I finally found another job, and it is a work-at-home arrangement and I'm loving it!
I am quite relieved at this turn of events as I was starting to get really worried how I was going to get by this month. Whew!
I now find myself faced with a whole new adventure and I am happy.
Anyway, I am itching to get on my bicycle again and go off on another multi-day tour. A bike trip to Sagada has been on my mind lately and I am hoping I will finally find the time to get back on the road again very soon!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
And Tomorrow is a New Day
Today was my last day at the office.
Tomorrow will be my first day of unemployment.
This is yet another chance for me to steer my life in a different direction.
It's going to be one hell of a ride.
Stay positive. Work hard. Above all, love what you do, and be true to yourself.
Let's go!
Tomorrow will be my first day of unemployment.
This is yet another chance for me to steer my life in a different direction.
It's going to be one hell of a ride.
Stay positive. Work hard. Above all, love what you do, and be true to yourself.
Let's go!
Friday, November 6, 2015
A Pic A Day VIII
I can't remember what i was thinking about at the time
but it seems to describe my present circumstances
i reached a crossroads
and i made a decision
and i have no clue where the road will take me
yet i smile
i forgot about my friends
reminding me that i don't have to be so alone
and that the future is how i choose to make it
strangely, i feel relieved.
it's going to be alright, jay.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Road trip to Tabaco City, Albay
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I found myself in the rear with all the gear. It wasn't comfy, and it was really hard to fall asleep with the winding, bumpy roads and cramped space. |
I really looked forward to this gig since I was longing to go out of town.
I filed for an early leave from work on Friday so I have lots of time to prepare for the road trip.
By Friday evening, we had packed all our gear inside a van we rented, and we went on our way on a 12-hour ride down south!
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Ben's house at the back, and their eatery at the front. |
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Entrance to Ishiaya Japanese Restaurant. |
We arrived at our bandmate's house in Albay at around 10 am, and we had a delicious late breakfast before we were escorted by our hosts to a resort nearby where we can relax for a bit before hitting the stage later that evening.
At noon, we were treated to an awesome lunch at a Japanese restaurant!
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The stage at Jamaica Mansions Club House |
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The evening's entertainment |
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Camposanto! |
And this is us performing!
I think it was already past 3 am when it all ended, and we were all exhausted! We went back to the resort and hit the sack.
Later that morning, we took a dip in the pool and just chilled. Since we all had work the following day, we had to pack up our gear again for the journey back to Manila.
We had a pit stop at a local market to buy some snacks. We also went to a cemetery a short while after to visit our bandmate's mom's grave to lay some flowers.
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Jon, our vox, visits his mom... |
Check out my photos here.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Barabbas gig videos from last weekend
Here are some videos of our BARABBAS gig in Tabaco City, Albay last 31 Oct-01 November.
So, what we did was hand over the camera to the audience to do whatever, and we were surprised with the results.
Audio isn't stellar but I liked the raw, in-your-face videos taken.
Check em out below.
Will post blog update of our road trip soon!
So, what we did was hand over the camera to the audience to do whatever, and we were surprised with the results.
Audio isn't stellar but I liked the raw, in-your-face videos taken.
Check em out below.
Will post blog update of our road trip soon!
"Pataasan ng Ihi"
"Neural Bend of the Thinking Man"
"Regeicide"
"Mindplight of the Catalyst"
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Walking the bike home
I walked my bike the last 5 kilometers to my apartment because of a flat tire. Took me around 1 1/2 hours. No worries. Took my sweet time. I still had a smile on my face. My music player kept me company.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Barabbas band update
Here's our second studio track. We will be releasing a 3-track EP called "False Flags" this weekend when we arrive at Albay to perform live!
Title: "Matapos Ang Dilim"
Band: Barabbas
EP: False Flags
Recorded at: Mindplight Recording Studio
Mixed & Mastered: Sound Carpentry Recording Studio
Recorded at: Mindplight Recording Studio
Mixed & Mastered: Sound Carpentry Recording Studio
I'm excited to go on our upcoming 12-hour road trip down south!
I haven't travelled in a long time. Maybe soon I can go to the southern provinces again, but on my bicycle!
Saturday, October 24, 2015
A concert at the park...
Just arrived home from Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium where my band BARABBAS performed live on a lovely Saturday late afternoon!
The park brought back memories. My alma mater is just a few blocks away (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila) and I used to walk through this park all the time.
I took a lot more photos and videos and I hope to stitch together a new video soon.
Thanks to my brother Nal vivo Jr. from HATEURE and THE INSEKTLIFE CYCLE for these photos!
The park brought back memories. My alma mater is just a few blocks away (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila) and I used to walk through this park all the time.

