Joni Ang » News, Events, Occasions http://joniang.com Web. Travel. Stories. Sat, 21 Aug 2010 17:13:20 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 For The Love of Cory Aquino http://joniang.com/2009/08/05/for-the-love-of-cory-aquino/ http://joniang.com/2009/08/05/for-the-love-of-cory-aquino/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:53:31 +0000 Joni http://taintedsong.com/?p=1333 Like most “90′s babies” (those born in the 80′s but don’t remember much of what happened during the said decade), I have pictures of me doing the “Laban” sign. I think I have 3, but this is the only one my mom could find. See I’ve always been pro-Cory! Lol.

"Laban" for Cory Aquino
June 1986: That’s me sitting on Papa’s lap, and those goofy ones up there are my brothers and cousins.

Obviously, at the age of 2, I didn’t know what that symbol stood for and what the grownups back then were fighting for. Not until I was old enough. I’ve always been interested to hear, watch, and read about our would-have-been-president Ninoy Aquino‘s life and political career. My impression of Ninoy is that he was a great man. Because of his untimely death, the Filipino people will never know what they’re missing. And now that his wife, President Cory Aquino, has passed away, I’ve learned to appreciate the Aquino couple’s love and sacrifice for our nation even more. They are undeniably the most admirable husband and wife in the history of the Philippines.

DSC00362 DSC00372 DSC00371
DSC00369 DSC00373 DSC00374

Today I was able to witness the funeral cortege of President Cory Aquino. Yes, I am one of the millions of people saddened by her death. I honestly don’t get why there are haters out there who only have negative things to say about how BIG the funeral of our “Ina ng Demokrasya” is. These people must have been living under a rock, totally oblivious and stone-hearted. President Cory may not be the best president this country has ever had achievement-wise, but she’s undoubtedly the most honest, selfless and sympathetic. She has the biggest heart of them all. And we can’t stress it enough, she gave us back our freedom.

This has been a sad last few days for Filipinos everywhere. Our symbol of hope may have gone ahead of us, but her legacy lives on. Like they say, “Sana hindi ka namin mabigo..”

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 326 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions

]]> http://joniang.com/2009/08/05/for-the-love-of-cory-aquino/feed/ 3 If I Could Go Back, I Would http://joniang.com/2009/07/02/if-i-could-go-back-i-would/ http://joniang.com/2009/07/02/if-i-could-go-back-i-would/#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:06:16 +0000 Joni http://taintedsong.com/?p=1285 In my list of 10 Simple Joys that I wrote last year, I mentioned that I was deciding on a nice anniversary gift for my parents. The anniversary gift that I was thinking of getting them then was to take them to either Singapore or Hong Kong. This was supposed to be for July 2008 because July was both their birth month and their wedding month. I was psyched about this plan since it would be Papa and Mama’s first time to fly out of the country and I knew it would really make them happy. I was leaning toward bringing them to Hong Kong because I knew my dad would love to be in a place closest to Mainland China at least so he could try authentic Chinese food (My dad has this weird fascination with anything Chinese although he’s only 25% of it, lol), while my mom would love to do some bargain shopping.

But for some reason, I discarded this plan. Maybe I was thinking about how much the trip would cost me especially during a time that I was saving for the rainy days. True enough, the “rainy days” began the day my dad was brought to the hospital last year. I could keep telling myself now that not pushing through with the trip was a good move because of all the unexpected expenses that came pouring in, but I can’t help feeling sad and regretful. I should have pushed through with the plan! It would have been a memorable experience not only for Papa, but for Mama and I. Never mind how much it would have cost, money can always be obtained.

But I just let the chance pass, didn’t I? I only have myself to blame.

During that trip to Hong Kong with Mae last month, I kept thinking about Papa and how much he would have enjoyed exploring the city. Everywhere we went, I’d imagine his joyful reaction to everything. I got sentimental the most when we dined at a real Chinese restaurant in Temple Street to try out real Chinese food. I’m positive my dad would have loved it!

templest

Today is Papa’s 55th birthday. I miss him everyday. If I could go back to last year and make his 54th birthday more special, I would. But I know he wouldn’t be happy to know that I’ve been feeling this way since he left. There really is no use crying over spilled milk, but what happened has taught me to embrace opportunities as they come.

