30-Hour Amazing Race to Kuala Lumpur

Photo taken by Badeedadee. Post-processed by Jay Ismail.
It all happened too sudden and too soon. I got an SMS last week from my lady boss, Cherina Chacko, asking me if I can fly in to Kuala Lumpur for their big event on Sunday, June 26, 2011. It will be sponsored by DiGi and the Philippine Embassy. Wow! But I couldn't say 'yes' then as we were still processing our visa and papers for our next booking to China. Friday came and I got another SMS from Ate Cherie that Philippine Embassy has already confirmed and sent us an invitation letter and that they already have bought our tickets... yes, they also bought ticket for Hubby Marl. :-) But eeeeek! Panic attack!!! I was really all excited feeling the adrenalin rush but I was cramming with what to wear and what to sing along. I had nooooo idea what to do as it was all done on a short notice. LOL

Saturday, June 25 - Manila to Kuala Lumpur
Photo by Jay Ismail
In the midst of the typhoon Falcon, I wasn't even sure if it will push through as there were lots of flights delayed and being cancelled. Good thing was they bought us AirAsia tickets so it was easier to fly out from Clark where the weather was better than Manila. Along with DJ Marlon of Wave Radio 89.1, DJ Bien, and sound technician Shak, we left Manila by Friday noontime and reached KL at around 4:30PM. Transportation and accommodations were all arranged by Ate Cherie... we stayed in their posh condo at KL Sentral called The Loft.

Marl and I just dropped our bags and headed out to meet our friend, Malaysian fashion & billboard photographer Jay Ismail. We just hung out in his studio for a couple of hours and made a quick shoot. After that, we met up with our friend Reen who took us to the venue where we'd be rehearsing at 10PM. But when we got there, we were told that our rehearsal was rescheduled. So we just made a short visit to Shangri-La Hotel KL and see the newly renovated pub, now called Arthur's Bar & Grill. Azrul, the assistant manager, was kind enough to have made us stay for a round of food and drinks. We were feeling the exhaustion but we made it a point to cross the street to Concorde Hotel to visit Crossroads. Saw some of our old friends and the bands playing there, Power J and Breakthru. We just said hi and headed back to the condo.

Sunday, June 26 - The BIG Day
Woke up at 9AM, had breakfast, and prepared for the big event of the day. I actually had my stuff packed as I don't have any intentions of going back to the condo after the show. So with my pink trolley bag and my backpack, we went to the venue for soundcheck at around 11AM. Luckily for me, there's a hair salon on the ground floor of the building where the event would be taking place. I had my hair set to curl while I did my own makeup.

Event started at around 2PM. The performers were all from our agency, Seagulls Promotions. As for me, I performed as a solo artist. I didn't have a white top or a groovy blazer for my MJ spot but one of the girls from the Soundstream band had a perfect blazer which completed my outfit (salamat kaayo day!). There was a raffle draw and I did my Michael Jackson medley (Black or White-Beat It-Billie Jean) and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" for my first set. As for my second set, I changed into a shiny tube dress and sang one of my favorites "Take A Bow" by Rihanna and a danceable tune by Shakira "Loca". Performing for the Filipino crowd has been one of the most fun performance because they can relate very well. They were dancing and singing along. The other bands,  Peach Apple Tree, Soundstream, Main Avenue, and Power J., gave their best to wow the crowd, too. The invited DJs from the Philippines also did a tremendous job in providing the music in between performances. The raffle draw by DiGi made everyone excited... I didn't win but it's okay. The whole event was so successful and was well-supported by the Filipino community. I even saw some familiar faces in the crowd. Some of our friend were there including my former co-singer Marthy. It was such an overwhelming expeience and if I'd be asked to do it again, I'd gladly oblige because it's always a great honor and privilege to be invited by the Philippine Embassy to perform. Salamat po! And to Ate Cherie, our lady boss, thanks again for the opportunity!

After the show, Marl and I had a quick mee goreng at a mamak stall in Central Market with our friends Melinda and Reen. Afterwards, we went to Bangsar Village to meet our 'adopted' parents Mama Siah and Papa Jamal. It was great to see them especially Mama Siah who just went for a surgery to remove her cancerous lump. They sent us to LCCT airport at 10PM for our Cebu Pacific midnight flight. =)

Monday, June 27 - Back in Manila
As of this writing, I haven't unpacked from the trip yet. I have managed to uncomfortably sleep on the flight. I will make a quick nap after blogging this before facing a couple of hectic days in Manila before flying out to Beijing on Wednesday.

