Gasgas na Christmas gifts

While channel surfing earlier tonight, I chance upon the weekly Top 10 list of Ang Pinaka over QTV channel 11 hosted by Pia Guanio. Their episode for tonight was Ang Pinaka Gasgas na Regalong Pamasko.

Here's their top 10 list:

1. mugs
   
2. planners
3. picture frames
4. figures
5. soaps
6. fruit cakes
7. candles
8. pens
9. towels
10. desk or wall calendars

Very true! Christmas gift-giving wouldn't be complete if you did not either give or receive (or most probably, both) any items from the list. How about getting more creative this year, guys? Hehe.

Speaking of, I better start making my own wish-list? Hmmmm...

Take the Lead. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

Today is World AIDS Day. Let's us all take our leadership pledge.

Take the Lead. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

Peninsula after siege

The Peninsula Manila will be business-as-usual starting tomorrow with a Christmas Concert at the Pen, according to fellow Guys4Mountaineer, PR Director for the hotel and friend Mariano.

Here's the complete message he sent me at 0233H this morning:

"What a day! The hotel's a shambles, AFP types are all over the place and crisis PR is not exactly my cup of tea, but what's important is it's all over and ALL hotel staff and guests are SAFE! It'll be business as usual at The Pen and on Sat., Dec. 8, we'll be having our Christmas Concert at the Pen! There's a lot I have to be thankful for and part of it's been hearing from you and realizing that I have friends and family who care. ISANG MALAKING PASASALAMAT SA IYO!"

- Mariano Garchitorena, via text message


Updates (Dec. 1):

1. The Peninsula Manila will re-open on Monday, Dec. 3 at 1500H according to an advisory on their website.
2. As per update of Mariano, the annual Christmas Concert at The Pen featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Company and the UP Concert Chorus will be held next Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1700-1900H at the Pen lobby.
   

Please be safe Maning

The Guys4Mountains team is one in prayer for the safety of one of our members, Mariano Garchitorena. We hope and pray that he's no longer within the Peninsula Manila premises and is in safety.

Gunshots were heard outside the hotel minutes ago as the military readies to assaulting the hotel. Apparently those are warning shots signaling the exodus of all remaining hotel guests and media practitioners out of the sieged hotel.

The last live footages on the boob-tube shot within the vicinity picture the corner of Ayala and Makati avenues as a battlefield-- armed forces and police in full battle gears in assaulting stance, civilians and mediamen cover for safety. Read report from GMANews.TV.

I've always hated Philippine politics and politicians the reason why I always refrain from participating in any politics-related discussions and making comments to such. So I'm going to keep it this way, for the meantime.

Wi-Fi free city

Davao City is such a friendly place for techno-savvy travelers. Unlike in Metro Manila, the city is abundant of free wi-fi hotspots covering basically the entire city.

Here are some of the establishments offering FREE wi-fi that I was able to use during the seven-days Guys4Mountains' Mt. Apo expedition.

1. Kasagingan Coffee Shop along Torres
2. We R Inn along JP Laurel
3. Spazio at Gaisano Mall in JP Laurel
4. Euro Baker at Gaisano Mall in JP Laurel
5. GF of Gaisano South
6. Basti's Brew at Victorio Plaza
7. Mc Donalds outside Victoria Plaza
8. Chowking outside Victoria Plaza
9. Matina Town Square near admin ofc (Kanto wifi temporarily unavailable)
10. Davao International Airport (paid service via WIZ, they also have Smart connection but I wasn't able to access it)

Piso-fare to zero-fare

Lose some, win some...

Our Cebu Pacific 2125H (last) flight from Davao back to Manila last night was canceled due to aircraft mechanical problems. Or so they say. We've learned about this thru a phone call made by the airline to Jasper just before lunch time yesterday. Since yesterday was supposedly our last day in Davao, most of the team went out early for last minute sight-seeing and shopping unaware of our flight cancellations.

