Videos: Lubao International Balloon Festival 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We took a lot of videos during the 3rd Lubao International Balloon Festival or #LubaoIBF2016 held at Pradera Verde located at Prado Siongco in Lubao, Pampanga and have posted some of the highlights during the same days between April 14 to 17, 2016 when we rode for the first time the hot air balloon and experienced the feeling of how it is soaring among the clouds and above the Lubao, Pampanga rice fields.

There were mixed emotions as we couldn't decide if we want to enjoy the view or take lots of phots and videos while up above the Pampanga sky. The heat of the flames the keeps the hot air balloon afloat was also somewhat distracting as we sweat so much that it was advised to have some water after a few hours up in the air.

Our balloonist from Spain was more than relaxed that he even opted to fly twice. We landed somewhere only to change tanks and flew again somewhere in Bataan. The second landing was a bit rough as we bumped into some tree branches, and our balloon making a "hop" during landing.

However, it was a very minor discomfort if we are to consider the overall experience. Since it was our first time to fly high and that the Philippine weather is really hot especially during summer, the morning flight was still not the most ideal as the balloons could have stayed longer and flew higher if the weather was colder in temperature.

But what would you expect from a tropical country like the Philippines. We are mostly known for our splendid beaches and not by hot air balloons. But Pampanga has surely made the Philippines widely known for having two hot air balloon events every year. Kudos to the organizers for putting us again on the map as a destination for hot air balloon festivals.

Carrot Man Jeyrick Sigmaton: The Next Asian Supermodel?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This is great for a headliner statement: "Carrot Man" Jeyrick Sigmaton may just be on his way to become the next Asian supermodel.

Well, why not? The guy does have the looks and proud to be rooted from the Philippines, our beloved country where anybody can accidentally become a star if they have the looks that men and women would go gaga about...and all it took was just one viral photo that captured the hearts of Netizens and now he is for the world...ready to see his potential.

Netizens went ga-ga over a photogenic vegetable farmer in Mountain Province. This, after bakeshop owner Edwina Bandong posted on Facebook several photographs of the Igorot man carrying a basket of carrots, earning him the moniker "Carrot Man."

Jeryck Sigmaton has gone from an anonymous vegetable farmer to a famous apparel model. He is the face that launched a thousand clicks. He put Igorots back in the map! “Carrot Man” joins the likes of Kris Aquino, KC Concepcion, Matteo Guidicelli, and Alden Richards, who are also celebrity endorsers of the clothing brand.

What's next after wearing one of the collection of the internationally renowned designer Mr. Avel Bacudio on Boardwalkph Pictorial? Will his luck continue or is this just a fad until the next pretty face comes out of social media?

Badjao Girl Rita Gabiola Scores Photoshoot and Scholarship

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dream comes true for a very special little 13 year old girl from Estancia, Iloilo who became social media's little darling. Sometimes dreams do come true. Online sensation Rita Gabiola, popularly known as "Badjao Girl," was treated to a makeover. This girl is a gem! She got really something special. Those eyes that need no explanations. It says everything. Beautiful in and out, and of substance, a rarity these days. From 0 to 10 real quick. That's what a 'good face' can do. 

She lands a scholarship from a sponsor, other promises of aid, and now check out her stunning photos below.

I hope help is provided, not only to Rita Gabiola, the Badjao girl who caught the attention of many because she's a beauty, but also to every native who wants to reach their dreams. As the song goes, "You know it's you babe..." When you photograph beauty today, it becomes a memorable past. Tomorrow's generations will be forever grateful of that ‪‎moment‬.

I'm happy for her. I could understand our fascination with aesthetics though I hope we can transcend that initial stage and seek meritorious system that will encourage the not-so-aesthetically gifted people to strive and be rewarded. I hope other Badjao children get the help they need through sustainable access to education and economic opportunities. May this media exposure help their tribes to have proper education, support, livelihood and other things that most of us have been experiencing.

Her only dream is to become a teacher someday and brings hope to the Badjao community and to help her family by getting viral through social media. There are always good things in store for all of us. We just don't know when they come. Just keep the faith for they will be provided in the most unexpected way.