Ateneo Law @ 75

I can’t help but be nostalgic from the hype of the Ateneo Law School’s 75th Anniversary. My years in law school is perhaps among the most memorable time of my life.

From it’s previous Padre Faura, Manila and H.V. Dela Costa Makati locations, the law school moved to its present site in Rockwell, Makati.

Photo taken from the Makati-Mandaluyong bridge. The Rockwell skyline has dramatically changed with the construction of towering new condos.

“The Titanic”

The Library

“The Guru of Destabilization” himself: Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.

He was more than a Dean to us. He was a father, grandfather and friend to all.

But he can be a terror(ist) in class. I was never under his classes because I was enrolled in the afternoon/evening class. I often visited him in his office when there’s a new camera gadget or Apple product released. I also drop by to share with him photos I took during various school activities.

Rededication of the Justitia Hall. This is where we had our moot court or practice court class. In this photo are notable alumni being introduced by Dean Cesar L. Villanueva.

Law school will never be as memorable without my brods. The Gentlemen of the Fraternal Order of Utopia live by the codes of service, sacrifice and excellence.

The first Sunday morning of the 2005 Bar Exams. We were billeted at the Manila Diamond Hotel. In this photo we were having a buffet breakfast while reading the Ateneo “Blue Tips” ang the Utopia tips. Every single one of us was conditioned to to top the bar. We didn’t make it to the top 10. We all settled for number 11.

Utopia Bar Operations

PR in “Asia’s toughest marathon”

I just got an email that the official results and photos were already posted online.

I thought that I failed in my attempt to do a sub-5. Lo and behold the official results show otherwise!

I finished the grueling Hong Kong Marathon in 4:50:06. Slashed 25 minutes off my personal best which I just logged two weeks ago in the Condura Skyway Marathon in Manila.

Ten Trips in Twenty Ten

I end this year by writing my top 10 most memorable travels in and out of the country.

1) My first Ati-atihan Festival. Before attending a weekend wedding in Boracay I had the chance to shoot the street dancing in Kalibo, Aklan.

2) Celebrated E’s birthday in Ville Sommet Tagaytay.

3) Easy 10k run around Washington D.C. The route was simple. I plotted a course that started from the Washington Plaza down to the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and all the way to the other end of the Mall towards the Capitol. Of course there were frequent photo stops.

The White House

The Capitol

The US Supreme Court

4) Empire State of Mind in the New York. I tagged along with E and RG for the NY Festivals (Film and TV) as their documentary Planet Philippines was nominated for best environmental documentary.

I took advantage of the free time to run around runner’s heaven – Central Park.

In NY I met up with Jud Santos of the NY Adobo Running Club. To this day I will not forget the speed workout around the Great Lawn.

Ordinary Times Square photo? NOT! Look behind me. There are NYPD cars, firetrucks and the whole 911 emergency group because of a car bomb found in the central tourist area.

5) Baltimore sidetrip.

6) I had to take several trips down to Cebu, the Queen City of the South for work.

7) Travelled back in time at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan.

Goofed around to shake off the negative energies.

8 ) Another working trip took me to Coron, Palawan.

Kayangan Lake

Mt. Tapyas summit view.

9) In December, I went to Singapore with E for the Asian TV Awards. This time Planet Philippines was up against Discovery Channel and National Geographic for Best Environmental Docu. To be nominated against them was a prize in itself.

We partied like rock stars in SG and lived like royalty in Marina Bay Sands. A much deserved holiday.

10) Organized AND ran the Corregidor International Half-Marathon.

It was a pleasure to see the project come to reality since Coach Edward Kho and I conceptualized some time in June of this year.

We hope to make this event an annual race to cap every running year. As Edward says, in 2011 the race will be ” bigger, better, with more fun elements!”

CIHM Bonfire

“Tonight we come together united in our desire to overcome the bloody and bloodied terrains of this island.

We are gathered on this Rock – where many lives were lost from struggles of our distant past.

Tomorrow as we run through the historic ruins, as we hurdle the batteries, and as we emerge from the tunnel, we pay our respect to the heroism, courage and strength of spirit of those who blazed these trails before us.”

Special thanks to the following torch bearers and keepers of the flame:

Coach John Lozada
Tuesday Vargas “Pusta ko pag dating sa gitna patay na yan!”
Vanessa Extra-Ordinario a.k.a. “The Hot Chick in Red” a.k.a. “Brown Pasta Man Buster”
Jinoe Gavan of takbo.ph
Dingdong Biruar – runmd
Bards Bathan – banana running
Paula “Buwis Buhay”, Edward’s niece

The very efficient and supportive SCI boys led by Brian, Edward and Gener.

Coach Edward lights up a tradition.

So who’s hungry?

On the menu: mashed potato, rice, carbonara pasta, and the brown pasta a.k.a. pansit bihon. Special thanks to Jay Em of Paul Calvin’s Deli for the sausage pasta and roasted chicken. I did not get to try them Jay. The spirit of the pasta and chicken lingers in the minds of the team who missed them. Dessert was Coach Edward’s delicious Pandan Puto.

TKR – Team Kamote Runners

Green puto a.k.a. pandan puto. Coach Edward’s personal pick.

CIHM: Sweet Emotions

For those who were part of this event, whether as an organizer, volunteer, or participant, the Corregidor International Half-Marathon was a roller coaster of emotions.

These photos express some of the feelings and experiences of those who shared a bond on that historic island.

We made memories. We made history.

One for all. All for twenty one.

