i heart manila

Vote NOW for PPUR

2011-11-08T19:46:00.001+08:00

Only few days left before that judging on November 11, 2001 (that is 11/11/11 to you) and NOW is the time you vote!

Please vote for Palawan Underground River to be one of the new 7 wonders of nature at www.new7wonders.com, or by texting PPUR to 2861.

i need a holiday

2011-11-08T19:23:00.004+08:00

i seriously need a vacation, a long holiday more like it. it has been more than a month since i last updated this blog, i don't want to make excuses about breaking my promise again to blog regularly but life hasn't been really good the past few months. not good in a such way that i haven't had a real break from work, it has been crazy times, work wise, wherein you just sometimes wanna shout out and say enough, i don't want to do this anymore, i've had enough and i want my life back. sounds melodramatic but it is, i just feel so burned out and i guess i have to make a decision soon if this is the life i want or not. or maybe, just maybe what i need is just a long break and a good holiday away from it all. now, that is something i really want, a good long holiday break, nice and easy - just a 'me' time to put things in perspective. i have been thinking of going away soon, on a real long holiday break not just your usual 3 or 4 day holiday but a week. just thinking about a week long holiday with nothing to worry about makes me wanna go out now and jump to the next available flight but i know it's not that easy. sounds heavenly but there are things i have to consider - biggest factor of course is money and secondly, i have done some traveling and i know it takes time to plan a nice vacation and to finalise an itinerary. i am meticulous in preparing my itinerary and would like to know in advance what to expect in a place i am going to visit, what are the must do and those off beaten track, i just have to have an itinerary although i wouldn't really mind if that itinerary is not followed to the dot. let's just say i feel comfortable knowing that i have a plan. but sometimes, you just wanna have a vacation and don't want to be bothered with anything and it would be real nice to just book a travel agency and let them worry about my vacation. i have been thinking of having a vacation out of the country but i dont know how to go about it. good thing that the internet is at my fingertips and i just look up travel agencies that offer low cost and stress free holiday and one site i have been looking at is www.tropicalsky.co.uk. i've been looking at three places and the offers they have are real steal, not expensive but with all the perks of a grand vacation. now you help me decide which i should take - click here for Barbados holidays or this st lucia holidays all inclusive i'm also partial to caribbean because i have read a lot about it, so should i take Caribbean holidays 2012

HELP for Pedring

2011-09-30T15:56:00.001+08:00

From Sidney's blog: Last September 27, 2011 a powerful typhoon (Pedring, international name - Nesat) has struck the Philippines. Witnesses said flooding in parts of Manila was the worst in decades. In the shanty village of Ulingan in Tondo (click here) which is facing the sea, most of the homes were destroyed leaving many families homeless. All those families are already living below the poverty line. Project Pearls and Photo Kalye are organizing relief operations. They need your help more than ever.

traditional filipino folk dance - tinikling

2011-08-26T07:00:00.000+08:00

Tinikling - Tinikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of “tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.

traditional filipino folk dance - sayaw sa bangko

2011-08-25T07:00:00.000+08:00

Sayaw sa Bangko - ("dance on a bench") is a folk dance from the Pangasinan province of the Philippines. Performers dance on top of a bench that is normally six inches wide.

traditional filipino folk dance - pandango sa ilaw

2011-08-24T07:00:00.001+08:00

Pandanggo sa Ilaw - The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance “fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat. Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy, or oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

traditional filipino folk dance - binasuan

2011-08-23T07:00:00.000+08:00

Binasuan - Originated in Pangasinan Province “meaning with the use of drinking glasses”, this vibrant dance basically shows off balancing skill of the performers. Glasses filled with rice wine are placed on the head and on each hand carefully maneuvered with graceful movements. This dance is common in weddings, fiestas and special occasions.

traditional filipino folk dance

2011-08-22T07:00:00.002+08:00

Most Philippine dances were originally patterned after European dances during the Spanish regime. Pandango Sa Ilaw, Cariñosa, Rigodon and Balitao are examples of these dances Filipinos are known for. Aside from these western-influenced dances, ethnic-created dances such as Tinikling made its way to nationwide recognition. Despite its apparent adaptation to western dances, still Filipinos pay tribute to their cultural roots. Every district in the islands has its own folk dance, interpreted attractively in festivals and local shows, which have added to the country’s reputed contribution to world’s illustration of traditional arts.

The following are examples of popular Philippine folk dances :

Binasuan - Binasuan originated in Pangasinan Province “meaning with the use of drinking glasses”, this vibrant dance basically shows off balancing skill of the performers. Glasses filled with rice wine are placed on the head and on each hand carefully maneuvered with graceful movements. This dance is common in weddings, fiestas and special occasions.

Rigodon - Originated from Spain, this dance is commonly performed at formal affairs like inaugural balls where prominent members of the government participate and enjoy.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw - The word pandanggo comes from the Spanish dance “fandango”characterized with lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat. Pandanggo requires excellent balancing skill to maintain the stability of three tinggoy, or oil lamps, placed on head and at the back of each hand. This famous dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro.

Tinikling - Tinnikling is considered the national folkdance with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of “tikling birds” hopping over trees, grass stems or over bamboo traps set by farmers. Dancers perform this dance with remarkable grace and speed jumping between bamboo poles.

Maglalatik - Originally performed in Binan, Laguna as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight between the Moros and the Christians over the prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish rule, this dance is also shown to pay tribute to the town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. It has a four-part performance such as the palipasan and the baligtaran showing the intense battle, the paseo and the escaramusa- the reconciliation. Moro dancers wear read trousers while the Christian dancers show up in blue. All dancers are male ; with harnesses of coconut shells attached on their chests, backs, thighs and hips.

Cariñosa - Cariñosa is a word that describes an affectionate, friendly and lovable woman. This dance is performed in flirtatious manner with fans and handkerchiefs to assist the dancers’ hide-and-seek movements.

La Jota Manileña - It is a dance named after the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, where an adaptation of Castilian Jota afloats with the clacking of bamboo castanets played by the dancers themselves. The costume and the graceful movements of the performers noticeably inspired by Spanish Culture.

Source: http://www.camperspoint.com

barbara's intramuros

2011-08-21T21:34:00.003+08:00

Barbara's at Intramuros. Started out as a small cafe in Malate in the 1970s, the business soon expanded its operations to catering as well as canteen management. Today, Barbara's is located at the Plaza San Luis complex in Intramuros, Manila. (Just across the San Agustin church.) They serve authentic Filipino cuisine inspired by the colonial time, it feels like dining during the Spanish era.

what i like about this restaurant aside from the fact that it is within the walled city is its cultural show. after dinner they have a cultural show of traditional filipino folk dances, i didnt realised i missed watching folk dance which i took for granted when i was still at school. i guess old age? heheheh but seriously, you should visit this place and get to watch the traditional dance :)

The Dinner Buffet and Cultural Dance Show takes place every day from Tuesdays to Saturdays evening at around 7pm. Buffet dinner is at PHP 550 per head.