Chances are so hard to come by and the second one is impossible to find.

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2009. | Permalink | 14 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 437 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions, Personal

]]> http://joniang.com/2009/07/02/if-i-could-go-back-i-would/feed/ 14 First Dance http://joniang.com/2009/02/20/first-dance/ http://joniang.com/2009/02/20/first-dance/#comments Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:27:53 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=1136 First dance

In the photo above are my brother and his bride on their wedding day (January 25th). The fact that both my brothers are now married scares me. Because, to me, that only means two things. (1) I’m next, and (2) I’m getting old. *faints*

The Couple with friends Che, Ann, Sharon, Danette, Joni IMG_8290 The cake Poolside wedding Wedding
More photos here.

This post is obviously over 3 weeks late — sorry. I just realized today I have some photos that I’d love to share with everyone, so expect more “short posts” from this blog!

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 80 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions

]]> http://joniang.com/2009/02/20/first-dance/feed/ 4 Lizbeth and Randell http://joniang.com/2008/12/13/lizbeth-and-randell/ http://joniang.com/2008/12/13/lizbeth-and-randell/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:51:02 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=1050 Liz and Randell Liz and Randell Liz and Randell

I’ve attended many weddings in the past, but only a few were successful in getting me all mushy as a Hallmark valentine. And Liz and Randell‘s wedding last December 11 at Archbishop’s Palace is one of those few.

Mae, Riz, Joni with Liz&Randell I love the church where they got married because it’s small, which made the wedding ceremony more solemn and sentimental, as opposed to those big churches that make everyone seem far away from each other.  While Mae and I were taking pictures of the couple, we can’t help but say “Awww” and imagine our own weddings someday. Hee. Their love for each other is inspiring.

Thank you, Liz, for inviting us to your wedding! Riz, Mae and I are so happy for you. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for you and Randell! Stay in love. ♥

More photos here.

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 0 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions

]]> http://joniang.com/2008/12/13/lizbeth-and-randell/feed/ 4 My Choice http://joniang.com/2008/09/16/my-choice/ http://joniang.com/2008/09/16/my-choice/#comments Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:20:48 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=837 The Philippine Blog Awards is gonna raffle off a brand-new Nokia N82? And all I gotta do is vote for a blog vying for the Bloggers’ Choice Award to get a chance to win it? Why didn’t you say so in the first place? :P

Here’s my vote. Because I am a visual person and the first thing that attracts me to a blog is its aesthetics, I am voting for Octwelve. I’ve come across Luc Melgar’s blog a few times before since her portfolio is being featured on some well-known design sites I’m subscribed to. When I found out that it was a Filipina behind those awesome designs that’s being showcased alongside international projects, I felt proud. If she can do it, so can we! Only, I can’t. :(

It is blog designs like this one that makes me want to throw mine straight into the trash. And it is full-fledged freelance web designers like her who makes me want to give up my full-time job and fearlessly take on the Work-at-Home world. But, evidently, I’m still a looong way off, so I’m not gonna do that. Check out her rockin’ portfolio!

On a related note, the Philippine Blog Awards has opened 200 slots for bloggers who want to attend the Awards Night this Sunday. You may register here if you want a slot.

I know it’s not required, but I don’t mind including the sponsors in this post. They earned it!

