Livin' Livina Loca

We didn't win last December in the San Sebastian Parish's Cherry QQ car raffle. I bought 3 lotto tickets last year and those didn't do well either. That's why it's called a game of chance. We'll probably join raffles and buy lotto tickets until the day I die as long as it's not a pain on the pocket.

Last night, I enrolled in HSBC's "Keys to an MPV" promo where they'd give out a 2009 Nissan Grand Livina. It's a mini van which competes with Toyota Innova and Mitsubishi Fuzion. I think it is a consumer's lousy 3rd choice BUT it is free if we win it so there goes my philosophy - any additional figure to our finances (with minimal or no cash outlay) better than zero is good.

If we win it, we can do 2 things: (1) have it rented out for P30,000 a month. That would spell a lot in our finances as it will almost pay for our Avida condo installment where we have 14 years to go or (2) sell it for P800,000 and the proceeds will be used to pay off part of our loan.

And of course, 10% goes to church or a charitable institution. It's better to give than to receive, right?

Basketball Runs in the Family

Dear B5 (the assist machine and steals king),

When I was your age, my chosen sport was soccer football. I know Papa Boy was a bit dismayed when he learned I opted for the white ball with black pentagon spots instead of the 1 foot orange ball with black stripes used in the game of basketball. I learned to play basketball at a rather late age of 14 years old. I began to like the sport better but kept in touch with the game of soccer throughout high school and college. I wasn't really good in both sport but understood both games and in fact can still play both games (minus the running up and down the field or the court). Papa Boy used to watch me play soccer during after class intramurals game even if I didn't play well. In high school and college, I used to play with him and remember the first time I beat him was in my late teens. He was 3 inches taller than me and played alot during his younger days so that spelled the difference. In college, he watched some of my games and remember playing well when I knew he was watching.

Last Sunday (April 19) was my first time to see you play REAL basketball. We play basketball a lot but only with a tennis sized basketball or a junior size ball. I must say you are very good at the game for your age. Well very good has a touch of bias because you are my son. Good is a more appropriate assessment of your skill. You’re on your last two days in the basketball clinic. I’ve told you your strengths and points for improvement verbally last Sunday and I just want to list them down in my journal.

Strengths:
1. You are an above average ball handler.
2. You are an above average defender.
3. You use your teammates as a shield when dribbling.
4. You are good in assist and finding the open man.
5. Your steals per game count is exceptional.

For Improvement:
1. Raise your arms when defending an opposing player.
2. During offense, stay in the perimeter.
3. You are not the team’s center so don’t stay in the middle (shaded area) during defense. Just stay in the perimeter.
4. If there is a referee during a game, don’t listen foul calls from the players. Let the referee decide.
5. Acknowledge your teammate once they make a shot.

My tips to you:
1. Know your teammates. Pass to the better skilled teammates.
2. Pass to the ball to the nearest player the basketball ring.
3. Play the point guard position. It matches your height and your built.
4. Always drink water. It hydrates you.
5. You’re in the growing phase in your life so eat a lot. Target a 5’10” height.

You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy the sport. Learn from it. Practice makes perfect.

Love,

DADS

SB: Thou shall not judge the book by it's cover.

Susan Boyle. Britain's Got Talent. 100 million.

In the news today is probably the most popular Britain's Got Talent candidate whose name is Susan Boyle.

She's got the looks - NOT!
She is 47 years old and unemployed. From Scotland, her skin is white as snow thou not as white as Snow White's. She is not the prettiest of God's creation in fact Dr. V. Belo will face her biggest challenge if she becomes her patient.

Potential Millionaire
Imagine, 100 million hits. Internet is free. If she charged $1 for royalties for every person who looked up her name in the internet, she'd be filthy rich. Anyway, if she lands a juicy contract because of her current fame, she'd be on her way to millions.

Look her up in YouTube and be awed. I got goosebumps the first time I heard her voice. Truly, her song "I dreamed the dream by Les Miserable" matches her personality. Go Susan!

Boracay Day 4 / April 8, 2009 - Vacation is over!

We have accomplished so much in 3 full days in Boracay so on the fourth day, we were on our way home. By 630am, we were riding a multi cab to the port. During the short boat ride from Boracay to Caticlan, we rode a "classy" Montenegro ferry. From Caticlan port to Kalibo airport, we rode a regular 12 seater van for the almost 2 hour ride. We had breakfast inside the airport lounge while waiting for the PAL airplane. The airline lived up to its expectation and was more than 30 minutes late. We opted for PAL for the sole reason that we wanted to use the Mabuhay Miles privilege that was set to expire end of April. By 1pm, we were in the comforts of our home in CBD. This officially marked the end of our annual family vacation for Y2009.

Three Stars for La Carmela de Boracay

(1) TV Showbiz Host Boy Abunda
(2) Singer Eric Santos
(3) Showbiz Reporter Lhar Santiago

Star gazing was part of the package during our 4 days and 3 nights stay at La Carmela de Boracay Hotel.

