The Eraserheads - Should we be proud or not?

If you were born Filipino from 1970's-1990's or early 2000, you could have been one of the million of Filipinos who were fans of this band. You could have bought a tape or a cd, download it to your music player or even saved a video to your ipod or pc. The Eraserheads has been one of the famous Pinoy bands during my lifetime and i would not deny that i too loved their music and style.

Too bad all good things had to come to an end. Even after getting lots of awards from MTV and other award giving bodies, even after selling millions of copies of their albums, the band decided to split up. The reason? Just like every disbanded bands, differences among the band members.

How come this band be apart after touching so many lives? Why wouldn't they be like U2 and Metallica? After being so successful in their music, and being millionaires themselves, they are still together. For pinoy groups, why wouldn't they be like APO Hiking Society and The Dawn? Is pride really the reason?

For me, Eraserheads could have been one of the best bands in this country and could have left a legacy for all aspiring artists. They had so much impact to the music world that young and old singers made a compilation of their songs to make an album just to pay tribute to them. They even have 2 concerts (one will be tonight) after they disbanded just to please their fans and show their gratitude. Ticket prices for their concert are not cheap (for the 1st concert) but still, i heard that the tickets were sold out. Hopefully this time, they finish the concert so that their fans will get their money's worth.

I read a magazine before that featured a number of band singers and Ely (lead vocal of Eraserheads) was one of them. There were a lot of questions about the band break up and he was so sensitive with the topic that he even refused to say his band's name. He was also asked how was his finances after being one of the most famous singers around and he said that he was not a millionaire as people thought he would. How come? Was he just a singer and all their income went to their producer, manager and recording company? Didn't they had an adviser when it comes to their finances? For me, sayang yung pinaghirapan nila. Buti na lang their fans are still loyal to them and if they look back, they can somehow be still proud of their achievements.

I am still a fan.... but not like before. I am proud that i lived the time when their music was great and i would still play their songs once in a while. I do think they could have done better because I know they can. I sure hope that someday, when another Pinoy band reaches their achievement, they must be better role models for the youth who idolizes them and their music.

It's My Son's Birthday!

Yesterday was my son's 2nd birthday and we were very happy to celebrate the day with him. Although i had to go to work and attend to our clients, my wife just applied for a leave to prepare pasta, chicken, cake and ice cream for our simple celebration at home with my son's cousins. It was such a simple treat but everyone enjoyed Leon's birthday party.

Leon was particularly enjoying cutting his birthday cake (with a bread knife) up to the point where we actually took the cake away from him because he was cutting it in different sizes and shapes. He also enjoyed eating ice cream but he still prefers eating the cone rather than the ice cream itself. After dinner, upon receiving a couple of gifts, he really showed his appreciation by saying "Wowwwwww" and trying to wear the t-shirts he received from his mom and his cousins.

We are truly grateful that our son has been very healthy because he has not been sick since his 1st birthday, which we just classified as "lagnat-laki". He is always cheerful, playful and full of life when we are around that is why my wife and i are really thankful that God gave us such a wonderful gift. Leon is such as amazing kid that even after a stressful and tiring day, he always make us smile and be thankful for all the blessings we received all these years.

When to Pull the Plug on a Loved One

This post may be one of the blogs i would classify as a not-good-feeling post. I have been thinking about this subject for the past few days now that i decided i could write about it.

My mom was hospitalized 2 days ago due to gastritis and pneumonia. She is feeling better now, which is good but I have been too stressed because i stay with her during nights at the hospital and i go straight to work daytime. Not that i want too, i really cherish all the moments when we get to talk heart to heart about several subjects.

A close relative, who is above 70 years old has been confined at a hospital near us for more than 2 months now. She was admitted before Christmas and her condition has not improved. She has a rare cancer affecting her blood and one chemo session cost about 80-90 thousand pesos (exclusive of doctor fees, hospital fee, all other fees). She goes thru dialysis 2-3 times a week and has a lot of other medications. She has only 1 son (married) and has 2 grandchildren. Their family is a bit well-off, owning a nice home and a couple of vehicles. She also got a retirement pay from a government agency she has worked for several years.

Another close relative talked to her son and asked how are their finances. He told them they have already spent more than a million. The relative asked what are their plans for his mother. Not that he is hinting of pulling the plug but his thoughts are the future of their family and the two children. It is so difficult for a son to decide what's best for his mother at this stage and if i put myself to his position, i too would not know what to do.

