Monday, August 4, 2008

Caliraya Re-creation Center

Pumunta kami kahapon ng mga kaibigan ko sa Caliray Re-recreation Center sa Cavinti, Laguna. Naisipan na naming huwag ituloy dahil umuulan ng mga nagdaang araw ngunit nakapagsabi na kami sa contact person namin doon na tutuloy kami kaya napilitan kaming tumuloy. Siguro prinsipyo na rin. Mga dalawa't kalahating oras ang biyahe.



Pag dating namin doon, sinubukan namin agad ang kanilang Zipline. Ang Zipline ay isang ride na kung saan nakatali ang iyong katawan sa isang lubid pus magslide ka mula sa isang poste patungo sa kabila. Sa simula medyo nakaka-thrill dahil mataas ang poste at mabilis ang pag-slide, pero sa kalaunan, masasanay ka rin. 50 pesos kada sakay kaya nagdalawang sakay kami ng mga kaibigan ko.


Pagkatapos noon, naglunch na kami. Buffet ang lunch, tamang-tama lang para sa gutom na gutom naming kalamnan. Nang mabusog na kami, gusto sana naming mag-Target Shooting kaya lang sira daw ang mga baril nila. Sarap mamaril!

Naisipan nalang naming badminton. Malakas ang hangin kaya hindi kami makapaglaro ng maayos. Minsan titira ka ng malakas tapos biglang lawlaw o kakapusin ang tira mo. Minsan naman titira ka ng mahina, tapos hahangin naman papalabas. Pero ok na rin kasi kakaiba. Medyo masaya na rin.



Hanggang sa nagsawa kami. Naisipan naman naming mag-fishing. Kaya lang ang daming lamok sa lugar kaya hindi rin natuloy. Iyong isa kong kaibigan, wala pang limang minuto, ay pinag-piyestahan agad ng mga lamok. Natakot kami sa dengue.

Nag-canoeing na lang kami. Ayon, paikot ikot lang kami sa lake. Pero ok na rin kasi medyo payapa ang pakiramdam habang namamangka. Masarap na rin ang feeling. Nagtry din ako mag-kayak.


Gusto sana namin mag-wall climbing kaya lang bigla nang bumuhos ang ulan kaya hindi na kami pinayagan. Madulas raw. O pwede ring tinatamad lang silang magset up.


Last activity ay swimming na lang sa ulan.


Tapos uwi na kami.
Medyo bad trip kasi wala masyadong magawa. Moral lesson: Minsan mas importante ang pera at energy kaysa prinsipyo.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Las Haciendas

I've been hearing a lot about the famed mudslide in Las Haciendas and last Saturday, I got the chance to experience it.=p Since my friends' annual summer outing in Tagaytay was held last Friday, I asked them to join me in a trip to Las Haciendas in Laurel, Batangas.

We arrived at Las Haciendas at about 1030am.



Since we were still full and very excited at that time, we decided to trek to Ambon-ambon Falls first. I'm not huge on trekking but it still feels good to trek once in a while. The trek to the falls approximated 30 minutes. It was a fairly easy trek except for the few "landmines" along the way.


You have to cross four streams to get to the Falls. The Falls was so named probably because the waterfall effect was like drizzle.

Baboy playing in the mud...

The sight of the Falls made me smile. At least I know that God hasn't yet given up on us, since there are still a lot of beautiful places for us to enjoy.=p



After the trek, we ate lunch at the clubhouse. We had kare-kare (my favorite), pritong tilapia and beef & mushroom plus BJ (buko juice) for our drinks.

Then, we're off to the mudslide. Probably it will take 8 to 10 seconds to complete the slide process 'til you reach the muds at the bottom.


Now I realized why pigs love playing in the muds. Parang mga baboy lang...


After satisfying ourselves in the mudslide, we washed the muds off in their infinity pool.hehe.



To complete the perfect day, we had our dinner at the Bag of Beans in Tagaytay where we ordered Shepherd's Pie which somehow look like a "landmine" to me. =p

Two moral lessons for today: #1 Thou shall not underestimate the pigs, for you might end up enjoying what they do; and #2 Thou shall not get angry with bullshit, for it might find its way to your foodtable (albeit in another form).

