Monday, January 23, 2012

SINULOG 2012!

January 13-15 - It's my very first time to attend a Festival in the Philippines...so it's also my first time in Sinulog!:) All I know about Sinulog is that it's crazy haha! A lot of my friends have been there and they have been telling me the same stories.

At first, I was hesitant to go because I wasn't able to book early so flights were really expensive. But 3 days before the Sinulog weekend, I realized that a lot of my friends were going there and so I found myself booking a Php5000+ worth of Round Trip flight via Air Philippines. Actually there's also a connecting flight via Bacolod so I went Manila to Bacolod and Bacolod to Cebu.

I took half day at work 'coz my flight was at 3:40pm. Since I had to rush a lot of work in the office, I was only able to leave Quezon City at 2pm and I found myself rushing to the airport. I arrived at 3pm, 10 mins earlier than boarding time, but I had to go through a lot of stops before getting to the boarding gate. It was another Amazing race moment for me! The worst part...flight was delayed! Due to runway traffic, we're an hour delayed. Around 40 minutes of that was spent inside the plane waiting for our plane's turn for take off. Good thing I saw a friend there who chatted with me while waiting to board the plane.

We landed in Bacolod at past 6pm so I didn't wait that long for our connecting flight to Cebu at 7:20pm. The plane from Bacolod to Cebu was so small, even smaller than a bus. No aircon at first, but it was turned on as the cabin doors were closed. It was so funny 'cause 15 mins after our take off, the pilot announced that were already on our initial approach for landing; so we were only inside the plane for 30 minutes haha! When I got to the Mactan, Cebu Airport, I waited for my bestfriend who flew in from Manila the same time I left Bacolod. However, since all flights from Manila were delayed, i waited for her for 1.5 hours. When she arrived, we took a regular meter cab to our hotel, The Hotel Elizabeth. 




 instant room! haha


While checking in at the reception, there were performers at the lobby, doing the Sinulog dance. They were entertaining. We proceeded to our room, which was actually sponsored by PLDT. It's an executive room originally good for two since it only had 1 queen-sized bed but we converted the sala into another room for two by adding two single beds. It was so cool! haha! Got 2 flat screen TVs, 2 T&Bs, an office desk, and a dining area. After resting for a bit, we had dinner at the restobar across the hotel and went back to the hotel to prep up for the party. At 12:30, we went to Vudu for the PLDT WiFi Zone launch. Yes, Vudu is offically a PLDT WiFi Zone now!:)  We got a table somewhere at the corner but the club was too crowded and smoky so after a bottle of Vodka, my bestfriend and I went ahead and proceeded to Penthouse to meet our friends and arrived there past 3am. The event was hosted by Styles Entertainment, with DJs Ace and Scratchmark, sponsored by Smart Netphone and Vans Philippines. After partying for a bit at the DJ's booth, we left before 5am and had pizza and pasta at Mamma Mia's. And finally at 5:30am, we're reunited with our beds! The best feeling ever!:)

 Vudu

 Penthouse




Unfortunately, I had to do a bit of work while I was there; though it wasn't actually required. I was just OC for my upcoming event in Cebu on February. haha! So I had a meeting there around 11-11:30am then we went to Casa Verde (the original) where they serve the best steak in Cebu.

After lunch, all roads were already closed for the solemn procession along Fuente Osmena Ave.; so we had no choice but to walk. Along the way, we bought hats and accessories, took photos, and kept laughing haha! When we got to Basilica de Sto. Nino, people were not allowed to enter. So, we just had lighted candles outside the church. Then we decided to see the Magellan's Cross. It took us more than an hour to get there since there were lots of people and lots of closed roads. Plus we took a 30-minute rest at a food stall where we just played iPhone games haha! After a minute of taking photos at the cross, we're off to SM to watch the fireworks. It was so hard to find a cab, even a jeepney! So we had to walk again, trusting the directions that we see on Google maps haha! Then after more than 30mins of walking, we finally found a cab! However, on our way to SM, my friends realized that they have an event/meeting so we just dropped by another accessories store and went back to the hotel; and that involves a lot of traffic in between!






 pat bought a hat, watta rhyme!:))

 scary masks haha


 black Sto. Nino

 what can you say to their "coldiest" beer haha

 wow!

 praying...

