The Olympic Village @ Beijing, China

The year was 2008. I was sent to Beijing, China to represent our company to a medical conference that would show the results of a certain major drug test called ONTARGET. Please don't ask me what ONTARGET is. It's a droky side of me, but I actually still remember! HAHAHA this trip was for FREE care of Boehringer Ingelheim. First time to ride first class baby! And the flight attendants all gave me the "are-you-serious, how-old-are-you" look. COOL BEANS!! Pakak na pakak!!! :)) I was only 23 then and it was AN EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER FORGET!!!

I remember that this year, China was once again the highlight of bad publicity due to their tainted milk products. What was that thing called again? So when I showed the Chinese embassy people my MEDIA ID during my visa application I was denied. But since I really had no choice but to go, I had to appeal and tell them that I won't cover anything about that big, bad issue of theirs but will solely cover the ONTARGET press conference in that medical convention. After that, VISA APPROVED! Yahoo!

Anyway this trip was my very first trip abroad that required me to go ALL BY MYSELF. I was quite nervous because I knew Chinese folks didn't know a single English word and that I might be on the list of people to watch out for since I already told them I was a "media personnel". I knew that if I disappeared, I'd disappear for GOOD! 

Upon arrival, I got the schedule and saw how lenient it was. I only had one major event to cover and that was on my 2nd night there. My arrival in Beijing was perfect since the Olympics just finished and the Olympic Village was literally a stone's throw away from the hotel (The Intercontinental Beijing) we were billeted in. So I decided to walk around and take shots of the place. It was beautiful! And I always thought I was just going to see these things on television. So it was surreal to actually be seeing them! And of course the frustrated photographer in me just had to snap photos. Oh and the photos are hazy since it was right smack in the middle of autumn and there was a heavy fog in the area.

Lone-ly girl on a lonely road

Ugh... COUPLES! KIDDING!! Took this photo because they were so cute! And the white things on the left are actually URINALS! :)

Ice Cube changing color 1

Ice Cube changing color 2 (I remember this was my laptop's desktop background for the LONGEST time!)

Ice Cube changing color 3 (I stood in one place for about 10 minutes taking photos of the Ice Cube changing colors and I remember looking at some Chinese dude who looked at me and thought I was a complete idiot!)

Love those lights on the floor! And the Bird's Nest in all it's hazy glory! :)

The Bird's Nest and the Ice Cube

See how huge this place is! And that's not even HALF of it!

That tower had the Olympic logo at the top

Looking back at these photos made me remember how COLD it was. It was still AUTUMN but the cold was fo shiz! It was an adventure for me because it was my first time to see my breath fog up from the cold. Feel na feel ko ang "winter wonderland" peg even if it was just October then. Even in the mornings, or even when the sun was high up in the sky, the cold was totally unforgiving! Glad I live in a tropical country! :)

The place was HUGE!!!! Went at night and went back in the morning and discovered other places that I didn't get to see when I first went. And the place was abuzz by local tourists still feeling the Olympic high. The place was quite a sight, especially the Bird's Nest and the Ice Cube with its changing colors. I hope y'all get to see the place, too. It's really quite something! :)

Randomness Is Bliss PUBLISHED!!!

Sorry! I am just so happy I could cry! Hahahaha I'm not sure if I ever told you guys that my first job was at a publishing company. I was head writer for a travel and health magazine, and it came to a point that I got so used to seeing my byline in the magazines. I was there for 2-and-a-half-years and I took the "published works" for granted. But after writing copy and getting stuck on my desk for 2 years, I realized I missed this. THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO. I want to live on a suitcase, and just be gone for weeks and not know what the hell is going on with the world. HAHAHAHA! And so now after almost 2 years of not seeing my name on print, here it is! My feature article on Hotel Veronica in Roxas City, Capiz. 

Check out this month's issue of Experience Travel and Living and get the low down on Cebu, Capiz, CDO, and Boracay!

Sorry for the vanity! I'm just sooooo ecstatic!! Check out the latest issue of Experience Travel and Living with Mactan, Cebu front and center. But they also have articles on CDO, of course Capiz, and Boracay. They also have international articles as well! Perfect for all travel and food junkies out there! Hey remember guys, #itsmorefuninthePhilippines :)

You may also check out this link on ISSUU.COM if you can't wait to see this month's issue! :p

And now, I want to thank my good friend Nina for giving me this opportunity once again hehehe had you not recommended me, I won't be able to have another shot at this and remind myself that this is what I want to do! Love you girl!! :)

Thanks also to Mam Gingko, Experience Travel and Living's publisher, for the opportunity to work with you guys! Looking forward to more travels with you and the staff! :) 

Yon lang! I'm happy! And yes, I'll work at my blogging again. May mga "fans" daw ako na namimiss ang sabaw kong blog eh CHAROT!! Hahahaha baklaan time once again!!! :))

A Day of Fun and Sun with Banana Boat Sunscreen

Kristine Benigno, junior brand manager Banana Boat and Claire Guevarra, Product Manager, Energizer Philippines.

