Exprience Aloha Palawan

I've been in the city too long and yes I couldn't have wished for better a trip... this was so timely. I was invited to an event called ALOHA PALAWAN. Yes, this was the island called "The Last Frontier" by travelers who have been there - and I can only agree why they call it as such. There are 7,147 islands in the Philippines and the ones on our itinerary are just the tip of the ice berg. Backpackers have known about the best island in the world for quite a while now but they'd rather keep it a secret. This is paradise we're talking about it and I am so happy Air Asia Philippines is taking us there!

Clark International Airport

This travel arrangement has been done by Amika Travel and Tours. Since they know this place like the back of their hands, it was easy getting from one place to another because of the van arrangements, it was a no brainer to have this as mode of transport because we were in a group. I strongly advise you to do the same rather than commuting as you would save a lot of time (and spend wisely on the beaches instead). We left Manila in the afternoon so we arrived around dinner. 

Before we did leave Clark in Pampanga (where the Clark International Airport is), we ate lunch at Matam ih Restaurant that served legit Kapampangan food, all pretty heavy because it's all good with RICE in the Philippines. I kinda stayed with the safe ones because I was on Keto, they had really good Kare Kare so if there's one to try, make that part of your meal. Aside from that, your guests would really love the in house entertainment provided for by really talented Aeta/Amerasian singers who perform there on a regular basis. They were so good that I saw one of them perform in Tawag ng Tanghalan a few days later (a famous singing competition on national TV) and she won that day.

Matam-ih Restaurant in Clark Airbase.

Murky corn soup or Suam was good even on a hot weather

When they say Kare Kare, you don’t say NO

Oh don’t even get me started, they have good Shrimp Fritters!

When in Pampanga, try the Sisig. Their is more on the livery side.

The oh so yummy Native Roasted Chicken

After all that authentic Filipino cuisine experience, we went to Clark International Airport and checked in. I love how that new airport is very clean and not overcrowded like the ones in Manila. When you're taking a trip you can ride a bus from TRINOMA (a well known mall north of Manila) and would only prolly cost you Php 350 or so, pretty cheap than catch yourself squirming in an airport in Manila.

AirAsia Philippines flies regularly from Clark International Airport to different parts of the country. They also have international flights that come from this airport, it's sometimes even cheaper to actually get flights from here. Now I don't know most of these guys I'm flying with but they're from different media entities, some bloggers, some Instagram celebrities and our friends from AirAsia. They count us regularly so we don't get lost haha! Oh and Clark also has strong wifi from Smart, if you fly this way you'll also get to finish some of your blogging backlogs, upload videos quite easy. Plus it's FREE!

When we arrived in Puerto Princesa, it was pretty laid back. I immediately saw the tricycles and how it was totally different than the ones in Manila. I kinda likened it to junior cars because they have that certain look on front that they do, so they can also stretch the back area of the tricycles for luggage as it is a touristy town. 

When we arrived at HUE Hotel and Resorts (our home in Puerto Princesa Palawan), we were welcomed with a huge production number courtesy of the hotel. They pretty much did a medley of Philippine dances (which I did when I was in Elementary btw LOL), so imagine our surprise. Then inside our room, it was perfect. They have a separate toilet and bath, two single beds, and you could ask for extra keys. They also gave us Palawan's best banana chips which we had to look for later on to take home because it was so good. Thank you to Hue Hotel, Laag PH for the complimentary shirts too.

MATIZ Restaurant and Tapaz Bar

Fun dining with the others :)

Minestrone Soup

Chef’s Salad, Romaine, shards of cheese, bacon, a little crouton and light balsamic dressing

Ropa Vieja and Gambas, staples in Tapaz bars

The Matiz Paella, a seafood and paella lover’s dream!

Tres Leches Flan, not too sweet, just right.