Happiness.

Worry.

Doubt.

Confidence.

Triumph.

Fulfillment.

Pleasure.

Poise.

Unity

Fellowship

Party!

More partying!

All the way MMA!

Last year I wanted to do some Muay Thai in Bangkok. Instead, I ended up in a Thai food cooking class! (See Holiday Highlights entry)

For this trip, the chance to do something interesting came when RG asked if I wanted to join him for a workout at the Evolve MMA Gym in Far East Square, SG. Apparently, RG researched on the best MMA gym as soon as he found out he’ll be going to Singapore for the Asian TV Awards.

I expected a sweat smelling, hole-in-the-wall type of gym with men with raging testosterone slugging it off. I had the impression that a boxing or martial arts gym should be spartan.

On the contrary the SG Evolve gym, which claims to be the best in Asia, had a well-decorated lobby, modern furniture and clean workout areas. The huge group class areas were equipped with mitts, ropes, kick pads and heavy bags on a 1:1 per student ratio. On top of the excellent facilities, the gym boasts world-class champions for instructors.

Walk-in, non-members pay a S$50 fee for a one-hour class of their choice. At the time we were there, Muai Thai was the next class.

The day before, RG did 3 bruising classes that included Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muai Thai. Talk about hardcore!

We did a class led by Yodthira Sityodtong and Muangfalek Kiatvichian. (Info from the Evolve Website)

Muangfalek Kiatvichian – Kru, Muay Thai

Muangfalek Kiatvichian is an Instructor at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts.  With over 300 professional fights, he is a 2 time Muay Thai Rajdamnern World Champion and a 2 time Thailand Boxing Champion.  He has also competed in MMA in Japan in the prestigious DEEP organization.  Prior to joining Evolve MMA, Muangfalek lived in Japan for the past 10 years where he taught Muay Thai to the top MMA stars in Japan such as Shinya Aoki, Masakazu Imanari, and others.  He learned submission grappling under the tutelage of Shinya Aoki and Mazakazu Imanari too.  Muangfalek is known to have ferocious punches and kicks with a unique and original style. 

A 2x Muay Thai World Champion, Muangfalek is a certified Muay Thai instructor.

Muangfalek is originally from Thailand.

Yodthira Sityodtong – Kru, Muay Thai

Yodthira is an Instructor at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts.  He is a professional Muay Thai fighter from Thailand with over 120 fights.  He has been ranked as high as #1 at Lumpinee Stadium in his weight class.  A Muay Thai Champion, he is known as a master ring technician with superior technical prowess.  Yodthira has represented the Sityodtong Camp for his entire life at all the top venues such as Lumpinee Stadium, Rajdamnern Stadium, Theprasit Stadium, and many others.  His favorite techniques are the push kick and high roundhouse kick. 

Yodthira is a certified Muay Thai instructor under the legendary Kru Yodtong Senanan of the Sityodtong Gym.

Yodthira is originally from Thailand.

The juice bar is worth the squeeze. We had acai palm fruit shake topped with bananas. Acai palm is a tall, slender palm native to South America and Brazil. Its fruit is rich in minerals and antioxidants. A perfect post workout treat.

For more Evolve MMA facilities click on the link.

After the workout, we went to Hajji lane in the Arab district to look for this MMA specialty store. The narrow lane was beautifully lined with shops in old-colonial style buildings.

Hajji lane in the Arab District.

The MMA store. There was no sign out front except for the UFC, MMA posters on the windows. They carry brands such as Venum, Bad Boy, Fairtex, etc.

All that punching, kicking and shopping made us hungry so we had a late lunch in this little Arab restaurant.

Mt. Tapyas

I took advantage of a little down time during my recent trip to Coron, Palawan by climbing up the Mt. Tapyas view deck

Here’s a short video clip of my first attempt to attack the summit.

First Time

Second Time

Dressed up in lighter clothes, pack with water and cameras. I reached the summit faster in 18 minutes.

Project David

Check out the feature on Tanya Lara’s lovely home down “South”!

Metro Home & Entertaining October 2010 Cover

Project David

CIHM Race Backpack

Not yet registered for the Corregidor International Half-Marathon?

Rush to Runnr in Bonifacio High Street and Second Wind (Maginhawa and Ortigas) to register. Limited slots available.

Don’t miss the chance to get this cool race backpack!

Only 800 participants will get to bring this home.

Side pockets with the event logo.

Top flap with this years blazin’ logo.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

It was the last Sunday of the 2010 Bar Exams. A portion of Taft Avenue in Manila was closed to traffic for well wishers, family, friends, fraternity and sorrority members for the annual “Salubong.”

I could hardly hold my camera up to compose a decent shot. I just held the camera up and clicked away. A few minutes after we heard and felt a loud explosion from the middle of the crowd. I was actually on my way to the spot where the explosion happened.

Then there was chaos. People started running away from the blast. First people said that there was someone who threw a pillbox at the UP or San Beda crowd. In a matter of seconds innocent people got hurt by the perpetrators of this ghastly deed. Those injured were rushed to the nearest hospital.

Police were quick to act this time. They immediately secured the area around the crime scene. The bomb squad were deployed a few minutes after the incident.

This was a sad day for the legal community.

Law school is a professional school. Law students should think and act like professionals.

Fraternities, sororities and organizations in law school should promote academic excellence and service rather than mindless violence and a brazen disrespect for human life. It’s time for these people to be accountable and responsible for their actions.

There should be an end to this immaturity.