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Posted on August 31, 2017 by jenvtcorre

Today is September 1, the start of the -ber months. Obviously.

A Pinoy pride, we start celebrating (or prepping for) Christmastime once we flip our calendars to September. Hence, the Philippines is dubbed as the country with the longest holiday season, from September 1 to January 6 (Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day).

In time for this, I list down certain places in Antipolo you can visit to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas attractions in Antipolo

1) Sumulong Park

The plaza, formerly known as ‘Gitna’ (middle) since it strategically located at the center of this bustling city, is a favorite gathering place of Antipoleños. Every year, the local government sets up a giant Christmas tree made from recycled materials right in the middle of Sumulong Park, the plaza’s new name.

For this year, the tree lighting ceremony may fall on November 17. The trees around the area (and actually along the major roads in Antipolo) are all dressed up with LED lights too.

The plaza is on the right side if you are facing the cathedral. It’s really easy to find.

christmas tree in antipolo plaza made from recycled materials
Image source

2) Casa Santa

Inside Jardin de Miramar is Casa Santa where you will see thousands of relics of St. Nicholas, about 3,700 of them. The Casa is a great place to educate your kids about Christmas traditions around the world. A real Santa Claus graces the museum on select dates.

There’s a souvenir shop where guests can buy huggable Santa rag dolls, t-shirts, keychains and other holiday-related mementos.

Lucky for us because we can go there whenever we want as it’s just a two-minute of walk away from my mother’s house. An entrance fee of Php180 per person is required, though. Steep, but definitely worth it.

casa santa museum inside jardin de miramar in atipolo
Image source

3) FilInvest East

FilInvest East is Antipolo’s answer to Mandaluyong’s Policarpio Street. The Christmas Village features a Santa village, Belen (Nativity) and houses covered with Christmas lights.

The best thing about this is it’s free although you need to line up from the gate. The management implements a no ID, no entrance policy.

I read from a blog that a prior reservation is now required due to the influx of guests inside the subdivision to the annoyance of other residents.

christmas village in filinvest antipolo
Image source

4) Ynares Center

Another local hangout come Christmas season is Ynares Center. I guess it’s safe to say that the opening day is one of the most awaited events by the Antipoleños.

Long before there were malls in the city, there’s Ynares tiangge. Kid-friendly rides are also available, and they are really cheap (between Php5 to Php20). Among the attractions are the Belen and the giant Christmas tree.

Ynares Center usually opens from the first week of September and runs through the first week of January.

ynares antipolo tiangge and carnival rides
Image source

5) Robinsons Mall

Robinsons Place Antipolo has its own 30-foot Christmas tree lighting event happening on the second Saturday of November.

Last year, the event also included wonderful tales and entertaining shows for kids. In 2015, there are animated displays while in 2016, Yes Belen entries, a local competition, was on display on the facade of the mall.

From November to December, there are also musicals, mini concerts and chorale performances. So let’s hope there will be the same this year.

Tidbit

Christmas is also written as Xmas.

Unlike popular belief that it’s a way of the seculars to celebrate the holiday minus ‘Christ,’ X is actually derived from the word Χριστός which literally means Christ in English. And -mas is an old Latin word for mass.

No matter how you look at it the fact remains—Christmas is and will always be a religious tradition. Period.

Enjoy the season!

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Posted on August 5, 2017 by jenvtcorre

July is Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is ‘Healthy Diet Gawing Habit—for Life.’ [Apparently, you’ll see several Facebook posts about that from moms whose kids are in pre-school.]

Of course, Joyland Playschool Childcare and Learning Center is not to be left behind. We’re supposed to celebrate Nutrition Month on July 28th, but the Head Teacher (HT) needed to postpone due to inclement weather. We were finally able to have ours on the 1st of August.

Before that, I bet you didn’t even know what Nutrition Month is all about.

healthy diet hawing habit for life july 2017 nutrition month theme

What is Nutrition Month?

Nutrition Month is an annual campaign observed every July. It is created by the Presidential Decree No. 491 under the regime of then President Ferdinand Marcos. The same decree also created the National Nutritional Council (NCC), the government body whose main task is to help promote greater awareness on the importance of nutrition among the Filipinos. This year is the 43rd Nutrition Month.