We'll be sleeping here first before doing some islands the next day. So we relaxed and had dinner at the hotel's own restaurant. It's called MATIZ Restaurant and Tapaz Bar (yes after the painter), which was a very relaxed tapas bar in this side of the world. We had wine, Ropa Vieja (which I love and YOU should order), Gambas, good Seafood Paella, Chicken Iberico with Mojo Sauce and Tres Leches Flan for dessert. Now if that doesn't convince you to stay in this hotel while you're in Puerto Princesa, take a breather because we're about to embark to Kamia tomorrow!

Stay tuned folks, we're publishing the Kamia Bay Resort article soon! If you would want to stay in Puerto Princesa City, Hue Hotel may be reached via https://www.facebook.com/huepuertoprincesa or their website thehuehotel.com.

PRINCESS SEVILLENA Wins WISHCOVERY 2018

Step right up boys and girls, children and not so children anymore of all ages as we witness the finals of WISHCOVERY 20178 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. On this day we'll be seeing these 5 wishfuls battle it out to see who becomes the winner for this one of a kind contest by WISH 107.5. Hopefuls Carmela Ariola who hails from Batangas, Hacel Bartolome (my personal bet) from Cavite, Kimberly Baluzo from Camarines Norte, Louie Anne Culala who hails from San Idelfonso Bulacan and Princess Sevillena from Makati will be on the biggest stage to perform one last time for the glory or God, for themselves and their own family.

We just got off back stage and now have this awesome seat where we can update as soon as the come out. The fans, viewers are being ushered in too.

Opening act performs Dying Inside by Timmy Thomas, plus a couple Eraserheads hits, people are quite excited already!

Ka Daniel Razon just passed us. He's going to watch the whole show and talk a little bit later I guess.

A video was shown with Ka Daniel Razon indicating there will be Php 100,000 given to their chosen charities as part of the Wishcovery Finals Night.

Performing now on stage are the 20 Wishcovery hopefuls. Showing how good they are even after some of them have been cut out of the competition. 

The 5 WISHCOVERY finalists also were included. Ahh if you can only hear what they are singing. 

Host and RNB Prince Kris Lawrence came out and explained the first few rounds of power viewing, live performance, collaboration, solo performances. 

Hacel Bartolome is performing a medley of OPM songs, love songs of perhaps of those she grew up with. It matches her voice but will this be a little hard to understand by some of the foreign judges? I hope not. I am rooting for her. Ritchie Rich rated her a 17/20.

Carmela Ariola also sang an OPM Medley. Her attack was pretty much tamed, relaxed but can really raise the hairs behind your neck. She's like a younger Jamie Rivera that can belt a lot. She got a perfect 20/20 from Ritchie and 18/20 from Cicero. 

She sang a medley of OPM songs including Pangarap na Bituin, Nais Ko, where she showcased how powerful her pipes are. Pretty good for a wildcard entry, she's really going to run after their prizes. Prince Sevillena from Makati, you've done quite well. She was scored 19/20 by both foreign reactors.

Kimberly Baluzo from Camarines Norte sang another medley of OPM songs with Bakit Ba Ganyan, Basang Basa sa Ulan, Baliw, and yes she's good, she's got range, she worked the stage. She's got presence. She was scored 20/20 and 19/20 by the reactors.

San Ildefonso Bulacan's lass Louie Anne Culala has always been winning contests, this is her biggest yet. She sang OPM songs too like Roselle Nava's Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita, Ikot ikot lang by Sarah G. Blowing us all away! The reactors said she is comparable to Cristina Aguilera, she's all fabulous according to them. They scored her 18/20 and 19/20. 

There are two more rounds before the actual winner is announced.

Marcelito Pomoy, Erik Santos and Christian Bautista on stage, showing us how it's done. Then the wishful 5 performed together for their fourth round, some didn't do well in that part but they survived.

The best part was when the Wishful 5 were able to give Php 100,000 cash donations to their chosen charities. It was so touching to see that!

For the 5th and Final round, they gave it all!

