MV jingle in Japanese

This is it!

Jackson's long-time choreographer Travis Payne, with dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid, taught the inmates routines from "This Is It."

Horrific Weekend

I spent my weekend killing zombies and monsters. My husband and I finished 2 WII games this weekend that I don't think I can stay alone in the dark for the next few days. And I better not be shocked or else I might draw my virtual gun and start shooting aimlessly and endlessly (hah!)

Resident Evil - The Darkside Chronicles. Rated 6.0 by Gamespot. Cheesy lines. I haven't watch the movies (more than 1?) nor have I played this game ever before. So everything was new. All I knew was to keep shooting. Aim for the heads before they come and eat you.


Dead Space Extraction. Rated 8.0 by Gamespot. Aim for the arms, legs and joints. Keep shooting! There's too many of them. Do not shoot the pregnant monster's tummy if you don't want to be attacked by dozens of baby monsters. And the spoiler? They all died. Harhar!

Back Belt from Herbal Pack

My monthly dysmenorrhea problem is terrible. And getting worse each month, I literally roll over the floor due to the pain. I cry a years supply each month due to this problem. My husband one day brought this back belt from herbal pack for me. And I'm so thankful. It helped me a lot. Plus it smells really nice. Not so sure how much it costs in SG but as per the website its ~$55 (just not sure what currency).

The back belt herbal pack is filled with 10 different kinds of herbs including cinnamon, chamomile, peppermint and more, which is the best combination made by herbalists to encourage a relaxation effect for your body and mind. It also contains flaxseeds and/or wheat.

This pack can be used heated in the microwave or oven (comes with instructions) or frozen. It has been designed by a chiropractor and covers the back and spine, lower back or lumbar area, anywhere up or down the arms and legs, around your hand, knee or elbows. It comes with a velcro strap so you can just strap it around you and you don't have to hold it or sit against the sofa or bed with it, you can just keep on doing what you need to do! These aromatherapy products last approximately five years and come with a two year manufacturer's warranty. Our herbal packs must be kept dry at all times, and stored inside a plastic bag between uses.

Source: Herbal Pack

Robert Pattinson the worst performer on 'Hope for Haiti' telethon

by BUZZ BRADY, IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Robert Pattinson made an ass of himself on the “Hope for Haiti” telethon last night.

The British star was one of those making an appeal for funds, but proved he couldn't hack it in the big leagues.

He didn't even think it important enough to show up live, but his contribution was pre-recorded. He is so much more important than Bono, Madonna, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson or the like. Hey, it’s only Haiti.

He was trying to be far too cool and striking a pose unlike every other presenter who just got on with the job on hand, which was to deliver funds for the poverty stricken homeless and hurt in Haiti.

Robert however, came on stage unkempt, dressed in trampish clothes, mumbled his lines, spoke in a very low voice and made no sense whatever.

Compared to pros like Ben Stiller, Morgan Freeman and Anderson Cooper, Pattinson came across like a cranky child, unwilling to do his work.

Stellar music acts like Sting, Bono and Madonna gave the night a wonderful energy and sense of hope.

Robert Pattinson gave the impression he wanted to be anywhere else – and indeed he was by taping it. Which is pretty much in keeping with this self-obsessed, poser who has somehow cracked the limelight.

Not for long I'd wager.

Source: Irish Central

Piggy: Don't be too quick to judge. Heard he flew from London to take part on this event. But hey, he's a popular hot guy. Probably his entire year's schedule is already fully booked. So can't blame him for taping for the show and running off to fulfill his other duties and obligations in life. Fact is, he taped and took part of this show for a special cause.

The Swan -- Too much, too soon

Let me begin by saying I really enjoyed the show, "The Swan". I was amazed with the transformations they've done to the show's contestants. At some point in time, I wished I'd become one of them and become a total beauty. Superficial? Nah, just being plain honest. Everybody (be it girl or boy) wants to be "pretty".

Heidi Montag has been in the news recently due to her very public plastic surgery. There's nothing wrong with wanting to become prettier. But in everything, there is a limit. Too much of something is not good. #1 She was already pretty and sexy even before the surgery. #2 She's too young to go through all these.

