Superb Sundate with Cousins

Hello my dear blog! I took a long break in blogging and now…where do I begin?

Many times I felt a great desire to make an update - about my dog that died last May or about my travel adventure with my high school friends version 2.0. Apparently, I struggled with procrastination. But now I’m back…with a happy story to tell. Because this blog deserves a blissful comeback.

Let me share with you a speck of my Sunday Pasay Getaway.

After numerous weeks of planning, last June 29 my cousins and I finally had a fun fun fun Sundate. We were only six - me, my four younger cousins and our aunt who is also younger than me.  We started the day by attending the Kerygma Feast at PICC. That was the first time for my two female cousins. Attending The Feast never fails to set a good mood.  Past 12pm, we had lunch. Since Flaming Wings and Zarks were both closed we ended up filling our starving tummy at Yellow Cab, Taft Avenue. While waiting for our order to be served, we took our first groupie and second and third and fourth etc.

Getting ready to rumble!!!

Before 2pm, we headed to our ultimate destination – Star City. We had a thrilling ride-all-you-can pass through Metrodeal’s promo worth Php280 instead of PhP420, a relatively affordable bonding activity for the six of us. Who wouldn't be happy getting a 30% discount? I was actually expecting a long queue towards the redeeming counter. But everything went so easy. Star City was not even crowded. The weather outside was also good. The whole world was seemingly conspiring to make good things happen on that day. We enjoyed (and sometimes feared) almost all rides available inside. However I just had to decline the Star Frisbee which for me has no dash of amusement. Giant Star Wheel was remarkably way better than SM MOA Eye. Bump Car is classic but has never failed to stimulate blood cells. Yet, Star Flyer was my personal favourite. The strong breeze rushing into my face was just breath-taking.

The view from The Giant Star Wheel

That's me while waiting for my four cousins with braveheart

The whole day was literally packed with stories, laughter, scream, selfie and groupie. But was it just about the fun that made that day superb? It was a rare moment though not for the four of us who live under one roof (hehe). To bond with our two female cousins was really monumental. Haha! I bet our cousins who were not with us that day were also surprised to see us together having a good time. More than that, it has paved way to reinforce family ties specially among us, cousins. In fact, the moment one of my cousins posted a number of photos in Facebook, some of our cousins in the province immediately expressed their wish to have a grand reunion. Well, that was the goal from the very beginning. It was just my simple dream and we made it happen. We were able to pull off a significant result. Sure it was a tiring day, but nevertheless very fulfilling. God is good.

Groupie before going home

P.S. We’ve only just begun. #iponiponnarinpagmaytime.  

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A Beautiful Speck of Mindanao

True to life sweethearts, Ryan and Janis have been friends for almost a decade. Their fondness for anime served as the foundation of a wonderful camaraderie which later on blossomed into a beautiful love affair. Ryan finished Electronics and Communication Engineering while Janis took up Economics. In their pursuit of a successful career in their own field, the two took a surprising turn together. They ventured into various businesses such as call center training school, internet cafe, snack bar and the most recent, event organizing. From being anime enthusiasts to being friends to exclusively dating to business partners. These two have been through a lot.

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Coming from different field of expertise, organizing events tested their bond the most. But with sheer hardwork, perseverance and creativity they are able to find their niche in the business where competition is constant and complex. Ryan and Janis maybe far from having their own dream wedding, but they are committed in saying “I Do” in every opportunity that will squeeze their creative juices and passion in creating a truly unforgettable episode in one’s life.

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Ryan and Janis are also very fortunate that their business venture is supplemented with collective talents and efforts of dedicated professionals, family and friends who vow to create events that are cost-efficient and uniquely true to their clients. Artistic teenagers also play integral part. They are a true testament that the today’s youth still has so much potential. Given an opportunity they’ll gonna shine brightly.

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Meeting these people was just one of the many highlights of my 15-day vacation in Surigao City last April. Surigao, as we all know, is part of Mindanao region. That is why it is so heartbreaking that in some parts of the region, there is war. Surigao has left me with pleasant images - from the sceneries, the fresh air, the simple life, to the artistry of the people. I believe what I saw was just a speck of more marvellous things to explore. Ang ganda ng Mindanao. Mindanao has so much potential. It is so easy to fall in love. Unfortunately, this seemingly endless violence is causing everybody (even foreign tourists) to be extra cautious. Personally, it paralyzes my desire to see the other parts. Even if the war ends, it would take me a lot of guts (and prayers) to make a visit. Because war leaves negative impact. It hurts not only our economy but above all many are being killed. Next, we lose our freedom to savor God's natural gift.