After long negotiations with the carrier as we haggled for just compensation of at least a decent accommodation for the team, we've managed to get one-way trip voucher instead. That wasn't easy. It took the combined merlat powers of Rowel and Eric to finally convince them to compensate us, as they were firm that there were no existing company policy on compensations for canceled flights. Now that is CebuPac's customer service!

That's a total of eight one-way trip vouchers! Unable to avail were Mariano, Bench and Noey who left yesterday for Manila on their respective flight schedules: Mariano and Bench via CebuPac late afternoon and Noey via Philippine Air at 2100H.

The flight cancellation proved very beneficial for us:

1. Should the flight have proceeded right on schedule, we would have gone back to Manila yesterday with lighter backpacks as the laundry supposedly for 1800H pickup finished at 2000H (which by that time, we should have already been at the airport). Noey, in fact wasn't able to claim his so we have to bring it earlier.
2. We all got a one-way free travel voucher to any CebuPac local destinations (equal or lower value than Manila-Davao)

Before Bench, Mariano and Noey left for Manila, we had a late birthday lunch at Goatie's Grill. Mariano and I ordered chinese noodles for long life and prosperity as they say. We feasted on kinilaw na kambing, kalderetang kambing, bicol express, grilled squid, beef and asparagus and kinilaw na tuna among others.

Early this morning, we arrived at Davao International Airport in three taxis a little after 0500H. Our flight back home was 0725H. We were in queue for at least an hour just to claim our travel vouchers at check-in. At first, they refuse to issue us our vouchers but we insisted, persisted and demanded. Yun na!

Free voucher haggling at check-in counter. (Photo courtesy: Ujin A.)

Now, we're home. And I'm missing Davao already!

Lounging at the pre-departure waiting area. (Photo courtesy: Ujin A.)

Mi Piace Birthday

Last night was a blast and a specially memorable one for me.

The Guys4Mountains team has re-joined us here in Davao City late yesterday afternoon from the Mt. Apo climb. Lorenz has left for Manila. After scouting for laundry shop, we checked out the outdoor gears at Gaisano South where Eric was able to purchase a cookset for 700 pesos last Monday.

98 Eat-All-You-Can Challenge
The team then re-grouped at Dencio's for their 98 pesos eat-all-you-can fare of pansit, tuna panga, assorted pork, beef, chicken and vegetables viands. Nothing special but definitely filling. A walk to downtown area followed with visit to the city hall complex. And as recommended by Maning's friend, we managed our way towards the Rizal Promenade in search for a supposedly PLU bar, Mi Piace.

Mi Piace at Rizal Promenade, Davao City. (Photo courtesy: Jasper B.)

I like it bar
I later found out that Mi Piace is Italian for "I like it." The bar is separated into two areas: the enclosed bar-nook and the common videoke area. To celebrate the successful Mt. Apo climb and our last night in Davao before our return to Manila, the group was all-game to a drinking spree. Bottomless gin pomelos, blue margaritas and beers overflowed as we sing the night away... from the group's all-time favorites I Will Survive to Dancing Queen to sentimental OPM hits of Walang Kapalit and others. Then it was past twelve... another year has passed.

Birthday cake surprise
Today is my birthday. As I was chit-chatting with the bar owner, Arnel inside the enclosed bar area which was like an isolation booth of sorts, the loud house music helped them sneak in the room without me noticing. In what was like a rehearsed and orchestrated scene, I turned my back against the bar and there they were... chanting the happy-birthday-song on one end and I in front of them, elated and surprised. As I blew the single lighted candle on the middle of an auspiciously-shaped flan cake which Rowel was holding, I remembered the same event that happened exactly a year ago at Blue Fairies Bar when they surprised me with a birthday cake. But this time around was way different: we were far from home in an unfamiliar territory, where in hell have they gotten a cake late that night and without me noticing? You guys are the best!

