Love Bug

Source: http://www.vwcult.com

I'm no car enthusiast but when it comes to VW Beetle I get caught in a love bug. I've been having a crush on this cute hot wheels ever since.  The whole thing is just adorable that I wish I could collect them in different colors, put in a box and play with them all day. Haha. Forgive me for sounding ridiculous.

My uncle had a powder blue Beetle which he owned since the 1970's. It was his signature ride that every time people see it driving around town, they'd know it was him. The Beetle matched his charisma, being friendly and approachable.

My uncle's restored 1972 VW Beetle (c. M. Ongcog)

This car model's timelessness makes it a darling of the crowd. Being inexpensive, friendly, and easy to maintain its worldwide popularity led it to be called "The People's Car". As a matter of fact, it is the most-produced car in automotive history.

Facing competition with modern cars, demand for the Beetle has declined leading to its last production in 2003. The very last beetle produced in Mexico was nicknamed "El Rey", Spanish for "The King", which resides in Volkswagen's museum in Germany.

Source: http://www.ridelust.com

El Rey rolling off the production line at Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico

If given the chance to own this classic vehicle, I wouldn't hesitate at all. It would be an honor to drive this iconic car. Come to think about it, this is my dream ride... oh, yes it is.


Check out these uniquely customized Beetles you'd enjoy looking at in awe:

1. Vochol

Vochol is a beaded VW Beetle in Mexico. The name is a combination of Mexico's term for the Beetle "vocho" and "Huichol" which is the common name of the Wirrarika indigenous group that transformed this car into a beaded work of art.

Source: http://www.vochol.com.mx



2. Wrought Iron Beetle

Gate and fencing Croatian company MG Vrbanus stripped the VW Beetle and applied wrought iron sections. This is their way of displaying their quality craftsmanship. The company thought of using the Beetle for such advertisement since most people identify with it being an iconic vehicle.

Source: http://www.visualnews.com



3. Wooden Beetle

Mr. and Mrs. Bojic from Bosnia and Herzegovina tiled up their Beetle with wood. The couple carved each wooden tile in their own garden workshop. Before being applied on the car, each tile underwent 23 separate procedures like cutting, beveling and smoothing.

Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn

Baji in Analogue

Having been a part of the Baji collective (guild of female artists from Bohol, Philippines) for 3 years is a wonderful experience. Given the chance to showcase your artwork in an all-female artists exhibit is such a privilege. Mounting your piece on the same wall where known and talented Boholana artists are also hanging their works gives one a good feeling. 

The annual Baji exhibit is about to commence again next month in time to Women's Month. Sadly, I haven't prepared a painting for this year. I guess I'll submit a poem or lomo print instead, better yet I could rush creating an artwork. Hmmm... We'll see what can be done.

Take a look at last year's exhibit: Baji 2013

While waiting for February to end, here are a few shots of Baji from 2011 to 2013 using my film cameras:

2011

2012

2013

Lion Whisperer

Source: http://oodjee.com

I've seen some videos and photos about friendship between man and lions but this one has been the most touching so far. Right when the lions (Meg and Amy) came running to Kevin and hugged him intimately, it brought me to tears. And all throughout the video I just couldn't stop smiling because I was so amused by the bond between him and these iconic predators. I get inspired by people like Kevin Richardson who see wildlife in a totally different perspective. Wild animals always have a gentler side in them. They're actually just like us, if only we know better.

Source: www.veooz.com

Kevin, also known as the Lion Whisperer, is a South African self-taught animal behaviorist who has worked extensively with wild creatures such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards. Unlike most animal handlers who use force and fear to subdue them, Kevin manages to build a relationship with the big cats by using love, trust, and understanding. With this approach, he is accepted by several prides of lions and clans of spotted hyenas.

Source: www.wikipedia.com

He publicized this unique relationship through movies and videos hoping to raise public awareness and to educate the world for the protection and conservation of these beautiful animals who are decreasing in population year after year. 

Source: www.wikipedia.com

I cannot express more how inspired I am after finding out about the Lion Whisperer-- indeed, there is still faith in humanity. People like Kevin still exist and live today, striving to make the world a better place. I hope his efforts will not be in vain and humankind will pay attention to his message that these big cats should not be hunted down to extinction.

Source: http://www.germmagazine.com

"A lion is not a possession; it's a sentient being, so you must pay attention and develop your bond like with any relationship."  - Kevin Richardson

Watch this amazing video of Kevin with lions and hyenas: 

I hope after seeing the video you'd help raise awareness for the protection of the wild animals of South Africa and the whole world. They deserve to exist just like us.

http://www.lionwhisperer.co.za

Spot-on

I was not much of a fan for animal prints before but I reconsidered. Being a Pinterest addict, I often see shoes with these spots and I later appreciated them. So far, I only want these spots on my footwear and not yet on clothing. I'm still on a long way with that consideration. Teehee. I'm loving these slides which I bought from Zalora (Yup, I've been looking around at this site almost 24/7 haha). It brings out a little roar to a simple look.

Say hello to my little dog, Trouble. He wanted to join me in the post. Oh, and Caffeine sneaked in one photo too. Aren't they the cutest? ^_^

Leather jacket: Rococo / Top: / Jeans: Vidoulizi / Bag: Sophie Martin / Shoes: Scarlet

Roadtrip Playlist #3

Source: http://www.pinterest.com

Oh those long drives are really tiring but worth it when spent with friends. My best friend and I went on a trip to the other side of the island to attend the Christening of our buddy's little boy. The travel time took a lot of the day but it was good since we got reunited with our two friends who we haven't seen in a while. We get to catch up and talk about a lot of different things. On our way home after dozing off a bit, I woke up to a beautiful scenery of the ocean. The trip took the coastal route so our eyes were feasting on the beautiful view of the horizon. Aside from the vista and good company, music makes the long drive even more tolerable.

Let me share yesterday's road trip playlist (live versions):

1. The Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother

2. Our Lady Peace - Innocent

3. Phantogram - Mouthful of Diamonds

4. Circa Survive - Sharp Practice

5. Kimbra - Cameo Lover

6. Regina Spektor - That Time

7. Foo Fighters - Everlong

8. Cults - Oh My God

9. The Strokes - Barely Legal

10. Metric - Empty

Photo Inspiration #5

*All photos from Pinterest

Making Music

Music plays a big role in this world-- it unites human beings. We may be listening to the same songs as those in the other corners of the earth. There are different religions, races, nationalities but there will always be a similar song or two that we appreciate together and know by heart. At least there's this point that we have in common. It's a wondrous thing to ponder on really.

Making music is a way of channeling your thoughts and letting others hear and feel what you wish to convey. As the first note is hit and people stop to listen, you know you've made a connection. 

Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together. ~Edgar Winter


Film shots of music-making: