Mis(adventures)

2011-10-27T11:01:00.000+08:00

after 3 weeks of sleepless nights, finally my sleep goes normal again. an infected sebaceos cyst at my back was d culprit. my doctor decided to use the needles to take out that big lump as it doesnt react anymore to antibiotics. going to operating room was scary but the relief it gave after the lump subsides is undeniably great.

Good things are coming

2011-10-13T01:20:00.003+08:00

I dont know why but i feel very positive in my life now, i feel that good things are coming soon in my life. the person who was putting me down and makes me feel am never good in anything i do is now out of my life. I feel recharged once again and now am back with my whole self and unexpectedly am happier now that i will be on the real me again. Somehow, that relationship tied me into something which i know am not really happy about.

I dont love you when i accepted you ,bad start..i know...and am sorry for that. I have nothing to do, my good friend is leaving soon so i just feel why not, i can try, lets see where it will lead me, your head over heels on me anyway. So i went with the flow trying to make you feel that am loving the relationship while trying to convince also myself that this is the man am waiting for.

Early in the relationship, i already like to get out, i know, i really dont like you..hindi ikaw ang hinahanap kong lalaki, the sophistication am looking for is not there.We have different world and different view on things. But like what many elders say, its better to get someone who has a bigger amount of love to you than someone you love more so i continued convincing myself as you continue showering me with love and nice words and making me feel guilty every time am trying to leave you. But i know you always have doubt on me. But you are wrong with your doubt, there's no other man in my life, the doubt is within me. Am trying to convince my self that I love you.

Things got worse on you, you were put to jail, had to stay longer in other country, you lost your job when u went back ,but i didn't leave you. i dont like to be told that am only good as long as you're in good state. I stayed with you when you were so down, i felt the responsibility of taking care of you and so i did even at the same time i have to take care also myself as i'm stepping up to the ladder of my career. Thats relationship, walang iwanan through thick and thin. I sticked into that kahit nahihirapan na ako pero kinaya ko lahat wag mo lang maramdaman na pinababayaan kita on your worse days. Hindi ako ganun.

Am bad i argue with you but i always feel i need to answer as there are words that i think the other way around, am sorry again with that. My personality is maybe too strong for me to accept all you say. you left, i cried, i was sorry. am already used to you despite of the arguments. i missed you. maybe i already love you.. am still not sure. i would like to think that too much emotion and time were already invested and so is hard to get away from the person you used to be with.and that is me to you..

your love for me is too strong, you came back. am already reaching the top of my career. you are still very unstable career-wise. i helped you,supported you, took care of you, i know you will soon be able to stand up. i was not in a hurry but you were in a hurry.

now, youre there, got new job that will make you stable. you left me.same story packing up things etc. but while you are packing i was there in the parlor having my nails done, having a good time, pampering myself, was unscathed of the situation.

i cried bit by bit, yes but not the same as the first time. my personality became much stronger and probably because i became more confident with myself. and i feel more enriched now that i was able to do what you deprived me on doing when we were still together. i get tired of you controlling me and always accusing me of things i never do and think of.

to end this, id like to quote Jennifer Lopez for the reason of her separation with anthony...

"It's not that I didn't love myself before. Sometimes we don't realize that we are compromising ourselves. To understand that a person is not good for you, or that that person is not treating you in the right way, or that he is not doing the right thing for himself — if I stay, then I am not doing the right thing for me. I love myself enough to walk away from that now."

and so .. i like the makeover physically , mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially.. i love you more now Irza!

AM BACK

2011-10-11T15:33:00.002+08:00

yes am back to blogging.. am loveless again so am back to my original love... photo editing and blogging...

after a not-so painful breakup, yes its not, coz maybe i know its coming anyway but just for the sake of what so called breakup, i need to feel that am hurting..and anyway the sad part of it is only that i have to go back again to caring of myself alone.. the good part is am used to it even if i had a partner before so nothing really changed at all

a makeover! time for myself as i feel deprived when i was still with somebody who was financially stressed and i have to take the burden of all the financial matters for us.

Makeover 1:
New clothes - my partner before was a bit conservative and buying clothes based from where am comfortable and which i think fits to my personality was kind of hard to do. now am on my own, i went shopping and bought all i love to wear.

Makeover 2:
Manicure (Nail art) and pedicure - my pedicure is maintained twice a month but i realized i also need to pamper my hands coz anyway i dont need to wash clothes and plates anymore. I love the nail art and ill maintain this from now on

Makeover 3:

Curly hair - while everyone is so engrossed with rebonding, id like to be different, i went to the salon to get permed hair. I love how my hair is done, just a bit of mousse and ready to go.now everyone in the office likes to be curly.. am now a trendsetter ..

Makeover 4:

Braces - i texted an old friend for the number of his dentist sister, he gave me the number by wednesday and saturday i visited the clinic for the checkup and olah, sunday i have my braces. i love it, its gives sophistication and also in just few weeks with braces, it helped me to be on diet. two birds in one hit- it will straighten my teeth and sametime i lose 3 kilos already.. not bad

whats next to do:

makeover 5- a surprise .. still in the planning stage but i already contacted some people for this

others things to do:
i always love travelling and having good vacation.. that to follow soon..

am not happy

2010-02-02T01:06:00.001+08:00

bakit kailangang may kahati? hindi ba pwedeng ako lang?

Hmm 2

2009-09-18T10:31:00.003+08:00

Sa isang malayong lugar habang ikaw ay kasama
Tayo ay magkatabi sa malambot na kama
Aking pinamamasdan ang iyong itsura
At hinaplos ng palad ang hubog at pigura

Sa isang sandali pa labi ay nagkita
Tamis ng halik sayo’y pinadama
Init ng pag ibig ang na ating nadarama
Ang sarap ng gabi pagkat ikaw ay kasama

Unti – unti saplot mo’y hinubad
Hanggang ang alindog sa kin ay tumambad
Ganda ng katawan na lubhang nakakagigil
Ramdam ko si Juan ay di na papipigil.

Init na nadarama ating pagsasaluhan
Sa buong magdamag pawang kaligayahan
Bugso ng damdamin mahirap pigilin
Sa kagaya mong masarap mahalin.

Ilang beses nangyari sa lalim ng gabi
Ikaw ay angkinin at halikan ang labi
Bakas ang saya sa ating mga mata
Sa pagmamahalan na ating pinakita

hmm

2009-09-16T15:09:00.003+08:00

bakit ganito ang pakiramdam ko ay iba
sa tuwing ikaw ay nasa aking gunita
mga pangyayari ng lumipas na gabi
palaging sa isipan ay laging katabi..

sa aking trabaho ikaw ay kasama
ikaw ang nagbibigay sa akin ng saya
kahit anong hirap ang aking dinaranas
sa mga katagang binibitawan ako ay sumasaya

Unpopular Name

2009-07-15T19:13:00.002+08:00

My name Irza is 62,303rd name in USA. least in the rank in the most used name?? At least my name is still unique

Get yours at www.pokemyname.com

My worth in $$$$

2009-07-15T12:41:00.003+08:00

Am worth exactly $905,320 or in peso (exchange rate: $1 = P47.75) = 43,229,030, well...

have a shot at www.humanForSale.com and have fun!

Bato Ka.. isipin mo

2009-07-02T18:47:00.002+08:00

Bakit ka pa rin nasasaktan?
Di ba bato ka na?
Sadyang yan ang kapalaran mo
Tanggapin mo

Mahal ka? oo.. sabi nila
pero kailangan nilang umalis sa tabi mo.

Para kanino?
sa yo? sa kanya? sa kanila?

Ewan... maging matigas ka na lang

going naturals

2009-06-24T06:39:00.006+08:00

i remember when an officemate asked me if i wear make ups. i said no. He said then my beauty is natural..

Probably, the real best things in life are those which are naturals. Food which are cooked using fresh meat/fish and vegetables are the best foods served on our tables. It's not only delicious but also nutritious.

Currently,whats added in my things which are also my best buys now are those which are naturals with no harsh ingredients.
1. Marietta's gugo - i have falling hair and thus using the highly commercial shampoos become more harmful on my hair. when i used this gugo, i barely see one falling hair.

2. Himalaya Soothing body lotion- this product originally manufactured in india and because of its positive effectiveness, its circulated now in different parts of the globe. Recently, its introduced now in the philippines. Himalaya is 100% herbal actives which makes it safe to my sensitive skin.( yes, i do have sensitive skin- btw,thanks to my good allergologist).

3. Himalaya hair protein cream - when i have to buy my second bottle of the lotion, i got addicted with himalaya that i also bought this hair protein cream. Two months before, i went to the salon for a protein treatment. With my new himalaya protein cream, i can have a protein treatment everyday.
- Ingredients: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) 6 mg, Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) 6 mg, Thistles (Eclipta alba) 4 mg, Wheatgerm (Triticum sativum) 4 mg.

Himalaya products are still quite hard to find here. Luckily, there's already a small stand for himalaya products in SM Megamall at the ground floor. Some products maybe not be available coz of out of stock but give your number and they will call you once the product arrived.

4. HBC Body Recipe Feminine Wash (w/guava extract)- very subtle that you cannot feel the strong ingredients like other feminine wash.

Friendster or Facebook

2009-06-24T06:34:00.002+08:00

Currently, i have 163 friends in friendster while only 32 in facebook... this answers which is which and why is why

Yoog infected

2009-06-23T21:43:00.003+08:00

I found this... words asking for help to remove yoog

"everytime nalang pupunta ako ng site napupunta sa yoog site na to? paano nangyari? kahit i-remove ko siya sa search engines, pumupunta pa din. hindi ko naman siya ini-enter, hindi ko nga alam na may site na ganito. virus ba to? paano ko to tanggalin na hindi na mapupunta sa site na to? please help!" - from one user of femalenetwork.

Same as mine, when i opened my mozilla, it prompt to yoog which is like a search engine. Luckily, i found in the internet how to remove it. One just have to download and run the OTL and paste the codes that i found. And it worked!!

Cluck this link for the step-by-step procedure for removing the yoog! Thanks to the geeks!
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/How-to-remove-Yoog-Search-Blueskyadagency-Contextual-ads-Snappyads-t238947.html&pid=1556421

Ang Simula

2009-02-17T15:45:00.000+08:00

Sa isang malayong lugar habang ako ay nag iisa
Ako ay may napansin na babaing kakaiba
Ako ay lumapit at sa kanya’y nagpakilala
At doon nalaman ko ang pangalan n’ya ay Irza

Sa aming pag uusap ako ay nag anyaya
Na kami ay pumunta sa isang kapetirya
Di batid kung ano ang magiging sagot n’ya
Ako’y di nagdalawang salita at siya’y sumama.

Sa kaniyang pananalita iyong mapapansin
Ang angking talino na di mo sukat isipin
Ako ay humanga sa galing na angkin
At lalong naging masigasig na siya’y kausapin

Sa unang araw pa lang na kami’y magkasama
May kakaibang damdamin akong nadama.
Batid sa puso ang pag ibig sa kanya
At hindi naglaon ako’y minahal n’ya

Labis na pagmamahal ang sa akin ay pinakita
Kung kaya araw araw sya’y nasa ’king gunita
Sarap ng pagmamahalan na aming pinagdadaanan
Ako’y nananalangin sa sana’y walang maging hangganan....

For my dear

2008-12-15T17:21:00.003+08:00

I love you ...Because…

You hold my hand when we walk in the streets….I feel safe
You sing me songs every time I feel blue… I feel relieved.
You make me smile whenever I feel frustrated with my work… I feel empowered.
You make yourself available whenever I needed you… I feel important.
You ask me everyday if I have eaten my breakfast… I feel like your baby.
You do everything for me… I feel like a queen.
You make me worry-free… I feel that life is easy after all.
You always say am beautiful and intelligent… I feel like one.
You always say you love me… I feel so much love from you.
You praise me with my achievements… I feel how proud you are to me.
You get mad if am still out late at night… I feel how much you care for me.
You give me surprises … I feel like a winner.
You prepare and do things for our future… I feel secured.
You dream with my dreams…I feel we are one.
You like me to be your wife… I feel worthy.
You like to have kids with me… I feel like your woman.
You kiss me like how you eat your ice cream… I feel am delicious.
You accepted me as I am… I feel perfect.

There are millions of reasons why I love you
And words are not enough to tell you so
One thing for sure is am so lucky to have you
Being with you 24/7 is what I also look forward to

Thank you my dear for coming to my life.
… My big man with a great brain, with a big heart, my superman..

I love you.

Quezon del Sur, Quezon Del Norte

2008-11-19T18:24:00.000+08:00

Sa darating na Dec 13 mahalaga ang araw na ito sa mga taga-quezon. Sa araw na ito ang plebisito kung payag ba ang mga tao na hatiin ang lalawigan ng quezon sa dalawa, na tatawaging Quezon del Norte at Quezon del Sur.

Ang Quezon del Norte ay bubuuin ng mga bayan ng Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Lukban, Mauban, Pagbilao, Panukulan Patnanungan, Polillo, Real, Sampaloc, Candelaria, Dolores, San Antonio, Sariaya, Tiaong at ang siyudad ng Lucena at Tayabas. Ang Lucena pa rin ang kapital nito.

Ang quezon del Sur naman ay ang mga bayan ng of Agdangan, Bunevista, Catanuan, Gen Luna, Macalelon, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Patnanongan, San Antonio, San Francisco, San narciso, Unisan, Alabat, Atimonan, Guinyangan, Gumaca, Lopez, Plaridel Quezon, Tagkawayan.
Sa Quezon Del Sur ang magiging sentro ay ang Gumaca.

Sa simula pa lang na marinig ko ang mga hakbangin na ito, iisa lang ang aking sagot. Dapat na nga talagang hatiin ang lalawigan ng Quezon. Ito ay sa kadahilanang upang mabigyan ng pansin ang iba pang bayan ng quezon lalo na yung mga nasa bahagi ng Bondoc Peninsula- ang mga bayan na sasakupin ng Quezon del Sur.

Sa maraming taon, isa ang lalawigan ng quezon sa sampung pinakamahihirap na lalawigan sa Pilipinas. Noong una , parang ayaw kong maniwala sa dahilang sa mga bahagi ng quezon na aking napupuntahan na kalimitan ay ang mga bayang bahagi ng Quezon del Norte at nakikita ko ang kaunlaran. Ito ay ang mga bayang nakapaligid sa sentro ng lalawigan ng quezon ang Lucena City.

Kung tutuusin, malaki ang potensyal ng Quezon del Sur, narito ang mga malaking bahagi ng agrikultura, mga bulubundukin at mga karagatan na kung malalapatan ng tamang pagkalinga ay talagang makikita ang kaunlaran. Kahit ako ay nasa Quezon del Norte, gusto ko na makita na ang aking mga kababayan sa kabilang bahagi ng quezon ng mas magaang buhay, mas magandang imprastraktura sa tulong ng tamang pamamahala.

Sa mga ganitong hakbangin, kahit iisa ang nais marating , ang kaunlaran, hindi mawawala ang kokontra sa istratehiya. Siguro nga natural na ang ganito dahil marami ang natatakot na baka lalong lumala at pagsamantalahan lalo ng mga pulitiko na gustong malagay sa pwesto. Pero sa aking palagay, sa panahon ngayon, ang mga tao ay uhaw sa kaunlaran kung kayat sila ay matalino na sa pagpili ng kanilang liderato. Naniniwala rin ako na baka maunahan pa ng Quezon del Sur ang Quezon del Norte kung magagamit nila ng tama ang kanilang yaman at bagong usbong na liderato (hindi katulad ng sa Del Norte ngayon na mga trapo na).

Sa katapusan, parehong magpupunyagi ang dalawang bahagi ng Quezon sa hakbangin na ito.

Kaya sa Dec 13, mga Kabayan, Lets say YES! sa Dec 13 para sa Kaunlaran ng bagong Quezon.

Top Ten

2008-09-02T15:34:00.002+08:00

As I am a statistician, we are always involve in surveys and what the results would be. Here is the list of some of interesting survey results.

1. The Top 10 Airports in the world for 2008
Source: http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2008/Airport2008.htm
Hongkong airport has been named winner of World's Best Airport title for the 7th time in ten years
2008 AIRPORT 2007
1 Hong Kong 1
2 Singapore Changi 2
3 Seoul Incheon 2
4 Kuala Lumpur KLIA 5
5 Munich 4
6 Kansai 9
7 Copenhagen 11
8 Zurich 6
9 Helsinki 12
10 Cape Town 13
"the traveller's choice"

The World Airport Survey is conducted by UK-based aviation research organization, Skytrax, with more than 8.2 million questionnaires completed by passengers across the world, during the 10 month survey period.

Passenger interviews include a detailed appraisal for more than 40 categories of product and service quality from check-in to departure, from arrivals to baggage collection - including terminal cleanliness, staff efficiency, staff courtesy, terminal signage, security processing, immigration and customers, walking distances, as well as features like shopping, dining options, internet services.

2. The Top Ten Most corrupt countries ( 2007)
Source: http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2007

Rank Country
1. Myanmar
Somalia
2. Iraq
3. Haiti
4. Tonga
Uzbekistan
5. Afghanistan
Chad
Sudan
6. Congo, Democratic Republic
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea
Laos
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index defines corruption as the abuse of public office for private gain, and measures the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among a country's public officials and politicians.
Source: Transparency International, 2007. Web: www.transparency.org.

3. Most Expensive Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2007-2008 (Available in the Market)
Source: http://www.thesupercars.org/top-cars/most-expensive-cars-in-the-world-top-10-list-2007-2008/ (check out how these cars look like.. really awesome!)
1. Bugatti Veyron $1,192,057.
2. Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321
3. SSC Ultimate Aero $654,400
4. LeBlanc Mirabeau $645,084
5. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo $555,000
6. Koenigsegg CCX $545,568
7. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren $457,250
8. Porsche Carrera GT $440,000
9. Maybach 62 $385,250
10. Maybach 57 S $367,000

Millionaire Mind

2008-08-09T11:43:00.004+08:00

My friend, who is from rags to richest (literally), lend me this book entitled " Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" (author: T. Harv Eker). This book explains how rich people thinks over the middle class and the poor people. I find it very enriching that I think i have to do a lot of assessing my self so i can think like a millionaire and be one someday.

Eker lists seventeen ways in which the financial blueprints of the rich differ from those of the poor and the middle-class.
1. Rich people believe: “I create my life.” Poor people believe: “Life happens to me.”
2. Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people play the money game to not lose.
3. Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people want to be rich.
4. Rich people think big. Poor people think small.
5. Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus on obstacles.
6. Rich people admire other rich and successful people. Poor people resent rich and successful people.
7. Rich people associate with positive, successful people. Poor people associate with negative or unsuccessful people.
8. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion.
9. Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor people are smaller than their problems.
10. Rich people are excellent receivers. Poor people are poor receivers.
11. Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor people choose to get paid based on time.
12. Rich people think “both”. Poor people think “either/or”.
13. Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people focus on their working income.
14. Rich people manage their money well. Poor people mismanage their money well.
15. Rich people have their money work hard for them. Poor people work hard for their money.
16. Rich people act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear stop them. ( 17. Rich people constantly learn and grow. Poor people think they already know.

Baseball Philippines

2008-08-06T16:28:00.006+08:00

My sister is always sending me text messages inviting me to watch a baseball game in Rizal Stadium, her husband being the player/manager/coach for the Team Dumaguete (which they named Unibikers).

She says that’s its already championship and I guess she is very proud of her husband so I went to the stadium and watched the game even am not that keen or I can’t really understand how the game goes.
When I watched it for the first time, I enjoyed the game as I saw how the players can strike the ball and run to the base. You can see their passion to the game and how eager they are to win the title.

Baseball Philippines (BP) is not as popular as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) but through this event, the Filipinos will eventually embrace this sport like how the Americans are so enthusiastic with the game. BP believes that this will be the next big thing in the Philippine sports.
My sister told me I’m the lucky gem as Dumaguete Unibikers won over the Batangas Bulls in game 2 make it 1-1 for a series of 3. It made me proud for my brother-in-law when I saw sports newscasters/ journalist get to him to get an interview from him, being the coach/manager of the team. But anyway, he is used to that since he is always in the sports news especially if its about baseball.
The victory brought me for a free lunch with the players at Bacolod Chicken Inasal near the Stadium.

Go for the win Dumaguete Unibikers!!!

Read more in the official website of the Baseball Philippines at
http://www.baseballphilippines.com
for the live audio, you can hear the game through DZSR 918 on Sundays starting at 10:30am and at the internet at http://www.eradioportal.com

Thailand, 2008

2008-08-03T18:41:00.005+08:00

After my Colombo trip, I only had 2 day rest in manila and I was back to NAIA again… this time, bound to Bangkok, Thailand for a 4-day, 3nights holiday. ( so this is the life of a jetsetter)

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is also nice though incomparable to HK and changi airport ( awarded 1st and 2nd best airport in the world for 2007) but at least much nicer and modern than NAIA I.

Since we, me and my girl-officemate, are doing DIY (Do-it-Yourself tour) and no one will pick us up in the airport we ended to get a metered taxi to bring us to the hotel we have reserved through the internet. For 500Baht (around 1000pesos), we arrived in Hotel De Moc. We were welcomed by a gay receptionist wearing a traditional thai dress. We were lucky that we got reservation first before we went to Thailand as many tourists go from hotel to hotel as most of them are full.