#PrayingforZamboanga

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Travelling Like a Millionaire

Countdown to 30 - First in Series 

I love travelling. Apart from that, I love adventures too. I love pure adrenaline rush!  

God is good. He has given us a beautiful world to explore. Countless. But travelling isn't cheap. Preparation is a must do for me. It entails sacrificing some WANTS for a much anticipated vacation. I'm not getting younger. There will come a time my physical condition will be a huge hindrance. I wanna travel and experience the world while I can. This is my recent mantra. 

Today as my financial crisis starts to die down. I feel more free (from guilt) to list down the places I long to see and the adventures I would like to try.

Game?

Go Biking in Batanes

Photo credit: batanestravel.com

I want to explore this awesome island using a bike (is there a better way?)!!!

Ilocos Sand Boarding Adventure and 4x4 Ride

Photo credit: Ilocos Sand Boarding FB Page

I want to slide and ride in the sand and play like a kid!!!

Subic Treetop Adventure 

Photo credit: iamnikkies.blogspot.com

I want heart pumping adventure near the metropolis!!!

Parasailing in Manila Bay

Photo credit: gmanetwork.com

I want to see the capital city up in the air!!!

Vertical Trek to Pagsanjan Falls

Photo credit: pagsanjantour.blogspot.com

I want to sweat like a pig going to one of the most famous falls in the country!!!

Fun Run at BGC

Photo credit: takbo.ph

I want to stretch my muscles in one of my most favorite places in National Capital Region!!!

Target Shooting in Manila

Photo credit: tinypic.com

I want to know if I can hit that bull's eye!!!

 Ride and Tour in Mayon Volcano

Photo credit: mayonatvtour.com

I want an ultimate ride to the perfect cone just like Zac Efron!!!

Skywalk Adventure at Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu

Photo credit: skyexperienceadventure.com

I want to watch my knees tremble!!!

Dahilayan Adventure in Bukidnon

Photo credit: pinoytravelfreak.com

I want to experience the Asia's longest dual zipline 

and other activities that my heart can take!!!

Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center

Photo credit: everythingcebu.com

I want to be amazed by the Cebu Dancing Inmates!!! Cheering is a good exercise for the heart, right? 

*** Not the end ****

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From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao (U-Turn)

Mindanao

Endless War. Kidnapping Incidents. Territorial Disputes. Travel Warnings. Countless times, we heard and see these issues, headlines even. News like these is so devastating that a foreign or local traveller would think 10x before getting a flight to Mindanao. But my recent vacation ended some speculations in my head. There maybe some truth about the news, nonetheless a tour in Mindanao will give every visitor innumerable reasons that will make you fall in love and say "I Do" (love the place).

Visayas

Honestly I felt that my short visit in Cebu was “bitin.” And the hot weather was a bit disappointing (but is it Cebu/ano’s fault?). However, I would come back because I am yet to experience the following:

(1) Sky Walk Extreme in Crown Regency Hotel

(2) Beaches. Beaches. Beaches

(3) Original Biaños Pizza located in Mabolo, Cebu City

(4) Sinulog Festival
(5) Cebu Dancing Inmates

(6) More lechon…

Luzon

I have been in many places in Luzon but this travel adventure made me realized that Metro Manila is beautiful regardless of the many scratches that wounded the entire region and its people. There’s no place like Manila. At nanalaytay sa akin ang dugong Manilena.

Having said these things, with more conviction I join every Filipino in promoting our tourism slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines” (indeed).

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From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao (Part III)

Imagine this: In your East are hectares of green fields, majestic mountain plateau; in your West is a tranquil clear blue sea; up North is a peaceful and quiet road leading to a promising countryside; down South is worth looking back on.  It was my first time in the island of Mindanao. And WOW, the scenery was so welcoming.  Ang ganda ng Mindanao mga parekoy!