 Basilica de Sto. Nino

Magellan's Cross

After dinner at Chikaan, where the meeting happened, we went to The Terraces in Ayala. Our friend from Smart, Abbie, treated us to dessert in Casa Verde. I love their 'Death by Chocolate' ice cream cake! After a fun girl bonding, our friends from Vans picked us up then we proceeded to Vudu again for another PLDT Wifi Zone night! This time, super VIP! We had the biggest table with lots of couches and of course, sponsored drinks!:) So cool that Gerald Anderson and some PBA friends like James Yap were also there. So I got back at the hotel at 5:30am and went planking on the bed haha dead tired!:))


Death by Chocolate

Thanks Abbie!:)

 Vudu VIPs



 Gerald Anderson and Young JV

 James Yap

I woke up at 9:30am 'coz I didn't want to be late for my 12:15 flight. After fixing up, we had breakfast buffet at the hotel and I left for the airport at 10:30am. Good thing there's no traffic and the way to the airport was on the opposite  side of the Sinulog parade. I love arriving at the airport early 'coz it gives me time to relax. That time, I had a "ME" time in Bo's Coffee haha! Flight was delayed for 15-mins but it's okay. I finally landed in manila at 1:30pm and immediately headed home to sleep!

I just wished that I have stayed 'til  Sunday night so not to miss the parade. However, I had no choice but to work on a Monday. But at least, I was able to experience the festival even just a few days; plus I got to bond with my friends too. Next year, I'm SOOO gonna plan an ultimate Sinulog (Cebu)-Dinagyang (Iloilo) trip! haha!:))))

VIVA PIT SENYOR!!!!!:)

Sunday, January 22, 2012

FASTBREAK Charity Game

This is probably the funniest basketball game I've ever seen! And the best part...it's for a good cause!:)

It's more than just a basketball. It's entertainment! This charity basketball game is a bright idea of Kiefer Ravena, the Ateneo cager, MVP of UUAP, and son of former basketball player and currently Talk N' Text Coach Bong Ravena. Kiefer, together with his friends in basketball (some are celebrities), and Ignite Media worked on this project with less than a month of preparation. With the common goal of helping the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City, this team cause-oriented people were able to put a great show.

There are also a lot of company sponsors who contributed to this cause. The voluntary presence of different male celebrities are also of great help to the team. And when it comes to ticket sales, well a lot of girls were actually there so I believe the game has raised enough for Sendong victims. haha! The San Juan Arena seemed to be a bit packed.:)

So there were two teams: Meralco Red and Smart White. To name a few players of Smart White were Kiefer Ravena, Chris Tiu, Jhong Hilario, Rico Blanco, Luis Alandi, Marco Alcaraz, Champ of Hale, and Jose Manalo. For the Meralco Red were John Hall, Nico Salva, Thirdy Ravena, Jai Reyes, Young JV, Gab Valenciano, Tado, and Gerald Anderson. Yeah, it's indeed a starstudded line-up! However, I was expecting Xian Lim to be there as he was originally a part of the line-up. Also, I just need to mention that Vice Ganda came to the event.
the teams

 glad that my girls came :)

Gerald took a photo w/ the sick child in front of us

For the halftime, Maynilad sponsored the 3-point Shootout wherein the winner receives Php 5,000.00 cash to be donated to the Sendong victims as well. Those who took part in the 3-point shootout were Chris Ellis of NLEX Road Warriors, Mark Zambrano, James Yap, and Allan Caidic. The winner was Allan Caidic! And I was the one who awarded him haha! Also a "Teach Me How to Dougie" dance contest was conducted wherein participants came from the audience. Some of the players also showed a "sample" of this dance craze. Another halftime game was conducted and I don't know what it's called. They come in pairs and must be able to shoot the most with their partners at a given time. One pair had Chris Tiu and another pair had Bong Ravena. That was probably the longest halftime break ever!



 3 point shootout winner Allan Caidic and other contestants: Chris Ellis, James Yap, Mark Zambrano

Then the craziness went on in the 3rd Quarter. Jose Manalo finally arrived. Just when I though that the craziest part of the game was finding Jhong Hilario tumbling first before shooting the ball, I was so wrong! Because when Jose Manalo came, we enevr stopped laughing! He took the microphone and acted like "Budoy", the role of Gerald Anderson in his primetime teleserye. Then Gerald faced him and they both acted like Budoy! Super funny!!! LOL!:)) And it didn't stop there. Towards the end of the 3rd quarter, Jose grabbed the whistle of one of the referees and he acted as if he's one. So there, it started the SO NOT SERIOUS game! Shot clocks were stopped, and the referees just let Jose do the calls. Since Smart White was way behind the score of Meralco Red when Jose arrived, Jose decided to manipulate the game to make his team win. He made really funny calls! Like when Chris Tiu made a 3-point shot, Jose signaled that it's 4, and so the barker reannounced it saying "Chris Tiu FOUR!!!" Jose also gave a lot of free throws to his teammates. Another part of the funny game was when Kiefer passed the ball to the opponent intentionally and took the ball into the basket. That was a cool game! How I wish PBA could be that cool too haha!