Barbara's Restaurant
Address: Plaza San Luis Complex, Gen. Luna St., Intramuros
Phone: 788-3356 / 527-4083 / 527-3893 / 527-4086
Website: http://www.barbarasrestaurantandcatering.com

cool sunset

2011-08-12T21:52:00.002+08:00

Please VOTE for Palawan Underground River

2011-07-01T11:57:00.000+08:00

Please vote for Palawan Underground River to be one of the new 7 wonders of nature
at www.new7wonders.com, or by texting PPUR to 2861.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

no to mining in palawan

2011-06-17T14:47:00.000+08:00

i've already posted this in my personal account via facebook but i am reposting it here in this blog to to help spread the word and let you guys help to save the Philippines' last frontier. i am about to visit this beautiful place again this weekend and i would like our future generation to see this place as it is now.

Please log in to www.no2mininginpalawan.com and sign the petition.

=======
My dear friends,

On January 24 a very dear friend and colleague Gerry Ortega was shot in the head dead. I was just with him that weekend – and a few minutes before he died what we were discussing over the phone was an anti-mining campaign in Palawan – given that on December two huge mining applications were railroaded – and they were to be near protected sites.

Gerry is dead but we will not let go of his dreams – and mine – and probably yours too.

Palawan has 17 key biodiversity sites - which means it is part of the 70% biodiversity sites which are essential for sustaining life in the planet. It has 2 world heritage sites, 8 protected sites. Yet if you see Palawan on the map you will note that it is a very thin island – which is 82% mountain. It means that if the forest gets denuded and the minerals excavated – the tailings seep directly into the sea affecting the coral reefs. The top soil is thin – and the island eco system is fragile.

Mining is not the way to go for Palawan . I have five eco tourism sites wherein the communities involved can now send their children to school, can dream bigger dreams. Mayor Hagedorn in Puerto Princesa has banned mining and logging – and focused on tourism and agriculture. From 2 flights a week, Puerto Princesa now boasts 10 flights a day. His revenues have gone up from several million to several billion.
Mining as an economic path in a magnificent “Last Frontier” is based on a paradigm of economic growth that is myopic and archaic . In this age of climate change and global warming any economic development that does not recognize and revere the web of life should be thrown in the dustbin.

Please please support the ten million signature campaign to Stop Mining in Palawan . The richness of Palawan is the wealth and pride of the country, it is the wealth of the world. Log in to www.no2mininginpalawan.com .. register your vote and please please send it to thousands others. You can also include your household by downloading the form printing it – and faxing it t 4152227 or you can scan it and send it to signatures@no2mininginpalawan.com. Questions can be sent to signatures@no2mininginpalawan.com.

GINA LOPEZ
Managing Director
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

ILOCOS: bangui windmills

2011-05-17T19:05:00.000+08:00

The Bangui Windmills are located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. I think i've counted 20 windmills there, if i still know how to count that is :)

ILOCOS: La Paz Sand Dunes

2011-05-12T19:05:00.000+08:00

The La Paz Sand Dunes or Bantay Bimmaboy consists of an area of approximately 85 square kilometers (52 square miles) of protected sandy coastal desert and beach close to Laoag City, the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. The area is known locally by the name Bantay Bimmaboy, a name which refers to the common perception that the dunes resemble pigs in shape.

The height of the dunes ranges from 10 to 30 meters. The dunes themselves are scenic but a panoramic view of the South China Sea can also be seen from them.

With its dramatic landscape, the La Paz Sand Dunes is a popular site for shooting local and foreign films. It was used as a location for the Philippine movies Himala and Panday and for segments of the Hollywood films Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July. A few people inhabit the area, as can be seen from the nipa huts that dot the dunes.

Source: http://en.wikipilipinas.org

ILOCOS: paoay church

2011-05-11T19:16:00.001+08:00

Paoay Church (also known as the St. Augustine Church in Paoay) is a historical church located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. During the Philippine Revolution in 1898, its coral stone bell tower was used by the Katipuneros as an observation post. Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It currently is a property of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Construction of Paoay Church was started by the Augustinian friars in 1694. It was completed in 1894 led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo and was re-dedicated in 1894.

A three-storey coral stone bell tower stands a few meters away from the church. The bell tower served as an observation post in 1896 for the Katipuneros during the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards, and again by the Filipino guerillas during the Japanese occupation in World War II.

According to historians, the bell tower also served as a status symbol for the locals. The bell would ring more loudly and more times during the wedding of a prominent clan than it would during the wedding of the poor.

Portions of the church was damaged during the earthquakes in 1865 and 1885. During an excavation inside the church in 2000, a prehistoric human skeleton and fragmented ceramics were discovered and are now in display at the National Museum. Former president Ferdinand Marcos declared Paoay Church as a national treasure and is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Church is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs. Its facade reveals Gothic affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

Known as the “Earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines, Paoay church was built of baked bricks, coral rocks, salbot (tree sap) and lumber, and has 24 carved massive buttresses for support. It is an architectural solution to the area's challenging, natural setting. Both sides of the nave are lined with the most voluminous stone buttresses seen around the islands. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters thick made of the same materials. Its bell tower, which is detached from its main building, is made of coral stone. It stands a safe distance away to spare the sanctuary in case of collapse. Originally, the church roof was thatched; and it is conjectured so that buttresses not only support walls but give roof access during fire and typhoon.

The rectangular facade of the church is supported by four pillasters which extend from the first to the second level outlining the arched doorway. Huge volutes or buttresses and low-relief lines are found on each side of the facade.

In Fr. Pedro Galende's book, he described the massiveness of the structure is balanced by its grace and fluidity. The church adapts the pyramidal design of the baroque style. Its details are inspired from by seal of Saint Agustine, the emblem of the king of Spain, the logo of the Pope, the “init-tao” or the sun god, and stylized Chinese clouds.

Source: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Paoay_Church

ILOCOS: storebucks

2011-05-10T18:01:00.000+08:00

found this storebucks near the marcos museum and where former presidents marcos' "waxy" remains is lying in the mausoleum.

ILOCOS: Bell Tower of St. Agustine Church in Bantay

2011-05-09T18:43:00.002+08:00

ILOCOS: Vigan - Baluarte love birds

2011-05-08T08:25:00.000+08:00

so cute! so sweet! so adorable! <3 <3 <3

ILOCOS: Vigan - Butterfly Garden at Baluarte

2011-05-07T06:00:00.001+08:00

butterfly garden at baluarte, vigan city, ilocos sur

hatching room

i dunno why these butterflies are so snob! LOL! cause its the first time i entered a butterfly garden where the butterflies dont 'entertain' their guests. they just hover over your head, fleetingly caress your shoulders and one single move and they shy away and fly as fast as they can. sigh, so i was really really careful not to make sudden movements when i was taking the pictures cause they are flighty? i dunno the word, but that's it. at least this one looks like enjoying my camera :)

ILOCOS: Vigan - Baluarte ni Singson

2011-05-06T06:00:00.003+08:00

the mouth of one of the life-sized statues of dinosaur at baluarte ni singson in vigan city, ilocos sur. one thing i can say is that this place is really big (about 80- hectares) and it is a mini zoo, a butterfly garden, with man-made falls, and they even have a live animal show for free. wow! chavit singson must be really really rich to afford to open this to the public for free. yup free to anyone and you can have picnic inside and the rest rooms are clean! to be able to find a nice c.r. at a free public place is very rare specially in the province so big kudos to the owner. :0

ILOCOS: Vigan - St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral

2011-05-05T08:00:00.005+08:00

cathedral of vigan also known as st. paul's metropolitan cathedral

bell tower of the cathedral of vigan

the cathedral's main door

just wondering if this is a coat of arms of something? just above the main door of the cathedral. anyone enlighten me please, thanks.