Carmela sang Himala, her own rendition had several powerful runs. I don't know about the song choice, but she performed it well.

The jurors in this case will be Jungee Marcelo, the Company's Annie Quintos and King of RnB Jay R.

Kimberly did "Habang May Buhay" which was a little on the slow side. Yes there were some pitchy parts, but the runs were good. I'm sure the judges are going to have a hard time picking the winner.

Louie on the other had sang "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin" which surely will put her on top. She's got a very powerful voice and that probably sealed the deal. She might win.

Hacel Bartolome held her comforting guitar for her final performance. It felt a little loungy, I think it wasn't the best song choice. But who knows, she finished it clean. 

Princess went with her favorite, Sharon Cuneta. Her song rendition of "Sana'y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan" was technically clean and very emotional.

Ka Daniel Razon spoke on stage and thanked everyone, prayed for everyone who was part of the success of this competition. He also mentioned how Church of God International has been instrumental in making this all possible plus their sponsors. The grand champion will win 2 Million pesos, a contract with Star Music, a management contract with BMPI, a brand new house and lot and a brand new car! Oh and also a trip to New York for training and styling in the US.

Jay R, Ms Annie, Kris Lawrence and Jungee also performed at the last part of the program, that was FUN especially the rap part of Sir Jungee haha!

In the end they announced the winners (although they all are already), 4th Runner Up is Hacel Bartolome (100,000 pesos richer), 3rd Runner Up is Carmela Ariola (100,000 pesos richer too!), 2nd Runner Up is Louie Anne Culala (300,000 pesos and a recording contract with Star Music), 1st Runner Up is Kimberly Baluzo who wins Php 500,000, and Grand Champion is PRINCESS SEVILLANA who wins all of that I mentioned earlier! They have just changed the fate of somebody's life here!

Congratulations to the winners! Can't wait to see you in show business!

KUMAGCOW

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Why Do People Love Rocco Nacino?

It’s a tough question, but let me try and answer this one for you.

For starters, Rocco and I have common friends, it’s a small world but it wasn’t up until I got to cover events in GMA that I’ve had the opportunity to actually talk to him.

I’m no stranger to the people from the network but it was actually rare for me to know artists from this channel on a personal level, let alone to meet his family on some instances. So when I do I try to write something a little more personal and whip out something that would rather better describe the guy adored by thousands of people here and around the world.

I’ve tried to look up the first time I had an interview with him, prolly around early 2010 if I’m not mistaken. He was a bit reserved, but you could already see how much star factor he had early on right after winning 2nd Prince on the reality show they were in the 5th season of Starstruck. Even then, he struck quite a number of shows and continued on to have an illustrious career in GMA. In a way, he worked his way to be one of the network’s prime leading men opposite some of the industry’s best. I remember, I’ve always been trying so hard to take photos of him during Bench shows because I felt it was my way of saying thanks because he was really so nice to me everytime we meet. I felt like what a friend would be, he was really nice and always have been cool, very cordial, and I don’t feel that way with some huge stars. He’s that kind of a person and for me that’s not quite common. Until now, I treasure that, no matter how assuming or corny that sounds.

Rocco recently celebrated his birthday at his restaurant Rufo’s in Timog Avenue in Quezon City. Thank you to Bench and his sponsors for supporting such a noble cause!

Dad, Mom and Rocco

RNB King JayR came and supported Rocco’s cause

Rocco, Tita Linda and Reach Out Avenue Representatives during the blood letting program

Rocco, Tita Linda and Rocco’s Girlfriend Former De La Salle Lady Spiker Melissa Gohing

His mom told us that it’s been a tradition in their family to actually do something worthwhile when their birthday comes because they teach their kids the value of the good life they have even at an early age. When Rocco wasn’t even in showbusiness back then, they held charity events, give Christmas gifts for the less fortunate which I think has made them humble even now that he is very successful. Tita Linda Nacino, Rocco’s Mom is also a Cancer survivor. They know how hard it is to actually get treatment, or have the things you need to survive if you had this condition, so they arranged this Blood Letting program during his birthday celebration last week. Rocco is a registered nurse, also just recently passed his Masters with Cumlaude honors (to his folks delight) so he knew it was the opportune time to help the pediatric patients at Bahay Aruga (a charity he’s been helping) and also the PGH Pedia Oncology Ward who they have also helped in the past.

