Magene

For 8 years now, I have been sharing my life with someone who's always been there to support and give all she got for her family. My bestfriend, a good mother and a wonderful wife who despite all the craziness that's been happening around her has kept her poise and strength.

Yes, we've laughed, cried and argued. But she has always kept things together. Without her, things fall apart.

Thank you for all the support and strength you've shown when I am weak.
Thank you for all the love you've shown to me and the kids.
Thank you for the wonderful meals you cook for us.
Thank you for the laughter and all the interesting things you show me.
Thank you for making life more interesting.
Thank you.

Happy Birthday my dear wife!

Back To Basics

Yesterday my beloved Nokia 6600 finally gave up and asked for a permanent retirement. After about 4 years, it decided not to function anymore. Bringing along with it the numbers and email addresses of friends, filmmakers, photographers and clients, as well as, photos, notes and other data that can be put into a multimedia phone.

As I was having an early dinner with my wife, I sulked on the loss of all the numbers I had. And it dawned upon me to get back to getting an address book and start writing numbers down again. Yes, it's a tedious task but look at the benefits:

1. No more loss of battery problems. It doesn't run on batteries

2. Even if it gets dropped a few feet it still works. It well built and does not have any electronic parts.

3. No more memory capacity problems, since I can always buy a refill.

4. It's cheap!

So if you're a friend who has my mobile phone number, please send me an SMS message. And remind me who you are so that I can put your number on my address book.

Oh, just in case you're wondering, I'm now using my wife's old phone a Nokia 6510. At least until I get a new one. But then, I'm getting used to the little bugger.

Revelations

The past few days I have been entertaining my dad who came over with two of my uncles for some R&R. Tonight might as well be the most interesting dinner I have ever had with him.

During dinner I learned more about the history of the Ordoñez's. Don Felipe Ordoñez was a native of Mexico, Pampanga who married Maria Lacsamana Ordoñez. They bore 5 children, Alfredo (my grandfather), Pedro, Manuel, Eduardo and Auring. Alfredo was later assigned as a Railroad Manager in Batangas which prompted the family to move. He met Dolores "Loleng" Aldovino (my grandmother) during a barrio fiesta where she was a Reina. Alfredo and Loleng eloped and opted to stay in Batangas while the rest of the clan moved back to Mexico, Pampanga. Pedro, Manuel and Eduardo perished during the 2nd World War. Doña Maria, who was said to be depressed about the death of his three children, died in Mexico, Pampanga. Auring is currently living in Canada.

Alfredo and Loleng bore 11 children.

According to the story, Don Filipe died when Alfredo was 10 years old. Doing a little math says that Alfredo was born in 1912, therefore Don Filipe passed away in 1922. Now subtracting 35 from 1922 will give us the year 1887.

All along I have always prided myself as a true blooded Batangueño. This dinner conversation changed my life. It made me want to dig dipper into the lives of Don Filipe and Doña Maria, hopefully even get a photograph of them. A little glimpse of who they were, and maybe even a deeper sense of who I am.

Don Filipe Ordoñez
1877 - 1922

Working With A Nightmare

A few weeks ago, I was asked to be a stylist for a Maxim, a magazine for men, shoot. The model is a veteran and has been doing the print rounds lately as the agency handling her is trying to build her up as an international actress / model residing in the Philippines.

Needless to say, I was pretty hyped since this was my first styling job and it was for an internationally known glossy at that.

The Pre-shoot Meeting.

My photographer friend asked me to attend a pre-shoot meeting that the model's agency had requested. This is quite common, even in ordinary fashion shoots to get the people involved in the shoot prepared. Having worked with a Maxim project before (as a photo assistant), I knew that the magazine would send pegs or images of what the concept for the shoot should look like. Or at least something similar to it.

The photographer and I have already discussed our own concept based on the pegs but wondered how far can we push the "sexy" envelope. Which we found out, during the meeting, was not too far.

Anyway, we arrived at the large office building and met everyone. The manager, two production assistants, the wardrobe person, another photographer (who turned out to be the art director, without our knowledge) and a friend who just happens to tag along and a videographer.

Everyone except the model.

As a curious cat, I asked where she was and further inquired if it was possible to have her join the meeting. The manager immediately shot me down with a stern look and said that there was no need for her to join.

I then sensed that the shoot was not going to be happy experience.

We showed the manager the pegs and she basically turned almost every single image down. As it was, according to her, "too revealing". (duh? it's a men's magazine). She then blatantly insisted that the shoot should also feature the company and it's facilities. It just gets better by the minute.

The Shoot

The photographer, the make-up artist and I arrived. Welcomed by one of the production assistants, we were led through the studio and the dressing room. I rummaged through the wardrobe immediately and started going through the lingeries that were available while the photographer talks the model through the shoot.

In this small dressing room, there were already at least ten other people there who mostly did not have anything to do with the shoot. I also noticed two videographers, a video director, the art director, the friend, the production assistant who welcomed us, his casually invited friend who took pictures without the permission of the main photographer, and three other people who were just there to see what's happening.