Cathedral of Vigan. Like most stories of centuries old churches in the Philippines, this cathedral was first build on wood, has been on fire and toppled by earthquake but erected again on the same spot, and has been occupied by the american forces during the war.

so i guess, you could say that our churches are stubborn and strong eh? no matter how many times it goes down... it will always rise.

ILOCOS: Vigan - people watching

2011-05-04T23:38:00.001+08:00

ILOCOS: Vigan Old Houses

2011-05-03T20:13:00.000+08:00

Vigan Heritage Site kinda remind me of Intramuros, only here there are more souvenir items and most of the old houses along calle crisologo are stores unlike in intramuros where most of the casas are turned into fine dining restaurants. most shops sell you usual pasalubong stuff and of course ilocano delicacies like bagnet and tinubong

cobbled stone street of calle crisologo, this street i think is vigan's most photographed street. lots of calesa's plying through the streets, the motorcyles and tricycles and modern vehicles are off limits and only ply the main roads which is good.

i heart vigan shirts

cafe leona, the house apparently belongs to a distant cousin of Jose Rizal and is a young poet as read from the historical marker on its door, but its now a restaurant and read good reviews but wasnt able to dine here coz it was closed when we were there (twas black saturday)

kinda spooky staircase inside grandpa's inn, a bed and breakfast hotel at the vigan city

i just love old windows and doors, i wanted to take home with me one of those window

ILOCOS: Vigan 143

2011-05-03T00:13:00.000+08:00

About 400 kilometers from Manila is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. It is the capital city of Ilocos Sur located on the west coast of northern Luzon. One can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout the center of the city. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia with a unique European atmosphere. Several museums exist for the many national heroes that were born here. Vigan is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Philippines. The name Vigan was derived from "Biga", a giant taro plant that grows abundantly along the banks of the Mestizo River. (Source)

visita iglesia in manila

2011-04-01T17:21:00.003+08:00

staying in manila this coming holy week? Go and do a visita iglesia or just simply visit these beautiful churches then

holy week is about a few weeks from now, and for catholics the visita iglesia or bisita iglesia has been a tradition of the faithful. and here in the Philippines, visita iglesia or church visits is part of the holy week, usually carried out on holy thursday. Some say you have to visit seven churches while others said it should be 14 churches, the faithful say or pray the stations of the cross with one station in each church.

i was raised a catholic but the first time i joined this tradition was in 2008 only, we have visited 14 churches in batangas, and the year after that we have visited churches in pampanga and tarlac.

have i told you that i love churches? not because i am a religious person but i just love church architecture and i am a sucker when it comes to old things and most of our churches are centuries old. i haven't doen a visita iglesia yet in manila but i would like to recommend the following churches you should visit come this holy week.

yes, manila is full of churches and they are all beautiful. so herewith are the list of manila churches you can visit.

1. Manila Cathedral (Intramuros) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/12/cathedral.html

2. San Agustin Church (Intramuros) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/05/san-agustin-church.html

3. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine (inside Fort Santiago) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/06/our-lady-of-guadalupe-shrine-in-fort.html

4. Espiritu Santo Catholic Church (Tayuman)

5. St. Vincent de Paul Parish (San Marcelino St., Malate - inside Adamson University - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/08/this-ones-church-alright.html

6. Malate Catholic Church (M.H. Del Pilar St., Malate) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/04/malate-church.html

7. Sta. Cruz Church (Sta. Cruz) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/11/church-of-sta-cruz.html

8. Binondo Church or Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Quentin Paredes St., Binondo) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/07/inside-binondo.html

9. Quaipo Church or Basillica Minore of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/05/quiapo.html

10. San Sebastian Church (Quiapo, Manila) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/08/san-sebastian-church-facelift.html

11. Sto. Nino de Tondo Church (Tondo, Manila)- http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/10/sto-nio-de-tondo.html

12. St. Pancratius Chapel or Paco Park Church (Paco Park, Manila) - http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/paco%20cemetery

13. UST Church (inside University of Sto. Tomas) - PS i know this isnt the church inside the UST but i dont have the photo of the church but the main building looks like one anyways :)
http://mayniladailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/08/simply-called.html

14. Baclaran Church or the Mother of Perpetual Help Shrine - can't find the church's photo in my archive but this photo is one of the candle offering stand just outside the church. will just replace the photo when i find it.

fearing your dreams

2011-03-10T15:44:00.000+08:00

"There were two things that prevent us from achieving our dreams: believing them to be impossible or seeing those dreams made possible by some sudden turn of the wheel of fortune, when you least expected it. For at that moment, all our fears suddenly surface: the fear of setting off along a road heading who knows where, the fear of a life full of new challenges, the fear of losing forever everything that is familiar.

People want to change everything and, at the same time want it all to remain the same." ~ Paulo Coelho

2011-03-09T01:21:00.000+08:00

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

san juan nepomuceno church

2011-03-08T01:21:00.002+08:00

the San Juan Nepomuceno church in San Juan, Batangas. i have attended many weddings and funerals masses in this church and according to our grandfathers, this church is already old... built during the Spanish colonial period. even as a kid, i have always love the structure of this old church... thanks to juday and ryan for putting this beautiful church on the map! :D

is the grass greener on the other side?

2011-03-07T16:10:00.002+08:00

is the grass greener on the on the other side? hmmm come and walk with me and let's find out! :)

sure looks like the grass is indeed greener on the other side....

oh well... lookie what we have here - a rice field! that's why it's greener! :D

PS. pardon me for making fun at that famous saying...photos taken at San Juan, Batangas

camiguin island: katibawasan falls

2011-03-05T01:21:00.006+08:00

Katibawasan Falls is one of the treasured gifts nature has blessed the island of Camiguin. The majestic falls is about 250 feet, and the water is so cold but its nice to try the water and dip down for a short swim.

really camiguin island is a treasure island, the island also boast of hot spring (arden hot spring can reach up to 39 degrees celcius) and a cold spring (sto nino cold spring). sorry i dont have a decent picture of ardent spring (meaning the pictures i have are all for parental guidance LOL) but it is also nice to visit. this is the last of my camiguin series, hoped you liked it.

camiguin island: sunken cemetery

2011-03-04T01:21:00.000+08:00

Located in Bonbon, Catarman a huge cross marker has been installed by the Provincial government to mark the community cemetery that sunk during the 1871 volcanic holocaust. Years ago, gravestones were visible during low tide. Now it is considered to be a unique diving site.

camiguin island: gui-ob old church ruins

2011-03-03T01:21:00.003+08:00

One of the tourist attraction in Camiguin Island is the Gui-Ob Old Church ruins. a volcanic eruption in 1871 wiped out the Spanish settlement of Catarman that was established in 1697.

