Spell TRAFFIC...EDSA!

Coming from a very productive meeting with the team never had any idea that after having fun...worst thing will happened.

According to google I will only be taking an hour and 16minutes coming from Shaw Boulevard going to C4 in Navotas.
With about 15.3 km distance.
But this commute was very far from what took place yesterday.
Try to imagine from Greenfield or in Shaw Boulevard to Navotas is 5 hours?! 😩

Coming out from Megamall with the team of Sir Chief a two hours plus meeting inside the cozy place of "Kuya J's" restaurant where we enjoyed having a very nice conversation and of course the must try versions of  their "Halo-halos!"

With Sir Clift Daluz, Maila Santiaguel, Andrew Nacino
At Kuya J's Restaurant

Kuya J's versions of Ube and Saba Halo-halo 

Looking at it very enticing, some say "instagramable" 👀.
Tasting it for the very first time was like a feel of calmness, the crashed ice was very refine. But far from the sweetness of the regular "Halo-Halo" that we used to taste.
I thought I wouldn't be able to empty it because the serving was really big.
At the beginning, all your attention will be glued on the "Leche Plan" on top of it.
But you'll be more surprise when you dig deeper because the sweet surprise of "Nata De Coco" and the real "Ube" taste was at the very bottom of it! 😋
A figuratively and literally coldness feel you will definitely experience!

But the reward we all got inside was I believe the exact extreme opposite of the "HEAVY TRAFFIC" I and most commuters felt that very moment.

Allow me to describe the exact scenario I got in yesterday.
The last time I experienced this was when the "Iglesia Ni Kristo" rallied on Edsa years ago.
And literally just crossing the stop light of Shaw Boulevard took me an hour.
Looking at it, it seemed that using your fingers you can count a very few numbers of vehicles luckily passed it when the green light is in go signal.
That was really tough! 😭
And when I think that I will get over it...there's more suffering that awaits us all who continuously access Edsa.
Even in common flyovers in Ortigas, as well as in Kamuning which I remembered spending 30minutes or more at that time also moving very slow. 😩
And even also crossing the intersection in the Quezon Boulevard was just exactly the same scenario compared to Shaw Boulevard.
That very long stretch gave us so much agony of waiting inside an ordinary non-airconditioned bus.
Too bad for the seat I had suppossedly for three people but I was with two literally big people...the outcome only half of my ass was seated. 😤
If I was bothered, I was also thinking several passengers who were standing that very very long hours.
And I can't also imagine the driver who's absorbing all the pressures of commuters now all agitated with the TRAFFIC!

Finally reaches SM North around 9m, I sweat alot and felt I was dehydrated.
I waved from the window at one water vendor and that 500ml of water saved me.
Got shocked I emptied the bottle down to its very last drop. 💧

The flow of the traffic started to normalize after passing Quezon Boulevard.
Literally, I came home around 10pm!
I was just thinking that I went from an out of town trip that very day.
But minus the pasalubong!

The never ending problem about water is now every "Juan's" crisis!

About a month ago, netizens were mad about some late announcements done by Manila Water and the Maynilad.
These two water companies Manila Water who supplies water from the Eastern part and the Maynilad which provides water from the Western part of Metro Manila somehow failed to deliver accurate water interruption advisories.
Mad because some announcements were made but it turned out that the water interruption advisory were not strictly followed.
Most of the affected residents were not ready and because of this, the no water faucet on their households frustrates everyone.

The problem about the lack of water supply began when our water reservoir reaches its critical level as low as 160 meters.
To prevent the temporary water loss, these water companies starts the water rotational service implemented.
In Metro Manila, in every cities most people are now aware of water rotational service implementation.
Like here in Navotas City, currently providing water service from 6:00pm to 4:00am from previously scheduled water interruption that actually set before from 4:00am to 10:00am.

Confronted with a very hard situation specially for affected Filipino and their families who uses water for daily functions from drinking, laundrying, cooking, diswashing and even bothers water refilling businesses who is now having a hard time selling water for the lack of it.

About a week ago, we were blessed because eventhough the storm never enters PAR...LPA somehow helped us to increase critical water level of Angat Dam.

I think what we are experiencing now can also be attributed with the "Global Warming" which most of us never bother to deal with. Or maybe we are doing something about it, but our effort is not really enough to end this problem.