Oh Tworon, Oh Mangosteen

After buying Mangosteen at a local market for 100 pesos a kilo, which according to Kanto bar owner and chef is quite a reasonable price for the off-season fruit, we scouted for something new to eat for a late lunch. While slowly savoring on the sweet-citrusy fruit, we rode a cab for a local Chinese restaurant near Apo View. We feasted on house-specialty siomai and beef rice topping (which I thought would be similar to Cebu's steamed rice which I really like).

Then we headed here at Kasagingan Coffee Shop along Torres St. to kill time while waiting for the arrival of the Guys4Mountains team from Kidapawan. I just love the charm of this small, cozy banana-themed shop. As I write this, I'm having a cold San Miguel Pale Pilsen (yes they have beer in this coffee shop priced at 50 pesos) and a turon-with-a-twist called Tworon at 25 pesos. An order of Tworon includes two pieces (that's why it's tworon, get it?) of turon with your choice of syrup-toppings: caramel and Belgian chocolate. Got mine one of each. Simply ingeniously irresistible!

Chinese feast of siomai and beef rice toppings. Mangosteen for dessert. (Photo: Third)

Cold beer and Tworon at Kasagingan. (Photo: Third)

A night of Matina jedis, romancing strangers and Piatos talk

Last night's sudden downpour prevented us from going to Jack's Ridge. So we once again settled for Matina Town Square unknowing of a minor inconvenience that awaited us. While deciding where to dine and hangout, silence suddenly covered the usually noisy party place.

Blackout!

We were basically stranded in the covered driveway for almost an hour. We thought of transferring back to the city proper but we've managed to find something to amuse us and worth staying for:

Matina Jedis
The rounding military personnels armed with flashlights crisscrossing around us while inspecting every corner of the compound.

Romancing Strangers
The two eyeball-ing male couple who settled in one of the dark areas opposite us when the power went off stealing intimate moments and occasionally interrupted by the roaming Matina Jedis.

Piatos Talk
The nosy Pinoys around us mimicking the Piato's TV commercial with the Romancing Strangers as the favorite subject.

It was a little past 2200H when we decided to brave the heavy downpour for the candle-lit common covered dining areas inside the square. All wet, we ordered for our dinner then proceeded to Kanto bar to hangout when power was restored. Another opportunity to have Edamame!

Today, after our hotel room change, we plan to visit the local market for Mangosteen.

And by tonight, the Guys4Mountains team will be back here in Davao City from Kidapawan. I hope they've been able to get enough rest for tonight's night-out!

Goin' gaga over Edamame

Yummy Edamame! (Photo: Third)

No longer alone, Jasper arrived late yesterday afternoon here at Davao City from Manila. After sending all work files to my clients, we walked along Quirino Avenue in search of an interesting place to have dinner.

We ended up at Dencio's near the Apo View Hotel. Then we headed for a night out at Kanto Bar in Matina Town Square. I was just there in that same bar, same place over a month ago with some members of Sabit Mountaineer. That time I was on a business trip and they on a Mt. Apo expedition. I couldn't resist the healthy and great beer-companion Edamame or boiled Japanese soybean. Simply yummy!

Matina Town Square (MTS) last Oct 6, 2007 with Sabit Mountaineers. (Photo courtesy: JP Cruz of Sabit)

Went home around 0300H wasted.

At lunch earlier, we dined at Basti's Brew in Victoria Plaza after fruit-hunting at Aldevinco and nearby streets and a visit to Davao's downtown where the City Hall and the San Pedro Catherdal are located. Then headed back to the hotel around 1700H to rest and freshen up.

Tonight we plan to go Davao's Antipolo, Jack's Ridge.

Monument fronting the San Pedro Cathedral and the local government building. (Photo: Third)

Ma ngehe bawal! (Photo: Third)

Guys4Mountains summits Mt. Apo!

Oreo power toast @Mt. Apo. (Photo courtesy of Rowel M.)

