Tour Is A Four Letter Word: Hongkong

Went to Hongkong last June 23 – 25 primarily to watch the Hongkong leg of Jason Mraz’ Tour Is A Four Letter Word concert tour this 2012.

Some videos I took (More story later):

Remedy!

Mr. Curiousity

I’m Yours!

 

93 Million Miles and I Won’t Give Up

Hale ‘Opua Bed and Breakfast – What a Find in Baguio

I was originally planning to stay in one of the cheaper hotels in Baguio for a one-night stay with friends when Dan Estioko, one of my friends suggested Hale ‘Opua Bed and Breakfast. He told me to check it out on Facebook. I was doubtful at first. I thought it would be one of those ordinary, tight-spaced transient places. I was quite impressed when I saw their pictures of the place on Facebook.

Hale ’Opua Bed and Breakfast FB Page

Here are my own take of the pictures during my stay:

Outside

The place seemed modest on the outside with the usual facade of houses in Baguio.

Front of the House

This one of the things I liked about it: the veranda overlooking Baguio. My friends and I spent the night here, grilling some liempo, sharing stories over drinks.

Veranda at the back

Bedroom

The bedroom was nice, spacious and well-lighted. The room that I got had a view. There were cabinets to hang clothes if needed.

Bathroom

Bathroom – Shower

Of course, there was hot water

The bedroom below was located at the lower floor. Apparently, Polo Ravales and his family stayed in this very room.

Masters Bedroom

Masters Bedroom – couches

Kids Room

Common Area

The common area on the ground floor had couches and access to collection of books by the owners.

Reception Area

Mini-library

Ground floor Common Area

Tambayan

Free to watch TV or DVD

There was a common area at the lower floor, too.

Common area at the lower floor

Breakfast Area

The breakfast area was located on the lower floor. There were several tables for multiple groups staying in the area.

Quaint setting

Our Breakfast

Contact Information / Reservation

Apart from the contact number posted on Facebook, Hale ‘Opua can also be contacted via Ate Belinda at (0920) 485 3958. It is P550 per pax with breakfast included.

Just added: They now have a website, too! http://haleopua.com/

Tip:

1) Ate Belinda can cook for those staying at the place (other than breakfast). Either give her the money to buy the ingredients for the food you want her to cook or buy the ingredients and give it to her to prepare at your convenience.

2) Tell them what time the group prefers to eat breakfast so they can prepare it just when everyone is ready.

3) I think there’s free wifi, too.

Overall, I had a great time and would stay at this place again when I’m in Baguio.

Visit at Dolphy’s Wake (7/11/2012)

Went to Dolphy’s wake with Naree. TV5 sponsored the necrological service.

The wake was at Pavilion 6 in Heritage Memorial Park. On our way in, we saw a lot of photographers and reporters interviewing someone by the steps of the pavilion. They were interviewing Aga Muhlach who was with his wife, Charlene, and their two adorable kids.

We stayed outside since the hall was already packed, mostly with artists from the entertainment industry.

We saw Ana Feleo walk past us, but we did not get to greet her. We were met a few minutes later by our friend at TV5. She was greeted shortly by a pretty girl standing in the same area as ours – it was Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Our friend introduced Naree and I to her and Jasmine shook our hands.

We moved closer to the front of the hall to see the events inside (there were also TVs outside). Nino Muhlach was giving his eulogy for Dolphy – it was heartfelt and emotional. He wanted to play a video of his movie with Dolphy but for some reason it won’t play.

Others who gave their eulogies were German Moreno, Claudine Barreto, Willie Revillame, Sharon Cuneta and Manny Pangilinan. Some of the eulogies remembered the kindness and greatness of Dolphy, who despite his success remained humble and grounded til the end. His great love for his wife and 18 children shined through. There were a few, though, who just rambled and talked more about themselves.

Some minutes later, we were greeted by a familiar, sweet face. Eula Caballero, bubbly as ever, gave each of us a hug.Told her we should meet up again soon and she agreed.

Others who we spotted outside the hall were Pilita Corales, Ramon Christopher, Direk Mac Alejandre, Don Allado, Maricar De Mesa, Willie Revillame, G Tongi, Direk Peque Gallaga, Christian Vazquez and other oldies and newbies whose names I don’t remember.

Mykapalaran who was busy livetweeting the events in the hall took a break to greet us outside. I gave him his David Archuleta calendar c/o Jennifer Barry from the US. We agreed to meet up for dinner sometime soon.

We left the wake around midnight.

 

 

P.S. Heard that Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) paid for Dolphy’s hospital bills which was over a million pesos. MVP also continued to give Dolphy’s salary as a TV5 talent even when he could no longer work due to his illness.