Monday, May 26, 2008

A Trek to Remember

Last weekend, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to participate in an outreach program in Banaue. Since I had free time last weekend, I decided to join "A Trek to Remember" organized by K.I.D.S. Foundation headed by Diether "the hunk" Ocampo . What a better way to enjoy free time than to share it with our less fortunate (in terms of material wealth) brothers and sisters. right? While helping others nourishes our hearts, this should not be our motivation. We do this because it's the right thing to do. (Practice speech in case the need arises!) hehe. Sadly, I was motivated not because of this reason, but because my pictures in Banaue were accidentally deleted and I just have to go back! What a reason! hehe.

The volunteers intended to visit Cambulo Elementary School in Banaue to distribute school supplies, bags and shoes to the community. The trek going there approximated 4-5 hours from the town proper of Banaue. This was on the assumption that the trekkers had had previous trekking experience. Dead meat!

We departed Fort Bonifacio Global City at around 430 am last Saturday and we were able to reach Banaue at around past noon since we had several stop-overs along the way. Upon our arrival, we immediately proceeded to the town hall for a courtesy call with the municipal mayor of Banaue. I had my picture taken together with the mayor hoping that he would find me nice and thus give me money or goods. hehe. "There's no harm in trying." Pero wala e.



Our trek to Barangay Cambulo started at around 430pm. Night trekking in Banaue is a test of faith in itself. There was no light along the way (What am I thinking about?) except those from fireflies, occasional lightnings, and flashlights by other trekkers. Actually I thought of bringing a flashlight, but decided to leave it in favor of the tripod. And now that's what you call prioritizing the necessity!

During the middle of the trek, it rained and that was expected. I was wet like Denise Richards in Wild Things because I had no rain gear. I brought 3 jackets but no rain gear. I knew it's going to rain but the thought of carrying a heavy backpack because of rain gear prevailed over me. Crazy or stupid?

Finally, we reached the school at around 930pm, exhausted, tired, consumed, etc. After a brief meeting, we proceeded to the inn to rest. For dinner, we had bacon and longganisa, courtesy of Pampanga's Best. I was so hungry that I ate like I've never eaten before. The way I ate, probably other trekkers thought that I live in the mountains.

Then snooze!

The next morning, ice cold water for shower! All I'm thinking during that time was whether to shout or not. Each drop of water was so painful to the skin but I survived! They say that a winner doesn't quit and a quitter doesn't win. And I was able to prove it. It's a war within me and I was able to conquer my fear (of ice cold water). hehe.

The students and the local officials prepared a program for us, probably as manifestation of their gratitude. Peeps, it's not you who should be grateful, but us; Because in a way, you taught us to appreciate the things that we have.



By the way, Rica Peralejo (star of TGIS and Balahibong Pusa) was there as well to shoot an episode for Umagang Kay Ganda. Who am I to refuse her?



After the donation/gift-giving, we trek to Batad before going home. I must say that the terraces of Batad were still beautiful and well-preserved unlike in Banaue. Nature at its finest right there.



But trekking Batad was not without danger; we literally had to catwalk on the narrow pathways and risk falling off to the muds.=p

This is the wall of the terraces.


Walking along further, I noticed some traditional houses as well as modern structures, which I thought doesn't mix well together. I am not against development, but I hope that the new houses that were being built in the terraces may look something like these.



Finally, we were able to reach the Rice Terraces of Batad. Stunning! Sometimes I can't help but to wonder why some of our farmers/fishermen would rather live in the city with no means of livelihood (and sometimes squat in others' land) than to live in the countryside (but at least they have stable jobs).



"Nobody said it's gonna be easy, but it's going to be worth it."

After the picture-taking (this is an essential requisite whenever I go out-of-town), we trek to Tappiya Falls.



Then, we had to trek a few hours again to reach the campsite for lunch. I was so hungry that I heard my stomach running amuck inside. We ate at 3pm.

I saw another first in my lifetime. Seeing about 1000 red hotdogs and brown longganisa in one huge plastic bag might be something of a record. That must be an entry in th Guiness.

Actually I love eating sausages, but seeing sausages in that magnitude gave me a "different" feeling. It's some kind of a massacre, mass murder or genocide. It's very scary for the male species. And another thing, Can you explain to me why sausages are shaped and colored in that manner? Was the inventor of sausages a woman? Was it intended to be reminder for men not to abuse their wives?