Here’s our interview with the good looking man that afternoon.

We also talked to Ms. Linda Nacino, the proud Mom of Rocco.

Now who in the right mind wouldn’t love a guy that excels in just about anything that he’s in? He’s an all around athlete, a model, a nurse, an actor, a businessman, a good brother to Kyle, a very good son, if you would allow me to continue we’ll spend half a day with his accomplishments and it’ll never be enough, he’s remained so humble after all these years, he’s never even gotten all the stardom get into his head and is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. So to answer that question I stated earlier and the qualities I mentioned, why even ask?

He’s a good man, period.

Happy birthday Rocco, I only wish you stay blessed and continue the good things you do. I hope you get to wear the thing I gave you! :)

KUMAGCOW

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Love Die Cast Toys for the Big Boys

My fascination with cars started at an early age and part of it is because I adore having one, whether it be the real thing or not especially when I started receiving gifts from the usual birthday parties and special occasions.

The Classic Jaguar XJ6 Series

All that changed when I was 10 years old when I received my first ever Classic Jaguar XJ6 series die cast model car. It’s 1:18 scale size and looks that would never go out of style introduced me to a whole new world of possibilities because if I couldn’t have the real one at my age back then I felt this would definitely suffice. This car is still kept at my toy cellar, tucked away with my other classic toys which I hope will increase value in the next few years or perhaps be passed on to my kids in the near future. It wasn’t easy to actually do that because the urge to actually feel it in my hands and enjoy it was great but thinking how it could be better to have in the future was even greater. It’s like the real thing, in mint condition, no scratches or dents, in matte green and metal body.

After that gift, I thought of getting new ones but only wanted to stay in classic cars so it was a tough and arduous process to actually see one in toy conventions but I knew I had to find more. It’s limited quantity and licensing means it’ll cost much more than what a 10-20 year old could afford but I skipped lunch and snacks in high school so I could keep the money and pay for it. I now have die cast owner of other classic cars, then moved on to Tonka trucks in an even smaller 1:8 scale.

The construction vehicles pretty much kept me sane in online stores, auctions and even thrift shops in Manila. Most of the public don’t even know the value of these diecast models and I would like to keep it that way so I could get them all at a fair price. Don’t get me wrong I mean I’m not just keeping it for myself and even though I know how expensive it is, I felt it was worth every penny. You won’t believe what I have in my coffers because I’m trying to hold on to them for a few more decades before I do dispose of them. It appreciates in value and I have set my eyes on other diecast vehicles.

NScale Models of Trains in 1:150 scale

A fellow blogger and friend started a new hobby - and got his own lovely diecast trains. I felt envious, suddenly felt a wind to get ones that move or engines with my cars so I could at least have them different. If I have their doors open up, trunk included or the whole thing move, that means it gets more expensive because of its functions. Now imagine expanding my build to actually do a whole community, with real scaled houses and car ports too. It’s a big undertaking, but dreams are made so you have a goal, so it may come true.

I have high hopes drivers, car lovers and enthusiasts like me would start to appreciate these things, and find that no matter how expensive it is, that it’s worth every penny.

I adore my lead and zinc pieces, they get better with age, I’m sure it’s prices will go up in a few years. I may have skipped meals and all but the memories of actually getting the things that I have right now made me realize how even more precious they are to me. This is one of the reasons why I still keep them, the value increase is just a bonus. The happiness I get is insurmountable, priceless, and if you could get more of these model cars and vehicles in your life, you’ll never regret why you started to love die cast toys for the big boys.

KUMAGCOW
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