winning bangketa shot

'm so happy about this cover story. I've been working (and stressing) on this for the past couple of weeks just so we could get the cover. I supervised the shoot and interview, researched, and got to meet wonderful and funny people in the process. Since this is my first cover pitch to get approved, it's double the pressure.
Aside from the people I worked with, Joel Calderon himself is inspiring. In his quiet and unassuming ways, he is the embodiment of passionate perseverance. Just what makes him extraordinary? Read his story in Starweek's July 12 issue.
Another job perk? A society columnist asked for his contact details. I don't know why, but hopefully for more publicity, which of course, equals to more sponsorships. Charity just makes you feel so damn good, doesn't it? Especially when I'm actually doing it as part of my job. I'm so happy for him, I hope he wins more races. Next, Tour de France?


And yeah, the chosen cover photo was based on my peg- the bangketa shot. LOL.

Update
Online version now up: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=485868&publicationSubCategoryId=90

I would like to say welcome to my home, but that's just me needing a good bonk on the head or perhaps a straight IV shot of espresso to wake me up.
I read about this piece of heaven and I've been wanting to live here, or at least spend a week- heck, a month, please! Isn't this place gorgeous? The concept is wonderful, catered to such beach-bum-geeks like myself. Damn! Can I live here? While I hold close to my heart old Spanish/Filipiniana baroque, The Library's
design and architecture really works in its simplicty- some parts very Ikea, which I adore. (I remember leafing through those brochures when I was a kid.) Most notable perhaps is their unique red-tiled pool; they liberally use red as accents to an otherwise monochromatic palette.

One of the best bits about this place? Named The Library, it can't get any heavenly as this.

Check out their website(never mind the funny-cute English.) Their opening line: Real happiness is not complicated at all. Lahvet! ;)

(That and photo cred: http://www.thelibrary.name)
(This is in Thailand, by the way :P)

Very simple, discrete but powerful. I love ads that tell stories.
(I think you need to click on the photo to read the copy. I scanned this Vespa ad from a broadsheet. Yes, I loved it that much.)
----
Edit: Ok, I think clicking on the photo doesn't work. Here's the text. Now, this is a love story.

"She was behind me when I started the band.
Behind me when won my first fight.
Behind me when I aced my exams.
Behind me when I turned down college.
Behind me when I got our record deal.
Behind me when I chose not to fight.
Behind me when I quit the band.
Behind me when I took the job.
Behind me when her parents weren't.
Behind me when I wanted a small wedding.
Behind me when I wanted a big party.
Behind me when I wanted a 52" screen.
Behind me when I mortgaged a house.
Behind me when I started the company.
Behind me when my father died.
Behind me when my partners split.
Behind me when I nearly quit.
Behind me when I restored the business.
Behind me when I reformed the band.
Behind me when I overtook the bus."

Unfolding: An Account of Standing my Ground Amidst a Slippery Slope

Oh, but I've heard lies like those
You may speak your truth, but all I hear are lies,
rotten versions of your truth.

I would have believed in anything and everything.
In something good. I heard your voice, what you were saying.
Even things you couldn't say.
In the expectation of something that may just be right.
But I need to stand my ground.
How easy it is to go down that slippery slope.

For a time you were all I needed to get by.
In the great grand scheme of things, you were the constant.
I would have fallen to pieces for you, and maybe the walls did tumble.
I wanted to be there but you wouldn't let me.

Between the things that you said and did,
that last act of betrayal took the cake.
Erasing all the good that happened
and was bound to happen, had I stayed.
I've never fancied myself a sadist,
and yet there I was stoically bearing every unkind act you have played.

It's even harder to breathe now.
Honestly and strangely, with you I felt something I hadn't in a while.
I may have mistaken it at one time or another for something akin to what?
Infatuation? Falling? I am beyond labeling it now.
It is done.

For a long time, I had so many questions.
Now, I don’t even need to know the answers.
I need to unfold.



(photo cred: www.cherrybam.com)

meet the speechwriter

how hot is this guy?
(obviously, I haven't finished my drafts and instead
opt to post more eye candy. kapoy to think.)

Obama's Speechwriter (search MSN)

Five years out of college, Jon Favreau, Obama's chief speechwriter, is an undeniable talent.

His résumé is impressive: from valedictorian to deputy speechwriter for John Kerry's presidential run. Soon after that wrapped up, he went to work for the then-freshmen senator from Illinois, Mr. Barack Obama.

As the chief speechwriter for the Obama campaign, Favreau has had a hand in nearly every speech Obama has given, including the inaugural address. Today, he's the director of speechwriting for the administration.

what a first post...

Melai "introduced" me to this gorgeous creature. Something to look forward to this year- Daniel Henney, playing Agent Zero in X-Men Origin, out sometime this May.

I heart him :D To think, am not a fan of Koreanovelas. I found out he's the guy in My Name is Kim Sam Soon, and that he's British-Korean-American.

How can a man look this good?!

Anyhoo. Lots of drafts to finish and blog backlog. Been tying loose ends, getting really sick, blah blah blah...

Be back blogging pretty soon.