From Butuan City to our real vacation haven was a three hour land travel. When I saw signs of urbanization supported with my younger brother’s short tales, I was certain that we were about to have a real good sleep.  Welcome to Surigao City!

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From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao (Part II)

It was 2:30 am. The panoramic view outside the hotel was surprisingly bright and lively. Some natives were already up. And the taxi cabs were quite ample. I felt so secured to travel at this hour. My brother and I were at Mactan-Cebu International Airport three hours before our flight to our next destination – Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

It was a lot of firsts for me. It was my first time to fly via Cebu Pacific propeller-type aircraft . It was my first time to occupy the window seat. Lastly, it was my first time in Mindanao. I didn’t realize that it is possible to see a paradise in the clouds. The unusual cloud formation was simply flabbergasting. Perhaps the fair weather was a huge factor. I felt safe travelling at 30,000 feet above sea level. To sum it up in one word: AMAZING!!!

Yes! That's me. :)

We arrived 30 minutes earlier than our ETA. My brother and I had a cup of 3 in 1 coffee in a nearby carinderia. Surprisingly, a sachet of instant coffee and a cup of hot water would cost P30.00. So overpriced! But it was a matter of take it or leave it. I just thought, at least we had a place to stay while waiting for our big brother to pick us up. The latter was an hour late. My brother and his girlfriend were determined to locate the popular eco-park in the metropolis. We were going here and there, entering muddy roads with sign board Eco-park only to surrender after failing several times. They decided to have lunch, instead. Then we went to Gaisano Mall for bargain hunting before heading to our real vacation haven - another part of Mindanao.  

We're in Butuan!!!

The overpriced coffee (with a priceless purpose)

to be continued...

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Profound Serenity

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From Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao (Part I)

I woke up having hard time breathing. But past 6 am of April 14, 2013, my brother and I left for Cebu without my mother knowing what was happening inside my respiratory system. I acted as if I was perfectly fine because this vacation could have been thwarted by my beloved mother.  

I wanted to lie. But my brother was moving too quickly. It was impossible to get even. So I told him the truth and asked him to try walking at my pace. He was obedient. We rode a white-colored metered taxi outside the Departure Area of Mactan International Airport because some say yellow cabs charge more. Our first destination was Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. Both the facade and the intricate interior are flabbergasting. To me the church became a tourist attraction that I would never leave without pressing a camera button.  Magellan’s Cross is few meters away from the historical church. A number of old women carrying multi-colored candles greeted us outside the most famous landmark in Cebu. An old woman approached us and offered a prayer for us in a form of singing and dancing. As a true blooded Manileña I didn’t understand a single word. I just hoped Heaven knows the lingo.

Though both exhausted, we were keen to see the places I googled before our flight to Cebu. But at 9am we were already hungry. Outside the Basilica is Jollibee. With our starving tummies, we didn’t have so much thought. Then, we headed to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral which is just few blocks away. The church is a mixture of contemporary design and complex structural forms, old but robust. This is where I was able to pray and pour my heart out. I had a solemn conversation with God. Outside the church, we met a college student selling religious memorabilia for a charitable cause. But here’s the thing, he is also from Manila. So, our first souvenir also came from our place of origin.  

Despite the scorching heat, we walked towards Fort San Pedro located at Plaza Independencia. It is a reduced version of Fort Santiago in Manila. The place provides a glimpse of the olden times and a majestic view perfect for relaxation to pre-nuptial photo shoots. After that, I suggested that we proceed to Metro Gaisano where, according to a certain blogsite, a lot of cheap foods are available at the 6^th floor. Believing that the mall is just within the vicinity of the two historical churches, we marched the stretch of Osmena Boulevard until we reached Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines.  Metro Gaisano is located at the corner.  It was actually a long and strenuous walk. Though fairly near, a walk in Osmeña Blvd is inapt on a sunny day. My brother suddenly had a change of mind. We rode a jeepney to Ayala Center, instead. We had lunch at the foodcourt and had my first taste of Cebu Lechon at CMT. 1/29 wishes in my bucket list was finally granted. And I must say it was really good. Ayala Center, at first, had no wow impression on us. The virtual photos seem more attractive than it really is. And the few people strolling on a Sunday was quite unusual. The landscaped garden outside, however, changed our outlook. The mini park is truly an attraction. 