FAKE Budoy VS REAL Budoy


 he's really a referee! LOL!

 Kiefer thanking everyone who became a part of the event

two crazies!:)))

Anyway, Smart White won. But the best part of the event was having a lot of people enjoying the game, and having fun together, while at the same time, helping the victims of Typhoon Sendong. I'm so proud that I've been a part of such a good and inspiring enadeavor. Kudos to Kiefer and the whole team who worked on this!:)

Monday, January 16, 2012

KSP's Hollywood-themed Year-Ender

It's our barkada tradition to have a themed Year-Starter every night of January 1st. But since this year, January 1 fell on a Sunday, and most of us got work the next day, we decided to have a year-ender last December 30th instead. The themes we had in the the past were Formal and Rockstar; so this year, we have a agreed to a Hollywood theme! Each of us was required to come looking like a Hollywood star. And here are our crazy photos...

 here comes the Men in Black

 Paris and BF haha

 and we were really putting much effort on this




Circle of Death survivors! haha

On the red carpet...


 Kristen Stewart, Paris Hilton, Josh Duhamel

 Fredie Prinze Jr., Rain, Mike Posner

 Bruno Mars, Tyra Banks, Josh Duhamel

 Zhang Ziyi, Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf), Sandra Bullock

 when I used the iSwap Faces app! haha

another Zhang Ziyi attempt haha


We also tried my new video app discovery from my iPhone, the VideoStar app! It's music video-making app that's so easy to use! haha! I have uploaded them in my Vimeo. Check these out:


KSP Welcomes 2012! from roycie salen on Vimeo.


KSP Moves Like Jagger! from roycie salen on Vimeo.

We're so happy that our tradition lives on. The group keeps growing, and we're glad to welcome new guests every year who were able to experience our craziness too!:)

bye 2011, hello 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!:)

Monday, January 23, 2012

SINULOG 2012!

January 13-15 - It's my very first time to attend a Festival in the Philippines...so it's also my first time in Sinulog!:) All I know about Sinulog is that it's crazy haha! A lot of my friends have been there and they have been telling me the same stories.

At first, I was hesitant to go because I wasn't able to book early so flights were really expensive. But 3 days before the Sinulog weekend, I realized that a lot of my friends were going there and so I found myself booking a Php5000+ worth of Round Trip flight via Air Philippines. Actually there's also a connecting flight via Bacolod so I went Manila to Bacolod and Bacolod to Cebu.

I took half day at work 'coz my flight was at 3:40pm. Since I had to rush a lot of work in the office, I was only able to leave Quezon City at 2pm and I found myself rushing to the airport. I arrived at 3pm, 10 mins earlier than boarding time, but I had to go through a lot of stops before getting to the boarding gate. It was another Amazing race moment for me! The worst part...flight was delayed! Due to runway traffic, we're an hour delayed. Around 40 minutes of that was spent inside the plane waiting for our plane's turn for take off. Good thing I saw a friend there who chatted with me while waiting to board the plane.

We landed in Bacolod at past 6pm so I didn't wait that long for our connecting flight to Cebu at 7:20pm. The plane from Bacolod to Cebu was so small, even smaller than a bus. No aircon at first, but it was turned on as the cabin doors were closed. It was so funny 'cause 15 mins after our take off, the pilot announced that were already on our initial approach for landing; so we were only inside the plane for 30 minutes haha! When I got to the Mactan, Cebu Airport, I waited for my bestfriend who flew in from Manila the same time I left Bacolod. However, since all flights from Manila were delayed, i waited for her for 1.5 hours. When she arrived, we took a regular meter cab to our hotel, The Hotel Elizabeth. 