Thanks to my brother Nal vivo Jr. from HATEURE and THE INSEKTLIFE CYCLE for these photos!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
The shit has hit the fan

As I plunge head first onto the rocky depths below, there is literally no turning back this time.
For better or worse, I made a decision.
This is going to be a painful descent, and as I reach rock bottom, I either get back up and rock n roll, or just lie there dead.
Let's fucking do this.
Holy shit.
Monday, October 19, 2015
A Pic A Day VII...
i suppose...
for you to go where your heart truly desires...
you have to take a leap of faith,
scrape your knees,
endure the pain.
find the courage to
face the fear of uncertainty.
your heart knows where to go.
take the rest of you with it.
jump.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
My band Barabbas performing at Luneta
My local metal band BARABBAS will be rocking Luneta
this October 24, 2015 folks!
this October 24, 2015 folks!
"Neural Bend of the Thinking Man"
by Barabbas
by Barabbas
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
These sandals were made for pedaling...
I just realized that I have been using these Merrell sandals since 2013.
It's unusual since my feet have a penchant for destroying footwear in a short span of time.
I'm impressed.
It's unusual since my feet have a penchant for destroying footwear in a short span of time.
I'm impressed.
Monday, October 12, 2015
My Dog, Boss...
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His name is Boss, and he's
an American Bulldog.
Here he is at my balcony
barking at something that caught his attention.
He's big enough now to make it
very difficult for me to carry him. He is my ever loyal monster companion. He never fails to greet me with an enthusiastic wagging of his tail. Amazing creature. |
Friday, October 9, 2015
My Little Carnival by The InsektLife Cycle
My instrumental band The InsektLife Cycle performing one of our songs "My Little Carnival" at Archipelago 7107 Bar at Ortigas Center, Pasig City...
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
A Pic A Day VI...
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
In the recording studio...
This is me recording my guitar parts at
Mindplight Recording Studio for my
instrumental band The InsektLife Cycle.
Getting it done in the hopes of releasing
a full length album this December and a
possible tour around China next year.
Monday, October 5, 2015
A Pic A Day V...
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
A Pic A Day IV...
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Somewhere in Ilocos |
I looked to my left
and the brightest white and vivid blue
took my breath away
I stopped
captured the scene
and just sat on my bicycle
taking it all in.
took my breath away
I stopped
captured the scene
and just sat on my bicycle
taking it all in.
it was worth it.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
A Pic A Day III...
Monday, September 28, 2015
Biking Around Marikina

I spent my Sunday today (9/27/15) taking a leisurely ride around my neighborhood in Marikina City, Philippines.