Our desire to get to some of the popular tourist spot within Metro Cebu, was hindered by extreme fatigue. Instead of finding the way to Crown Regency, we took a cab and asked the driver to help us find a budget hotel near the airport. We checked-in at GV Hotel located at Lapu-Lapu City. Unfortunately, our room is located at the 5^th floor and the only way to go up is through the stairs. Having difficulty breathing, it was literally aggravating my physical condition.  But I had to endure the burden to be able to inhale some cool air. We rested for approximately two hours. While resting, I was hoping that there’s an inexpensive beach resort nearby. There is. However, the tricycle fare didn’t match my shoestring budget. We immediately rerouted our itinerary to Mactan Shrine where Lapu-Lapu’s monument is situated.  It is a park located in Punta Engaño, a 10-minute travel from Lapu-Lapu City via jeepney. The Shrine as a whole is parallel to Luneta Park but much smaller in total area. Near the shore stands a life-size statue of our first hero. A lot of souvenir shops can also be found inside.

Savemore was our last stop. We bought bread, chips, shawarma and bottled water before heading back to our hotel. And that composed our dinner for that day. While both of us were trying to get a sleep, the television was on the entire time that we were there. We barely had long hour forty winks. Parang namamahay. The hotel room merely served as a rejuvenating haven for our very tired body. At least we were able to rest before our flight to our next destination the following day.  

To be continued...

P.S. I think a certain virus hit the device memory of my phone. All photos taken in Cebu were corrupted. Thankfully, my brother also had some snapshots which will be available once he decides to upload it. Hopefully it won’t take him a year...   

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I'm Back!

Hello my dear blog!  I’ve been away for more than two weeks. It was for both business and pleasure. Business without pay but with lots of memorable events and lessons learned from young, vibrant and well-endowed folks. I will officially begin the story once all photos are uploaded to vividly describe my 16-day journey in the South. :) 

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My First Footsteps

January 20, 2013, Sunday, was a historic day for a 29-year-old true-blooded Manileña. I stepped on the grounds where Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in Bagumbayan.   Yes, it was my first time in Fort Santiago. A milestone, indeed.

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Fiesta sa Pinas, Iba!

Last week, my friend and I had a short vacation in Quezon Province in anticipation of the Feast of San Isidro Labrador or more popularly known as the Pahiyas Festival. From Cubao we boarded Lucena Lines in the morning of May 13. For almost four hour straight, my friend and I were just talking non-stop making up for lost time. And besides, it was our first time to travel together outside Metro Manila. We arrived in Lucena City at exactly 11 am and went straight to the house of my cousin. After having a quick lunch, we were set to our first destination - Kamay ni Hesus, a very huge statue of Christ on top of a hill with His hands wide open. Though my third time to trail the sanctifying 300+ stairways, the experience has always been spectacular. After a literally breathtaking trek, we immersed ourselves in the cold fresh water of Batis Aramin, a resort located just across the street. With P120 entrance fee, we surely enjoyed the relaxing views, the fresh water as cold as ice and a number of photo session. We left the resort at five o’clock with a fairly smoother skin (I think). Then, we had a short visit to a few relatives in Lucena before returning home. Exhausted and starving, we had rice, fried chicken, barbeque and chami (similar to miki bihon) for dinner. And slept right after.

 Kamay ni Hesus

A pool in Batis Aramin

The next day, May 14, we went to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan where we were supposed to have a small meal but ended up just taking snapshots and nothing else. After the short tour, we took the jeepney going to the town proper of Lucban, the very reason why we were on vacation. As soon as we arrived, the majestic whiff of the Pahiyas Festival was already overwhelming. We were very sure that we were going to have a good time. Our first stop was an old Catholic Church where the statue of Lucban’s patron saint was decorated with various real crops. Miniatures of the colorful houses were also displayed inside the church. Then my cousin brought us to Mustiola, the best carinderia I’ve seen in my entire life, and had a sumptuous lunch at relatively affordable price.  Armed with full tummy, we were geared up for an arduous but extravagant walking experience.  Contrary to rumors, the facades of some houses were already creatively decorated with vegetables, fruits, kipings and various natural pieces. We were also lucky to have witnessed a short parade exhibiting their very colorful custom with some Higantes generously giving some entertainment. Of course, a feast wouldn’t be complete without food specially pansit habhab partnered with barbeque, a slice of puto and a cold bottle of Coca-Cola. We had yema cake in Rodillas, where we also bought Buding (cassava cake) and other foodstuff as pasalubong to our loved ones. To complete our Pop Talk experience, we went to Abcede to buy Lucban longganisa.  Unfortunately, we had to leave the same day. It was heartbreaking when the actual merriment was just starting to heat up. But it was a fun, fun, fun trip nonetheless. And definitely, I would love to experience it every year.

