Let me share our stories through the photos below. Para kaming nag-party sa isang comedy bar. Suko kami sa pagtawa at pagpalakpak. We never thought the night to be that hilarious. Salamat sa pagka-bibo ng mga OJTs namin.

Also right below the photo stories is our interview with Cintai’s manager, Ms. Cathy Maralit, who became a YouTube star (smileys here) with our first Cintai feature which you can view here.

This is how we celebrated early Christmas in Cintai…

Hindi magiging kumpleto ang saya kung hindi dahil sa makukulit na ito.

Ang sosyal kung sa Bali nga namin dinala ang mga ito, haha.

Sorry, wala namang batas na nagbabawal sa jump shot.

This is Christian Paula Ramos. Tuesday Vargas, run for your life! Money! Lahat na!

Edison, ang papalit sa trono ni Papa Alva. #chicmagnet

Belong ka, Kay!

Our resident biritera, Jackie.

Pool party in a cold December night.

Ok, kunwari hindi nilalamig.

We stretched summer in December!

One, two, three, lubog!

This is why we can’t try to do synchronize swimming. One, two, lubog agad!

Thanks to Ms. Ces Maralit-Lindog of Cesca’s Kitchen for our food!

More food!

We had party games after dinner — traditional turned hilarious games — guessing game, calamansi relay, and everyone’s favorite, Pinoy Henyo!

In green and white striped shirt is Dyan Kristine a.k.a. Lady Dyanbisyosa or The Disastrous Diva.

Lady Dayanbisyosa, WOWBirit Queen Jackie, Paula “Tuesday Vargas” Ramos sat as audience. Sino ang kumakanta sa una?

The guys behind GuitarTutee, JR and Thanx.

Model-modelan sa isang party ang peg namin dito.

Team Edison sang medleys (a Vice Ganda original).

Team Jackie rendered some dance numbers and a skit inspired by Bubble Gang’s Pickup-an.

Our little photog of the night, Amaris, Gerlie’s adorable niece.

Manel and Jackie, the girls in red stripes, started the exchange gift.

Gerlie and her Monita, moi.

Si Eds at ang nakalimot ng regalo nya, si Thanx. Fragile!

There are a couple of developments in Cintai since our June visit. Let’s hear them from the resort’s manager, Ms. Cathy.

That’s all, folks! We hope you also had a wonderful Christmas.

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We did not waste the chance given to us with that trade fair. Since we are selling shirts online, we used the booth allotted to WOWBatangas Team and we did sell shirts for our eight-days stay.

On the first day, I felt very nervous for I was not that familiar in selling shirts, you know -the marketing strategy. Haha.

I really don’t know how to convince people to buy our products. But since our shirts have that cool, funny designs and Batangas-inspired statement shirts, the customers were amazed and we sold hundred-plus shirts.

Eventually, I started to enjoy staying at the booth and sell our shirts after that first day.

Though the weather was not friends with the venue of the trade fair, still it did not stop us to sell our shirts – go na go parin ako. One of the best things that I have enjoyed with that experience was the chance to meet new people, new friends as well.

Going back to our store, of course there are this customer’s favorite items. For my eight days stay on the store, the shirt with the Ala Eh! logo for 2011 is one of the best selling designs, followed by the “Do not do” shirt (the one with the Batangueño translation “Kung ayaw mong magay-on ay wag kang gay-an!”), the Jeepney shirt, and the Guyam shirt. Some even opted to have customized or personalized designs

Although we have best-sellers, the other designs did make customers laugh and stay for a while at the store and stared on the other shirt designs.

Not only Batangueños were amazed with the designs, even the foreigners were attracted to buy some shirts, too.

That experience was indeed remarkable, not only for me but for the whole WOWBatangas Team.

Wondering what are those shirt designs? Well you can check our online store and buy.

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Syempre hindi kami magpapahuli! Just like last year when we joined the Trade Fair for the Ala Eh! Festival 2010, we’re selling WOWBatangas Tees in this year’s exposition. Mas magaganda at mas nakakatuwang designs na exclusively sa amin n’yo lang mabibili.

If you want to see our shirt designs, visit our online store.

Kung kayo ay taga-Calaca o mapapagawi sa Calaca, bisitahin ang Provincial Trade Fair sa Municipal Hall Grounds at syempre, wag n’yong kalimutang puntahan ang aming booth, ang WOW Batangas booth (no.7) kung saan mabibili nyo ang mga t-shirts ng WOW Batangas Store.

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October 23 at Robinsons Place Lipa, cosplayers from different parts of Batangas and beyond gathered for Cosplay United: The Beginning. With the huge tarpaulin backdrop on the stage of the Activity Area, the event title and the corresponding images posed something to look forward to.

