A Wonderful Wedding at Pico De Loro

My dear friend Michelle got married, and was honored to have been invited.

Her wedding to her now-husband Darth was held in Pico De Loro. It was my first time there and it was lovely. The ceremony was held in St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel, although sadly, I missed it. (I will write more about this in the next post.) I did visit the chapel the next day to take some photos and it really is a beautiful with an incredible view of the sea.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel in Pico de Loro

The original plan for the reception was that it would be held outdoors, next to the lagoon, and Michelle selected the theme based on a color aesthetic that she felt would blend with the nature around us. Unfortunately, it rained very heavily the day before and the ground was really muddy so they decided to move the wedding indoors. Despite this move, it was still an awesome celebration!

I also had a special role at the wedding. Michelle asked me to sing a couple of songs. She wanted me to sing the duet version of TJ Monterde's "Palagi" with the emcee, Katrine Sunga. She also asked me to sing a solo number and gave me free rein to choose what song to perform. I ended up going with Martin Nievera's version of The Promise (I'll Never Say Goodbye), which I have now sung at seven weddings. My familiarity with this cover version of a Melissa Manchester song from the 1979 movie The Promise that made me decide to sing it because I wouldn't need to practice it as much. That said, I had to sing it with live band so I had to arrive at the venue earlier than everyone else to rehearse.

As it turned out, the two singers who performed before me, including Katrine Sunga, were trained in the UST conservatory of music and Katrine has in fact performed internationally. I had to actually say right before I sang that unlike all other performers that evening, I wasn't trained in any conservatory and that maybe I should have actually been the first to perform haha. Still, I think it turned out okay.

The table I was assigned to during the reception included our other friend Irish and many of their college friends who were all really cool. After the wedding, I got to hang out with Irish and the other friends I made that night.  Soon after, Michelle and Darth joined us. As it turns out, I actually know a lot of people they know because we went to the same college. What a small world! We hung out and enjoyed some drinks, food, and coffee (yes, I had coffee haha) before calling it a night shortly after midnight. After all, it was a really long day and we were all tired. 

I booked a premier room at Pico Sands hotel so that I wouldn't have to make a long drive home late at night. My room was pretty spacious.

My premier room at Pico Sands Hotel

It also had a balcony with a mountain view that was pretty good and very tranquil.

View from my balcony

I needed to leave early on Sunday so didn't get to use the pool or other amenities but I did spend some time taking photos.

Pico de Loro pool area with a view of the lagoon

On my way home, I was tempted to take a selfie at Kaybiang Tunnel but there were way too many people and no easy spot for me to park a car so I ditched that plan. That said, on my way to Pico de Loro, I noticed that there were some awesome views of the sea from the road and there were a few viewing point. I made a mental note of that so that on my way home, I stopped a few times to take photographs.

View of the West Philippine Sea from one of the many viewing points along Pico de Loro drive

It was a beautiful wedding and while my full Pico de Loro experience wasn't exactly the best, I am very happy and honored to have been a part of one of the most important days of my dear friend Michelle's life.

Nami Art Gallery and the Art of Pancho Piano

I have evidently got into my art phase this year. I am now the proud owner of two paintings from award-winning Bicolano artist Pancho Piano which I purchased from Nami Art Gallery.

My Pancho Piano paintings from Nami Art Gallery

I previously wrote about how art gallery accounts would keep popping up in my social media feed, and one of those accounts was Nami Art Gallery. A few of their featured paintings caught my attention: they were from the Birds of Paradise series of Bicolano artist Pancho Piano.

Nami Art Gallery

I've been thinking about those paintings since I saw them in 2024. So much so that recently, I visited Nami Art Gallery along Katipunan to see them up close and personal. This Birds of Paradise series includes several pieces and I found myself gravitating towards one of the blue ones. I said that I would think about it first.

Shortly after that visit, a post from Nami Art Gallery appeared in my social media feed saying that all paintings under P50,000 would have a 15% discount. That was a good deal and i thought it would be the perfect time for me to get the Pancho Piano piece I really wanted.