Well, she does look more perfect. But older (more mature looking). Hmm.. let's hope she doesn't regret this drastic change. :)

Personality based on Blood Type

TYPE O

You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealously and a tendency to be too competitive.

TYPE A

You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.

TYPE B

You're a rugged individualist, who's str aightforwa rd and likes to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness.

TYPE AB

Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions.

Health Tips

Answer the phone by LEFT ear.
Do not drink coffee TWICE a day.
Do not take pills with COOL water.
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm.
Reduce the amount of OILY food you consume.
Drink more WATER in the morning, less at night.
Keep your distance from hand phone CHARGERS.
Do not use headphones/earphone for LONG period of time.
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning.
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping.
When battery is down to the LAST grid/bar, do not answer the phone as the radiation is 1000 times.

My Big 4

My PBB Double Up Big 4 (in no particular order)

Good Traits: Quiet, kind, peace-loving.

Winning Factor: Awa effect, loving mom.

Good Traits: Funny, sincere, kind at heart

Winning Factor: Masa appeal

Good Traits: Good leader, responsible

Winning Factor: Rich (he can buy votes if he wants to)

Good Traits: Responsible

Winning Factor: Awa effect, needs the money.

Jan Di with Farenheit

Kim Sun Ah for Max

EX-HOUSEMATES STRIKE BACK IN "PBB DOUBLE UP"

Kuya's latest task is meant to test and force the remaining housemates to show who they really are. It's meant to force those who like to play safe to come out of their shells and show their true color. But.. I think it's too much. PBB is milking these housemates so much. PBB is playing with these people's emotions too much without consideration on how they'd look to the rest of the world.

Been reading the forums. Netizens suddenly all began hating their early favorite MELASON. Suddenly Mariel began to have more fans.

Hmmm.. my personal take on this task?

(1) Friendship vs Money. It's not just for the housemates. It's also a test for the ex-housemates. If they are really friends with the existing housemates how can they allow Kuya to do this to the housemates? Tom was right in quitting. If this is the real meaning of the task, then Tom wins this hands down.

(2) Stupidity. Melason. Hindi porke't tanga ka e di ka na totoong tao. Maybe the 2 are just plain naive???

(3) Laziness. Jason. Well, this is a test to show the true colors of the housemates right? If he's lazy, then he's lazy. It doesn't mean di sya totoong tao.

(4) Bitch. Mariel. Well, being a bitch and being violent doesn't mean you're the only real person.

(5) Wall flowers. Johan, Hermes & Kath. Well. Maybe that's who they really are. They're not loud, they're not violent, they're not super kind. They have flaws. Yet, just because they're ordinary means they're not being real.

In the end, it will still be on what the PBB staff want us to feel. They can manipulate our feelings (as they do on the housemates) through editing. But what we need to understand here is that each person is different from each other. Each one of us will have a different way of dealing with a problem. And just because they differ what what we want doesn't make them playing safe. In fact, this is TV. Relax. Have a kitkat. :)

Yaya & Angelina

Well they're funny in Bubble Gang. So it's worth a try to watch this film. :)

Watch here.

Update: Hehe! No forwards.. means good enough. Or maybe I just missed Bubble Gang. :p

Goo Hye-sun thinks Fahrenheit are "more handsome than the Korean F4"

In their renewed role as tourism ambassadors for Taiwan, popular boyband Fahrenheit shot a S$150,000 music video (MV) titled "Touch Your Heart" in which they specially invited Korean actress Goo Hye-sun, 25, from the hit drama series, Boys Over Flowers, to guest star.

In the video, Goo dreams of traveling to Taiwan where she visits the various sights and sounds of the country with the four members of Fahrenheit as her guides.

Both sides met for the first time a few days ago to shoot the video at the Butterfly Pavilion, attracting large groups of fans to the area.

Goo felt surprised and flattered at the overwhelming attention she received from the four idols as they personally fed her with Korean-inspired spring rolls with kimchi fillings, and praised the friendly four for having their unique characteristics.

She shared that they were more humourous and funny than the Korean F4 (the fictional group of four male friends in Boys Over Flowers), as portrayed by Lee Minho, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon.

"Since I'm already here in Taiwan, Fahrenheit is of course more handsome than the Korean F4," she sweetly said.

The MV will broadcast on various Korean TV networks and websites in March.