The winning media team composed of Marlon Aldanese, Duane Dizon, Vic Vic Bautista and Bryan Garcua, with Banana Boat junior brand manager Kristine Benigno

The season of sweltering heat and limitless fun is here and adventure enthusiasts couldn’t be more pleased. This was the theme of the day as members of the media had a few laughs and a whole lot of rays during Banana Boat’s Fun Under the Sun Media Relay Challenge.

With the sprawling grounds of Loreland Farm Resort in Antipolo as their backdrop, participants channeled their inner child and went through one activity after another to feel the thrill of the outdoors and enjoy the experience under the protection of Banana Boat Sunscreen lotion.

“People want products that can keep up with their active lifestyle and products that won’t let them down and breakdown easily. Banana Boat Sunscreen lotion offers superior protection that fits any active lifestyle,” Banana Boat Sunscreen Brand Manager Kristine Benigno said.

 The team relay started with a sport close to Filipino’s hearts, basketball. Each member had to go coast-to-coast from one goal to another and make a basket from both ends. While some were better than others, everyone had a blast dribbling down the court and jacking up shots at the ring.

It was then off to Loreland’s Blind Man’s trail for a run at a gauntlet of physically challenging obstacles. From the starting point, teams had to zigzag their way through the trail and obtain hidden Banana Boat sachets along the way.

The first part of the trail consists of participants crossing the sketchy See-Saw Bridge and shuffling their way through the Tire Hole obstacle. Navigating through the trail’s Wood Maze came next followed by a duck walk under the long and low tunnel of the Snake Pit.

It was on to the tricky Waffle Cross after as participants tip-toed their way through careful not to step on the color coded obstacle. After a tight squeeze through The Fence, members had their balance checked on the Bridge and Ropes obstacle which leads to a big swing on the course’s Tarzan Cross.

The next leg of the relay was more of a treat than a test. The challenge was to finish a glass of sweet and cool Halo-Halo. Although doing it after an exhausting run was a bit tricky, teams were more than willing to wolf each serving down. In no time at all, participants were on a mad dash to the finish podium where the team had to scream “Banana Boat!” to mark the final time.

Throughout the entire time, participants were exposed to the intense heat of the summer mid-day sun. However, armed with the superior protection offered by Sun-tested and Sun Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion products, everyone had no qualms spending time under the sun.

Formulated with its signature AvoTriplex technology, Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion provides three-way skin protection which immediately starts after application. “AvoTriplex formula is a technology which absorbs and stabilizes UV rays that is exclusive to Banana Boat products. It protects in three ways, NOW against sunburn with UVB (Ultra Violet-B) protection, LATER against long-term skin damage with UVA (Ultra Violet-A) protection and of course LONGER because it lasts longer than ordinary sunscreen products,” Benigno explained.

Full range of Banana Boat Sunscreen products consist of the Banana Boat Ultra Protect line available in SPF50 and SPF80 variants with Aloe Vera and Vitamin C & E. Banana Boat Sport line offers protection for athletes with its non-greasy, sweat and water resistant formula available in SPF50 and SPF110 which provides Banana Boat’s highest level of protection blocking out 99 percent of burning rays.

Banana Boat Sunscreen versatile line include products every member of the family can enjoy. The Banana Boat Kids line offer Pediatrician-tested, mild, gentle and tear free protection available in SPF50. “Our vision is to be the leader in protective family sun care. Banana Boat is a family brand and we offer a wide range of products for you and your family,” Benigno said. “We want your family to enjoy memories under the sun. Because, as we all know, the best memories with kids and loved ones are spent outdoors,” she added. 

It was all about taking in the glory of summer and with Banana Boat Sunscreen lotion, the family can take on the challenge full on. Because with Banana Boat, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Banana Boat Sunscreen lotions are available at leading supermarkets, drugstores and health & beauty stores nationwide.

  

This is a sponsored post. Text by Mariko Tamura. Photos supplied by client.