PERFORMANCE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS COMING SOON!!!!!!!

Badeedadee by Jay Ismail
Taken by Jay Ismail

Divine Elegance by Badeedadee

Click on this pic to see the rest of the photos
With a creepy setting, it was an attempt to go darker - literally and figuratively - under the scorching heat of the midday sun, with a sprinkle of divinity and elegance... hence, I titled this set as such.

Thank you so much to these creative individuals who have participated in our final funshoot... this year organized by Badeedadee Photography! :-)

  • Adrian Mendoza
  • Maela Claire Simpao
  • Joyce "Chin-Chin" Chua
  • Marlon Faller
  • Angelo Bautista
  • Billy Galang
  • Bong Casero
  • Lawrz Libo-on
  • Jay Fuerzas
  • William Rivera
  • Edward Inocencio
Special thanks to Christine Dior Valdecanas for the snacks & meals. And to my brother Chris Sy with his friend Tony for being our dedicated assistants for the day. :)
The wacky group hug! 

Since it's Father's Day...

The first father & daughter photo
I remember the first time you held her in your arms. She only weighed 3.2 lbs then, she was so fragile. But you insisted to carry her and I saw the look in your eyes that was filled with nothing but unconditional love and a promise that you will take care of us and will be the best father and husband. And until now, I still remember that very moment that was captured beautifully. Thank you for fulfilling your promises to us.

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY, BadeeDadee Photography! Selena & I love you so much! :-)

My First Week of Bikram Yoga

My goal: To get get these abs back in a month on Twitpic
Taken in 2008
My on-and-off love affair with Pilates and yoga started in 2005. And I would always do it every time I need to tone up fast. As noted, I would lose 5 kilos in two weeks whenever I do my workout routine. My washboard abs back in 2008 was from my disciplined workouts of Pilates, yoga, 100 ab crunches, and sensible no-rice diet - every single day.

I've been wanting to try Bikram Yoga since it became a sensation to health buffs but never had the chance to do so. What is Bikram Yoga? Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. A vigorous yoga session in a room at around 40 celsius degrees promotes profuse sweating and makes the body very warm, therefore more flexible.


Thanks to my Twitter friend, who is also my kumare, beautiful sexy actress Ara Mina who tweeted that she has been doing it. So I tweeted her to inquire and told her that I'd love to try it. She invited me on their next session and I gladly obliged. And here's the story behind my first week doing Bikram Yoga...

Ara Mina and I before our session
My First Bikram Class
We met at the Bikram studio in Greenhills last Sunday where other yogis were waiting. Most of the participants were Ara's non-showbiz friends and showbiz friends like Nikki Valdez and Bulacan Mayor Patrick Meneses. The special yoga class was led by our instructor named Al.

I thought it'd be easy for me to do the poses since I've been doing yoga on-and-off for the past years. But damn, given the hot situation and new poses, I found myself struggling with every pose. I was even confused why I had to put myself into that extreme pressure. I was asked to position near the door, just in case I wouldn't be able to take the heat.

We were asked to do 26 poses in that heated room, some easy but mostly complex ones. I must say that I was concentrating more to what the instructor was telling us to do because he was "slang". LOL. I could see their sweat dripping down from their chins and limbs, drenching their yoga outfits. But me? I felt just a slight drip of sweat on my face and my neck. In fact, after the workout, Ara Mina said she's frustrated that she didn't see me sweat as much as they did. But knowing myself who can sustain 4-hours of dancing every night onstage, I must admit that I'm a person who don't really sweat a lot... compared to others. But it was a great experience and I told Ara that I'd be delighted if she would invite me on their next sessions. I really loved it. :-)

My Second Bikram Class
Ara had been organizing another Bikram session as early as 2 days after my first session, but most of her friends aren't available. Then she texted me on Wednesday night to ask me if I'm available the next day after. We then met up at the studio in Greenhills again. This time, half of the participants were Ara's buddy Oselle's gym-mates and aside from Ara, another sexy celebrity who was there was Gwen Garci.