Fahrenheit is slated to visit Japan and Korea in the coming months for related promotion.

Source: Yahoo

Open Post: Yabang

“We need two kinds of acquaintances, one to complain to, while to the others we boast.”

Hard to accept but.. true right? But, despite this, I believe that along the way, no matter how tough, we will get one or two friends. True friends at that. Friends for keeps. Forever. Through time and despite distance.

Fantage

Piggy: Sharing an email sent by Anna (thanks for the blog visit!)

Founded in 2007, Fantage (Fantastic Age) is a next-generation destination site for children and the fastest growing community site for children between 7-13. Fantage’s games and adventures entertain and delight children, instill important lessons like sharing and giving, and promote positive social interaction in an engaging, exciting, safe environment that both kids and parents love. Fantage also provides an age-appropriate, safe social networking experience within a fun virtual world.

Upon signing in, users pick the servers they want to join and then select a region they want to visit, such as uptown or downtown. If you want to do secret-agent style missions, you can head underground. You can earn medals and gifts by playing mini games. There are games for each section in which you collect stars. These stars are good for purchasing furniture, clothing, hover boards, costumes, stickers, etc. The more stars you have the better, especially when participating in the Fashion Show game where members are judged by three themed looks!

Fantage also allows the option to customize everything in your child’s communication privilege. Being dedicated to the safety of Fantage members, they have created a highly sophisticated, three-tier safety system providing the greatest level of protection of any community site for children on the Web.

The best part? Fantage is free. All you do is sign up, choose an avatar and let the fun begin! However, if you want some extra privileges around the site, Fantage also has premium memberships!

More information on that and more can be found on their website here: www.fantage.com

Avatar: Also Starring

So we all have seen Avatar (if you haven't ... well what are u doing reading this blog? Go watch! :p ), here's the rest of the cast.

Manny Pacquiao


Mr Bean!!!

Skin79: BB Cream Pink

I so loved BB Cream after trying L'egere that I've decided to buy one for my sister as well. And to also get to try other brands.

So for my sister, I got her Skin79 Pink BB Cream. I love the packaging! My L'egere suddenly looked so cheap beside it. Skin79's smell is also better. But L'egere coverage is still over all better. :)

You Got Me

You Got Me - Colbie Caillat

Time for soundtrip everyone! Love love Colbie. Her voice is so mellow. :)

Help Haiti

Haiti needed help even before the big earthquake that rocked and destroyed them a few days ago. Please please help Haiti. Pray for all the souls that were lost. Pray that more survivors are found.

Author Description

Piggy is a 30ish ahjumma stuck in an investment bank as a slave. She finds happiness taking care of her piggery and entertainment watching Korean shows. She cures stress through buffet therapy .

For over a year now, this has been the description that I have bestowed upon myself for this blog's purpose. In a few months from now I will be changing this. To hopefully a more positive description and outlook in life. I've spent a year and a month now with my present company and I've been unhappy for the entire time. True, I may not have given it the chance. But it also did not give the chance that I need to prove that I can do it. To show what I can do.

Funny. But investment banks are known to give higher pay than the usual market. But they don't get as much return (in terms of employee performance) as others who pay less. And the simple reason? Because, investment banks have no feelings. They don't treat you like family or as part of the business. They just need you to keep the business running. They don't care whether its you or another person doing the job for as long as the business is running. They pay more but they get less. Because its typically what they're asking for.

Maybe I don't make sense. But. Anyway. Crap.

Election Jingles

In the Philippines, the jingles (songs used for commercials) are very effective way for the candidates to have a recall effect for voters. I remember that in the province a car would go around having huge sound systems forcing people to listen to these jingles. I like it better than the banners. Noise pollution is always and will always be better than paper pollution.

Manny Villar
The recall of this jingle is amazing. A lot of kids know the lyrics by heart.


Noynoy Aquino
The star power is amazing. I guess having Kris as a sister does help.


Bro Eddie
No song - so not a jingle. But couldn't help but include it in this post since I think its very very well done.