What we are doing now is to save water as much as we can.
Like the water used for laundrying is also use once again to flush the toilet.
I even experienced bathing inside a basins to collect water and uses it to flush the toilet as well.
We even have several pails and basins with water in it while the water is temporarily interrupted of its normal service.

Sometimes the water crisis is making us paranoid so we do not limit ourselves in just empty pails and basins, we also includes empty cookwares, liters of disposable empty bottles and a lot more!

But sometimes the condition of water is really poor. It has a foul smell and was unclear.
You can't even keep it for one more day because you'll see the formation of small particles usually in a form of bubbles that eventually became unclear and dirty too.

So spending of money for "distilled" or "purified" water is required.
Of course, you wouldn't drink a water that came straight from your faucet.

So for now, the poor "Juan" has to continuously ease this mind blogging problem.
We have to pray and believe that soon enough the nature will give us enough water rainfalls so that everything will be back to normal.
And soon enough, our water crisis problem will finally bids goodbye!

In the world of the Academe...a look back!

Acknowledgement page part of the book done by my students in Integration for Digital Story Telling

Long time ago, and never so far away.
Why it seems that it sounds like I am singing here. 😁
I actually wanted to tell everyone that I started teaching year 2008 for the Tertiary Level in Roosevelt College System in Cainta Rizal, which lasted for a year and a half.
After that, mainly because of financial difficulties...I went back to the broadcast industry and pursued a job of a Segment Producer for GMA News TV that lasted for a year.
But there's a window that opened after the opportunity I had with GNTV, I found a job for an Associate Producer post in Solar News Channel, which was eventually known by many up to the present as Nine Media Company, CNN Philippines.
After almost 6 years of working with the same company, I was one of the many employees offered to do a graceful exit...right then and there I never knew that the profession I left for many years will now be my current job.

PREVIOUSLY

Late afternoon of June, I received a message from a friend his name is Samu and he was asking me if I can teach at the school where he's currently committed at the time. I said "Okay" to acknowledge his message but I guess it was interpreted in such a way that I am right away willing to teach as a part-timer. Just to be clear on this, there was no hesitation on my part...its just that before I commit for this very particular work, I wanted to have a self-assessment that I am really suited for this job to the best of my very ability.

The same day, I also received a text message from "Sir Julius Ramos" of ABS-CBN University asking me if I can teach to ELJ...the next thing I'm actually aware of that time, I sent him a copy of my resume. And to cut the long story short, I accepted the job and started immediately the following day.


AT PRESENT

4th of October 2018 as the world commemorates "World Teachers Day" I was part of it.

At Eugenio Lopez Center for Media Arts Senior High School in Kamuning, Quezon City, I became a teacher again.
And the student council just prepared all of us a very exciting surprises.

At the beginning, we attended a mass along with the fellows and students as well and came immediately games they made for us!

I don't know one game I remember was placing a glue on our faces and the goal was to collect as many cottons that will stick to it as possible.
I looked miserable after that but played and enjoyed it with the fellows.

From left Sir Remerzon Araza, Sir Mon Confiado, Mam Yeng Tome, Sir Erl Camano

There was a lot a game which involves eggplant and an egg bringing this to the finish line. Some eggs got cracked and some went to other directions but believe it or not...there's a winner at the end.

But wait there's more...one of the most hate portion of the surprise was when we were asked to dance..."Boom boom!"
Where I got notice not dancing by one of my student. 🤣 Sorry but not really my cup of tea.

The very best part was my very first experience having the idea of lunch in a "boodle fight" concept.

There's so much in there most of it were temptation food like "Pork Inihaw"
"Fried Tilapia" to name a few! 😁

I had the best lunch ever with the fellows of course.

As we finish our best "boodle fight" ever, inside the faculty all the teachers gathered and there we had our photo opportunity.
If you think all were present no...some were not around.
And got amazed with our numbers! 🤔

With co-teachers inside ELJ' s Faculty room
October 2018, World Teachers Day

Well, I will say that I will surely miss most of them. We might all have different subjects and grade levels were handling...but we are all beings dedicated to teach the students.

I will miss my morning early call time that's one thing for sure.
My alarm clock was always set around 4:30 in the morning and should be out of the house by 5:00am...to be of service for teaching around 7:00 in the morning.