And in three, two, one…

The event started a bit late and the first few hours of the day were spent on registration of the participants. Good thing Jackie knows the word calm. Keep calm, keep your cool. I personally have lost a few strings that day, haha.

In case you never heard about the event, there were three competitions incorporated in this Grand EB for the members of Cosplay United, the group that we formed to unite the different groups of cosplayers here in Batangas.

The first competition which was the Chibi, intended for kiddie cosplayers, turned into a simple presentation as there were only three Chibi cosplayers who came. They were so cuuuute. And they’ve got very supportive parents. Kudos to them.

Our cosplay event would not have been possible without, of course, the support of the CU members who were there to participate — the cosplayers of Batangas City Cosplayers (BCC), ARIDFAS Visual Arts (AVA) from BSU, and BRIJE (DLSL cosplayers). We were glad that there were contest participants who signed in to become a CU member. Can’t wait for the community to grow.

BCC performed two skits which were both appreciated by the crowd. Then, also part of the CU members grand EB were some activities which were intended to make them socialize among themselves.

You know what’s interesting about these cosplayers? They hold on to something that they are very passionate about. With that, they are able to work on their creativity. And hey, it’s another form of self-expression!

It may have started later than the targeted time but when the competition proper began, eyes were glued on the stage. Fifty-three cosplayers competed for the Regular category (characters portrayed were with not-so complicated costumes) and five contend for the Mecharmor category (robots, characters with intricate armored costumes).

There were a few crowd favorites. I can remember how the audience laughed (yes, laugh talaga) and cheered for Angry Bird. Haha. We had a hard time getting over that guy. S’ya kasi yung makulit na ilang beses kaming pinuntahan sa registration. I thought nang-aasar lang, haha. Winner ka boy!

Yes, Alfie Medina as Angry Bird won 1st Place in the Regular category. Winning at 2nd Place was Leah Teresa Mayor (who portrayed a character from Blood Rites MMORPG) and at 3rd Place was Mavick Yaco as Lunatic Charm.

When we gathered the Mecharmor contestants on stage, whoa! I can imagine Megan Fox and my guy Shia Labeouf. Huge, detailed costumes made of rubber sheets and paper maché. Bagging the 1st Place is Heron Bayanin as Jinouga of Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. Tied at 2nd Place were Red Daylusan as War Machine and Noel Lapdasan as Optimus Prime.

Kudos to all the cosplayers for putting up a good fight. It was worth the wait, we do hope all of you had fun yesterday. Oh, by the way, for cosplayers out there who want to be a member of Cosplay United, log on to www.cosplayunited.com!

Special thanks to our sponsors: Robinsons Place Lipa, Robinsons Place Department Store, and Jollibee.

Check out more of the CU: The Beginning Photos here.

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This event is for both the businessmen and would-be businessmen. Part I (morning session) is intended for those who want to start their own business. Part II (afternoon session), on the other hand, is for those with businesses already.

It’s not too late, the event is still on-going so come here at SM City Batangas Event Center. There are raffle draws, where you can win lots of prizes and goodies from the sponsors.

BIDA Bayani Photography contest winners will also be announced today. The Bida Bayani Photo tilt is in partnership with Batangas Province Camera Club.

BIDA BUSINESSMAN is in partnership with:
DTI
WOWBatangas.com
SM City Batangas
JETBEST
BDO
Tanauan PACKAGING AND SERVICE CENTER
B-MEG
BANKO KABAYAN, INC.
SIDC
PROVINCE OF LAGUNA

Click here for more photos.

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WOWBatangas.com will be having an event dubbed as “BATANGUEÑO AKO, YABANG KO ‘TO.” The highlight of this event is an on-site live mural or wall painting by multiple painters, with musical, dance and acting performances.

This event aims to showcase the talent of Batangueño artists in the visual arts, particularly in painting, t-shirt design, photography/filmography and in the performing arts. The event will be held on September 24, 2011 at Robinsons Place Lipa Activity Area from 1PM-5PM.

The murals (five wall paintings) that will be produced in this event will be arranged in a standing vertical position resembling a pentagon. It will be displayed next at Museo de Lipa, and will be brought to schools and government offices.

Finally, it will be exhibited in Calaca, Batangas on December 1-8, 2011 for the Ala Eh Festival 2011 and the 430th Foundation Celebration of the Batangas Province. This event is supported by the Lipa City Tourism Council, Batangas Province Tourism Office, and the Office of the Governor and Vice Governor.

Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge Alaeh!Shirt for being our partner in this event. This “BATANGUEÑO AKO, YABANG KO ‘TO.” on-site live mural painting will also paved the way for the formal launch of the first true online store in Batangas, the WOW Batangas Store.