BB Cream

I was just raving about my excitement about this product on my last blog entry. I was supposed to buy the other brand but I couldn't find it in SG and I heard good reviews of L'egere BB Cream so I decided to give it a try. So far I'm really really liking it. But its too early to tell. :)

I went around so I got to sample few brands. Shills looks too dark, Etude looks too plain (almost nothing?), Face Shop smells best. :)

BB Cream

BB cream stands for Blemish Balm. In layman's term, it's a skin care healing product and make in one. How cool is that? It cures pimples (so they say), whitening, works as sunscreen, makeup foundation and make up base. It's said to even out skin tone and lighten blemish scars. Hmm.. COOL. And too good to be true. Been googling a lot and although I always always believe that things that are too good to be true aren't true... I'm trying. Haha. Desperate acts of a blemish plagued Piggy. :)

According to my research, the best brand around SG is BRTC. And it's available at Watson's... so Watson's watch out for Piggy tomorrow. And I will update everyone with the effects as soon as I get to try it. Weeeh! Excited. :)

Vanness Wu's drama ratings are top amongst his F4 peers

Vanness Wu has trumped the rest of his F4 peers... in the TV drama ratings. The F4 group, made of Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Ken Zhu and Vanness, first rose to fame in 2001 when all four singer-actors starred together in the Taiwanese idol drama Meteor Garden.

The ratings of Vanness's current drama Next Stop Happiness recently escalated to a new high average of 7.76, with portions of its latest episode raking in as much as 8.86 (that's approximately 3.2 million viewers turning in).

In last Sunday's episode, Vanness Wu's character regained his lost memory only to suffer an emotional meltdown as he uncovered the lies and betrayal by his own mother and girlfriend.

As the drama reaches its gripping climax, Vanness has not only won the ratings battle against Vic Zhou's Black & White (4.8), Jerry Yan's Hot Shot (4.2) and Ken Zhu's Momo Love (3.38), but also received praises from the online community for his improved acting.

The 31-year-old, who is currently vacationing in America said, "I'm super happy and very touched!"

On his breakdown scene in the latest episode, he confessed to having a few NGs (No Good takes). The actor was initially hesitant about taking on the role due to its character's many emotional struggles and conflictions. He was afraid that he could not cope but eventually decided to challenge himself with this role.

"When filming first began, I couldn't really feel for [my character]. I end up not being able let go when I think about how the entire world betrayed me. I got angrier and angrier just thinking about it and could not stop crying. The director finally comforted me and said "Ok, you can come out now" before I returned to my senses."

Next Stop Happiness still has half a battle to win if it wants to be crowned as a chart-topping series. The all-time record high of 13.83 was established by Fated To Love You starring Ethan Ruan and Joe Chen

Source: Yahoo

Cool Post-its

Parrot: Flight Demo

Work & Life Balance

In today's competitive economy, a company's performance is increasingly intertwined with the well-being of its employees. Employees with less worry in their personal lives are more likely to be committed and engaged at the workplace, thus enhancing the company's business performance.

The implementation of a Work-Life strategy is key to achieving such a win-win situation for both employers and employees. It also plays an important part in attracting and retaining talent.

The business benefits resulting from a successful Work-Life strategy can include:

* Increased productivity;
* Improved recruitment and retention;
* Lower absenteeism rates;
* Improved customer experience; and
* A more motivated, satisfied and equitable workforce.

In terms of bottom line, for every $1 spent on family-friendly programmes, a company reaps an average return of $1.68.

Source: MOM

------------------------------------------

Piggy: Even MOM recognizes the need for work and life balance.

Embarcadero de Legazpi

Losing Weight.. Seriously!

It's a new year. Time for new year resolutions (something to break! hehe!) And mine is to lose weight.

#1 Wii Fit - Having fun while losing weight. How cool is that?


#2 FatSecret - Monitor what you eat and how many calories you burn and share it with your friends. Lose weight together. Awesome right?

Team Robsten!

Sneaky, sneaky, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. But not quite sneaky enough!

People magazine reports that the New Moon co-stars and pretty much confirmed couple spent New Year's Eve together, unsuccessfully attempting to keep their getaway under wraps by running off to the out-of-the-way seaside resort of Ventnor, located on the Isle of Wight.

So what gave the two away? Apparently, their dedication to the many Twilight fans out there. It seems the two graciously agreed to pose for pictures with a young follower outside of a grocery store. After which, somehow—don't ask us how—the pics ended up on a local blog, thereby dashing any hopes the two might have had for a private New Year's Eve together.

