photos by: Mai Tan
hair and make up by: Bhoyette Piloton
creative direction by: Edu Segundo Ragpala

special thanks to: Jason Tan Khu and the Andrade Family

ALSO INCLUDE:

MISSY BON BON PASALUBONG BOX
PIZZA DE ORO

Dark romance is in this 2012! Inspired by Chanel A/W 2011-12 Collection, it’s all about dark and cool pieces.

All clothes are by MALDITA

(2nd Level, SM City CDO, Mastersons Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City)

Photography: Mai Tan
Hair and Make Up: Inyaki Yuson
Styling: Em Cortez
Creative Direction: Edu Segundo Ragpala
Model: Vence Mae Bacus (CDO Glitterati Models)

Special thanks to:

Allen Sabanal and MJ Jagonia
Fadi and Nora Ismail
Jason Tan Khu

Music: Frozen Garden by Thomas Rousell

Pictures coming soon! For the meantime, here is the video:

AN ENCHANTED EVENING (Behind the Scenes) from atty_magman on Vimeo.

Following its intensified network expansion program, Sun Cellular launched its first salvo of new and better value postpaid plans, the Postpaid Plan 250 initially available in Mindanao.

“Given the immense demand for Sun Cellular”s best-value services in Mindanao, we have specifically chosen the region as our pilot area for this subscription plan offering,” says Ricky Pena, Senior Vice President for Postpaid and New Business.

For only Php250.00 per month, subscribers to this new postpaid plan includes unlimited Sun-to-Sun texts, four hours of Sun-to-Sun calls, 500 texts to other networks plus a free Samsung E1080 phone. This plan is perfect for those who want to enjoy unlimited texting and still be able to call their friends and loved ones from time to time. Also with the generous allocation of texts to other networks, this plan will also attract those who want to stay in touch but do not want to spend too much.

Sun Cellular has been the preferred choice of over 50% of new postpaid plan subscribers for the past 5 years. Its postpaid subscriber base continues to grow steadily increasing by more than 30% year over year in January of 2012 versus the same period last year.

“This 2012, we are focusing on boosting our network signal strength by augmenting and optimizing our existing cell sites, and taking advantage of synergies with our sister companies in the PLDT Group. Our extensive network strengthening campaign will be complimented with products that best suit the needs of the locals in the areas we are expanding to,” Pena revealed.

Pena also expressed his confidence on the widened coverage in Mindanao. “As we move to further establishing a more extensive network, our subscribers in Mindanao may now enjoy our best-value postpaid plans in areas where before we were not present,” he adds. “This will also benefit customers in other areas outside Mindanao as they can now get in touch with their family and other loved ones in the new areas we are now in using their Sun Cellular lines.”

The first wave of these network enhancement efforts are now being felt in the areas of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Camiguin, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Dinagat Island, Compostella Valley, Sulu, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Davao del Sur, among others.

In another news, here is also another great news from Sun that Mindanaoans would surely be interested with. Imagine, you can call and text your friends and loved ones and you can even reach those who are subscribed to other networks – for just 250 PESOS A MONTH! Not only it is convenient, it would surely make your budget grin with happiness!

Following its intensified network expansion program, Sun Cellular launched its first salvo of new and better value postpaid plans, the Postpaid Plan 250 initially available in Mindanao.

“Given the immense demand for Sun Cellular”s best-value services in Mindanao, we have specifically chosen the region as our pilot area for this subscription plan offering,” says Ricky Pena, Senior Vice President for Postpaid and New Business.

For only Php250.00 per month, subscribers to this new postpaid plan includes unlimited Sun-to-Sun texts, four hours of Sun-to-Sun calls, 500 texts to other networks plus a free Samsung E1080 phone. This plan is perfect for those who want to enjoy unlimited texting and still be able to call their friends and loved ones from time to time. Also with the generous allocation of texts to other networks, this plan will also attract those who want to stay in touch but do not want to spend too much.

Sun Cellular has been the preferred choice of over 50% of new postpaid plan subscribers for the past 5 years. Its postpaid subscriber base continues to grow steadily increasing by more than 30% year over year in January of 2012 versus the same period last year.