Photos during the Bisperas of the Pahiyas Festival  

The street to Tiyangge

Sample House

Getting Ready for tomorrow's event

Higantes @ the parade

Food in the street

Oh yes, it's more fun in the Philippines. :)

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I'm in Love with Mustiola's

I first saw Mustiola's in Pop Talk, a Lifestyle show in GMA News TV. It was a food trip episode in Quezon Province.  Among the three restaurants that were featured, it was Mustiola's that caught my attention the most. It was a carinderia serving typical local dishes in a Spanish inspired old house setting. The entire concept of Mustiola's was so infectious that now I am dreaming of having my own resto in two years.

Few days after the episode was aired, I was able to see it personally. And yes, it’s carinderia. And yes, the tv monitor was not deceiving. It was really beautiful - a classy carinderia. But hey, Mustiola's is not just about ambiance. They are also serving good food. My most favourite is Finura, it’s a halo-halo slash milk shake slash yummier when you sip slash I haven’t tasted anything like that in Manila.

Mustiola's is definitely a must see in Lucban. A great place to eat at fairly affordable price. Pop na Pop!

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Journey

When we’ve been trying to understand what’s happening in our lives and still couldn’t figure out the answer, maybe God doesn’t really want us to understand and be confused. He just wants us to trust and follow Him. But Jesus doesn’t promise a smooth sailing journey. When we follow Jesus, we have to carry our cross until we reach our own Calvary. And after all the sufferings, you'll know it's worth it - the happiness is perpetual; the heart is fulfilled.

The photo above is Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon founded by Rev. Fr. Joey Faller. The huge statue of Jesus is on top of a mountain with almost 300 man-made stairways. Kamay ni Hesus is not just an ordinary tourist attraction, it embodies the meaning of life. The journey to the top is really tiring but there are areas in between where one can take refuge and rest. But once we reach the peak, the exhaustion vanishes because we are reunited with Jesus. Life is like that. It isn’t easy but when we get tired God provided us with places where we can rejuvenate. He also gave us family and friends to accompany us in our journey. We are not alone. In good times and in bad, God is with us in the form of another human being and in the calmness of our heart in times of difficulty. And finally, the peak of the mountain symbolizes a goal that has been fulfilled.

Towards the end of 2009, I felt that a gate of great opportunity opened only to realize in the end that it was not meant for me (maybe not yet). It was very frustrating. But another gate opened so quickly. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I am going to be where I am today but I think I’m on the right track. I don’t know what is on the end of the road but I have decided to go on and just trust that no matter what happens I know God has a purpose bigger than I can imagine.

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Byaheng Cubao

Cubao - sentro ng komersyalismo sa QC; isa sa pinakabusy na lugar sa Pilipinas. Nandiyan ang Farmers Plaza, Araneta Coliseum, Fiesta Carnival at mga terminal ng bus ng iba’t ibang probinsya mapaNorte man o Timog Luzon. Ngunit sa pagtakbo ng panahon unti-unting nawalan ng kinang ang ilang sikat na pasyalan sa lugar. Nalaos ang Farmers Plaza at inagaw ni Henry Sy ang trono sa pagkalat ng SM hindi lang sa buong Maynila kundi sa buong bansa. Ang Fiesta Carnival na dating patok na patok sa mga bata ay unti-unting nakalimutan ng umusbong ang iba’t ibang amusement park katulad ng Star City and Boom na Boom sa Pasay at Enchanted Kingdom sa Laguna. Ang Araneta Coliseum bagamat sikat pa rin sa ngayon ay marami na ring katunggali na matatagpuan sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Kamaynilaan. Sa paglipas ng panahon tila ba napabayaan ang Cubao at ang ginampanan nito sa kasaysayan. Maraming maunlad na negosyo sa Cubao na ngayon ay hindi mo na matatagpuan.