Places we saw and checked in Bangkok
1. Grand Palace – this 218,000 square meters complex was established in 1782 after King Rama’s ascension to the throne and it houses not only the royal residence and throne halls but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. For 300 Baht (about 600 pesos) for foreigners (free for Thai nationals), one can get around the palace. For this place alone, we spend our half day here as we are so fascinated with the structures. It is so grandiose that you will feel how the king and his family spend their lives here during the 1700 era.
2. The Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion – Just near the ticket area of grand palace, this museum showcases the royal families’ way of life. The belts, the crowns, the jewelries, the clothes, pins, and every accessory that the royal family uses from the 1700s are displayed.
3. National Museum – Near the grand palace is thailand’s national museum. For an entrance of 40 Baht (us free since its already closing time but we were given privilege to look around first), you will trail around thailand’s history.
4. Reclining Buddha (Wat Po Temple) – For 30 baht, we saw a very big reclining Buddha. Its so big that it occupy one big temple. There’s so many people here since it was Buddha Day when we visited this place. Different rituals happen in every corner of the temple.
5. Giant Buddha- This is a very very big Buddha that we feel like we are ants who are too small. Buddhists also do their rituals here.
6. Marble Temple - This is where the monks study and live. We were able to mingle with the student monks as young as 10 years old.
7. Lots and lots of small temples which I don’t even learn the name – temples names here all starts with the word WAT. Some schools we even thought as temples coz of same structures with the temples.
8. Jewellery shops – Thailand is a land of gold and precious stones. You can see here more cheaper but good quality jewelries.
9. Pratunam market/ Platinum Mall – this is the best place to go shopping where you can see lots of goodies. Everything was just cheaper if you buy by bulk or by sets.
10. Khaosan Road – this is the popular street for tourists. Its more of the malate version but is more alive and you will encounter here more tourists from different races. Its not a good place for shopping though coz prices here are more than doubled.

Outside Bangkok

Thailand’s most important animal is an elephant and so we promised ourselves that riding an elephant in Thailand is a must in our trip.

On our second day in Thailand, we went to kanchanaburi through the help of a tour operator we got in Bangkok on our first day.

Early in the morning, the tour operator picks us up in the hotel. We still pick up 2more groups from two different hotels.

It took us about 3 hours before we finally arrived in Kanchanaburi. Our first stop is the Kanchanaburi War cemetery. As the name goes, this is the cemetery for the soldiers who fought and died during the World War II. It is also here where we met the other tourists who avail the package tour to kanchanaburi. We are more or less 60 people mostly europeans, Spanish, Australians, British and we, the three of us, are the only asian.

Our second stop is the Kanchanaburi Museum. It shows different historical objects basically used during the World War II. It was so nice that they were able to preserve different stuffs used by the Japanese like the motorcycles, the rocked vehicle and the train used in transporting their ammunitions to expand the fight to Burma and India.

Near the Museum is the River Kwae Bridge where historians say that many died here as this was bombed by the Japanese during the WW II. The bridge is rebuilt and at present trains still passes here.

Our third stop is we were brought to a train station and were instructed to get off at the fifth station. The train is third class which creates a very annoying sound like it will lose all its screws… and we are so full that we are not even able to go through inside the train. We were just standing near the door. All tourists just put that experience into a laugh. We guess, the thais really want us to experience it. On the fifth station, our service van is already waiting for us to bring us to our fourth stop…

...A lunch at a floating restaurant in Saiyoke river. It is here where we were grouped according to the tour we avail. Us in the group of those who avail only a one day tour with elephant ride. Those who have more time staying in Thailand took the two-day tour.

After the lunch , we were asked to take a boat ride which will bring us for the water rafting. We then do a little bit of trekking and passed a hanging bridge where my friend was so afraid walking on it.

Our 6th stop, we are finally going to have our elephant ride. I really got so excited when I saw the elephants that I want to run on it and hug those. I really had a big smile when I stepped on the back of the elephant. My elephant ride on the forest made me say, my tour to Thailand pays off.

On our 7th and final stop, Saiyoke Falls. It was great but Philippine falls are still are much nicer but its still good that we were able to check the place.

Things I have learned in my trip to Thailand
1. Thailand is very much similar to Philippines only that it is very evident that Thailand is very rich in culture and history. Likewise, people are proud of it and are still trying to preserve that culture.
2. Drivers, may it be taxi drivers or tuktuk drivers, are more reckless drivers than Filipino drivers.
3. Thailand has five times more tourists than Philippines. Everywhere you look, Thailand is flocked by tourists mostly Europeans. Maybe its because (a) geographically, it is connected to other asian countries that tourists can go country to country just by train (b) it is more tourist friendly coz of easy access to places, maps are everywhere for free, (c) even you are only in Bangkok, there are already many places to go to which are very interesting.(d) the downfall, is as they say, because of sex tourism in thailand( bad bad bad)
4. But, actually there are more interesting places to go to in the Philippines than Thailand. Its just that, Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands that most of the interesting places can be seen outside Manila which will require more time staying in the Philippines to be able to check out these places and making it more expensive for the tourists. Philippine tourism should be more active in promoting the Philippines bests besides Philippines should be more tourist friendly as most of the Filipinos doesn’t have hard time communicating with the tourists as most of the Filipinos can speak English.
5. Thai people and Filipino people look so much the same that we, while in Thailand, always thought of as Thais.

6 Days in Lanka

2008-07-14T08:50:00.005+08:00

Trip to Colombo: July 6-12, 2008
Transit to Singapore via Singapore Airlines on July 6. One night stay in hotel in Singapore.
July 7 – my trip going to Colombo.
Philippines is 2 and half hours ahead of Sri Lanka time.

DAY 1 IN SRI LANKA
The hotel transportation picked me up in the airport. On the way, I have observed that Colombo is just like one of the Philippines provinces. The roads, the houses, the train, buildings and the people make me feel am back on the 70s. On the other hand, it’s nice to see men and women walking in the streets wearing their traditional dress (sari for the women) on different colors. I feel am in a déjà vu seeing some Filipino women wearing Maria Clara in the Philippine streets. That’s what’s nice about Lankans they are able to preserve their culture even at this modern time.

As the main religion in sri lanka is Buddhism, I saw statues of Buddha in every street of Colombo at different sizes and colors. But, this has been outnumbered by soldiers carrying powerful big/long firearms who are in standing in every corner of Colombo. There is a tight security now in Sri Lanka as there were recent bombings in public places and in public transportations done by the tamil groups.
On this day, I had initiation on the security of this country. On my way back to the hotel after my work in the office, the soldiers signaled my driver to stop. I was
thinking that maybe he violated some road rules but to my surprise the soldiers asked for my passport. He checked every page of my passport. My heart was fast beating then. I don’t know maybe I was exaggerating things like what I heard in the news on tv. He gave me back then my passport and I felt relieved. It was only after that I realized they are just doing random check.
Actually, Sri Lankans are really good people. They are very welcoming, kind and shy. Here, I am more confident that the drivers and the people will not trick me. I can leave my things even in public places without worrying that someone will get it.

Day 2
I have problem on what to eat here. Their kind of food doesn’t really fit to my taste buds especially the smell of those. The operator gave me a list of restaurants where I can order food and they will deliver it in the office. I chose a Chinese food as I know how it tastes. To my dismay, when it arrived and opened the box, its still not really Chinese food that I expect. It still look and taste like a lankan food. I only ate about one fourth of the food. Now, am really having problem on what to eat for the next following days.

In the evening, the dept manager brought me to house of fashion. Shopping malls here are small compared to manila. But, it’s here where you can buy cheap but good quality clothes. I was able to buy pashmina, shawls, blouse and lots of fabrics. Real good deal. I have something to give already for my friends, family as my pasalubong.
Day 3

My service going to the office arrived late. About 30 minutes late. I learned that its because roads are closed where their president will pass. That’s bad. I always hate it even here in the Philippines. I guess they have to experience what the normal people experience so they will know the problem in the streets.
I was late then for my training. Supposedly I will only give morning session for this day but I decided to continue the discussion in the afternoon. I was so tired this day.

In the afternoon, I went to ODEL. This is a shopping mall where you can find nice and reasonable prices of clothes. I was not able to buy anything coz the sizes are so big coz these are European clothes and so the size.

Day 4
I was asked to checked out in the hotel where I am staying, the Renuka Hotel and to check- in at Ceylon continental hotel. My boss arrived this day and she likes us to be together in one room. Comparing the two hotels, Renuka hotel is a 4-star hotel while Ceylon is a 5-star hotel. But, Renuka hotel has a nicer room than Ceylon as its much newer hotel than Ceylon. Renuka is located in the middle of the city and so is more accessible to different establishments. Ceylon gives a nice view since its located just infront of the Indian sea. Unluckily, you can just just look at the sea and can’t get near to it nor have a picture on that area as the government prohibited it.
In the afternoon, one of the managers there accompanied me to buy some bangles and some sri lankan’s shirt.

Day 5
After the telecon, we were invited for a lunch in a restaurant there. While we were having our conversation , one of the lanka managers pointed to me a guy ordering some food. He said that guy is a popular actor in lanka with their description he is probably the piolo pascual of the philippines. I don’t see how he looks like at first since I only see his back.
I felt that the people are making some little noise , like in the Philippines na mga nagbubulungan pero pasulyap sulyap sa artista. What I did, I went to this guy and talked to Roshan ( his name). Here’s how our conversation goes.

Irza: hi! Am Irza from the Philippines and my friends told me you are a popular actor here
Roshan: am i?
Irza: Yeah, I guess so coz everyone here is looking at you. Can I have a picture with you?
Roshan: Sure Irza no problem. ( And so he put his arms around me)
Irza: now, the lankan girls will be jealous on me.
Roshan: Hahaha ( Then we posed for a pic)
Irza: Roshan , can you join me to my group? They are all the managers in our lanka office and I guess they are also eager to meet you personally.
Roshan: Sure no problem. Where are they? ( And so he walked with me til we reach out group’s table)

So here the group were shocked that I was able to bring him on our table. I introduce them one by one and had a group picture with him.

Now, I made all my lankan friends happy. When we get back to the office, the people were so shocked and envious but happy looking Roshan Ranawana. The girls were giggling looking at the pics. I have learned from them that Roshan have won the Mr. Sri Lanka by 2007 and the Mr. International (or world) pageant.
Anyway, back to work. Since this is my last day, the General Manager asked me to come to his office. I was surprised that he has a gift for me. He gave me a nice authentic teapot and a box of tea. (Sri Lanka is one of the producers of good tea in the world.) I was really touched by the gesture. I didn’t expect that coz for me, I just did my work and showed who I am.

After the gm, the department manager asked me to come to one of the conference rooms. They prepared a little program for me. Each one of them made speeches how thankful they are to me, for the training I gave and how I made them happy and how I gave smiles to their faces while I was in lanka. I really feel like crying of how they appreciated me. They even gave me a token and some others a personal gift for me.

What I have learned on my trip to Sri Lanka
1. Sri Lanka is a much poorer country than Philippines but the lankans are more disciplined than Filipinos.
2. Lankans are very good people. There is humility for each person. Wala silang yabang whatever their status in the society. The rich ones will even sit down and eat with their hands along with the normal people.
3. Their food is probably will not pass on Filipino / foreign taste buds but it’s nice looking at them enjoying the food they prepared at home wrapped in a plastic and newspaper.
4. They are poorer country yet they are able to finance the education and medical needs of its people. Education in lanka is free from the start you enter the school until you graduated in the university. Even the uniforms here are free. Medicines, hospitalizations are also free here. Now, am thinking how come Philippines can’t give it to every Filipino while we are more advanced than them.
5. Lankans are living a hard life but I guess they don’t realize it. They are smiling people like the Filipinos than the other people on earth who are living in a better state. Sometimes, I like to think if its good to put industrialization and modernity in this countries but their innocence, simplicity and their pure heart will be exploited. I don’t know what’s the better choice.
6. Philippines I can say have gone far compared to other countries like lanka in terms of infrastructures and the way of living. It makes me proud for becoming a Filipino and what we have achieved now.
On the other hand, it also made me think that the cost of progression of the Philippines is losing its own identity. I am actually more convinced now that Filipinos don’t have their own identity. Filipinos are so westernized.
7. I wish someday, sri lanka will be a more progressive country but will still be able to keep their own identity and culture and will still be proud of it.

Saturday- time to go back to Philippines
Here I am travelling alone again going back to the Philippines. I already miss the jeepneys and the food.

Journey to Crater lake in Taal Volcano

2008-06-19T12:46:00.007+08:00

Last independence day, we have decided to do a nature tripping day out… the place.. Taal Volcano crater.

From Manila -> we went to Tagaytay City -> passed Ligaya drive -> until we reached the town of Talisay, Batangas where the foot of the volcano is located.

It was already 12 noon when we reached Taal Lake Yacht Club (TLYC). This is where I booked our trip going to the crater. TLYC is a nice, spacious and serene place where lots of hobie fleets used for sailing will greet you at the entrance.

We were welcomed by Sonia, one of the staffs of TLYC. She showed us first the flamingo restaurant where we can eat for lunch. I had delicious big nice Hungarian sausage, egg, bread and butter while watching the people sailing, kayaking in the lake. What a great and refreshing view while having lunch. I told sonia I will do the kayak once were done with the crater tour.

At 1pm, we decided to do the journey to the crater. Sonia fixed the boat for us and the horse which am going to ride. It took us about 20 minutes ride to the boat til we reach the lakeshore on the central island of Taal Lake. They took us then to the horse named Patricia which am going to use. I really had fun taking a ride, I feel like a senyorita visiting my vast property of land(dream dream dream). I always ask my guide to ask the horse to be good and not to run since I’m afraid to fall.

In less than an hour we reached the top and really enjoyed the breath-taking view taal lake and taal volcano gives. We took pictures in every angle of the mountain. We don’t like to miss even an inch of the beauty of taal. We also had fun talking with the locals where pangga became a Sta.claus giving lots of freebies to the locals.

After about two hours on the top of the mountain, we decided to go back to TLYC. And I really had fun once again in my horsey horsey ride.

It was already past 4pm when we arrived in TLYC, too sad that I can’t do the kayak anymore since its too late already. Anyway, hope next time if we have a chance, will go back here to do kayak and go down to the crater lake.

At 6pm, we de decided to go back to tagaytay. Our driver dropped us off to Leslie's Restaurant and we had fun with our bulalo dinner. Leslie's is a nice place which caters filipino foods facing the nice view of taal volcano. The place was also surrounded by tagaytay fog that gives us a more heavenly feeling.

Our nature tripping is definitely a great great experience for us. The adventure, the lake, the trees, the volcano, the crater, the taal lake yacht club,the food, the horse back riding thing and the locals we met along the way definitely made our journey remarkable.

bitch

2008-06-06T16:58:00.005+08:00

am in a down, irritating mood for the past two weeks. its like my stock of patience which i use during emergencies have gone empty.

i raised voice to some people who didnt please me , who are trying to aggravate me, to those who failed to my expectations and those who made me repeat my words.

i snubbed the happiness of the people around me which they tried to show me when they learned something.

i dont know where to get the magic medicine to bring out again the appetite for my laughters and smiles.

i just hope the plan trip to tagaytay will eventually made me feel like the same irza again that every one knows.

Zoo day

2008-05-27T18:45:00.004+08:00

My 2 nieces and I were watching a show on tv about animals last Sunday and that 30- minute show gave us an idea to go to a zoo... where else but... Manila Zoo!

Manila zoo improved a lot compared to my last visit here ( that was ten years ago). Im not an animal lover (though not hate them either)so it always took me a while to visit a zoo. It is cleaner, lots of animals to see, lots of activities to do, the ambience is lot lot friendlier and the costs are reasonable where the whole family can enjoy. .

Upon entering, the elephant will greet the visitors. I don't know though if its the same elephant i saw here ten years ago but i love seeing an elephant that i asked my niece to take a souvenir shot of me where the elephant is in the background. I might see this creature after 10 years again :)

Birds, fishes, rhinocerous, tigers, zebra, monkeys, gorilla, ostrich, turtles, crocodiles, sheeps are just few of the animals we enjoyed looking at the zoo. I just wish there will be giraffe here again soon.

My initial goal why i decided to bring the kids in the zoo is only to educate my nieces. I want them to see what those animals on tv and in books looks like in real. But, Manila has lots to offer now aside from just looking/interacting with the animals that it has also become like a leisure park for us.

My niece enjoyed her horseback riding, we had fun in our boat ride where the goose, peacocks, birds and swan (which my niece call the swan princess)are just around.

Going to Manila zoo made our weekend very educating and entertaining. Just for few pesos, the kids and not so kids(like me) will surely enjoy the zoo.

Expenses:
taxi going to the zoo 75
entrance 80 ( 1 adult, 2kids)
horse back riding 50 ( 1round)
Boat ride (30 minutes) 80 ( with paddler, 40 pesos if youll paddle your own)
Food 200 ( some groups, families there bring their own food)
Kinder zoo 120 ( 40 pesos each) - optional
taxi going home 75

total expenses 680 pesos

* if you decided to bring your own food for lunch and snacks, there are many available tables for this and its for free.
* kinder zoo is optional. It is also inside the zoo but you can have close encounter with the animals that you can touch them, carry them, ride on them.

Currently, am

2008-05-20T19:33:00.004+08:00

... starting to make my own itinerary for my trip to thailand
... aficinado on native earrings
... not addicted anymore to spider solitaire
... not alone in the house anymore after 2 months.
... have maid again to help me in household chores
... thinking if i will pursue enrolling in a french language class
... busy making my powerpoints presentations for the training i will give to our people
... glad i was able to watch movie again after many many months. The last is the movie transformers.
... happy that Iron Man is still in the theater
... still weighing myself if i can live in quezon city even just for a week. The hassle of commuting from makati-quezon city-makati.
... thinking of visiting the province. Haven't been there for about 3 months.
... missing my dear friends which i havent seen for long time.
... learning the ins and outs of the new statistical program our company bought for me
... thinking of bringing up the company to six sigma level ( hmmm, where will i start?)
... trying to forget work and be home :)

stuffies

2008-05-14T17:26:00.009+08:00

1. Its rainy days again. Have bought an umbrella (nth time) and plastic slippers. I actually dont like the rainy days (am from a town which rains at least three times a week)coz ...First, am lazy bringing umbrella. Second, it makes me more lazy to get up from bed coz of the cold breeze and third, coz it stops me to go places. But, The good thing about rainy days is it makes me save some money :)

2. I had a night out with my old friends (brods and sisses in UP). Even it has been long id been with them, it seems that nothing change at all.Real good friends are like that i guess, even how many years had passed, the passion and joy of being together is still there. Same old jokes and asaran rekindles our own kalokohan. How i miss them.

3. It was mother's day last sunday but am so bad i was not able to greet my mom. I dont know it was mother's day coz anyway no one greets me a happy mother's day. She's probably thinks i dont love her (as she always say coz am a papa's girl)

4. A new pet in my mini-zoo. A bull from spain.

5. I watched a parade along ayala for their foundation day. Was a great parade.

6. I had dinner with tony roma's in glorietta. Their food is superb. I had a taste of the babyback ribs (so tender and juicy) and the mojito drink. Yummy. And the cost? the taste gives justice to the cost.

Sabi nila

2008-05-02T22:12:00.002+08:00

1. Sabi ni john lapus, ang wish mas madaling abutin kesa sa hope. So I say, I wish I can tour the world pero ayoko ng package. Hanggat maari I like to do it on my own yun bang tipong backpacking. Ayoko kasing laging sama-sama ang mga grupo sa bawat lakad. I will really get bored and really find it corny if laging kabit- kabit ang mga tao sa bawat pupuntahan, sa bawat pagkain, ang oras ng uwi , oras ng pagsa-shopping. Hindi ako nag-eenjoy ng ganun. Parang hindi ko nakikilala ang lugar if everything is spoonfed to me ng agency. Also, pang maximum of 3-4 people lang ang kaya kong ihandle sa sa isang tour. Ayoko ng alagain.

2. Sabi ng officemate ko na lalaki may damdamin daw pala ako. Akala nya super bato ako. Grabe, ganun na ba talaga ang tingin sa akin ng tao. Siguro nga from them am too strong. Di lang nila alam am very vulnerable, mahilig lang akong magsarili ng nararamdaman and ayoko na makikita ng tao if am lonely or am in pain.

3. Sabin g ex-bf ko na finnish, the first thing na napansin nya sa akin kung bakit nya ako nagustuhan is because am different from other Filipinos. Sabi nya am more independent than most of the Filipinos. He thinks am highly intellectual and educated than the rest. Hanep naman sa papuri parang gusto kong maniwala. So sabi ko na lang sometimes I also like to be taken care of, yung may magtatanong if I have already eaten or someone who will take care of me when am sick. He answered, its because am still human who is normal to feel these. He’s really good in making me feel good. That is his expertise.

4. Sabi pa nya, he knows that im only for intelligent guy kasi pag bobo ang lalaki, it will bore me coz that’s not my level. Grabe na to (masyado na nya akong pinapalula sa mga salita nya). Pero syempre pinuri din nya sarili nya kaya daw he became my bf eh its because he is above my level. Sige na nga magbolahan na lang tayo.

5. Sabi ng kaibigan ko darating sya kahit ako lang ang andun dahil pupunta sya just to see me. Wow naman. May side comment na ganun? Lagot ka sa asawa mo. Hahaha. Mga lalaki talaga.