Because I didn't sweat much during my first Bikram session, Ara had me positioned at the hottest part of room where I felt 'alone' coz no one would dare go there. LOL. Now that I'm quite acquainted with most of the poses, I was more concentrating on each pose, striving harder to execute them properly this time. Then I understood more about my body. I realized that I have to work harder on doing the poses with my knees locked - which I was having a hard time doing because I would often lose my balance when I lock my knees. And I promise myself that I'd do better and work harder in my future sessions.

BIT THANKS TO ARA MINA... Mare, thank you so much for introducing me to Bikram Yoga... now I'm addicted!!! See you next session! :)

And here are our photos (click on the photos to enlarge them)


Ninang Ara Mina and her goddaughter Selena 
Before my first Bikram class with my yoga mates :)
Before our yoga class
All in place... I'm positioned near the red door next to Mayor Pat
Ara does a sexy pose as we goofed around. Look at Nikki! :-)
After my 1st yoga class... everyone's exhausted and drenched, except me :)
Before my second Bikram yoga class with
my yoga mates and instructor Al :)
After my second yoga class... we're all drenched out ---- SUCCESS! Hahaha!
With Oselle, Ara Mina, and instructor Al
Me. Ara Mina and Gwen Garci 
Yaya Welyn, me, Ara Mina, Gwen Garci, and Oselle
Ex-That's Entertainment members Marlo Silverio & Ara Mina
(Ara, I will show you a pic of you two taken sooo many years ago, LOL)
Marlo Silverio & Ara Mina back in mid 90s
As promised Ara, here is the photo that I told you about.
Almost the same pose as you did above, di ba? Hahaha! :)

DPP on a high

My ID and my lecture stubs! =)

I'm not a subscriber of their magazine. But I get to read and see their monthly issues whenever we are back here in the Philippines because hubby would always buy Digital Photographers Philippines (DPP) magazines (he also has a collection of Digital Photographers Malaysia mags). And if it wasn't for our mentor Manny Librodo mentioning it to us, we wouldn't have known about it. Apparently, it's Digital Photographers Philippines' 5th anniversary!

Marl was uber excited about it. He's a photographer, it's understood. But what made me feel excited about it was seeing and hearing the top photographers in the country in their lectures/seminars and meeting our friends in the world of photography. I'm all about mingling and socializing as I don't know any technical stuff when it comes to cameras. I leave it to the experts.

How did we get the passes to the event? It was simple. We bought the May issue of the Digital Photographers' magazine where it has a page at the back that we needed to tear and fill up. What's the crazy thing about it was... we bought 2 copies so that I can also tag along. =)
With Kharu, Manny Librodo & Badeedadee Marl
So on the day of the event, which was last Saturday, June 4th 2011, we woke up before 6:00AM, went to Bonifacio High Street at the Fort, and went on queue to get our IDs and stubs for the 3 lectures/talks that we'd be attending. We chose to attend talks of the famous award-winning DSLR videographer Jason Magbanua, travel photographer Per-Andre Hoffman, and one-light fashion photographer Tom Epperson (which we weren't able to attend to, you'll know why). Since we were there to support and listen to our mentor Manny Librodo, we sought his help to get us the passes for his lecture instead. And he gladly obliged. That's why he is so loved by many. And by us, too! =)

We saw photographer friends as early as 8AM. We had breakfast at Krispy Kreme and ate it at the Activity center canopy while waiting for Jason Magbanua's talk. And yes, even though I've gotten rid of caffeine shots, I went to buy a grande coffee just to help me sustain that hectic day.

Jason Magbanua's talk started at 9:30AM. Because Jason is such a great lecturer, his session was such an engaging one and for video buffs like me, I really have learned a lot. My big project this year is to save up for a Nikon D7000 so that I can start making my video projects more interesting. It lasted for an hour sadly. Too bad, my MUA-friend Madge couldn't make it. But I was so happy that Jason still recognized me and we even had a short chat after his talk, even though he was surrounded by fans wanting to get some photo op and signature from him.