Here's a compilation of pics and clips I took earlier this afternoon. Enjoy!
+++++++++++++++++++++
WATCH MY VIDEO HERE.
MY STRAVA GPS ROUTE HERE.
MY PHOTO GALLERY.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Saturday, September 26, 2015
A Pic A Day II
if you can...
get out...see the world outside the four corners of your concrete slab of every day life...
because there is so much to experience
let your feet touch unfamiliar ground,
you've come this far...keep going.
get out...see the world outside the four corners of your concrete slab of every day life...
because there is so much to experience
let your feet touch unfamiliar ground,
you've come this far...keep going.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Down by the river...
There's this cycling path right along the Marikina river that I take when I bike commute to work.
It's a quiet, cool, scenic route away from the scorching hot, gas-guzzling, traffic-clogged main road to my right.
It's a quiet, cool, scenic route away from the scorching hot, gas-guzzling, traffic-clogged main road to my right.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
A Pic A Day...
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Somewhere in Mindoro |
after awhile, the body just does what it needs to do, and no further encouragement is necessary
and it gives you enough freedom for your mind to wander
to think about other things...and people
and places, memories, good and bad
cherish them all. it's who you are.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
A 48 kilometer kind of work day
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Selfie - I'm starting to burn off fat, and my double chin is beginning to disappear. I gotta watch my diet and remain active. |
I enjoyed the ride so much, I made a wrong turn somewhere so I had to back track. I eventually arrived at McKinley Hills where I had to file some paper work.
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If you're curious to know the route I took on this ride this morning, check out my STRAVA route here.
++++++++++++++++++++
I got the job done, biked my way back to our office, and around 2 hours later, I headed out again on yet another errand, this time at Quezon City Hall. But, I took a cab this time.


LOL. I was impressed.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Lifting my bike over my head was a ritual
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Lifting my bike during my Laguna Bay loop |
Before my all-steel, heavy-as-a-sack-of-cement touring bike, I rode around with this nimble, dirt jump Felt mountain bike.
I hit upon this idea of lifting my MTB over my head and getting my picture taken in the act of hurling it down some ravine! Unfortunately, the prospect of attempting that stunt now with my Surly Troll with all the gear attached to my steel horse would, I fear, cause me bodily injury.
But it's fun to reminisce. Check out my bike-lifting feats of strength!
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Me about to hurl my bike at the lake during my Jala Jala, Laguna ride |
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Lifting my bike during my bike ride to Kaybiang Tunnel |
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This was taken on a different Kaybiang Tunnel ride |
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There were locals in a tricycle who saw me doing this and thought I was going insane and about to throw my bicycle in the water! |
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During my bike trip to Puray Falls |
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Another bike throwing stunt at Tagaytay |
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When we rode to Thunderbird Resort |
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Sacrificing my bike to the gods of pavement and trail - during another trip to Thunderbird Resort |
Monday, September 21, 2015
Into the Unknown
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The roads are endless, but there is always a destination. |
I just recently handed in my resignation letter from my job and it's the scariest thing I have ever done in a long while. Scary in the sense that I'm not exactly sure what the future holds for me.
Then again, I guess life in general is like riding a bicycle.
I could spend countless hours and days planning my next adventure - and get stuck second-guessing myself, doubting my preparations, paralyzing myself brooding over worst case scenarios. Eventually, I step back, take a deep breath, and simply tell myself, "Just do it."
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Not everything goes according to plan. Fix it. Keep pedaling. |
It took me a long while to just do it, and now that I have, I find myself in unfamiliar territory. The prospect of impending unemployment, limited job opportunities, and the fear of not knowing what's around the next corner is both unnerving and exhilarating. Kind of similar to what I experience on the road. You know, something like cycling in the dark in unfamiliar territory, harboring thoughts of impending danger, limited options for help or rescue, and the fear of not knowing if that next switchback leads to your destination or several more miles of pavement. But I keep pedaling, because stopping is not an option. Don't stop. Keep going. I can do it.
And so I do the same in real life. Keep going, Jay. Don't stop. You can do it. You have no other option but to keep going forward.
Reassess your desires, passions, priorities, goals. Make do with what you have. Shed everything that you don't need. Live within your means. Treasure the few friends and loved ones in your life. Take care of your health. Be thankful for everything that has happened in your life. No regrets. You probably have a little over 2 decades left in your life if you play your cards right. Live the rest of your days the best way you know how. Be true to your yourself and others. Don't be miserable. Know who you are and what you are capable of. Don't try to change what you know are the best things about you.
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Sweat, aches and pains - and then I look up and around, and I realize how amazing it is to be alive. |
I don't know how my actions are going to play out. But like I always scream to myself in the middle of a hellish climb in the middle of the dark with the next town still hours away..."Keep pedaling damn it." And then I let out a laugh under my breath, and manage a faint smile.
I'll be alright, man. I'll be alright.
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