Believe me it wasn't easy to do for I do not sleep early but sleep early morning.
But eventhough I lack sleep then, my students were all awake and enjoyed learning with the "out of the box"  and "traditional" teaching I applied then.

The first semester of 2018 was really loaded of subjects for I was teaching "Media Foundation" and "Integrating the elements and Principles of Organization in the Arts." 
I actually luckily handled "four sections" which includes Grade 11, Digital, Radio, Film and Grade 12 Excellence. 

With Grade 11, Digital

With Grade 11, Radio

With Grade 11, Film

I never had a mastery of an effective formula for teaching. Sometimes I also struggle because not most of my students when you give your 101 percent...some don't bother to give back at all.
I remember I got critized by some students who think they do not deserve the grades I gave them.
I just reminded them again that I just computed their grades and it was them who made it. Now, if you are lazy and do not exerted effort like the way other students did...it will always reflect on your total grades.
At this very moment, I have to draw the line for students who do not comply with the requirements on time.

The second semester was a little lighter because there was just two subjects offered to me "Developing Filipino Identity in the Media Arts" "Research and Writing for Narrative" and a "Media Foundation" again.

With Grade 12, Integrity

Grade 12, Meritocracy

Grade 12, Teamwork

Grade 12, Teamwork

With Grade 12, Integrity

With Grade 12, Media Foundation Class from left Benedict Torenia,  Lee Ann Sovietkaya Dee, Darlene Ballano
Aprielle Racsa was absent

The heavy and memorable part was the culminating class requirement that was all given to Grade 12, graduating students to produced and perform a play.

This requires extra-time and effort for most fellows to look after their class for several rehearsals and actual play that ends late most of the times.

But being a part of this exciting semester gave me more understanding of things to consider, learn more and how to deal with situation that sometimes came in unexpectedly.

But again "all good things must come to an end."
I am not leaving my teaching profession entirely.
There's just a siren call to went back to my first love being a journalist again.
Because they say opportunity knocks one.
Eventhough, I have to make a big decision very urgent...I know my new learnings and experiences in the Media will help me when time comes to give back again to the academe.

But true enough, presentations I did for every class I attended helped me thoroughly to pinpoint important things that requires greater attention.

This is not goodbye! 😃

In the nick of time

This is true..."things are happening for a reason/s.
The last time I remember I was at the academe last school appearance was 18th of  March 2019.
Back then I was thinking now what to do at the time the 2nd semester was over.
Never got lucky with the attempts I've done in going back to one station I started my journey as journalist way back June of 2000.
I think  my path was really going to teaching so I started thinking to really take this seriously and attend series of studying during weekends for 6 months.
I started gathering  several requirements to finally prepare myself as to...TOR, diploma, Birth Certificate, and many more.
But as I prepared for this...something very unusual things happened.
Like my honorarium for two months teaching was unfortunately put into hold. 😔
My bread and butter that time and this burden really disheartened me.
I have a family to feed and a monthly obligations to deal with.
Back then, I kept on asking myself why?
Why God you're giving me so much difficulties.
But sometimes at the very beginning when things happens as it happens, you will not discern and completely do not understand why.
What I have in mind at that very moment was God again was testing my faith on Him.

Until the very night of 10th of April a long time co-worker from the broadcast industry Mai sent me a message via a messenger.
And to cut the long story short, there was a work invitation for me and asking me to made a visit the following day.
And that was then one great news! 📰

10th of April 2019 a message via messenger

The following day, I went to attend a job interview to a place I never thought of seeing my self working...in Manila!

Suprised as well because I will be working with the "nicest" boss in the world Sir Clift Daluz.
A former co-employee in the two media firm I was with before ABS-CBN, Channel 2 and CNN Philippines!

Mr. Clift Daluz was the appointed VP for News and Public Affairs of The Manila Times Television by the owner himself Mr. Dante A. Ang (DAA).

It was a very overwhelming post a leverage from my previous work which is now an Executive Producer and for "News" specifically.

My boss and I had me again for an interview a week after the "Holy Week" and after some arrangements with the salary I'm asking we finally have a deal. 🤝

I just said I am after more of the experience and a challenge that I will be facing in the new station.

A very good boss, with a beautiful "team" with Drew Nacino our News Desk Editor/Writer, Jedidiah Del Rosario, Reporter, Jake Remphsey, Associate Producer/Writer and Mai Santiaguel our Communication Staff/EA.