The remains of an Old Spanish church, ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent are mute witnesses to the wrath of nature. It also allows us a glimpse into the culture of Spanish-era Camiguin.

it was said that the walls of the church were made of corals, and yes it is. take a closer look.

now there is a small chapel that stood inside where the original church use to stand.

camiguin island: sea urchin

2011-03-02T01:21:00.000+08:00

found sea urchin at the waters of white island in camiguin. i have always thought that we should stay away from sea urchins because they can do a nasty thing with your body if you get stung by it, some even said that you'll get a very high fever should you get into contact with a sea urchin.

what nobody told me is that se urchin is also a delicacy... yeah as in food, something that you eat....

apparently this is normal in this part of the island... fresh sea urchin harvested in the rich sea bed and sold by the locals for 10 pesos only. whack it into half and put vinegar and that's eat. eaten raw and fresh... i didnt tried it though

camiguin island: mount hibok-hibok

2011-03-01T07:06:00.000+08:00

Mount Hibok-Hibok (also known as Catarman) is a stratovolcano on Camiguin Island. It is one of the active volcanoes in the country and part of the Pacific ring of fire. It has six hot springs (Ardent Spring, Tangob, Bugong, Tagdo, Naasag and Kiyab), three craters (Kanangkaan Crater, site of the 1948 eruption; Itum Crater, site of 1949 eruption, and Ilihan Crater, site of 1950 eruption). Adjacent to Mt. Vulcan.

camiguin island: white island

2011-02-28T11:07:00.000+08:00

camiguin island: white island

2011-02-27T21:05:00.001+08:00

camiguin island: going to white island

2011-02-26T01:00:00.001+08:00

from paras beach or near cottages there are small boats you can rent to reach the white island, travel time is just about 10-15 minutes. since camiguin beach itself isnt really suited for swimming but the hotsprings and cold springs more than up of it... but the best place for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling is at White Island (white island resides two (2) kilometers off the coast of Agoho, Mambajao is the Camiguin's popular sand bar). An entrance fee of 20 pesos per head is asked for tourists who visit the tiny island. White island is so bare, no resort, no establishment, no nothing, but you can rent a big umbrella for shade. white island is the best vantage point to see camiguin island, you could see mt. hibok hibok and vulcan from here as well.

camiguin island: the beach

2011-02-25T01:00:00.015+08:00

camiguin island is really a beautiful place, they have hot and cold springs, they have falls, volcanoes, and of course the beach :)

this is where we went to go and visit the famed white beach of camiguin island, a few meters away from the resort (bahay bakasyunan) where we stayed. the last photo above is the view of paras beach resort, also a well known resort in this part of the island. tomorrow i'll post the trip to white island

camiguin island: how to get there

2011-02-24T08:00:00.001+08:00

i'll be sharing with some photos from my recent trip in camiguin island. this will be the first post of my camiguin series, hope you'll like it.

Balingoan Port bound for Camiguin

Balingoan Port

approaching Benoni Port, Camiguin

Port Benoni - Camiguin Island main point of entry

Camiguin Island is said to be "Born of Fire" for the province has seven volcanoes, including the famous Mount Hibok-hibok. Volcanic eruptions and land movements have and continues to create this spectacular island, which is full of natural wonders and historical riches.

The island is located at the northern tip of Mindanao. The island province is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay. - www.camiguin.gov.ph

How to get to Camiguin Island:

From Manila take commercial flights to Cagayan De Oro City. You can rent a taxi/van from the airport directly to Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental or go to the bus terminal in Agora to reach Balingoan Port. Travel period depending on the traffic and your means of transportation is between 2 to 2 and a half hours. Ferryboat ride from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port (the main point of entry to Camiguin Island) is about an hour.

cosplay part 3

2011-02-23T01:00:00.007+08:00

cosplay part 2

2011-02-22T01:00:00.010+08:00

cosplay

2011-02-21T01:00:00.001+08:00

i have been seeing youngsters donning anime costumes at the malls and in some events and i didnt realized how big their numbers are and that cosplay is a big thing. saw these young ones at the smx hall in mall of asia durin the canon photomarathon manila leg last november.

Cosplay, short for "costume play", is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often [2] drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but recent trends have included American cartoons and Sci-Fi as well as other pop-culture. Favorite sources include manga, anime, tokusatsu, comic books, graphic novels, video games, hentai and fantasy movies. Any entity from the real or virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. Inanimate objects are given anthropomorphic forms and it is not unusual to see genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa.

Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered around role play. A broader use of the term cosplay applies it to any costumed role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context.

elisi

2011-02-20T01:00:00.000+08:00

i dont know with you but i really love playing with this elisi when i was a kid, back when the days that kids do play with real toys and not computers and play with other kids as well, i remember that me and my playmates would have a 'contest' whose fan will keep on rotating which would keep us all out of breath trying hard to make sure that we won the game... silly games but i miss those days :)

mobile store

2011-02-19T01:00:00.000+08:00

a typical mobile or moving store selling different kinds of toys and candies for kids at MOA.
sari sari store has definitely evolved :D

playing with bubbles

2011-02-18T01:00:00.001+08:00

slide

2011-02-17T11:00:00.002+08:00

I’m not sure if previous readers of this blog still visit my site and is wondering if they are just lurking or have totally forgotten about me, can’t blame them though because I have been remiss in updating and posting photos. I think I have posted from time to time that I have been busy with real life (I guess every blogger have their own real life aside from their online life, right?) and truth of the matter is, aside from being busy for various reasons, there came a time that I have lost interest in taking pictures. As if all the energy and enthusiasm I have for photography has left me to the point that there were weeks that I have not used or hold my camera which is very unusual for me. Aside from not having the time and the leisure to traverse and walk the streets of Manila, which I really miss doing, is that I have been trying to explore the beauty of the Philippines and been in constant travel, fun but exhausting.

So, I have been blogging on and off last year for various reasons, sliding from posting everyday then back to nothing at all for months. And I know I kept on saying I’ll be back but can you forgive me for being a lazy cat sometimes? Okay, I’ll admit, one of the big factors why I lost interest in blogging was because of facebook! Yes, I guess most bloggers have been ‘stolen’ by facebook and its addicting games. Yup! The games such as Farmville, yoville, café ville and other ville you can think of I’ve played them and I was even hooked on playing poker at Texas Hold ‘Em till the wee hours. Aside from that I didn’t get contented playing online, I have friends who are playing poker in real life and joined them and its really addictive and fun, though no big money is lost here except time, but they say time spent enjoying is not really wasted time. So I have addicted quite like that for a time and I’m glad im done spending my free time and should be sleeping hours playing. I’d like to think that im back into blogging but I don’t want to promise again that I am really back until I keep on posting everyday.

of dogs

2011-02-16T01:00:00.000+08:00

i'm not really fond of dogs, i guess i have posted here several times that i am afraid of dogs but this dog looks really cute, and the barefooted little girl playing with this pup is adorable too.

lovers at the bay

2011-02-15T01:00:00.002+08:00

Lovers at the bay spotted along san miguel by the bay at the Mall of Asia. I am sure that a lot of couples spend their valentine's date at the bay, cheap and romantic awww specially during sunset.

