Super Typhoon ODETTE (Rai) | DURING & AFTER!

 

This was the strongest, scariest Typhoon I've experienced in my life. A close second was Ruping during my 10th birthday in 1990.

UNBOXING the Disney MULAN Doll by Hasbro

Hasbro's Disney Mulan Fashion Doll with Skirt Armor and Pants Inspired by Disney's Live-Action Movie.

UNBOXING the Superman Set from Luminous Collectibles on FB

 

First time I bought something from a Live Selling of Toys, and of course, it's Superman. SuperMEN to be exact. Definitely worth it. Luminous Collectibles on FB https://www.facebook.com/LuminousCollectibles/

UNBOXING the HAN SOLO & CHEWBACCA 5-Inch-Scale Action Figures | Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures

UNBOXING the Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures HAN SOLO & CHEWBACCA 5-Inch-Scale Action Figures by Hasbro

Unboxing my very own EGON SPENGLER Toy!

 

Mystery Boxes

 

One Step at at Time

"𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏.." 

Two months after being hospitalized, I am still struggling with Long COVID every single day, and truthfully, I - together with millions around the world - don't know when or if we'll fully recover. 😔

But yeah, life goes on. We're 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 to move forward a little each day.

One step at a time. 🙏

Long Covid

Today, exactly 2 months after I was rushed to the ER, I, together with millions around the world, are still s̶t̶r̶u̶g̶g̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ living and fighting every single day. We're in uncharted waters so let's just do our best to survive, pray, and live our lives one day at a time, never taking anything and anyone for granted. Let us live each day as if it's our last because one day, it will be. 🙏

Finally! OUR FIRST DOSE OF VACCINE! (We Did It For Our Loved Ones)

 Today, exactly a month after being discharged from the hospital, I took a big step moving forward with my family. 🥰

Thank you to our sponsors who helped us finally get #vaccinated 🙏

My COVID-19 Journey

 

COVID Almost Ended My Life

Seven days isolated with just cough & fever, then oxygen saturation went way down. Rushed to the hospital, had supplemental oxygen for 4+ hours inside the ambulance while waiting for a slot inside the ER. Finally got in but stayed in the ER for 2 days, then moved to my own room & stayed there for 10 days with 3 IV tubes attached, oxygen (alternated between nasal cannula & face mask - fought to not get intubated), whole body full of needle punctures, and experienced ALL COVID symptoms I've heard & read about.

Went through literal hell battling COVID, and people who know me know that the whole family is very OC with ALL the health protocols, yet we still got hit. HARD.

Best thing that came out from all of these? 

My senior parents - both fully vaccinated- tested negative.

My daughter tested negative. 

My wife was the first positive, but she got better quick so she was able to take care of me in the hospital. 

Are we vaccinated? I advocated for the vaccine, and happy that my parents got them. As for us, we registered May 16, no text until now for our turn. Covid got to us first. 

I am now recovering and recuperating at home.

Covid hit my lungs hard, and it will take a long time, and a lot of work but #LabanLang. 👊

The Doc said that it took 10 months before her husband's cough got well.

Words will never be enough to thank everyone who helped us through this ordeal. The Alquizolas, Ouanos, Lumapats & Dinos all over the world, families, friends, mentors, officemates, Bosconian/Salesian family & the SJ community. Those who sent financial support, those who sent supplies, those who checked on us everyday, those who included us in their prayers. I may not be able to repay you now, but I promise that I will. Thank you all, and most of all, THANK YOU, LORD, for this second life. 💞

Podcast?

 I now have a Podcast.

It's not much, but I'm still trying to find my niche. 

I have this blog, but I don't write quality blogs, and I don't write often.

I have a YouTube channel, but I don't create good content, and I don't create often.

Now I'm trying a Podcast. 

We'll see.

Theatre Journeys with Mary Justine, Ingrid & Corina Lorei

With new to the Kumu platform, I experimented on a talk-show type stream with 3 amazing women as we talked about their theatre journeys. The whole episode was over 3 hours including their songs, so I had to cut and edit it before sharing it in my YouTube Channel so I won't be tagged for copyright issues.

Sharing the episode here with the hope that the younger generation will be able to learn from them. This episode is for those who are into theatre, for those who love theatre, even those who don't like theatre.

More episodes hopefully soon. 