I asked the gallery consultant if the blue painting I liked was still available and he said it was. I also asked him about another Pancho Piano painting that I saw on their website that had the same size and was somewhat similar in style but was from a different collection (the Earth series). He said that one was also still available. I asked him if I could see all the 12" x 12" Pancho Piano pieces again so I could make my final choice.

The paintings I was interested in, hanging on the wall of Nami Art Gallery

In the end, I decided to get two pieces: the blue one from the Birds of Paradise series which I had seen the first time and the last remaining painting from his Earth series. The frames of both pieces were scratched up so Nami Art Gallery said they would have the frames replaced. I now have both of my Pancho Piano paintings hanging at home. And just like my Manuel Baldemor pieces, they fill me with joy every time I see them.

My Pancho Piano paintings hanging on a wall at home

While collecting art is not cheap, I have no regrets. The paintings have really brightened up my home and looking at them always improves my mood. Furthermore, knowing that I now own paintings that brilliant artists created makes me feel like I own invaluable treasures.

Crepe Glazik

Some time ago, I saw a question posed on social media about where to get good crepes in Metro Manila. While Cafe Breton has been and continues to be the gold standard for crepes in the Philippines, someone said that Crepe Glazik is also really good. As a big fan of crepes, I told myself that I need to try this place. It took a while but I finally got to visit and I have to say, I'm thankful I made time for it. Crepe Glazik has a couple of branches in Metro Manila. I visited their Makati shop along Tordesillas Street in Salcedo Village.

Crepe Glazik in Makati

The first crepe I ordered was the Tarte au citron revisitee. This is their signature lemon pie flavored crepe srved with lemon pie gelato. I love lemon pie and I love desserts that have a great balance between sweet and tart so this crepe was right up my alley. Also, I don't think I've ever seen any other place that has a lemon pie-flavored crepe. I was not disappointed with this choice. It was very good!

Tarte au citron revisitee (lemon pie crepe)

My first experience was very positive so after that, I visited Crepe Glazik a couple more times. On these subsequent visits, I tried the Pommes caramelisees, which is a crepe with apples that are caramelized with apple cider and salted butter and served with vanilla bean gelato...

Pommes caramelisees (apple crepe)

...and Mangue et chocolat which is a mango crepe with chocolate sauce and your choice of either fresh mango gelato or dark chocolate gelato (which is what I picked).

Mangue et chocolat (mango and chocolate crepe)

I also most got to try one of their savory crepes: the Douarnenez. This has French artisanal sausage, cider caramelized onions, Emmental cheese, and a sunny side up egg. I really liked this one too!

Douarnenez (sausage crepe)

I really like Crepe Glazik. There is a large selection of sweet and savory crepes. They also have good coffee (and it's quite interesting that their Americano cost the same at Php 140 whether you get the regular size or the grand size so I always get the grand. I will say that I prefer the apple and mango crepes in Cafe Breton to the ones here but the lemon pie crepe is superb and it will surely keep me heading back to this place. I might also try more of their savory crepes in the future, especially since I really liked the one I had.

Crepe Glazik
https://www.instagram.com/crepeglazik/
https://www.facebook.com/crepeglazik/
Makati Branch: Cambridge Centre Building, 108 Tordesillas, Makati City, Metro Manila
Phone: 0917 163 1130 

Manuel Baldemor's European Journey of Discovery Exhibit

I attended the artist's reception of Manuel Baldemor's European Journey of Discovery exhibit and it was amazing!

A few months ago, I wrote about my journey towards acquiring art created by Manuel Baldemor. Because I had purchased a couple of his paintings from the gallery that was organizing this exhibit, I was invited by my gallery consultant contact. He said that Mr. Baldemor would be there and it would be a great opportunity to meet and have a photo taken with him. Naturally, I made sure I could attend.