What would be the best to do at this stage? Will they continue what they are doing? When i have the chance to visit them, it is not hard to notice that the mom has suffered a lot at the hospital. Not that she is not well taken care of but one would notice if a person is going better or just stagnant. She is too old to experience the pain she is feeling right now and our family have never stopped praying for her recovery. She has been good to us all her life and i am wondering why does she have to suffer too long? She has been a good mother and her son would not be in his place right now if it was not for her accomplishments. She was widowed at an early age, never remarried and raised a wonderful family.

Wind Turbines in Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte

This blog is beginning to be a travel blog because travel is really one of my personal interests. This time, i will be writing about specific places i visited or plan to visit in the future.

The wind turbines in Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte Province is one of the largest in southeast Asia. There are 15 towers that stand 70 meters tall with rotor blades span of 40 meters. The 15 wind turbines if operated simultaneously can produce 24.75 megawatts of energy. This energy is then used to provide electricity to barangays within the province. Not only does the wind turbines produce electricity, they are environment friendly and a tourist attraction.

This technology should be one of the priorities of our government if we are serious in environment conservation. The technology prevents us from being dependent to fossil fuels which are produced by coal fired power plants which are our main source of power supply in the whole country. I read that the wind turbine project is also targetted to other provinces in the Philippines namely Negros Occidental, Camiguin, Siargao, Dinagat Island and in Mindoro. Hopefully our politicians should push thru with these projects instead of trying to build talks in opening the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

Wind turbines are found in different countries to generate electricity. Wind will always be there and will never run out. So is solar energy. Maybe now is the time to think smart and conserve our natural resources for our children's future.

Travel in the Philippines - Mindanao Region

Mindanao compared to Luzon and Visayas gets less tourists because of its distance and the constant news of insurgency and kidnappings. Too bad this has become the image of this wonderful region and it is a pity that even us Filipinos would think twice about visiting and enjoying the rich and colorful culture of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao.

Personally, I only had the chance to visit only 4 provinces in this region and have yet to go to my wife's hometown in Zamboanga City. Nevertheless, i enjoyed my stay and would always think of going back. I love the places i visited just like the way i felt when i went to Visayas provinces. As always, food here tastes great, fruits are fresh and cheap and you would actually miss the pollution in Metro Manila. Here are the places I recommend:

1. Cagayan de Oro - they say that CDO is the gateway to Mindanao. This city is relatively small, compared to cities in Cebu but is actually well developed, good zoning, clean and less traffic. Whitewater rafting is famous in this city because of its proximity to the river. Lanzones is so sweet in this place because people say the fruits came from Camiguin. From this city, you can ride a bus going to Bukidnon, Iligan City or as far as Davao City. Seafoods are fresh and cheap here.

2. Iligan City - One of the famous cities in Mindanao. This is where you go if you want to see the majestic Maria Cristina falls but you have to call or inform the tourism office for schedules. I heard that Napocor actually diverts the water from the falls to generate electricity for the province. Best tasting chicken in pandan leaves i had! Rice also is presented or cooked (i think) in pandan leaves.

3. Bukidnon - This place rivals the temperature, scenery, fresh fruits and fresh air of Luzon's Mountain Province. Its cold even on the highways that if you travel by car and you put down your windows, chances are the air outside is colder that your airconditioner. We all know that Del Monte and Dole pineapple farms are in this province so you would expect to get the sweetest and most fresh at the local markets. If you love waterfalls, this is the place. Retirement? I definitely suggest this place.

4. Davao - Davao is home to the country's largest city, Davao City. This city is the most disciplined-- no smoking in public places, no smoke belchers, no traffic, no fireworks during New Year's Eve and taxicabs giving change even for the last peso. Davao is also famous for the Durian fruit, Marang, Suha, Rambutan, Lanzones and Mangosteen. Eat all you can restaurants are almost everywhere so i guess you will enjoy all the seafoods you want in this city--price is also cheap! Davao is not complete without mentioning Samal Island. From within the city, take a cab (travel is about 10-15min) to the port, ride a small boat for another 15-20min and then you will arrive at this small island. The beach is majestically clean, one can swim beside small fishes and the food is awesome! Water pollution is nowhere in sight even when you see the city limits at the other side of the beach. Davao is also home for the Philippine Eagle Foundation, try to drop by and see the biggest eagle in the world. You will definitely be proud of being a Filipino.

5. Butuan City - i heard this is another must see because of their resorts, food and great tourist spots.

6. Surigao - Siargao Island - the surfing capital of the Philippines.

7. Zamboanga City - Have you heard of the pink beach? If you ever get tired of Boracay, Palawan and Bohol's white sand, mind going to Zamboanga for pink sand? Pink actually comes from the unique corals only found in this province. How about curacha? Have you tasted it? Its a marine animal, just like the crab but has twice the fats (aligue), easier to open (its shell) and definitely has more meat. Yummmm.