KUMU, The Life-Changing Platform

I have been missing a lot since the pandemic started. One of those I miss most is performing. That's why when my CTC family invited me to join them in KUMU, I immediately observed, then ordered my own sound equipment. Kumu has been a tremendous help for us to keep in touch and keep our sanity intact. We as a family have 3 regular streams every week, and I tried a few times doing a solo stream without video (so it sounded like listening to an FM station with me as DJ & singer), but I still don't have enough confidence to keep doing it.

I hope to grow with CTC in this new platform, and hopefully grow more confident to do solo streams from time to time.

Kumu has also allowed us to meet theatre people from Manila in our streams like the great Mica Fajardo.

Not sponsored (LOL), but THANK YOU, KUMU, for everything.

Lift Up Your Hands

Sharing this beautiful song from Cecille Azarcon. 

May we all have a blessed Holy Week, friends! 

The DC Trinity

With the success of Zack Snyder's Justice League, I look back at the photos I took of the DC Trinity a long time ago in one of our rare Toy Conventions here in Cebu City.

Production is Postponed For Now

We just got the news that Annie is postponed indefinitely, depending on the improvement of the current situation we're in. I am sad because I so miss live theatre, I am relieved because it's so difficult to focus on theatre during these times, and I am also sad (again) because they said that workshops will continue online. That has been a very big problem for me, but I have to do what I have to do. I can't continue the online workshops for now. Again, I will accept whatever decision they will have for me.

Hoping for the best for everything and everyone.

I Got Promoted, But First...

Last September, I wrote about applying for a promotion for the third and last time, and I got it. It's a welcome blessing, but even before I start my new position, the requirements alone are ridiculous.

Please bear with me as I share the requirements that I need to submit before I can start, and a few rants here and there about it. Let this be a guide also to those who are in government service, and plans to apply for a promotion soon.

Take note, I am entering my 5th year in this government agency, and my 10th year overall in government service. 

The red folder will be submitted to the Civil Service Commission, while the yellow one will be submitted to our regional office.

Now, let's go through some of the.. er.. weirder requirements.

1. Original NSO and Local Birth & Marriage Certificates.

Uhm, the NSO certificates are scanned copies of the Local ones, then printed in special NSO papers with all the security features. Now we have to get 2 copies from NSO and 2 copies from the Local Civil Registrar. 

Fun fact: When I got accepted originally 5 years ago, I submitted these. Now that I am promoted, I am asked to submit the same again. And with the pandemic, it's not easy and cheap to request and claim copies of these docs.

2. Handwritten Application Letter.

C'mon, who would still be writing down a freaking application letter the past decade? 

3. Certification of Eligibility from the Civil Service Commission.

Okay. As mentioned earlier, this will be my 10th year in government service, and my 2nd government agency. I wouldn't be hired in the service if I wasn't civil service eligible in the first place. And I still have my original civil service eligibility from 2001. Now I'm asked to go to the CSC office and request (and pay) for a certification that I an Civil Service eligible. Of course I will comply (I don't have a choice), but I still think this is kinda unnecessary.

Again, I am very much thankful, but I am also human. I'm sorry for the rant, there are just some requirements that are redundant, and seemingly unnecessary, but hey, I can rant all I want but at the end of the day, I must and I will comply.

Missing Face to Face Theatre

I have not been really active with theatre the past couple of years (before the lockdowns) as much as I would've wanted. I was offered a role in Panagtipon 2020 (Panagtipon 2019 was one of my most enjoyable theatre experience) and I loved it, but unlike the previous years, the rehearsals were to be twice/thrice a week for 2 weeks or so, and then everyday for a month. Because of my responsibilities at home and work, I am not able to do those rehearsal days so I had to quit.

Fast forward to last year, I was ecstatic when I was asked if I would like to join the callbacks for a supporting character in Annie. I prepared for the callbacks, and luckily got it. 

Then the lockdowns happened. 

The production shifted online for our weekend workshops.

The first few Sundays, we had the vocal workshops. It was challenging, but I managed to survive it.

The next Sundays were extremely difficult. Movement and acting workshops. 

For those workshops, we needed to have space to move and such.

We don't have space at home. I tried going to public places just to have space, but still it didn't work out. I was very frustrated with this pandemic. We would've done the rehearsals at GMI, and space and internet connection wouldn't be a problem. This is just not working for me.

I wanted to quit, but I couldn't because I signed a contract. I know they would understand, but I really tried my best to make it work.