The amazing team with Sir Clift Daluz (in violet), starting from left Rempsey, JD, Mai, and Drew

A highly spirited team of The Manila Times Television.

On our very first month, we presented an idea of a "tagalog" newscast designed for digital TV using a platform of a social media via Facebook.

As we prepare for the lauching...we did several interstitial stories related mainly for the national election happening on the 13th of May.

And some interesting thematic yearly celebrations like that of "Labor Day"
"Father's Day Celebration" to name a few.

Part also of our preparations was our testing of scripts for weekdays airing and several auditions and hiring of qualified employees for the following vacant posts.

But the most unforgettable moment was  meeting and presenting for the very first time the boss that I do not completely knew and met Mr. Dante Ang.

Mr. Daluz was not available at that very moment. And the presentation was entrusted to me. I was really shaking inside but the only thing I have in mind was to represent the team and present it.

We actually prepared a 14minute video newscast presentation, but was asked to alter it for 3minutes only.
Mainly because DAA never wanted to see a very long presentation.

In DAA's office,  along with my laptop whom I prayed please bare with me.
I showed the presentation the headlines, the teaser and some selected stories that has main news item, sports and entertainment news.

I was then reminded of some important things and then asked to rewind it again from the very beginning then said a word... "OKAY."
At first, I do not make any movement so DAA said it again..."OKAY!"
And that actually means that the presentation was approved!

I began sharing the news to Mr. Daluz and he said I need to expound my text to him. And so I did.

25th of April exchange of text messages

Congratulatory remarks from my boss

More messages of Congratulations!

There's a lot more to do but the beginning was just right and in perfect timing.
Now I know, why I suffered previously before the victory came in!

Experiencing Italy in the Philippines

I think I already been to this place sometime in 2011 where I used to be a Segment Producer and the venue was located at Cubao, Expo Philippines.
But never had the chance to know about this particular place called..."Bellini's."

At the very facade of the restaurant was erected a never been seen "The Leaning Tower of Pisa" which was now seen in its stable position far from its original concept in Italy.
From this very look, one will probably have an idea that you will experience Italian flavor in the Philippines.

We came in too early like an hour before its very opening which is 11:00am.
Where one waiter just started to open a huge old-fashioned airconditioning unit...which explains why because the restaurant has been around since 1999.
No wonder why the airconditioning used was not an inverter which was very famous in this golden era.

But I think the used of a vintage aircon was perfect for the ambiance feel of serenity when we visited there.
My boss was actually talking about it with the team and that he made mentioned that he came acrossed with the owner of the restaurant where he proposed this to be visited by one popular TV station and the rest was history.
The team were very thrilled to see it...until we finally went to the place and personally saw what's inside.

The Plating at Bellini's

The bigger and bolder menu

The fine dining table set up

The idea was a fine dining experience with bottles of wine on display located beside the classy table set-up for 4-5 pax who will enjoy Italian cuisine from pasta, pizza, and many more!

Interesting wall displays will keep your eyes busy while waiting for your orders.

Fontana De Trevi

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

But wait there's more exciting gimmick "Bellini's" instored for its first-timer visitors was the so called..."Chairs of Fame!"
The idea was too excite you for you'll never know that the chair you are seated now, was the exact same chair where famous personality and stars seated before.

The Team with our Boss ❤️

See I'm Liza Soberano!😍 

The Actress, Ina Felio

The late comediane, Tado Reyes

The primetime Kapuso, Marian Rivera💕

The Actress, Agot Isidro

I thought it will be taking all of us much waiting time for the food to be serve but after 10-15minutes our food was ready!

Courtesy bread while waiting

Pizza

Puttanesca

Actually, I and the rest of our team were surprised about the food serving.
Because the plate of my ordered "Puttanesca" was a pasta good for two pax!

We ordered for a house blend iced tea which was very much perfect for our Pizza and Pasta...Bon Appetite! 🍕😃

The team at Bellini's 🥰

They gave red wine after our meal and the team tossed for it!

A wine toss! 

It was actually a very beautiful fine dining experience specially with the team. Thank you Sir Chief for bringing us here!💕

I'd like my friends and family to experience the same Italian cuisine...I promise to bring them here...very SOON! 👏

You may also visit the link for other related information...
http://primer.com.ph/food/cuisines/italian/bellinis-in-cubao-a-glimpse-of-italy-in-the-metro/