6. Sabi ni Big Bro ng Pinoy Big Brother kay John na sinisigaw-sigawan si Anna, dito sa Pilipinas iba ang pagtrato sa babae. Binibigyan ito ng kakaibang paggalang at care. Sabi naman ni John sa anak nyang si Kevin magvoluntary exit na sila sa bahay kasi , iba ang babae dito sa Pilipinas, ginagawa ng babae dito anuman gusto nilang gawin. Si Kevin at John ay Spanish.

7. Sabi ni kris kay Sitti sa wheel of fortune, the thought na alam ni Sitti kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng Yungib eh super galing ni Sitti. Hello Kris, taga-saan ka ba at hindi mo alam ang ibig sabihin ng Yungib.

9. Sabi sa isang kanta, sail on the wings of the clouds, were to where nobody knows, be proud to wear the colors that you call your own, be strong hold the flame for everyone to see, be loud speak out when you want the world to know… be weak… if you want to love. I really love these lines, these always hit me.

Traveling alone

2008-04-28T17:41:00.003+08:00

Many times I’d been asked when I go somewhere, “Who is with you?”. If I answered alone then I get different reactions. Some are shocked, some envy me for having the lakas ng loob to go alone and some, actually mostly, are afraid for me. So sometimes I really hide my plan to people who will be afraid for me going solo. Anyway, if there’s really none who can join you in your tour/vacation and you like time for yourself then you can do traveling alone which can be as exciting as traveling in a group.

Here are some of the advantages/disadvantages.

Advantages:
1. Going solo will make you learn how to survive on your own. You will become street smart and you will know more people and build more friends along you’re your way.
2. You are the master of your own time and your own itinerary. You will be the only maarte so you don’t need to think about the other concerns of your friends or whoever is with you.
3. Once in the place, you will be more relaxed than if you are with a bunch of people around you. Maybe it’s because you can lie down under the sun the whole day if you liked to and no one knows you so you are free to do whatever you like to do.
4. You will get extra attention and there’s a feeling that everyone seems to take care of you even you don’t know each other. Just because you are a woman (if you are) and alone..(especially in the Philippines where people always go in groups)

Disadvantages
1. It is more expensive because you have to pay alone for everything like the car or bangka if you need one, and also the food which is usually good for two persons.
2. No one will take a picture of you.

If you have decided to travel alone here are some of my tips:
1. Travel early in the morning so at least when you lose track in the map, you still have plenty of time to look for the right road or at least go back to your base. This one will also work if you don’t know the real schedule of last trips of the buses, ship, banca or plane.
2. Have enough cash money. There are places where there are no available ATMs. But, still bring your cards.
3. Research first about the place. Know if the place is safe.
4. There are some places where people are sometimes tricky. Some tricks can be sometimes helpful. I remember in one of my solo trips, the tricycle drivers keep asking me if am alone, I said no, my companion is in the room still sleeping. It works that they don’t bug me.
5. Sometimes follow your instinct. I was once looking in the net for a hotel. I saw this Hard Kock hotel, its cheap, looks good and it’s in native cottages. I called to the owner and say’s there’s vacant room for me in the date that I will be there. Then I just realize that the name of the hotel seems not good enough to the ears especially to a woman so I chose other hotel. Then I was right that I changed my hotel.
6. Call the hotel where you will stay and ask what they can offer to you. Like, is the breakfast included, will they pick up you up in the airport or in the pier.... sometimes, they will not tell you unless you asked. Its very useful for a single traveler at least you don’t have to look for their place anymore.
7. And as always, travel light.

For my general rule: whether you are traveling alone or with a group, always help the locals (especially in the Philippines).Buy at least little things from them to help their little business and also the person as well.

Cebu foods

2008-04-20T21:56:00.013+08:00

What I like about Cebu is its a big promising city but life there is not too fast and not too slow.. everything is just simply mixed just like the food there..in variety… mixed with foreign and local foods that you’ll surely forget your diet.

1.The seaweeds – this is what I always look for whenever am in Cebu. In my every meal, I always look for these seaweeds as it’s like my meal is not complete without these seaweeds. They have name for each of these seaweeds but the one I remember is called lukot.

2.Bibingka – in Bantayan island, I saw this little girl cooking these bibingka. For only 5 pesos each, you can taste this delicious freshly cooked native food. Cooking it in their own ”oven” using the coconut husks make it more delicious and smells so good. I bought two pieces at first but then I bought 3 more coz was so yummmmmy. Babalik-balikan talaga.

3.Persian palate – in ayala center, I was looking forward to eat in my favorite restaurant there which is the Bigbys where the great steaks will be found. Unluckily, there are so many people and no more table for me so I looked for an option til I saw this Persian Palate restaurant. Since I love Persian foods, I guess choosing this one would be a great choice too. I ordered naan with chorizo dip ad chello kebab. I did not go wrong choosing this restaurant coz the food is so great that I even bought something for home, a real Indian wheat bread.

4.Worker food – I call this as a worker food coz it is so simple and cheap and is available in office canteen for the employees. It tastes good but I always like things to be presented nicely for me to enjoy more the food. Anyhow, this is what I always end up at my 2pm lunch.

- The puso is almost everywhere in cebu, that’s how they cook their rice. I guess to make the rice smell s better and easier to carry if you’re going to a picnic/beach. This one I ordered in bantayan island with grilled chorizos (one of the cebu’s best food) and grilled chicken with seaweed. The trip to cebu will not be complete unless you tried to eat their grilled foods.

5.Must taste foods – seafoods is also a must in cebu. Fish, squids, crabs.. wow, must must must. The flavored chicken in Jonies is also a must. When I first went there, it was so full of customers so I just went back the other night. I don’t know, its like I cannot say my trip to cebu is complete if I didn’t eat in Jonies. Their chicken is so tender that I love it.

6.The pasalubongs – when my friends and family learned that Im in cebu, everybody asked me to bring them dried mangoes, mangorind, mango puree, chicharon, turrones and the danggit and dried pusit. Thanks they understand me why I can’t bring CnT lechon.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

2008-04-18T07:13:00.009+08:00

I’d been working hard in my 1st week in cebu so I think I deserve a treat for myself. Even am alone I will not let it hinder me to visit my favorite spot… a beach. My destination… Bantayan Island.

I heard its considered as the boracay island of cebu, I love boracay and I miss it.. so why not try the bantayan island.

Saturday morning, I woke up at 8am, the sun is up already so I need to hurry up.
After I fixed myself and my things,I took a cab to bring me to the cebu north terminal where I have to take the bus going to hagnayan.

The men in the bus station were much helpful to me when they learned am a tagalog. I took a regular one coz there’s no airconditioned buses. But its okay coz its not polluted anyway unlike in Manila. The fare is only 65.00 pesos which I think is too cheap for a 2 to 3 hours trip.

Anyway, a girl seated to me who is also alone looks like going to a beach. She has this plastic bag where i can her beach accessories. I asked her where she is going, she said in caramoan beach. Okay, that’s not my destination and she asked where I am going I told her to bantayan. She told me its too far, but I said its okay. Then she asked me who am with. I said am alone. Then she asked me how many times have I been to bantayan, I said its my first time. She was shocked and asked me why I don’t bring anyone with me. I said coz theres none who can be with me and its okay with me. Not a big deal. ( I was just acting)

I dont understand why theres stop over for about 20 minutes while 2-3 hours trip is not that long. Since everybody get off the bus and bought something so I went down too. I bought some grilled chorizos and hotdog but to my dismay they don’t have change for 100 pesos and what I bought only costs 21 pesos. So I went back to the bus and borrowed 20 pesos to the girl seated beside me. I told her I will pay her when the konduktor gives me the change na from my fare. And she lend me 20 pesos lucky me.

I passed more than 10 towns before reaching Hagnayan. Some of these are: Consolacion, liloan, danao city, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod, Borbon, Ilihan, Tabogon, San Antonio and Bogo city. In Hagnayan, I bought a ticket going to Sta. Fe, Bantayan. I arrived in Hagnayan at 11:45am but the earliest time a ferry going to sta. fe is 1:30pm so I still waited in the pier for about two hours. So what I did, I called the hotel where I will be staying to let them know what time they have to pick me in the pier of sta.fe.

In about an hour and half trip in Roro (its my first time to take a Roro) , I finally arrived in Sta. Fe and saw immediateky the service of Kota Beach Hotel who will pick up their visitors. There’s two group inside the van who will be staying in same hotel, the first group is composed of five girls and the second group, my group.. me alone.. hehehe.

Along the way, I notice different hotels resorts available, some I saw in the net. In just five minutes, we arrived in KOTA beach hotel. I realized I have chosen a right one. It has big garden and the cottages are great. I chose the non-air-conditioned one since I like to feel a real fresh air to breath which is the real purpose of going to the beach.

When I check the beach, it was great. Even the sand is not as white and as refined like that in boracay, it’s still great. What’s amazing maybe here is there a shallow part in the middle of the sea that people seem to be just walking in the middle of the ocean.

I immediately dipped into the water. Its good that the weather is so perfect that it’s not too hot even its only past 3pm. Walking along the sand in the middle of the sea makes me feel so good.

In the evening it rained so I just opted to have dinner in the hotel’s bar and resto. I ordered grilled squid and mushroom soup, rice and mango juice. When it arrived the food is so many as per order is good for two people already. So I was really so full that night even I left the rice untouched.

Day 2

I woke up at 6am, the water is still very calm. Only few of the guests are awake. Dipping into the water is not yet advisable coz of cold breeze. I then opted to get out of the hotel and check out first the town of sta. fe.

I hired a tricycle which costs 200 pesos to tour me around the town . Going to town proper takes about 20 minutes ride which is about 18kms from sta. fe. I learned more about the life there and what are available in bantayan. I saw this old church of bantayan which is more than 400 years old. The walls will really show how old the church is.

When I went back to the resort, I changed my clothes to a swimming attire and went dipping into the water again. I always love the morning water of the sea. Letting myself to be with the waves makes me feel high.

I went back to my room when I felt the heat of the sun already and so that to be able to catch the 9:30am schedule of Roro ship going back to Hagnaya. To my dismay, its already passed 9am already and impossible for me to catch the 9:30am so I decided to get the next trip which is 11:30am. I enjoyed too much in the water that I forgot the time. I took some rest first coz I really get tired playing in the water.

At 10:30 am, I already checked out as so everything will be ready before 11:30am. I don’t like to miss again the ship. The receptionist said that they will bring me to pier but the service van is not yet there since its still too early. I just then asked her to keep my things first and I will just be back at around 11. I then went out first of the resort and looked for a restaurant nearby to have breakfast/ lunch.
I ended to a Portuguese restaurant which I confirmed first if they can serve it fast like about only within 15 minutes and they said yes. Sad to say, its past 11am already and they are just about to serve it. I told them to pack it coz I have no more time to eat there. Another bad thing, they don’t have change for my 500 peso bill so they still have to look elsewhere so they can give me the change. Bad bad bad.

I was really in a hurry going back to the resort and unluckily the hotel service left already going to pier to bring the other guests. The receptionists told me that the van will soon be back to bring me to pier. Its already 11:20 so I decided to just take sikad to bring me to pier coz I don’t like to waste time waiting. Whew, I was just right in time, I was one of the few who bought ticket in the last minute.
I bought the first class ticket which cost 150 pesos. First class mean I will be seating in an airconditioned place inside Roro ship. Its funny coz the regular seat’s fare(not in the aircondition) is only 145 pesos. Only 5 pesos difference from the first class. Good thing I chose the first class because theres no more nice seat in the regular one( which I actually really prefer to feel the air and see the water).
After 3 hours bus trip, im back to my room in Cebu city with a smile in my face.

All in all, Bantayan can be a good alternative of boracay. If you like serenity, where there are not so many people around, where you are not into bars in the evening, and where you can really feel a slower pace of life, bantayan island is perfect for you.

2-faced

2008-03-31T02:41:00.000+08:00

I went to the doctor and she told me I was just too stressed out. Am always so stupid to know if am already stressed out unless I get sick.

I tried to avoid stressors as much as possible but sometimes I can’t avoid to be stressed out coz of the people around me who frustrates me. Maybe, I always expect too much from a person it is because for me I can do things easily on my own so why are things hard for them.

I cried buckets and buckets of tears. I even didn’t get shy to show to other people what I really feel and what’s really in my head. I poured out everything… the thing which I seldom used to do unless am really pushed to my anger. My officemate even told me am “Bato”… like I don’t feel anything. But am not, am not just used to talk about my feelings… the reason why I opted to put my feelings into a journal like this… a place where I can voice out what I feel.

Probably, the hardest to accept about a person is to accept the things that are completely unknown to you or completely a character that is not in your own vocabulary. I admit sometimes am too harsh to say things, sometimes too direct but for me I rather say the word than be a liar. For me lying is completely like being a traitor, its like the person who lied to you is just throwing the trust that you gave. And it really hurts…
To the person who saw me cried but just listened to all my words, thank you and sorry if I disturbed you but you were of great help. You accommodated me when am in my worst and pitiful situation.

To the person who is continuously lying and just being a hypocrite all the time just to save yourself from shame or protect your image or your name, sometimes you have to get out of that shell, don’t play safe all the time, you are hurting people around you for being one. Mahirap mabuhay kung iisipin natin lagi ay ang sasabihin ng ibang tao, laging may kinakatakutan.

Traditional Prusisyon

2008-03-27T23:40:00.004+08:00

One of the highlights during the holy week is the prusisyon. I always love to see these images as they are really colorful, dressed up and those who have panata really carry these images on their shoulders. The most awaited part is the coming of the Senor where all the fanatics really like to at least touch the cord carrying jesus christ.

Kamay ni Hesus Healing center

2008-03-27T19:05:00.006+08:00

Whenever am in Quezon, I never forget to visit the Kamay ni hesus healing center. I am so engrossed with the beauty and solemnity in this place. Watching the people who came from different towns who have so much faith that they will be healed by Fr. Joey touches me. I can really see their strength whenever they were here.

Memories of Fr. Joey

When am still in elementary, I remember Fr. Joey was still a seminarian and I usually see him playing basketball during summer. All seminarians coming from Lucban have their own team called Eprotz (if read backwards its torpe) who joins the basketball league organized by the municipal government. I don’t know but I guess seminarians have always been so attractive to women that they always have so many fans to cheer for them. Their team was great and was always running for championship. Fr. Joey was good in basketball and as far as I remember he always gets an award every season. Also, he was this man whose socks were up to his knees which make him more remarkable to me. Whenever there are some conflicts with the players, he’s the one who gather the players to calm down.

I remember when I attended his Cantamisa (his very first mass after his ordination), he was really sweating coz of kaba. He even made a mistake during the mass something like he messed up with the sequence of the mass and everybody including him laughed which made him produce more sweats.

Fr. Joey came from a well-off family and they owned the only hospital in Lucban which at that time was called Faller’s Hospital. He looked like his brother Jerry who is my friend and was also a doctor (which we always asked his service for the medical missions).

Now, Fr. Joey made a name of his own and I even joked him last holy week if he’s a celebrity that most of the people were asking a picture with him. One thing for sure, I (and I guess the whole town) am so glad with what he did as he chose his project Kamay ni Hesus be located in his and our hometown Lucban.

Qwaresma sa Quezon

2008-03-24T11:25:00.023+08:00

I have never watched a “senakulo” in my entire life… not until last Thursday and Friday. And when I had the opportunity, I saw an extravagant one as this was played by good actors, written by the best scriptwriters in the country and directed by well-known directors. And what’s more? Its just in my hometown…

Casts: Christopher de Leon as Lazaro
Nonie Buencamino as Pilosopo
Sandy Andolong
Ryan Cese as Christ
Baron Geisler as Judas
Dick Israel as Senturyon

Screenplay: Emmanuel Borlaza
Directed by: Maryo J. delos Reyes
Scene 1: Thursday, infront of the Church
Scene 2: Thursday and Friday, Infront of the munisipyo
Scene 3: Friday, Infront of the the university
Hudas and Senturyon
Scene 4: Friday, infront of the gasoline station
Lazaro
Scene 5: Friday, Kamay Ni Hesus, Luklukan ni Maria
Maria
Scene 6: Friday, Kamay ni Hesus , Angels Hill
Jesus was crucified

Part I

Part II

Holy week

2008-03-23T11:37:00.005+08:00

On my trip last thursday going to the province to spend holy week, i captured some pics ..

1. cars are bumper to bumper in south superhighway. Everyone is rushing to be in province during this time

2. A stopover in a gasoline station to have a breakfast in Jollibee. Its nice that Jollibee offers a free internet where people can surf first while waiting for their orders or at least send a mail to their friends where they are already. In pic is my niece making a try

3. THe headline for today. A cross and about murder?? hmmm...

Pets

2008-03-20T13:33:00.002+08:00

My mini-zoo in office

Oinky, dolphiny and aw-awee

Now I know..

2008-03-20T13:30:00.000+08:00

... that appreciation of noise comes with the age. Before , we always say the manangs always make saway to the teeners/people who are making a lot of conversations, laughs and noise. When youre aging you tend to find serenity and quiet surroundings probably because we have so much to think about and responsibilities to do and noise is such a disturbance.

… why people from the city use Holy week as a vacation days like going to the beach, etc instead of going to the church to kneel and pray. This is because the people from the city is so bombarded with work and daily routines in the city and so the holy week is the only time they can really have a long holiday to do the stuffs.
… that Philippines is such a very big country compared to other asian countries. Manila alone is larger than Singapore and or Macau. If Philippines can be subdivided to different countries as small as macau or Singapore, it can create at least 50 countries.

... that war should not start coz of difference of religion. Besides, there is only one God.

… age doesn’t matter in love. Men become more gorgeous as they age while women become more self-confident.

… money is just a piece of paper which we should not adore but we need it to survive. Money gives power but so is an evil piece.

...man and women can’t really be equal. Women can’t have the physical strength of a man but man cant have the inner strength of a woman.

… people cant really be equal, there should be a leader and follower. If all will lead, it will be chaos.

Kikay Kit

2008-03-18T17:45:00.008+08:00

I have tried different beauty products, some are cheap, some are expensive. Sometimes its worth buying those but usually not and we just end up regretting for having those. Here is the list of beauty products that i have tested and really works for me so i do recommend.

1. VMV Armada face and Body Shield – I love this product. Its hypo-allergenic so very safe to use. Its not greasy and really works as a sun protector. I have tried several sunblock lotion but none of those surpass the result the VMV gives. Whats good about this is you can use this on the face safely.

2. Olay moisturizing lotion – I have tried different products already but those products make me feel oily and greasy. For Olay, it feela so great that it makes my face smooth and moisturized without the oily feeling.

3. Maybelline intense moisture lipstick- I don’t put on makeup as I feel so ugly if theres something on my face. But to accessorize a bit on my face and not to look I just woke up, I put some lipstick. I like maybelline eversince coz it doesn’t fade easily and it doesn’t give me the feeling that my lips is sticky

4. Topshop Lip gloss – this is the best lip gloss I ever tried and I stick on this eversince. Not too thick and not sticky.

5. Marks and Spencer Talc powder – since I don’t use makeup I only use powder on top of the olay moisturizing lotion. M&S is great as the powder is really fine and doesn’t give me a grainy feeling.

6. Bath and Body works body cream – I love this body cream/lotion as it really smells good and so creamy that even you put a little amount, the scent will linger to whole body. I prefer the white tea and ginger scent. Really refreshing especially if applied after the bath.

7. Dermstrata toner, facial wash and night crème – I don’t usually buy these kind of stuffs as am
too lazy to do daily rituals before sleeping. But these I recommend to those who have time for doing so. The toner, facial wash are so subtle that you won’t feel hurt when you apply these to your face. And the good thing is, you can feel how clean your face is every time you use these.

Cool tools

2008-03-17T14:10:00.004+08:00

I love dressing up my Isagani. It makes me happy if am able to do some tricks in my little toy. Here is the list of some of the tools am using to do these stuffs

1. Yodm – this gives me four desktops. Its a cube and it rotates. I can shift to different background just by rotating the cube. The tool works with XP and Vista. They say linux is the pioneer of this but since I don’t patronage linux, this yodm is the best alternative.

2. Madotate – lets you manage open windows by way of a nifty D barn-door effect. You can make it also as translucent. If your not a vista user and doesn’t have flip 3D, Madotate is the best. It works both for XP and Vista too.

3. Dreamscene – a video file can be used as a desktop background. Its fantastic and will not bore you just by staring at your desktop. This can be downloaded from Windows Extra and works only for Vista Ultimate.

4. Rocketdock – this makes your icons looks like that in a mac. You can put all your shortcuts in a dock so it will be one click only. You can also place your open windows in the dock.

5. Firefox Add-ons –
a. Piclens – it shows all the pictures you are looking for, either from flickr, google, deviant art.
It gives a 3D- effect that makes more pleasing to the eyes. You can compare side by side all the pictures as choosing the right picture for you becomes easier
b. Cooliris – gives a preview of what the site looks like.

Others:
1.Xeeber – this is to check if your contacts in ym are just appearing offline.
2.Videoget – to get the videos in youtube, etc.