Further along, the celebration follows a focal theme every year to highlight an important and timely concern regarding nutrition.

What are the objectives of this year’s Nutrition Month?

Since 2017’s campaign aims at increasing awareness of how important a healthy diet is, it also purports to:

– help the Filipinos distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods for better food choices;
– encourage the food industry to produce and make healthier food options available; and
– advocate policies in support of an enabling environment for healthy diets.

What is a healthy diet anyway?

As part of the healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet is considered as the foundation of good health. Our body requires a healthy diet to function and grow and develop properly. With this, a healthy diet considers both the quality and quantity of the food we consume.

Balance, variety and moderation are the three pillars of a healthy diet. Put simply, eating chicken is good. But a bucket of fried chicken? Well, it could have bad effects on the body. Eat well or eat irresponsibly and suffer the consequences in the future.

Further, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines a healthy diet as a diet that:

– includes a variety of foods from different food groups;
– meets the individual needs for calories and nutrients;
– is safe, with no risk from toxins, bacteria, mold or chemicals;
– is enjoyable and culturally acceptable; and
– is available and sufficient each day and all year round.

What is an unhealthy diet?

An unhealthy diet, on the other hand, is composed of energy-dense but nutrient-poor foods. It also includes:

– low fruit and vegetable consumption;
– high sodium and low potassium consumption;
– high trans fatty acids and saturated fats consumption; and
– high free sugar intake.

Are Filipinos eating healthy foods?

Yes, I know you the answer. 😀 😛

Going back, the program had three parts. First, getting to know your veggies and fruits. The students are asked to bring vegetables and fruits so they would know what each looks like. Each student presented the veggie or fruit assigned to them. Sasha brought a pineapple.

nutrition month healthy diet gawing habit for life

Second, playing Nutri-Bingo. HT and co-teachers prepared bingo cards wherein instead of the usual B-I-N-G-O, the cards contain Go, Grow and Glow. Each card costs Php20 and each parent-and-child tandem is required to have two cards. The patterns that we needed to complete are the L-shaped, U-shaped and the block (punuan). Sadly, we didn’t win any of the prizes. 😥

nutrition month nutri bingo

Third, tasting the healthiest pancit. Before the actual celebration, we had a prior meeting (last July 15th) to discuss the activities on July 28th (supposedly). HT also divided the parents/students into three groups: nursery and kinder 1A, kinder 1B and prep. We’re in the second group. Our contribution is Php100 each, and we decided to go for the usual pancit and egg sandwich. We didn’t win the contest either. Haha.

nutrition month healthiest pancit

The criteria for judging are 20% aesthetic, 30% palatability and 50% nutritive value (60 points for carbohydrates, 40 points for vegetables and 25 points for protein) for a total of 100%. But all of us get to taste all three entries, so yes that made it worth every peso spent! 😛 And based on the pic above, it easy to decide which one is the winner.

Yes, it is the biggest bilao with veggie shanghai, fried prawns and kalabasa (pumpkin) nuggets. It’s not bihon, but miki and vermicelli. It’s the healthiest indeed! Not to mention, the accompanying drink is pureed ripe mangoes; real mango fruit, not the powdered juice drink.

healthiest pancit nutrition month

With that kudos to Joyland, HT and co-teachers and all parents and students who participated! It’s a successful Nutrition Month celebration I must say.

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Posted on July 21, 2017 by jenvtcorre

You’ve probably heard the saddest news of today—Chester Bennington of Linkin Park is dead! He was gone at 41.

Depression got the best of him, the cross he needed to bear all his life. I still can’t believe that he would take his own life. Yes, he is strong on the surface, but not all the way through. 😦

As we pay tribute to the man behind our teenage years’ soundtrack, here’s the lyrics and video of Leave Out All the Rest from the band’s Minutes to Midnight album.

RIP

Leave Out All the Rest

I dreamed I was missing
You were so scared
But no one would listen
‘Cause no one else cared

After my dreaming
I woke with this fear
What am I leaving
When I’m done here?

