Thursday, January 20, 2011

Reyjr goes Hawaii Five-O!


Hawaii Five-O! That unmistakable opening title sequence music brings back childhood memories. The original series ended wayyy before I was born and so I never saw a single episode, but despite that, the opening theme sounds fresh to my ears...


Hawaii Five O!

I've been to Hawaii twice - the first time was in the year 2000 during the 14th International Tour of the UP Concert Chorus.  Everyone was excited about Hawaii - the first stop of the 2000 Millennium Concert Tour - I was particularly interested because of all the hype about Hawaii being a paradise, with luscious forests and active volcanoes, creamy white sand beaches and surfing waves...

Liz and Rey at the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii (taken on April 16, 2003)

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Reyjr Random Travel Tip 002: Traveling is not always fun...


Reyjr Travel Tip #002:


"Traveling is not always fun - but if you create the fun wherever you go, then the beautiful places become an awesome backdrop of an already wonderful experience."




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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Leaving on a Jet Plane




01-07-11 Friday


Friday: It's past 1 in the morning and I'm still up, packing my luggage for the flight to Singapore on Saturday, but just managing to stuff 2 items at a time before I go back in front of my laptop, wondering why I can't bring myself to finish anything these days.

But wait, I should maybe qualify that - I can't finish anything non-work related... or. Nevermind.

I blame it, my lethargy, on the extended vacation in December. I mean because vacations are never sufficient, they're always "bitin". And so my body is rebelling against any kind of activity.

Anyway, I should prepare myself for a looong day...

Friday, December 31, 2010

Reyjr.com Blogging in 2010 - and onwards to 2011



This is my first ever year-end blogging recap, a tradition a lot of bloggers do annually. I do realize it is important to always take a step back and look at what has happened in the year that has passed - remember the bad with the good, learn from mistakes and grow because of them.

I also think it is important to have a plan at the beginning of the year. The plan may not be as clear-cut or complete, but at least there is a something to measure your progress against. That way you can gauge if you did better or worse - and reward or adjust accordingly. Here we go then...

Monday, December 27, 2010

Dreaming of a European Holiday Getaway?


Dreaming of a European Holiday Getaway?


Reyjr traveling in Europe
I am too.  Ever since I got the opportunity to travel around Europe - to countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, and France - I've always wanted to go back, hopefully next time around, for a real holiday vacation (or maybe for our Honeymoon!)

I am dreaming of visiting centuries old buildings and structures in Italy, walking on the cobblestone street, staying at villas in Greece with fantastic views of the coast, and marvel at the majestic Temple of Hephaestus in Athens.  I am dreaming of the ever interesting Gaudi architecture all over Barcelona and how I'd love to visit all of them one by one. I've been to Paris, France but do want to go back. I never had the chance to go up the Eiffel Tower or visit Mona Lisa inside the Louvre. I'd love to try backpacking around Brittany or Corsica in France, find some nice cottages to rent and just enjoy the peace and quiet and the lovely cool weather...

Monday, December 20, 2010

Isaw Philosophications


Inception



What can I say? Sometimes there are just things that take a hold of us - a thought, a concept, an idea - and sometimes an idea is grand and defines your life by the choices you make because of this idea, but often it is a simple idea, mundane even.

Even so, this idea captures us and it seems we cannot force ourselves to take any other option.

Well, since I am really not in the mood for fantastic philosophications, let's forgo the former and talk about the latter.

Here's one idea I can't seem to shake off.  Tell me, do you have the same thoughts and feelings about this idea? I'd love to hear what you think...

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Earning 10 in 2010: November Online Earnings Update

Earning 10 in 2010 - Online Earnings Update

I'm terribly late but still, hello everyone and welcome to the November 2010 edition of my Online Earnings Update. November was not a good month, and it doesn't seem like things will be looking up soon. I'll tell you why in a bit...

For this month, I earned only about $7.34, mostly from Google Adsense.  It seems I've unwittingly relaxed after I received my first $100 on Google Adsense! Wait.. you don't know what the heck I'm talking about? If it is your first time reading a post from this series, here's a quick background...

Thursday, December 09, 2010

UPCC 2000: "Happy 10th Anniversary! And see you again in 2012!"

Has it been 10 years? Yes, indeed it has!


But even though we feel it in our muscles, the panting after every choreographed number, the added padding around the waist like cushions every time the movement requires us to bend, the additional effort to hold a sustained note a steady pianissimo...even though it's been a decade past, the passion is not lost on our years and careers, the energy to the fingertips, the performance bravado, stage presence and the beautiful harmonies still blend together perfectly...
"...lumilipad ang puso ko sa awit na aking tangay..."


Friday, December 03, 2010

My net was out for 2 weeks! Updates on the concert, my nose and the Hunger Games

10 Year Anniversary - The UPCC Batch 2000

Batchmates (from left) Josette, Raisa, Liz, Reyjr, Shaina, Roger, Emily, Ging and Deo.

The UPCC concert is in 2 days and I still haven't fully recovered from my cough and colds.  I am still a little hoarse, but hopefully my voice will be well enough to hit those high notes.  We will be singing and dancing 4 songs: three Filipino songs and one English gospel song...

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

World AIDS Day 2010: Eradicating the Stigma through Education



World AIDS Day 2010


I recently "Liked" a Facebook Page for UNAIDS, a non profit organization that seeks to help raise awareness and understanding about the virus and how it can be prevented and eventually eradicated.  You can too, if you want.  Just visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/UNAIDS.

According to a report published in 2009, there may now be up to 5,500,000 people in Asia living with HIV. Up to 29,000 of those are children. In 2008, an estimated 330,000 AIDS-related deaths occurred in Asia alone.  Please, if you think you are exempt from this, stop and think again, because if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem...

Friday, November 26, 2010

Friday Madness!



Friday Madness!


Friday grips my attention.
Restraining, increasing the tension
In my chest. My mind is already
Dancing away from my body
And skipping with glee down the hallway
Yes, obviously happy it's Friday.


Nov 30 is Bonifacio Day

ps.
It's going to be a long weekend - with the November 30 "Bonifacio Day" moved to be celebrated on November 29.  Let's take some time this weekend to stop and remember one of our Nation's heroes, Andres Bonifacio.


pps. To those celebrating it...

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Monday, November 22, 2010

Parasailing in Boracay



Parasailing in Boracay


If you've never gone Para-sailing before, Boracay is the perfect place to try it - with the breathtaking view of the island, the wonderful warm breeze and the accommodating crew to assist you, you will surely enjoy the experience. We sure did!
Excited to fly Para-sailing style for the first time!

We were leaving Boracay the next morning and were feeling adventurous enough to try either the "Helmet Diving" or "ParaSailing", and eventually decided on the latter...