Then just recently, I sent a message to the production team that I wouldn't be able to attend online workshops anymore since I really am struggling with space. The Stage Manager said he'll forward my message. I hope they'll understand. I am thankful to have been included in the production, and more thankful that I was not included in the callbacks for major roles. I don't think I am capable anymore to memorize long lines, and rehearse longer hours. If they'll drop me, I'll be fine with it. I miss theatre. I love theatre. With everything that's going on right now, I can give up theatre for my family and for work.

First-Hand Experience of a COVID-19 Survivor

My father has a weekend radio program, but since the year started, he has been working from home as his way of following the safety protocols. That means 3 or more hours of work for me at home to edit and clean his recordings before sending it to the station for broadcast. Emphasis on cleaning.

Recently, he interviewed his friend who we can call a COVID-19 survivor. I just had to share this interview for everyone to be informed, and to be aware of how serious this dreaded virus is.

Keep safe and keep sane, everyone!

Portrait of My Love

Since today is the last day of the Love Month, I'd like to share my one take cover of one of my most fave love songs of all time.

May the month of March be better for all of us.

Drip Coffee by Dannah

For the longest time, I've always been a coffee addict.

No. More like a coffee monster. 

Almost everyday, coffee is my water at home. I'd consume a LOT of 3-in-1 coffee in a single day. No, it has no effect on me. I just really love the taste. 

When I started to feel certain things in my body, I immediately thought that it's from too much 3-in-1's, so I slowly shifted to plain black coffee. No sugar, creamer, milk or anything. Just black coffee and water.

Then I shifted to Nescafe Gold. It's a little expensive, but to me it was way better health wise.

Recently, I saw an ad in Facebook, and I became curious and interested. 

I contacted them and had a pack delivered.

It's Drip Coffee. More like instant brewed coffee so it's healthier, and now it has an effect on me, like keeping me up or giving me extra energy to finish some tasks.

This is not sponsored in anyway, just wanted to share that it's really good.

Just waiting for money to come in, so I can order more.

Also planning to try other Drip Coffees so I can hopefully compare them.

My Top 3 Favorite Face Masks

Since a Face Mask is now a necessity, I'm sharing my top 3 favorite face masks based on comfort, security (how safe it is), and most especially price. I cannot afford those really expensive masks reviewed by YouTubers so I decided to share mine as well. 

Christopher Plummer and Edelweiss

Christopher Plummer passed away 2 days ago at the age of 91. He played so many characters, but I will always remember him as Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music movie opposite Julie Andrews.

Though it wasn't his voice that everyone heard in the movie, his performance of Edelweiss will always be an iconic moment in cinematic history.

Here's my simple tribute to Mr. Plummer.

Camera Comparison (Samsung A30 vs Realme 6)

All the vids and pics I've posted the past 1.9 months were taken by my Samsung A30 phone. Now that the phone is showing some signs of the wear and tear that it has endured, I decided to buy a new phone. I have been reading and watching reviews for months so I knew all along what phone I would be getting, and that's the Realme 6.

Although my A30 is a year plus older than the 6, both look very similar, and so far, they also are performing similarly. Since I use the camera most of the time for my vlogs, and everyday random shots, I decided to make a camera comparison for both phones. My Samsung phone has a 16 megapixel main shooter, while the Realme has a 12 megapixel main shooter - and you have the option to use the 64 megapixel cam, too. For this comparison, I used just the 12mp in the Realme 6.

Which phone do you think has the better main camera? 

Katrina Alyssa Turns 18 | Debut in the New Normal

Ever since she was small, my daughter has always been the type of person who never demands for anything. She rarely asks for something that's not necessary, because we've always educated her about how difficult it is to look for money yet so easy to spend it.

For her 18th birthday, she never asked for a debut. She just wanted a big cake and to wear a gown. We, on the other hand, were planning to give her a simple debut with just a few of the closest people to us.

Then the pandemic happened.

Everything was cancelled.

The world stopped.

Our plans then changed. We made different backup plans so we'll be ready on what to do depending on what Community Quarantine Status we'll be in.

Since we're under the Modified General Community Quarantine this month, we went through with one of our plans.

We had an intimate family dinner at an exclusive room at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, but with a big beautiful cake, and pictorials of the beautiful debutante in her beautiful gown. We had an impromptu program with surprise video greetings from family and friends. Simply said, we gave her a virtual debut. Aside from the debutante and her parents, the only other attendees were my parents who we live with. 