Or maybe it was their subtle way of confirming their relationship, without making an official announcement?

Either way, it seems that there's little doubt about the pair's relationship status—unless R-Pattz is so bereft of friends closer to home that he had to fly Stewart all the way out to England so he wouldn't spend New Year's alone.

Source: Celebuzz

Hotel Dash

Just want to share my latest addiction.
This is way easier than the other "Dash" games but equally fun. :)

Russell Peters Comedy

Men vs Women's Brain

McDonald's Tweens

Awww. Sweet!

Mahal kita kasi

Stupigity's Top 5 2009 KDrama

As we welcome the new year, let me present you guys with my personal top 5 Kdrama for 2009.

#1 He who can't marry

Good acting, great script, great jokes. It made me laugh a lot. LOVE it.
Watch here.

#2 You're Beautiful

Fast pacing, nice script, good cast. Great series.
Watch here.

#3 Boys over flowers

Ah Meteor Garden fever. JunPyo, Jihoo!
Watch here.

#4 Queen Seon Deok

Great cast, great acting, great story, great costumes.
Watch here.

#5 My Fair Lady

Eun Hye plus great support and great clothes. Eye candy.
Watch here.

Disclaimer: I have not seen a lot of Korean Drama this year, so it may change once I get to see more of what was offered last year. I'm particularly interested in watching City Hall and Shining Inheritance (who's VERY popular in the Philippines).

Single Ladies of Football

Once in a blue moon: Rare sight to greet 2010

Once in a blue moon there is one on New Year’s Eve.

Revelers ringing in 2010 will be treated to a so-called blue moon.

According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don’t expect it to be blue – the name has nothing to do with the color of our closest celestial neighbor.

The New Year’s Eve blue moon will be visible in the United States, Canada , Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year’s Day, making January a blue moon month for them.

However, the Eastern Hemisphere can celebrate with a partial lunar eclipse on New Year’s Eve when part of the moon enters the Earth’s shadow. The eclipse will not be visible in the Americas.

A full moon occurred on Dec. 2. It will appear again on Thursday in time for the New Year’s countdown.

“If you’re in Times Square, you’ll see the full moon right above you. It’s going to be that brilliant,” said Jack Horkheimer, director emeritus of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium and host of a weekly astronomy TV show.

A full moon occurs every 29.5 days, and most years have 12. On average, an extra full moon in a month – a blue moon – occurs every 2.5 years. The last time there was a lunar double take was in May 2007. New Year’s Eve blue moons are rarer, occurring every 19 years.

The last time was in 1990; the next one won’t come again until 2028.

Blue moons have no astronomical significance, said Greg Laughlin, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

“‘Blue moon’ is just a name in the same sense as a ‘hunter’s moon’ or a ‘harvest moon,’” Laughlin said in an email.

The popular definition of blue moon came about after a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946 misinterpreted the Maine Farmer’s Almanac and labeled a blue moon as the second full moon in a month.

In fact, the almanac defined a blue moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons, not the usual three.

Source: Philstar
Photo: Carlo Dumlao

Mayon Volcano as Entertainer of the Year

By Pablo A. Tariman (The Philippine Star)
Photos: Marius P Encinareal

MANILA, Philippines - If you are not fazed by unpredictable low pressure areas turning into instant typhoons and not bothered by economic downturn, this is a good time as any to visit Albay where the volcanologists are constantly keeping vigil on Mayon Volcano’s uncertain moods.

If at this time of the year Mayon is the superstar, Albay and other provinces of Bicol are really where most legendary movie stars of the past and the present come from.

Elizabeth Oropesa is from Guinobatan, Albay and Boots Anson Roa’s father, Oscar Moreno, is from Camalig, Albay; Celia Rodriguez and Amalia Fuentes I think are also from Albay; the great Nora Aunor, Victor Wood, Imelda Papin and Zaldy Zhornack are just from the nearby province of Camarines Sur in Iriga City; Eddie Garcia is from Casiguran, Sorsogon just south of Albay. The list could be endless.

I was in Albay when Erap shot Diligin Mo Ng Hamog Ang Tigang Na Lupa with Diego Cagahastian I think as the scriptwriter.