We rushed to Fully Booked basement to attend a travel photography session with Per-Andre Hoffman at 11AM. On the way there, we saw more friends and we bumped into the group of power photographers like Lito Sy, Manny and Boboy Librodo, and Jude Tiongco. Anyway, Hoffman's presentation was a bit dragging as he just did a slideshow of his work. But still we learned something from him. Maybe I have raised my expectation too much. But hey, it's for free and I shouldn't be complaining. :-)

Me & Kharu
We grabbed a quick bite at Brothers Burger before heading on to Manny Librodo's talk. Although Manny's presentation was also from the slideshow that he prepared, people find it more interesting. Maybe because I'm biased. Or maybe because his fame world-wide has simply made us Filipinos proud. We're always proud and happy of our kababayan's success. And even more with Manny Librodo... who's our mentor and our good friend. He included 2 of my photos in his presentation and once again, he introduced me to the big crowd. Of course, most of his photos were of Krystal and Kharu - his two muses. Kharu managed to get there and be at the talk, too. It was definitely great to see her again, too! Like us, his other students and organizers were there to support him like Benedict Gacutan, Jude Tiongco, Sally Lee, and Lauren Malcampo, among others.

We would have gone straight to our next lecture which was a one-light photography with Tom Epperson, but Lauren and Sally invited the whole pack to grab an early dinner at Chelsea's in Serendra. There we chatted, laughed, and just simple had a great bonding moment with the Librodo brothers. When we felt our butts burning from sitting too long, we went to the 5th floor of Fully Booked to see who's speaking and to, ahmmmm, get some aircon. LOL. We saw Lito Sy there and so again, we chatted and just had a great time. I also saw Nikon P300 at the Nikon booth there and it was a freaking drooling moment. LOL. Some of us got tired of standing and some wanted to have some Starbucks coffee, so we went to the Starbucks on the 3rd floor of Fully Booked where we stayed for hours just chatting and laughing with the masters of photography. During this time, we have learned a lot from Lito Sy, who willingly answered questions from the photographers who were with us and even shared what he wouldn't share in his classes/workshops. We feel so lucky to be around these people! =)

And the fun part for everyone was the highlight of the day - Live Judging of the photos submitted by the members of DPP. In the panel were Manny Librodo, Pilar Tuason, Raymund Isaac, among other famous photographers. Some comments from the judges were a tad harsh. But that made it more interesting, I guess. But what I didn't like was picking on the model that was on the submitted photo. Instead of just judging the photo itself, some judges tore it all apart and made such foolish remarks on the models in the photos. But oh well, what do I know about photography? To each his own, as the saying goes. And I better shut up. =)

I really did enjoy the DPP day! Big thanks to hubby for being so makulit about it and to Manny Librodo, for inviting us to hear his talk. Here are some photos taken on that day and were tagged to me on Facebook. Thanks guys!!!!

Me & Badeedadee Marl (courtesy of Benedict Gacutan)
Group shot with the star-studded group
(courtesy of Benedict Gacutan)
At Chelsea with the fun group (by Sally Lee)

Me with Sir Raymund Isaac
Famous celebrity photographer Raymund Isaac & Badeedadee Marl

Badeedadee Marl, Pilar Tuason, Boboy Librodo, and I
Photo courtesy of JioFashion Verona
Photo courtesy of Joel Nilo
Photo courtesy of Joel Nilo
Photo courtesy of Chris Teves

Group hug photo courtesy of Aly Reyes

Rain-Or-Shine Funshoot

Click this photo to check out the rest of the gallery by Badeedadee
She was said to be powerful and she has been threatening to come and ruin everything. But glad that "Chedeng", the name of the supposedly super-typhoon, managed to maneuver and leave our beautiful, well-planned weekend behind. And even with the occasional rain showers, I was so excited to get it over with and told myself, the shoot must go on.

It was a rather gloomy morning but with the touch of the morning sun, our shoot went on as scheduled. I had prepared two concepts. The participants were our friends who we have worked with in the past funshoots and workshops and friends we have been in constant contact with on Twitter and Facebook. We also got another model named Denise who I have worked with in the past. I got my brother and his friend as our assistants or VA. During my second concept, it started to drizzle. We waited for it to stop and continued shooting under light drizzle, but eventually couldn't continue shooting. But thanks to Angelo Bautista, who provided the humor all throughout the day - even under the rain. 

Thanks to the participants Maela Claire Simpao, Angelo Bautista, Adrian Mendoza, Joyce Chua, Angela Lauchengco, Somewell Gadiane, Billy Galang, Marlon Faller. To our other model Franchesca Denise Lagua, and other people who have been a part of our funshoot. :-)

The models and fun participants