So if you’re asking me
I want you to know

[Chorus]
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
And don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Don’t be afraid
I’ve taken my beating
I’ve shared what I’ve made
I’m strong on the surface
Not all the way through
I’ve never been perfect
But neither have you

So if you’re asking me
I want you to know

[Chorus]
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
Don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Forgetting all the hurt inside
You’ve learned to hide so well
Pretending someone else can come
And save me from myself
I can’t be who you are

[Chorus]
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some
Reasons to be missed
Don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Forgetting all the hurt inside
You’ve learned to hide so well
Pretending someone else can come
And save me from myself
I can’t be who you are
I can’t be who you are

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Posted on July 11, 2017 by jenvtcorre

My daughter, Adele

JULY 9.

I cannot forget this date; one unfortunate date indeed. What happened stuck with me like a magnet, a tattoo. I almost lost my #adelemyadele. Yes, it’s my fault, and I [still] felt bad about it.

Here’s what happened.

Around 9 AM last Sunday, while I was folding clothes, I heard my daughters playing outside. When I hear them scream, that means they’re fine. Nothing to worry about, so I do the household chores as usual.

My elder daughter went inside to put back the toys they are playing with. I ask her, “Where’s Adele?” Sasha said, “She’s outside waiting for me.”

She then proceeded to where her sister was. She came back running. It was so sudden that I felt something’s wrong. She blurted out, “Ma, Adele’s gone!”

I jumped out of bed and sprinted outside as soon as I heard what Sasha said. Panic set in faster than I realize. I’m naturally a lunatic—so many awful buts and what ifs on my mind. Fear consumed me, but I cannot let it get the best of me. Not now.

Outside, there was no sign of Adele whatsoever. I asked my neighbor selling viands if she saw my daughter passed by. No. I went to the sari-sari store Adele frequented and asked if someone saw her around. No.

I ran until I reached the second store. An old man sitting in front of the store saw me and asked, “Are you looking for the little girl?” I answered, and he said, “She went there.” while pointing to the direction going to the main street.

I sprinted again with all my might. My elder daughter was following me; I know as I glanced back to check on her.

Looking at the right side from where I stand, I didn’t find her. I looked on the other side, then I saw this tiny figure from afar. That’s #adelemyadele! I run again as fast as I could.

When I was already a few inches from her, I scooped her from the ground. I hugged her so tight fearing I might lose her again. And obviously, my daughter had no idea how far she was from her sister and me.

That temporary separation is insane. And I sincerely pray that no parent will experience that ever. I cried as soon as we got home; my hands still shaking. That was so close. An almost that I will never want to happen again.

I was lucky because I found her quickly. But that was one of the most frightening 10 to 15 minutes of my life that felt like a lifetime (and all because of my negligence).

——————————————————————————————————————————

Well, I may not be in the position to say this, but let’s be a community of concerned parents who may learn a thing or two from one another. Shall we?

If ever you face the same July 9 situation, would you know what to do?

1) Try not to panic

It’s kind of difficult, but you really need to try hard not to panic. Don’t be hysterical. Hyperventilation is possible, and you won’t be able to focus on the task, which is finding your missing child. So, stay sane.

2) Do a quick search

A cursory search is a must. Think of the places where your child may go and check the areas that come to mind. Think of what might catch her attention and go there. If you live near a creek, fountain or any bodies of water, check there first.

3) Call her/his name

Some people say that it’s unwise to call your child’s name out loud because a child predator may take advantage of the situation. On the other hand, experts say that calling your child actually deters the predator from doing anything harmful. If your kid is within earshot, he or she will respond to your call.

4) Get help fast

Ask the people around. Also, once they become aware of your situation, they will offer to help. They can also give out information, so more people will come looking for him or her.

5) Call the police

If not the police, you may report about your missing child on your barangay help desk. Don’t wait for 24 hours before you do this. That’s a ridiculous idea. The sooner, the better.

These are some of the things that you can do if ever you lose your child. However, the above only applies to a small community setting like where we live. It will be a different scenario if your child gets separated from you on the park or shopping mall.