40 things (prom da friendster bulletin)

2008-03-13T11:59:00.001+08:00

getting to know me: my 40 things

1. Ever been given a ring? Oo ng nanay ko. Nawala rin, pinaghugas ako ng pinggan eh.
2. Single/Taken? Single but taken, ano ba yun??
3. What are you listening to? DZXL from RMN networks. Showbiz tsismis ni ogie diaz.. hehehe
4. How many times have you dropped your cell today? None yet. My friend wish though
5. Last sport you played? Boxing.. months ago..
6. Things you spend a lot of money on? Traveling… sorry po may nunal lang sa paa and never did I regret on it
7. Three things you ate last? Biscuits, lumpia … diet kuno
8. First thing you notice about the opposite sex? The way he dresses up
9. One favorite song? Wala.. sumasakit ulo ko
10. Where do you live? Dyan lang
12. Cell phone service provider: smart.. it feels good to be smart
13. Favorite mall store(s): glorietta
14. Longest Job held : singtagal pa lang as of now from my last job..
15. Do you own a pair of dice? no
16. Do you prank call people? No, will not waste time for that
17. Last wedding attended? Lot and ian’s.. syempre maid of honor ako.. as usual
18. First friend you’d call if you won the lottery? Need time to think about it, baka magkaselosan if I name drop
19. Your favorite color? yellow
20. Favorite fast food restaurant? KFC
21. Biggest lie you have heard? Hello garci…
22. Immediate Vacation Spot: house sa province
23. Where’s your favorite place to eat with friends? None really, I love eating in different places
24. Can you cook? Yep.. I love it
25. What car do you want to drive? Not car but helicopter
27. Last time you cried? This morning...
28. Most hated food? not really hate but I just don’t like inihaw na bituka ng manok, or paa or dugo ( though I never tasted it yet)
29. Thing you like most about yourself.. hindi sinungaling
30. Thing you hate most about yourself. Yun din, hindi sinungaling.
31. Thing you want to do? Travel like how billionaires get theirs
32. Longest shift you have worked at a job? 15 hours
33. Favorite Movie? Legends of the fall
34. Can you sing? Nope.. better to keep my mouth shut

36. Can you dance? Yep..
37. Last flop movie seen? Don’t know the title but its just on tv
38. Favorite Alcoholic drink. vodka
39. Thing you never leave home without? Pera
40. What are you gonna do now that you're done. Hanap pa ng ganito

lets be inlove

2008-03-12T15:45:00.008+08:00

Pics i saw in flicker that gives inspiration to me to be inlove again
(a) if youre inlove, you see hearts everywhere
(b) eating with someone you love is just great
(c) from the original title, " dont rub out this feeling"

Tidbits

2008-03-10T23:38:00.001+08:00

Its Lianne’s ( my niece) first birthday. It was nice party held in Jollibee, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. It was fun, fun, fun

On our way to sta.rosa, my eldest sister and I were talking about some properties. She asked me if I ever think of getting a condo. I said yes but not this time.

When is the time? That is when there will be someone who can join me in the house. I experienced renting a house for my own. It was big, nice new house. What happened? I sleep there only about 10times. 7times there when am able to find a friend to sleep over in the house, 3 times there am alone but I was always crying. I feel so bored and left alone. I decided to give up the house, even how beautiful that house is, coz for me it’s not a house .. it’s a deserted house.

So no, I will not get a place like that again if I will be alone. I don’t like to experience that again. I need a happy and lively house.

Sunday, I was not able to get up. My tummy aches so much. I was in deep pain that I cannot even move. Its my first time to experience a very painful stomach that even just a little body movement the stomach aches deeply.

Monday, I took a leave from work. My stomach is still painful and I decided to consult a doctor already. She gave me a digestive enzyme supplement which is called pankreoflat. I have to take it three times a day. I hope it will work.

After my check up I told my niece that mamamatay na ako. She asked when. I said in 10 days. Then she asked me how did I know. I told her because the doctor said. She told me not to go to the doctor anymore so that I will not die. Oh kids, their innocence makes me smile

Its my father’s 65^th birthday tmrw. March 11. Happy Birthday! Wish you more birthdays to come.

If I will be asked what love is.. I can answer love is my papa. He never fails me in anyway. I miss him more especially when am sick coz he use to take care of me. He never sleeps whenever am sick to monitor my condition. I hope I can find someone who is like him who gives love, care and protection.

Bday is summer time

2008-03-07T23:21:00.004+08:00

My birthday is summer time. No classes in school. People are busy with their families for a holiday. There are things I never experienced everytime my birthday comes like...

having a birthday card – i always receive valentines card, a hello card, christmas card but never a birthday card. When I was in college, I remember our organization where I belong always prepare a big birthday card where each of our brods and sisses can write their greetings and wishes to the celebrant. I never had since my birthday is summer and no one is in the university to write down or make one. Probably I will never receive a birthday card anymore as people already do their greetings in text message or a call or email or just an ecard.

I never experienced to celebrate a birthday in school and so singing a birthday song for me – I feel envy everytime my classmates were given a birthday song. It happens to them yearly but never to me.

I never had a cake in my birthday and so never blew a candle in a birthday cake. I don’t know why there is always no cake during my birthday.

Probably the best birthday I ever had is when I celebrated my birthday in Los Bańos four years ago. I celebrated it at my friend’s house (pache). All of my friends were there, we had fun. Me and my friends cooked and prepared Filipino dishes. I remember, I even prepared a palabok. And that’s my first time to make that. Then my friends were also busy preparing food for my birthday. That’s the sweetest birthday I had.

Actually, Im glad at my work today as people there look forward for my birthday. I love gifts (who doesn’t like) and two of my closest friends in office always prepare a gift for me. I always cherish it. An effort to look a gift for me gives a very nice feeling. A simple note card in their birthday gift puts me in high spirit that I feel I also received a birthday card.

When I was a kid, I always receive a gift from my papa. Its always the one which I look forward to. I really feel so special. But now that Im having my own salary and my papa is already retired and no one gives me an extravagant gift anymore I just give myself a present. This is usually having a new phone or having a trip. I hope this year, I can have one again.

Wanted: Companion

2008-03-07T18:23:00.002+08:00

Am planning to do a trip on April. Am inviting anyone to join the fun with me in celebration of my birthday.

My target destination: Palawan (Coron/Busuanga)
: Thailand with Phuket
: Any place in the philippines with a nice beach (boracay and bohol
beaches not in the choice)
Target date: within the period of April 18 - april 28

Just send a comment here or text me in my number if youre interested.

Outlier

2008-03-03T23:17:00.000+08:00

I’d been doing a lot of control limits these past few weeks. This measures the stability of a certain process and to know which fall out of the limits and are very far from the average. The point(s) out of the bounds are called the outliers because of some special causes along the process. These outliers are regarded as “bad” points that need some study to know the reason why things happened.

Thinking about my daily routine, wake up at 8am->have a bath-> dress up, fix myself-> have breakfast -> leave the house before 9:30am-> get in the public utility vehicles-> look at the peso=dollar conversion at the door of the BDO branch in People support Building-> arrive at work before 10:30am-> check mails, log-in to ym, wm-> work->lunch at 12->go back to work at 12:30->have merienda at 4pm->leave the office before 8pm. Whew!! My process is then stable…. But isn’t it so boring if everything is so stable?

Sometimes putting some spice or an outlier in the daily life are not really that bad and can become a breather. Simple things like wearing the ”unallowed” getups in office, changing the color or the style of the hair, going to a shopping mall before going home, have a razon’s halo-halo, have a good dinner in a nice restaurant .. these are some of my outliers ... far from the average ( or the usual routine) but are really enjoyable and will really make you feel that you are still a free person.. and not really boxed in the usual works . How about you? What are your outliers?

Interfaith Rally

2008-03-01T10:57:00.008+08:00

Cars, buses and jeepneys are not allowed to pass in ayala avenue yesterday, feb 29. Its an unusual view along this busy street of Makati . Early in the morning on my way to work in our office in ayala, I saw different OB vans, camera, medias, newscasters. The plants are also covered by nets. A stage was being set up in Paseo de Roxas. My senses came back to me that there will be a big rally in this day which they call “interfaith rally” in support to Jun Lozada for voicing out the ZTE scam where big names in politics are behind it.

I support the rally but calling it an interfaith rally…not not so…

Anyway, here are some pics I captured using my cellphone.

(1) rallyists coming in groups

(2) some people are busy eating as different street foods (just like what i did)

(3) from my window in office, people looks like ants already

Where now?

2008-02-27T23:42:00.000+08:00

Life has been so hectic for me lately that i feel i grew old by ten years. I dont know if that means am maturing (finally:)) or im just becoming more productive to my work and my personal stuffs.

There are times that 24 hours was not really enough for me to accomplish all the things i have to do.My usual 8 hours of sleep had become 5 hours on the average. But anyway,hope everything will be sorted out little by little.

===================================================================
After failing to go to my dermatologist for three months (am that busy..huhuhu), i finally had a day to visit the place again for a facial treatment. Thanks its feb 25 holiday. From my usual seaweed mask, i tried placenta anti-aging mask. Whhaatt?? I dont know maybe because i feel so stressed out that even i really didnt look old, its in my head that i do look old... not used for a busy busy busy sked.

I also went to a salon to have an aromatherapy treatment for my hair and have a haircut.
I feel so relaxed again after these treatments that i feel am in my early 20's again. hahaha.

..oohh the power of salons... really makes me in move again..

===================================================================

We just moved in a new house just in the next street from our former house. Its better and bigger. Its a two story house with a balcony in both floors.

I designed my room into a native motif. I bought banigs which i nailed to the walls. I like to feel that am not in a city and to feel the ambience of good air to breath which the banig gives.

===================================================================
New restaurants/bars i'd been to which i recommend is the Subarus in Sgt. esguerra st. in Quezon city and Kuwago's Grill in Malate.. Subarus gives the ambience of elegance, safety, fun and dont forget the good food. They also have a good taste for music.

Kuwagos grill in malate gives native ambience with anahaw roof, cheap food and drinks. They offer food in banana leaves. The band can be annoying sometimes but since the band,the waiters and crews are good to us that they allow me to use their socket for my laptop, i think thats one of the reasons we keep coming back. Dont forget the free internet coz theres wifi signal.

==================================================================

My laptop is getting confused now. From vista business to xp then now to vista ultimate. Im beginning to love vista. When i downgraded this to xp to make some softwares running, it becomes too boring already since i get used to vista business for some months. I dont need the software anymore anyway which required only 16-bit window(xp) so i decided to bring back this again to 32-bit window (vista).

What i appreciate now to my ultimatum is the speech recognition. i dont have to type to make commands. Great idea for a lazy person like me. hahaha

==================================================================
Time to iron my office clothes for tomorrow's work. Til next time...

Sikreto

2008-02-17T22:58:00.000+08:00

Ang pangalan ko’y pumapalaot. Nadidinig sa bawat sulok ng iyong mundong ginagalawan… ngunit ang mukha ng pangalan na ito…marami ang nagtatanong… sino ako? Nasaan ako?

Ang tanong nyo pinapangarap ko ng kasagutan.. Kailan at paano? Darating pa ba ang panahon na hinihintay natin? Hindi ko rin alam. Pero sana …oo.

Visa

2008-02-10T07:53:00.001+08:00

Ive received my passport from US embassy. They gave me 10 years multiple entry.

Food festival in Bicol

2008-01-19T22:13:00.001+08:00

Whenever am in a new place, one thing for sure... I can never have an empty stomach. As much as possible i always try the local foods which are new to my eyes as i like to feel a part of the life of the locals.

I am currently in Legaspi, Albay coz my job calls my presence in this place. And am soloista. Today is my 6th day here and I have 6 more days here to embrace the place.

In my 6 days stay here, i have eaten..

a. Bicol express for four times already. I really love this food that in my first solo lunch, I really ordered this food in the Food Court in LCC mall. The more chilis the more it becomes desirable for my eyes and my mouth. In one of my orders, i cant even see anymore the meat .. all i see are the chilis.

b. Natong or in tagalong the Laing. They have different versions of laing here. There is this one with all just the leaves of gabi , there is this one with meat, and also there is this one with coconut meat inside. Among these three, its the one with coconut meat inside the gabi leaves is my favourite.

c. The puso ng saging with gata and bagoong.

d. Ginataang buto (patani yata), with bagoong na konti, with sili, and with malunggay. Masarap and i recommend this for those who are adventurous to foods like me.

e. Fish na may gata with pechay, tomato and chilis. Highly recommended.

f. Inihaw na tenga ng baboy and inihaw na dila ng baboy. I know these are the ingredients for sisig and bopis.. but they are finely chopped. Here, its served whole with its real shape. Hahaha. Its good though especially with a good sauce.

g. A leafy vegetable which is like hair strands. I don’t know what leaves are those but its good.

h. Pinaputok na tilapia wrapped in banana leaves that made the fish smell more delicious.

i. Santol fruit with gata and bagoong.

j. In tabaco, albay, i tasted these suman. The first one is color violet which taste good and the other is the squared suman which a sweet sauce is put on top.

k. Fish with lots of malunggay ang chilis with gata

Im a filipino food enthusiast and my taste buds really go for foods that have gata. Bicolano foods foods definitely got my heart and my stomach.

Year 2K8

2008-01-11T23:08:00.000+08:00

I attended the mass at Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center . Its the only church I’d been to that i feel the presence of God. In the sermon, new year’s resolution was given emphasis. I was hit by the three resolutions he wished for each of the people and which i really like to apply for myself.
These are:
1. Bawasan ang pagiging magagalitin – i think too much over things and when things did not reach my expectation, i get pissed off. This year, i will take things lighter.
2. Maging mas mapagmahal – am loving but am not showy so i guess i have to be more showy and more loving to my actions and in my words to all the people around me and to those special to me
3. Maging mas mapagbigay – its not problem with me giving something with what i have to others but sometimes i still wait for someone to ask me first who needs help before i give. This time, it’s me who will reach them even am not yet asked for.

And for others not mentioned above which i think i needed are:
4. Be more prayerful to God -
5. Be more into sports
6. Embrace my work more
7. Be more optimistic in life
Resolutions maybe remembered only at the start of the year but i hope this article in my blog will keep me reminded.

Dec 24,2007 midnight near Christmas

2007-12-25T18:59:00.000+08:00

Just had our traditional noche Buena. Lots of foods on the table which my mom prepared. We prayed and thanked God for the graces and taking care of our family.

Since birth we really gather for a festive Noche Buena. On one table we eat together along with our helpers and sometimes cousins also dropped by. This is also the time we give our gifts to each other.

When we were younger, we also hang our socks before the Noche Buena so that Santa Claus will put some toys in our socks for being good.(But i swear even if am not good Santa Claus still put something to my socks). We were always so excited waking up and check immediately our socks. The most i remember is when I found golden jackstones on my sock. I really love it so much coz i love playing jackstones. Am good at it. We were hanging our socks until we were in high school. Imagine that ! Too old to believe for Santa but we do! I even used to have arguments with my classmates before insisting that there is really santa and he is always giving gifts to us. My parents are really damned good for making us believe. But thanks to them they made our Christmas really enjoyable with all the Christmas stuffs.

When we were only just six in the family, my parents and us four children, use to do exchange gifts. Early December we already pick a name so we can save money from our baon. It was exciting that for many weeks we have to keep our mouth shut and keep the name we picked. It was so hard actually especially for a kid to keep it a secret but we always succeed.

Now that our family are bigger, we are already 14, we pass our practises to the kids. It might be quite different already like no more hanging of socks ( which is replaced by Santa Claus in person coming to house to give gifts to them is equally exciting to them) but being together in one table for Noche Buena brings the spirit of Christmas to everyone of us.

Dec 23, 2007, Back to Hometown

2007-12-25T18:18:00.000+08:00

I wake up in the morning and weather is fine. Its cold but it’s not raining. I decided to go walking with my nieces. I want to see and feel this place and probably reminisce my childhood here like i always do whenever Im here.

As we walked i saw the canal, which we call as “bambang”, is still running with clean water. Lucban has the cleanest canals in the country where water comes from Mt. Banahaw and rain water. When we were kids we used to wash our feet in this bambangs and walk through it. From school in our elementary, we go to school with slippers as it is very rainy in Lucban almost year round. Most of the kids really go to school in slippers as the parents will be cautious for our shoes to be soaked in water every day. Now, the bambangs are still there but has metal grilles already. I can’t wash my feet now to the bambang but i think its also good coz the people will be safer as I used to fall there also whenever my playmates or classmates are running after another coz of kakulitans.

We ended up walking in Patio near the church. There is a small stall selling pancit habhab, arroz caldo, pancit bihon, palamig and maruya (rice cake). The man eating pancit habhab sa dahon was very engrossed that i get excited to have one too. At first, i said put that in a plastic thinking that i will just eat that at home when i get back from walking but i changed my mind and i said to just put it in the dahon and i will just eat the pancit the way it should be...habhab ( eating with no fork but by the use of mouth straight from the dahon ng saging). The vendor was hesitant and asked me twice. I said yes. She probably thought i don’t know how and think am not lucbanin. For 6 pesos, I have my pancit habhab in banana leaves. I put special vinegar which only Lucbanin can understand why it is for. It so yummy. I still know how to habhab and still good at it even i haven’t done it for many years. I also bought for my nieces so they will experience eating pancit habhab. It was a great morning with my habhab.

While eating i looked at the small kiosk there which is inside the church area. Thats where we used to play Pasi-pasi corner. It is like trip to Jerusalem but instead of chairs we should be able to go to one of the poles of the kiosk which i think has 8 poles. Looking at it, it seems am in déjà vu seeing myself inside the kiosk with my playmates doing pasi-pasi corner.
Around the church is surrounded by “fence” as boundary markers in scallops shapes which we call as kinse-kinse. We used to sit there especially if there’s liga ng basketball during vacation time , april to may , while eating balut or mani . Now, it has metal grills already that no one can sit there anymore.

Outside the boundary is a big canal or big bambang. It is probably the biggest and longest bambang in Lucban. We used to walk there with my playmates. And we even walked through inside a tube (theres a dark area coz of the stairs going to church). It is where we get small fish which we call ririmbo (or guppy fish). I swear my mother always gets mad at us whenever we do that. But i guess most of the kids that time experienced that in the big bambang.

We then walk more and we ended in Patio Rizal. A small park where the monument of Jose Rizal (National Hero) stands. This is just infront of our munisipyo. The monument of Rizal is now gold in color while it used to be so white painted by apog (i guess so) or the like. When i touch it the white paint transfers to my hands. Anyway, Rizal now is gold and surrounded by fountain. My nieces love it that they played with the fountain. The park now is nicer and looks bigger with its new landscape that when i sit there i feel like am in Singapore park near the fountain. What a shame i didn’t bring my cellphone that am not able to get a picture while my nieces poses in the park.

Great first day.

My 2007

2007-12-19T18:37:00.000+08:00

Will soon be 2008.
Looking back, generally 2007 had been so good to me.

My list of the best things that happened to me for 2007.

1.The best thing I guess is probably that am able to continue visiting different places. Maybe expensive and ate my wallet but no regrets I enjoyed every experience in my travels.
As early as January I went to Boracay Island with my friends Cheryl and Lorenz. Parasailing there was my greatest experience. Swinging with the wind is something I can really remember of. On the first week of March, along with my friends Froila and Nhuj, we went to Singapore and Malaysia. Our four days of vacation there taught us a lot of things. We learned more how diverse people are, the culture and way of life in each country. Riding a cable car going to Sentosa was frightening but I enjoyed it. On the week of my birthday in April, pangga and I went to Puerto Galera. The ocean breeze definitely put me in high spirits. Travelling with your best buddy I guess is the best vacation of all. By the month of May, I went back to Puerto Galera with my college sisses. It was then where I first experienced to do banana boating. As June and July was a rainy season, I opted to just visit my friends and family near Manila. When August came, I headed to Palawan. I miss the beach already. I visited the underground river, carried a crocodile and spent a lot of time in the beach. Swimming with different kind of fishes was a great great fun for me. My adventure in palawan was really fun that I wish my four day vacation there will be extended. Last September, I went to Legaspi in Bicol and in Pili and tried wakeboarding in Camarines Sur Water Complex (CWC). It was such an exhausting sport but was at the same time very challenging for me. My last vacation for the year, I headed to Macau and Hongkong with Pangga and bestfriend last November. The casinos in Macau gave warmth from the cold breeze of this country. Exploring Disneyland for the second time is more enjoyable than my first.

2. Acquiring good stuffs like my Ernest and Isagani was an added enjoyment in my year.
Am becoming more techi and made my life easier to make my hobbies and interests more achievable.
3. My sister’s baby Lian also was a big additional to the family that gives me a reason to spend a weekend in Sta.rosa.
4. My boss who always allows me for a vacation leave even I tell at the last minute.
5. My big sister Cheryl who added colors to my life. I truly miss your laughter.
4. My pangga who is my doctor, IT counselor, personal counselor, kargador, kakampi, kaaway, guro, my bdo , etc. as in all in one. You’re the best. Hope we can do more travels and visit more restaurants and ... probably more Tsing-tao?

Little things I hate to do

2007-12-13T11:51:00.000+08:00

Little things I hate to do

- washing the dishes. ( I feel like a slave for doing so)
- do an errand (oh come on)
- dealing with stupid people (it sucks)
- dealing with liars ( leave me alone)
- waiting (no way)
- bringing lots when traveling (please no pakisuyo, as much as possible I just bring myself)
- going to the bathroom to find out there’s no shampoo (make it ready for me)
- watching the president’s face on tv (please change the channel)
- walking fast (what for?)
- going to a place with lots of people (very chaotic, an eyesore)
- being stucked on a traffic (what else to do?)
- playing games in computer (waste of time)
- waking up early (my eyes and my migraine please)

2007-12-12T21:08:00.001+08:00

Mood: In high spirit

Christmas time already ... time to go shopping and buy gifts...but am here...busy with my babies Isagani and Ernest.