No, this photo was not taken yesterday but during the Canon photomarathon last November where i was a participant, will be posting photos that i have taken on that event in the following days.

i love you

2011-02-14T02:14:00.002+08:00

i love you! happy valentines

hello valentines

2011-02-13T09:59:00.000+08:00

since the love season is in the air, and its just one day away from st. valentine's day ... here's hello kitty and dear daniel wedding for you all :)

so do you already have a date for tomorrow's vday celebration? ;)

ps. photo spotted during one of the many wedding expo held at the CCP

chicharong bulaklak

2011-02-12T11:11:00.004+08:00

ugh! craving for chicharong bulaklak

manila harbour square

2011-02-11T11:11:00.000+08:00

manila harbour square

star city

2011-02-10T11:57:00.002+08:00

Star City circa 2010

PS. was digging through my archive and found old photos i haven't posted here yet. i know an easy way out to show you Manila but i havent got the time yet to walk its streets again.

Photo taken last March 2010.

i heart sunset

2011-02-02T18:15:00.002+08:00

suman dinurado

2011-01-21T01:21:00.000+08:00

wow this suman dinurado is very very delicious! these yummy treats were a pasalubong from osamis and my first time to get a taste of this special suman that they also call bulubod in their dialect. yum yum yum tastes like no other suman...

my birthday treat to you guys! go have some and bite :D

blue sky

2011-01-20T15:51:00.000+08:00

yey thanks for the blue cloudy sky, after almost a week of gray sky and gloomy and cold weather, the sun is shining brightly today

crispy kare-kareng bagnet

2011-01-16T11:11:00.000+08:00

crispy kare-kareng bagnet with bagoong rice

this is one really delicious dish! first time that i eat kare-kare where the meat is not included in the peanut sauce... really really delicious the bagnet is so crispy and it matches with the bagoong rice. if you want to have a taste of this, check out casa reyes restaurant at greenhills.

ps. paid for this food and i was not paid by casa reyes to do this post, just found this dish really delicious and ought to be shared to the public :)

Casa Reyes Restaurant
Greenhills Shopping Complex
Level 1 Connecticut Carpark,
Ortigas Ave., Greenhills
San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number: (632) 721-1358

sm megamall

2011-01-15T22:11:00.000+08:00

the metro manila and i guess the whole archipelago of the philippines is dotted with sm supermalls, these structures has sprouted over the metro one after the other and some of the sites where the sm malls were erected have been controversial because some of the sites where the put up their stores are historical which is kinda sad to think that the sm management and the mayors who allow this huge corporation to tear down our history. im afraid there would come a time that the whole philippines will be one big huge supermall!

anyways this sm megamall is located in and is the third sm supermall developed and operated by SM Prime Holdings, the largest mall operator in the Philippines owned by Henry Sy Sr. The mall occupies a land area of approximately 18 hectares and has a total floor area of an estimated 348,000 m², making it the third largest shopping mall in the country and seventh largest shopping mall in the world by area. (Source: Wikipedia.org)

pista ng nazareno

2011-01-09T12:54:00.000+08:00

Today is the feast day of the black Nazarene at Quiapo and it is expected that thousand of nazareno devotees will flock the quirino grandstand and the quiapo church. wishing that everyone will be safe and get blessed.

maligayang kapistahan mahal na poong nazareno!

for nympha

2011-01-06T19:07:00.000+08:00

for Nympha,

the generous and warm hearted soul who has a ready smile for everyone,

you will be missed and your memory will live in our hearts forever.

may you rest in peace.

LRT rush hour

2011-01-05T15:42:00.001+08:00

“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?”

buntot pagi

2011-01-04T11:11:00.002+08:00

Buntot pagi or sting ray tail is used by Filipinos as a weapon... it is also believed that buntot pagi is a good weapon to combat aswangs and other engkanto, these are sold near the Quiapo church among with other amulets and herbal concoctions.

DOT: Kay Ganda

2011-01-03T11:11:00.004+08:00

No, this has nothing to do with the infamous DOT's failed logo and slogan - Pilipinas Kay Ganda but rather i just want to say that i really really like the lighting of the department of tourism's building located at Agrifina circle in Rizal Park. The building is swathed in Philippine flag.

I'm not sure if this lighting going to be a permanent building fixture at night or this is just because of the holiday season. i checked the DOT's website but found nothing, anyone knows?

rizal park's musical dancing fountain

2011-01-02T18:22:00.002+08:00

to attract more visitors, rizal park administrator have added an "attraction" and launched the musical dancing fountain last dec. 16, 2010. but to those who doesnt know, this fountain is not new, it has been a main feature of the Rizal Park / Luneta as far as i can remember... and how happy i was when they started renovating around the fountain (i think that was way back in 2007) which prompted me to do a nostalgic post about this fountain, only to be disappointed when nothing seemed to happen (because whenever i visited Luneta then i was never lucky to see the fountains at work, just there but not working, like this old post from 2008).. and now finally it was magically restored! :)

my nephews has been begging me to bring them here when they saw the fountain featured in the television (how media really plays a big part in giving information) and even though there were lots of people visiting on New year's day, we have braved the crowd just to see the dancing fountain because there will be school and work on monday already.

and boy the crowd was really huge! the last time i saw Rizal Oark this crowded was during the 1995 World Youth Day in Manila. every square inch of the park is full of people, some even brought tents!

Data from the Park admin showed that almost 500,000 Filipinos gathered at the park to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas day of 2010 and about half a million was there as well in welcoming 2011. a good times indeed at Rizal park, and i hope this would continue and tourist (and yes that includes ever filipino) to visit Luneta.

here's a short video of the dancing fountain, sorry about the quality and the audio, the music playing was "Manila, Manila ... i keep coming back to Manila" :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-01T10:41:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year to all. Happy 1.1.11

Welcoming 2011 with lots of hope. May we all receive abundant blessings and tons of happiness.

"pangpaswerte" = 12 round fruits on your table on new year's eve

So what are your new year's traditions and beliefs?

peace on earth

2010-12-03T18:12:00.000+08:00

the nativity scene at ayala triangle.. i've missed taking picture of the grand display at this heart of makati the previous years when i moved out of working in makati, but hey to make it up here's different images of the belen this year, made more special with the ayala light and sound show

just a few more nights and it's christmas again :D

to view previous nativity scene photos click here

ayala lights and sounds - a symphony of parols at ayala triangle

2010-11-29T21:38:00.001+08:00

the ayala lights and sound show at ayala triangle gardens - a symphony of parols

Symphony of Parols, a Lights and Sound show started last November 17 and will run until December 23, at 6:00pm to 8:00pm (every 30 minutes). There will be a special weekend shows on December 18 and 19.