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 9 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 297 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions, Plugs

]]> http://joniang.com/2008/09/16/my-choice/feed/ 9 First Web Design Conference in the Philippines? http://joniang.com/2008/09/14/first-web-design-conference-in-the-philippines/ http://joniang.com/2008/09/14/first-web-design-conference-in-the-philippines/#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:58:04 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=826 If you’re a web designer (or an aspiring one) in the Philippines, you will be delighted to know that a small group of web designers are planning to hold a web design conference right here in Manila. It’s going to be sometime in the first quarter of 2009. There’s still plenty of loose ends to tie up as the idea of organizing such an event only sprang up last week (when Mae was having a hangover from WordCamp, lol), and we’ve only had one meeting so far. Present in last Thursday’s meeting in Bonifacio High Street, excluding me and Deej, are the following:

If this is something that you find interesting and you want to help in any way you can, do drop Ia a note with your email address and desired username. An official site is yet to be created, so for now, we exchange ideas over at http://webdesignph.grouphub.com/. We’re also working on making this an official organization. Join na!

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 11 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 168 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions

]]> http://joniang.com/2008/09/14/first-web-design-conference-in-the-philippines/feed/ 11 Weekend Snapshots #6: WordCamp Philippines http://joniang.com/2008/09/08/weekend-snapshots-6-wordcamp-philippines/ http://joniang.com/2008/09/08/weekend-snapshots-6-wordcamp-philippines/#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:08:43 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=759 After reading a bunch of posts about the WordCamp last Saturday, I’ve decided that writing my own post might be a little redundant. If you wanna know my experience at the first WordCamp Philippines, you can read the posts written by Mae and Tina. I was with them the whole day so what happened to them was pretty much what happened to me too!

The reason I came to WordCamp was because The Matt Mullenweg‘s going to be there and the event’s all about WordPress, which is only my favorite blogging platform. Because of WordPress, I have a freelance job at E.Webscapes. I’m not gonna deny it, the money is good in the blog design industry. Thank you, Matt, for WordPress!

These three girls are witnesses to my being a pathetic fangirl last weekend. I’ve been wanting to talk to Matt the whole day of Saturday, not just for a small talk but to really converse with him about WordPress. I actually have a lot of questions for him (which I was too chicken to ask in front of everyone in the Q & A). But because there was very little chance I can approach him and because I’m actually very shy (I really am!), having one two photos with him and getting him to sign my WordPress for Dummies that Lisa gave me should be enough to make me all giddy! IT’S MATT MULLENWEG, GUYS!

Aside from wanting to see Matt in person, I also went to WordCamp to be with my blogger friends and to meet new people. I got to meet these awesome bloggers in person: Julie (and hubby), Ia, Jeric, Carlo, Karla, Marc, Helga (and lover), Ade, and Peter — and some familiar faces: Ganns, Normi, Romzkee (and Manny), Tina, Red, Jeff, and LA. I wish I brought my dSLR so I could have taken better pictures, but I didn’t want to have to lug it around with me the whole day.

Having said all that, evidently, I did enjoy my time at WordCamp. I do have some comments about some people there but I’ve decided to just forget about it. Let bygones be bygones! Check out the pictures below. :)

Btw, I’m so looking forward to WordPress 2.7 in November! The new features rock!

Ia and Joni
Matt Mullenweg and organizers
Normi at WordCamp


State of the Word

Jeric and Joni
Matt Mullenweg


Mae and Tina
Wordpress as a CMS by Karla Redor
WordPress plugins by Markku


Reunited Zimmies: Tina, Ganns, Joni, Red
Three Mattskeeters: Tina, Joni, Mae

Early birds at Mag:net: Joni, Tina, Mae and Sarah


Me and Matt!!! At Mag:net. Photo courtesy of Helga. Thanks, Helga!
Helga, Mae, Joni. Photo courtesy of Helga.
WordCamp Philippines


Another photo with Matt Mullenweg!!!
State of the Word
Ade, Joni, Peter, and Helga


© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 45 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 407 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions, Wordpress

]]> http://joniang.com/2008/09/08/weekend-snapshots-6-wordcamp-philippines/feed/ 45 For Love of Eraserheads http://joniang.com/2008/09/02/for-love-of-eraserheads/ http://joniang.com/2008/09/02/for-love-of-eraserheads/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:26:41 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=721 No, this isn’t another one of those blog posts that bear the news about the recent Eraserheads concert. I’m sure you’ve read all about that in other websites and/or have watched it on TV. I guess when you have a blog and you were able to watch the reunion concert last Saturday, you just sort of have this urge to write about what you feel. Hence, this post. It’s been two days, but up till now, I still feel really, really sad about what happened.