“This 2012, we are focusing on boosting our network signal strength by augmenting and optimizing our existing cell sites, and taking advantage of synergies with our sister companies in the PLDT Group. Our extensive network strengthening campaign will be complimented with products that best suit the needs of the locals in the areas we are expanding to,” Pena revealed.

Pena also expressed his confidence on the widened coverage in Mindanao. “As we move to further establishing a more extensive network, our subscribers in Mindanao may now enjoy our best-value postpaid plans in areas where before we were not present,” he adds. “This will also benefit customers in other areas outside Mindanao as they can now get in touch with their family and other loved ones in the new areas we are now in using their Sun Cellular lines.”

The first wave of these network enhancement efforts are now being felt in the areas of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Camiguin, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Dinagat Island, Compostella Valley, Sulu, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Davao del Sur, among others.

Just because the title says “Open Letter” does not mean it is yet another hate mail that you always do get. Of course, this is yet another airport incident that I had just recently. But don’t worry, it only took me 30 minutes to loosen up, relax, and laugh about everything that just happened. And yes, I still do believe that your service sucks, your ground staffs suck (there’s one exception so keep reading), and sometimes your cabin crew sucks (they look like they really enjoy working for your company, don’t they). Probably the only thing that has not been on the suck list is your pilots (pun may be intended). But even then, I do not loathe you anymore. Here’s why.

Happened last Thursday, March 29, 2012, NAIA 3 some time in the afternoon. I am a very on-the-dot person – not punctual, just on-the-dot. I do not really like to come really early because it makes me bored and grumpy. That is why I always have trouble flying, because I always come on-the-dot. I know, I am silly but of all the flights that I have been on, I only didn’t catch the plane 4 times – 3 from you, one from another airline. That is why I vowed before to never fly again with you guys.

Just recently, I was invited by Smart Telecommunications to a very close presscon with Manny V. Pangilinan and they graciously booked a Cebu Pacific flight for me (a separate post coming soon). So I had no choice but to happily fly with you. My flight to Manila was kinda okay since I came in 45 minutes before the flight (come on, after 3 times I should have probably learned my lesson, no?). Anyway on my way back, Avel Manansala of Bariles Republic told me that I can now check-in online, which is a really great advantage for on-the-dot people like me. So I checked in online as early as 10 in the morning so I could secure my favorite window seat for my 4:10 pm flight. After hours of wandering around the Greenbelt area and handed out some items for my friend’s dad, I carried on and went straight to the airport around 3pm. Now this is where the fun starts.

After 2 years of not visiting Manila I forgot how bad the traffic was. From Legaspi Village to NAIA 3 it was a 40 minute ride. The boarding gate has closed already but I really have to thank Avel for letting me know about this online check-in shit that you guys awesomely pull. At the airport I waited around 10 more minutes to see a friend who was also stuck in traffic. I couldn’t wait anymore so I went to the very wet market-like check-in counter areas of, yes, Cebu Pacific. The scene reminds me of the Stock Market – noisy, no proper lines, that bad. I looked for the counter where I can have my early check-in authenticated and there was this cranky young teller who was making dabog dabog on the keyboard. I told her in advance that I already checked in online. You know what she said? With a semi-sarcastic, tired voice and that nasty look, she said “Eh, close na yung gate nito eh…” I replied “I checked in online already.”, which I should have said “wala naman akong nakikitang gates eh, meron ba?”. After a few minutes of authenticating it, I felt the effect of the caffeine I had earlier. My hands were already shaking and my heart was pumping almighty – probably because I was kind of irritated already. The effect of the coffee I had doubled when she said “Sir, takbo na kayo!” which I should have replied “May kasalanan ba ako?”

I went to the terminal booth thingie to pay my terminal fee (probably the most absurd idea in the world worth 200 pesos). And then on to yet another baggage check. This is where I got really nervous and mad. For one, I am still clueless on why there are so many baggage checks in this side of the world. And also, the personnel told me to go back to the baggage counter and have my BOTTLE OF RED WINE ON A STURDY PAPER BAG CHECKED IN. Who were they fucking? So I told them to just “fuck off and enjoy that bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon while you still can you cheap fucks (something like that)!” I could have just debated with them and earn brownie points but the limited time limited me. Because of the ire and some personnel who can’t afford a sosy wine from Metro Pacific Investments, I was just getting all my stuff as hastily as I could. One stuff disappeared – and the only stuff that mattered at that place – my boarding pass…

I had less than 15 minutes to get to the gate and my boarding pass got lost somewhere. For a minute I was at a loss but because I analyzed the situation, I had a reason to act like a barbarian there and people would understand. So I walked back past the terminal booth thingie, threw my bag (lightly), kicked in the air, and summon the devil and all his friends and bastards. Yeah I really had the reason to do this.

