Saturdate rush...

I have a bad habit of over-booking my personal social commitments. Yup, I am notorious for saying yes to dinner only to realize I already have plans for a movie at the same time. Frustrating. For someone who does organization professionally I totally suck organizing my own plans. I blame it on the fact that I barely had time to see my friends before so when they call for a meet up I always want to be there. The bu always has a field day when that happens. 

So why did I all of a sudden fess up to that embarrassing attribute...well, because yesterday was a very stressful day. Although I did not double book, our commitments were too close together that it was extremely stressful. 

I started out the day pretty calm, I was home watching videos waiting for the bu to get home from duty. So my morning was spent lazing around doing nothing except mentally preparing myself for the busy day ahead. The boyfriend wasn't as lucky since he barely got any sleep. After grabbing a quick bite for lunch I forced him to take a nap before we went to the Bourne Legacy screening being held by Nuffnang and Mandaue Foam in Shangr-La. Yay for Nuffnang Philippines and Mandaue Foam although the movie was a bit on the meh side for me I still felt kilig when Rachel Weisz first said "Manila, Philippines" haha

The screening itself started at 4 and was supposed to end at 6 which would have given us 2 hours to get to the MOA Arena for Saltimbanco. Yup, we were finally going to be able to watch Cirque du Soleil. Our lucky day! Unfortunately the movie ended at around 6:20 which meant we had to run all the way from the movie house to the car. I was wearing the most uncomfortable shoes known to man. My feet were killing me. They were flats but they didn't fit right so it was giving me the worst blisters.

Before leaving Shang though we made an effort to check the traffic situation. Since I use a BB and not an iPhone as my primary phone I didn't have the MMDA app, I had the Metro Traffic Live app.

                                                    

Let me tell you, that app SUCKS. I check it and it assures me that the traffic from Shaw - MOA is moderate - light so we decide that's best route to take. We stop for gas which couldn't have lasted more than 10 mins but BAM! we were stuck in the worst traffic EVER! Yup! A bumper to bumper, this sure isn't moderate traffic kind of situation. To make matters worse, we were on a tight schedule. So after much praying and stressing we finally get to MOA 10 mins before the show was supposed to start. 10 mins and we still had to find parking!!!

Parking proved to be a breeze but it was so far from the Arena that I literally forced the bu to sprint. We were running like lunatics. All those days spent running finally paid off! Let me tell you, those shoes were NOT made for walking all the more running but I was stressed! I already missed part of the Varekai opening I wouldn't miss the Saltimbanco opening if I could do something about it. Which I didn't because we walked in right as she was saying "Welcome to Saltimbanco" hahaha

Despite the fact that we were a bit late, the bu and I enjoyed ourselves. :D We had a wonderful time watching at the movies and at Cirque and well, just spending time together after being stranded apart the whole week. Saltimbanco was great, let me tell you all about it next time!

Maybe over-booking your weekends isn't such a bad idea if you're overbooking it with someone you love. Pass the cheese Luis! Just make sure you don't trust an app that tricks you into taking a heavy traffic route because it's stupid. hah!

Saltimbanco another day...

I've always loved productions. The choreography, the sounds, the lights, the drama. They're just so much fun to watch. I think part of the reason why I loved the time I spent in London was because I was able to watch so many musicals. Almost everything on my list was crossed out, plus some other shows I didn't think I'd watch. :) Sadly I wasn't able to watch the All Male Swan Lake. That would have been nice. hehe...

Anyway, a really awesome friend of mine who I loosely call my best friend since I talk to her the most out of my HS Barkada invited my to watch the premier of Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco and I was over the moon! :D You have to understand, I had been perstering her about tickets since the press conference ages ago and she would not commit! hahahaha...Now that that's in perspective you can now understand how excited I was when she called me to tell me she had tickets for me! Yaaaaay! Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco here we come!!!

                                      

Or so we thought...

Much thanks to the habagat, plans had to be changed and well...sadly we weren't able to go. Until yesterday early afternoon I was stranded at home, the floods outside our village were high and well I wasn't the type of person who would walk into floodwater. Not that type of girl!

view from the main road

Floods effectively kept us home
***photos from Facebook

So imagine the stress I must have given best-friend Val, I kept calling her to tell her we couldn't make it, then we could, then we couldn't. Sorry best friend! Didn't mean to add to your stress. Hehe...

