Neo Amitiel

We (Buboy, Tatay, Nanay and Weng) went to Pangasinan last Saturday to visit Neo. We were lucky to miss Frank by a few hours. Anyway, here are the first pictures of Neo, he's barely four days old.







-tita chebong :o)

Family outing '08

First weekend of April, my family and I went to Ilocos. It was a return for Buboy and me since it was one of the places we visited during our two-week tour of northern Philippines early this year. Pagudpud was one of the highlights of our trip then and since it is summer, we decided to go back and bring my family along. Pagudpud is also a great venue for the pre-nuptial pictorial of Juvie and Benny so we brought Gene, the photographer, to the trip too. Of course the Higop Gang won’t be complete without Mox so she left her precious little bubbles (her dog) to the care of someone else during our 3-day trip.

Buboy was the only driver of the trip and I’m his ever efficient co-pilot. I swear I have improved my map reading skills since our January escapade (of which I’ll write about too… soon). Pagudpud is roughly an eleven hour drive from Manila, that’s exclusive of stop-over for some stretching. We left Pasig around 10pm on Thursday and arrived at Laoag in time for breakfast and some last minute grocery purchase the following day. Pagudpud greeted us with its midday sun. The place is wonderful! It’s definitely a breather because you can see more beach than people unlike Galera and Boracay on summer. The rest of what remains of the day was spent for the pre-nup pictorial at the beach and the windmills.

Saturday was beach day! Even though Buboy was dead-tired the previous day, we actually woke up early to enjoy the beach with the rest of the gang. Even Nanay and Tatay had fun waddling on the sand and sea.

Sunday is again a hectic day for everyone as we prepared early to leave Pagudpud and visit other parts of Ilocos. My parents are big Marcos fans so we just had to bring them to Batac to see the Marcos Museum.

We also went to see the majestic Paoay Church.

And of course Vigan. Nanay and Tatay actually celebrated the mass at the Vigan Cathedral… in Ilocano. I don’t think they understood anything. Then we strolled down the historic cobbled street of Calle Crisologo and did some shopping.

It was after dinner already when we started out for Manila. We arrived in Pasig almost 6:00am. Naturally, we were all tired and sleepy by then, especially Buboy and me who had to stay awake during the long drive back.


It was a fun trip. I was especially happy to see that my parents were able to endure the long drive and actually had fun. For me, the hero of the trip is Buboy. He made the trip enjoyable. He was awake more than 24 hours of our first day and more than 24 hours again of our last day. He never complained and he never frowned. He kept his cool and had fun with the rest of us. Now that defines a vacation hero in my dictionary! Thanks so much love. Iloveyousomuch!

-chebong

"VINDICATION" is a dish best served... GOLD!

Ey-Yo... Eh-Eh-Eyo...... Ey-Yo... Eh-Eh-Eyo!!!!

*uhrrmmmm*... Sorry 'bout that, let me compose myself a little... *whew!* okay, I think I got it under control now... lemme' see, where was I? oh yeah....

Yesterday was the start of the second round eliminations in the current season of UAAP basketball. Chebong and I were invited by our good friend Mox to watch the pride of our beloved Alma-Mater, University of Santo Tomas' Growling Tigers go up against the Green Archers of De La Salle University. I was excited at the idea of getting to watch live college ball again. It's been a little less than 10 years since I got to go to one of these things live and "a-little-bit-psyched-up" would be a pretty weak description of what I was feeling one week prior to game-time.

Admittedly, it was pretty weird getting back into the whole "school spirit" thing. I remember back in college when my buddies and I used to go to these things. One can't help but reminice on the things that made it all one heck of a fun ride: the cheers the chants, the jeers, the cheerleaders... (oh yeaaah...cheeeerleaders... heh heh heh). Going through the motions of it all after a long period of inactivity made for some pretty awkward moments at first.

We got ourselves upper-box tickets with seats located roughly at the center-area that got us a pretty good view of the courtside action. We did'nt get to actually sit at our designated seats (nobody at these things does anyway) and ended up taking spots along one of the center aisles. Being among mostly college kids was a little bit awkward at first, especially when the cheering and chanting started and one tiny bit of realization set in... we did'nt know any of the chants they were doing!

It was embarassing...

Well, like the bright campers that we prided ourselves to be... we got the hang of the new chants eventually as the game progressed, thereby managing to look a little less silly during the rest of the event.

The game itself did'nt change with the passing of years. The same adrenalin rush of watching cagers from both Universities trying to out-do each other was still the main reason school spirit is always at an all-time high during UAAP season.

tiger cub at the game... yep... we start 'em off young...

This particular game was no exception. Coming from a 17 game losing streak that started way back in 1999 against DLSU, the UST Growling Tigers have been itching for some payback for quite some time now. The first half of the game was pretty depressing on our part since UST was putting in a pretty horrible game... too many missed shots and too many turn-overs got me to thinking that maybe us watching the game live turned out to be bad luck for our home team.

Luckily for us, after the half-time break, (and after probably a helluva lot of ass-whupping in the locker rooms by UST Head Coach Pido Jarencio...) the Tigers came out strong and were giving the Archers a run for their money!

until the 4rth quarter that is...

