The Song of the Moment

Vindicated
I am selfish
I am wrong

So I'm trying to go back to my roots. The operative word here is "try". I am trying to know myself better, to leverage strengths so I can bully someone else. I am trying to be at peace with myself...or rather, I am trying to make peace with who I already am and the expectations of the rest of the world.

I am right
I swear I'm right
Swear I knew it all along

I'm actually tired of self-reflection. I feel no need for it, since I already know who I am. But sometimes the world is shaken like a snow globe and I find myself dragged all around the place. And I am bewildered at where I end up with respect to the rest of the snow globe occupants.

And I am flawed
But I am cleaning up so well
I am seeing in me now
The things you swore you saw yourself

Frankly, I am surprised how truths can be repackaged and bought and sold like it was new. But that's the way the world turns. Even outright lies can be repackaged as half-truths, if everyone believes it enough. There always has to be a spin to things. The spin-master is king.

My hope dangles on a string
Like slow spinning redemption...

**Lyrics from "Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional

Bok and the Crocodile (A Tale from Davao)

Bok and a baby croc at the Davao Crocodile Farm

I'm actually cleaning up some of the picture files I have on the computer, and it just occurred to me that I haven't shared anything yet from our Davao trip two months ago. Yeah, yeah, I'm a delinquent blogger. :)

So for those of you planning to go to Davao, go! There are a lot of interesting sights to see, from the Davao Crocodile Farm to the Philippine Eagle Farm to the relaxing beaches of Samal Island. You can ride non-aircon taxis around the city without getting bothered by air pollution. The city has top notch restos and coffee houses, and it seems everything is accessible. Don't forget to try the Durian Coffee! And if you have more time, you can even go whitewater rafting!

We spent 3-4 days in Davao, mainly to attend our college friend's wedding. We stayed at We R Inn, just across from the Gaisano Mall.

For pictures, check out these links:
Day 1: Philippine Eagle Farm
Day 2: Davao Crocodile Farm & Butterfly Park (insert whitewater rafting here)
Day 3: Samal Island



And special thanks to Bok's Davao Frisbee Friends :)

Jem & Jerine's By-the-Bay Wedding

March 4th, 2007, Jem & Jerine said their vows at the Shrine of Jesus, the Way the Truth and the Life. Cocktails and the reception followed at 1Esplanade -- a new venue near Mall of Asia with a nice view of the Manila Bay sunset. The guests were serenaded by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, and the food was catered by Manila Catering Services. A classy wedding for a classy bride and her groom. Congrats and best wishes!

Rhedd's Surprise Bday Party

March 10 at the Viray residence

Luv & Mark's Tagaytay Wedding

The theme was "cool in blue". On March 10, 2007, Mark & Luv wed in picturesque Calaruega. Guests were feted at Villa de Oro in Tagaytay. More pictures at this Sony Imagestation album.

PYROS February Regatta

Feb 11, 2007
Manila Bay

Newly Weds!

Luv & Mark's Tagaytay Wedding

More pictures here.

The day before our own wedding anniversary, Luv & Mark wed in picturesque Caleruega. It was actually our first time to go to Caleruega, this little church near Tagaytay famous for its beautiful gardens and views of the Batulao mountain ranges.

Caleruega is actually located in Nasugbu, Batangas, inside Evercrest Subdivisions, way past some vacant lots with grazing goats and cows. The same subdivision houses Don Bosco's Chapel on the Hill, another church that's a wedding crowd favorite.

Bok and I arrived just in time for the homily, and one of the officiating priests was a high school friend of the couple. (It was a concelebrated mass amongst 3 priests). It turns out Mark, Luv and the priest were highschool classmates, and the priest was pleasantly surprised when he learned about their wedding, since Mark & Luv weren't a "couple" yet in highschool. Yet here they are, several years later, tying the knot. And another not-so-surprise -- Luv was a corps commander in highschool! Astig na pala si Luv, high school pa lang. :)

After lots of photo ops, everyone proceeded to Villa de Oro for the reception, hosted by Borgz. Just check out the pictures in the photo album. Congrats to the newly weds!

One Day at Manila Bay