Just the same, though. Be alert. Do something. Or be proactive about it. If you go somewhere crowded, make sure you brief your kid what must be done in case he or she gone missing. Put an ID bracelet on him or her. And, make sure your child knows your real name.

In the US, there are AMBER Alert and Code Adam. The first one is a child abduction alert system while the second one is a missing-child action plan of retailers.

When a child is believed to be abducted, an AMBER Alert must be issued so that all the citizens may spot the abductor quickly based on police information. An AMBER Alert mainly consists of the name and description of the abductee and description of the abductor. A description of the vehicle and its plate number is also included if available.

At the stores, when a Code Adam is called out, the management needs to mobilize its employees to comb bathrooms, fitting rooms and aisles and check and guard exit points. No child leaves the premises without the authorities questioning the adult and the child.

How I wish we have something like these in the Philippines. Losing is a child is a nightmare. But the concept will seem surreal until that nightmare-ish incident actually happens to you. And when you are in that situation, you’ll appreciate each, any and all the help you can get.

So, thank you to my #sashabelle for telling me about the situation as fast as she could. Thank you to the old man sitting in front of that store. I don’t know him, but he is a familiar face. Thank you to my neighbor who told me to look after my daughter better. It was an eye opener. Finally, thank you God for letting me find her.

I am really just so thankful…

goblin kdrama hallyu

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Posted on June 22, 2017 by jenvtcorre

goblin kdrama hallyu
Image credit

Hallyu is real!

And there is an ongoing popularization of the Korean culture in the Philippines. In fact, Koreans are everywhere from Baguio to Cebu and in other key cities.

The Filipinos’ love for everything Korean is ever-growing. I, myself, caught the Korean love bug thanks to several unpretentious K dramas on my USB. I’ve finished several dramas from All About Eve, Irene, Jewel in the Palace, Queen Seon Deok to Love in the Moonlight. I’ve already lost count of how many Koreanovelas I’ve watched; I can’t name them all either [because I already forgot some of the titles.

The latest was the Goblin: The Lonely and Great God, starring the swoon-worthy Gong Yoo of Coffee Prince and Train to Busan.

Controversial as it is [but not necessarily because of the excessive product placement], Goblin captures the attention of the viewers—religious or secular.

From watching how the Goblin Couple’s sad love unfolds, I came to realize three things.

3 things I learned from Goblin

1) A kiss is powerful

For most Korean dramas I’ve watched, there are very few kisses that happen on the first few episodes. The same with Goblin, the first kiss occurred in the seventh episode. It was also during this episode when the ratings started to skyrocket, displacing ‘The Legend of the Blue Sea.’

It was the grim reaper and Goblin’s Sister’s kiss that proved how powerful a single kiss can be. It can make you forget then remember. Or, remember then forget about it if you want.

All the more reasons why a kiss is more than just a kiss. As a matter of fact, about 90% of the people remember their first romantic kiss than their first sexual encounter. A personal thing, kissing also makes you happy and healthy. That’s just how formidable a kiss can be.

goblin couple kiss
Image credit

2) Love is even more powerful

Choosing between sadness and love, the Goblin Bride would always say, ‘sad love.’ It’s better to love than not to experience love at all, right? Come to think of it, why would someone sacrifice anything for the sake of other person’s happiness? To the point of risking your own life and happiness like what the goblin did?

Love is an undeniable emotion; the energy that pulls all elements together. We all want to love and be loved, saying this with the Grim Reaper on my mind. So yes, we seek love, consciously and subconsciously, above all else.

Image credit

3) The Almighty is the most powerful of all

He won’t be called the Almighty for nothing, I guess. With ineffable, infinite power and might, He created all things awesome and not-so yet all this exceed our understanding.

Such incomprehensible omnipotence we test sometimes. This is what happened to the Goblin, Grim Reaper and Goblin’s Sister with the Goblin Bride as the consequence of this.

Whatever it may be, Goblin is a highly-recommended series. It’s very unique; I cannot think of any K-drama that comes close to this story. I heard it even deposed ‘Descendants of the Sun’ in the ranking game.