Official list of activites from Ayala Land event site:

Christmas At The Ayala Triangle Gardens 2010

November 17, 5:30pm - Beginning of Symphony of Parols, a Lights and Sound show and formal launch of restaurants at the Ayala Triangle Garden

November 17 to December 23, 6:00 - 8:00pm - Beginning of Symphony of Parols, a Lights and Sound show (every 30 minutes): Weekdays with special weekend shows on December 18 and 19.

November 23, 6:00pm - Holiday dance fusion at the gardens. Free dance lessons from professional insttructors

December 1 and 8, 6:00pm - Christmas Serenade at the gardens. Free concerts by renowned performers.

December 15 to 23, 6:00pm - Anticipated Simbang Gabi

Own a piece of Manny Pacquiao!

2010-11-14T13:50:00.000+08:00

Congratulations Manny Pacquiao!!! You truly are the best boxer in the whole world! Beating Antonio Margarito in a unanimous decision getting his 8th world title.

Be a champion like Manny Pacquiao! Project PEARLS is doing an Auction for a Cause. We are auctioning Pacquiao's autographed training boxing gloves benefiting the Ulingan Kids' Outreach Project. Bid now and be a champion of the children at Ulingan. Bid at www.ebay.com - Item # 130454794993!

Andrew wrote: My armoire smells like the Pambansang Kamao—the Philippine "National Fist"—and I wants to know how much that's worth. Seriously. I have a pair of Manny Pacquiao's boxing gloves, both of which he signed after training in them—*vigorously*. They emanate without end, these gloves; my underwear, socks, T-shirts and jeans all carry the Champ's glorious musk. Manny gave these gloves to the photographer, Mark Seliger, who shot the portrait that ran with my GQ story earlier this year. Seliger, who brooks no musk, champion or non-, turned them over to the mag, which sent them along to me (as if my underwear didn't already carry a Champion's Eau). I can't do anything with these gloves, ethically or athletically so, as with all my shoes and all my glasses, I just...have them. But now I'm giving them to a charity that helps impoverished children in the Philippines; they'll auction them off.

Andrew Corsello wrote a very beautiful story about Manny Pacquiao for GQ magazine, dubbing the "pambansang kamao" "The Biggest Little Man in the World"

sagada: sumaguing cave

2010-11-09T23:14:00.000+08:00

christmas is here!

2010-11-08T00:51:00.001+08:00

christmas is just around the corner, so let me be the first to greet you all a merry christmas! :D

Christmas decoration and themes already hit the philippine malls and stores as early as september, and tv and radio stations are playing christmas songs and doing the daily countdown till christmastime. last week the makati business district lighted its street with christmas light and decors (an annual celebration and preparation) and just last saturday, sm mal of asia lighted it's giant christmas tree (50 feet tall) with a bang - with fireworks and circus acts to the delight of kids and young at heart.

P.S. photo taken by Maureen Jaramillo

sagada burial cave

2010-11-01T21:03:00.002+08:00

The Sagada Burial Caves is an ancient burial ground full of coffins piled one on top of the other and can be found at the entrance of Lumiang Cave (the start point of the 4-hour cave connection trekking where the exit is the Sumaguing Cave). Unfortunately, some tourist found a liking to getting some 'souvenirs' from these coffins hence the warning sign you see in the last photo.

sagada

2010-10-30T23:53:00.004+08:00

If there is one place you should visit in the Philippines, that is Sagada. You have to at least go and see this place and natural wonders it can offer. Sagada is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, and is located 275km north of Manila.

There are two ways to travel to Sagada from Manila: (1) via Baguio route or (2) via Banawe-Bontoc. I prefer the the second route because for me it is a much faster route and going back to Manila you can choose to have a side trip to Baguio and get to travel the whole cordilleras region just like what i did. :)

The place is so laid back and the climate is soooo nice. Sagada is 140km away from Baguio but it is much cooler here than in Baguio. The crops are like those of Baguio and Benguet: cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans, and other temperate products. But they have a special Arabica coffee as well. And they have rice terraces in Sagada to, though the terraces in Sagada are smaller than the Banawe rice terraces.

According to our guide, Sagada used to be submerged in water hence the abundant limestone mountains at Sagada, kinda hard to believe considering how high is this place but you have to because how else would there be limestones without water right? Also if you look closely in the above photo there are "hanging coffins" in this limestone which is also one of the famous tourist attraction in Sagada.

Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins and burial caves. This was a traditional way of burying people that is not being practiced anymore. But the photo above is the burial cave, you can found this hundreds year old coffins at Lumiang Cave entrance.

A peek inside Sumaguing Cave. I will post more pictures inside Sumaguing Cave in the next few days. Spelunking is one of the popular activities in Sagada and doing the cave connection Sumaguing-Lumiang Caves really requires that you are in good health, tiring but definitely worth it.

Sagada has many natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists can enjoy spelunking, rappeling, trekking, seeing the Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls (which unfortunately i havent got a chance to see when i visited Sagada, but there's still next time hehehe).

A street in Sagada, the red "house" is actually a Sagada weaving house.

Sagada Church

Sagada Hospital

Sagada was also featured on a local film Don't Give Up on Us.

cordillera

2010-10-27T13:49:00.001+08:00

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is the Philippines' only land-locked region. It is consisted of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Baguio City (the regional center). The Cordillera region encompasses most of the areas within the Cordillera Central mountain range of Luzon, the largest range in the country. This region is home to numerous indigenous tribes collectively called the Igorot.

Tourist attractions in the region include the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the province of Ifugao. Nations around the world boast of their own self-proclaimed "eighth wonder of the world." The Philippines considers Banaue Rice Terraces as its "Eighth Wonder of the World." The Banaue terraces, ancient sprawling man-made structures from 2,000 to 6,000 years old, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, widely found in the provinces of Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

Natural attractions of the region include the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada and the mummy caves of Benguet and Mt. Province. There are four National Parks: Cassamata Hill, Mount Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon, and second highest mountain in the Philippines, following Mount Apo of Davao, with an elevation of 2,922 meters above mean sea level, Mt. Data, and Balbalasang-Balbalan, located in the province of Kalinga.

Source: Wikipedia

banaue rice terraces

2010-10-25T22:56:00.001+08:00

The Banaue Rice Terraces (Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe) are 2000-year old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".

It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said that if the steps are put end to end it would encircle half the globe.

The Banaue Terraces are part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, ancient sprawling man-made structures from 2,000 to 6,000 years old. They are found in the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet, Mountain Province and Ifugao, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The terraces are vastly found in the province of Ifugao and the Ifugao people have been its caretakers. Ifugao culture revolves around rice and the culture displays an elaborate array of rice culture feasts linked with agricultural rites from rice cultivation to rice consumption. Harvest season generally calls for thanksgiving feasts while the concluding harvest rites tungo or tungul (the day of rest) entail a strict taboo of any agricultural work. Partaking of the bayah (rice beer), rice cakes, and betel nut constitutes an indelible practice during the festivities and ritual activities.

