My Top 11 for 2011

This list is the top destinations and events I’ve been to for the past 12 months. A lot of firsts here for me! Here we go...

February 2011

Batulao Forest Trek, Nasugbu, Batangas – February 19, 2011 - My first time here and wanted to go back this 2012. Thanks to Sandari Batulao for organizing such a meaningful and wonderful activity. It's a must for those who wanted a side-trip before going swimming down town and for those camping and hiking at Mt. Batulao. It's only a two hour trek so it will not be that difficult to do...;-)

Corregidor Island, Cavite – February 20, 2011 - My 3rd and 4th time this year (another one was last August 2011) but it never ceases to amaze me especially this mile long barracks. Very beautiful ruins. I wish to explore this at night someday...;-)

March 2011

Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas – March 12, 2011 - I've been to some famous mountains of the Philippines but it's my first time to climb the highest peak of Nasugbu. Again thanks to some serious effort of  Sandari Batulao for organizing this event. I climb this same mountain after a month as organized again by Sandari Batulao.

April 2011

Twin Islands, Nasugbu, Batangas – April 24, 2011 - Another first for me to stay in one of the twins. Very cool place to go to when you go swimming in Nasugbu. It's only 30-minute boat ride from one of the beach resorts along the famous Nasugbu coast line. Rent a motorized banca for as low as 700-2000 (depends on the season).

July 2011

Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City– July 24, 2011 - Kobe Bryant. Need I say more?

August 2011

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 27, 2011 - First stop on the twin city tour. All I can say is there are so many businesses (small or medium). The local government here is doing a great job for employment and tourism. Need to go back here and explore their tourist attraction someday...;-)

Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 28, 2011 - The main destination of our twin city tour. This is part of the Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail. The city was clean and the foods were great. Only had one bad experience and dunno if I ever go back to Dakak.

September 2011

Rock Rizal Concert, Mall of Asia, Pasay City – Sept. 16, 2011 - The best and the brightest rock bands in one FREE concert. Totally epic night! Thanks Rock Ed Philippines.

October 2011

Taal, Batangas – Oct. 15, 2011 - The heritage town of Batangas. My first time to explore the town up to its hidden Spanish cemetery. But the best part, I was so amazed at the collection of Mr. Manny Inumerable, the owner of Galleria Taal aka Camera Museum. From the oldest to the rarest camera he has it. Ever seen a gold Nikon FA camera? Visit Galleria Taal...;-)

November 2011

San Jose, Batangas – Nov. 20, 2011 - The poultry capital of Batangas. One small town so rich in history. Also home to one of the best organic restaurant in the province - the Casa Rap. That's why I'm surely coming back for more - food....;-)

December 2011

PEBA 2011, Trinoma, Quezon City – Dec. 09, 2011 - My first time to be nominated as a blogger. Even though that I have a slim chance of winning I still attended the event for experience purposes. Luckily for me, Mr. Jim Paredes was there to give an inspirational talk. Been wanting to see him for the longest time. And as a bonus for attending, I won a gift card worth 1000 from Ayala Malls... Merry Christmas to me...;-)

And. That. Is. All... Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Rock Rizal @ MOA part 2

              This is the 2^nd part of the Rock Rizal Concert 2011. On my first post, which you can find here, I posted a video of Ely Buendia singing Huling El Bimbo. And as promised I already uploaded on my youtube channel the other 2 videos I shot. Anyway this is Gloc-9 featuring Jaq Dionisio with Elmer:

                This is actually the first time I watched Gloc-9 performed live. I’ve wanted to see him perform ever since the release of Bagsakan with Parokya ni Edgar and the late Francis M. I was so close to seeing him during the Rizal @ 150 concert at Luneta last June 19, but due to bad weather, I was forced to go back home instead. Then when Rock Ed Philippines and National Historical Commission of the Philippines released the Rock Rizal Album earlier this month, I downloaded it all and wished they will conduct a concert. And then after a week, they’ve announced that they will be having a FREE Concert. And then, the rest is history, including this next performance. This is an impromptu performance as you can hear Ely uttering at the end “sabi sa inyo walang practice eh” (I told you we didn’t practice at all)

                That performance completed my night. It’s also the first time I watched Pepe Smith performed live. Just barely 2 weeks ago (1 week before the concert), I missed the chance to take a photo of Pepe Smith at the Rogue 4^th Anniversary party at the Republiq in Resorts World Manila. He arrived late at exactly the time I was leaving the venue. But when I saw this free concert on my FB news feed, I crossed my fingers and looked forward to see Pepe Smith as I knew he was the drummer of Ely Buendia’s contribution to the Rock Rizal Album, the Bungo sa Bangin. But to everybody's surprise, Mar Dizon, the country's leading jazz drummer and a member of the Side A band joined Ely and Pepe for the above number. Three legends in one song. Speaking of legends, I also have this opportunity of having beside one of the country’s leading documentarist during the concert, no other than Mr. Howie Severino.

            A night to remember indeed. Rock and Roll for the new generation - The Rock Rizal Concert 2011. And I know that's only the beginning. You can bring Rock Rizal to your town/schools; contact Rock Ed Philippines for more details.

Rock Rizal @ MOA part 1

            It's been a while since I last wrote a blog entry. Anyway I was very fortunate to attend the first ever ROCK RIZAL Concert last Sept. 16, 2011 at the SM Mall of Asia by the Bay for FREE. 

ROCK RIZAL: Celebrating Jose Rizal's life & works through rock & roll is a project of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Rock Ed Philippines. Performers included in the lineup were  Ely Buendia, Pepe Smith, Gloc-9, Sandwich, Ebe Dancel, Radioactive Sago Project, Jett Pangan, Peryodiko, Paolo Santos (guest appearance) Gab 'N Josh and Reese & Vica, Gracenote, Turbo Goth, Liyag, Fragile and Anarah. This is still a part of the yearlong Rizal@150 Celebration. This is the last performance of the night, courtesy of Ely Buendia and Pepe Smith, Ang Huling El Bimbo.

             More videos to come, or you can check my Youtube Channel for the upcoming videos of Gloc-9 with Jaq Dionisio, and the jamming between the 2 legends above!
             You can also download Rock Rizal album here.