It all happened so fast... yet so agonizingly slow (don't ask... I cant figure that one out myself), but regardless of the increased offensive and defensive strategies of UST, the Archers managed to put an impressive 12 point lead with 1:57 remaining in the game. This was it... "payback's gone down the drain"--- I thought to myself: "If some sort of miracle is gonna happen... it had better happen soon!"... and from the looks of the kids around us, I'd gather they were'nt thinking much different.

I dont know if the big Guy upstairs heard me and all the other Tiger fans silently praying to the high heavens for help... but something happened... It wasnt that noticeable at first (considering the large lead already attained by DLSU) but the Tigers were ACTUALLY fighting back!!! Like it's striped namesake, the UST cagers silently and ferociously fought their way out of the corner that DLSU ushered them into. Every steal, jumpshot, three-pointer and free throw went in like clock-work closing the 12 point gap and sending the game into heart-stopping overtime!

I'm not sure what fueled the Tigers during that fantastic run... or what was going through their minds as the clock was slowly counting down to oblivion. What was clearly evident to all the fans that night was how much their hearts were into the game. This game was a testament to fighters who wouldnt back down to insurmountable odds, to improbable heroes and impossible victories... an underdog story? Not hardly...

It's the Growling Tiger story.

UST beat DLSU in overtime last August 11, 2007. Managing an 8 point lead with a final score of 81 to 73 against the dazed Green Archers... the Tigers have finally gotten their payback.

Viva USTe!

Tigers Ruuuuuule!!!!!!

- Buboy

How lucky can a girl be?

For several days now I have been reminiscing old times with my girlfriends. Maybe it’s the weather that is making me miss them quite a bit… I have been fondly looking back at nights spent hanging out at UP Diliman, or playing pictionary in Tagaytay, or the indoor deep talks about life and whatnot, or club hopping for bands and music, or planning surprises, or out-of-town gimmicks, or crazy laughing spree, or simply eating out… Moments spent with my girlfriends.

I have lots of girlfriends. There’s a couple from HS, a bunch from college, and dozens from work. And these I got are the best. And I don’t mean because we never disagree or even fight, because we do. There are times my best buddy from HS and I would not speak to each other for months (because we disagreed/fought about something silly) but when one of us needs help or comforting, we’d run like hell to be there. And friends are great with surprises too. My college girlfriends are very good at planning surprises (but not as good in keeping the ideas until the event though) complete with themes and props, you’d think we're professional party planners. And who says those friends you meet at work are not for keeps? I have a lot of friends I met from the many jobs I had, including volunteer work. And though we don’t regularly communicate, whenever we get a chance to get together, we just know that time has not altered our friendship.

Girlfriends since childhood

aellek then and now

halo-halong girlfriends

You know you have great girlfriends when it's no longer embarrassing or scary to let out your bad side in front of them. That’s how my girlfriends and I are. And although regularly keeping in touch may be a bit harder now (with the different lives we’re living) there is a sense of security and comfort that comes with the memories that say our friendship will stay forever, and that whenever I feel down or up or anything in between, my girlfriends will always be there to share my moments.

It’s true what they say, girlfriends are the best. And I’m lucky I’ve never been short of them all my life. And the best part (yup, there's still a best part) is that my girlfriends are also friends with Buboy that I never had a hard time spending time with them with him. How did i get so lucky!!

-chebong

Between a “Rock” and a Hot Place….

On May 1, 2007 for Mox’s bday (advanced celebration), we took her to historic Corregidor where we had a crash course in history while having fun playing print ad models and photographers.

Da Higop Gang Strikes Again!

Corregidor, known as “The Rock”, is a small rocky island in the Philippines strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. It was a key bastion of the allies during WWII. Corregidor was the headquarters of the Allied forces and also the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government during that time. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers who bravely fought against the invading Japanese forces during World War II.

they say that Corregidor Island is shaped like a stingray... but does'nt it look more like a sperm...err...tadpole?

Our day started at CCP where we boarded a ferry that would take us to Corregidor. We toured the island via “tramvias” (buses made to look like the old trams used in the island during the war) with candid tour guides narrating stories, anecdotes and historical facts along the way. We were shown the geographic sectors of the island which includes Topside, Middleside, Bottomside and Tail end. And visited the island’s landmarks such as the Mile-long Barracks, old Spanish Lighthouse, Pacific War Memorial, Eternal Flame of Freedom,Filipino-American Friendship Park, Filipino Heroes Memorial, Malinta Tunnel (with a 30-minute audio and visual presentation on WWII), and not to mention numerous gun placements and ruins all around the island.

Tramvia Trippin'

We speak softly.... but we carry “BIIIIG” guns!

Paying homage to the brave souls at the Heroes Memorial

Re-enactment of the death march...by the Eternal Flame of Friendship... huh???

"Hi Ho... Hi Ho... It's off to work we go..."

Indiana Jones aint got nuthin on us!!!

The Pacific War Museum... can you guess which ones are on display?

The Lighthouse... The Altar of Heroes... and two “reeeally” weird girls...

