Rough Groove

31st of December, on being alone and MMFF

Its yet another end of the year and what differs this time compared to my previous end of the year is that I’ll just be here in Makati. ALONE. Usually, after the Christmas crossover duty at the office (in Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro before), I would have gone home to Cebu and celebrate with my family. Whereas I would be actively lighting the firecrackers and sometimes prepare the food for the media noche, maybe later I’ll just go to Malate and watch the countdown party that will be hosted by the City of Manila and GMA, a local TV station. Or have a drink or two at one of the bars there. Well, I really just don’t know. I’ve already bought a cake from Red Ribbon and a Selecta ice cream last night. Maybe I’ll pass by a pasta shop and get pesto with chicken. Or watch movie later.

Hmmm, movies. Its the usual time of the year that the so called Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) hijacks all cinemas in Metro Manila and you don’t really have an option to watch any other movie but the local offerings that are more done for the commercial aspect than a celebration of life as depicted in the movies. Now, as what are shown, three are of the fantasy genre and each is outdoing one another in the special effects, the cost of producing it and how it fared in the tills. As of yesterday, Enteng Kabisote, 2 leads in the box office followed by Mulawin with Exodus as the runner up. How I wish that in the next MMFF, the films will be more of the Maximo kind that one can be proud of of exhibiting/showing in the international circuit. No brazen and bloated budgets and effects but a simple take on a slice of life, of a neighborhood, of convictions and beliefs. Well, its a really pathetic film festival and they have the gall to impose it on everyone. I really don’t have any choice but, to while away time, watch it.

Enough said. As the year ends tonight and a new one is ushered in, I would just wish everyone a Happy New Year, a prosperous, fruitful, full of hope and a year for the better for the world, for the country, for the economy, for the political sphere, for the community, for the family and for the self.

Bulahang bag-ong tuig!!!

Christmas displays at Policarpio St.

Policarpio St. in Mandaluyong City located near the intersection of Boni Avenue and the street going to Acacia Lane is definitely a must go to place for the holidays. The Christmas displays and spectacular lights that deck the houses are just awesome. Not only were the people and other visitors merry with such grand spectacles, Meralco, the electric company was happier.

The night tiangge (market/bazaar) is now a fixture of the street’s holiday attractions. This is an opportunity for the subdivision and maybe the home owners considering the very high electric bills.

Another vendor at the street bazaar briskly selling Christmas holiday trinkets.

The House of Santa Claus is another attraction. A houseful of lights and holiday decors with a multitude displays of Santas of different sizes. Here, visitors pose on a life size version.

A rich nativity scene with moving figures in one house, while another, the main attraction, is a house that’s blanketed with thousands of christmas lights from the roof down to the trees and grasses in the garden! A very opulent display that dazzle the eyes but hard on the owner’s pocket. In an interview in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the owner spent around P75,000 (around $1,700) in electric bills alone. This time, they made it a point to cut costs and target around P35,000.

Christmas Monday

Christmas Monday, together with Ryan, we went to Hidalgo in Quiapo to get that flash and stuff. Some stores were not open but it seems people were savoring the holiday after Christmas. Not only that, when we arrived in Divisoria, we were shocked at the multitude of people thronging Divisoria Mall as well as 168 Shopping Mall! People seems to be awash with disposable money. Not that they’re only buying stuff for gifts but maybe to buy themselves cheap goods that these malls are known for.

In the evening, we went to the Esplanade to witness the opening of the Pyro Olympics. It was just so stunning and awesome to watch those marvelous fireworks display!

168 Shopping Mall in Divisoria is known for CHEAP goods. Just imagine: a christmas light set that can be bought at SM or National Bookstore at P129 a piece is worth P100 for 4 sets here! That’s way too low! That’s why people flock here to buy. Its really like a tiangge only that its airconditioned. People from all walks of life and from different strata converge in this mall. But mind you, most of the items are made in China, usually smuggled stuff that’s really giving a clear competition to other goods.

Outside, near the Tutuban Center, this small alley was just filled with people.

At the Esplanade, at the back of the still constructed SM Mall of Asia of Henry Sy, the Pyro Olympics unfolded. Of course, I was in full photographic gear (except for the Speedlite Transmitter). There were already people at the breakwater and I didn’t have another option but to go down at the huge rocks and setup my tripod.

The event have two countries presenting per day until Friday and that night, China and Australia were competing. Unluckily for me, when I switched lenses, something just didn’t work that I missed China’s finale that I was only able to get more shots of Australia’s displays. Tomorrow, I’ll be going back there for the finale and where the host country will be showing her stuff.

Company party

Last Wednesday, we had our company Christmas party at the World Trade Center. Well, compared with last year, the previous was much better, livelier and funnier with the cast of Bubble Gang dishing out their spiels and segments as seen on TV. Of course, funny man Joey de Leon and the Mixed Nut gang came but it still did not make the night that fun. Rufa Mae, Teri Aunor, Maureen Larazzabal, Jomari Yllana, Ogie were some of the artists that graced the occasion. However, Regine and Bamboo definitely were good especially the latter with his electrifying stage presence and performance. But the highlight was the bonus announcement of xx months.

The gang of Mixed Nuts on stage.

Silhouette of Regine Velaszuez while doing a number. A great bamboo performance.

A soothing massage

Early morning yesterday and I was already sort of uncomfortable with like a knotted muscle on my back and nape that I’ve decided to really get a massage. A soothing one.

For the past few months, I’ve been putting off of going to a spa here in Makati. Unlike in Cebu or Cagayan de Oro where I go to Body and Sole and Golden Touch (massage parlor, blind masseur), respectively in the two cities. Its cheap there. For about P250, you can get an hour and a half of relaxation. Here in Makati, its really hard to find one that is cheap. I’ve searched the internet and have come checked out several locations. But time and again, I just put it off for some other time.

This morning, I really decided to get one that is near. I checked the net again and found several. But Blue Mountains is nearest and their services seem good. I booked for a 1900H session. After work, proceeded to the place which is just a ten minute walk.

The place is cozy and is located in a not so busy road. After shower and sauna, my massage session started. For two hours, the therapist was kneading, tapping and pressing me like bread flour with a combination of Shiatsu (dry) and Swedish (with non aromatic oil) massage but really, it was very relaxing that I’ve sort of dozed off.

The massage was really great and I might comeback for another session.