Carlo Jones Velayo http://blog.carlovelayo.com/ en-us Nucleus CMS v3.24 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://blog.carlovelayo.com//nucleus/nucleus2.gif Carlo Jones Velayo http://blog.carlovelayo.com/ Ultimate Frisbee is so hot right now! http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=50 Australian University Games, Gold Coast, QLD.
23 - 29 September

My first and last university games experience was nothing short of unforgettable. A week of sun, surf, turf, themed-parties, hot hot hot!, question games, 12 hour road trips, hotel breakfasts, big bananas and who could forget Kanga court.

An office with a view

The Southport School


I thank the Ultimate Frisbee team of UTS for an amazing experience. We may have gotten wooden spoon (last place) but as they say it's all about the journey rather than the destination.

You do realise that we just came last, right?

All smiles, despite the wooden spoon result.



White... Just wait for the tight and bright pictures!

White... Just wait for the tight and bright pictures!
My dedication to the entire team

That's gatorade, I swear!

That's Gatorade, I swear!


Cam, you are definitely a trooper and your title of marathon woman doesn't do justice to your high-energy, bubbly and zesty attitude for life. Thanks for all of your support both on and off the field. We must have a boogie in Sydney some time soon!

Rosie, thanks for doing such a great job of managing our crazy team. I know that I would have run out of money on the second day if it wasn't for your help... so thank you! Thanks also for lending the team your PPPs and for taking down the Kanga Court scores... Where should I send the cheque?

Mick-star! It was a pleasure getting to know you during the week. I hope your vertical stack has gone down and that your back is on its way to recovery. Once again, you are such great value! I am glad that Gill gave back your L-plate just in time. Please let me know if you need any counseling for your two-tone-wife-beating tendencies!

Chele, MUM! Thanks for the costumes, wake-up calls, cold-sausage sandwiches, high-energy-dancing and paw paw cream. I hope that the black-ant bite is getting better! Please say to Timmy G for us all!

Suj, I don't think your hair smells like a wet dog. Thanks for all of your support during the week and for not touching Rosie! Remember to moisturise your legs to keep them silky-smooth. BTW I loved the red socks with your pink skirt and f-bomb, low-neck, yellow singlet.

Brett, you are a legend! Thanks for allowing us to use your car during the week and for dropping me all the way to Guildford last night. Thanks again for the Dominos Pizza and I am glad that you were able to fit in a surf up at Goldy. Similar to Mick, please let me know if you need any help with your black-beater issues.

Asha, what can I say? GUAPA MVP! Thanks for all of the great memories and for sharing your emotions with the entire group throughout the week. It was such an honour to be a part of the team, so thank you for introducing me to FCUTS! Muchas gracias! Would you like another Smirnoff Black? Consume!

Hens, thanks for busting out some great tunes at the apartment and for some spectacular moves on the field. I will never forget just how tight your pink pants were on Thursday. And I am sure we won't let you live them down anytime soon. Hope you got home alright!

Mel, you are the epitome of the good ol', Aussie pocket rocket! You were a star both on and off the field and I don't know how you were able to be on-time, all the time, but it is something that I will aspire towards in the future! Well done also with the new dance move - falling asleep whilst standing up! So hot right now!

Tom, you definitely deserve the title of party animal! You were at all of the parties, you were part of the sunrise group and on top of that you had enough skills to take out the MVP Award!!! Well done! It was great rooming with you (thanks for not putting honey in my hair (or lack thereof) nor stealing my accreditation). I thank you for taking on board my suggestion of the beer can down your pants... It was merely a joke, but just like everything else, you gave it 120% and then some [insert reference to stain here!] Thanks for always being cool, calm and collected.

And finally, Uncle Josh. I was going to be passive aggressive and completely ignore you in this post... It would have only been fair, don't you think? And yes, that was a question! Thank you for making the time to be part of the team... It wouldn't have been the same without you. Enjoy the golf up at Newcastle and I hope the grandpa injuries subside in time for the post-AUG parties. Do you think you can make them? Or will you be sleeping? Would you like for me to repeat that? A little louder, perhaps?

Seriously, I have nothing BEYONCE to say than to thank you all for an amazing week. Although it will be my first and last, it was definitely the SHAKIRA decision to come to AUGs. And I am just grateful that I was able to share this experience with such a talented, spirited and hot, hot, hot group of exxtreme individuals. Frisbee was definitely the winner on the day!]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=50 Fri, 5 Oct 2007 12:01:20 +2200 Beautiful Ballina http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=49
I have just spent the last week with my brother Ryan and my cousins, Paul, Adrian and Chris, in Ballina on the Northwest coast of New South Wales.