TO MY FELLOW LA SALLIANS LET'S BE ONE FOR ILIGAN

Typhoon Sendong, which hit the Visayas and Mindanao regions REAL HARD. I was reading my Twitter timeline and read heartbreaking tweets from ABS-CBN and other people. They say it's Ondoy-like, some say it was far worse than Ondoy. But Ondoy-like or not, when Sendong left, the end result was a catastrophe! And what's worse it hit the region like 10 days before Christmas.

And since my family's also in the giving mood for the Holidays with our annual Christmas Drive, I think we should give back and help these families. Guys, it's almost Christmas, and a lot of these families will be spending the supposedly happiest day of the year in resettlement areas (school gyms or the town center).

I just re-tweeted Gang Badoy and it said that: "My cousin just texted me: The La Salle Iligan gym is being prepared now for the mass wake of the victims in their community. :(" Seriously, this isn't how Christmas is supposed to be.

And since we have a brother school in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte (which was also badly hit by Sendong) the Brothers have posted on their Facebook accounts ways on how we can help these families. So to my fellow La Sallians, it's time to pay it forward. These people are in dire need of help. Here's how you can help send your donations:


Development Bank of the Philippines
Account Name: La Salle Academy
Account Number: 0820-016221-030.

Notes:
1. Please make cheques payable to La Salle Academy.
2. Kindly make a digital copy (or digital photo) of the deposit slip and email this digital file to Br. Raffy Reyes FSC (President of LSA) raffyreyes1018@gmail.com AND Br Dennis Magbanua FSC (President of DLSZ) brodennis@gmail.com for proper documentation and accounting.

De La Salle Zobel: Please leave donations at GATE 7, starting December 19. They also have relief goods drop off centers at Alabang Town Center. You may contact the following people in-charge:

The following members of the DLSZ community are in charge of the Relief Goods Drop Off Center:

Miss Evangeline "Vangie" de Peralta (Lasallian Formation and Mission Department Director)
0917 563 8870 (office cellular number)

Mr Jayjay Jacinto (Social Action Office Head)
0917 859 7602 (office cellular number)

Mr Dennis Patiño (Administrative Services Department Director
0917 556 4155 (office cellular number)

Mr Ton Francisco (Parent Volunteer for Logistics and Transportation)
tonfrancisco2000@yahoo.com

De La Salle-College of St. Benilde: Fill-out pledge form and give/send donations through the accounting office. You may get pledge form at COSCA Office 3rd/F of Br. Cordero Building.

La Salle Greenhills: You may leave donations at GATE 2 also starting December 19.

For more information on how to help visit the De La Salle Philippines Facebook page by clicking here.

Thank you guys! Please spread the word. Our La Sallian brothers and sisters need us, and so does the people of Iligan City whose lives will be changed forever by this catastrophic event. Let's help them rebuild their lives in the littlest way we could. We had Ondoy 2 years ago, so we know exactly how they feel.

P.S. Here's a clear example of how devastating the situation is over at Iligan City.
NEWS UPDATE:
Several LSA faculty members, support staff and students lost their homes. One teacher lost her brother, another lost her parents and a sister. Another teacher lost her mother and two brothers. One night high school student reportedly died too.

The school was also flooded (about one to two feet high). Clearing of the mud in the classrooms and offices has commenced. Wakes for the members of the Lasallian Family will also be held on campus because the funeral parlors are full.

Appeal to Kind Hearts: Fund our Annual Christmas Drive

Hi guys! I have been an absentee blogger due to the fact that I had 3 subjects this term and the months leading to the Holidays is the busiest here at work. But anyway, this blog entry is not a blog on a recent food trip or travel, but a sincere appeal to kind and generous hearts this Christmas.

It's been a dream of my Mother to give "gifts" to unfortunate families during Christmas. And last year, this dream saw realization when we got to do our first ever Christmas drive my Mom wittily called PANSSTTT! She called it that because we gave pancit canton (and all ingredients involved in the cooking plus some fruits and powdered iced tea) to unfortunate families near our subdivision in Cainta, Rizal. You can read about my entry last year here (120 Families Served on Christmas Eve)

Through the help of our Parish (San Antonio de Padua Parish) and Dess (the lovely lady from our subdivision who coordinated it all) we were able to distribute these Noche Buena goods to about 120 families. Here are some of the pictures from last year's Christmas Drive. Seeing the smiles on their faces that Christmas Eve was the best! Ang saya na makita sila na masaya to get the goodie bags! :)





By the way, Dess made sure that families we were giving these goodie bags to HAVE ABSOLUTELY ZERO MEANS FOR A NOCHE BUENA! Dess knows the place well since she volunteers for the Church, and knows the people by name. :)

Through the help of our kind donors, we were able to put up enough money to buy all those things for the pancit canton, and we got a little more than we expected so we got buy them fruits and iced tea. Our donors ranged from our relatives (here and abroad), my friends (barkada and work), and other kind-hearted people. We made sure that they SAW where their money went, hence the proper documentation (with accounting pa yan ha!).