Ahhh... the beautiful scenery...too bad these guys are always in the pics...

Although it was sooo hot that day and all the information and facts that we’re getting may be too much to handle at times (as it has been years since we last read our history books), we can’t help but be fascinated and awed by the story being told both by the ruins and the newer memorials built in Corregidor. Truly, this island not only teaches lessons from the past but it also give us a glimpse of the sacrifices and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers alike.

Fine weather we're having....“nooooot!”

We think every Filipino should include visiting this historical island in their personal to do/to go to list.

KurlyNews

KurlyNews
28 April 2007, 11:43 PM

weng, mox, benny, juvie, chebong & buboy (aka "Da Higop Gang")

Chebong and Buboy recently got back from their yearly White Beach, Puerto Galera jaunt where they spent 3 days and 2 nights kicking up their heels with friends and family. Located in Mindoro Oriental, Philippines, the name “Puerto Galera” literally means “Port of Galleons” originating from the fact that the numerous coastlines of the area have provided traders and sailors shelter from the rough seas for centuries. These days however, Puerto Galera is one of the premier tourist spots in the country famous for its beautiful corals (hence the influx of scuba diving aficionados from all over the world), the white sandy beaches, and of course, the world renowned Filipino Hospitality. Let’s have a chat with the Kurly Couple and get the lowdown on their latest adventure.

You’ve both been to White Beach several times already right? Obviously you haven’t gotten tired of coming back to the place every year, what’s changed from the first time you’ve been there?

Chebong (C): More people seem to be going there now than 3 to 5 years ago. The place is slowly getting crowded.

Buboy (B): Yup! White Beach is getting even more congested with every passing year, I mean some resorts there even have three-storey residences!

(C): And most of the girls (whatever their size is) are wearing 2-piece swimsuits. Too bad for me, I should have done it when I still can.

(B): Aww… that’s not true luv… you can still wear ‘em 2-piece suits for me *wink* *wink*

What do you do to prepare? Meaning, what do you bring with you? How much cash should you have on you for the trip? That kind of stuff….

(C): My friend said I pack like a wife now. Anyway, We packed the usual… undies, sleep wear, night wear (for those late night drinking sprees), swim wear, slippers… but I see to it we pack everything with extras… 2-3 pcs extra undies, 2-3 pcs extra shirts, etc. This year we also brought a toiletry hanging basket for the shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine wash, lotion, shaver, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. I made sure we bring our vitamins and other meds for emergency such as biogesic, decolgen, kemil-S, etc. And of course we brought hangers and clothes pins/clips. Food… we always bring at least 5 liters of water. This year we had canned juice and coke, we had dozens of milo, coffee, nesvita and litro juice sachets, we had salted eggs, biscuits and snacks!

(B): Understandably, the rates keep getting higher every year, especially when you go there from Friday to Sunday, the room rates skyrocket by about a thousand bucks! We ended up paying P3000 a night for a room that could fit 6 people, so that would be….P6000 for a 2 night stay. We consider the cost of round-trip bus and ferry rides; lunch & dinner for the 2-day stay…we probably ended up shelling out around P3500 per person in a group of 6. That still leaves you with enough dough for snorkeling, banana boat rides, booze and a few souvenirs!

What’s the most memorable experience you had there?

(C): Buboy and I weren’t married yet when we first went to Galera. It was for my birthday. We had been fighting days before and I was prepared to break up with him there. But instead of breaking up, we made up. And during our first night there, we were laying on the beach, watching the stars, I realized I really love Buboy and I am not going to let go of what we have… Years after, we went there again for our honeymoon. And I remembered the first time we came there… I was glad I didn’t let go…

(B): Aaaawww maaaaannnn!!!! Now, how can I possibly top that kind of an answer…Cmere and lemme give ya a hug! But seriously, what Chebong said was right on the money… and one thing that keeps me coming back to the place must be the fantastic sunsets there. There’s really nothing like seeing that blazing red-orange sun going down on the vast ocean blue…. Really takes your breath away!

Did you do anything new this year?

(C): Yup! We had a banana boat (but I swear it was shaped like a pencil) ride. Though we requested no “taob” because most of us don’t know how to swim and we’re (at least I am) mightily afraid of being thrown in the middle of the sea, even with a life vest on.

(B): We also had special henna tattoos made. These were extra special beeecause…. I designed em’ myself! Yup! Check-em out, we had our names tattooed as ambigrams (they read the same way once you flip em over!). Henna artists on the beach actually do ambigrams themselves but they were really surprised that we made ours without any help.

If you manage to return to White Beach next year, is there anything in particular you would want to try that you haven’t done before?

(C): Yes. I hope to be able to ride the banana boat with “taob” next time and maybe go hiking. We’ve been going there for years and we haven’t seen the tamaraw falls yet… heck, not even a live tamaraw. Maybe next time we can afford to stay there longer, like 5-7 days perhaps.

(B): That would really be awesome… one week of sun and sea… maybe we could even have time to try out jet-skiing this time.


So there you go folks, seems like the kurly couple will definitely be having more adventures in the months to come. Let’s wait and see where they turn up next! Till then…Keep on Kurlin’!!!!!