I'll be sharing the details in my next blog. 

In the meantime, here are a couple of videos from that memorable evening.

My Letter for My Daughter as She Turns 18

Today, my daughter turns 18. 

I made this letter a year ago, and I posted this here in my blog on September 24, 2020 scheduling it to be posted on January 6, 2021.

Whether or not I'm still around today as she turns 18, I hope she gets to read this letter.

I love you, Katrina Alyssa! 

Dear Katrina,

Today, you turn 18 years old. You have reached a major pinnacle in your life, but it has only just begun. I eagerly wait with anticipation to see what your life has in store for you. Of all the things I am capable of giving you today, I feel my words are the most valuable.

These are exciting times for you.

Finishing high school, going to college, starting a career, moving out on your own..? Paying your own bills, dating, marriage, having kids. The possibilities are endless. But, I’m not going to lie. A lot of times, life is going to get rough. That's for sure.

However, it’s all in how you handle the stress of life that determines whether or not you will succeed. Having a negative attitude towards the stress and being pessimistic will not, I promise you, resolve anything. Taking deep breaths, keeping an optimistic attitude and developing a character that doesn’t quit will take you much further in life than anyone tells you.

I can still remember 18 years ago, on the day that you were born. You were a very beautiful baby who looked like a troll doll. From that moment on, my life evolved around you. There was nothing I wouldn’t do to keep you safe.

When I look at you, I see my own eyes looking back at me. They are thoughtful, ambitious, spontaneous and quick to find the good in others. I can only hope you learn to find the good in yourself. 

People will disappoint you. It’s in our nature. It’s the ones who disappoint you, own up to it, apologize and never do it again that are worth keeping around. At the same time, be careful with whom you choose to associate and don’t be so naïve to believe that you can trust just anyone. 

Make others prove their worthiness to be trusted as anyone of sound mind will ask of you.

Be someone people can rely on, but don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of either. Stand up for yourself and for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

Love yourself and don’t allow anyone to make you feel less of a person through their words or actions. You, and you alone, are in control of your emotions and well-being. By allowing someone else to taint your self-worth, you give them power over you.

Choose your battles. Life is too short to be arguing with someone all the time about everything. This goes for friends and family as well as any future romantic relationships.

Be empathetic and put yourself in the other person’s shoes, and try to see things from their perspective. 

A smile at the right time will always go a long way.

When you find the love of your life and eventually get married, …
I’ll skip that part and reserve it for your wedding day..
40 years and 2 days from now.

Speaking of love, don't settle. Marry that special person, and he should make you laugh. Whatever you do, don’t allow him to place you on a pedestal to be worshipped, because when valuables fall, they break. Make sure he sees you as an equal and is willing to walk beside you and not force you to walk behind him nor in front of him. 

If it feels wrong, don’t do it. If you know it’s wrong, don’t go along with it.

Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. Yes, you’re now officially an adult, but that definition goes far beyond just being a number. Being an adult means being responsible with all aspects of your life. There is plenty of time to move out and live on your own. Other than your current job after school, your only other job for the next few years should be discovering who you are as a person, going to school, and learning from the mistakes of the adults around you - your mama and I included. There are many of us who came before you that have made plenty of mistakes. Don’t make the same ones just because you want to be treated as an adult.

Think long-term and not short-term. The mistakes you make now can haunt you forever. You don’t want to live with that kind of guilt.

Ask for advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness… instead, it is a sign of maturity that shows you know the depth of your limitations.

If someone gives you constructive criticism, don’t assume they’re being critical. Take it for what it is and smile. It may be the best advice you ever receive.

Above all else, remember that you are loved.

Though having birthday parties has never been a thing in our family, we are celebrating today because today is a huge milestone in your life. You may not have a big extended family to celebrate with you, but you can be assured that right now, you are surrounded by people who would each give their own lives to protect you and keep you safe. None of us want to see you fall, fail or get hurt. Your family is forever with you. 

Follow your dreams. Never give up on something you desperately want. Ever.
Don’t make the same mistakes I’ve made in my life.
You are my first-born. You are my only daughter.

You are my love and all things good in my heart. When you hurt, I hurt. When you have joy, I have joy.

Happy birthday,  baby.
Your mama and I.
We love you forever.