CONTINUED! with all the love ;)

remember to be continued blog ? well guess what? it was continued!

Improving this preschool room at my father's remote hometown in Bohol has been a goal of mine last year. The gradual improvement started with the ceiling, then the tables and chairs c/o my sister and cousin plus additional kiddie coloring materials, and this weekend the painting of the room. Though there's still more to be done but as of now I am a happy beaver with the best beaver friends.

  ***

Friday afternoon Carlo, Bally, Motha and I went ahead of everyone else to paint the walls with base coat. I was with the two fashionist and as expected my head was out of place...  

 

 coz they were just rolling in scarves... 

P.S. Bally thank you so much for your artistic enthusiasm towards this project. Your concept rocked the room! Motha as always your boundless support from the start is inspiring, thank your for the kiddie rubber mats and to your  "go lng ng go " attitude, you being you is just amazing. And Carlo, salamat sa pagbibit sa mga ginalon na pintal ug sa galloon na tubig gikan sa sari2x store. Imung pagkalalaki kai perting gamita atong gabhi.ona (weird lagi to na phrase, hahaha) salamat gihapon.

Day 2 begins, mural starts before riot arrives... 

 paints and colors are such a therapy, don't cha think?....

 Then riot arrived...

my kind of riot... ;)

Never been more proud of my beavers.

just love the idea that each of my friends left their artistic mark somewhere in this room. A for effort!

And it is just beautiful...

 

by Carlo, Soy, Mayang, Patsy, Ganapz, Angel

 

C.R. c/o Chawi

walls c/o Jizzie, Lelil, Chleng

  by bally, motha, and I

just made a teacher really happy... now let's wait for the kids... ;)

* * *

Dear friends, 

Sleeping with you was difficult. I turn here, you turn there. I roll over, you complain. Your foot in my face. I dream, your snores. Sleeping with you is just a nightmare.

But I'll still gladly sleep with you guys a hundred times more, even when we're wrinkled and blondie blondie. 

 With your ooozing confidence and bodies like... uhmmm.. well.... (haha), I could marry you in a heartbeat.

 

Unfortunately, I still prefer men. 

But you girls are what makes sense and for that I'll trade any boy over you (except for Rovilson, Ian, Ryan, Drew....hahaha). ;)

What's next?

XOXO. 

Muchas Gracias!

Amazing TRAVELER...

You know how it is when once your life you encounter random people who leaves distinct impressions on you? An impression that could either vary from "hmmm... he's cool" or to "ugh! what a bozo!" That's why when it comes to impressions and memories there's no such thing as "he's okay..." for what it really means is "which one was he again?." So there it is, of the billions of people in this world, thousands of people you encounter and a handful of people you chose to surround yourself with, there will always be that passerby in your life who will leave you amazed and inspired even for just a minute or two.

You must be wondering where this sentimentality is leading to, well, it leads to the start of the spicing up of this blog. Every now and then I will be featuring random strangers who I think leads an amazing life or are just simply naturally born amazing (if that is even possible, we'll find out). Appropriately, I shall name this feature the AMAZING ____________ feature. 

As I'm doing an imaginary ribbon cutting, I formally welcome you all to the beginning of my Amazing _______ feature (applause for myself and by myself.. hahaha)

***

Remember when we went to Cambodia and met this group of foreigners who requested for a jumping shot at Angkor Wat?  Well let me refresh your memory with this.

Meet Gilad Bonfil, 

Amazing Traveler.

I never really got to talk to him except for the usual chit chat of "where are you from yada2x". But from then on I knew that he totally belong to that "hmmm... he's cool" impression. Thank God for Mark Zuckenberg and his invention of Facebook because my impression sealed the deal that I definitely, was right!

Gilad is an Israeli who is currently on pilgrimage to the here and there of the world. He has trekked in the beautiful mountains of Nepal, dinned with a village chief in Laos, toured around Mongolia, fell in love with the country of Thailand and etc. etc. An amazing traveler who has taken the off beaten trails and embraced every experience offered . A man wizened by experience and travel is yes, younger than me. Read on his answers to my questions and get to know WHY he's an Amazing traveler.

1.) What made you decide to embark on this very long journey?

emmm. that's a good question. I think one of the reason is the lack of freedom I felt during my military service. After 3 years in the army, I felt I want to escape, to explore the world, to see different and interesting things I've never seen before. After 3 years of people tell me what to do , I felt I want to be the king of myself, do what my heart tell me to do, whenever and wherever. 

another reason for going traveling: We're young and we should have fun now and get to know about ourselves more and more. Don't be in rush. First experience and then make your life serious. I wanted to go traveling because I felt I haven't known myself very good and I need something that would open my mind. So I said "why not go traveling?"

2.) What are the 3 things great things about traveling?

1. get to know the most unusual people. During my travel I met really great and interesting people from all over the world. sharing stories with them and experience traveling together was good to me. Also, I met friends for life.
 

2. to see things that you've never seen before. You have the chance to see different lifestyle, different culture, different nature. But the most good experiences are when you dom't plan them. John Lennon said once: "'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I really believe in that. For example: in Nepal, I went trekking with 3 other Israeli guys. One day, It was too late to continue the hike so we stay overnight in a random village. it was amazing. They were dancing for us and put flowers in our necks. and we even didn't plan to stay in the village.
 

3. the last thing great about travel is that you realize there is entire world out there. Traveling defenietly open your mind and you realize our world isn't just black and white. The whole my way of thinking has been changed because of traveling. Before, I felt rage and hate about people, especially muslims because of the terrorists. But now, I understand not all the muslims are terrorists and want to kill. Thay just want to live. Also, traveling made me hate polititians cause they don't want peace. They just want power and money. I fucking hate them.