So now let me appeal to all of you guys reading this blog entry. It doesn't have to be a huge sum. As of this writing, my Mom has been able to collect funds from our relatives from the States and a friend of hers from work donated juice packs.

For those who want to donate, please leave your name and e-mail address so I could send you details on how you can extend your help.

Thank you very much guys! Let us help those people who will, in no way, have a decent Christmas dinner with their families. Let us be reminded that this is THE TIME of the year to show how blessed we are that we have so much, and it is time to give back.

Please help us spread the word! To my fellow bloggers, I hope you can help me get through some more people. I'm not as big time a blogger as you guys, you guys have a wider reach, so sana you can help me with our Christmas Drive.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! The red poster above, you can use to help promote! :)

For queries on how to donate please e-mail me at: mtc(dot)dumana(at)yahoo(dot)com.

CHANGE OF DATE: Personal & Basic Make-up Workshop by Jim Ros

GUYS CHUCHIE INFORMED ME THAT THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE OF DATE FOR THIS MAKE-UP WORKSHOP. IT HAS BEEN MOVED TO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2011. TIME AND PLACE REMAIN THE SAME. FOR DETAILS YOU MAY TEXT CHUCHIE LEDESMA AT 09157954061 OR E-MAIL HER AT carmela.ledesma@gmail.com

THANK YOU!! :)

And mi amiga Chuchie Ledesma! Chuchie was my officemate and becky friend who has this knack for all things jukap. We were her guinea pigs when we were in the publishing company, FAME, Inc. At nagsimula ang pagiging bakla ko dahil sa kanya!

After her stint as head writer for Zen Health magazine, she is now a make-up artist extraordinaire. She became a MUA for Lourd Ramos (her mentor) and her portfolio boasts of Philippine Fashion Week, Mutya ng Pilipinas, weddings, and photoshoots in our magazines. Check out her tumblr page so you guys would get an idea kung gaano ka-PAKAK ang kanyang jukap skills!

And so bilang gow na gow na si Mother sa jukapan, she asked me to post this invite to a Make-up Seminar with another make-up extraordinaire, Jim Ros, Maybelline's Senior Make-up Artist. Oh diba? Sino bang hindi magiging proud? :)

Click on the poster for the details. Bongga ito mga bakla! Once-in-a-lifetime ang isang jukap session with Jim Ros kaya GOOOWWW! :)

And si Chuchie also does jukap sa mga wedding at kung ano ano pang ganap. E-mail her and let her work her magic on your fez! Kung gusto niyong mag-mukhang mowdel for a day gow na sa make-up ni mareng Chucie! :)

Happy Ha-ha-halloween!!

Best in late haha! :)

How was your Halloween celebrations? Saw a lot of my friends on Facebook and Twitter post pictures of their Halloween costumes and parties. Seriously medyo witchechelles akitch paki sa Halloween. Not a big fan of the costumes and the thought process involved in sprucing up the costume. I just come as myself all the time, keri na ang pagiging natural na bruhilda ko!

Best example is our family's yearly Halloween party. Kabog ang Cream ng Big Fish sa party na itech! Ever since the apos started growing in numbers, my Tita and Tito made it a point to make our Halloween special. Even if my Tita didn't have a household helper (talk about fired about 3 months ago), iba pa rin ang effort niya in decorating their home in BF, Parañaque for this event.


The kids and kids-at-heart pakabugan at pabonggahan sa costume. Hindi talaga nagpatalo ang mga thunders! Pakak si Darth Vader! Achieve!



The pictures are care of my cousin, Ate Anna. While they were having their Halloween party, I escaped and drank with Gladys, John, Miya, and Miguel. Being the youngest among the 1st cousins (what is single and childless?!), medyo hindi na ako makasabay sa groove ng mga muda at puda kong mga pinsan. So I thought it would be better to drink with my friends whom I haven't seen in ages! :)

And ang 2 bagets na itech magkasunod ang birthday! So our Halloween party also turn into their birthday party. Scary lang ang peg ng kanilang party! At least complete pa rin with the costumes! Happy birthday Dustin and Blakey! :)


So ayan! Belated Happy Halloween, All Souls at All Saints from the Dumana family! Wit ako sa fekchoor dahil nakikipag-jinuman ako sa Aguirre niyan hahaha