As I was having late lunch (while working!) at EuroBaker in Gaisano mall, I got a text message from Eric a little before 1500H with THE news:

The Guys4Mountains summited Philippine's highest peak, Mt. Apo at exactly 1451H PST. The first all-male pride group to accomplish such feat.

Congratulations Adrian, Alvin, Arnel, Eric, Eugene, Jay, Lorenz, Mariano, Noey, Rowel !!!
Congratulations Guys4Mountains! More power to all of us!

True, I envy them. I would have been there experiencing and sharing the glory. But my decision to stay behind was one of the wisest and bravest decision I had on three counts:

1. I wouldn't want to risk the safety of the group with me tagging along knowing I cannot handle the physical activities and the extreme weather due to my flu
2. I wouldn't also want to sacrifice my health
3. Mt. Apo will just be there waiting for me!

I wouldn't be alone much longer now. The team will be re-joining me in Davao City on Friday after a brief rest at Kidapawan in North Cotabato. And, Jasper is currently en route from Manila to join us. He is to arrive here at city proper shortly.

And, the best part... I will have to wrap-up my work COB today. Which makes me a free man... Davao city here I come!

The team at Mt. Apo boulders. (Photo courtesy of Eric M.)To the left, to the left. (Photo courtesy of Rowel M.)

Got robbed of a dream

Suddendly, peace & quiet. What used to be a chaotic and busy hotel corridors of We R Inn is now empty and cold. All alone now. (Photo courtesy: Alvin L.)

I pretty much stayed inside my hotel room today, back to work after they left for Digos early this morning and sleeping til about 1600H, my first decent sleep for days. I felt my body gave up in desperation of not having been able to join the Mt. Apo climb. My flu has worsened and I haven't gotten anything to eat all day.

Craving for hot thick soup, I round Gaisano's 4th floor food court and the restaurants on the basement. I ended up along Torres St., about 20 minutes brisk walk from Gaisano-- at Kasagingan Coffee Shop. Sudden change of appetite, I ordered spicy sausage on angelhair pasta, my usual Coke regular and banana sweet bars. I took a table at the corner of the inside space where I share with 3 other techie patrons who threw rather good glances at me while tinkering their laptops as I settled. No time to waste and flirt, but time to get back to work, again!
Should I have insisted on joining them, I so-often thought on how would I have fared. Mixed emotions on the aborted climb and having to work remotely while on a supposed vacation was too much overwhelming. More so, when you're not feeling well. No matter how I tried to not think about it, impossible!

After a fine meal and having sent chunks of files to Manila, I returned to the hotel and continued my work until my craving for something hot resurfaced. I've gotten myself a gigantic bowl of chicken noodle soup at the hotel coffee shop. Not what I wanted, but it helped comfort my body and relieve my now-thick and alien-colored phlegm. Yuck!

So this is how it felt getting robbed of a dream. Hard to explain, harder to accept.

Guys4Mountains' Mt. Apo Itinerary

Guys4Mountains' todo nAPO ito!
The Mt. Apo Climb 2007
5-10 November 2007

I T I N E R A R Y - Climb Proper

Day 1, November 6 Tuesday

• 0400H - Wake-up call
• 0500H - Breakfast
• 0600H - ETD We R Inn, Davao City
  
• 0640H - ETA Talomo (Sir Bong's house)
• 0700H - ETD for Digos, Davao del Sur
• 0900H - ETA Digos Registration Office
  Register, Last minute supplies
• 1100H - ETA Marawer
  Get guides, Arrange 4x4 transpo to jump-off point
• 1130H - ETA Jump-off point
  Quick lunch
• 1230H - START TREK
• 1800H - ETA Camp Goody-goody
  Set-up camp, Dinner, Socials
• 2100H - Lights off

Day 2, November 7 Wednesday

• 0500H - Wake-up call
  Breakfast, Clean-up, Break camp

• 0700H - Resume trek
• 1100H - ETA Boracay
  Re-group
• 1200H - Assault peak (45deg assault)
• 1300H - Crater lake
• 1330H - SUMMIT
  Lunch, Explore
• 1500H - ETD for Lake Venado (Bunkerhouse)
  Set camp
• 1800H - Dinner, Socials
• 2200H - Lights off
  