Can the Congress ban such kind of foods? Because aside from the fact that it promotes violence, it might breed immorality as well.



The way going home best described the entire trip- adventure! On the way going to Banaue town proper, we rode the Jeepney. For a change, I decided to rode on the rooftop to have a different perspective. I made a quick mental computation. While it's risky, the incremental satisfaction exceeds the incremental fear.

I can't help but to compare life to a jeepney ride- sometimes the road gets bumpy, the rain might fall and you might get bruised, but if you hold on to something that you believe in (like the spare tires or jeep roof) (and God in life), you'll be fine. Inspite of the presence of danger, you'll find peace and bliss and in your heart, and you won't worry even a bit because everything will be fine in the end.

If you want an ordinary ride, the satisfaction is also ordinary but if you want something extraordinary, reach for the top!



While God didn't promise a smooth sailing, He promised a safe landing.

I reached Fort Bonifacio 4am Monday... and went to work at 8am. Work is the break between vacations! Bwiset!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Lakeshore

Today I joined my old company's summer outing in Lakeshore, which is located in Mexico, Pampanga. Actually this place is not a resort but a housing real estate. However, this place may also be rented for conventions or wedding receptions. We occupied a house where we stayed Friday night;then today, we toured the man-made island. You may do kayaking in the lake or do swimming in the small pool. I wasn't able to swim because I had my finger treated Friday and I was advised by the doctor not to wet the finger, so I was limited to picture-taking. Too bad since I can't show off my one pack!hehe.

After we were done with Lakeshore, I requested/begged the group to go to Mexico Church. It's just my personal preference that whenever I go to a certain place, I would visit the church in the area. One wish for me again...but this time, I didn't make a wish because everything is fine with me right now.=p

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Mother's day

I went to Cartimar today to check out some pets as well as rubber shoes. I used to operate an aquarium in the past but that was prohibited by the family a few years ago. I really love seeing colorful aquariums filled with cute fishes and corals. I have this penchant for dogs and birds as well (probably because I was born on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi).

After the pets, I went to check out the rubber shoes in the next street. I was on a store when I saw a guy (aged late 20's based on looks), accompanied by her mom, paying for the shoes he just bought. I presumed that the guy had some disability on his left leg, because he can't walk straight and that his mother was holding his walking cane.

Based on my superior eavesdropping capabilities, I heard that the mother and the salesladies were discussing about therapy of the guy. According to the mother, the guy had undergone a lot of therapy sessions in the past but nothing became successful because the guy won't follow the medications. The mother was smiling but you can notice the sadness in her eyes. Her eyes communicated something contrary to her smile.

I remember when I was still a kid, my mom would always accompany me whenever I want/need to buy a pair of shoes. Mothers don't get bored if the time is spent with the kids or the things to be purchased are for their littleones.

The guy not only didn't thank his mother, he even asked his mother to carry his walking cane as they exit the store. The mother is old, and already exhausted after buying the shoes. The minimum the he could have done was to hug/kiss his mom in front us.

A few days from now is Mothers' Day. To all the mothers in the world, I salute you! You work 24/7, not properly compensated and don't even complain.

Happy Mother's day to the best mother in the world, my mom! I love you mom!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Manila Ocean Park

I was a little disappointed with MOP probably because I had high expectations with the place. Considering that the Philippines is the center of marine biodiversity of the world, I wondered why the marine animals in MOP are only ordinary. For me, some of the pet shops in Cartimar are even better than this place! With all the funds that they have, they could even buy all the pet shops in Cartimar. I hope they would improve their facilities, including the airconditioning. Tsk tsk.


Thursday, May 1, 2008

Tagaytay

Since it's holiday, the family went to Tagaytay to bond. It's been a while since we were complete. My older sister is working in an hospital as a doctor and her tme is very unpredictable. And when she's free, she has other things to do like studying or shopping. Since she's very free right now, the family decided to grab the rare opportunity.

We used SLEX then Sta. Rosa exit. I can't help but to compare this highway with NLEX. I think that the highway is so bad that the administrator should be ashamed for charging toll. This is under construction since time immemorial!

We had lunch in Mushroom burger. People say that you have not gone to Tagaytay if you have not tasted this burger. Oh well.