I loved this exhibit for so many reasons. First, I love Europe. I've been to several cities in Europe, some of which were the subjects of the pieces on display such as Vienna, Amsterdam, Bruges, London, and Moscow. Seeing beautiful paintings of cities I had visited made me feel even more connected to them.

I also really do love Mr. Baldemor's style and his use of color. His paintings just feel like they are full life and light and looking at them makes me happy. 

Some of my favorite pieces in this exhibit included Budapest,

Vienna,

and Prague.

What I didn't expect was that I would really love and be drawn to the Romania piece. I don't think it's the most photogenic painting in the exhibit because when I saw the photo of it, I thought it was just okay. But when I saw it in real life, it was spectacular.

I would have wanted to get one of the pieces but they were understandably on the expensive side, being good-sized paintings from an illustrious master artist. Also, the paintings on display from the 1990s and were made using watercolor and ink. Mr. Baldemor doesn't create art with this style or using these media anymore. I thought really hard about whether I would like to get a painting but I learned that they were sold out weeks before the exhibit.

The next best thing for me was to get the book which included photos of all the art from this exhibit. I was very fortunate that I was able to get Mr. Baldemor sign it...

...and have my photo taken with him.

I don't know if Mr. Baldemor still has paintings like this. I will try to start saving money now so if he does come out with more paintings similar to what was on display in the exhibit, maybe I can acquire one in the future. 

Of Grit and Steel

Of Grit and Steel is an exhibit of selected bronze sculptures from the BPI Art Collection to celebrate the bank's 174th anniversary. I chanced upon this display as I was walking along the bridgeway from Greenbelt 4 and 5. Entrance is free and since I'm in my art phase right now, I decided to head in to appreciate the many bronze sculptures on display here.

Of Grit and Steel free exhibit at the Ayala Museum

There's a write-up at the entrance that explains the significance of this exhibit: "At its heart is a dynamic interplay of themes: the role of women, the value of family, the importance of history, and the enduring power of culture--all of which continue to shape and define our identity as Filipinos."

Bronze sculptures by Solomon Saprid

Works of three artists were featured. At the entrance, there are two bronze busts of women created by Julie Lluch.

Bronze sculptures created by Julie Lluch

Napoleon Abueva is a National Artist for Sculpture and is known as the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture. His collection, called Panorama of Philippine Society, is showcased on another wall.

Panorama of Philippine Society bronze collection by Napoleon Abueva

Several pieces from Solomon Saprid were also on display.

More sculptures by Solomon Saprid

I was really happy that I randomly stumbled upon this free exhibit. It also made me realize that I still haven't been into the Ayala Museum to appreciate the art here so I need to make time for this soon.

 

Rest in Peace, Uncle Albert

A sad moment for my family: Uncle Albert, my grandfather's brother, passed away.

We call him Uncle even if he is my grandfather's brother because that's how we always called him, even as kids. He just celebrated his 88th birthday earlier this year and despite battling illness, his mind was as sharp as a tack. Their immediate family lost two people last year so one wish he had back then was that no one else in the family would go this year so it's heartbreaking that he didn't quite get his wish. That said, he did live a very full life and he was surrounded by love and by the people he loved before he passed on.

I took time off from work to attend the funeral. Uncle Albert was laid to rest next to his wife, Auntie Isabel, who passed on just a year ago. Among the many things he was known for was his predilection for wearing hats. Anytime there was a family gathering, he would always show up wearing one of his many hats. In his memory and in celebration of his life, his family brought his hat collection to the funeral and they asked all the men to wear one of his hats.

During the interment, Tito Chet, who is Uncle Albert's son-in-law, asked me to sing. He said that if Uncle Albert was still alive, he would have asked me to sing (as he did when Auntie Isabel was interred last year). I sang "Lead me Lord" and "Lift up your hands", both songs by Basil Valdez. I selected these songs because they were both hopeful, with themes of trusting in the Lord to help us get through difficult times. After singing both songs, the interment process was still not done so Tita Eileen said I should sing "Hindi Kita Malilimutan." This song is a lot more emotional than the other two I sang which is why I didn't originally plan to sing it. In fact, while I was singing, I heard Uncle Albert's best friend say that it was a very sad song. It did move quite a few people but I guess that's because it hits home: we really won't ever forget Uncle Albert.