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Posted on May 9, 2017 by jenvtcorre

May is the pilgrimage season in Antipolo. It’s a month-long celebration that begins with a mass and followed by a procession known as the First Procession (happened on May 2). The procession started around 7 am in the morning where thousands of devotees from different parts of the country, not just Antipoleños, partake in.

Further, the image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora De La Paz Y Buen Viaje), the patron saint of the city, will be brought to Via Dolorosa (formerly known as White Cross).

via dolorosa in antipolo patron saint

What via dolorosa means

In Latin, via dolorosa means “the way of grief/sorrow.” According to Wikipedia, it’s a street within the Old City of Jerusalem; it’s the path people believed to be that one Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. Fourteen incidents took place while the Christ carried his cross hence the fourteen stations of the cross. Via dolorosa, therefore, signifies Jesus’s suffering.

What you’ll see inside Via Dolorosa in Antipolo

Inside the site are life-size figures, like the ones you see in Kamay ni Jesus in Quezon province, that depict these stations.

However, no cameras are allowed inside, as per the management. It’s not a strict rule I guess. Anyway, it would be difficult to detect these tiny gadgets. And also, the rule has a loophole—how about cam and video-enabled mobile phones? Hmmm…

My sister said that it is not really a rule, but a reminder to keep quiet out of respect for people who are praying at the stations. Makes sense.

Going back, the stations of the cross culminate at the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and the gigantic white cross (hence the moniker White Cross).

We went there last Holy Thursday (April 13). It’s my first time there on this day because we usually go every Friday afternoon when all the chaos has subsided. And chaos it is! There were so many people going in and out, but it’s understandable because it’s Lent.

What saddens me is the thought a place as sacred as Via Dolorosa could easily be turned into a Divisoria-like area. [No, I have nothing against Divisoria; I love going to Divi.] Stalls selling stuff you don’t really need during a visit to pilgrim sites like this abound. I would understand the need to buy bottled waters and food to get you through the next meal or even foldable fans, but sim cards, curtains and other whatnot.

Not here please.

When it is not Holy Week, Via Dolorosa is a quiet place. And the serene surroundings draw you to communicate with God with all your heart. You can focus on praying for personal intentions because of limited distractions.

So if you must go there, go on a regular weekend so you can have the place to yourself to reflect and reminisce.

Inside, the first thing you will see is the small image the patron saint of Antipolo beside the candle racks. You can buy candles at the store near the gate. Light the candles and offer prayers.

On the left going to the first station are the rosary garden and the chapel where mass is held every Sunday. This is the perfect place for meditation (when it’s not the Holy Week).

Head to the first station. It’s a rocky terrain going up. If you are not in for the physical challenge, I suggest you go ahead to the White Cross where you only have to tackle a few steps going up.

In the middle, you will see a stunning view of the Manila skyline. There is a cave-like path where the lifeless body of Jesus lies. It’s actually the thirteenth station.

Again, our last stop is the White Cross. Just be careful though because you might fall or trip at the steep trail.

page breaker resized

How to go to Via Dolorosa in Antipolo

From Crossing or Cubao

  1. Ride the jeepney with Antipolo Simbahan signage. The fare is Php34 from Cubao and around Php25 from Crossing.
  2. Alight at the last stop, just a few meters from Antipolo Cathedral. If you are from JRC or Crossing, alight at the first stop after Ynares Center, in front of USA88.
  3. Hail a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to White Cross. [White Cross is a more popular term than Via Dolorosa.] A special trip costs around Php40 (Php10 per passenger).
  4. The tricycle will drop you off about a few meters away from the entrance. Walk towards the entrance.

From LRT2, Santolan station

Upon alighting LRT2, look for jeepneys with Antipolo Simbahan signage. Ride one. The fare is Php23 from Santolan. Then, proceed to steps 2 to 4 above.

Via Dolorosa is open for public; no entrance fee required. Food and drinks are not allowed inside to maintain the cleanliness of the place.