Day 3, November 8 Thursday

• 0530H - Wake-up call
  Breakfast, Prepare packed lunch, Break camp
• 0700H - Start descend
• 1200H - ETA Agko River
  Lunch
• 1300H - Resume trek
  (*Note: River trekking)
• 1700H - ETA Brgy. Mainit, Kidapawan
  Proceed to Mahomanoy Spring Resort (0920.4634747), Arrange transpo pick-up
• 1800H - ETA Sandique Place for overnight stay
  Arrange transpo back to Davao City, Dinner, Socials

November 9 Friday

• Back to Davao City
  

Mt. Apo... highest peak, highest disappointment

mmmm...
to the left, to the left...
everything you own in the box to the left...

Who would have thought that this Beyonce hit would become a soundtrack of a shattered dream?

After months of waiting (and preparation?), I traveled south of Manila to Davao City on a 6-day journey with the Guys4Mountains team to conquer Philippines' highest peak-- Mt. Apo. The team arrived at Davao International Airport in three batches yesterday via Cebu Pacific on their piso fare. First batch has me, Ujin, Jay, Eric and Rowel who arrived just a little before 0700H. Second with Bench, Lorenz and Mariano around 1400H and last with Elf and Alvin around 2100H. Davao has greeted the first batch with an unexpected but most welcome surprise-- Noey! Yes, the superstar has traveled far and early via Philippine Air not only to surprise us but to join the climb as well.

First batch poses at the facade of Davao International Airport. (Photo courtesy: Eric M.)

After shopping for our food provisions at Gaisano along JP Laurel in front of We R Inn, our city base, we proceeded to Aldevinco for a quick shopping spree of malongs and sarongs. Then our first meal of local inihaws together as a complete team at Banoks near Davao Doctors capped the night.

Back at our hotel room, every one's busy with their packings and last minute preparation as I was busy working! Since mid October, I have been working my butt out to finish two projects on time. Knowing I will be away for a week for this trip, I have been sneaking out of the group's rendezvouses to find a quiet space and work on my projects-- at the airport, coffee shops, hotel lobby or room, name it! Thank God, Davao is abundant with generous establishments offering wi-fi-- and they're absolutely free!

Guys4Mountains first dinner at Banoks near Davao Doctors. (Photo courtesy: Alvin L.)

Just hardly 30 minutes nap, what used to be a pleasant Beyonce beat reverberated and pierced my senses:

mmmm...
to the left, to the left...
everything you own in the box to the left...

Call time at 0500H!

mmmm...
to the left, to the left...
everything you own in the box to the left...

The sharp resonance this time, brought chills to my spine as I scramble for blankets, malongs and jackets to comfort my weary and cold body. I have been suffering from terrible colds since we got here evident by my hoarse voice. Countless sleepless nights and the extreme weather may have gotten on me as well.

The hardest decision has been made: I have to withdraw from the 3-day climb. And this I announced barely an hour before we leave for the jumpoff point of Digos in Davao del Sur, about 2-hours drive from our hotel.

The jeep that will bring us close to our dream. (Photo courtesy: Alvin L.)

The team getting ready to leave Davao City for Digos. (Photo courtesy: Alvin L.)

So there I was, standing still amidst the parked vehicles on the hotel parking ground earlier this gloomy day... waving goodluck and farewell to the team. As our locally rented jeepney that would bring us closer to our dream slowly disappeared from my astigmatic vision, I cant help but feel betrayed. Time and chance conspired against me. Helpless, I retired to my new and smaller hotel room with heavy heart and spirit and went back to work! Contenting to the thoughts that Mt. Apo will always be there and that there's a vibrant city waiting for me to re-discover. But then again, I'm now down with fever...