I saw the film version of My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn at the Rex Theater in Legazpi City in 1964 and later in the mid-’70s, Lino Brocka’s Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag at the Albay Theater. I didn’t know Brocka had Bicolano roots in Sorsogon although he grew up in San Jose, Nueva Ecija.

Before I had set foot in Albay, my only view of Mayon was in the late afternoon when the weather was clear and you could see the volcano’s perfect outline on my way home from Catanduanes National High School.

In the mid-’70s in Legazpi City, I used to live in a house by the sea (rental: P200 a month!) with a breath-taking view of Mayon Volcano. On an early morning walk by the beach, I would see Mayon in all her serene splendor and I thought that I could live here forever. My friend, the late Philip Molina and I used to climb Linghion Hill near the Legazpi Airport just to have a perfect view of Mayon. It was the sight of Mayon that made me stay in Albay for almost seven years and the mountain was witness to some evolutions in one’s life. Alone and single then, my life evolved around the mountain and the sea — and the government job I landed to when Graphic Magazine was shut down by martial law.

The closest that I could reach the tip of Mayon volcano was in 1971 (a year before martial law) when Ester Dipasupil and some media persons went as far beyond the Mayon Resthouse. Between the Mayon Resthouse and the crater, the view midway to the volcano crater was exhilarating. But I guess my physique at the time was made for writing and proofreading and not for mountain climbing. And so just a thousand feet or so from the crater, I gave up and hastened back to the Mayon Resthouse.

My Mayon fantasy went as far as visualizing a wedding on an ancient church called Cagsawa which the volcano buried in its 1814 eruption (this wedding fantasy happened in real life with pianist Glenn Gould playing Bach’s Goldberg Variations in the background).

An Albay chronicler noted that wedding in his history book thus: “1974 (December 14). For the first time in 160 years, a Catholic wedding was solemnized in the Cagsawa Ruins at 4 p.m. Pablo A. Tariman of Baras, Catanduanes and a bride (from Daraga, Albay) were joined in a marriage by the Daraga assistant curate Fr. Eliakim Suela, OFM.”

Now if I made a coup by getting married in Cagsawa Ruins, somebody beat me to celebrating birthday right there on the crater of Mayon Volcano. One such mountain buff was a Swiss mountaineer named Jan Trangott who observed his 46th birthday right on the mouth of Mayon Volcano. “This is one birthday I will never forget,” Jan said as he clinked glasses with his four companions. This mountaineer climbed on an early morning and reached the peak as the early morning sun broke through the clouds.

To date, I still envy Monsieur Trangott for beating to my ultimate Mayon Fantasy, something I don’t feel for Leo Oracion when he scaled Mt. Everest. At that time, mountaineers didn’t have elaborate TV coverage and corporate sponsorships and they climbed for only one reason, “Because it is there.”

In 1963, former Education Secretary Alfredo Roces (I saw him recently greeting Mrs. Nakpil during the Manila Pen exhibit of Marivic Rufino) was able to scale Mayon and in the ‘70s, a mountain guide named Ricardo Dy had climbed Mayon more than 23 times. Said a Japanese mountain climber I met in the ‘70s: “Except for the absence of snow, Mayon measures up well to anything Fujiyama, Annapurna, the Alps, the Himalayas and other formidable mountains can offer and for so much less.”

In the 1978 Mayon eruption, I joined a group of Manila-based media men who got to the nearest barrio where one could get a vantage (but dangerous) view of the lava flow.

At the time, I thought Mayon was performer of the year and stealing the show from Nora Aunor who — like Mayon at the time — was a Bicol favorite.

When I decided to join a group going to the nearest Albay barrio where a lava channel was sure to attract boiling lava, I thought that was the ultimate fantasy and with the lure of danger for added drama. At the time, the late Willie Vicoy was with UPI, Sol Vanzi was with the American Broadcasting Corporation and Louie Perez was and still is, with Manila Bulletin. I was a correspondent for Times Journal where my boss was Gani Yambot (now the PDI publisher).