STRENGTH is the PRICE
The hotel's prime strength is its pricing. At P4,500 per night for a family of four, this is the cheapest beachfront resort in boat station 2 based on my net research. The price already includes an air conditioned room, welcome drinks, a patient bellhop, a nice beachfront location, swimming pool, breakfast and dinner.

WEAKNESS is the SERVICE
You get what you pay for. The service needs major improvement.
(1) We asked for hotel pick up at the airport but ended up going to the hotel on our own. Talk about first impression.
(2) "Pls. make up room" by request. Ano ito parang kanta? Rooms were not cleaned everyday automatically. It has to be requested through the housekeeping local number.
(3) Housekeeping calls abandoned is 100%. Nobody picks up the local number. Seems like they are busy cleaning up rooms and they can't attend to calls.
(4) The bed sheets smells like vomit, even if we requested them to replace them already. Plus they come with free bed bugs.

The resort announces that they are undergoing improvements and this will be completed by Y2010. That's a good way to manage the customer's expectation.

Will we go back to this hotel? YES!

Will we refer them to similar budget conscious family and friends? YES!

Will Boy Abunda experience this kind of service? PROBABLY NOT!

My only 30 point basketball game

My high school friends are probably right when they said that I am a better half court player (3 on 3) than a whole court basketball player. In college during a 3 on 3 competition at our dorm, I scored my only 30+ points in a game. I was just a substitute player then but was in the groove, all my shots were hitting the mark so I contributed 60% of the team's points that night.

During that tournament, I averaged 15 points per game and our team called Gene's Chonggos eventually became the tournament's champion. That was my only basketball accolade.

Boracay Day 3 / April 7, 2009 - Pacman's Lair

Pacman's Rest House taken during our island hopping boat trip. The place is called Boracay West Cove.


Here's a different view of Willy's Rock. Taken from about 1,300 feet from the shore using a 28 to 300mm zoom lens.

As in any vacation, the days start early to max out the time. By 730AM, we were done with breakfast and on a small boat to go on island hopping. The personalities that day outside the family were Fred (the boat trip agent), JetJet (the boat skipper cum tour guide) and JunJun (the trusty assistant). First up was Crystal Cove which was located north of the Boracay island. The resort management charges P200 per pax as entrance fe so we were out of the island in no time and never to be seen again. As in never. If you're reading this entry and plan to check it out in the future - DON'T. It's not worth it. Next up was Crocodile island which we checked out from a far because the waves were on a roll and throwing 2 to 3 feet waves at us. Next was a view of the 5 kilometer white beach from about 1,300 feet from the shore. That was a pretty sight. The Boracay hideaway of our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao was next. The place was called Boracay West Cove. His resthouse was white, it was big, 3 storey, the view from house was probably great, it rests on a side of a mountain BUT not a beachfront property. There seems to be a disconnect somewhere but it's his money so it's completely his choice. Last on the itinerary for the 3 hour trip worth P1,500 was fish feeding near Puka beach. The fishes were probably full from constant feeding or on a diet so that part of the plan failed.

Boracay Day 2 / April 6, 2009 - Willy Rocks!!!

Sea breeze is a cure for colds & cough. Do breathing exercises facing sea 3x a day with B5 & MC. Use sunblock. Eat lots. Enjoy! - from Mama CSL



Our day started early, as early as 4AM because li'l girl was coughing non stop and vomitted a bit. Good thing she was back to her usual hyper self by 630AM. By quarter to 7AM, we were on a tricycle to Willy's Rock in boat station one. As expected, the water is cleaner on this side of the island, not much moss. We picked a very nice spot infront of Willy's Rock Hotel. The kids waded in the water, we built a sand castle, frolicked in the sun and dozens of pix taken. The P100 tricycle ride to and fro was well worth it. Breakfast was part of the package so we had to go back to the hotel by quarter to 10AM, just in time for the last call.



View from the Top
Next up was a visit to Mt. Luho considered the highest point in the island of Boracay. We hired a tricycle for this 1 hour "expedition" driven by Arnel. Despite multiple visits to this island, it was my first time to reach this mountain. It presents a rarely seen view of the island's west side. The P250 transpo cost was worth it but the P50 per person entrance fee was bordering on rip off but it was our first time so that pretty much justifies it.

Future Photo Plans

Now that I've officially won a photo contest, it's time to invest on new cam "low expense" accessories to up the ante.

These are what I currently have in my treasure chest:
1- Nikon D40 camera
2- Tamron 28 to 300mm zoom lens
3- Nikon SB 600 Speedlight flash
4- Case Logic (camera only) camera bag
5- Tamrac (camera ++) camera bag
6- Vixen tripod
7- Gorilla Pod
8- Battery Charger and rechargeable batteries
9- Lens cleaning kit

My "low expense" wish list includes:
1- Flash Diffuser = P300 @ tipidpc.com
2- Extension Tube = P600 @ tipidpc.com
3- Velbon mono pod = P1500 @ dgphoto.com
4- Nikon ML L3 IR remote control = P800 @ tipidpc

My "high expense" wish list includes:
1- Upgrade camera body to either D80 or D90
2- Nikon 50mm fixed lens
3- Ultra Wide Angle lens
4- Nikon 18 to 135mm VR AF lens

This leaves me with a BIG question, which hobby should I prioritize? Mt. Biking, Car Audio, Photography. Ang hirap!

