Off-key at Tequila Joe

One great thing about Cebu is that a lot of people here can really sing. That's why Karaoke is really popular throughout the island. Everywhere I go, from high scale resto-bars to a minuscule roadside store, there's always a Karaoke machine with some serious singing showdown going on. Even the local bands’ vocalists have exceptionally great voices. I could round them up and herd them off to American Idol auditions and I personally think that every one of them would get a yellow pass to Hollywood. And come some bar's acoustic night, the audience participation is a highly coveted part of the show.

So when I sing, either in Karaoke bars or when I take over the spotlight of a band’s vocalist, people pay attention. Not because I can belt out a tune like Amy Winehouse, but because I’m one of the few in the Cebuano population who royally suck at singing. And what I love about this place is that most people appreciate me. Most people who are my friends, at least. =D


Last night, I assaulted the senses of the Tequila Joe crowd when I took center stage and sang my horrible version of Like a Virgin. After the band’s vocally-impressive performance, I think I came out like a drum roll and a bull horn in the middle of somebody’s dreamless sleep. I sang at the top of my lungs and gradually shrank off along with the microphone stand because I didn’t know how the damn lock works. But I didn’t miss a beat as I gracefully swayed down along with it. And what did I get for my efforts? A call for an encore! There’s really no place like home.

(Tequila Joe is located at the Ayala Entertainment Center, Cebu Business Park)

Only in Cebu: Sinulog 2006!

One of the things I love most about Cebu is the annual Sinulog festival. As far back as I can recall I’ve always spent the day on the streets, watching the spectacle and having a generally good time. Good food and cold drinks abound and festive spirits pulsate all over the city. In the evening after the street dancing, I look forward to the concerts, especially those sponsored by San Miguel (they tend to be bigger and crazier) excited to groove to the music with my own uniquely chaotic dance moves.

Sinulog 2006

The Giants
Street Dancers
Henna Tattoo Session
I wish I could wear that!

I wish Taz is permanent!
Cool costume!
The multitude
Float
Fireworks: I don't go home without it
Party!

Moalboal: Gray, Stormy and still Beautiful

Moalboal... another town in the Southwest of Cebu famous for its alluring beaches. I've been to Basdako beach 3 times already and while the first two were warm, sunny days, the third one had a typhoon brewing. And yet, the place was still beautiful, in a distantly chaotic way, stripped bare of its warm, welcoming nature.


I loved the strength of the wind and how it made the waves crash into the shore, the same way the beer crashed into my system. I felt that I was one with the storm and the waves and I merged with them until finally, I realized that I am human and that rolling around the waves fully-clothed can ruin the straps of my beloved Havaianas flip-flops.

I like the 3-hour drive from Cebu City to Moalboal. The Southern road offers a scenic view and once I get to the destination, food, drinks and accommodations are really affordable.