Isagani

2007-12-01T13:37:00.000+08:00

Tick tack tick tack… 6 more hours to go before I can see him again…. Why does it take so long? I can’t wait to see him. I have to play with him.... who is he? My two days old baby. And his name is Isagani.

Isagani is my new ACER 4710 laptop. I named him Isagani because it’s very Filipino name, very masculine but sounds very sweet…

Isagani is run by Intel core Duo processor T2350 with Centrino Duo mobile Technology. He loves looking at me with its Built-in Crystal Eye web camera. He talks to me with its built in microphone and he plays song with me with its built-in Dolby Digital Surround Sound.

To be fully functional, she has a girlfriend named Vista. They look so compatible in its 1.0 Gb Ram at a 80gb memory. The 14.1" monitor is just enough for their mommy irza even she wants to watch a movie.

In the next few days, they will also be working with Ernest. He is my Sony ericsson celphone who is just one week old.

Theyre family is getting bigger. And their mommy irza is having so much fun with them.

New phone.. Now postpaid

2007-11-28T11:40:00.000+08:00

After 2 months, the smart telephone service finally reached me with a sigh. They told me they’d been trying to reach me for several times but I’m always out. Sorry but that’s my life. Now, am here we can finally do business.

To make it short, I was able to get it last Saturday ( Nov. 24, 2007 to be exact). A 3G sony ericsson k610i. Am not really fanatic with cellphones but I believe having one is already a must.

Back to memories…

I remember my first ever cellphone was nokia 3210. One of the best that time as its one of the cellphones that has no antenna. After 2 years, I lost it. It was stolen from my bag pack while I get off from the jeepney.

After two weeks, I got another nokia phone which I can’t remember the model anymore. I’ve lost track of the model numbers of phone coz there are so many different models in the market already. After two years, its battery always disappoints me that I decided to dump it and get a new one as a birthday present to myself.

This time I got a sony ericsson that has a camera, fm radio, mp3, and with joystick. The cool features that makes sony ericsson cellphone popular. After two years, this phone lost which I think I lost in the taxi.

After 2 hours of waaahh, I bought a new phone. This time, I got Samsung SGH E690. I chose it for its flip phone and especially its color white. I feel that I will not readily lose it coz I can easily see it. At first, I don’t like it coz very teeny but since this unit is very stylish, so thin, and produces nice picture, I fell in love with the unit.

And now that my new phone arrived and I have no choice but to use the new number they assigned for me, I have to dump my Samsung. One number, one phone, less confusion for my contacts.

I love my phone now even its only 3 days old much upon learning that I can connect this to my next project…a personal laptop.

Macau/HK/Macau Trip

2007-11-16T20:04:00.000+08:00

Macau - Las Vegas of the East. Combination of western and Chinese culture. This was a colony before of Portugal so most of the buildings here have Portuguese touch. The streets and government establishments and buildings are in Portuguese names.

Day 1 Arrival in Macau (Nov 12, 2007)

After an hour and 35 minutes in the air, we finally arrived in Macau International Airport. It’s not so big airport but is nice and clean. From the airport, we took a taxi going to our hotel in the city center. It’s good that I have a Chinese character of the name of the hotel which I showed to the driver as he doesn’t understand even a bit of English.

In about 10 minutes, we arrived in Metropole Hotel along Avenida de Praia Grande. It is more beautiful than I expected for a 3 star hotel. The room is big, the bathroom is nice, spacious with a bath tub, hot and cold shower, its clean, the towels are always new, there is hairdryer and the receptionists are very helpful. I recommend the hotel as it is the city center, very nice location, near to tourists’ spots and casinos, bus stop and many restaurants around.

After we dropped our things and fixed ourselves, we didn’t waste our time and walked going to Largo De Senado, the central area for tourists. Along the way, we saw St. Paul church…, institut., church, Ruins of St. Paul…

After a walk we looked for money changers as we are so hungry already. We have a quick congee which we bought in a small store for 4 patacas. After that we had a good dinner at Wang Tai. Very good meal.

We then have energy already and we went straight to Fisherman’s wharf. It’s a very nice area which is open for 24 hours. I don’t know how to describe it but it’s a must see in Macau. There are lights, casino’s, nice hotels, boutiques, really nice overlooking the ocean and the bridge going to taipa and coloane islands.

Across is the Sands Casino. The place is really overwhelming. It’s a 4-flour building with a modern architecture where each floor is full of people playing roulettes, bacarra, slot machines and the likes. We decided to have a drink some beer here before trying to play the roulette. Its really so hard to order here as very few waiters know how to speak English here. We end up drinking Heinekin and my friends, Tsing Tao (they’re local beer) which took us about an hour before the waiters understood what we like to have.

Ready to play, as I don’t know how to play and not interested to know the game I just sat down in one corner as my friends play. Hola, my friend won HKD$1400 within just 5 minutes in the roulette. Its enough so we decided to just sit down in the bar there where the bands play and where there are some show girls dancing. It was nice though. My friends decided to have party with their winnings and ordered different kind of beers after another. We had Macau beer which I like best coz its delicious and something sweet with a taste of some fruit. They also had Kriek, Gordon,Westmalle-trapist.

The band with a Filipina lead singer was great that we went dancing with them. Hahaha. Was great experience and had fun night.

When we went back to hotel we were dead tired. Need to sleep, need to get up early for a HK the next day.

Day 2 Sidetrip in HK

Day to go to HK and meet my friends Rose and Nhuj.
After an hour of sea travel taking the turbo jet ferry we arrived in HK at Sheung Wan Terminal. My friend Nhuj was there already to accompany us in our tour. We first had our lunch at Shuntak Center as we are so hungry already. We then proceed to terminal going to Hongkong Disneyland. We then meet my friend Rose for our discounted tickets as she is an employee as a landscape artist of HK Disney. This is my second time in HK Disney but I still enjoyed the place. Its also this time I was able to complete the rides and shows in Disney and see the fireworks display. Fun, fun , fun. My friends are laughing at me when I was screaming in the space mountain. Hahaha

After the fireworks we went to see the Victoria’s Peak. We took the trams and still feel scared even this is my second time. They have this new mall in the peak and redesigned everything so have to pay HKD$ 20 each to go to the viewing area. Scared as I am in heights, I rarely look at the fantastic view of HK from above.

We then had dinner at Bumpa at the peak. Nice view from the restaurant. So romantic.

As its late in the evening already we decided to go back to sheung wan terminal and go back to Macau. We arrived in Macau at almost 1am already. We just fixed ourselves in hotel and went to Wynn Casino and Grand Lisboa. Also amazing Casinos. Tired as we are, we just looked around here and checked the place. Me, just took a bottle of mineral water in Wynn. Hahaha

Day 3 Last Day in Macau (Nov. 14, 2007)

As this is our last day in Macau, we decided to check other tourist spots in the place. We went to A-ma temple where there are so many Chinese tourists. Not so much to see. We then headed to Macau tower. It is the 10th tallest free-standing tower in the world and 8th tallest in Asia. For $80 Patacas, we were able to go inside the tower. On the 58th floor is the observation deck. My heart is really beating here so fast. So tall that I cant even look outside. What more when I realized that the floor is glass so can really feel the height of the tower. So many weird imagination comes to my mind. I cant walk in the floor. The lady guard was laughing at me. This is also a must see in Macau.

We then headed to Venetian Casino – the newest casino in Macau. It is quite far from the city but this is really a must see in Macau. The architecture in really awesome. I cannot express so much how beautiful it is. The paintings, the ceilings, the chandeliers, the casino.. really fantastic. My friend asked me to play the slot machine. We won then lose it again. Hahahaha.

Macau experience was so great. I can say, Macau beats and looking forward to see the place again.

Macau/HK

2007-11-16T18:40:00.001+08:00

Travel Package or DYI

2007-10-26T11:54:00.001+08:00

Most of the my friends who are planning to travel always ask me, which is better, a travel package or DYI ( Do Your Own Itinerary). Actually, there are pros and cons in the two choices.

Travel Package
Advantages:

No hassle – just pay the agency and its them who will do the processing for the plane, hotel, entrance tickets, help in getting visas (if needed). Also, no problem for transfers from airport to hotel, back to airport, and to the places to see. Added to that, you will be sitting in a nice comfortable couch. Usually, there are free breakfasts and sometimes with complimentary lunch or dinner in any days of the travel.
cheaper - since you will be traveling in a group, agencies get cheaper deals and so are you.

Disadvantages:

1. You always have to be very conscious of time. It’s a tour group so you always be aware of the time or else you will discover you’re the only one who wasn’t able to get back in the bus and everybody’s angry eyes are on you.

2. There are places that are not worthy to spend time at. Some agencies will bring you to places where its only them who will gain. They have cuts for every item you buy. So not many choices. There are much better places to see but they will not bring you there.

3. Crossing borders spend so much time. You always have to wait the whole group before you move. Imagine if you are about 50 in a group. Waste of time.

Do Your Own Itinerary

Advantages:

1. Its always free time and really relaxing. If you enjoy in one place you can relax for so much more time and have a coffee in a nearby coffee shop. If you feel the place is not worthy, you can leave at once and go to the next.

2. You learn more about the place. You eat with the locals, you get public transport, and can learn their way of life and their culture.

3. Researching about the place before going is wonderful and challenging. There’s a wider choice for everything.

4. You can go to more places where you are interested at coz you are not really time bounded and it’s you who will decide for everything. Most of the time, even just walking near the area is even very educating already.

5. You learn how to survive in a place which is different from you.

Disadvantages:

1. More expensive. You have to book for the air transpo( if by air), ship or ferry, and the hotel. Have to check the tickets, the time it opens and time it closes

2. Needs a lot of research.

Personally, given the two, I will really do DYI coz I like to learn more about the place. My travel is not wasted if I do it on my own itinerary and I really do enjoy more.

Migraine na naman

2007-10-09T19:08:00.000+08:00

Eto kasalukuyang umaatake migraine ko. Grabe,.. sakittt. Parang gusto ko ipukpok ulo ko sa pader. Dito pa ako sa opisina. Sana makauwi na. Konting minuto na lang. Pwede ko nang iumpog ulo ko sa pader.

Katahimikan

2007-10-06T20:40:00.000+08:00

Silence. Thats what i needed now.
Ayaw ko kahit anong ingay. Ang tunog ng tv, ang tunog ng radyo, patak ng ulan, patak ng tubig, naguguluhan ako.

Bicol Express II ( Camarines Sur Water Complex)

2007-09-22T21:22:00.001+08:00

Camarines Sur WaterSports Complex (CWC) is located in Pili, Camarines Sur, the capital of Bicol Region. CWC is also just 15minutes away from Naga City which is the business capital of Bicol.

CWC is the new hideout for wakeboarders and said to be the home to the best cable wake park in the world. http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/ Different international competitions in wakeboarding are usually held in here.

A rate in wakeboarding is per hour basis and the rate during the day is different after 5pm. In my group, its only me who tried the sport. The guys are chicken. Hahaha. Even I feel like a celebrity where everybody is watching me how I will fall or how I will succeed I just went on. I feel I will regret if I go there and haven’t tried their main course.

Since am a beginner, they gave me first a 3-minute instruction on what to do. With my helmet on and my vest on.. am set to go!!

On my first try I fell down just right after the cable pulled me. My “instructor” told me I went up too early where my balance is not yet stable. So go again. On my second try, I was able to move long until I reached the first obstacle which is on the first corner of the lake. I didn’t expect that before the obstacle it will stop for a while like changing gear then will pull me again. I wasn’t ready for that so I fell. Was so tiring to swim from the middle of the lake carrying the wakeboard with the vest on. I have to carry then the wakeboard going to the service which will bring me again to the base. On my third try, cool!! I already surpassed 3 obstacles. Wow! Nice for a beginner. After that, I really feel so exhausted I went back to the Bar / Resto for a dinner. Their foods are great and I really sip the soup up to the last drop which helped me to regain strength from my “tiredness”.

In my three days stay in CWC, I had fun coz am really a water person. I had fun swimming in their pool wherein am usually alone having fun in the water. It’s like I own the pool. Hahaha

Even the lake is just man-made just like the white sand they put, I still feel lighter coz im breathing clean air and mainly coz of the rural atmosphere. It’s also nice that Mt. Isarog is also best viewed in CWC. Every morning I wake up early to do jogging around the lake. Really so refreshing.

The rooms here are also beautiful. Its great that the cabana where I stayed is facing the lake so really got the nice view. The trailers which they made it as a room is also nice. In fact, it even much nicer than the Cabana. There is receiving room, kitchen and entertainment room in the trailer while in cabana its only like the typical room in a hotel with bed and TV. Anyway, all rooms here are air conditioned with hot and cold water for the bath.

The negative side, I feel disappointed when swimming pools can be use only from 8:30 am and 7pm only coz I really like to have either an early dip in water after I jogged or a night swimming before going to sleep. Also, their service going around the place is only til 5pm only during weekdays. Weird coz they are supposed to be available 24 hours for the guests. Hard to call to their information. No phone directory in the rooms. Crews are obviously not yet fully trained. There are parts of the place which needs more lightings. Walking out there in the evening is sometimes quite scary.

Anyhow, my wakeboarding experience and meeting the bicolanos with their bicol express on my plate is a haven for me. Who knows, I might make decide to go further for my wakeboarding ability (hahaha) and might see me one day joining the tournaments. Whooaaahh!! :)

Bicol Express I (Mayon Volcano, Legaspi)

2007-09-22T10:47:00.000+08:00

Legaspi City, Albay, Bicol (Sept 16, 2007) - the land of Mayon Volcano, the almost perfectly-shaped cone and the most active volcano in the

Philippines

. This volcano had recorded over 50 eruptions, the first on 1616 and the most recent last 2006.

While on my way to Legaspi, seeing from the top, the lava trail is still obvious as this just erupted on the fourth quarter of 2006. I realized how cruel the eruption had been especially to the residents near it.

Anyway, when we landed in Legaspi airport, I get confused as the baggage will only be picked up manually. You have to be keen if the baggage men already bring out your bags. At least the crews are strict in checking if you got the right bag unlike in other domestic airports. Good thing is they are fixing the airport already so hopefully there will be conveyor already.

Bicol is one of the provinces in the country who needs attention. The problem here usually is the location. Typhoon always hit them in addition to the volcanic eruption. So every time they are already recovering another typhoon or eruption will occur. So the cycle continues.

On the positive side, the people here are really friendly. Foods are great here too in which they are famous with Bicol Express (my personal favorite). Its main ingredients are bagoong, meat , coconut milk and lots and lots of chilis. The hotter it is the more delicious it is.

We also went to the satellite market where we bought our native bags, bag and bags and pili nuts. Prices here are really affordable that we ended up like buying the whole market. My friend even bought 10 bags!!!

We then went to the Pacific mall where we had our lunch.

In the afternoon we went to the Cagsawa ruins. Here, only the bell tower of Cagsawa church can be seen after the Mayon volcano erupted in 1814. History said that about 1,200 people perished from this eruption.

On our way to Cagsawa, we have to cross a river in small and not too strong bridge. I was little bit scared crossing the bridge coz of the strong rapid of the water. Around, its really devastating to see the remains of the most recent eruption. Houses are washed out. The whole village becomes like a ghost town. To help the locals even a bit, I just bought some more of their goods even I had already. Back to our coaster. Next destination -> Pili, Camarines sur. Two hours travel from Legaspi.

Final Rites

2007-09-11T21:25:00.000+08:00

Too much of my personal woes regarding my phone. Am over it. I swear. Id been detached lately about the things happening around me coz of this. Luckily, my insomnia attacked again last Friday so I was able to watch documentary on TV.

The topic.. the death of the UP student who died from a fraternity hazing. Unfortunately, the victim, Cris Anthony Mendez is a province-mate.

This is not new to me. People I know usually ask me, why do the so called “Iskolar ng Bayan” always go through with this kind of incident. Its true, its very saddening that this things happen. Sabi nga sila ang mga may utak. Pero ano itong ginagawa nila..nakakamatay sila just for the sake of brotherhood. Do members really have to go through the “monstrous” final rites just to be accepted in the organization? Is it worthy?

I remember my time in UP (not too long agoJ whaaattt!!!), I went same rites...twice. It should be thrice but I gave up on the last one. In UP, all organizations, may it be fraternity, sorority, civic or academic organization , to be part of the group.. all has to pass through the final rites.

On my experience, its really tiring.. an all night of making you katawa- tawa. But I can say its not really monstrous rites to deal with (at least on the organizations I joined with). And I can say, its worthwhile afterwards. The kind of camaraderie I have now with my orgmates, brods and sisses, are really something worthy.

I guess the only problem is, there are really some students who go beyond the strength of the neophyte. And sometimes, there are students who are misusing their power as a member. And sometimes, the neophyte themselves do hide their sickness/ailments. Times like this, its really on the hand of the Memcom to make precautionary measures to avoid this kind of incidents

Fraternities, sororities, organizations do really have good intention and goals if put to the right use. Others are really just misguided. Maybe, some just join the orgs to be cool or for yabang.

I think the best for this is for the student to really choose and know wisely the type of organization they like to be part of. Do not join frats or any organizations who are involved to frat wars or any violent incidents. Lastly, look at the type of members they have.

Your numbers

2007-09-04T18:18:00.000+08:00

Losing cellphone is very hard especially when you really consider your phone as your daily source of information (in short kodigo) for everything ... like me.

The hardest i guess is retrieving all the numbers of all the persons i have in contact with.

Now, I was really glad that most of my friends responded for a “call” for their numbers when I told them that I lost my phone and so their numbers…

Thank you to all of you..on the positive side, it makes me think ( sana tama :) ) that you still like to be in contact with me (Yipee!).

Moral Lesson: Have a back up copy of your phonebook and other important information. More importantly, DO NOT LOSE YOUR CELLPHONE.

My Beloved Phone

2007-09-01T20:06:00.000+08:00

I just lost it this morning... i feel so sad... he is my bestfriend already for about 3 years..though quite old i just love it so much.

I really did cry for that small thing. I have so much memories in that. There are even messages there that are stored for three years already ... the messages that i try to read over and over again....the pictures i use to stare at to bring back funny memories.. the videos where all the kakulitan are... now they're all gone...i really feel sad..

Ive got a new one this afternoon... i should be happy.. but am not... it cant help bring back those memories...

Am mad to the one who got it.... he doesnt know how precious that one to me .. how he hurts me so much..

Question

2007-09-01T09:37:00.000+08:00

paano ba sasagutin ang mga tanong na kay hirap sagutin. alam mo ang sagot pero hindi mo masabi, hindi mo magawa.

ala Monroe

2007-08-27T17:31:00.001+08:00

The wacky side of me... Can I be a Monroe?

Booklet

2007-08-25T20:10:00.001+08:00

Note: Am not really a religious person .. just have a personal relationship with god.

Some of my favorites from my little book called "Inspirational Verses":

Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important that strength. Proverbs 24:5

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 11Corinthians 5:7

Give to the poor and you will never be in need. Proverbs 28:27

A king will remain in power as long as his rule is honest, just and fair. Proverbs 20:28

Do not plow the ground to plant seeds of injustice; you may reap a bigger harvest than you expect. Sirach 7:3

I said , "I am falling"; but your constant love , o Lord help me up. Whenever am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad. Psalms 94:18-19

Some people keep quiet because they dont have anything to say; others keep quiet because they know the right time to speak. Sirach 20:6

Never abandon an old friend; you will never find a new one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine; it gets better as it grows older. Sirach 9:10

Palawan Adventure

2007-08-16T14:10:00.000+08:00

Finally, I had been in Palawan – said to be the last frontier of the Philippines.

Last Aug 10 -13, Me and Lorenz , my travel buddy headed to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
We were so lucky that on that day, Aug 10, the sun was already shining after a week’s typhoon.

The adventure starts..

On the day we arrived , just outside at the airport, I saw the stand post of Puerto pension where my name was written. This is our sundo who will bring us to the hotel. Al, the driver accompanied us to the Van and we waited for few minutes for the other guest of the hotel. We were full in the van. Hmmm, I was thinking the hotel must be good that many of the tourists chose it.

It took us 10 minutes before we reached the hotel. I loved it. It was simple, has garden, silent, good for relaxation and was near the city proper. The pension is made up of native materials, sawali, anahaw, bamboo.. the type of houses which i have always looking for whenever am on a holiday. It makes me really feel am in the province.

After we fixed our things, unloaded our bag, relaxed a little, felt the coldness of the aircondition we decided to have our lunch. The reception suggested Ka lui’s or Kinabuch’s for a good lunch but Ka lui’s needs reservation. Hmmm. Anyway, we just thought we can look in the city.

We took a tricycle and asked the driver (Wilner) to bring us to a nice restaurant. After some talking, we asked him if he can tour us in the city. He said yes and he was only asking for P400. We thought, it must be a good price. In the hotel, the city tour will cost us P600 each or P1, 200 pesos for the two of us. So we got the deal to Wilner, he will tour us. We just asked him first to drop us in Jollibee so we can have at least some food in our stomach.