I immediately moved to where the wardrobe was to pick out what the model was going to wear for the shoot. My photographer-friend talked to the model and as expected, the management did not relay to her anything we talked about the 2 hours plus meeting we had the day before. She was completely clueless except for the fact that there was going to be a shoot.

The model even had the guts to tell the photographer that she was not comfortable with him and wanted her friend to do the shoot instead. At that instant, I felt the immediate urge to get out of the room to grab a cigarette. I called the attention of the photographer for a quick huddle to discuss the situation, the possibility of walking out of this horrifying shoot definitely came up.

We all decided to continue and roll with the punches. Find out where it leads and hopefully, during the shoot things will get better. And to avoid boring you with details, it did not go any smoother. There was the incident where she came out with this ridiculous lingerie which I never picked out, the case of the missing wardrobe personnel and of course, the shoot turning out to be a fashion shoot instead.

And to think that the whole thing was supposedly handled by a multi-million company that's trying to position itself to bring hollywood in asia.

Aunt Genie's Breadhouse

Aunt Genie's Breadhouse has been in full operation for the past three weeks, which explains my not being able to update this blog as often. The three weeks have been trying and fruitful since we have somehow been able to carve our way into the commercial bakery market.

We now serve at least twelve different types of breads, thanks to our heaven sent baker Genaro, who has been helping us come up with very good recipes. And within the community that we serve we are the only ones who place our breads in brown paper bags, giving the customers the nostalgic experience of buying bread from their friendly bakery. As my friends say, buying bread from us has become an experience.

Aunt Genie's Breadhouse is located in Talamban, Cebu City. Right beside metrobank and right across the Talamban Sports Complex.

Getting A Beautiful Lover Wet Part 2: The Climax

I told Butch that I was done with my shots and started packing my gear after taking a quick snapshot of him driving Denja.



He pushed the throttle of the utility boat to full and it's front end rised as we pushed towards Balicasag. Butch stood up once in a while to look out for corals, bouys and other elements that we might hit. Soon enough he stood up and shouted "dolphins!", we all stood up to marvel at the pod of dolphins as they swam and shouts of "wow!", "yehey!" , "ooh" and "aah" filled the air as these ceteceans frolicked freely in the open sea waters. The only time I saw dolphins were either stuffed, in an aquarium or in one of theose marine shows outside the country.

Butch drove Denja just near enough the pod that they started swimming with the boat. We slowed down to enjoy the show that the dolphins gave us. It was at least a good 10 minutes that we enjoyed the dolphins' company when the pod decided they've impressed us enough and went on with their business. And we went to Balicasag Island.

Balicasag is an impressive sight, a small island surrounded by clear salt water. No wonder it was a haven for divers and snorklers a like. We went around the island once and chose were to dock our boat where the crew of the Magandang Cariad would see us. Butch and our guide skillfully docked the boat and dropped the anchor.

We, quited literally, jumped off the boat and into the water. What I thought was white sand was actually a mixture of small shells and coral stones that were small enough not to hurt the soles of our feet.

I looked at my watched which told me we had only 10 minutes left before we had to go back to our hut, pack our bags head back to the real world. Butch, Jade and I enjoyed the full 10 minutes. We sat by the beach and marveled how lucky we were to be there.

As I told my friends, "An invitation from Andy is something you never say 'No' to".

Getting A Beautiful Lover Wet Part 1

Karlon Rama of Sunstar Daily Cebu, Atty. Butch Cañares, Atty. Jade Ponce and I sailed off towards Tagbilaran, Bohol last friday upon the invitation of Andy Smith. We've been anticipating this trip for weeks, we've laid out all our plans. After all, it's been months since the four of us got out of our daily routines.

"It is time to get the Beautiful Lover wet" said Andy. Getting her wet was definitely in the iterinary.

In another text message he sent us he said "Catering at launch for about 70 people. Fondue dinner party Saturday evening and picnics and sandwiches on boats over the weekend. Guess who's doing all that?", top that with an all-expense paid stay in Panglao Island. Who could resist such an invitation?

We finally arrived in Libaong Beach in Panglao, and there she was in all her glory. We could not resist but be amazed with her beauty, her perfect curves and how the sun shines upon her. Indeed, she should get wet. We looked at each other and with guileful smiles we seemed to agree that everything was going as planned.

Our host soon greeted us and introduced us to this Beautiful Lover's owner Richard Jones and Martin of Hyde Sails. We said our customary "hellos" and "how are you?" and talked about her beauty and how she compared to anything else. We will know soon enough. "It is time", Richard exclaims.

Richard, accompanied by two female companions, goes up to her and opens a bottle of champagne. He then hands it to one his female companions, who then drowses her with the bubbly drink. The Beautiful Lover is ready.



The 30-foot custom-built Catamaran was built by Junction Boatworks and named "Magandang Cariad", a play of words from two languages (Filipino and Welsh). Literally meaning "Beautiful Lover", was launched in Libaong Beach, Panglao Island. After the formal ceremonies, Richard left the crowd to board her and spent a good hour in what seemed a spiritual moment between boat and skipper.

Marine Engineer Richard Jones was born in Wales, but spends a considerable amount of time in the Philippines. The Magandang Cariad is his third boat.

We were sooned motioned by Richard to come on board as the Magandang Cariad was about to sail to Alona Beach, which was on the other side of Panglao Island. Without hesitation, we boarded her and soon enough did we sail using the boat's engine.

The evening was just as wonderful, a fondue dinner, great wine, wonderful company and british comedy.

Late in the morning Saturday we were on board on another Junction Boatworks masterpiece, a utility powerboat christened "Denja". Yes it was ironic that I had to feel safe in a 40 horsepower engine called "Denja" and No, it wasn't a play of words but it was taken from the names of Andy Smith's parents. And so we sailed off.


With Butch as skipper, he knew that I had to take pictures of the Magandang Cariad in the open sea. Easy he went as I tried to hold on to my gear, hoping to keep it away from the water. We approached the Tiki 30 from it's port side, Butch throttled down and I brought out my camera. The Magandang Cariad unfurled its sails and turned off it's engine. With less than 20 meters distance between the two boats, I started clicking away. As if it was coordinated routine, Butch went around the Tiki 30, as I tried to take pictures of it's every angle.

I was satisfied with the number of shots I got and gave Butch the thumbs up. I packed my gear and Butch gave the boat a good throttle to our new destination, Balicasag Island.

Of Lags and Lizza

I was supposed to write the usual philosophical post on how my past year was and my plans for this coming year. Yeah, for those who don't know and those who forgot, I just turned 35. But as luck will have it, by ISP decided to blow out one of their marine cables and caused the lag of all their customers within my area. So, that being said, I'll have to write that down on my next inspiration.

Meanwhile, I got reconnected, through the wonders of the internet, to an old friend of mine. I met her way back when we were classmates in our elementary class at Benedictine Abbey School in Alabang (now known as San Beda College Alabang), and yes, she blogs. You can read Lizza's blog entitled "I am Woman, See Me Blog".

Goodbye Tita Lor

One of the people I have high respects for was brought to her final resting place today. Lorinda M. Carlos, fondly called "Tita Lor" by those who hold her dear to their hearts is now with the Creator.

Tita Lor was a wise person who guided me through my troubled childhood, I fondly remember how she would take time to talk to me and find out how I was everytime she would visit us in our old Parañaque home. She reminded me that I should read more, learn to speak fluently and why I should always try to look good. She spoiled me with candies, food and all the wonderful things that a child would want everytime I would go to visit her. She remained patient with all my mistakes, and only had words of kindness.

Tita Lor with her smart, no nonsense look, with her Benson and Hedges or imported Hope cigarette. Her presences demanded respect and respect was given to her by my entire family.

So much respect and love was given to her by immediate family that when she came to the burial of my Tatang everyone lined up and took turns in asking for her blessing.

I was never able to say Thank You for all that she has done for me. And only through this blog will I be able to.

"Thank You Tita Lor, you've touched so many lives, especially mine. Thank your for your words of wisdom and your patience. With your passing I feel that a part of me is now empty and lost."

Time Lapse

Here's a summary of what happened in the past few weeks I haven't updated this blog:

A. Lami ang Guidili MTV
SineBuano just wrapped up shooting Brownian Method's "Lami ang Guidili". Shot entirely in Mambaling, Cebu this single will be part of their second album. The two-day shoot was fun as it brought out the hip-hop juices that were stagnant for quite sometime.

B. Sparkle Modeling Agency
One of Cebu's leading modeling agency's has asked me to be one of their official photographers.

C. Aunt Genie's BreadHouse to open soon.
For quite sometime now, wifey and I have been receiving orders for our homemade and freshly baked meat rolls and macaroons that we've finally decided to make it into a full-blown business venture.

We've ordered the machines (oven, kneader and cooling rack) already and will start constructing the kitchen soon. Wish us luck.

My Place in Sunstar Weekend

After a well-deserved weekend break in Panglao Island, Bohol with my good friends Butch, Karlon and Jade (Details of which I will post later.) I was informed by my nephew Gabrielle that this blog was featured in Sunstar Weekend.

SALIDA IV

On January 21, 2006 at 8PM in Handuraw Events Cafe, SineBuano will have another SALIDA. Films to be screened are:

The Witness by Jurly Maloloy-on Jr.
Sila by Jurly Maloloy-on Jr., Denis Judilla and Benjie Ordoñez
Kada Uwan by Benjie Ordoñez
Bitin Na Pagmamahal by Victor Villanueva
Mata by Cheryl Baldicantos
Pusod by Cheryl Baldicantos
Zwangtta by Michael Barrientos
Miko by Paolo Dy
Night Shift by J.K. Go
The Haunted by Jerrold Tarog

Guest Performers:
Jimmy Cycle
Aggressive Audio
Pringols

Special Appearance:

Dice & K9
Konigs

Tickets will be available at the gate for P 75.00 with free 1 bottle of beer or slice of pizza.