When I was younger, I wasn’t a big fan of Eraserheads. Though that was the case, I still know most of their songs by heart. The music of Eheads was the kind that gets stuck in your head even if you didn’t want it too. All through my elementary and high school days, their songs were just everywhere, you can’t escape them. I didn’t have their albums (which were just in cassette tapes back then) but my older brothers did.

Remember that 90′s movie Pare Ko starring Mark Anthony Fernandez? Hee.

Honestly, I hardly minded when the group disbanded in 2002. But I think, as time passed by, that “hole” representing the absence of Eraserheads in the music industry got bigger and bigger that a simple rumor of a reunion concert was enough to send fans my age (and older) into a frenzy. I think the younger (emo?) generation wouldn’t be able to appreciate Eheads the way the older ones do.

When news articles and interviews began to shed more light on the rumor, I decided that, by hook or by crook, I was going to watch that concert. I even registered in that cigarette company’s website and pretended I was smoker, heh. I followed several blogs and watched out for juicy updates in Twitter, Multiply and Plurk. To be honest, I was relieved when they announced two Sundays ago that the rumored free concert wasn’t free anymore. That way, I can definitely ensure my “pass”.

Despite what transpired last Saturday, the short-lived concert was a success. It was so heartwarming how each and every one who attended were all smiles, just singing or humming along with Ely the whole time. I remember thinking, “Wow! Ang daming Ely!” I swear I got goose bumps! Lol.

The only thing I hated about the concert though is the poor way they designed the venue layout. I agree with what Luis said about it. I was pretty pissed that night after I stepped inside the venue and saw the horrible, horrible set up! And for good reason. They put that sound stage (which was probably as big and as tall as the actual stage itself!) right behind the VIP section as though the VIP are the only ones who came to watch. I pity those people in the faraway land of General Admission who I’m sure were cursing the organizers to their graves for robbing them the PhP 800, and just letting them live off what little the video walls were giving them. But of course, when the countdown began, all the negativity toward the concert venue (and the musty smell of the crowd) just kind of flew out the window. Even more when Ely’s familiar voice filled the place.

Do I regret shelling out PhP 1300 for a concert that didn’t end the way it’s supposed to end? Not at all. Seeing them all together again live on stage was definitely worth it. It was very emotional and nostalgic. I’m glad I was part of the the crowd who only responded positively when, halfway through, they announced that they had to cut the concert short because Ely was rushed to the hospital. Upon hearing the news, everybody was pretty shocked but was very understanding.

Let’s see if the rumor of another reunion concert is pushing through. I wouldn’t wanna miss that one too! I still want to hear them play Magasin, Overdrive, Para Sa Masa, Pare Ko, Ang Huling El Bimbo, and more. I definitely won’t mind making my way in the jam-packed venue and standing up for hours again. Praying for Ely’s fast and complete recovery..

What’s your opinion of the concert?

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 8 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 696 | Filed under: Music, News, Events, Occasions

]]> http://joniang.com/2008/09/02/for-love-of-eraserheads/feed/ 8 Eraserheads Concert Tickets – August 30 http://joniang.com/2008/08/27/eraserheads-concert-tickets-august-30/ http://joniang.com/2008/08/27/eraserheads-concert-tickets-august-30/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:37:04 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=682 The E-Heads concert this Saturday (August 30) is probably the most disorganized, most perplexing yet most awaited concert in the history of our country. It’s so strange — and annoying, I should say — how the news about the concert changes every couple of hours. Here’s the latest I read from Odysseylive.net:

(As of 8/27/08) Wednesday 5:46pm

A couple of minutes ago i got a message saying information that made me jump out of my seat! It said that folks involved with MTV Philippines have taken over the show of the Eraserheads reunion concert and that ticket prices have been changed to P800 and P1300! Immediately i made the call to MTV to find out if these reports were true…indeed they are!!!