You wouldn't believe it but it's only an hour by plane, north of Sydney.Wednesday - travel and massive dinner.
Thursday - gym, large BBQ chicken lunch, Byron Bay, snooze and spaghetti bolognaise
Friday - gym, spaghetti leftovers, Byron Bay, snooze, 2 hour drive to Brisbane (Queensland) to watch the Broncos Vs. Titans rugby league match at Suncorp Stadium.
Saturday - Evan's Head, lunch, snooze, BBQ at Ryan Kenny's house
Sunday - Watched Over the Hedge, Ballina beach, Domino's Pizza, snooze, mass, adobo for dinner (yummy!)
Monday - Madagascar (Micah, I've watched it!), lunch, Chronicles of Narnia, snack, Ong Bak, fish and chips for dinner... One pack here I come.

We fly back tomorrow afternoon. It has been great to get away from Sydney but there is a lot of work to do when I get back.

Please drop me a line, if you are still accessing this blog. It would be great to hear from you.

Cheers
CV]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=49 Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:05:02 +2200 A month of settling in http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=48
Week One
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp was another successful and engaging week. It was a pleasure meeting another seventy amazing individuals and to work with five amazing staff members. Photos to be posted when I get my hands on the DVD of photos.

Week Two
I then had the honour of attending Brooke and Max's wedding. You looked stunning Brooke! Congratulations to you and Max!

It was my brother's 28th birthday on January 21. He hosted a nice BBQ with his good mates, both new and old.







Week Three
Congratulations to Jessica Thompson and the cast and crew of HIKE for making it into the Top 30 of the 2007 Sony Tropfest, the largest short film festival in Australia. WOW!

I could not have celebrated Australia Day (January 26) in a better way. Whale Beach in the morning with my family, relatives and cousins. Corona's on the balcony ovelooking Newport beach in the afternoon. And a few drinks at the Surfrock Cafe in Narrabeen with my cousins. Such a top day!





The first RYLA reunion took place on the following night at the Genghis Khan (Mongolian) restuarant followed by some drinks at Cargo Bar. I then made my way to Amit Ramdev's 22nd birthday. Happy Birthday, mate, and thanks for the cake!

Week Four
I spent most of the week hanging out with Divya and Iv. Div, I hope full time work is treating you well. Thanks for the food and (literally!) the TV. And thank you, Iv, for helping me carry it back home.

Week Five
The task at hand is to find a part time job that will complement my studies during the upcoming semester.

So, I guess the honeymoon period is over. I am starting to miss Manila, Ateneo and the convenience of Katipunan Avenue. But it is also great to be back in Sydney, a city that I am starting to fall in love with for the second time 'round.]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=48 Wed, 7 Feb 2007 10:43:48 +2300 I'm back! http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=47
Jessica came over and we exchanged stories of our travels over lunch.

I then snoozed for an hour. I have been averaging only three hours of sleep per night for a whole week... so you can imagine how lethargic I was at that stage.

My sister and mun arrived from work at 4:30pm and after handing out some pasalubong and going over the CDs and DVDs that I had purchased, my family and I, along with our dog, Mase, travelled to Greystanes to visit my sister's home. I was so happy to see and walk through my sister's very charming house... almost a teary moment... especially sitting down around the lounge room with my entire family, watching the 5 o'clock news and enjoying a cup of ice-cream... I felt right at home!

I then met with Divya at Stratty station. We grabbed a drink at Bar Ace with her boyfriend, Amit, before heading to Equilibrium at the new World Square complex. It was here that I surprised Deepa, whose birthday it is today (Happy Birthday Duppa Puppa!), and met up with Nita and Sash as well as having the opportunity to meet Deepa's boyfriend, Sam, for the first time.

Wilson arrived shortly after and we all headed to Casa Asturiana, where we shared some tapas, paella and some good ol' steak. Esther and the twins then arrived at about 10:30pm... It was great to share some dinner with some of the Sefton crew.

After dinner, Wilson drove myself, Divya, Deepa and Esther back to Deepa's house in Stratty where Deepa's mum, sister and aunty had prepared a cake for midnight.

By 1am I was exhausted and was ready to hit the sack... but only after setting up my laptop and the editing equipment for the following day.