Opportunity on a Mishap

Focal Length: 28mm / Taken from Mt. Luho view deck (the highest pt in Boracay)


Focal Length: 300mm / Taken from Mt. Luho view deck (the highest pt in Boracay)

I learned last week just a day before our Boracay trip that our Nikon 18-55mm kit lens is not functioning properly. The lens has two modes - automatic and manual focus however only the AF mode is malfunctioning. What great timing! I didn't want to go to a family trip with an uncooperative equipment so I was off to a camera shop. The knight in shining armor is called Zoom Digital Walker in Greenbelt 5. They carry multi brands - Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, et al.

My choices were a Sigma 18-135mm with HSM and OS or a standard Tamron 28-300mm lens. My unexpected expense cost me an arm and a leg but the trip was priceless so I had an I- MUST-HAVE-A-NEW-LENS attitude. Sabi nga ng aking may bahay, parang bumili ka lang ng baterya sa kanto. That was funny.:) I had the future of my photography hobby in mind so I choose the old school Tamron 28-300mm zoom lens.

I'm in Boracay as I handwrite this piece and I have no regrets on the purchase. The new toy is serving its purpose to the hilt. I got what I paid for so you can call me one happy Tamron customer.

Boracay Day 1 / April 5, 2009 – We Made It!!!

At 7AM April 5, we were finally off to Boracay. The trip was close to being cancelled or at least postponed for 1 day because our little daughter had high fever the early morning of the day we were going to leave.



Every Juan Flies
On our way to Boracay, the airline of choice was Cebu Pacific. It’s actually the cheapest for 4 pax so that pretty much sums up our choice. It was our first time to depart via NAIA Terminal 3. At long last, this highly controversial airport terminal was utilized after a long legal battle, tons of kickbacks and much, much more kickbacks. I wonder what they’d do with that much money. Poor Juan de la Cruz. Seems like our taxes are working against us.



Levi’s NOT in charge
Unfortunately, despite proper advise, the hotel failed to pick us up at the airport. Talk about impression. Our so called “savior” for the day was Mang Levi who we met at the airport. Seeing an opportunity, he said that he can bring us to La Carmela de Boracay Hotel for P400 per pax which is actually cheaper than what the hotel would cost if they did pick us up. So we said YES to Mr. Savior who made us ride a tricycle, then a PUB (public utility boat), then another tricycle ride to the hotel. Oh did I say that he made us walk for almost 1/3 of a kilometer. Not that there was a problem in walking nor riding a tricycle but we can pretty much do what he did for half the price. All the while, I thought that we’d ride a van from the airport to the port, then a PUB then another van from boat station 3 port to the hotel but no, we rode the public transpo end to end. What a rip off! Think, think, think DyLac?!?! So I asked for a BIG DISCOUNT. I was asking if I can just pay P800 instead of P1600 but I ended up bargaining and paying P1150. T’was not really a good deal but not bad one either. It was a win-win situation of sorts. He probably earned at least P500 that day but we saved that much amount by “availing” of his services. Oh well, lesson learned. I know what to do next time.



Awesome!!!
It’s my 9th trip to Boracay, my wife’s second and the first time for the two kids. They were in AWE of the white sand, powdery beach, jelly fish, sea shells on the sea shore. It’s just sad that our part of the beach in boat station 2 was “dirty” with sea moss but we have a plan b in place that will take effect on day 2. Lunch is at Smoke Resto in D’Mall for P200 per pax. That’s relatively cheap as the average meal in Bora is P300 to P400 per pax. Dinner is free or at least part of the package. Buffet dinner is by the beach front and choices include Thai style cooked chicken, grilled pork chop, fish fillet. Yum Yum!

Things TO DO in BORACAY with my family

(March 31, 2009)

This is my 9th visit to this world renowned Philippine island in the South. What makes this trip special is that it would be my first time to go there with the whole family in tow - my wife of 12 years, my 11 y.o. wonder boy and my 5 y.o. little girl. For the kids, this is another first time because this is the first time they will be going to the beach. Living in Tarlac and just less than 2 hours away from the beaches of Pangasinan, we didn't have much opportunity to experience such.

So what's in store during our special trip?
1- Enjoy the powdery white beaches
2- Look for lobsters, sea shells, jelly fish
3- Shoot some hoops (yes, we'll shoot some hoops in D'Mall)
4- Get a tattoo (I wonder what kind)
5- Get a massage at the beach
6- Build sandcastles
7- Go island hopping
8- Check out Willy's Rock
9- Check out Friday's creepy signage
10- Buys souvenirs.

I'm looking forward to this trip and so excited. I'm always excited especially when I go to a place (new or old) with my family as it promises a different level of enjoyment. Later...