 instant room! haha


While checking in at the reception, there were performers at the lobby, doing the Sinulog dance. They were entertaining. We proceeded to our room, which was actually sponsored by PLDT. It's an executive room originally good for two since it only had 1 queen-sized bed but we converted the sala into another room for two by adding two single beds. It was so cool! haha! Got 2 flat screen TVs, 2 T&Bs, an office desk, and a dining area. After resting for a bit, we had dinner at the restobar across the hotel and went back to the hotel to prep up for the party. At 12:30, we went to Vudu for the PLDT WiFi Zone launch. Yes, Vudu is offically a PLDT WiFi Zone now!:)  We got a table somewhere at the corner but the club was too crowded and smoky so after a bottle of Vodka, my bestfriend and I went ahead and proceeded to Penthouse to meet our friends and arrived there past 3am. The event was hosted by Styles Entertainment, with DJs Ace and Scratchmark, sponsored by Smart Netphone and Vans Philippines. After partying for a bit at the DJ's booth, we left before 5am and had pizza and pasta at Mamma Mia's. And finally at 5:30am, we're reunited with our beds! The best feeling ever!:)

 Vudu

 Penthouse




Unfortunately, I had to do a bit of work while I was there; though it wasn't actually required. I was just OC for my upcoming event in Cebu on February. haha! So I had a meeting there around 11-11:30am then we went to Casa Verde (the original) where they serve the best steak in Cebu.

After lunch, all roads were already closed for the solemn procession along Fuente Osmena Ave.; so we had no choice but to walk. Along the way, we bought hats and accessories, took photos, and kept laughing haha! When we got to Basilica de Sto. Nino, people were not allowed to enter. So, we just had lighted candles outside the church. Then we decided to see the Magellan's Cross. It took us more than an hour to get there since there were lots of people and lots of closed roads. Plus we took a 30-minute rest at a food stall where we just played iPhone games haha! After a minute of taking photos at the cross, we're off to SM to watch the fireworks. It was so hard to find a cab, even a jeepney! So we had to walk again, trusting the directions that we see on Google maps haha! Then after more than 30mins of walking, we finally found a cab! However, on our way to SM, my friends realized that they have an event/meeting so we just dropped by another accessories store and went back to the hotel; and that involves a lot of traffic in between!






 pat bought a hat, watta rhyme!:))

 scary masks haha


 black Sto. Nino

 what can you say to their "coldiest" beer haha

 wow!

 praying...

 Basilica de Sto. Nino

Magellan's Cross

After dinner at Chikaan, where the meeting happened, we went to The Terraces in Ayala. Our friend from Smart, Abbie, treated us to dessert in Casa Verde. I love their 'Death by Chocolate' ice cream cake! After a fun girl bonding, our friends from Vans picked us up then we proceeded to Vudu again for another PLDT Wifi Zone night! This time, super VIP! We had the biggest table with lots of couches and of course, sponsored drinks!:) So cool that Gerald Anderson and some PBA friends like James Yap were also there. So I got back at the hotel at 5:30am and went planking on the bed haha dead tired!:))


Death by Chocolate

Thanks Abbie!:)

 Vudu VIPs



 Gerald Anderson and Young JV

 James Yap

I woke up at 9:30am 'coz I didn't want to be late for my 12:15 flight. After fixing up, we had breakfast buffet at the hotel and I left for the airport at 10:30am. Good thing there's no traffic and the way to the airport was on the opposite  side of the Sinulog parade. I love arriving at the airport early 'coz it gives me time to relax. That time, I had a "ME" time in Bo's Coffee haha! Flight was delayed for 15-mins but it's okay. I finally landed in manila at 1:30pm and immediately headed home to sleep!

I just wished that I have stayed 'til  Sunday night so not to miss the parade. However, I had no choice but to work on a Monday. But at least, I was able to experience the festival even just a few days; plus I got to bond with my friends too. Next year, I'm SOOO gonna plan an ultimate Sinulog (Cebu)-Dinagyang (Iloilo) trip! haha!:))))

VIVA PIT SENYOR!!!!!:)

Sunday, January 22, 2012

FASTBREAK Charity Game

This is probably the funniest basketball game I've ever seen! And the best part...it's for a good cause!:)

It's more than just a basketball. It's entertainment! This charity basketball game is a bright idea of Kiefer Ravena, the Ateneo cager, MVP of UUAP, and son of former basketball player and currently Talk N' Text Coach Bong Ravena. Kiefer, together with his friends in basketball (some are celebrities), and Ignite Media worked on this project with less than a month of preparation. With the common goal of helping the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City, this team cause-oriented people were able to put a great show.