Radiohead Media Solutions, Inc. announces the acquisition of the concert rights to the much awaited one-night-only Eraserheads reunion this coming Saturday, 30 August 2008. The Reunion is to be slated at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field.

It has officially been confirmed that the Eraserheads One Night only Reunion concert has been taken over by Radiohead Media Solutions! After Marlboro pulled out, it seems like they took on the responsibility of doing the show and giving the fans what they want!!! Not only that, but ticket prices are also now at P800 and P1300. Tickets will be sold at ticketworld starting august 28 and you can call them for inquiries at 891-9999.

I know im the first one to release this info and many of you may not believe me but this news comes directly from MTV’s head honcho! Believe it or not!!!

Really, I don’t know who or what to believe anymore. I guess we’ll all know tomorrow, August 28. Or the day after that. Or the concert day itself? If you ask me, they should just postpone the concert and get things more organized. But I also understand that a lot of people have been waiting for this since the day the rumors of an Eraserheads reunion first came out. So okay, whatever works for them.

If anyone has more info about the E-Heads concert, do share!

[EDIT: 8/28/08 11:25am] The concert is happening! [/EDIT]

[EDIT: 8/28/08 2:00pm]

Details of the Eraserheads Concert (info from TicketWorld – Greenbelt 1):

  • Date: August 30, 2008 (Saturday)
  • Venue: Bonifacio Global City Open Field, Taguig
  • Tickets: General Admission (P800) and Patron (P1300)
  • Tickets sold at TicketWorld. Call (02) 891-9999 or view the ticket outlets.

[/EDIT]

[EDIT: 8/28/08 6:00pm] W00t! Got our tickets! See you at the concert!

[/EDIT]

[EDIT: 8/31/08]

Here’s a good video recap of the short-lived Eraserheads concert. Thanks, Aileen!


Eraserheads Reunion Concert video

[/EDIT]

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 25 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 437 | Filed under: Music, News, Events, Occasions

]]> http://joniang.com/2008/08/27/eraserheads-concert-tickets-august-30/feed/ 25 Registering for WordCamp Philippines http://joniang.com/2008/07/15/registering-for-wordcamp-philippines/ http://joniang.com/2008/07/15/registering-for-wordcamp-philippines/#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:47:50 +0000 Joni http://www.taintedsong.com/?p=555 Today, I did two WordPress-related things. First, I upgraded my blog to version 2.6 — thanks to Dreamhost for making this easier for me with just one click — and I registered for the 1st WordCamp Philippines, an event brought to us by the Mindanao Bloggers.

When I found out this morning that I have to write a post about the WordCamp I honestly hesitated for a bit (coz I was lazy). Then I realized that the event is completely free and writing this post is the least I can do for them. Heh. Beggars can’t be choosers. :P And I do love WordPress to bits!

WordCamp Philippines badge1

The first WordCamp Philippines will be on September 6, 2008 at the Augusto-Rosario Gonzalez Theater in the College of St. Benilde (Taft Ave., Manila). Both WordPress and non-WordPress users are encouraged to come. The following are the topics that the organizers are considering:

  • Blogging 102 – Basics & Beyond
  • Other Ways to Use WordPress
  • Video and Mobile Blogging
  • Cascading Style Sheets
  • Blog Monetization
  • Migrating to WordPress
  • Organizing / Optimizing Your WordPress Blog
  • Advanced WordPress Management
  • Developing WP Plugins / Best Practices in PHP Coding
  • Designing WP Themes
  • WordPress & SEO
  • WordPress E-commerce Site
  • Configuring & Deploying WordPress MU
  • Developing WP Aggregator Sites
  • WordPress Security / Anti-Hacking Techniques
  • WP Development Ethics
  • Microformats

And here’s the list of sponsors:

This is one blogger event that I definitely don’t wanna miss! See you in September! Sign up today. :)

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 18 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 292 | Filed under: News, Events, Occasions, Wordpress

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