Parte ng aking kabataan ang Cubao. Kapitbahay lang kasi namin ito dati. Ngayon tuwing nagagawi ako sa Cubao, namimiss ko ang dating Fiesta Carnival at ang Smokeys along Araneta Avenue. Bagamat meron pa rin namang Fiesta Carnival hindi na ito tulad ng dati. Kasi outdoor na sya at sobrang maliliit lang o baka naman maliliit lang talaga yung Fiesta Carnival dati bata pa kasi ako noon kaya parang lahat ng bagay ang laki-laki. Ngayon ata Cubao Expo na eh. Hindi ko lang gano sure kasi hindi ko pa napapasok yung loob. Samantalang yung Smokeys mukhang nilamon na rin ng smoke. Dinemolish ng tuluyan.

Ngayong 21st century, naisipan naman ng pamahalaan na irehabilitate ang dating kinang ng Cubao. Nandyan na ang Gateway Mall, meron na ring mga Call Center sa paligid, may pinapatayong hotel na hindi mukhang chipannga at ang paligid na Araneta abay ang sosyal lalo na sa gabi. Sana nga magtutuloy-tuloy na ang muling pagbangon ng komersyalismo sa Cubao para makapagproduce ng trabaho sa mga Pilipino at mabawasan na rin ang nagaabang na lang na may magwithdraw sa ATM, susundan, hahanap ng tamang tyempo, tapos tututukan ng kutsilyo. Ouch! San si Concencia? Kilala pa kaya nila?

Photo courtesy of Yahoo Images: The Araneta Center

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Nyt Trip

Blog Hopping with “Ako’y Isang Pinoy” as background music. Alas sais ng hapon, busybusyhan sa pamamasyal sa internet. Ngunit bahagyang nabulabog nang pumasok ang isang grupo ng mga Koreano sa telebisyon (na nasa bandang kanan ko). May hawak na gitara sabay awit ng “Ako’y Isang Pinoy.” Nang matapos ang kanta isang interpreter ang pumasok upang mainterview ang mga nasabing banyaga. Pure Korean pala ang mga lolo embracing our own song. How cool is that?

This is it. Pasado alas syete ng gabi ay tumulak kami papuntang NAIA. Isang kamag-anak namin ang pinalad na mabigyan ng tourist VISA sa Inglatera. At noong Miyerkules nga ay tuluyan ng naisakatuparan ang matagal na nyang pangarap.

Unexpected heavy traffic. Ang sarap talaga bumyahe pag gabi. Mailwanag ang kapaligiran at hindi na masyadong traffic. Pero yun ang akala naming lahat. Pagdating ng Balintawak tollgate ayun bumungad ang heavy traffic. Shocks! Isang oras kami hanggang A. Bonifacio. Kumusta naman un di ba! Naging smooth lang ang byahe pagdating ng C-3 road tapos dirediretso na hanggang airport. Salamat naman.

Road Trip. Masaya ako dahil Manila ang napili nilang rota. Nadaanan namin ang monumento ni Rizal at ang kahabaan ng Roxas Boulevard na talaga namang makulay pag sapit ng gabi. Maluwang din ang kalsada; walang hassle hindi tulad ng EDSA.

No hugs; No kisses. Mahigit tatlong oras bago ang ETD dumating kami sa airport. Swak lang. Pinapasok agad ng aking tiyuhin ang aking tiya upang maagang maasikaso ang lahat. Inakala naming maari pa itong lumabas kaya no goodbyes pa. Nang lumipat kami ng pwesto ay nabasa namin ang isang paalala. Shocks! Bawal ng lumabas ang mga passengers kapag nakapasok na ito sa loob. Kaya no hugs; no kisses. Hindi nagamit ang tissue. Chos! Text, text na lang. Hayst!

Back home. Medyo malungkot ang mood kaya dinaan na lang sa kwentuhan at pagkain ng burger.