Before I forget I wanted to thank my uncle for seeing me off at the airport in Manila. To Micah, Prince and Fanny for visiting me on the morning of my departure and to everyone who called (Calvin, Adler, Ansel and Kaiser) and texted before my departure.]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=47 Thu, 4 Jan 2007 10:37:45 +2300 A (really) good year http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=46
Tonight, I will be attending the ninth and final night of Simbanggabi. It's a Filipino tradition, which allows family and friends to attend mass, usually at 4:30am but I have opted for the 8:30pm anticipated mass, during the nine days leading up to Christmas. It has definitely been a challenge to attend the nine masses, but it has also been great preparation for the upcoming festive season, without my immediate family by my side.

But I also wanted to take the time to deliver an early Christmas present. It's been a while since I last wrote, and since I can't send you all individual presents, here's a delectable selection of photographs to last you through the holidays and until I arrive in Sydney in early January.

As always, I hope that your Christmas stocking is overflowing and wherever you may be in the world these holidays, ingat (take care) and have a Merry Christmas!


Simbanggabi with friends and Mr. Tony MelotoCarlo's despedida party





N.B. I didn't have my camera with me for most of the night (for obvious reasons), so I will ask for more pictures from other people.

***


Photos with the Ateneo Student Exchange Council (ASEC)





All I can say is Yihee!

***


And some photos from the ASEC Northern Luzon Trip (NLT).


Banawe Rice Terraces


ASEC Group


Trying out the latest fashion


Circumcision anyone?

***



Spelunking in Sagada


Spelunking rocks!

***



The Spanish-colonial-style-city of Vigan, Ilocos Norte


My trusted friend throughout the trip. You must see our video!
]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=46 Sat, 23 Dec 2006 18:29:21 +2300 In the prescence of greatness http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=45
Mr. Meloto told me about the exciting projects that are being carried out throughout the archipelago as well as in America, throughout Asia and even Australia. It is definitely a cause that I am interested to learn more about and hopefully be a part of in the near future.

For now I can only express my respect for Mr. Meloto and the amazing work of the GK volunteers.

I hope that everyone is doing well, wherever they may be in the world!]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=45 Thu, 7 Dec 2006 18:34:50 +2300 Taking stock http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=44
Unfortunately, Durian did create havoc in the Bikol region. The last time I heard, there were over 300 deaths. Entire communities have been covered due to mudslides near the Mayon volcano. And because of the damage inflicted on the power network, there is a real possibility that some families in the region will not have electricity this Christmas.

Once again, life is put into perspective.]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=44 Mon, 4 Dec 2006 18:04:17 +2300 Gawad Kalinga http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=43
But from what I have been told, GK is more than just the 13,000 homes that have been built. There is a real sense of community, which I am looking forward to experiencing first hand this weekend.
***


Postscript: It was an amazing weekend, punctuated by laughter, song and reflection. I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen GK in action and I know that it will continue to do great things for the communities around the archipelago and even around the world.









]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=43 Sat, 25 Nov 2006 06:31:42 +2300 Pacquiao for President! http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=42


Each time that Pacquiao's glove connected with Erik Morales' head the crowd and I jumped to our feet in ecstatic jubillation; our shouts increasing in volume and empathy with each deadly blow.



I watched the fight on a cinema screen at a local shopping centre, along with some friends; Calvin, Rafe and Emily. It was definitely a world away from the venue at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, but when Morales fell for the third time, everyone watching the fight in cinemas, restaurants, school gymnasiums and even churches around the Philippines (as well as TV sets around the globe) affirmed Manny Pacquiao's status as a modern day hero. I wouldn't go as far as to agree with the "Pacquiao for President" sign that was being waved after the bout, but I definitely feel proud to be "Filipino" and also to come from General Santos City, where Pacquiao is also from. Go Gen San! Overall, it was a very culturally enriching experience.



***


I also want to thank Gabrielle and her parents for the wonderful dinner, last night. It was lovely to have met Gabrielle's parents from France and I hope that they enjoy their week in Bohol. It was also a pleasure to meet some of Gabrielle's other friends from the University fo the Philippines and from around the Katipunan area. Although I only have six weeks left in Manila, I look forward to hanging out with you all soon.]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=42 Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:33:11 +2300 Happy Birthday, Ate! http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=41
Have an amazing day!!! Love you.

P.S. I can't wait to host DVD marathons at your new home in Greystanes.]]> General http://blog.carlovelayo.com/index.php?itemid=41 Thu, 2 Nov 2006 23:47:00 +2300