So wan't to know why I was so excited to watch Saltimbanco? Let me tell you about it...

Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleil’s longest-running touring show and has performed since 1992. That means  a whole lot of people have already watched the show and have enjoyed it. I don't think it would have lasted this long if it wasn't awesome.

According to research, Saltimbanco has a cast of 50 high-caliber artists hailing from 20 different countries,  featuring breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles. 

I remember the time the bu and I watched Varekai. It was so awesmazing that we couldn't stop talking about it. Apparently this show is a much bigger production. Their costumes, make up and set design is just so colorful and vibrant and that's just one aspect of the show. Then they start doing their stunts and you just sit there. Awe-struck. 

Don't believe me...let me show you...

That's just a sneak peak at some of the things you will see in Saltimbanco. So if I were you, I'd go on out and get myself a ticket. I'm sure it going to be worth your money.

SHOW INFORMATION:

Venue:
Mall Of Asia Arena

Show Schedule (August 9-19, 2012):
Thursday, August 9 at 8:00 PM
Friday, August 10 at 4:00 and 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 11 at  4:00 and 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 12 at 1:00 and 5:00 PM
Tuesday, August 14 at  8:00 PM
Wednesday, August 15 at  8:00 PM
Thursday, August 16 at  8:00 PM
Friday, August 17 at  8:00 PM
Saturday, August 18 at  4:00 and 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 19 at 1:00 and 5:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

                                                  ADULT                    CHILD

VIP                                         Php 10,500                  Php 8,400

PATRON CENTER                         7,500                        6,000

LOWER BOX CENTER                 5,500                         4,500

PATRON SIDES                             5,500                         4,500

LOWER BOX SIDES                     3,500                         2,800

UPPER BOX                                   2,500                         2,000

GA                                                   1,200                            960

Purchase your tickets here:

www.cirquedusoleil.com/saltimbanco, www.hoopla.ph and www.smtickets.com or by calling +632-470-22-22.

                                             

Sharing some important things we might need

Important Emergency Numbers in case you need them:

National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Hotlines: 911-1406, 912-2665, 912-5668

Philippine National Police (PM) Hotline: Patrol 117 or send TXT PMP to 2920

Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR): 729 5166, 410-6254, 431-8859, 407-1230

Department of Transportation and Communications Hotline: 7890 or  0918-8848484

Metro Manila Development Authority Metrobase Hotline: 136 MMDA Flood Control: 882-41777, 882-0925

Department of Public Works and Highways DPWH - 304-3713

Red Cross Hotline: 143, 911-1876

North Luzon Expressway NLEX hotlines: 3-5000, 580-8910

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway SCTEX Hotlines: 0920-96SCTEX (72839)

Skyway System Hotline: 776-7777,  0915-6256231,  0939-5006910

South Luzon Expressway SLEX hotline:  0908-8807539

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Hotline 433-8526

Philippine Coast Guard: 527-3877, 527-8481,  0917-7243682, 0917-PCG-DOTC

Local Government Units (Partial)

Manila traffic hotline: 527-3087

Cainta Traffic hotline: 646-0044, 6557368 loc 164

Las Pinas Traffic: 874-5756, 874-3957, 874-3927

Mandaluyong hotline:  534-2993

Taguig Traffic: 838-4301 loc 7112

Marikina STOC: 646-1651

Pasig Traffic: 643-0000l 724-5813

Makati public safety: 844-3146, 819-3270

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Pinas 911 has unified the most popular Philippine Flood related advisory hashtags from Twitter and laid them out here for your convenience. 

Visit: http://pinas911.info/

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A google map of donation areas:

View 2012 August - Donation Center Map in a larger map

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MANILA, Philippines - With over 20,000 people displaced due to torrential rains in Metro Manila, various evacuation centers have opened up to aid those affected by the rain.

Here’s a list of major evacuation centers across the Metro, as well as relief operations that have already started:

(We’ll be populating the list as more information comes)

Manila

Caloocan

Las Pinas

Makati

• Mats, old tarps, food, clothes for forwarding to DSWD are being accepted at The Commissary at Whitespace.
• The P&P Tattoo branch in Makati will be accepting donations for forwarding to the GMA

Malabon

Mandaluyong

• La Salle Greenhills has started relief operations inside campus. Donations are being accepted at Gate 2 of the campus along Ortigas Avenue, according to a Facebook post. As of posting, only the following donations will be accepted: ready-to-eat food, water, and clothes.
• People may seek center in Greenhills Christian Fellowship. You can also contact their Crisis Reponse team ( 0917-5327525).
• The lower ground floor of Mega Mall A is a drop off point for donations, as spearheaded by Divine Lee.
• Donations for flood victims may be dropped off at the main gate of the Poveda campus.

Muntinlupa

Navotas

Pasay

• People in the SM Mall of Asia may seek shelter inside the complex. The mall is open until further notice, according to a tweet.

Pasig

• Relief goods (canned food, rice, blankets, clothes, medicine, etc.) may be dropped off at the Tanjuatco Law Office at the 11th floor of Taipan Place, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center in Pasig. Look for Jessie or Jossette, call 6370200.

Parañaque

Quezon City

• In the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools campus, some classrooms may be used by those in need of shelter from the rain. Those with gate passes to the campus may park their cars at the P-1 parking area of the campus, according to an announcement from the university. (Note: Ateneo has yet to announce if the classrooms are available to the public)
• Relief operations at Ateneo have also began. Food, water, and blankets may be dropped off at the lobby of Cervini Hall inside the Loyola Schools campus. As of posting, they will not be accepting clothes.
• Akbayanihan Relief Center now accepting donations. Food, water, clothes, and the like being accepted at the Akbayan headquarters in 36B Madasalin Street, Sikatuna Village. You may contact  (02)4336933 / 09175381816 / 09064304315 if you want to volunteer.
• Relief goods are being accepted at the Mt. Carmel Parish in New Manila, where 500 evacuees are staying.
• The Mother of Divine Providence Parish in Payatas needs uncooked rice, canned goods, noodles, and clothes. Donations may be dropped off at San Juan, Evangelista Street, Campsite, Payatas.
• IskoOperation in UP Diliman will now accept donations. They’re also on the look-out for volunteers. Contact the USC-UPD or the college councils (09277571005 or 09065701029), according to USC-UPC Chairperson Heart Dino.
• Those living in the vicinity of Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City are being asked to help provide food and drinks to 400-500 evacuees staying in the Church. Food, water, dry clothes deeded.

San Juan

Taguig

• Those living in the Fort Bonifacio area may drop off their donations at the Enderun college. Those who want to help may contact Luz Cleofas of the Taguig DSWD (5423693, 09175637314), says director Lino Cayetano.

Valenzuela

Pateros

Did we miss out on an evacuation center? Send us a tweet (@rapplerdotcom) or leave a comment below, and we’ll update the list. -Rappler.com

Please stop the rain.

The rain isn't letting up and it's got me seriously stressed. The bu and his mom are stuck in their house. Stranded because the floods have already entered their household. It sucks when you realize that the place you call home cannot protect you from the rain when you need it the most because you have to worry about the flood too.

Ondoy happened almost 3 years ago. During that time the flood came in too fast that people were literally caught off guard. Unfortunately for the drainage system in the Philippines, things have not been improved. Which has me wondering what the h*ll all that construction that costs 4M is all about except make it harder for the residents. 

A few years ago when the first great flood happened it hit home pretty close. I say pretty close because the bu, my cousins and our house all had water in it. It was so traumatic because no one was prepared. My whole life I have never experienced flood remotely near our house, at that time flood was shin deep. I also believe that it hasn't flooded in my aunts house since 1983 and their house was completely submerged. I was out working that day hence the reason I wasn't home but the bu was. I've seen the water in their house enter the garage but none that wiped out the whole first floor. The scariest part was the fact that you had no way of reaching them. All roads were closed and the current was too strong for rubber boats to get near.

I think after those traumatic experiences we've all learned, except maybe the politicians who took 2 years to start scamming the people out of 4M worth of useless construction. People are more prepared. The bu was able to save more of our stuff. My cousins were able to leave their house early so they weren't there when the rains came in. Thank God our house didn't get flooded this year although our village gate is impassable rendering us hostages in our little island. I am not complaining. We are dry and safe.

our village gate as of 8/8/12
***photo from Mark Lamanilao

But see, there's always a silver lining in all this. This time around people are more prepared. They are more cooperative in the evacuation and everyone is helping out. I just thought it would be great to share a few things I found on the internet, to give us all something to smile about.