Stop over sa Brothers Burgers along Roxas Boulevard. Iba talaga ang libre. Parang mas masarap. :p

All by himself. Medyo malungkot talaga ito para sa aking uncle na tanging alagang aso ang makakasama sa loob ng apat na buwan. Di bale kuya, (I call my tito, Kuya) susunod din tayo dun. Antay ka lang. Afterall, dreaming is free.

Y not coconut!


09.16.09

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Sunday's Treat

Yesterday was not a usual Sunday routine. Since my uncle’s taxi had an engine problem, my whole family travelled Gen Luis St., NLEX and EDSA by Dela Rosa Bus and from Anapolis Greenhills we rode a taxi all the way to Valle Verde Country Club where Kerygma Feast is celebrated weekly. Fortunately, we arrived just on time. The church was not yet full so we were able to get seats on the middle part and away from industrial aircondition unit Halleluiah!

Rev. Fr. Rudy Horst presided the Holy Mass.Then, as usual, former actor Adrian Panganiban led the worship. But this time he was accompanied by budding Catholic preachers Andrew and Joseph (that’s not their real name. Memory gap? Yeah :p). Bro. Bo’s talk followed with a brand new series called OMG! Here’s a glimpse of yesterday’s handout.

Next, we had an early lunch in SM Megamall to avoid long queue of hungry shoppers. Finally, while having lunch and a little chitchat, I was able to convince my mom to see an expo (I am a certified EXPOs addict). So our next stop: Megatrade Hall 1 to 3.

Megatrade Hall 1: SM Mega Shoes and Bags Sale
Megatrade Hall 2: 17th Buy Pinoy Exporter’s Fair
Megatrade Hall 3: 8th National Coconut Festival

We only had a quick look inside the first hall. For us, discounts don't matter too much if the things on sale are not so needed. Not included in our financial budget, so to speak. Thus, we relocated to Buy Pinoy Expo. There was a P10 entrance fee. I was disappointed because I was expecting a Free Entrance. I just wanted to tour my mom and let her experience a different indulgence. But she insisted “Sampung piso lang naman pumasok na tayo…” (Obviously, I am more frugal than my mom). We leisurely walked and visited every booth that caught our attention, mostly on food. After less than an hour, we went out with three plastic bags and a heavier tummy. Yes, we groceried inside and savored various Pinoy dishes and delicacies at no cost. After that, we moved to Megatrade Hall 3 where various coconut products were exhibited. Like in Megatrade Hall 1 it’s free. However, the place was less crowded compare to its neighbor. We didn’t spend too much time here since our legs were also getting tired – a clear signal that we should go home.

On our way home, the heavy rain fell. It was raining cats and dogs from NLEX to Caloocan. Upon arriving my youngest brother bathed in the rain. And so did I. Sarap maligo sa ulan. Namiss ko yun. Parang bata lang. Feeling bata!...

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Later in the afternoon, I received a phone call from a friend who is thousand miles away. He called just to greet me "Belated Happy Birthday!" Thanks, bro! And the next episodes were back to usual. The End.

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Yun lang po. Gusto ko lang pong ishare. Have a blessed week ahead mga kablogs!

.P.S. Thank you to everyone who greeted me on my birthday! Here’s my treat… (Courtesy of my loving mother)

Thanks, mom!

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A Walk To Remember in Ciudad Quezon

The problem isn’t finding out where you are gonna go-its figuring out what you are gonna do once you get there that is! - Jamie (Mandy Moore)

This post has nothing to do with the movie “A Walk to Remember.” It’s actually about my itinerary yesterday. It's non-sense. But just in case you're wondering what I have been doing lately, this post is for you...

First Stop – Axis Global Technologies

I knew it. It’s not located at No. 20 North Road cor. 3rd Ave. Cubao, Quezon City. No. I mean I headed to the right direction as far as the address of Axis Global Technologies is concerned but going there was all wrong. The service center for Olympus camera is not Axis Global Technologies. Its Servimax Technologies Inc. situated at 2/F of Glimore Commercial Plaza Gilmore Avenue New Manila, Quezon City. I followed the internet not my intuition, that is. But it was ok. I walked towards Cubao proper and rode a jeepney. When I got there, the service lady assisted me for less than a minute I think. With just a few adjustments in the setting, my digital camera was completely healed. Ok, that’ the problem when the owner does not read the user manual. Huh!