Day 1. City tour

Palawan Museum - this exhibits pre-hispanic jars and porcelains; artifacts found in the Tabon Cave and antiques from Cuyo Town

Butterfly Garden – Lots of different and colorful butterflies can be seen here. A 5-minute tv viewing about butterflies is required before entering the garden. It was so nice that it was only us in the garden that we played with the butterflies freely, took our pics with the butterflies flying around us. I really enjoyed here.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center ( known as the Crocodile Farm ) – here, there are really thousands of crocodile. At the entrance, the biggest crocodile’s skeleton and its skin is displayed. They said it’s the biggest in the world so far. Then, they brought us to the nursery where baby crocs are inside big basins. Its about 1, 200 crocodiles in there. Yeah, its smelly. Then we passed to a bridge where under are big crocodiles. I really got afraid crossing the bridge. Its like, what if I fell, I will be eaten by these big crocs.. just thought of it anyway so I just walked really carefully.
Outside is a zoo where mostly are birds, eagles. In one hut there, the people are taking some souvenir picture holding, carrying a crocodile. I thought, I should do that too. Oh my god, am the only one who is screaming there. The muscles of the croc is moving..wwaaaaahhhh… the people are laughing at me.:) Its an experience though and was able to surpass it and doesn’t show in the pic that I was scared holding it.

Baker’s Hill – the place was so relaxing, the air is so cold, the ambience is great. Great for a snack here. There is a zoo here where we played with the ostrich, I was scared though that I cant go near. There’s also a sarimanok, a very colorful chicken like, and nice peacock.

Sta. Monica Ranch ( popularly known as Mitra’s Ranch) – this is where Former Speaker of the house Ramon Mitra was staying when he was still alive. There’s no more horses and cows around except for hundreds of rosters. The location of the ranch is very nice. Its on top of a hill overviewing Puerto princesa and the sea.

Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral – the city’s catholic church

Plaza Cuartel – just on the other side of the church which now also became like a park that we saw there some groups of high school students practicing their dances.

Sea port area- this already look like the baywalk of manila though still under construction.

Day 2 – Underground River, a UNESCO Heritage Park 8km long stretch cave

On our day 2, we decided to go to the well talked about underground river of Palawan. We took the package of the hotel under Topstar tours and travel agency.

We were 8 in the tour. All of us are staying in the same hotel. They are all lovers except us. Hahaha. Kainggit naman sila... First couple, is both Japanese who when we had conversation was working in RCBC, an expat in the Philippines. Second couple, the guy is a Spanish and the girl is Japanese and the guy admitted he is anti social so they chose palawan which has less people than boracay. The third couple, was both Filipinos who was also based in Manila. They are all nice.

Len, was our tour guide, already told us to bring extra clothes coz we will be allowed to take a swim after the underground river tour.

It was a long travel, more or less two and half hours. Half of the way is good road and half is bumpy. Our first stop was a view deck where nice view of the beach can be seen. There’s also 3 mountains there named Tatlong Maria.

Along the road we saw limestone mountains. Very beautiful that sometimes we are asking our driver to have a stop so we can get a good picture on those.

We finally arrived in Sabang. From here, we took a banca that will bring us to the underground river. It’s about 20 minutes boat ride before reaching the main entrance of the park . Mountains and different formations of big rocks can be viewed along the way.

We have to walk a little from the shore to reach the underground river registration area. We have to wait for few minutes til the next boat arrives as only four boats are allowed to go inside the cave.

When the boat arrives, its really small banca, they asked us who will hold the light inside the cave. I volunteered my friend Lorenz so we were seated in front. Hehehe. Nice idea.

Inside, was very very cold, was scary, was dark, the bats are flying around though most are just hanging in the stones. Good that the bangkero talk a lot, a joker that made our navigation inside the cave not as scary as it is. Just like what the bangkero said we should be good in imagination whenever we look at the stones. Its true there the stalagmites and the stalactites create different formations. There is San Roque formation with dogs around, there’s cathedral where mama mary is there, baby jesus Christ, jesus Christ face, mother and child, and lots more. Really amazing. The navigation was about 25 minutes.

Outside, lots of people are already waiting for their turn. Its really good thing that we were first to arrive there that we don’t have to wait for long for our turn.

Another main view here are the monkeys who are freely moving around the place. I saw about 10- 15 monkeys there. The other is the monitor lizard ( bayawak) who are also moving freely around the area. They said they visit the place almost everyday especially during lunch time (maybe looking for some food:0).

We then went back to sabang for our food which is included in the package. We went to Taraw beach resort where they prepared yummy foods for us in a buffet style. After out lunch, we already splunge into the water. Its so nice that even we are in the middle of the sea , the water is still only up to my chest. Really so nice. Was so fun to swim on top of the waves.

At past 2pm, we started to travel again going back to the hotel. All of us were so tired that we fell asleep on travel. On the way, we stopped at Vietnamese Village. This is the place where the vietnamese refugees are staying. They have this nice and famous Viet Ville restaurant. I ordered their Beef Stew Noodle and their garlic bread. These are their best sellers. And its really, really, really yummy. Its like Phobac in Manila.

Day 3 – Honda Bay Wharf, Island Hopping

We took the service of Wilner again to bring us to the Honda Bay Wharf. From there, we got our own banca that will bring us to different islands.

Arreceffi Island – The place of Dos Palmas Resort. We toured around the famous resort. Was really nice here. Their facilities are nice, the rooms, the swimming pools and everything. Was breathtaking.

Snake Island – I really enjoyed here. The best place for snorkeling. I saw school of fishes as in school of fishes here. I was really amazed here. Lots and different kind of fish are here, all colorful in hundreds, thousands. Compared to Puerto galera or boracay snorkeling, here in snake island, one will really say WWWOOOOWWWW!!!! I never imagined in my life that some kind of fish exist. Really really awesome… words are not enough to say how nice to experience snorkeling here.

Starfish Island – as the name goes, lots of starfish can be found here. I thought starfish island is boring island but when I went snorkeling , I saw this blue starfish, really one of a kind. I was so amazed that I have learned to appreciate this island.

Pambato reef – our bangkero suggested pambato reef instead of pandan island coz they say theres nothing to see in pandan island. As they knew the place well, we went to the reef. Before I knew it, they brought us in the middle of the sea where there is only a small floating cottage with only one man and a dog. I asked the bangkero if it’s the place, and he said it is. Oh weird. That is literally a place in the middle of nowhere. I asked the bangkero again, is it shallow there? How can we swim there? Its really weird. Anyway, there’s even an entrance fee of 50 pesos there. Anyway, our boatman got the salbabida ala Baywatch style and told us to hold into it and he will bring us to the area where there are nice corals. With our snorkeling gear we do what he told us. And yeah, there are really nice big colorful corals there. Really wonderful. There’s even a coral as big as a round table. I saw orange, blue, violet, red corals there. Really awesome. Our guide also swam deeper and got giant clams for us to see. That’s really wonderful experience. I carried the giant clam in the floating cottage and it blowed water on me. Hahaha. The clam doesn’t like me. I had fun here.

At around 5:30 pm, we already asked our boatman to bring us to the shore. There, wilner was already waiting for us. The day was so fun, I became more tanned kissed by the sun and the water. But its okay, I definitely enjoyed the day.

On the way, we felt hungry that I asked Wilner to bring us to Vietville. I ordered seafood noodle. Also great. Wow.

Day 4 – Going back to Manila

Time to go back to manila. I promised myself I will be back to this place. Palawan see you again!

Lola Irza

2007-07-31T16:40:00.000+08:00

My eyeglasses just arrived. Yipee. I think its cool. Its a red and yellow framed eyeglasses. Its not really for porma... like my officemate who got an eyeglasses even she has 20/20 vision.

But i guess its time for me to wear eyeglasses again* for some reasons: First, for my astigmatism. Second, so that my eyes will not be stressed out so much for Im infront of the computer for almost 10 hours a day. And third, my puffed eyes and dark circled eyes (due to lack of sleep or coz of migraine or social gathering?? gimmick ?? .. the night before) will not be too obvious.

*I said again coz i was wearing eyeglasses before in the year 2000 - 2003 but i just stopped wearing coz i feel it makes me look like a lola. Do i like lola now? No, not anymore. I guess the color of the frame make me look like a trying hard teener. hahaha. Anyhow, i still love it.

I need some sleep

2007-07-27T19:39:00.000+08:00

Its hard for me to get some sleep since childhood. This time, I went to the doctor and asked her to give me some medication so i can have a good sleep. The doctor gave me Iterax. I looked at it in the internet and it says its an antihistamine that can make the person drowsy. It really worked on me. 5 minutes after i took it, i fell asleep and really put me to a good rest.

The doctor, gave me the medicine for only three nights. She told me thats the maximum number of tablets she can give me. huhuhuhu.

Last night was my last night to take my sleeping pill. Hope i can sleep tonight like what i had in the past three nights... hopefully

Daanin sa pagkain

2007-06-26T17:07:00.000+08:00

2 days na akong depress.. wag nyo nang itanong kung bakit. How im coping up with depression? Kung yung iba hindi makakain... hindi makatulog.... ako baligtad.... kain to the max ako. Dadaanin lahat sa pagkain ang pagkayamot. Hay pag nakita nyo na naman akong tumaba it means nadepress ako.

Regret? No

2007-06-18T14:45:00.000+08:00

My friend told me, “sana sinagot mo na sya nun”. I just answered, “ wala talaga eh. Pinilit ko rin sarili ko to like and love him pero wala talaga”.

My friend is referring to a man who courted me before who is now a millionaire or probably a multimillionaire ( Who knows? ). After three years, I saw him once again. I attended his daughter’s christening last Sunday. A very fabulous occasion for his first daughter.

Do I regret?

No. No regret at all. I was even happy for him that he found the girl that could love him. The love that I can’t really give. Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko sana natuturuan ang sarili. He is kind, respectable, intelligent,.. characteristics that women usually adore to a man. Pero wala talaga eh. Siguro nga eh kung mukha akong pera eh kahit walang love eh sinagot ko na sya noon. Pero yun eh, I still believe there must be love between the couple to find the true happiness. Kung isa lang ang magbibigay ng love eh it will not really work and might just end in misery.

So, me? No regret at all. I still believe that love matters most and it is the foundation of everything.

Rainy days Again!

2007-05-30T16:42:00.000+08:00

Its raining already!! The streets are flooded again. Haaayy. But its okay. I had fully enjoyed my summer anyway.

The last getaway... i went to Puerto galera with my college sisses: Pache, Lourlie, Grace, Jane, Duday and her officemate Mylan. It was fun. Actually, me and pache just followed last saturday( May 26) as the rest of the group were there already a day before.

We stayed in Bangera Inn. At that day, joross gamboa, the actor was also staying in the same hotel. Ayun, wala lang , nagpapicture kami with him. Just for the fun of it.hahahaha.

We did banana boating. I had fun. It was my first time to do it. Sayang lang we werent able to go out in the evening coz it rained. Pero okay lang coz last april, I was also in Puerto galera and wala kami ginawa there kundi gumimik lang.

Anyway, I had been about 100 times in puerto galera but its still fun for me. Maybe because i love nature, i love the beach so much and puerto galera is the nearest getaway.

Hay, i have no more moneeyy.. waahhh. But its okay, i had fun anyway.

In the past six months, im always away.. to wrap up..
January - boracay
March - Singapore/ Malaysia
April - Puerto galera
May - Puerto Galera

and soon.. Palawan.. am already excited about it.

thank you!

2007-04-27T19:59:00.000+08:00

Thanks to all who greeted me on my bday.

Papa – my father dear, since childhood talaga consistent yun sya lagi first to greet me
Cheryl – friend na nasa US, even how far she is now, she didn’t forget my day
Ryan – super dear friend since college days, isang masayang bading, matagal ko na ring di nakikita ( 3 years na) at nakakasama pero through the years one of the earliest greeters ko ( next to my papa).
Irma – sis ko, nasa probinsya, nag-aalaga ng first baby nya.. di rin yan pumapalya kahit nasan pa sya. Minsan pa pinupuntahan ako kung asan man ako just to greet me personally
Nanay ko – nagpadala ng maraming cakes sa cellphone yun nga lang di ko nabasa kasi corrupted. hahaha
Maileen – friend, classmate nung highskul, kahit super tagal na naming di nagkikita (as in years), remember pa rin nya bday ko
Tess – buddy , and officemate, leave sya sa work for a honeymoon with her husband , alaala pa rin nya me while on honeymoon
Kengks – friend, classmate since elementary til college. nasa Canada. Miss you girl.
Lot - my sister’s bestfriend and also like one of my sisters too.
Estong - confidante, si palangga. Hehehe. Isang pari na cool at tingin sa akin ay dyosa ng kagandahan.
Joseph – my adviser..hehehe. Isang pari na na tagakalma sa akin.
Encio – my friend since college days, kababayan, adviser din, tagapakinig at tagasama sa saya at lungkot ng buhay. Kaargumento sa paniniwala. Isang pari.
Jing – sis sa lb, isang laging kaumpukan, kasama sa katamaran at pag-iisa. Miss ko na rin yun jing.
Donna - isang mabait at makulit na kaibigan na parang nakakabatang kapatid na rin. tumatawa sa mga kalokohan ko sa buhay. Maliit ang boses. sakit sa tenga. hahaha. isang mommy na ngayon. miss you li'l sis.
Gochi - isang brod, kaibigan, masaya kasama, kausap pag pareho naiinip sa opis. nasa dubai.
Grace – sis din sa lb, nakakasalubong sa mga lugar na di inaakalang andun din. Kapalitan ng mga impormasyon sa mga lugar na pupuntahan , titirahan at kakainan.
Michael – kapatid ko na kahit nasa boracay nagbabakasyon nung araw na yun eh naalala pa rin ako
Iris – kapatid ko na tumawag pagkatapos ng dalawang araw ng aking kaarawan. Naihabol din. hahaha
Mga sisses at brods sa LB – lorlie, pearl, she, janno.. salamat
Officemates – na kinantahan ako ng happy bday song kahit putol. Wish ko makantahan eh.
Lourie, Mila – mga bossing na alaga akong kantyawan at gustong bukuhin ang edad ko.
Gary , Ian, Hemlata, Kodi, Leonor – na bumati na rin dahil sa kameeting ko sila noon. Hahaha. Si Gary na nakikain sa dapat ay sa officemates ko lang. Hintay ko na lang kay leonor yung bag from legaspi.

Sorry

2007-04-13T17:32:00.000+08:00

If there’s a song like..” sad movies always makes me cry”… for me, the song goes, “sorry always makes me cry”.

Movies, happy stuffs, material things, makes me happy indeed.. yet never made me cry. But one single word.. and that’s “sorry” especially coming from a guy…always make me cry. I don’t know but it always hit me whenever a guy say sorry to me. It makes my heart so soft. Just one word.

Singapore Trip 2007

2007-03-23T18:15:00.000+08:00

Last Thursday -March 16, my friend Froila and I headed to Singapore. My other friend Nhuj from China followed us to Singapore the next day.

Singapore is a very small country maybe just as big as Quezon City with a population of only 4.8 million people making it very manageable. Singapore also had several ethnic groups of Indian, Malay and Chinese.

What I love about this country:

1. Transportation system - Singapore has a very nice transport system. Taking the MRT is very convenient. It has a link to all places and shopping malls in Singapore without getting lost. Our EZ link card which we put a credit of $20 lasted in our almost five days stay just for taking the ride in MRT and the bus. This card can also be used for paying purchases in 711 and meals in Mcdonalds.

Our favorite stops are Orchard road and Bugis. Orchard road coz it’s the main street for shopping and nice restaurants. Bugis as my friend nhuj love the way the operator speak the word Bugis. This is also were the night market is (though closes at 10pm unlike in HK which is really a night market) and where I tasted the best noodles.

2. Food – It is in Raffles city where I tasted the best thai cuisine. Anyway, food in Singapore is just great. That’s what I really miss in Singapore. Indian, thai, western, Chinese foods..really really great.

3. Shopping - It is best to buy perfumes, cosmetics and electronics in Singapore as these are tax free and you can buy these almost half of the price as compared to Manila.

4. Places to see in Singapore.

a. A day to spend in Sentosa is enough. Taking the cable car in Mt. Faber is exciting to me especially that I don’t like heights. The luge and skyride is fun as well especially when the kids are overtaking us while driving the luge. The Underwater world is also a must see. This is where different water creatures can be seen. I really enjoyed here. The dolphin show is also a hit. Watching the magical / musical fountain show in Sentosa should also not be missed especially the evening show.

b. Little India - Going to this place can be a little scary when we first visited the place. It was Sunday night when we first went here. All the streets were full of men Indians. We don’t understand first why it seems there is no women in this place. It was later we learned that it was the day where they flock together for a gathering and their respective families are in their respective countries (aka like OFWs) . It is advisable to go there during the day. It is very much different during the day. The place where so much relaxed and people are friendlier. I got my henna tattoo here that I love it that I also bought henna ink so I can do it on my own when I get back to manila. Different authentic Indian spices can also be bought here, like the one I bought- the Garam Masala, which is hard to find in Manila.

c. Esplanade, clark quay, are also the places to see.

5. Security – Its very safe to go around in the city center. Though in the suburbs can be little dangerous (but I guess its only our perception its dangerous though its really not).

6. Honesty – The taxi drivers give receipts and give the change up to the last cent

What’s not cool in this country

1. People in Singapore are unfriendly. Hard to find people to ask some information. I suggest better to ask the hotel attendants before going out.
2. Singapore is just like Makati- Greenbelt and Glorietta area. When you stay longer, it becomes dry and boring.
3. There’s not so much night life in Singapore unlike Manila. Many hot pot restaurants but not good bars for a night out.
4. Hard to go home late in the evening. Taxi is expensive and much more expensive in the evening. It has different rate in the evening. MRT is until 11:40pm only and buses are until 12 midnight only.
5. The country is clean but is smelly especially in the MRT’s much more if “someone” smelly is beside you.
6. The weather is hot and humid.
7. No nice beach. Palawan beach and Siloso beach of Singapore is nothing compared to the Philippine beaches.

Our almost 5 days holiday here was enjoyable especially am with my super cool friends. We had fun and strolled the city like real locals of Singapore.

When one travel, we can’t avoid to compare it to the place where we grew up or any places where we’d been to. There are good things and bad things in every place. My feet might bring me to different places but for me.. nothing beats the Pinas!

"One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." –- Henry Miller

These Past Two Weeks

2007-02-23T14:18:00.000+08:00

These past two weeks…

1. Me and my friend Froila got our ticket for our Singapore through Cebupacific airline. Yipee! Was just feel so bad that after 2 days we bought our ticket, the airline gave an almost 50% discount to their fare. L
2. Me and Froila are busy making our itinerary for our trip to Singapore on March 15. We have decided to make a side trip to Indonesia instead of Malaysia
3. I visited my very good friend Donna who I have not seen for about 2 years already. I was so happy for her especially now that she’s having a baby in two months time.
4. I’ve got no flowers during the valentines day but I had a lunchdate with my two good friends in a steakhouse in makati.
5. I had my second session of mesotherapy. And the more I love the result.
6. My cousin came to Manila and ask for my help for the analysis of the data for her husbands thesis. In the evening we had a good time with our other cousins.

These past two weeks, am thinking…
1. of having a trip on May to Mindanao and another trip to Bangkok, Thailand on the third quarter. Sana matuloy
2. of having a good good good rest with a long hours of sleep.
3. of buying a threadmill but I used the money in mesotherapy :J
4. of selling online some of my used and unused stuffs to unload my drawer and same time have money from those.
5. to enroll either in a language school or to a computer school. Hope I can really do it

Mesotherapy

2007-02-14T20:16:00.001+08:00

Yeah I had mesotherapy a week after my boracay trip. It’s a lipo-dissolve technique where the doctor will inject some medicine in the skin of the fat area. It’s more or less 60 injections from my left love handle to the tummy to the right love handle. Yes it’s quite painful as sometimes I have to shout at my doctor. Hahaha. Just good that my doctor is my friend so was just laughing at my every scream.

Anyway… the result in just a week?...I LOVE IT !

Boracay

2007-02-07T13:16:00.000+08:00

It has been months since I last updated my blog. Waaahh. Blame it to me. I’d been very busy with work come last quarter of 2006. Then had a long holiday dec 23 – jan 1 with my family in the province.

Anyway, my latest whereabout… boracay!! Yippee!!

Last Jan 11, 2007, Me, Lorenz and Cheryl headed to boracay.

We stayed in Bella Vista, a new place owned by Cheryl's friend. So its free!! :) It’s not a beachfront though has a nice overview of the beach.

The trail of our adventure to Boracay

Jan 11 –
10:30 am we arrived in kalibo, aklan - funny here, we took the kalibo flight as we would like to go around first in kalibo as we expect that we have a driver of bella vista who will pick us up in kalibo. Its after we realized that they will pick us up in caticlan. So we took the van there which will bring us to caticlan. Each one costs 200 pesos for the ride. It was such a long trip ( about 2 hours) that nothing is spectacular in the view on the way to caticlan. Next time, get the caticlan flight
12:30 pm – we arrived in caticlan port. There we were welcomed by the people from bella vista who will help us in our stay to boracay
1:00 pm, - arrived in boracay. They gave us one room each in bella vista.
3:00 pm – after unpacking our things and fixing ourselves, we headed to the restaurants for a lunch. We decided to have lunch in red coconut beach resort. After lunch while my friends are still having chit chat I went to the other place where they offer henna tattoo. I had my tattoo at my back sa may right shoulder ng isang symbol which means true love and isa pang tribal tattoo sa may may pwet ko. I love it!!

In our first evening, gimik na kami agad. We had a little drink at one of the bars there with a live band near the beach. The music was great that we were singing with the band.