3.) What are your 3 do's and don'ts when traveling?

*open your mind to experience new things that you didn't plan to experience. Be spontenian. You may have your great experience while you don't think of them.
*when traveling, you'll found yourself most of the time with people, especially other travellers. I think it's great to find a partner and travel together. Be patient. Listen to the other person. Share your ideas and ask what his ideas. Trust him. You're not alone in this boat.
*be independed. You can only help to yourself. traveling is kind of surviving. If you experience bad times, don't let it low your morale.
 

now for the don'ts:
*your bagback is your home. Don't take more than you need. during my travel, I sent many things back home cause I realize I don't need them. Bfore you start traveling, you should think for a moment what kind of traveling. When you figure it out, suitable the things you bring to your traveling. For example: if you know you don't want to plan everything and just want to see what's happend, bring a tent with you so you won't stuck in the middle of a cold night without a place to sleep.
*don't go trekking alone. It's dangerous and you noght get lost of injured. Find partners.
*and the most important thing: YOU ARE A GUEST. don't judge the culture of the country you visit. Be polite. Have a respect. Have the willing to ask questions. Be curious. The locals would only respect you more.

4.) If you have 1 best song to describe your experience what would it be and why?

Can I change from song to a movie? "Into the wild"!

5.) What is the great thing you've learned about yourself during this period of travel in your life?

the great thing I learned about myself: I learned to be independed. I learn how to survive. I learn that I can only help to myself. I learn how to know in a short time if this person is suitable for me or not. If not, I say politely "good bye" and walk to my way. I learn to open my mind, to try new things and I fucking live it.

***

Need I say more?...

*** 

Gilad, as my honorary Amazing feature, I will be selfless and give you this track that I have been saving for myself for future use. No one deserves this more than you.... 

blog track:

Universal Traveler by Air

little passionates...

For someone who makes You Tube her glorified TV, I stumbled upon this amazing choral group by typing in Anne Hathaway Oscars.  So instead of catching up on the celebrated Oscars, I ended up spending the entire day gawking at the incredibly inspiring young talents of PS22 or Public School 22 from Staten, New York. Just gotta love that "suggestions" slide on the right corner.

Look at those faces, have you ever seen pure unadulterated passion like that? They are just sooo adorable to look at that it's A-mazing. Considering their economic backgrounds and varying races, it makes me feel like I'm watching a true to life version of the movie Sister Act, minus Whoopie Goldberg and older students. Anyway like I always say, there is nothing greater accomplishment in life than finding one's passion, and doing it, and they are just exactly what I'm talking about. These kids have no idea how fortunate they are to encounter a teacher like Mr. B (Greg Breinberg) in their life. Dude! that man is the definition of not cool but coolest!

Mr. B, or shall I be bold and say Greg, is exactly the kind of teacher I wanna be like, if ever I finally decide to become one. haha. Seriously though, I think it's very important for teachers to recognize the individuality of every student and encourage them to embrace that individuality by not imposing too much restrictions. That's why if noticed there isn't much to nil choreography involved.

I love that Greg lets the kids do their own thing. I love that Greg's enthusiasm is contagious. I love that Greg chooses the coolest songs. From the inspiring Stevie Nicks, to the fast beats of Jay Z and Passion Pit, to the laid back alternatives of Phoenix and Coldplay, to the pop hits of Katy Perry and Rhianna and to the etc. etc. They've covered it all. For all that and Greg's long hair, I think I've fallen for Greg. So Greg Greg Greg whatchatink? marry me? wink! ;)

With everything that is happening in this world lately, it's great to see inspiring people sprouting out every now and then. Loads of goodness, a splash of artistry and an overflowing passion is what we need more in this world. Or maybe just a 'greg'arious teacher to influence the many.

The standing ovation from Lady Gaga and Beyonce, the happy tears from Tori Amos,

the publicity from Perez Hilton, the adoration of the internet world and now this blog, you kids and teacher deserves it all and more.

To PS22, you made me not regret missing what he or she wore to the Oscars, and to Anne Hathaway, I'll make a raincheck on our Youtube date! ;)

****

By the way there's a 2nd part when Tori Amos gave an impromptu performance with the kids, it's amazing. It's gonna make you love her even more. There also more great covers and amazing moments from PS22, just check out youtube for that or their site at http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com.  

drag acts...drug acts....

Shaved heads, rave heads, on the pill, got too much time to kill
get into bands and gangs,

loved up, doved up, hung around, stoned in a lonely town
shaking their meat to the beat,

High on diesel and gasoline, psycho for drum machine
shaking their bits to the hits,

Oh, here they come, the beautiful ones, the beautiful ones.

 

 

You don't think about it,
You don't do without it,
because you're beautiful,

 And if your baby's going crazy
that's how you made me,

la, la, la, la...

****

Ciarra Lyn and Kristine Marie, just two of the many. 

Because I'm blessed with crazy beautiful friends.

To more crazy moments, and to the crazy years ahead.

May we continue to defy sanity and make our world an insanely better place.

****

blog track:

Beautiful ones by Suede

to be continued...

"the children are the future."
a cliche. never gave it much thought. 

but..

i know how education is like in this country, but i've never come face to face with it.
holed roofs. rotten ceilings. empty bookshelves. decaying chairs. lifeless classroom. empty-handed students. the face of education in this country.

i understand that education is a necessity in this world, but never had i  realized that sometimes it can be a luxury. and i was / am fortunate.

        

i strongly think that we are all blessed to be in a position to do our part in this society. all it takes is just a little step joined by many to make it into a big leap. 

i have no idea how it will turn out, but i'm terribly excited...