I don’t recall Sol making it to barrio Sua in Camalig town. But the group advanced to as far as Sitio Tinobran which was only three kilometers away from the nearest lava channel. Vicoy and Perez had enough provisions (canned goods, extra clothing, etc.). My provision consisted of a flashlight, a tape recorder, a cassette of Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasy as played by Mary Ann Armovit (at the time, I have yet to hear Licad’s definitive Mayon Fantasy), a copy of Mishima’s Spring Snow and a blank cassette.

When we arrived, the volcano’s acting was described by volcanologist as “effusive” and not much action and excitement happened. When darkness engulfed us, Mayon’s mood turned to malevolent and that was when I thought we could get buried by lava flow in the dead of night. Only three kilometers from the towering inferno that was the crater of the volcano, I came face to face with real fear. At first, we were overwhelmed. Then we heard the sound of foghorn akin to some pressure coming from a steamship. I thought for a while that the volcano’s acting could only be limited to a growl. It turned out that Mayon also hissed and it sounded like someone was being sucked violently from the bowels of the earth. Then we heard the mountain growl for real. The effect was eerie. I told someone I’d like to go back to Camalig town and head back to Legazpi beach house. I just thought that I didn’t want to perish in a volcano coverage and leave a then two-year-old daughter behind. The late Vicoy was unfazed by the The Big Growl. When we heard it, he turned to the mountain and shouted, “Go ahead. Erupt. Show Your power!” As if challenged, the volcano rumbled anew and I felt my hair stand on end. Vicoy asked me to peep through his powerful camera astride on a tripod. For the first time, what looked like pebbles coming from the crater were actually boulders the size of a residential house. I monitored one eruption in particular and realized that the rumblings didn’t originate from the crater but from the impact of the explosion of huge boulders on the slope. A few hours after the fiery show of Mayon’s might, I felt I needed something to divert my fear. I turned to my tape recorder and played Clementi’s Sonatina Op. 36, No. 1 which I recorded from a local station the night before. In the morning, we saw real, flaming lava scalding the vegetation just a kilometer and a half away from us. Someone invited the group to go where the lava actually flowed and I thought that was going too far. But then I took a swig of Pedro Domecq brought by Perez and told the group, “Why not?” And so we advanced and just a kilometer away, we saw how the green vegetation turned to gray with the onset of the boiling mud. Resting on a big boulder ejected by previous eruption, I suddenly replayed Clementi’s Sonata as played by Philipp Entremont. Face to face with the lava and hearing music, Perez said the scene reminded him of the film Soylent Green where dying people were treated with a view of a patch of green and profusion of flowers with a Beethoven symphony in the background. “I am just re-enacting that scene,” I told Perez, a way of telling him that we had better leave the place or else perish and end up as mummified lava figurines. Then we heard a death-like thud from the lava reservoir and everybody was jolted. I turned to Pedro Domecq and played Clementi in full volume. Still want to go nearer? I asked the late Vicoy. Then the fumes started coming our way. This time, no amount of Pedro Domecq could make us advance. We retreated back to Camalig town. I realized I never had the chance to play Buencamino’s Mayon Fantasy. The volcano rumblings recorded in my tape recorded were far more real and exciting.

I was back in Albay in recent times in the company of Cesar Montano, Norma Japitana, Behn Cervantes and Ginger Conejero who covered a livelihood program for masons undertaken by Holcim.

Conejero’s granduncle, Iking Conejero, is from Ligao, Albay where one of my favorite writers, Kerima Polotan came from.

On our last day in Legazpi City, I figured it was time to re-live past and recent Mayon Fantasies. Norma and I relived how in 1977 the late songstress Didith Reyes was bitten by a jelly fish during our picnic in Sto. Domingo, Albay(where Legacy icon Celso de los Angeles is mayor and had a great house by the sea) and I had to pee on her legs to neutralize its poisonous sting.

I told Ginger her granduncle should figure in a remake of a film called Scent of a Woman because he could smell and visualize a woman from a distance. Between Josh Groban numbers rendered by long-time Albay friend Lando Esquela in a nearby karaoke bar (where Behn upstaged me by doing New York, New York complete with dance sequence), I recounted to Cesar how my idyllic life was in Albay in the ‘70s.

As Mayon now threatens to stage a major eruption, I think of ordinary people and the celebrities from the volcano country whose public and private lives have also seen major and minor eruptions in another level.

Then and now, Mayon Volcano remains the country’s natural entertainer of the year.