Since mom decided to buy beef in Mahogany market, we had merienda in the nearby turo-turo for bulalo. I accmpanied mom to buy beef and this was what I saw!


Nothing much to do here except tambay near the volcano...and pray in the worship places like Angel hills, Pink Sisters, Tierra Maria, Divine Word, Ina ng Laging Saklolo...and Calaruega (which is only 30 minutes).
The place is not that cool like before but it's still nice. Anyway, it doesn't matter where you go, but who you go with does make the difference.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Buddhist monastery

Yesterday was my last day in SG. After the interview, I went straight to Bishan to visit the huge Buddhist Monastery. The hot weather did not discourage my desire to visit this grand temple place. As I walk around, I was asking myself why God did not send prophets to Buddhist countries like China or why Jesus our God did not/was not able to visit these countries? We already know that it is written in the Bible that we should love God above all. But how can people can love Him if they were not introduced to Him? It's not their fault to be born in non-Christian countries.
People may argue that all gods are the same, only their names are different. But historically, Buddha and Jesus were not one and the same. How do you reconcile that? Both existed in different times. It is also written that we should not create idols for worhip. However, if a person truly believes in his heart that the statue is his creator, can we fault him for worshipping it, especially if the creation of the statues is allowed by their religion? Assuming all things being equal, can we truly say that we are more Godly compare to a person who worhips a statue out of good faith, sanctioned by their church?
By the way, is understanding other faiths a sign of weakness in my own? Nobody can really tell.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sentosa

Today we went to Sentosa, the "EK" of SG. It was uncomfortable to walk around since the place was packed with tourists and the weather was so hot (because of two things- climate change and sexy girls), so I wasn't able to see all the tourist attractions. I was perspiring to dehydration all day (for the same reasons mentioned above).hehe.

The only attraction that I enjoyed was the LUGE (pronounced luj). Here is the picture.



I had so much fun in the Luge that I didn't notice that I lost my cellphone. Bad trip! It has witnessed my ups and downs for the last 2 years. Why does bad things always happen to good people? Here is my picture after I realized that I lost my phone...like naluge. From Luge to luge.


Anyway, after giving much thought...I realized that there's no reason for me to be sad since the phone was only lent to me by God....maybe it's already time to lend it to some other person. Indeed, nothing is permanent, except change. Thanks God for the usufructuary (contract of use and fruits)!

Al-Gaffor Mosque

Today, I visited a mosque to take some pictures. I don't know why I love places of worship. Maybe becuase I love seeing people communicating with their creator, professing their faith...or probably becuase I love comparing our religious practices with theirs. There's so much to learn.

After I was satisfied with the pictures, a Muslim brother approached me to discuss about Islam. I readily agreed to have a coversation with him. We talked about a few things about Islam like the reason why they don't have any statutues, images inside the Mosques, that they believe in Old and New Testament, Muhammad etc.

There's not much difference between Islam, Judaism and Christianity I believe. The basic premise is that all believe in one God.




By the way, I borrowed a white cap for pictures sake, risking to have dandruff.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Irony

Today could have been a good day if not what happened on the MRT. I was on my way to the company. Since it's the peak hours, majority was standing and everybody was jockeying for position (for good spot and good air). It's not my style to push people (even in basketball games, you can ask my friends.hehe). Anyway, I was leaning on a standing rail/pole to ease some tension when I suddenly felt either a light punch or a tickle on my lower back. I don't know what that was. Before I turn my head, I made a quick decision. I was thinking if that "sensation" came from a guy, I'll definitely confront him. However, if it came from a girl, I might let go... By the way, I hoped the culprit was a girl.

When I turned, I was confronted with 2 ironies. First, The culprit was a girl (but looked like a guy); Second, she gave me a look with the intention to traumatize me. She probably thought that my lower back molested her fist. Are you kidding me?How could a lower back deflower a closed fist? Confronted with similar situations, there's not much you can do except to understand. Maybe her mother was so fond of eating dilis (small fish) during her pregnancy.

Here is a picture of dilis.

Anyway, since I'm kind, I decided to forget.