Don’t bother using the only public restroom, though. I won’t elaborate, but you get my point for sure.

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Posted on May 5, 2017 by jenvtcorre

I’m immensely grateful for the precious gift my mother has given me. She is my hero today and every day. ~Steven Cojocaru

It’s Mother’s Day once again. But have you ever wondered how Mother’s Day came about? Well, below are some fun and interesting things to know about Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day facts

1)  Mother’s Day originated in the United States in the early 1900s. It was first celebrated in 1908 on second Sunday of May.

2) The Mother’s Day we know today is attributed to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who campaigned to have a day dedicated to all mothers.

3) Mother’s Day became a recognized holiday in the US in 1914.

4) In the US alone, more than 122 million phone calls are made during this day.

5) Carnation is the flower of Mother’s Day, as it was believed that it was made from Mother Mary’s tears as she wept at Jesus Christ’s feet when he was crucified.

6) Pink and red carnation are for mothers who are alive and white for those who’ve already passed away.

7) Of all flowers purchased in the world, about a quarter is made during Mother’s Day.

8) In the US, about $14 billion is spent on gifts and surprises during Mother’s Day.

9) Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world.

10) Cards and flowers are the most common gifts during Mother’s Day.

Take a time to recognize a mother’s heroic act of bearing a child in her womb, rearing that child after being born and nourishing that same child up to her last breath. And that child is you.

I couldn’t wait to celebrate this very special day with my kids. 💕 💕 💕

Our mothers are our heroes, so it’s only fitting we give her the best of gifts we can think about.

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Posted on April 27, 2017 by jenvtcorre

angel locsin as darna
Angel Locsin as Darna | Image credit

Last April 8, my mother, sister, my kids—Sasha and Adele—and I watched the 19th Antipolo Cityhood Parade. This year’s theme was Pinoy Komiks. We’ve seen our own barangays’ versions of Dyesebel, Flavio of Ang Panday, Barok and Gundina, Lastikman and of course, Darna.

My kids loved the huge floats. I think this was the first time they’ve seen something like this.

I, myself, is a big fan of Pinoy comics. I grew up reading Funny Komiks and Liwayway. I look forward to Saturdays not because there’s no school on that day, but also because we can go to the plaza and buy the latest Funny Komiks.

On Sunday papers, my first stop is always the comics section. I like Pugad Baboy and its satires about the government, politics and other nonchalant issues that we Filipinos are facing today.

I even read the comic strips on Bazooka’s wrapper. Hehe.

Watching the floats pass by, I remember my fondness of Pinoy comics. There is something so gratifying to see the live versions of those comics characters especially Darna.

Hey, who doesn’t love Darna!?

Who is Darna anyway?

Created by Mars Ravelo, Darna is a Pinay superheroine. Ravelo conceptualized Darna in 1939 as the female counterpart of Superman, which explains her powers and capabilities. However, it was not until 1947 when the Filipino comic readers caught a glimpse of Darna. The character wasn’t even called Darna then but Varga, a deceased extraterrestrial warrior that magically manifests herself through Narda, with the help of the white stone, of course. Varga’s mortal identity was-guess who-Narda! Darna was an anagram to Narda.

Ravelo has to leave Varga behind after a falling out with the editors of Bulaklak Komiks, Varga’s publisher. So, Darna (the Darna we know today) was first published in 1950 by Pilipino Komiks. Nestor Redondo illustrated Ravelo’s retooling of Varga as Darna. Right from the start, Darna was pitted against her archnemesis, Valentina, the snake goddess.

Darna ran for 28 issues, and a movie was made even before the comic series ended. In 1951, the first Darna movie, which was directed by Fernando Poe Sr. (and the last film he directed), graced the Philippine cinemas. Vilma Santos, or Ate Vi to her fans, wore the iconic Darna costume four times between 1973 and 1980.

While she’s a fictional character, Darna is considered a cultural icon in the Philippines. She’s one of the most celebrated characters in Philippine comicdom, if not the most famous.