I approached a secutiry guard who was watching me fumed and asked if where’s my designated gate. He told me it’s a bit far. So I turned my back away and murmuring PG-13 words again. He asked if I had a problem so I told him that my flight will be any minute from now and I lost my boarding pass while I was checking my bags. He was kind enough to call a Cebu Pacific ground staff to query me about my sitch (I forgot their names but I am so thankful for both of them they were really nice to me while I was being rude to them so I do apologize and thanks once again). The Cebu Pacific told me that I should get back to the specialized counter and have my boarding pass reprinted but she couldn’t do anything with the terminal fee so I had to pay once again. This time I threw the Englishman in me and rushed to that counter, which there was yet another cranky staff (I dunno but I think nice, shock-absorbing employeees are a rarity nowadays, no?). So there I was rushing back again to get my bags, pay my terminal fee (again), have my bags checked by a gay security (which is yet another rarity) and run like a marathoner all the way to the gate.

Approaching the gate, I asked a passenger if the flight for CDO has left already, she told me “The plane has not even arrived yet.” BAM!

I was not sure that time if I should feel like punching someone or should I be happy. Then I took a look at my own reflection on the glass of the smoking lounge and it said ENJOY LIFE. I chose the latter. In fact I should be happy because I think anyone would rather have to go through the mini hell like I did and pay twice the terminal fee than wait for another plane and pay another, more rip-off ticket, pay another terminal fee and get your heart crushed (or worse, get stuck). So I seriously say no hard feelings for you guys. I love you very much!

Thank you Cebu Pacific for always being late. Even if I may still loathe flying with you, believe me my dislike for you is still a better love story than Twilight.

Nagmamahal,

Lucio Tan*

*name not real

Special thanks to: More Bites Pizza

When you are going to celebrate, do not just settle for any ordinary wines – look for the best ones in WinePhilippines by Forth&Tay!

WinePhilippines by Forth&Tay is a one stop shop that has been recently opened in Cagayan de Oro City. We went there one time and they do have the hard-to-find wine selections that they can find including George Dubceuf (pronounced as Duboof), their best-selling wine. Apart from that they also have other wines and spirits including my personal favorites.

The best thing about WinePhilippines is that they deliver their orders right at your footstep!

Wine Philippines by Forth&Tay is located at Door #6 Great Spot Arcade JR Borja Extension, 9000 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. You may contact them at 09053793272 or you can visit their website (http://www.winephilippines.com).

Pictures by Rosanna Lim

The matinee idol who made movies such as One More Chance a blockbuster and the current face of Biogesic will visit the City of Golden Friendship this Saturday, December 3, at the LimKetKai atrium. The show starts at 3pm.

If you want to see John Lloyd Cruz in person, all you have to do is to purchase 60 pesos woth of Biogesic at the LimKetKai Atrium entrance and that’s it!

Judging from the fact that it is John Lloyd Cruz, I am sure that there will be a lot of fans going there. At least you will have Biogesic at hand just in case you will get a headache. Hehe

If you want to ask Jonh Lloyd Cruz some questions, throw your questions by visiting this link here!

See you there! And Ingat!

And since we consider the Yuletide seasons as the season of giving, we sure do know a hundred and one ways to keep up with the spirit of giving. And one of the traditions that has been followed by families for (I am guessing) decades already is to give friends and family a box of goodies each. Goodies like candy, nuts, and cake bars – nothing can uplift spirits better than these.

Luckily, I and the rest of the CDO Bloggers were invited to participate in “Bars All You Can!”, a cooking demo presented by Cheff Hassett Go in Culinary Institute of Cagayan de Oro (CIC).

