We recently had a trip to Bicol, Camarines Sur and it was just what I needed. Nothing like time away from the usual grind and just being with family. Story and more photos to be posted, soon!

MYX Music Awards 2016

It was that time of the year where we celebrate and recognize the remarkable talent in the OPM scene through the MYX Music Awards 2016! This star-studded event took place at the Kia Theater, a first for the MMA’s (atleast from what I know) and it was just like the previous years - extraordinary, fun-filled and a huge success!

Every year, MYX comes up with a theme and the first MMA I attended had the motif of “street wear” (the first red carpet photo above). That year was also very special to me, because that was the night I told myself that one day, I’ll work for a company like MYX. A year later, the center photo was taken of me working for MYX as a writer. Dreams do come true if you’re determined, motivated and work hard! Anyway, that year (2015), the theme was “bohemian chic”. Then this 2016 was “striking in stripes”! This year was more enjoyable for me since I wasn’t working, unlike in 2015 and I know how things will run, unlike in 2014 where I was clueless. I just got to soak up the thrill of the night and it was awesome!

What I loved about attending this event was being able to reunite with some of the MYX family like the VJs (even though some couldn’t make it). Everything there was fast-paced, but I was able to small talk with VJs Tippy Dos Santos, Robi Domingo and Ai Dela Cruz before they headed down to the red carpet. VJ Chino Lui Pio was also present that night, whom I got to catch up with over some cocktails. It’s nice to know everyone’s doing well. It was great to see everybody, plus the new VJs which some I’ve already been acquainted with like VJs Jairus Aquino, Sharlene San Pedro and Alex Diaz in my past MYX  coverages.

Here’s some more red carpet looks of some of the local artists present that night. Above is Mark Neumann, Ella Cruz, G-Force, Callalily with Maychelle Bay, Denise Laurelle and Tom Tauss.

I’ve gotta say, my favorite performance would probably have to be the opening number, simply because I love the artists that performed altogether. They were KZ Tandingan, Jayda Avanzado, Alex Diaz, Tippy Dos Santos, Jason Dy, Morissette and JK Labajo. Plus, they did a medley of the pop songs nominated for favorite song in their own rendition!

Here are some more photos during the awards night show of performances and artists receiving their respective awards. Below is Darren Espanto, Kyla, Jason Dy, Cheats, Yeng Constantino and Donna Cruz.

Back on the red carpet, above is Jonnalyn Viray with Julian Trono, Bretman Rock, and below is Sofia Andres, The Juans, McCoy De Leon with Jon Lucas, Sue Ramirez, Maris Racal and Jensen and The Flips.

The trophy bagger that night went to Nadine Lustre, who unfortunately couldn’t make it to the event because of her world tour. But Kyla and Abra also won a handful awards, with Abra taking the very first ever Favorite Music Video award. And of course, the prestigious MYX Magna award went to none other than Ogie Alcasid. He had no idea he was receiving that award because apparently he was told he would just be a presenter of an award. Before calling him onstage, a medley of his original songs were performed by several artists, including Angeline Quinto, Matteo Guidicelli, Christian Bautista, Yeng Constantino, Aicelle Santos, Jonnalyn Viray, Kyla, Jay-R, Eric Santos and the legendary Jaya.

And of course, after the show, we took the time to try and see everyone we could and take a few groufies here and there. It’s never a dull moment with these guys and although we never have a complete photo together, I think these couple of photos can transcend how we all felt, being able to hangout together again, even just for the night! I missed everyone! Legit.

Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, performers, the MYX family, staff, for another unforgettable night! Til’ the next MYX Music Awards!

*Photos above were taken by the MYX photographers that night. All credits go to them: Mayi Guarina, Rinna Leong, Red Rivera, Kat Alcazar and of course, Tita Happy Dos Santos who took some of the photos above as well. Thank you!

Nadine Lustre // JADINE Love Concert, 2016

James Reid  // JADINE Love Concert, 2016

James Reid and Nadine Lustre // JADINE Love Concert, 2016

James Reid and Nadine Lustre // JADINE Love Concert, 2016

Yassi Pressman // JADINE Love Concert, 2016

Dinoy’s is a small resto just nearby ABS-CBN where we would usually eat at back when I was still at MYX. It’s got some pretty cool art on the walls and of course, good food that’s the closest we could get to home-cooked food in that area. This night, I met up with MYX friends just to catch up and as usual, it was a fun time (even though we weren’t complete, again). It’s good to hear everyone’s doin fairly well and things are just like how we left it! Well... kinda. Hehe. Til’ next time!

Keepin’ the good vibes rollin’!

The Only Way Is Up

January 23, 2016 - It was my first time ever hiking up a mountain and I know you’re thinking, “what a loser...” Yeah, I’d say the same. Well, I finally experienced it and now I completely understand what people mean when they say it’s “worth it and self-fulfilling.” 