Another thriving economy in the Banaue Rice Terraces is tourism. The Tourism industry has developed a number of activities for visitors which may include the traditional sight seeing of the terraces and visits to the tribes at the foot of the terraces.

Source: Wikipedia

chess

2010-10-23T23:00:00.001+08:00

Spotted these chess players at megamall this evening... from the poster learned that it is already the championship tournament sponsored by Shell.

to learn more about the shell national youth active chess championship, click here

book swap

2010-10-21T22:53:00.000+08:00

may you be a book lover or not but have some spare books (specially children books) that is just lying around in your house you are invited to a book swap to benefit the abandoned girls of Maritxell, Marikina.

When: October 23, 2010, Saturday from 10 AM-6 PM
Where: The Balcony, 110 Dona Angela Building, Carlos Palanca St., Makati City
How to Join:

In order to enter you need to bring one (1) educational or children's book plus your unwanted books
The educational books go directly to the abandoned girls of Meritxell, Marikina
You may choose from the books other people brought and can bring home the same number of books as the amount of unwanted books you brought.

Meritxell, Marikina has been housing marginalized and abandoned girls ages 3 -16 years old since 2007. Those who are old enough to study are sent to private schools for education. Ateneo has recently listed them as one of their NSTP areas. In order for them to further improve their studies, they need more educational books. The event hopes to collect 200 educational books to benefit three more orphanages.

Reposted from Chuvaness

makati at dusk

2010-10-20T17:07:00.000+08:00

help the children of ulingan

2010-10-18T15:26:00.001+08:00

A few months ago, together with some fellow bloggers, we visited "happy land" and my heart was broken seeing the plight of those unfortunate kids who had to make a living scavenging from garbage and exposed to the deadly fumes of ulingan.

Sitio Ulingan is a temporary resettlement area of the people from Smokey Mountain (Manila's old dumpsite), which is now home to a small community. The "ulingan people" are making a living making charcoals aside from scavenging garbage from nearby dump sites to make ends meet.

"Sitio Ulingan defines poverty in a novel way. No one can ever know what real poverty is until one takes a glimpse into the everyday life of the Ulingan people." - Dennis Villegas

It is really heartbreaking to see the kids working at the charcoal pit instead of playing. Thankfully, there is someone like Melissa Villa-Wilcox who co-founded Project PEARLS with her daughter to help alleviate the lives of underprivileged children in the Philippines.

Project PEARLS is a registered non-profit organization in the State of California. Its mission is to help underprivileged children in the Philippines to have a better life by giving them PEARLS: PEACE. EDUCATION. ASPIRATION. RESPECT. LOVE. SMILE.

And they have been doing a great job helping the kids at Ulingan.About 2 months ago they had their first Ulingan outreach program with Photo Kalye and distributed goods to the kids. To show how amazing this group, they had another outreach program 2 weeks after that and gave boots to the kids. And just recently Project PEARLS had another outreach program at Ulingan and i believe that Ms. Melissa is planning to build a better daycare center for the kids of Ulingan!!! woot! woot!

"She has big dreams for the children of Ulingan. But this special lady knows how to make her dreams reality.
Congrats Melissa for the wonderful job you do together with your volunteers and PhotoKalye." - Sidney Snoeck

You can help too and make this dream a reality. Please support or give donation to Project PEARLS. You can join their page on facebook here. or give your donations here.

star wars lego

2010-10-17T01:20:00.001+08:00

I spied these cute stormtrooper starwars lego display at the SM megamall last night, during their 3 day madness sale :)

super cute lego star wars figure of princess leia, luke skywalker, han solo, chewbacca, c3po, and r2d2 (apologies for the grainy pictures i was using my camera phone.)

PS. if you havent heard or check out the 3day sale at ortigas area, you still have a chance to get up to 50% discounts till sunday... but do expect heavy traffic too ... aside from megamall, robinsons galleria and other malls at ortigas are conducting their 3 days sale.

ang pagbabalik ng batibot

2010-10-15T16:31:00.001+08:00

Yehey! our beloved Batibot program is back!!!! We grew up watching pong pagong, kiko matsing, kuya bodjie, ate sienna, and the rest like manang bola and i am estatic with this news that TV5 is bringing them back.

so let ya all sing with me in this classic batibot theme song

Pagmulat ng mata,
Langit nakatawa
Sa batibot,
Sa batibot
Tayo nang magpunta
Tuklasin sa batibot
Ang tuwa, ang saya

Doon sa batibot
Tayo na, tayo na
Mga bata sa batibot
Maliksi, masigla. (2x)

Dali, sundan natin
Ang ngiti ng araw
Doon sa batibot (2x)

Tayo nang magpunta
Tuklasin sa batibot
Ang tuwa, ang saya

Doon sa batibot
Tayo na, tayo na
Mga bata sa batibot
Maliksi, masigla. (2x)

Photo Source : Batibot returns after 2 decades!

galleon andalucia

2010-10-12T23:24:00.001+08:00

Galleon Andalucia is a replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon which plied the Manila-Acapulco route centuries ago. The name of the ship, Andalucia, refers to the land of the galleon's birth. Andalusia, located at the south of Central Madrid, with Barcelona in the northeast is region to 3 million inhabitants. It is here where they lay the keel and raised the masts of the galleon, between Punta Umbria and Huelva.

Galleon Andalucia arrived at Pier 13 on the South Harbor in Manila on October 6, and left on the 9th enroute to Cebu. Galleon Andalucia will dock at Cebu waters on October 13. The arrival of the galleon Andalucia was the highlight of the 1st Día Del Galeón Festival being hosted by the Philippines under UNESCO which declared October 8 as Galleon Day to commemorate the beginnings of world trade and cross-cultural exchange.

Built by the Nao Victoria Foundation of Spain under the design of Seville Ignacio Fernandez Vial, a historic shipbuilder; the galleon Andalucia is 51 meters long, comprising of 6 decks with a usable floor area of 320 square meters, 3 masts with seven sails, and about 40 feet in height.

The ship's body is made of iroko wood, oak and pine fiberglass and polyester resin, cast iron, wrought iron and galvanized iron nails. Two engines of 350hp each assist the galleon during port arrivals and departures, as well as during bad weathers and wind mis-directions. 170 tons of concrete and iron served as the ship's ballast and stabilizers in the bottom deck.