He may be young, but Chef Hassett has already proved himself in the world of local anf national culinary scene, particularly in pastries and cakes. In this cooking demo, he showed us how to prepare 6 varieties of cake bars, which you can sell or give to your friends this Christmas or any given time of the year. Below are the recipes that I like the most (photos by traveltabai.com):

Lemon Squares – Out of the 6 cake bars presented, this is my favorite. I like everything fruity and lemon is no exception. It is soft, unlike the other cake bars, but I like how refreshing it is to the feeling.

Food For The Gods – I had have been intrigued with this recipe ever since I was a kid, primarily because it has a unique name. But I never had the chance of tasting it until this cooking demo. If fruit cake and bibingka had a love child, this would be it.

Choco Revel Bars – It is like those Chantilly bars, only upgraded. The way it was presented to us, it was never dry: the chocolate is still slowly melting and the oat crust still soft and not flaky. Love it!

All in all, I had a great time learning how to make these bars and for a moment there it took me back to my HRM roots. I might take culinary classes again soon..

And if you are planning to take culinary classes, Culinary Institute of Cagayan de Oro (CIC) is the one for you! First in Northern Mindanao, CIC is dedicated in giving world-class culinary education to Northern Mindanao conducted by renowned chefs like Chef Hasset among others. They provide diploma programs and special workshops so you do not have to travel far just to study culinary arts – it’s all in here!

CIC is located at the 3rd level of Legacy Building, Antonio Luna Street, Cagayan de Oro City.
Or you can email them at: cic_cdo@yahoo.com

Anyway, it was my first time since 2006 since I watched a play – and it was just because it was needed for our Philosophy class back in college. Not that I don’t like watching plays but I am just too pre-occupied to care (either THAT or I have other priorities which are not considered as priorities by many – you know what I mean). Until my brother was in town and his girlfriend invited me over to watch “Ang Barracks ni Tenyente Fuego. At the back of my mind of incomparable wit and intelligence (read: char), I had a few predictions of what the play would be: either it would be about insert-a-famous-name-of-war war or it would be gay-themed. If I knew for a fact that if it would be a war-themed play where I would smell gun powder in the end then I would have to technically pass. But since it is directed by Hobart Savior, then it would be definitely worth watching. Another thing; I always pass on judgment when it comes to gay themed plays or movies because if it is going to be one: it’s either one of the main couple will kill himself/herself or it would be be hell of a camp (no pun intended) where one of the main couple will kill himself/herself.

And should you ask if my predictions were correct, yes and no: Yes it was a happy camper comedy and, since it is comedy, the protagonists survive. And I had a hearty laugh.

The story plot was simple and relatable to many: all of Tenyente (colonel for non-Spanish speaking people) Fuego are closeted homosexuals and they are trying to keep it to themselves, avoiding any encounters with Pater. The twist of the story goes when the daddy pulls a hostage taking inside his own home (barracks to his kins) with his sons as the hostages. Each of his sons has a story to tell which interrelates with the other characters of the story. The ending… naaah, you didn’t watch it so I must not tell any further details.

The play is an epic and must have a cult following status. The story was well written, well organized, and it can give you Gay Lingo 101 as well (I could hear student behind my back what’s the definition of some of the gay words used such as “lafang” and “betcha by golly wow ulam” – some terms like that).

The climax of the story shows that gay people can be as good as straight people in terms of profession and expertise – if not better (I mean who can make a transmitter from a make up kit).

The dialogues and retorts between the characters are just well crafted that you can say “yeah, gays do it better”.

But the most surprising fact about the play is that the characters were played well by – uh – straight guys. It was played so convincingly that I didn;t know that the main characters, all of them, are straight guys. It gave me a hard on! Er… scratch that.

Any cons? Nada, except that the audience should have kept their cool just a little bit. It was a play, not a Willie Revillame antic. There’s this one bit that one of the characters almost forgot his line because he was distracted by the audience’s cheer/jeer. But I couldn’t blame them wholly – it was that ecstatic.

4.5 out of 5 fucks given.

Best scenes:

The exorcism of the priest
The rekindling of the relationship between the lawyer son and the field reporter
The baptismal of the youngest son (from Brando to Britney)

This play should be made into a film. Like seriously. Tarush!

PS forgive my grammar and spelling. I do not have the power to find enjoyment in rechecking.

Without Further Ado