I have more to share but will go to specifics to the other places i have not mentioned. Truly, travel in the Philippines is one of the best experiences i had which is why i encourage people to travel while they are young, have a little savings and experience our country's culture and tradition other than hanging out to your favorite malls and coffeeshops.

Travel in the Philippines - Visayas Region

The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of more than 7,100 islands and majority of the exciting islands to visit and enjoy are located in the Visayas Region. The provinces in these region not only boasts of their pristine and white sand beaches but also their delicacies, culture, traditions and of course their fiestas and festivals. What i really love about these places are the abundance of fresh and affordable seafoods and their mouth watering fruits. If you have time and a planned budget, you can visit the following places and learn more about Philippine culture.

1. Cebu - People say that Cebu City should be the capital of the Philippines since this is where Magellan discovered the country (although its still a continuing debate). Cebu is like Metro Manila, busy, fast paced, lots of malls, traffic and plenty of opportunities. What you should see and experience in Cebu is the annual Sinulog Festival for Sto. Nino, Tabuan Market (delicious dried fish delicacies), Olango Island (Migratory birds stopover from China and Siberia) and I also hear Bantayan Island is one of the best places to relax and unwind.

2. Bohol - Tagbilaran City is the capital but its not as big and busy as Cebu City which makes it more tourist friendly. Upon arrival at the seaport, people would immediately approach you to invite you to resorts and tourists destinations. Panglao is the tourist favorite because it rivals the white powder-like sand of Boracay plus it is more affordable and less congested. Panglao is memorable for me because we had our honeymoon there. Other sites: Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Pamilacan Island, Tarsier Sanctuary and lots of waterfalls locations to enjoy.

3. Panay Island - consists of four amazing provinces, Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo. How could anyone miss these provinces when going to Visayas region. They have the world famous Boracay Island, Roxas City - famous for travel and seafoods, Iloilo city also for their Dinagyang Festival and Sibalom, Antique where you can find our own version of the biggest flower in the world which is the Rafflesia.

4. Leyte and Samar - Two different provinces with their own travel destinations and food delicacies. Lots of old churches and historical landmarks plus the ever famous San Juanico Bridge connecting the two provinces. The bridge is an architectural landmark, too bad going down the bridge to take photos is not allowed.

5. Negros Island - famous for its two cities, Bacolod and Dumaguete Cities. Bacolod i think is still the sugar capital of the Philippines and has been known to be one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines. Dumaguete is a favorite tourist destination beacuse of its proximity to clean beach resorts, night life and a small city area to tour and experience.

6. Guimaras Island - famous for its pristine beaches and sweet and best tasting mangoes exported as far as US and Europe. Have you heard that they are very strict in treating their treasure and a person cannot easily bring in a different variety of mango?

I could go on and on writing articles about these amazing places to go but this blog is already too long to read. A word of advice? The Visayas Region is truly worthwhile to visit and experience, every Filipino should make it a point to know these provinces before going abroad.

Travel in the Philippines - South Luzon Area

This is a continuation of my previous post regarding places to visit if you are planning to take a vacation this coming summer. You can try the following locations:

1. Batangas - Anilao for scuba and snorkelling, San Juan and Laiya for sand beaches
2. Laguna - Pansol for Hot Springs, Los Banos for Mt. Makiling trekking, camping and birdwatching, Pagsanjan for the famous falls, Caliraya lake, Paete for woodcarvings
3. Cavite - Tagaytay for scenery and photography, old churches and historical landmarks
4. Quezon Province - Pagbilao and Lucban for the famous longganisa
5. Bicol Region - Start at Naga City (food and pili nuts), go to Mt. Isarog for camping and trekking, Albay to see the perfect cone of Mt. Mayon, Donsol to see the Butandings (whaleshark). Bicol dishes are one of the best!
6. Mindoro - Puerto Galera for white sand beaches, snorkelling and scuba (although its too crowded during Holy week), Pandan island if you want isolation.
7. Palawan - underground river, lots of beaches and islands to go to, great for scuba and snorkelling a bit expensive though since you need to go by air
8. Tubattaha Reef - this is one the best dive spots in the Philippines and nominated at the new 7 wonders of the world. a bit restricted though and i heard its a 9-10 hour boat trip from Palawan.

Next post.... the Visayas Region.