

First published for The Manila Times. See here. 

Boracay 101: A first timer's guide to the island paradise

EVEN though we’re right in the middle of the rainy season, there are still countless reasons to visit the country’s prized destination that it is Boracay—from the sugary-white powder sand and its clear waters, to the endless gimmick spots along the beach—especially if it’s your first time. 

But before you start packing your bags and start booking tickets, it would be best to read up on the stories of people (Filipinos and foreigners alike) who’ve been to the island paradise, to spare you from looking like a lost child and make the most of your first time.

That's white sand, clear waters, and blue skies for you.

Flight to Bora

With Boracay’s every rising popularity in recent years, traveling to the island has become much more convenient—whether you are traveling by land, sea or air.

Many airlines now offer flights to Caticlan airport in Aklan. There is also the improved Roll on-Roll off system (Ro-Ro) that has evolved as means of public transportation especially for those on a tight budget. Today, at least four Ro-Ros arrive at Caticlan port with most of the passengers bound for Boracay.

The easiest and fastest however is via Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) since it takes directly to Caticlan in just 45 minutes. The airline, founded in 1995 has two nine-seater planes that made the first flight from Manila to Caticlan.

For 16 years, SEAIR is the longest running domestic airline that flies from Manila to Caticlan. It served as a pioneer in leisure airlines for opening access to Philippines’ most famous beach, Boracay.

Serene sanctuary 

The inevitable development and commercialization of Boracay also brought a lot of business opportunities for those involved in hotels and accommodations, and unless it is the peak season, there are plenty of places to stay in the island.

With so many choices of where to stay in Boracay, there’s definitely a place fit for any type of budget or theme (spotted Facebook Resort). But if you’re looking for peace and quiet, a refuge away from the busy and hyped up beachfront, there’s the Boracay Garden Resort at Station 2.

Located inside the busy strip of Boracay, this hotel and resort offers guests utmost privacy. Boracay Garden Chief operating officer, Alfonso Chusuey, said in an interview “Every time I go to the beach, there’s a lot of people. But when I go back here, it’s so quite and relaxing. It’s like a different place.”

Enjoy the peace and quiet. 

“People stay here because not everyone like the crowded beach,” he added.

Formerly Hotel Seraph, Boracay Garden Resort was acquired by Hennan Resorts in 2009. This group also operates Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, Regency Lagoon Resort and Hennan Resort at Alona Beach.

The hotel boasts of 200 spacious rooms. It is also equipped with topnotch facilities like the gym, pools that lies just outside the terrace of your room and sunken bar. It recently opened Garden Café, the hotel’s new restaurant that offers Asian cuisine.

If you want a spa treatment, just head over to its sister resort, Boracay Regency’s Kai Spa for a very relaxing therapy.

Foodtrip

While you’re on it, don’t forget to satisfy your food cravings. You can already do so inside Boracay Garden Resort.

The Garden Café, created to cater to the hotel’s guests (mainly Korean and Chinese), offers a menu featuring Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino dishes. Executive chef Patrick Obia recreated all the favorites with a twist.

Sweet huh?

Starting off with the Filipino menu, get a taste of the favorites Ensaladang manga at Ampalaya and Shrimp Camote Ukoy. There is also Inihaw na Adobong Manok at Baboy and Inihaw na Tilapia sa Gata, both Filipino staples. 

Japanese specialty include chicken yakitori, prawn tempura, sushi and sashimi, kamemashi crab rice and sukiyaki hot pot while Chinese specialty include Schezwan fried chicken, sautéed beef and broccoli, salt and pepper squid, steamed fish fillet with garlic, pork pata tim and yang chow fried rice.

Spicy kimchi!

Then get ready to go crazy over the spicy Korean dishes. Watch and learn how the popular Kimchi (spicy cabbage) is made. Enjoy dwen-jang chi-gae (beef and vegetable soup), chap jae (vermicelli noodles), budlak (spicy fried chicken) and nak-ji bo-kum (spicy stir fry squid), all hot and spicy.

Outside the hotel, don’t forget to try Chorizo burger, freshly cooked seafood like the giant lobsters, and the famous Banana Choconut smoothie from Jonas.

Souvenir hunt

Walking along the beachfront and seeing things for yourself is one thing you must also do in Boracay. Watch people as they get henna tattoos or hilot from local therapists, watch poi dancers, hear live bands, catch the sunset and see different nationalities make their way in the famous Philippine beach.

Taray!