Going back, as I watched the parade, I remember Darna, with Angel Locsin as the main protagonist; a local TV adaptation in 2005. The telefantasya was shown on GMA-7. Angel epitomized Darna. To this day, I think it holds the record for the highest TV rating at 52.1 audience share. It was on the night when Angel first transformed to Darna.

[There were even rumors that some areas in the metro experienced a brownout/blackout.]

I also watched that of Marian Rivera’s in 2009.

I vividly remember the movie versions too, although I’ve only seen the movies with Nanette Medved and Anjanette Abayari. I love the simplicity of the plot of both movies and the characterization of both actresses to think they have very different physical features.

Angel, Marian, Nanette and Anjanette played their role well.

In 2012, the ABS-CBN Management bought the rights to produce Darna. A movie is slated this year or the next. And according to the network executives, they would love to see Angel fly again as Darna, but she cannot. She experienced back pain twice while training for the said role.

While there’s a clamor for Angel to play Darna again, sadly, she already announced that she could no longer do Darna. She is currently suffering from a health condition—a disc bulge in her spine—that prevents her from reprising the role. Her doctor advised Angel not to engage in any extreme physical activities as they would lead to permanent damages to her spine. Ouch!

So, who will be the next Darna? Who will be the next one to shout, “Ding, ang bato!?”

Fans are rooting for:

Liza Soberano

Erik Matti, who will direct the movie, wants Liza to play Darna because her Pan-Asian features suit the physical characteristics of the heroine. Liza said she would be honored, but is not ready to wear the sexy costume.

Nadine Lustre

In a short teaser released and shown in cinemas in 2015 during the Metro Manila Film Festival, the narrator sounded like Nadine, the fans took notice. Nadine herself wants to play the role, but she said she’s not ready.

Jessy Mendiola

Sometime in 2015, fans thought that she was chosen as the next Darna since she posted pictures of her wearing the costume. It turned out that is was for a spoof segment on Banana Sundae. For Erik, Jessy has the built, but she is not Darna-like as she’s ‘maputi masyado.’

Maja Salvador

Maja once said she wouldn’t say no if the Darna remake will be offered to her. She added while laughing that that’s too big a responsibility for her.

Kim Chiu

Kim wore the Darna costume in 2013 during a performance in ASAP. She has yet to comment on the possibility of portraying the heroine.

Arci Muñoz

Arci said the wouldn’t pass playing the role of Darna if it’d be offered to her. Erik wants to see her personally though before he gives any observation.

Pia Wurtzbach

Miss Universe 2015 has the features of Darna. However, she’s too stunning to be Darna. Erik comments that Darna is a regular Pinay woman, not a beauty queen.

[UPDATE: It’s final: Pia won’t play Darna]

Yassi Pressman

Although no offers are made yet, Yassi mentioned that it was such an honor to be included in the list of those the management is considering for the role.

Julia Montes

Julia has the physical features suitable to portray Darna. Not to mention, her acting prowess.

Above are some of the names of the actresses that their respective fandoms want to play the next Darna. Their names are the pinakamatunog although some other stars emerge from time to time.

Bea Alonzo
Anne Curtis
KC Concepcion
Kristine Reyes
Jane Oineza
Sarah Lahbati
Jennylyn Mercado
Sanya Lopez

As for me, I am vying for Liza, Jennylyn and Sanya, pero malabo for the last two names. Liza is too young; she’s not even doing kissing scenes, so I guess the costume will be too much for her to take. Jennylyn or Sanya would be perfect for the role. But they aren’t a Kapamilya that’s why they cannot do the role. Awww…

[Or maybe there’s a possibility. Jennylyn made a movie with John Lloyd Cruz, right?]

Whoever will play Darna, it’s safe to say that the movie is a highly-anticipated one. It’s exciting enough to see Darna soar again on big screen. As the anticipation builds up, let’s all satisfy ourselves with the fact that whoever will be chosen, she must be the one.

[UPDATE: Liza backed out from playing Darna. Jane de Leon is chosen to be the new Darna.]

Featured Image Credit

12 Comments

Posted on April 18, 2017 by jenvtcorre

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Source: Backyard Eats’s FB Page

I pass by M.L. Quezon Avenue every day. Some great eats can be found in this stretch from Not Just Meat to Beeffalo to Macy’s Burger. But something really unique will soon to open on this side of town.