"To the good, I'm good; to the bad, I'm good. For kindness is a virtue." - Lao Tzu

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Singlish (Singapore English)

1. Where is the nearest McDonut? (Hindi po kalaban ng Dunkin Donuts, burgers po!)
2. How much? It's 1 teti. (Hindi po bastos yan, 1 dollar and thirty cents lang.)
3. Do you want to eat pinuputa? (Hindi po yan ung babaeng for hire...pineapple tart)
4. Kapa (paradahan ng sasakyan...carpark)
5. tex auditor (buwis po ang inoodit ko, hindi na po ako nagtetex.)
6. Cali (hind po beer yan, ito ung sauce na maanghang...ex Chicken Curry)
7. Popeye (Bye bye)
8. Do you have kets? (wala po akong leprosy...cats wala rin)
9. lemong (lemon)
10. Eng (Ng)

Chinese Garden

Last Saturday, I toured Chinese Garden. There's no admission fee so I decided to push through with it. You know, when you're poor, you're force to become resourceful.hehe. Actually, I'm not big on Koreanovelas, Chinovelas etc. but I appreciate this place. I think it was beautiful and my experience there was superb. The structures were like scenes from the movies of Jet Li.hehe. Good for dates!

Lucky

Today, I went to Lucky Plaza in Orchard. This is the "Filipino" Mall, so called probably because there are a lot of Filipino stores as well as Filipino shoppers there. Today is Sunday, and the place was packed with people. I was tempted to buy Mr. Chips but decided to abstain because of budget constraints. I went to a Filipino restaurant for my merienda. I ordered Kare-kare, which is my favorate, and Sisig. The kare kare was not that tasty but still good enough. When you love something, or someone, you really don't mind the flaws. As they say, "Love is not blind; it sees but doesn't mind." hehe. I miss Philippines so much. There's no place like home.=p

Friday, April 18, 2008

Latino

10 Favorite Latino Quotes:

1. Dura Lex Sed Lex (The law is hard, but it's the law) (You can substitute "law" for other hard things and make another Latin quote)
2. Do ut facias (I'll give so you may do) (Is this what rich people in ancient times say to their "hired workers?")
3. Ignorantia Legis Neninem Excusat (Ignorance of the law excuses no one)
4. Injuria non excusat injuriam (One wrong does not justify another)
5. Nemo dat quod non habit. (One cannot grant what one does not have) (True!)
6. Acta exteriora iudicant interiora secreta. (Outward acts indicate the inward intent) (Bastos!)
7. Mala iter itineris (Badtrip!)
8.Vox Populi Vox Dei (The voice of the people is the voice of God)
9. Ut in omnia glorificetur Deus (That in all things, God may be glorified)
10. Nunc Et Semper Te Valde Amabo (I will love you very much now and forever)

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Places

10 Places I want to visit in the Philippines:

1. Batanes
2. Palawan (Coron, Puerto Princesa etc.)
3. Bicol (Mayon Volcano, Butanding encounter, Our Lady of Penafrancia)
4. Quezon (Banahaw, Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center)
5. Tarlac (Shrine of True Cross)
6. Zambales (Capones Island, Anawangin Cove etc.)
7. Banaue Rice Terraces (All my pics here were accidentally deleted; I just have to go back!)
8. Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Windmills, Lighthouse, Paoay Church etc.)
9. Bolinao
10. Spratlys (I'll bring Chinese and Philippine Flags!)

Quotes

10 Favorite Quotes from famous people

1. What is right must be kept right, what is wrong must be set right- Sen. Panfilo Lacson
2. The law applies to all; otherwise none at all- Mayor Alfredo Lim
3. Ang bangang maingay walang laman.-FPJ
4. I am sorry.- GMA
5. Moderate your greed.- Jun Lozada
6. Don't do to others what you don't want others do unto you-Confucious
7. All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become. - Buddha
8. Nothing is impossible to him who believes.- Jesus Christ
9. Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn't misuse it.- Pope John Paul II
10. God made life to be a journey, it's our job to make it an adventure.- Kenneth Ng

Questions

10 hard questions:

1. San tayo, Jollibee o Mcdo?
2. Anong oorderin mo?
3. Sila ba?
4. Anong uunahin natin, mag-aral o manuod ng sine?
5. Bakit ang bagal mo?
6. Galit ka?
7. Ikaw ba yung umutot?
8. Mataba ba ako?
9. Sinong mas gusto mo?
10. Nasan ka na?