Buy pasalubong at Boracay’s D’ Mall. But if you want to buy everything at half the price, go to Boracay’s d-Talipapa. There you can buy two Boracay T-shirts at P140, bracelets at P10 each, piyaya at three for P100, and many more from handmade bags, rattan materials, sarongs, maxi dresses, hats to danggit and pusit. Just be a good haggler and you’re sure bring a lot home.

Come night and Boracay transforms as the “gimmick spot in white sands.” Feel the summer breeze and booze. Visit the hottest bars like Epic, Summer’s Place and Juice Bar.

Take your pick.

If you don’t want to spend a lot in beverage, try grabbing a drink from a nearby convenient store and stay along the seaside. Smell the seawater and gaze at the stars. Just don’t forget to properly dispose your garbage.

Swim!

Don’t forget, you’re in a beach. It would be a crime not to enjoy the water.

The best time to swim is in during the morning when the sun’s rays are not too strong. It will also give you that golden tan. Wear your killer two-piece, goggles and sunscreen then go hit the beach.

Take a dip

If you’re the adventurous type, try the different water sports offered in the island like jetski, sailing, banana boat, parasailing and many more.

First published for The Manila Times. Read here. All photos by me.

‘Varekai’: A spectacle of color, art and acrobatic drama

Even the floods and the heavy downpour could not dampen the excitement of the people inside the Grand Chapiteau, or the big top tent. They sat on the edge of their seats throughout the two-hour spectacle of color, art and acrobatics that is Circque du Soleil’s: Varekai.

The majestic yellow and blue big top that had a sitting capacity of 2,200 resounded with gasps of amazement—sometimes even fear—as spectators witnessed the reason why everyone has been talking about this world-class circus performance since it premiered on June 20.

First announced in March, the excitement over Varekai escalated over news that performers from different parts of the world have been brought together for the grandest live event of the year.

Varekai, which means “everywhere” in the Romany language, is a magical forest on top of a volcano’s that is inhabited by creatures beyond human imagination. This is where, Icarus, a Greek mythology character that fell on earth, landed.

Icarus, portrayed flawlessly by Mark Halasi will meet different creatures, face many adventures and eventually learn how to fall in love.

The show opened with a bevy of enchanting beings crawling out of the stage. The colorful and playful costumes accompanied by the striking music instantly captivated the audience’s attention. Then, Icarus fell from the sky and was discovered by Varekai habitants.

The Flight of Icarus

Excitement peaked when the first act, “The Flight of Icarus,” went high above the stage. Icarus flew high with acrobatic stunts using a diamond-cut net connected to a rope.

Other aerial acts included the “Aerial Hoop” featuring Leysan Gayazova on a hanging hoop; the “Triple Trapeze”; an act of four young women in a fixed trapeze; and the “Aerial Straps” by a duo of flyers suspended by wrist straps that glide gracefully above the stage in synchronized movements.

Besides the gravity-defying acts, Varekai was also interspersed with a bit of comedy featuring the duo of Steven Bishop and Mercedes Hernandez as a magician and his voluptuous partner. The fight between Skywatcher (Gordon White) and Guide (Otis Cook) also had the audience in fits of laughter.

A Varekai woman

Among the other notable acts were “Balancing on Canes” which features the contortionist Yulia Mykhailova as Icarus’ The Betrothed, hand-balancing on a series of canes; “Meteor Shower” featuring three young children in complicated somersaults; the “Icarian Games” by three brothers tossing each other in the air; “Solo on Crutches;” as well as the Gregorian dance and “Slippery Surface” dance.

Varekai climaxed with the “Russian Swings” with acrobats hurled high into the air, alighting on their partners’ wrists or on a landing canvas, sometimes even flying from one moving swing to the other swing. Truly astonishing.

Icarian Games

At the end of the show, everyone left with on a high with memories of an unbelievable performance they will not soon forget. It just goes to show, no one is ever too old for the circus.

Varekai’s limited run is ongoing until July 24 at the Grand Chapiteau at the Quirino Granstand. For tickets, visit the on-site box office at the Grand Chapiteau or log on to www.hoopla.ph. For more information, call 775-0939, 881-0947, 0919-4508125 and 0917-4436463.

First published for The Manila Times. Read here. 

Over and over again

I kept on hearing that single thought inside my mind over and over again as I slowed my steps while walking, and how very timid those steps were. 


The single thought it said: I don't want to go home. 


It became like a chant, over and over again. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. 


And it's not as if I really wanna think of it. It just rang inside the hallows of my skull over and over again. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. I don't want to go home. 


But I was. No matter how I dreaded it. I was there at the doorstep. The dog barked at me. I wish it didn't. It just signified my arrival, which I better not had.