There are also a lot of company sponsors who contributed to this cause. The voluntary presence of different male celebrities are also of great help to the team. And when it comes to ticket sales, well a lot of girls were actually there so I believe the game has raised enough for Sendong victims. haha! The San Juan Arena seemed to be a bit packed.:)

So there were two teams: Meralco Red and Smart White. To name a few players of Smart White were Kiefer Ravena, Chris Tiu, Jhong Hilario, Rico Blanco, Luis Alandi, Marco Alcaraz, Champ of Hale, and Jose Manalo. For the Meralco Red were John Hall, Nico Salva, Thirdy Ravena, Jai Reyes, Young JV, Gab Valenciano, Tado, and Gerald Anderson. Yeah, it's indeed a starstudded line-up! However, I was expecting Xian Lim to be there as he was originally a part of the line-up. Also, I just need to mention that Vice Ganda came to the event.
the teams

 glad that my girls came :)

Gerald took a photo w/ the sick child in front of us

For the halftime, Maynilad sponsored the 3-point Shootout wherein the winner receives Php 5,000.00 cash to be donated to the Sendong victims as well. Those who took part in the 3-point shootout were Chris Ellis of NLEX Road Warriors, Mark Zambrano, James Yap, and Allan Caidic. The winner was Allan Caidic! And I was the one who awarded him haha! Also a "Teach Me How to Dougie" dance contest was conducted wherein participants came from the audience. Some of the players also showed a "sample" of this dance craze. Another halftime game was conducted and I don't know what it's called. They come in pairs and must be able to shoot the most with their partners at a given time. One pair had Chris Tiu and another pair had Bong Ravena. That was probably the longest halftime break ever!



 3 point shootout winner Allan Caidic and other contestants: Chris Ellis, James Yap, Mark Zambrano

Then the craziness went on in the 3rd Quarter. Jose Manalo finally arrived. Just when I though that the craziest part of the game was finding Jhong Hilario tumbling first before shooting the ball, I was so wrong! Because when Jose Manalo came, we enevr stopped laughing! He took the microphone and acted like "Budoy", the role of Gerald Anderson in his primetime teleserye. Then Gerald faced him and they both acted like Budoy! Super funny!!! LOL!:)) And it didn't stop there. Towards the end of the 3rd quarter, Jose grabbed the whistle of one of the referees and he acted as if he's one. So there, it started the SO NOT SERIOUS game! Shot clocks were stopped, and the referees just let Jose do the calls. Since Smart White was way behind the score of Meralco Red when Jose arrived, Jose decided to manipulate the game to make his team win. He made really funny calls! Like when Chris Tiu made a 3-point shot, Jose signaled that it's 4, and so the barker reannounced it saying "Chris Tiu FOUR!!!" Jose also gave a lot of free throws to his teammates. Another part of the funny game was when Kiefer passed the ball to the opponent intentionally and took the ball into the basket. That was a cool game! How I wish PBA could be that cool too haha!


FAKE Budoy VS REAL Budoy


 he's really a referee! LOL!

 Kiefer thanking everyone who became a part of the event

two crazies!:)))

Anyway, Smart White won. But the best part of the event was having a lot of people enjoying the game, and having fun together, while at the same time, helping the victims of Typhoon Sendong. I'm so proud that I've been a part of such a good and inspiring enadeavor. Kudos to Kiefer and the whole team who worked on this!:)

Monday, January 16, 2012

KSP's Hollywood-themed Year-Ender

It's our barkada tradition to have a themed Year-Starter every night of January 1st. But since this year, January 1 fell on a Sunday, and most of us got work the next day, we decided to have a year-ender last December 30th instead. The themes we had in the the past were Formal and Rockstar; so this year, we have a agreed to a Hollywood theme! Each of us was required to come looking like a Hollywood star. And here are our crazy photos...

 here comes the Men in Black

 Paris and BF haha

 and we were really putting much effort on this




Circle of Death survivors! haha

On the red carpet...


 Kristen Stewart, Paris Hilton, Josh Duhamel

 Fredie Prinze Jr., Rain, Mike Posner

 Bruno Mars, Tyra Banks, Josh Duhamel

 Zhang Ziyi, Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf), Sandra Bullock

 when I used the iSwap Faces app! haha

another Zhang Ziyi attempt haha


We also tried my new video app discovery from my iPhone, the VideoStar app! It's music video-making app that's so easy to use! haha! I have uploaded them in my Vimeo. Check these out:


KSP Welcomes 2012! from roycie salen on Vimeo.


KSP Moves Like Jagger! from roycie salen on Vimeo.

We're so happy that our tradition lives on. The group keeps growing, and we're glad to welcome new guests every year who were able to experience our craziness too!:)

bye 2011, hello 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!:)