Jan 12
This is the day start for our real adventure. As early as 7:30 am we went island hopping. Sa tapat ng crocodile island yung isang place good for snorkeling, maraming isda ( but I still love Puerto galera for snorkeling, mas maraming iba-ibang isda makikita dun) . After that, dinala pa kami sa isang place na marami ring isda. Then sa isa pang secluded place kung saan we went swimming.

After the island hopping we went for a breakfast sa isang restaurant dun… nang biglang… Makita ko si… GRACE! (sis ko sa UPLB), sobrang small world. She is with her husband and they are on a honeymoon. I invited them to join us for a breakfast. Just too bad that’s its their last day there. Sana nakagimik pa kami altogether. ( manggulo ba ng honeymoon? J)

Anyway, in the afternoon nagpa-braid kami ng buhok. The three of us. Katuwa yung kay Lorenz.. para syang may maliliit na palm trees sa ulo. Hahaha. Tawa talaga akong tawa. Yung ibang tao talaga tuwang tuwa din sa hair nya. So cool!

As soon as we finished our braids, nagparasailing kami! Grabe ang saya!! Its supposedly $50 dollars each or about 2500 pesos each for 15minutes in the air. Nakipagtawaran kami ending to 5000 pesos , 3 na kami there. Saya!! We even thought na 15 minutes is ang bilis yun pala tama lang yung ganun katagal. Actually, si Cheryl sumuka afterwards. Nahilo, hahaha. Tawa kami ng tawa... Saya talaga! This is our moment talaga in boracay. The price naman is worth the experience.

Actually, nahilo din ako. Kaya when we reached the shore I laid down sa mga beach beds dun. Nagmunimuni at inenjoy ko talaga ang araw , dagat at buhangin. And.. small world talaga.. we saw Fr. Lorenz’ friend , si fr. Ricky.. katuwa.. ayun kwento kwento picture picture.. tawa rin ng tawa sa hair ni lorenz

In the evening we had a nice dinner at a classy restaurant there. Katawa here kasi we like to eat with a candlelight near the beach. So they fixed the table for us. Nang biglang umulan .. so ayun sa loob na rin ng resto kami kumain. Sobrang busog talaga namin. Tig-iisa kaming lobster, then we had chili garlic crab, clam soup, lapu-lapu, we had squid, prawns, steamed okra , ensaladang pako and a bottle of red wine. Sarap! As in super busog kami. Anlakas pa kuwentuhan namin there parang wala kaming pakialam sa mga taong nakapaligid sa amin dun. Hahaha. Afterwards, nagpasundo kami sa driver ng bella vista kasi gabi na and we are so tired na.

Jan 13

This is our last day in boracay. We promised the owner na ibe-bless ni fr. lorenz yung hotel, Super bago pa kasi talaga yung place and family and friends pa lang talaga ang pinapayagan nila to stay there. We were so lucky talaga that when the owners learned that we are planning for boracay they invited us to stay in their hotel.

After that we headed to d‘mall and we bought our pasalubong and souvenirs from the island. We also had the last view of the beach.

Finally, were back to kalibo airport but we still have time so after we checked-in lumabas muna uli kami and kumain na naman. We had sinigang, crispy pata and buko. 4pm pa lang to ha.

And 6:30pm, back to manila.. back to work...back to real life…pero happy!

First time

2006-09-18T16:27:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I had a minor operation at St. Luke’s Hospital. My cyst at my back which I was taking care of for 8 years was finally removed. It was only a sebaceous cyst and yet it took a long for me to decide to finally to take it out coz of my fear with needles. Hahahaha.

Anyway, there are two main reasons why I decided to ask the doctor already to take it out. First, it’s getting so much attention as it’s big already. This is especially when I wear low back blouses. People will always ask me what is it coz it has an eye to make it more attention-grabbing. Second, my medical insurance will be renewed on October so I decided to make use of my card first before it expires.

Back to the needles, two days before the scheduled operation, I have this feeling of not going to the hospital anymore coz of my fear to needles. Friends, officemates just gave me moral support that its not painful and I can do it. So there, I said, Ill go and finish this thing. That fear has to end.. hahahaha

In the hospital, the attendant asked me to wear the lab gown, etc. They asked me also that I can give my jewelries, cellphone and wallet to my companion as they don’t allow to put these stuffs to their locker. I told them I’m alone and her face was quite surprised and told me to take out the important stuffs, they can put in a plastic, tape it and they will allow me to bring those inside the operating room. She also asked me how I can go home after the operation. I said,...with the taxi.. hahahaha.

In the operating room the attending physician and my doctor was already there. I asked them not to make it painful for me ..hahaha. My doctor said, it will not gonna be painful coz it will be under a local anesthesia. Everytime something was put to my back or if he’s doing something to my back, he’s asking me if its painful … its true, I didn’t feel any. The doctor showed to me the cyst they have taken out from me and I just said, yuck! Its like an eye of a fish and its color white.

They only took out my cyst for only about 15-20 minutes. They still asked me to stay and sit down as I might feel dizzy as an effect of the anesthesia.

From the hospital, I went straight to enchanted kingdom to meet my family. It was already there when I feel the pain of my back coz I think the anesthesia’s effect was fading already.

Anyway, today is my third day since my cyst operation, its still painful and I still feel not comfortable about it. But, at least its still manageable and I know already the feeling (even just a bit) of being operated… and.. finally my pet at my back was gone already

Get well Soon!

2006-09-15T19:22:00.000+08:00

Through network of friends I was able to have a link again to my friend, Mark. He is 2 or 3 years younger than me and since I met him in college, we easily clicked as friends and he used to call me Mommy and so I call him Daddy in return.

Just a month ago, I have learned from a good friend that Mark is sick and his kidney is deteriorating.
The last time I saw him (2 years ago), he was still very lively and very sweet as ever. Friends said that Mark’s really got very sick a year ago and was going in and out in the National Kidney Center. He also lose so much weight that my other friend when he saw him accidentally in a shopping mall didn’t recognize him.

When I finally reached him through ym, we were able to converse again and talk about each other’s lives. As her “mommy”, I readily asked him how he is and to tell me honestly all about him and his current situation. He said he is now in Japan and was getting ready for a kidney transplant this coming Oct.19 and is visiting the doctor thrice a week for a dialysis.

As I don’t like him to feel that I am so saddened about his situation, I tried to cheer him up and we just talk and share jokes like we used to do before.

Im just praying now that his operation will be successful and I will see him again by February next year (as he promised) as healthy, as gullible, as sweet and as loving friend as ever to me.

etcetera

2006-09-14T19:21:00.000+08:00

Here I am bored na naman sa buhay. Kaya ayun pumunta ako ng SM at bumili ng mga materials for scrapbooking. Effective naman sya, naaalis pagkabagot ko sa gabi at di namamalayan ang oras.

Ano na nga ba mga nagawa ko nung mga panahong nababagot ako:
1. painting. – ayun andun sa sketch pad mga ginawa ko. At pati na rin sa pader ng kwarto ko.
2. Bonsai making. – una binigyan ako ng friend ko ng bonsai. Tapos gumawa na rin ako ng sa akin. Sayang naiwan ko sa lb yung bonsai ko
3. cross-stitching. – nakagawa ako ng isang malaking mountain view (nakadisplay sa bahay naming ngayon) at yung jaguar na di ko na natapos,
4. crochet . – nanggawa ako ng mga purses, cellphone cases, bag, pati mga baso naming ginawan ko ng lalagyan
5. boxing – ayun I had my full gears pero di ko pa uli natutuloy
6. belly dancing – masaya
7. taebo – ginagawa ko pa rin pag naiisipan
8. nag-alaga ako ng isda – ewan ko na kung anong tawag dun, basta yung makulay, nung naiwan ko sa friend ko namatay, sayang I love that fish pa naman
9. nag-aral akong maggitara – di ako natuto
10. nagbo-blog – sinasabi lahat ng hinaing at saya sa buhay
11. nagpapagupit, nagpapakulay ng buhok , nagkulot at kung ano ano pang pwedeng gawin sa buhok
12. nag-e-experiment ako ng mga menu – enjoy pa rin ako doing this kaso di ko naman pwedeng gawin to 24 hours a day
13. at eto nga scrapbooking naman
14. etc--- samut sari pa

hay naku, ewan ko kung ano pang mga gimik sa buhay ang kasunod kong gagawin para maalis pagkabagot. Sana travel na lang uli…

strucked

2006-09-04T21:12:00.000+08:00

I had a day out with my friends last saturday in the Mall of Asia. We really had fun that we spend the whole day just eating, going to every boutique trying to fit different clothes, shoes, bag, earrings and every stuffs that catched our eyes.. hahaha...girls, girls, girls. In one of the boutiques I saw Bernard Palanca and I asked him if i can have a picture with him... hahaha.. just for fun.. that my friend sheryll was laughing at me.. and bernard said sure... hahaha.

Anyway, speaking of personalities , as I may include, I bumped with no other than .. The First Gentleman...Mr. Arroyo in Starbucks in Shell in SLEX a month ago . Thanks to my kapal ng mukha, kalokohan and my phone who is always ready for times like this... hahahaha

Back to blogging

2006-08-26T22:57:00.000+08:00

Here i come again, after two months.

How and where did i spend my days in the last two months?

1. Of course, work is still in the picture. It maybe boring sometimes but its more boring if i dont have work.. hahaha. ... so im loving it..

2. Last June 20 was my friend's (Cheryl) Bday. It was a fine dining held at the Taste of LA along Tomas Morato and Chino Roces Ave. with her close friends here in the Philippines. I enjoyed the excquisite flavors of the restaurant and the ambience was really great. Cheryl and I really enjoyed the pizza that two days after, we went back and bought two pizza and ate them while watching dvd "The breakup"

3. June 28, Cheryl and I had a road trip going to lucena and lucban to visit our friend there coz cheryl will be leaving tomorrow for the US( ill gonna miss you girl...). This is also the first time that she met my parents personally. We had a great lunch at palaisdaan especially Cheryl coz she loves so much the Pako (fern) salad.

4. I bought two flowering plants for my collection...hehehe Its weird coz when i bought theres about 20 flowers but after a week the flowers are all gone..... i always thought i have a green thumb,...but then... where are the flowers??

5. I attended last aug.23 a radio advertising award in Dusit Hotel with a friend who was a radio announcer

6. Movies i watched...superman(i get bored), ...pirates of the carribean ( i dont like the movie as i see disgusting characters there..... sukob ( so scary that I almost dont like to open my eyes)

7. Went to my hometown again last Aug 19-21. I went swimming even its cold...just thankful it didnt rain. Had a night out with my highschool classmates at a cafe ... went to the fair (as its fiesta there and it just make me reminisce all my fun days there before ... good 'ol days

8. I finally able to visit the mall of asia ..yipeee

9. And,.. currently, am here in Los Baños visiting friends..

bored

2006-08-16T19:06:00.000+08:00

YES! AM SO BORED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HUHUHUHUHU

June 10 - 12

2006-06-13T18:40:00.000+08:00

It was a long holiday, June 10 – June 12. For quite some days I was thinking where I could possibly enjoy the holiday. Being in the house for three days, doing nothing, talking to nobody will definitely make me crazy. Staying in the net is not even an option as my special someone even doesn’t have a net for quite a time already. And I really don’t know the story behind it.(how come he couldn’t fix it for so long?? hmmm). Going to vacation, as my vigan-laoag was my first option, didn’t put into place as my money went to my boxing enrollment, boxing gear, boxing session’s fee and to my trip last weekend in the province to attend my sister’s wedding.

So anyway, just to spend my time and not feel crazy, last Saturday (June 10 ), I went to the gym in Punchout in Makati. Allan, my trainer, is good and allows me to take a break when I feel I can’t even lift my arms or legs anymore. It was a two-hour workout which was really tiring yet was fun. Afterwards, I went to Glorietta, and had lunch in KFC and just had a go-go meal. After that, I looked around and bought a jogging pants for my boxing again ( my god, am so indulge already with my boxing) and also saw this Godiva Lip Gloss which I read from forums that its good for lightening the lips and making it more reddish. They even said that this product is also good for the nipples to make it more pinkish. Hahaha. Maybe I should try this making ready if I posed for a nude painting. hahaha

Anyway, in the shopping mall, I saw this free weight and fat analysis from xenical booth. I had mine analyzed.  Here is the result :

should be my value Remarks
Body weight 100 - 115 lbs* 112 lbs Within limit
Body Fat 20% - 30% 31.50% have an excess of 1.5%
Visceral Fat level 1 – 9 4 within limit
( Internal Organs)
Body Mass Index (BMI) 18.5 - 22.9 21.3 Within limit
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) 1139 k.calories might vary accdg. to physical activity
*for my height

See everything is fine with me except in body fat wherein I had an excess of 1.5%.

Anyway, I already feel the effect of my “busy” workout day, I decided to go home and have some rest.

June 11,

I still feel the effect of my workout that I decided just to stay home even I promised to my trainer I will be back this day for another workout. I just watched tv and my god I feel so bored again later in the afternoon that day. Maybe, my friend Cheryl felt my boredom and sent me message inviting me to their house to have a little chit-chat. Cheryl is a lady who is in 50’s but still a hot momma (hahaha) and even looks like 35 (this is true Cheryl). When I arrived, her cousin Fran (who is a mother of two teenagers) and almost same age of Cheryl is also there. Since its Sunday, Fran and I went first to the church to attend the mass (only two of us as Cheryl attended 2 masses already in the morning). I always like Fran since I met her months ago. She speaks very softly yet full of passion and can easy to get along with. After the mass, Cheryl’s driver was there to bring us again to Cheryl’s house. When we arrived, Cheryl is already waiting for us as she bought 4 tickets for the movie “Omen” in the Gateway theater in Ortigas. As there are 4 tickets and we are only 3, he obliged  her brother Marv’s , who just arrived from US, to join us. This is my first time in Gateway and I always hear positive reviews about Gateway theater (cinema 10). This is a special movie house where you will be seating/ lay down in a lazy-boy chair with free unlimited popcorn and drinks. The cinema is not crowded , not only because the ticket price here is twice the normal, but the set– up is like you’re in the house having a lazy day, the lazy-boy chair then a table where you can eat/put your food then lazy-boy chair again. The place is so comfortable that we heard Marv’s snoring .

After the movie, we just had coffee in Starbucks and then made a plan to go to a comedy bar – we like to have a laugh. We just sent Marv’s home (he doesn’t like to join maybe he feels it’s a girl’s night out), then headed to the famous Klownz in Quezon Ave. The entrance fee is 400 pesos non-consumable. In btw, this is quite expensive because as I heard from my sister-in- law when she went last December in Klownz Araneta, it only costs 150 pesos. Inside the show is already starting and one of the audiences is singing onstage while the gays and girls (the real performers there) are chasing, making fun and making the stage more lively for her, though the girl sings well. After an hour, a new group of performers came in. This time, it’s the more popular group “kaye (brosas) and the boxers”. This group is much livelier maybe because they already have a name making it on the tv and having their own record. Kaye, singer and tv comedienne did great job that night making Cheryl and Fran laughing so much on her jokes and interpretations to the songs requested on her. After an hour, a new group came in, this time, the more popular, Wally, Jose and Sugar of long running tv program “Eat Bulaga”. They have already mastered making the people laugh. Around 3am , even the show is not yet finished we have decided to go home already. It was just nice that Cheryl’s driver waited for us and along with Cheryl and fran, they took me home.

Just like what Cheryl said, how come we still need to pay just to be happy and to make us laugh. Even happiness can be bought already. But that happiness is just temporary. Back to reality afterwards, its me again.. alone.

June 12 – Monday, Philippines Independence day
I just stayed at home and had sleep. I planned to go to my dermatologist to have a body scrub but after I dressed, I changed my plan and just stayed at home and cooked tuna pasta.

Thanks to Cheryl and Fran, they made my 3-day holiday an enjoyable one. They made me part of their family, and even the age gap is there, we never felt that. They just treat me as a good dear friend from the start I met them.

Release

2006-06-07T18:45:00.000+08:00

The past few weeks I feel blue. It begun when the special person in my life said his trip here will be delayed. He is supposed to be here last month and two weeks ago he moved it and said he will come before the end of this year. I feel so sad with that. Id been preparing for some time already for the arrival, thus, making the delay more disappointing. He said I have become colder relating to him. And I said yes coz I am terribly dismayed for what had happened. And his reasoning doesn’t like to get into my head anymore as much as my heart to accept it.

I am lonely and feel alone. I was just glad my friends are there to cheer me up even just for a while. I start hanging around with my friends, old and newly-met friends. It’s been awhile that Id been away from the circulation of friends. Just like what they said, am MIA as in Missing in Action. During the time I was MIA, I was so hooked with this special person that I have forsaken my friends. But am glad I have real friends who are always there open arms for me without question.

It’s this time that I go to trips every now and then. It’s also this time that I learn to watch movies again in theater. Its this time that I learn the gimmick spots in Metro Manila…that its not only Makati which could give fun. It’s this time that I learn how to go home late again and go outside the home-office-home routine. It’s this time that I learn again how to drink and go dancing which I have long forgotten to do. I learn how to party again and mingle with people. Its this time that I learn to open myself to people once again.. that there are still people who listens to my agonies. It’s this time that I learn how to slim down fast. It’s this time that I learn that its best to go boxing when one is angry and disappointed, the punch becomes harder and stronger.

Yes, this is all fun but at the end of the day, am lonely again. But at least I only have few hours to think about it. Im dead tired when I get home and I have to wake up early again the next day for work. Maybe if am already tired doing all these, he is finally beside me here.

Newly wed

2006-06-05T14:45:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday is my sister’s wedding. I acted as one of the secondary sponsors (Cord). It was a very solemn yet a fun day for everyone. In the church, while my sister’s walking through the isle in her white gown, her groom was singing “You’re My Everything” (isn’t it so sweet?). The nuns (as my sis was once in a nunnery) acted as her choir while my priest friend solemnized the celebration.

After the wedding, we headed to the reception which is in Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. Along the way, heavy rain poured as like the elders said, God above is blessing the newly wed couple. I never believe on this before but when we are near the place, the rain stopped suddenly as if God is just saying “I just let you know that I agree to your togetherness and now I stopped the rain so you can enjoy the party without worries”. That instance, I believe God is so happy for them.

At the reception at the start of the program, while the new couple’s friends, relatives are giving testimonies about the new couple I can’t believe I found myself having tears in my eyes. It’s not the tears of sadness but tears of happiness for my sister. I think she had found a good responsible partner. When I looked at my father he was also in tears in happiness that he just asked my mother to render the speech when they were asked to. When I looked at around the guest some of them are also in tears. It was so touching coz it seems everybody is agreeing to their togetherness. When the couple was asked for a speech my sister burst into tears and was very thankful for being there to share the joy. Just like what my sis said, its a day for blessedness and thanksgiving.

My town

2006-05-18T14:52:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Leo Oracion , the first ever filipino finally reached the top of Mt. Everest. Knowing he hails from lucban, it makes me more proud being a lucbanin. He is now added to the list of famous personalities who are true blooded lucbanins.

Lucbanins list of famous people goes from heroism, Apolinario dela Cruz (Popularly called Hermano Pule) who fought for the freedom of the filipinos against the Spaniards,....to arts and entertainment Oscar Zalameda(a world renowned painter) and Tommy Abuel (an award winning actor), Uro dela Cruz (director of the famous sitcom Bubble Gang & other philippine movies) ....to beauty Toni Daya(a Miss Philippines Tourism titlist and had become a singer actress) and now in (extreme) sports Leo Oracion.

I have to also include my cousin Ralph Clino Villaverde who made it to the 6 finalists for the most recent Eat Bulaga's Mr. Pogi (hehehe).As my friend saw him, he asked to have a picture with him. hahaha (see he's famous already)

Aside from personalities, Lucban made a name of its own.This town is world famous for its Pahiyas Festival wherein houses are decorated with colorful kiping(made from rice) and harvests of the farmers. This is celebrated in honor of San Isidro for a bountiful harvest. During this day, tourists both local and international flocked in his town to join the colorful celebration.

Lucban's new attraction is the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church and the Grotto of Healing and the Grotto of Healing and Purification. Fr.Joey Faller, a true-blooded lucbanin who is knowned to be a healing priest made this landmark possible.This is the 3rd highest grotto in the world second to the Sao Paolo of Brazil.The Via Dolorosa (way of the cross) is spread out along the 292-step path leading to the top of the hill where the 50-foot concrete image of resurrected is placed.

And of course,one cannot get hungry in Lucban famous for its Lucban longganisa, pansit habhab and others.

Well, thats my town. Small but incredible.

Sagada 2006

2006-05-17T19:42:00.000+08:00

After many years of hearing so much about Sagada in Mt.Province, I finally was able to get a chance to be in this Mountaneous Region of the Philippines. Me, fr.Lorenz, Rhia with her friends Tom and Ben took the adventure in this place.

Here's our itinerary:

April 28 9:45 pm - straight from my work, i headed to the Victory Bus Liner going to Baguio City. As expected as its a long holiday, May 1(Labor Day), tourists poured in the terminal. Good thing, Tom was there at 7pm and bought already our tickets. When i arrived there, they are announcing that the tickets available are for the next day's 7am departure.

Going to Baguio City is a long journey. There were two stop overs before we finally arrived in Baguio at 4:30 am. With our jackets on we just walked going to Session Road to have a breakfast in Chowking. This is also the place where a lot of mountaineers going to Mt. Pulag gathered to fix their things.