The following are the featured and invited artists from the fields of visual arts, photography, filmography, and the performing arts. Some more artists will be announced soon.

Muralists
Christian Panaligan
Felix Rosales
Roland Rennell Quinio
Mhelen Hassim
Yohveniel Ante Bosita
Nelson Ante Bosita
Alvarez Alva

Film Makers
Ralph Quijano
Charles Aaron Salazar
Steve Cardona

Photographers
Pixel X-Sight
Batangas Camera Club
Lipa Camera Club

Musical Artists
Moki Fly (turn table)
GuitarTutee (acoustic)

Performers
Roger Basco and company

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August 8, 2011, Talisay, Batangas — The team had to start the day early for a scheduled commitment in Talisay. Okay, I won’t be delving on that commitment but rather on what made our day extra exciting.

We will never forget this day when altogether, we reached the crater of the world famous Taal Volcano. Yesssum!

How to go to the Taal Volcano crater?

From the Municipal Hall, you can either walk to the port area (where the public market is also located) or ride a tricycle, minimum fare. Take a boat ride which lasts from 10-15 minutes depending on the strength of the waves. For group of 6 persons, P1,500.

By the way, resorts in Talisay (mainland) also offers boat ride and trek to the crater so if you’re staying on one of these resorts, avail this trip for a complete Talisay and Taal Volcano experience.

Upon reaching the Volcano Island, you have to pay P50 (adults) or P30 ( for students and children below 7 y/o) then a horseback ride to the crater for 30 minutes or so which costs P450/person. A tour guide fee for the whole group costs P500.

We’ve got hundreds of pictures taken from this trip but I’ll tell you the story through some of the unforgettable photos I’ve picked.

Since we were told na pwedeng lakarin, we walked from the Municipal Hall down to the Public Market where the port area is also located.

Syempre, bago ang lahat, picture muna. One of the important things to bring for a Taal Volcano trip is your camera. Click.

The official boat of the Municipality of Talisay Tourism carried us to the Volcano Island.

We all experienced horseback riding while going up to the crater. It was super fun ride and we’re glad safe ang lahat. Pero ito ang pinaka-maeksena sa lahat (bukod pala sa Brokeback Mountain na hindi nakunan ng picture, haha).

Sosyal ang pangalan ng mga kabayo dun. Sa mga nasakyan ng team, itong kay Gerlie ang pinakamayaman pakinggan — Margarette.

After about 30 minutes, finally, we reached the crater of the world famous Taal Volcano.

We’re just glad we were given the chance to have this trip. Oh, don’t forget the things you should bring when going to Taal Volcano.

The boys were just so excited to do planking again. And the ultimate WOWBatangas planker did it again! Go Papa Alvs!

Paul was supposed to do planking, kaya lang nagmukha syang ibon na parang sumang-it sa sanga. Haha.

The Taal Volcano trip is better shared with people you love. ♥

Off we go to the highest point of the crater (or the mouth of the crater, that is) and the red path you see in this picture is what they call “daang pula”.

Kind of scary. Bawal ang malilikot dito! Haha.

Sinabing bawal nga ang malilikot dito eh. Si Reinier ay nakarinig ng walang sawang pagsaway ni Gerlie dahil panay ang punta sa dead end.

(Singing) Kay tagal mo mang nawala, babalik ka rin. Babalik ka rin.

Ito pa isang pasaway, si Joel, na hindi nakalimot sa plano nyang mag-planking dito.

Our resident mountaineer, Alva.

This Taal Volcano trip would not be possible without Ms. Len Barba, Ms. Tina, Ms. Jill, and the rest of the people from Talisay Tourism Office. Thank you po!

Overlooking Mt. Binintian (the inverted cone-like mountain often mistaken as the Taal Volcano)

Back to mainland, after the Taal Volcano trip, ito ang ganap.

If you plan to have this trip, you have to be prepared physically, at pati na rin yung ibang aspect ng personality mo. Be spiritually prepared, pray for a safe trip. Be mentally prepared, bawal ang lutang ang isip at baka mahulog sa bangin. Be emotionally prepared, seize the day and embrace the goodness of God’s creation.

See more Taal Volcano trip photos on our Facebook page.

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Malvar Shrine or Miguel Malvar Historical Landmark is under the National Historical Commission; it showcases General Miguel Malvar’s life as depicted on the paintings, photos, and documents on display. Our visit there allowed us to get to know Gen. Malvar better, how he contributed to the Philippine History, and why the shrine is in Sto. Tomas and not in Malvar.

We stayed there for more than half an hour and after the interview with Mrs. Nelly Galicia the shrine’s OIC, we headed back to Lipa.

It’s sizzling sisig for lunch at SM City Lipa Foodcourt. The best part of the lunch? Spending GCs.