Yup, the Antipoleños will welcome its first food park—Backyard Eats—anytime soon. And by soon I mean this May, hopefully. [Can I be the first to say “I can’t wait”? You need to reward yourself once in a while, right?]

It was supposed to open this March. I saw the tarp saying “Fun starts inMarch” or something like that. I can’t really remember the exact words. Hubby and I are already planning to go the next day after the opening day. I don’t know what happened. Maybe the delay is caused by the need to make the place really attractive for diners and passersby.

At first glance, you can see and feel the rustic vibe of the place. There are wooden tables and chairs and plants all over the place. I can see ferns, bonsais and bougainvilleas, among others. I know food parks have a certain warmth, and this one amazes me because it looks cozy and nice. Quite al fresco pa. [Why quite? Discover it yourself.]

Well, we go to food parks for the experience and I can’t wait to experience our very own.

From the outside, I can see at least two diners namely Pika Chew (for pika-pika foods, I guess) and Potato Hub. I love finger foods and potatoes! [That’s an understatement. Ahem!] I just hope that the place can accommodate the surge of people since it’s kinda small for a food park. It’ll be crowded for sure especially on the opening day. Ooops.

From browsing its Facebook page,  the owner(s) had already started food tasting. I can also tell that Backyard Eats will have a weekend market too.

The pics are really appetizing. Yum!

So ayun, kita-kits sa Backyard Eats!

*Not a sponsored post

9 Comments

Posted on April 3, 2017 by jenvtcorre

[Warning: This post is fueled by angst.]

Values… Big word.

The word ‘values’ is basically defined as the ‘person’s principles or standards of behavior.’ It is one’s judgment of what is important in life.

Talk about debauchery; but the millennials (I’m not generalizing, though) lack the values they should have developed early on in their lives. Sad but true, we have been facing the lack of values in human relationships and society in general.

So wrong on so many levels! Twisted at times. Verging on the ridiculous in some instances.

P.L.E.A.S.E.

What you don’t realize is that your deeply-held values tell so much about you. They are your life compass, your guiding principle; the foundation of your life’s meaning and purpose.

Your core values reflect your totality. They’re a reflection and embodiment of:

… your household,
… your upbringing,
… your parents,
… your parents’ parents,
… your family name,
… your alma mater,
… your religion,
… your experiences,
… your accolades,
… your precepts,
… your mindset,’
… your disposition,
… your judgment,
… your behaviors,
… your sentiments
… your ideals,
… your standards,
… your thoughts,
… your spoken words,
… your actions,
… your reactions,
… your interactions,
… your motivations,
… your motives,

and everything else that matters.

And, showing them shouldn’t be selective.

You cannot be respectful to the Big Boss while disobeying your immediate head. You cannot say yes to follow an order while cursing the person giving the particular order at the back of your mind. You cannot project an angelic image while judging and ridiculing other people’s incapacity.

Most importantly, you cannot ask for an apology while looking for another venue (or using other dialects) to air your ire. Oops!

That’s hypocrisy at its finest!

You cannot switch them on and off. They are reflected in all areas of your being.

Trying my best to hide and escape, but the anger deep inside is ineffable. It’s not healthy. It’d affected me and my work negatively. I’m on the verge of throwing all the values I learned out the window.

I can taste some people’s distaste of my statement.

Oh well, then it hits me…

#killthemwithkindness

I hate it when I still need to be kind. But yeah, I just have to…

#killthemwithkindness

As if they will reciprocate if I chose to…

#killthemwithkindness

Can I just…

#killthem but #withkindness?

Is that even possible?

Can I just…

#killthem?

That’s the dubious me talking. I can actually hear my alter ego saying, “How can you preach about values while thinking of killing someone?”

I’m crazy.

Wait a minute.

I was born on 1985. That makes me a millennial. Well, technically.

Oh fuck!

~~~~~~~~

[And, yes, shoutout to our HR Manager who helped me deal with this craziness.]

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