But why didn’t anybody warn me it’s gonna be killer tiring? 

I digress.

I was so hyped to join this adventure with a solid group of friends mainly because I’ve always been missing-in-action when there’s a trip planned due to work. But since my schedule is more flexible now, I made sure to make it for this one! Last minute changes happened, but everything worked out in the end and actually better than what we had expected.

After getting through traffic on the road, we got straight to the climb upon arrival about mid-afternoon. The weather was just right and we were actually the very last group to hike that day. It was nice because on the way up, we’d pass by everyone who just came from the peak and they’d give us a heads up on how much closer we are to the top. Less than half an hour in, some of us were already having a hard time, including me - an unfit fat-ass, who was way too excited and used up a lot of energy on the way). Note to self: prepare yourself not just mentally, but physically and save your energy.

I have to give it up for our tour guide that day, because I think we all would’ve died if he wasn’t there to help us. Plus, throughout our whole climb, he would play his awesome jams to keep us energized and motivated. Yeah, he’s got good taste in music. He made it extra challenging for us because he literally moves around that mountain like he owns it! Like a boss. So sometimes when he’s way ahead, we just had to follow his music. 

And then when we were close to collapsing already, we made it! A bit more than halfway up, we stopped to take a good look at the view that literally took our breathe away.

After capturing the moment, we headed off again to make sure we’d catch the sunset once we reach the top of the mountain. At this time, many of us were struggling with our legs shaking, feeling dehydrated and out of breathe, and my darn legs that started to cramp. But that didn’t stop us. 

The climb just kept getting steeper. And just when we were close to giving up, we finally saw the peak and the sun beginning to set. It was then and there when we built enough strength to get us all the way to the top.

And there it was...

At that exact moment, as I gazed into the sunset of the horizon, sharing the magnificent view of hills fading into the fog, as the cool mountain breeze glazed our skin, was when I felt so alive. That’s when I felt a genuine sense of self-fulfillment. A feeling I’d never trade for the world. All of the sweat and body grinding was worth it.

We stayed for about a good hour or so but had to leave so we could camp down before it gets too dark and dangerous. Our trip down the mountain was a whole other challenge! Some of us fell, slipped and slid. But to cut the story short, we all made it back in one piece - thank God. 

All in all, my first hiking experience at Mt. Pico De Loro was extraordinarily memorable. I am all the more motivated/inspired to continue discovering and conquering new challenges and locations now. We’ve already got some more advetures lined up for the year and I cannot wait! To more adventures with solid friends!

Keepin’ the good vibes rollin’!

PS. If you’re gonna hike up Mt. Pico De Loro too and need a tour guide, I highly recommend ours that day: Kuya Ford (Ferd?). He is so G.

*Photo credits: Kym Eusebio, Em Romero, Suzzette Onate & Melvin Viloria

Up top Mt. Pico De Loro, Cavite, PH.

Photo Credits: Melvin Viloria

Well this sesh was probably the most sudden we ever had, but like I always say; “things are always better unplanned”! And that night proved my theory right, once again! Let’s just say many problems were solved. Girl problems to be specific. And of course the regular ratchet-ness with the brothers. Priceless.

Keeping the good vibes rolling!

Late Night Hits - Tagaytay Roadtrip

It felt so good being able to chill with this group of high school friends even though once again, we were not complete, it’s still never a dull moment! It’s funny comparing how we hangout now compared to before, now that we’re all working and have our own different schedules.

This late night hit, we decided to take a roadtrip to Tagaytay and eat at this Korean resto that apparently offered a promo that we couldn’t resist! So we took our chance on it! Unfortunately for us, because of the traffic and other circumstances, we didn’t make the cut! We were already there sitting and ready to order in the resto, just to find out we weren’t gonna get that majestic meal, hahahuhu... But, we had a plan B! Nearby was another Korean resto that offered the same food. Although they didn’t have a special promo, we ate there because well, we were all pretty hungry already!

Of course, while were at Tagaytay, we wanted to spend the night right and stay as long as we could so we went to what they said is the biggest Starbucks joint. Oh and I tried one of those secret Starbucks recipes, the Nutella Frappucino, and I gotta say it was heaven!

There I learned one of the most intense games - Monopoly cards, which pretty much tests your friendship. I swear, if you haven’t tried the game, you WILL get addicted! Just be warned, afterwards, you might not have any friends anymore (and money) hahaha!

We hung around there and played til closing time, which sucked because we still wanted stay, so we took a walk around and went off back to Laguna. But, we didn’t stop there, because the game was not yet over! The night was still young, so they stopped by at my place where we played for another good two hours or so. Yup! That’s how addicting it is. 

Never a dull moment with these guys and I’m sure we’d have another night like this soon!

Keeping the good vibes rolling!