Source: Aboard the Galleon Andalucia

UPDATE: Galleon Andalucia will be open to the public at Cebu City's Pier 1 from October 14-18, 2010. The visits will be coordinated by the Provincial Government of Cebu. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. For more information, e-mail bessfrancia@yahoo.com

manila scramble

2010-09-21T16:27:00.002+08:00

Yes! its so yummy and i am sooo glad that scramble is back! when i was a kid, i really enjoyed buying this sweet street food after classes or just for snack, i know not so healthy but this scramble is a must snack for us then :)

to those who doesn't know, scramble is pink in color (which i think made it more yummylicious to kids eyes hehehe). scramble is sweetened shaved ice served in a paper or plastic cup, a scoop of powdered milk and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and eaten with a wooden popsicle stick.

and yes they are back in the streets of manila, well technically not a street food anymore because found this being sold at the mall, specifically at robinson's place malate... and i guess i'm not the only one who missed scramble because this little stall has always a long line but definitely worth having a taste of scramble again :)

before you can buy it at 3pesos or 5 pesos, this one called manila scramble is being sold at Php 7(small), Php 10 (medium) and Php 17 (large) and you can have additional toppings for 4 pesos. i had mine without extra toppings - just plain old school scramble taste and yes they taste like the way it used to be :)

boracay: blue water

2010-09-14T16:17:00.001+08:00

boracay: relax

2010-09-13T13:36:00.000+08:00

boracay is synonymous with fun and relaxation, here you can have your fun under the sun and have a massage by the beach as well :)

boracay: kids

2010-09-12T21:51:00.000+08:00

children will always be kids, and even this kid at heart cant resist playing in the sand... specially boracay white powdery sand :)

boracay: natural lines

2010-09-11T23:17:00.002+08:00

boracay: willy's rock

2010-09-03T15:00:00.000+08:00

Willy's rock is probably the most photographed rock in boracay, you would see this rock in almost all photos of those who visited boracay's white beach, simply put Willy's rock is Boracay’s most recognizable attraction. Willy's Rock stands out like a dark dot on the immaculately white shoreline, becoming an island at high tide. A shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary stands atop the rock.

boracay: sunset lovers

2010-09-02T11:45:00.000+08:00

boracay: sunset

2010-08-31T22:45:00.000+08:00

boracay: rocks

2010-08-30T22:38:00.000+08:00

boracay: chill

2010-08-29T22:42:00.000+08:00

still doing a boracay series of photographs

boracay: bulabog beach

2010-08-28T23:04:00.000+08:00

Bulabog Beach is the 2.5km long water sports beach of Boracay, and is located on the east side of the island. It is home for much of the windsurfing and kite boarding,and also has jet skis, parasailing and boating of all types. It is a 5 minute walk to D’Mall, 10 minutes to White Beach. There are some resorts here as well. The beach is protected by an offshore coral reef. It is less developed and quieter than White Beach. Considered as the "Number One kite boarding beach in Asia."

Bulabog Beach comes alive during the early months of each year when windsurfers skim through its waters. Amateurs and professionals take advantage of the strong winds as they race from one end to the other., truly a windsurfer's paradise. In addition to windsurfers, kiteboarders also now enjoy the strong wind until the month of June and July, when the southwest monsoon begins. Bulabog Beach is often deserted, allowing you to feel the "Other side" of boracay during a walk there.

boracay: paddle board

2010-08-27T17:23:00.000+08:00

travel: boracay

2010-08-26T19:05:00.000+08:00

sorry if i have not been updating this site as much as i want to.. i know you guys want to see more of manila but there's too much to do but so little time, so for now i'll be posting a series of pictures from the beautiful island of boracay that i took this summer and share with you the beauty of this paradise.

Boracay is an island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide.

useful links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boracay
http://wikitravel.org/en/Boracay
http://www.boracayonline.com/island/about.html

manila hostage crisis

2010-08-25T14:01:00.000+08:00

with the recent tragedy over the hostage crisis here in manila, i would like to make a plea to everyone to remain objective and not vent frustration and anger towards the whole Filipino nation... Manila is still my home, the Philippines is still a beautiful country, and the Filipinos are warm and caring in general no matter what one stupid man did, or how incompetent the policemen were, and how irresponsible was the media during that fateful event...

we are sorry it happened and ended the way it did... i guess most of the sentiments of all Filipinos are well explained and written by this teenager...

=====

August 23, 2010

"A letter from a teenage Filipino to the WHOLE WORLD”

As you are reading this letter, I bet that you have seen/heard about what happened earlier in our country.

Tourists were hostages of a policeman here, Rolando Mendoza. After a few hours of the horrible crime, some of the victims were dead including the hostage-taker.

I wrote this letter not just to apologize but also to let everyone know that we Filipinos are not all like Mendoza. We are loving and good-hearted people.

For so many years, our country has been standing tall and surpassing every dilemma; be it small or big. Years ago (back when I wasn’t born yet), you have watched us fight for what we think is right. We fought for the democracy of our nation.. The EDSA revolution. But that’s just one out of many.

Second. We Filipinos have been serving other countries for our families and we treat you as our own as well. With all due respect, I thank you all for giving us the trust through the years. For helping us to become what we are now.

The Philippines is more than just a group of islands. We are a nation of strong and remarkable people. A country of beauty and love known to be hospitable and well-valued. I humbly apologize for what happened tonight. No one in this world would want something like that to happen for life should be valued.

I politely ask the attention of the world. Please do not judge and mistreat us just because of what happened tonight. I have been searching the net and found terrible things. Hong Kong advices to avoid travels here, China and HK bans Filipinos and that Philippines is the worst place to go.

I can’t blame you for what you have decided but I hope that you could understand. Our country is now in a sea of problems. And I know for sure that we helped you in a way or another. Let peace and understanding reign this time.

I know that this letter will just be trash but I wish that you would understand. On behalf of the Philippine population.. WE ARE SORRY.

As a song puts it…

And I believe that in my life I will see an end to hopelessness, giving-up and suffering. And we all stand together this one time then no one will get left behind. Stand up for life. STAND UP FOR LOVE

Sincerely yours,

Reigno Jose Dilao
Catbalogan City, Samar

Source: http://dabz0326.tumblr.com/

san isidro labrador

2010-08-19T08:08:00.002+08:00

During the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival, each household tries to outdo each other in friendly competition as they vie for honor of recognizing their creativity. The Pahiyas Festival is held every 15th of May in Lucban, Quezon.

Farmers show their bountiful produce such as chayote, radish, pepper and grains of rice. There are miniatures locally known as "anok", fruits, vegetables and longganisa. The handicraft manufacturer has his house decked with colorful buri/buntal hats, bags, placemats and others.

The most traditional and certainly the most attractive décor comes of course in the form of "kiping" which are adorn and strung together to form all sorts of shapes, from chandelier called "arangya" to huge flowers. Kiping is made from ground rice flour, shaped using "cabal" leaves or other leaf forms and colored in radiant red, fuschia, yellow, green and other bright shades. When kiping catches the light of the sun it turns into a veritable cascades of color.

The celebration is a form of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and in honor of the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. A procession of the image of San Isidro is planned long before the festival and it is said that houses along the route of the procession passes will be especially favored and blessed in the coming year. It is from this belief that the lavish decoration of the home began. After all, one must welcome the saint's blessings with rapture and gratitude.

little people aka anok

2010-08-18T08:08:00.002+08:00

These are miniatures locally known as anok, usually used as part of decoration of the houses during the pahiyas festival

2010-08-17T08:08:00.002+08:00

pahiyas windows

2010-08-16T08:08:00.002+08:00

pahiyas windows

2010-08-15T08:08:00.002+08:00