It really is very sad that Uncle Albert is no longer with us. He was very vibrant and colorful and had such a life force, and you always felt his presence when he was around. Family gatherings will never be the same without him. We love you and we will miss you, Uncle Albert!

In-flight Entertainment

My long-haul flights to Australia and back allowed me to watch some movies on in-flight entertainment.

Twisters

I originally thought that Twisters was a reboot of the original 1996 film Twister which I love and which stars Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt. I have since read that it is apparently a standalone sequel. I couldn't really tell that it was a sequel though since there is no mention of anyone or anything from the original film, apart from the use of Dorothy to gather tornado data. While there are many similarities with the 1996 flick, there are a lot of different elements that give this movie a bit of a different feel from the first. I really enjoyed its twists - there were things I completely did not expect to happen - and I really liked the characters, especially the main protagonists. (I have to say that Daisy Edgar-Jones who plays the lead character Kate is absolutely gorgeous.) I also discovered that Bill Paxton's son James plays a small role in the film, which I thought was a wonderful touch given that Bill was one of the leads in Twister and he has since passed away.

Juror #2

I wasn't familiar with this movie until I saw it on the plane but the short description of it got me interested enough to watch it. And I'm glad I did because it was outstanding. (I later discovered it was directed by Clint Eastwood and I really do appreciate and think very highly of him as a director.) Juror #2 is kinda like a courtroom drama and a bit of a whodunit movie rolled into one. A huge revelation, which is shared in the very early part of the film, is such a huge and gut-wrenching twist that it kept me glued and wondering what would happen next. But what truly made it significantly more compelling to me was the moral dilemma upon which the movie is hinged and which drove the story forward. If you have a chance to see it, you should.

Captain America: Brave New World

I didn't watch this movie when it came out in the theaters because I thought you had to have watched a lot of the shows on Disney+, including The Falcon and The Winter Soldier series, but I was told later on by my friends that you didn't need to. So when I saw that Captain America: Brave New World was available in the PAL in-flight entertainment, I decided to watch it. It was actually not bad. The thing about these big blockbuster superhero movies is that they are action-packed and just a fun and easy watch. It was interesting to see the Red Hulk and even if his "secret" identity is already pretty known, it was still an interesting plot twist, adding excitement to the film's climax.

Delivery

I think I watched this Korean movie because it has a run time of only 101 minutes so it would be a relatively quick watch. I was also having trouble sleeping on the plane and I felt that watching a movie that required my to read subtitles would tire me out and make me fall asleep (it didn't haha). The premise of Delivery is that an infertile obstetrician fakes the pregnancy of his wife so they can get an inheritance, and they do this by paying a poor couple for their child. This movie kinda has similar vibes to the Oscar-winning Korean movie Parasite. It's not a feel-good movie, what with its social commentary and it's not-so-happy ending, but it does have pretty powerful themes.

Welcome to my Side

I'm surprised I ended up watching a second film that required me to read subtitles but (1) it had a 101-minute run-time, making it relatively short, and (2) it has an interesting premise. The short description of Welcome to my Side says: "After a painful breakup, Chen Xiaozhou is haunted by quacking rubber ducks. But when Feng Jianan enters his life, the ducks disappear, sparking a whimsical romance." To be honest, I am not quite sure I understood the revelation. Either I didn't read the subtitles very well or maybe things just flew over my head because I was so tired (this was the last movie I watched before we landed in Manila.) SPOILER ALERT: stop reading now if you don't want to know what I think happens. It seemed to me that the two leads were together before breaking up, then the male protagonist had an accident that caused partial memory loss, and he somehow forgot her and his relationship with her. I feel like I need to watch it again to fully understand it but it did have a happy ending, which was a good way for me to end a long haul flight from Australia to the Philippines.