What’s next after lunch?

All of us where thinking what our next destination would be as we still have the rest of the afternoon to spend.

And then Reinier thought of this resort in Laiya called Llamar Beach Resort which he can contact. After a few minutes of debate, we all agreed to go to San Juan. We were fortunate because the owner of that resort gave us the opportunity visit their place.

From SM City Lipa, we rode Indai again and headed back on the road. It was an awesome road trip. We traced the roads with music playing inside the car, laughters filling in between gaps, and some exchanging of “banat” lines. We shared everything we could enjoy while we were on our way.

Fom Lipa City, we passed the roads of Padre Garcia and Rosario before reaching San Juan. As we go on our way, I enjoyed looking on both sides of the road because of the trees and rice fields that these towns have. Well I’m sure the whole team loved it, too.

It was about 1 hour and a half drive to Llamar Beach Resort. Though the weather was gloomy that day, the team still managed to enjoy our almost 3 hours stay in that humble yet comfortable resort. We took pictures of the resort to be used for the feature article.

Sad thing for me and Miss D, we weren’t able to swim (unpreparedness and girl thing here) unlike the boys who raced towards the beach for a good swim. However, we did enjoy eating and posing for the camera. Click.

At exactly 5PM we left the resort and headed back to Lipa.

We all went home happy and contented. Our road trip was great one. The day was filled with learning, relaxing, and strengthening a bond worth keeping.

P.S.
Thank you Aris, that road trip will not be possible (or comfortable) without your Indai.

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July 21, the Communications and the Multimedia Teams of WOWBatangas, were in search for something refreshing (it was a frackin’ hot day) and we said, “Ta mag-Laiya na lang kaya?”

See, Laiya is a less-than-two-hour-drive from Lipa and Reinier knows a contact person to this particular beach resort there so “Why not?”, we told ourselves. We’ve been from Malvar Shrine, Santo Tomas after all, and we thought maximizing the fun of the day would just be logical thanks to Aris’ new found love, Indai.

And so we went. We boarded “Indai” (Aris’ car) and laughed and talked and laughed (again) our way to Laiya, San Juan.

And so we arrived.

We were welcomed by Orvil Impleo, an 18-year-old gentleman who also takes care of the place. He toured us on what I believe is one of the most comfortable beach resorts in Laiya.

Enter Llamar Beach Resort.

The resort’s name, as we have found out, is a combination of the surnames of the owners — Elsie Llana and Manny Marquez.

The Beach Front

Clear waters, fine sand, a view of Mount Daguldol and friends to share it with make the experience ethereal. Plus, some locals roam around to sell sea stuffs; I mean, we never bought one but the Daddy Octopus was a sight to behold indeed.

The Rooms

Orvil also toured us to all of the rooms. They have cottages, cabanas, apartments and dormitories which all have decent prices. The rooms range from 2-3 to 14-16 persons with prices that range from Php 1,500 to Php 9,000 — good for a gang of all sizes (and of all budgets) indeed.

All these accommodations are air-conditioned, double-size beds, toilet and bathroom. Amenities vary depending on the type of room you will reserve. Check-in time is 2:00PM, check-out time is 12:00 noon the following day.

Llamar’s Other Offerings

LLAMAR also has a pavilion that is located near the beachfront area, it is equipped with a bar and restaurant complete with tables and chairs that can accommodate up to 80 persons. The area ,too, can be reserved for private functions and events.

Affordable meals and drinks are available at the restaurant.

The resort may also do arrangements for banana boat rides, videoke machines for rent, jet skis, and other recreational activities.

We did enjoy the experience and we have copious amounts of jump shot photos to prove it.

“Why go to the beach when it’s the middle of the year?” you might ask.

It’s not that cold, my dear. Plus, the rates are down.

And more importantly, there’s no crowd of strangers. The company of your friends and the exclusivity of the surreal waters are truly felt.

Check the map insert to know how to go to Llamar Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan. Contact details: (02) 751-9863 / (0917) 813-7799 / (0917) 532-6775.

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We haven’t seen so many companies who brought their technologies in one great place. We haven’t seen tarpaulins laid on the floor as if they’re carpets to cover the base. We haven’t seen so many lenses of Canon DSLR cameras. And we haven’t seen a printer that literally prints on a door. Yes, on a door.

Well, we’ve seen these all this time. The 16th Graphic Expo and 2nd Photo-Video Expo has made us seen all that. An exciting array of state-of-the-art technologies were brought together at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.

And that’s not all. We’ve seen a number of hardware and software used on printing as well as digital imaging technology; learned lessons about photography and met the right people in the field of multimedia.

The team had a lot of fun. We were tired but we’ve learned and discovered a lot. To the organizers, thanks for the experience!

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