I just came back from San Juan, Batangas where I spent my birthday frolicking at the beach and relaxing at the resort. It was sort of an adventure trip actually. I traveled alone with no companion at all. It was my first time as a solo traveler and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. This was what I’ve always wanted – some time alone by myself.

This idea came about last year when I decided to do something out of the ordinary for my birthday this 2012. I said to myself that I’m going to treat myself this year and go out of town. And after a stressful month at work, I booked myself a resort room in Balai sa San Juan just in time for the long weekend holiday.

So last Friday, I found myself traveling to an unfamiliar place excited about spending time at the beach. The resort had this rustic feel to it and I loved that it was situated in a secluded area. My room had no phone, TV, and minibar at all. There was no WiFi either. And I was glad because I didn’t want any modern distraction. Part of the reason why I wanted to go solo was because I wanted to go back to writing. It’s been a long time since I drafted a short story, and the beach was the perfect place for me to write.

I spent my first day at the resort exploring and just walking along the beach taking in the fresh sea breeze and watching the calming waves. I intended to watch the sunset at the beach but unfortunately, the skies were cloudy that time and the sun remained hidden behind those clouds. I reserved the night just typing away at my laptop with a new story in mind.

The morning after was my birthday and I spent the whole day at the beach. It was a good thing that it was off season because there was hardly anyone at the beach. After enjoying a good few hours of swimming, I settled in one of the cottages along the shore and past the time alternately reading a book and writing. I stayed there until dusk but unfortunately no sign of the sunset again because the sky remained cloudy.

I checked out the next day but not before I had my last walk along the beach. It’s such a shame that my vacation ended so soon. I honestly was not ready to leave. In fact, when I came back to Manila I felt disappointed after I had my first glimpse of the skycrapers. The mountains, trees and lush greeneries of Batangas were gone and instead there were concrete and steel everywhere. I’ll take the beach any day if you ask me.

Hurdles in the family (my mother was hospitalized middle of the year and an uncle was confined to a wheelchair just this month) kept me worried and on my toes but support and positive thinking got me through. And things are definitely looking up.

Of course, there were the parties, conferences, and events I attended. I met so many new people and got to mingle with VIPs. Opportunity just came right after another.

I am hopeful that this coming 2012, things will be even better for me.

I’m proud to say that I was part of the thousands of people who attended the recently concluded 22nd Philippine Ad Congress. Being a Bicolano myself, the Ad Congress this year was special for me not only because it was my first time to attend but also because it was held in CamSur Watersports Complex. The CWC is a world-renowned tourist attraction in Bicol known for its world-class wakeboarding facilities. I always wanted to go there and perhaps try wakeboarding myself.

So imagine my excitement when I found out that I was going to be a participant in this year’s Ad Congress. It’s truly an amazing opportunity for me. Thanks to the company I’m working for now. I wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for them. I was in CamSur on the 17th of November with my boss and officemates until the 19th.

The three-day event was a flurry of various activities for me and my team. But we were there mainly to learn from the experts in media and network with colleagues in the industry. At daytime, we listened to the invited speakers such as social media guru Charlene Li and feasted on scrumptious dishes at lunchtime – with fun raffles all throughout. At night, we partied and networked with people and basically just had a good time.

One thing I learned while I was there: never drink too much at one party when you’re still going to attend an after party! Learned that the hard way…

The event was overflowing with swags and the official loot bag for the delegates was huge! I could barely carry it! There was also a trade exhibit, sports activities, a fashion show, fun games and contests, and dinner shows peppered with celebrities. What more could you ask for?

the delegate's official PAC22 loot bag

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try wakeboarding. Since all delegates got a free wakeboarding pass, my officemates and I thought of trying it out. Alas, we arrived too late at the obstacle course and there were already lots of people in the waiting list. If we were to wait for our turn there, we would probably be able to wakeboard late at night! Not a good time to enjoy it. And besides, it was our last day in CamSur. We held off with our wakeboarding pass til the end of the Ad Congress thinking we would still be able to enjoy it. Oh well, the free pass expires til February of next year. So there’s still an opporunity for me to wakeboard.

The Ad Congress this year was truly exciting, enriching, and with a lot of fanfare. Hopefully next year I can be a part of it again.

Somewhere Only We Know
I have been reminded by this Keane song that every second counts and one minute wasted could mean a potential screw up. Though I believe in taking things slow once in a while, there are times when you got to do or have it now or else time will pass you by.

Born This Way
I never liked this Lady Gaga song but I think it would make a strong point in my case. One of life’s lessons I have learned is that people tend to like the norm. Whatever is common or ordinary is accepted and what’s different or odd is usually shunned and rejected. Society dictates that we follow the rules, ignoring the fact that there might be gems beneath those differences.

The Zephyr Song
This Red Hot Chili Peppers song is about escapism for me. To get away from the daily pressures of life is what I need these days. It would be nice not to think or worry about anything in particular for a while and just relax. I was a workaholic before but now I am maintaining a more balanced lifestyle – or at least, I am trying to.

I must admit that I caught on this show very late already. The first season of Nikita ended last May (I think) in the US and I wasn’t able to watch it because it wasn’t aired locally yet. Thank goodness ETC started airing it last month so I was able to watch the first season. And I instantly loved it! Maggie Q is perfect as Nikita because she can definitely kick ass! Her portrayal of the character is tough and sexy but still has that vulnerability underneath.

I’ve seen the original French film from which the TV show is based and even watched the Hollywood remake (which starred Bridget Fonda) years ago. But I must say that when it comes to the film, I enjoyed the Hollywood remake better than the original. I know. Those Nikita “purists” can shoot me now but I will stand my ground. There was just too much vulnerability in Anne Parillaud’s (the actress who played the character in the original film) portrayal of the character. It was almost child-like and I didn’t like that. I like my Nikita strong and can hold on her own, and that’s what I saw in the US version.

As for the TV series, this 2010 remake is better than La Femme Nikita in my opinion. I also used to watch LFN back in the 90′s and I really disliked the actors portraying Nikita and Michael. I only stuck with the show because of the stories, which declined in quality as the seasons passed. I didn’t even bother finishing it through its final season.

the original Nikita French film

In this 2010 remake, there is a mixture of elements from the original film and the 90′s TV series. Some elements from the original film can be seen (the look of each recruit’s bedroom, the use of the name Josephine as pseudonym, etc.) while names of the main characters in the remake are the same as the ones in La Femme Nikita. But this new take on the classic film entirely differs. Whereas the Nikita in the original film was a new recruit and LFN‘s version was already an old recruit and deeply involved with the black ops group’s missions, this 2010 remake’s Nikita is already a veteran and hardened assassin who escaped from the shadowy group that trained her. She has gone rogue and gotten an accomplice to infiltrate the syndicate.

This is a very interesting new angle that the writers of the show have created. It gives a fresh take on the old story with new plot twists that I find addicting. Now I just can’t wait to see the second season.