From a friend's FB status:

Heard in the news: In the midst of floods, and people panic-buying supplies... a Banana vendor slashes prices of his bananas... and then, just gives them away. When the reporter asks why he did such, he says... "minsan lang ako makakatulong" (it's not always that I can extend help to people)

From another friend's FB post:

                                       
Finally, an amazing story...my friend's dad is a Counselor of San Juan. But I've known their family for more than 10 years now and I know for a fact that even if he wasn't a politician he would still be more than willing to help. See they have a huge compound where they have their business and although it's customary for politicians to help people by donating and stuff they've taken it a step further and they've opened their compound to those who need temporary shelter. They now have 500+ people living in their compound and they are consistently cooking food to feed them. They need help, here are the details:

we currently have 500+ people and more coming to our office as an evacuation center. we need donations to feed them for the next few days. For anyone who is living near my house (a.lake aurora blvd, san juan) who is interested to donate, please send a message to my sister's number-09178087897. we can also ask our driver to pick it up from your place (if you're not too far.) thank you in advance.

 It's during these times that you smile and realize it's so awesome to be Filipino. Where everyone and anyone is willing to help.

                                                

Let's get physical!

During the start of the year I wrote down a few resolutions. Things I swore I'd do/ change within the year...well, yay for me I've actually started doing something that I wrote in one of those things.

I keep telling myself that Now is the right time to start getting healthy. I used to be a vegetarian for 4 years and I think the fact that I haven't been taking protein supplements really made things worse for me. I was always sick and I had a few other problems. As a quick remedy, I started eating fish again. Although it did work for awhile, the stress levels and the close to none protein intake was taking a toll on my body and so after much debate and heartbreak, for me, I decided my health is much more important. No, I do not take supplements, they make you fat. So it was back to the carniverous fold for me...although I do try to eat more balanced meals now. So step 1 to being healthy, have a proper diet! Check.

excuse what I look like, my first meal with meat after 4 years.
Celebrating Rub with my running buddies Ahia and Alay!

                                      

I don't know if you'd agree with me but I think the hardest part when getting healthy is the exercise. I used to be an athelete of some sort, used be being the operative word. I was active in grade school and high school, I loved sports. Growing up with 2 brothers and no sisters tends to make you more active and more competitive. You just had to keep up. But when I got to college things changed and well as they say the rest is history. Hahaha...I have had a relaxed lifestyle with little burst of energy every now and then. I am blessed enough to have a small frame so for awhile I wasn't really the dieting kind of girl. Exercise however...baaah. hahaha...

Last year I got a copy of the Insanity Workout from my officemate Rendy. Aptly named, that workout almost killed me, or should I say the warm up to that workout almost killed me. I couldn't even get 10 mins through that thing...hahahaha...I doubt I still can. I don't think circuit training is for me.

only the insane would do this torture...hahaha...I kid!
***photo from the internet

But this year, things changed. I went on my first 5k run, without training I might add, and I didn't die. Progress! And because I was able to do that it actually gave me motivation to do more. Weee. Ok, I must share the first time I ran after a long time I could barely run 1k so 5k is a big step! So my brother and I have started this routine where we would run every Saturday/Sunday morning in the UP Academic Oval. It's so much fun because I don't need to stress myself getting up early. The academic oval has sooooo many trees that it doesn't really get too warm to run even if you get there at 9 in the morning. Haha

the bu did the 10k, I barely survived the 5k
***photo from Sigue Correr Runners FB Page

Aside from that I have these 2 awesome friends who ended up having their own fitness goal this year. They're actually more into it than I am, it puts quite a pressure. But still so much fun! :D They're my gym buddies. They go to the gym 3 times a week, I try to go as often as my schedule permits, sadly it seems to be down to once a week for me but here's to hoping things get easier and I can get back on that treadmill! :D

our Gym Clique, Rendy, Thea and me. Drinking is so much better with these 2! :D
***photo from ZBM

These 2 friends are soooo supportive that sometimes they take it a notch too far always commenting on my cookie pouch. hahahaha...I kid, I kid. I love how we all work through it together. Getting fit is so much more fun when you have people there with you. Who knew gym would be such a team sport! :D

So here's to a more fit 2012 to everyone! :D