At 6am - April 29, we took the Lizardo Bus Line going to Sagada. This is the only Bus line that operates going to Sagada, its a non-aircon Bus (doesnt need anyway to be as its cold going up to Sagada)with a fare of 220 pesos. Road to Sagada is really breathtaking. Everywhere you look its mountains, mountains, ... endless mountains.

At 1am , we arrived in Sagada and the first thing we did is to look for a guesthouse. Good thing was there were still two available rooms for us in Ganduyan Inn.(We have heard that the municipal government used also their hospitals for guests as the municipality cannot accomodate the volume of guests, glad we arrived early). So one room for Rhia and me, and one for the guys. Guesthouses here in sagada are cheap it only costs us 600 pesos per room per night with a hot shower.

We didnt like to waste our time so right after we put our bags in our room we went straight to the Municipal Hall to register. Every tourist here are required to register. This is also helpful as all the information a tourist would like to know is available here like places to see, the tour guides ( which is also required especially if the group will do caving) and the fares (which are standardized).

Rhia serves as out tour guide for the day as she is usually here in Sagada. She brought us in the Youghurt house(our favorite resto there), St. Mary's Anglican Church , St. Mary's school, Old Seminary, Calvary, Echo Valley and in Hanging Coffins.

At around 4:00pm we hired a car that brought us to Kiltepan for a breathtaking view.At 5:00pm we went to the so called "small falls". Its quite a long walk passing ricefields and vegetable gardens.

Back to the town , we checked the sagada way of weaving and check some souvenir items.I was able to find this store that has a free taste of wine and i just loved their cherry wine that i bought one bottle. My friend.. 3 bottles!

In Sagada, there is a curfew at 10pm. Everybody is expected to be in their houses/guesthouses by this time. This place is such a very relaxing place after a long travel and trekking. There's no videokes, tv's or any noise that will hinder you to have a good sleep. Here, one can really forget the city life for awhile.

April 30, 6am is our call time for breakfast as we like to do caving early. This will be our adventure day. After our breakfast, we went to municipal hall again to get a tour guide. They gave us Byron who is working as seasonal guide as he is only here during summer break as he is still a student studying in Baguio City.

Our first stop is the burial cave. Its an ancient way of burying the deads in the caves(as the name of it)

We then went to Sumaguing Cave with our lamp ( a necessity as its very dark inside the cave). This is the highlight of Sagada. This is such a big cave with a very breathtaking view. Different rock formations will amaze one's eyes and the cold water will linger through the limbs. An extra care in this cave is asked as its difficult and dangerous discovering every part of it. Its slippery and one wrong step will bring you to serious accident. thats why everone is asked to take off their slippers and sandals once in the cave. One has to be fit also as there are several small holes to fit your body to pass through. All i can say, Sumaguing cave worth everything the visit in Sagada.

Caving(sumaguing and burial cave) took us four- five hours just right time for lunch when we arrived in the towncenter. As adventurous as we are also in foods, this time we went to Alfredos. Food here is also superb.

At 1pm Byron met us again to bring us to Bomod-ok falls.This is really really reallyyyyy a long trekking. This was also the time that we really had bonding as its really a longggggg walk (i swear, i cant walk anymore the next day, but i hoped it helped me lose some pounds :)).Anyway, the falls is nice and water was very cold and refreshing. I went swimming here as water is very tempting.We just stayed here for 20 minutes since we still need to walk longgg again before we can get to the jeepney we hired.

As its sunday, Lorenz asked to bring us to a catholic church in the nearby town. This is also the time that Lorenz revealed that he is a priest. He officiated a mass for us , rhia acted as the lector. Me, ben and Tom are the parishioners. Hahaha. We met also Fr. Marion who is the parish priest there and who invited us for a snack.

Back to Sagada at 7:30pm, we then have a dinner at alfredos. This was also the time that we knew more about each other.laugh, laugh, laughs.

May 1, 2006, 6am is our call time. We had breakfast in our guesthouse, ganduyan inn which we ordered already in the evening as we dont like to wait no more because we are trying to catch up the bus that leaves at 7am.

We arrived in Baguio at 1pm and headed to Victory Liner. Its just nice that Tom's friend was ahead of us and bought already a ticket for us for a 5:50pm schedule.We still then have enough time to explore Baguio. We took a taxi going to teachers camp and left our things first there. (Rhia has an aunt there.) We then went to Burnham Park to have lunch in the ihaw-ihaw places there. We also went to market to buy souvenirs. I bought rose flowers wherein two dozens only cost 40pesos, strawberries, vegetables, silver jewelries and different sweets Baguio is famous for.

We went back to Teachers camp at 4:00pm and took around in the place. Its summer time so expect baguio with a lot of blooming flowers. We took pictures here with our remaining memory in each digicams.

5:20pm : headed to Victory liner
5:50pm : left baguio

may 2,1am. arrived manila.
8am: back to work , sighhhhh

Am back!!

2006-03-21T13:49:00.000+08:00

Hi ! Am back after 3 months of absence here. And what had happened in my three
months of absence? The list below:

a. Celebrations
1. Christmas 2005 – I was in the province to celebrate this with my family, relatives and friends. All my inaanak (godchildren) came visited me. This I can say is the Christmas I really enjoyed and I appreciated and gave me more reason to celebrate Christmas nicely in the succeeding years.
2. New Year 2006 – I was also in the province to celebrate this season and I really bought a lot of firecrackers. Actually, yearly am the only one in the family who buys firecrackers. I just love it.
3. Valentines day – I didn’t go out for a date. I went straight home after office. But am still full of love this day.
4. HK Disneyland Trip – Last March 10, my family with my cousins went to Hongkong for a Disneyland Trip. We also went to Shenzen, China to see the Windows of the World.

b. Philippine events

1. January 22, 2006 - We celebrated PACMAN's victory over his boxing fight against Erik Morales by technical knockout on the tenth round!
2. February 4, 2006 – We are saddened by the Ultra Stampede where 71 people were killed and 957 were injured just to watch the first anniversary of tv game program “Wowoweee”. These are the hopefuls that they will win something to bring home in their family.
3. Fe.17, 2006 – St. Bernard, Leyte landslide due to unstoppable rain burying hundreds of houses and an elementary school. Officials said 200 people were feared dead as 1,500 have remained missing
4. Feb 24, 2006 – Proclamation 1017, Philippines under State of Emergency which lasts for a week. This is from the belief of the administration that there are conspirators trying to bring down the “president”.

c. Others

1. Work, work , work and seminars
2. Visit to the parlor, had my nails done, my hair with hot oil and with protein treatment, watched Jang Jeum – Jewel in the Palace, watched Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity edition (march 2, 2006 Rustom admitted he’s a gay )
3. Visited my friends
4. I finally had two flower plants in the house.
5. I discover that sardines is a good spaghetti sauce (hehehe, when your stock of tuna runs out) and still discovering more recipe
6. I discover that I love to have curled hair
7. My new purchases are a new pair of LA Gear Rubber shoes, a pony office bag, vmv armada sun screen protection for the face and 2 colored pearled bracelets (don’t know how its called )
8. Working out and on diet to look good in the swim wear for this summer
9. Am now busy planning for a new trip hopefully crossing borders from Malaysia to siem reap (cambodia) to Bangkok. Anyone to join?

Going Retro!

2005-12-17T13:09:00.000+08:00

Going retro is now our company’s theme for this year’s Christmas party.Cool, isnt it? I can imagine what my officemates will look like in their 70’s look, the bell bottoms, wide collared shirts, the skimpy colored skirts, big wide headbands and aphro(not sure of the spelling though). I think that would really be fun.

Right after the announcement of the theme everybody just get so excited what to wear.Some even asked their courtier to make one for them, some opened their old baul to look for their mom’s/ lolas 70’s dresses and some went to ukay-ukay. My friend even search for the net to give her idea of what she could wear.

Me, I wasnt really excited coz first of all, I dont know where I can get these type of clothes and spending money for just a night's gathering is not in my list of things to buy. But, when I accompanied my friend to look for a 70's outfit in Uniwide sales in edsa crossing, I was overjoyed that I saw this cute little peach dress with florals. And the price...P49.00. Hahahaha. I really never thought that Uniwide sales store still keep their old stocks of dressess and will be noticed by a person like me at a uncertain time. My friend and I end up buying the dress i have which cost P49.00, hers is also P49.00 and one for my male officemate( a 70's maong shirt with white embroidery) which cost P59.00, and a big sunglass also for him which cost P55.00. Really good stuffs at a right price.

Party came and as i just sat on our assigned table, the lady(judge) approached me and said im one of the candidates for the lady of the night. Oh my god! I said no way, i dont like coz for sure they will ask me to go to stage infront of more than 400 people. No way! Im just here to attend and enjoy the food and hoping to be one of the winners in the raffle draw.But of course, who can really say no. So when the candidates for the lady of the night and gentleman of the night were called , each one of us are asked to project based on what we are wearing. That's really, "oh my God". I swear I hate it! But that's it, I was able to conquer my fear, i even danced for a bit as part of the projection. I can even hear my friends and other officemates who are shouting IRZA, IRZA, IRZA!!But i was just only thinking that minute this it will end soon:) Just keep it up, irza!

Result? My name was called again as included in the top 5 among the 15 semifinalists. Its good experience though for a P49.00 dress:)

Here are some pics my camera have captured during the party.(from left to right: austin power with her girl, man with aphro hair, the village people)

Spaghetti

2005-12-14T06:57:00.000+08:00

Christmas is coming near and Im thinking what I can cook for christmas dinner. Of course pasta/spaghetti will definitely be a must on the table. So i decided to do an experiment for spaghetti recipe without the usual hotdogs :) and do some taste test to be sure my family will love it. I like red sauce spaghetti so i focused on it. I made three, namely : 1. Seafood spaghetti 2. Meatball spaghetti and 3. tuna/mushroom spaghetti. And here what it looks like

It just all taste good so I decided to cook them all on christmas. I will just let them choose what they will put on their spaghetti depending on their preference. Also i will cook my favorite version of the corn spaghetti which i already have mastered. Merry Christmas!

A week's fun

2005-11-12T15:02:00.000+08:00

After 4 months of absence in this town, I went back again...and for one week!! Hehehhe! Whats in this town? The cold, fresh air, the green leafy trees, fresh vegetables. Those are just terrific.
And how can I forget the tap water which tastes like you keep it in the refrigerator overnight coz of its coldness.The water which really tastes much better than bottled water.

This town follows the modern world of today but maintains the simplicity of life… where people
are usually happy. Different bars and restaurants were around, easy acces to internet , different swimming resorts are around maintaining its provincial atmosphere, people comes out in the street to join friends, foods are great and cheap, everything is just fine.

I arrived one Sunday evening. It was raining. It rains in this town on the average of two times a week the whole year round. One might even be surprised if its summer in the country and its still raining here.One foreigner who stayed in this town once told that the sky in this town has hole.

Anyway, I stayed here for a week. Having a very close knit family, I usually had fun with them.
In the first day, I had a day out shopping with my aunts in the next city. We call it a girls day out. In the restaurant the waiter asked my aunts if am balikbayan. Do i look like one?
Hahahaha. My aunts just ride with what the waiter’s assumption and said I am a balikbayan.

The next day, I went out with my cousins in a bar called SPASS. My cousins even went in the stage and sung their favorite band songs like real performers. Other people there even danced while my cousinswere singing and everybody just seemed to be more lively. They were a real hit.

The next evening, I joined my aunts again in a bar. But, this time in Patio Hotel where crowd is little bit more conservative and tamed.This is the hotel that can be seen in the center of the town where there is a classy restaurant in the first floor just across the lobby. When we arrived there was a live band which performs in this hotel occasionally. My aunt got me and we started to dance and my other aunts and cousins followed. Our group is the only one which filled the dance floor. It was really fun. When sweet song was sang, my “boy” cousins who are in their teens danced their mom. That was actually so sweet and we are laughing to our cousins coz it’s their mom who forced them to dance.Before we left the place my cousin sang with the singer and she sangs bad actually but she’s game. Hahaha.

We had a stopover to the Café San Luis for a coffee and had stories shared so we laughed and laughed the whole evening. That’s what my aunts are they are still like teenagers and treats us like were friends where we can go party and have gimmicks with us.

The next day, I was really waiting for this moment to come. The sun shines a bit so I hurriedly told my nieces to wear their swimsuits and we’ll go swimming even just for an hour or two. We’ve been looking forward for this sun shine. My nieces are everyday asking me when we’ll go swim. I just took the motor bike and we enjoyed the water (very cold) of Natagpuang Paraiso. In the afternoon I went to the next city again and meet my sister in the mall and had a day out together.

The next evening was terrible, my throat was so painful, I can hardly speak and I feel cold. I was sick that I wrapped myself with two blankets, put my pajamas and socks on. I got dismayed that I got sick on this day. I have received two phone calls from my two girl friends that I haven’t seen for long time. Just too bad that I have no voice that I can’t speak so much to them. Bad bad bad. We could have some fun if am only feeling good.

I actually missed 3 friends. One is my childhood friend who is a Manileña who called me in my first day in the province who at that time is also having a vacation in the other town near us. She likes to visit me, it just so happen that am already committed to my aunts who invited me for a day out in the shopping mall. The other two is my friend in Los Baños who also like to go to our house as she has many stories to tell for she’s going to get married on the 2006. The other friend is my bestfriend in Batangas who I haven’t seen for more than two years. Just really too bad that when they called its either I was committed to other stuffs or I am sick.

So as to speak I enjoyed fully my vacation despite of the colds. And for sure I will spend my days here upon my retirement. This is my place to be.

KENGKS

2005-11-07T18:23:00.000+08:00

HAPPY HAPPPYYYYYYYY BIRTHDAY

CARINA
CARINA

Hehehe, welcome to my age:) I miss you girl!!!
You know i really treasure you as my very very good friend!!
Wishhh you all the Happiness in life !!!!!

MIgraine

2005-10-21T17:09:00.000+08:00

My migraine is attacking me once again and I have no more stock of my medicine which works on me (Flanax 550mg). And there is no pharmacy around the office. I can ask our HR for a mefenamic acid as an immediate remedy for my migraine but the last time I asked for a medicine they gave me a generic one and it just simply didn’t work out on me given that I took a 1000mg.

This time, I went to the convenience store 711 hoping they have the medicine which is not generic. There I found also a branded mefenamic acid, two 250 mg. I took it and immediately felt that the medicine is working out on me, the heaviness of my head and the deepness of my eyes disappeared just that I feel like that everything is moving around me I cannot even stand up as I might fall down.

Migraine, migraine, migraine…how can I avoid you???
If you ask me what I feel if my migraine attack, I’m telling you it’s terrible. I hate it that I really like to squeeze my head if only I can. I even like to press deeply my eyes. It’s really terrible. And am experiencing it two to three times a month even how much I try to avoid (the avoidable) the triggering factors of my migraine.

Anyway, what is this Migraine? There are two types of migraine, migraine without aura and migraine with aura. Mine is migraine without aura.

Migraine without aura usually starts without advance warning and is associated with a slowly increasing pain, eventually developing into a throbbing headache. About 60 to 70 percent of the time, the headache pain usually starts on one side of the head and is traveling around the head including a pain from the deepness of the eyes (in my case). Symptoms which commonly accompany the headache include photophobia (severe sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to noise), nausea, and occasionally vomiting. These features distinguish migraine from tension-type headache, which is often described as a "band-like" sensation around the head without other associated symptoms. Pain lasts depending on the
medication and how severe the pain is. On the average the pain lasts for about 4 - 6 hours and there are even times that the throbbing am experiencing lasts for a whole day and it will only drop after an overnight rest.

From my readings, migraine is an old illness but is still in study how this can be treated as only immediate remedies are currently available. They cannot also tell the real reason behind this but they can only tell the different triggering factors of migraine. These factors may differ to every patient which the patient (him)/herself should observe to discover him/her own triggering factors. Mine is the combination of different factors. Several theories regarding the illness are also been developed.

Below are some theories regarding migraine.
Causes:
Instability of the vascular System – Theories suggests that certain arteries in our brain contract and cause a reduction blood flow to the visual area of our brain. It is said that reduction of blood flow results in the visual and other symptoms that accompany a migraine. Then, when blood vessels expand and put pressure on the nerves in the artery wall, there is pain.

Magnesium deficiency- Another theory proposes that nerve cells in the brain begin to lose function which causes a reduction in blood flow, which reduces levels of magnesium, which in turn adds to decreasing nerve cell function and that this dysfunction spreads in a wave like fashion to all effected areas.

Blood Platelet disorder- Blood platelet disorder has also been implicated, with the platelets of migraine sufferers aggregating more readily than normal platelets in response to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and adrenaline, the "stress" hormone.

Serotonin – many researchers feel that serotonin, an important brain chemical may fuel migraines. Platelets contain all of the serotonin normally present in blood, and after they aggregate, serotonin is released , resulting in a potent constricting effect on the arteries

The nervous system disorders – this may also be implicated as it releases specific neurotransmitters, possibly in response to chronic stress

Food – certain foods contain chemicals-amines- that dilate the blood vessels, causing a rebound vasodilation and may thus precipitate an attack, some are to other foods containing MSG or artificial sweeteners.

Food Allergy- if one is allergic to certain foods, this can also start a migraine
Low Blood Sugar or Hypoglycemia – For most people, low blood sugar caused by fasting or irregular meals, but quickly disappears following a meal. But for people prone to migraines, the low blood sugar may start off a chain reaction that a belated meal will not stop

Foods containing Tyramine – a small proportion of migraine sufferers will react to tyramine, a chemical found in aged cheese, yogurt, beer, wine, liver, yeast and certain other foods (am one of this small proportion)

Estrogen Level Fluctuation in Women – this is when before the period , migraine will attack as during this period blood-sugar levels are dropping Stress, Anxiety and Excitement – this factors promote release of hormones and neurotransmitters, which can provoke a migraine attack

Other Factors – including:
Changes in routine, such as late rising on a holiday or change of working hours. Lack of sleep and oversleeping is also included
Change in climate , high winds, loud or high-pitched sounds
Bright sunlight and bright artificial light, such as fluorescent and
Prolonged staring at television, movie or computer screens

Weather – warm winds trigger migraines

Factors in Combination
Other Triggers of migraine - An iron deficiency often causes migraine headaches due to insufficient oxygenation of the brain. Less common and controversial migraine triggers include spinal misalignments (correctable by osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments), temperomandibularjaw (TMJ) syndrome and toxic heavy metal hypersensitivity, such as from mercury dental fillings.

PLDT! ... giving the worst service!!

2005-10-07T18:08:00.000+08:00

PLDT (Telephone Company) services are absolutely giving the worst services a customer should not deserve. Their service is absolutely nuts including the people in their customer service.
I had problem before with the water system company, Meralco (electric company) which only gave me a day to be stressed out for their services. I called these companies in the morning, though repeatedly and all my veins on my neck came out, they still came, were apologetic and fixed the problem before I went to sleep.

But PLDT, it’s been a month already that I was complaining to them and yet they still have no reaction and things just even getting worse. Their customer service attendants don’t even know what their products are. My first call to 173 ( PLDT’s repair number) was not been a problem. I easily get touched to their customer service representative. They asked my problem about their product , so I told them that I cant connect to internet …etc. They made a report and said they will forward my complaints so they can act on it immediately. I waited for two days. Nobody came. I called again. They asked for my phone number so I told them and am not yet even saying anything they immediately told me a report has been made already (that’s impoliteness!) but when the repair will look at it, they don’t know, I just have to wait. THAT’S STUPID! What am paying to them is a 24 hour-service! They are calling me if the pay date is coming near and yet they cant come to repair what am asking? And I was waiting for days already!!!

I told them to connect me to their repair office, they said they cannot, they don’t have access. That’s another stupidity! They cant do anything! They are simply no use on that work!!
I called again, this time the one who answered me is man named ED. He also said they cannot commit when they can fix it. I asked him again on how the hell I can talk to the real repair man. I don’t like to talk anymore to stupid customer service representatives who are worthless. So then he gave me a number where I can call, he said, “You can call in this number I just don’t know if there’s somebody who will answer there” . That’s another stupidity (why the hell are you giving me a number where no one will answer? Also, he said as if “Just Goodluck to you”). Then I get angry I asked my brother to talk to him coz im losing my patience. Then he explained again and said that they are only in voice not in data transmission (that’s a BIG BIG STUPIDITY!) He doesn’t know what their products are! Hello! We are using that for more than a year already and everything was okay.

Then we looked for connections as in people who can help us to speed up PLDT’s actions we even write an email and everything..One day they came they checked it with their supervisor. They said its not really their priority to go to our house but somebody hand them our address to fix it. Good dah, they said they will return next day they will change the cable. The next day nobody came to fix it. I am really irritated already. I just let it for a week, id been so stressed for more than two weeks already for PLDT’s bad service. Then last Monday they called if its already fixed, of course I shouted at them , how can it be fixed if somebody is not fixing it. So they promised again they will go the next day. But of course, they didn’t come. The next day, they came. Good isnt it? After a month's agony! They changed the small box and said dial tone will be restored after a day, and we just have to wait for their call (STUPID!)

Its already two days now that there is no dial tone and as usual you cant call to 173, nobody is answering. Then I learned that the whole area where Im living now has no dial tone!!!!! PLDT WAKE UP!!!!!!!!! Whoever the CEO/President of this Company or anybody who are concerned about this bad service, please do something about this. We are not paying you for such service!