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Second Stop - Mt. Carmel Church

I’ve been in this church once but I forgot its name. I just know it can accommodate thousands or millions of Catholics. Since this church is just few steps away from Gilmore Commercial Plaza I decided to pay a visit and prayed. There was a wedding ceremony nevertheless the entire place was full of serenity..

Third Stop - Broadway Centrum

Eat Bulaga was over then. There was no trace of Vic Sotto or Joey de Leon or even the new host-comedian named Kim. In my desire to see Francis Magalona’s Clothing Company, I patiently strolled around. But I didn’t see it. I hesitated to ask so I left quite miserably. Joke?!. Fourth Stop – Gateway Mall

The security guard of Gateway Mall was getting ready to scrutinize what’s inside my checkered bag when I saw a big yellow letter M inside LRT 2 Station. It’s McDonald’s. I remembered Coke Float. Oh, I missed it! I bought the regular size and gulped it at the corner table of the food chain. McDonald’s neighbor is Netopia, an internet café. I was asked to sit in station no. 7.My first target: YM. I was expecting an offline message from a friend based in L.A. She answered my offline message. I was also lucky I caught her online. Then, I opened my Friendster account. I was surprised with what I saw - two new testimonials from two treasured friends. Their comments were quite identical. It was funny and … never mind. I responded. After that, I left.

Fifth Stop – Trinoma Mall

I just wanted to go to Watson’s Store to buy a lipgloss but I couldn’t find it. Actually, I wasn’t so sure if there’s Watson’s Store inside. So, I wandered for a while. I went to fourth floor and visited my favorite place in Trinoma – the huge CR beside movie theaters. When I had nowhere to go, I decided to relocate to SM Mall.

Sixth Stop – SM North EDSA

It recently underwent major facelift and now the public can enjoy its new relaxing facilities. Although the mini-park outside the shopping boutiques is like a mimic of Trinoma’s gimmick spot, generally speaking I think the whole place was cool. I didn’t follow my initial plan. I went to arcade, instead. I bought five tokens and played the bingo-like machine. I won three extra tokens. It was frustrating because the woman next to me was winning tons. I was obviously a beginner and she was like a professional. After eight games I left with nothing. Then, I went to my favorite ice cream stand, Fruits in Ice Cream or FIC. I gambled on their new flavor - queso. The taste was ok but I would still go back to my first love, vanilla ice cream. While strolling, I saw Chef Tristan from the morning show Unang Hirit. He was alone eating the Wham! burger. Next, I entered Toy Kingdom. I was confused whether to buy or not to buy a Barbie doll for my cousin. In the end, I went out empty-handed because I wasn’t so attracted with the Barbie’s outfits. I transferred to PowerBooks. I searched for Kokology book. I was saddened because there was none. I moved to Filipino book section and hunted the book entitled “12 Little Thing Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country” by Atty. Alex Lacson. My eyes went up and down, left and right but again there was none. Then I saw a girl seriously holding a book with Tagalaog book title. I caught her beaming a number of times while reading it. I wanted to imitate her but that’s the only book in the book shelf without a plastic cover. Sigh! In another book stand, I saw that book again. There was one without a plastic. I read some short commentaries. One said “Humanda ka Bob Ong” – Vim Nadera (Director, UP Institute of Creative Writing). I was intrigued so I bought the book “PEKSMAN (mamatay ka man) NAGIINUNGALING AKO (at iba pang kwentong kasinungalingan na di dapat paniwalaan)” by Eros Atalia. Finally, I landed to Watson’s Store and bought three items – a lipgloss, an eyelash curler rubber pads and a mineral water. OMG! I’m tired.

Last Stop – Trinoma Bus Station

It’s rush hour. The number of passengers was increasing. It was expected anyway so I patiently waited for the bus. Sampaguita Bus arrived. I was thankful for that one vacant seat. My worn out legs were able to rest. The long walk was over.

I wonder why my mind still kept wandering? Should I start listing down my next destinations? “A Walk to Remember in the Historical Streets of Manila” or "A Walk to Remember in The Lion City?" Watch out! I'm coming!!! Huh! :p

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