bohol-cebu visit
photo above: chocolate hills in the background 
photo above: sunrise in panglao islandMy curiosity of Bohol was finally unraveled. Excited as I was, I brought along a huge traveling bag with me and the season’s ubiquitous bag ‘I am not a plastic bag’. Together with friends, we explore the famous places in the island. We left Manila via Cebu Pacific Air. It was around early afternoon when we arrived in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. We headed to purchase some groceries and then stopped for a late lunch in Payag and ordered “chicken inato”, version of "chicken inasal".
After that much needed lunch, our hyper-dependable driver/tour guide Kuya Jun drove us to Panglao Island. Panglao Island is located in the Central Visayas with its name was derived from "panggaw". The name history can be traced back since the eighteen hundreds. When Spanish explorers came in search of water, they asked the natives what the name of the island was. The natives thought they were asking for what they were doing, which at that time they were making fishing devices called "panggaw".
Upon arrival in the resort, we rested and had an early dinner at the sea shore. After which we slept early, a soporific effect of the full meal, comfy place and a laid back atmosphere of the island.
photo above: panglao island beach (best friends!)The next day, our destination is Cebu. What instills into my mind during the sail in Oceanjet is the song of Wow Philippines. “Halika, byahe tayo nang ating Makita ang ganda ng pilipinas, ang galing ng Pilipino… Namiesta ka na ba sa Penafrancia sa Naga. Umakyat sa Antipolo, nagsayaw sa Obando?” whew, this made me hum over and over again.
We met Ate Claire in Cebu Port and then we visited Magellan’s Cross, Cebu Cathedral and Sto Nino Museum. We had our early lunch at the famous CPT Lechon. Chie had her first taste of Cebu’s Lechon, famous as one need not use flavoring or spices or sauce to enhance the taste; and ‘Puso’, local’s hanging rice. We took our chance to shop for ‘pasalubong’ in SM Cebu which is just across the street. Another stop is the Jumalon’s butterfly garden. The late Jumalon was a famous artist who creates art using butterfly wings. The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting relatives and the city tour where we had the glimpse of CICC and passed the oldest street of Colon. And yes, we saw the costly lamp posts of Cebu City and its neighboring cities.
I almost lost my camera upon returning to Bohol. Thanks to Heavens that no one got my camera which I left in the waiting area for almost 15 minutes or so. I will let that camera off my sight no more.
photo above: cathedral church
photo above: tarsier, holding onDay 3 in our vacation was spent in discovering the island of Bohol. The tour starts in meeting the Philippine Tarsier, the smallest primate in Loboc River. (This is something not unusual actually as there was already a pair of tarsier eyes in our entire travel. *Wink*) After meeting those cutest creatures, we passed the enchanting Manmade Forest and finally, saw the mounds of limestone formation, generally called Chocolate Hills or should I say Mint hills. A sight so serene and untroubled
Lunch was spent in the floating restaurant which cruise the Loboc River. We were entertained by children singing in another boat and the kids doing their own diving stunts.
We saw the largest python. Born in the year of the Snake, I have a heart to snakes that I don’t like seeing them like in a carnival. “Of course, I was just joking on that part. I just don’t find it entertaining at all.” Our next stops were the historical Blood Compact Monument, beautiful old churches like Baclayon & Loboc and lastly the ‘pasalubong’ shop where we bought several peanut kisses, kalamay and tarsier key chains.
Another sea shore dinner ended this adventure.
Lunch was spent in the floating restaurant which cruise the Loboc River. We were entertained by children singing in another boat and the kids doing their own diving stunts.
We saw the largest python. Born in the year of the Snake, I have a heart to snakes that I don’t like seeing them like in a carnival. “Of course, I was just joking on that part. I just don’t find it entertaining at all.” Our next stops were the historical Blood Compact Monument, beautiful old churches like Baclayon & Loboc and lastly the ‘pasalubong’ shop where we bought several peanut kisses, kalamay and tarsier key chains.
Another sea shore dinner ended this adventure.
Tips:
1.0 Don't be stupid. Print your online ticket prior to your travel.
2.0 Panglao Island's water is salty, bring bottled water for drinking and a good shampoo & conditioner for taking a bath. Don't forget to bring baby cologne to make you feel refresh.
3.0 Wear your most comfortable clothes in the tour, remember that it will be an adventure tour and not a mall-type tour or some sort.
4.0 And most importantly, travel with your best buddies.
“Philippines” is a paradise. There are several islands waiting to be discovered. Halika, byahe tayo!
strange, eccentric
Three beautiful and witty girls that we are, the word that best describes us is weirdo. odd, strange, eccentric. We belong to a world where we have our own worlds. Autistics.
I had a recent communication with Sheryll and Mae, thanks to technology it was like yesterday when we were exchanging our usual sametime conversations. I missed their company more. When Jam left for greener pasteur (Jam is one of my best friends, more of a sister to me. I’ll came up with something about her soon) it was Sheryll and Mae who I became close with. Of course, there’s Raquel and Ms Rose. The later two being sisters-and-mothers to all of us. I find my home in the arms of what we call Purchasing Spice Girls.
I had a recent communication with Sheryll and Mae, thanks to technology it was like yesterday when we were exchanging our usual sametime conversations. I missed their company more. When Jam left for greener pasteur (Jam is one of my best friends, more of a sister to me. I’ll came up with something about her soon) it was Sheryll and Mae who I became close with. Of course, there’s Raquel and Ms Rose. The later two being sisters-and-mothers to all of us. I find my home in the arms of what we call Purchasing Spice Girls.
Sheryll and Mae are wonderful women. It is their warmth personality that made them really special. Conversations with these two fine ladies will always be interesting, either intellectual or more human (in laymen’s term mga kung anu-anong kalokohan). We never had dull moments. A lunch time in the canteen is always spiced up with our opinions to everyone who passed by. Not in a bad way and if anything a little harsh, well, thanks to my opinions then. We were addicted to Text Twist when it even came to a point that any word we saw in anywhere, our minds were already working for words.
Beauty, brains, personality and the purest heart -- we all have in common. Ok, ok. I accept I am a little unwell.
Distance may be in between the three of us now but the friendship we built for years will remain. Miss ya girlfriends!
Beauty, brains, personality and the purest heart -- we all have in common. Ok, ok. I accept I am a little unwell.
Distance may be in between the three of us now but the friendship we built for years will remain. Miss ya girlfriends!
forgotten
it has been ages since the last time i checked my flickr account. i was surprised to what i read when i opened it. my first entry for "tell a story in 5 frames", a visual story telling won as a co-winner for november. yipee..
title: forgotten
title: forgotten
Note from Flickr:
The November selections for best story ended in a tie between “Forgotten” and “Kiss Me Please.” As tie breaker, I found that choosing the best was difficult.Alsalam's story is full of hope and love, and has excellent character revealing photographs to support the story. “Kiss Me Please” has a strong beginning and a clear middle, but the ending, especially, could use a photograph showing the happy satisfaction on the part of the man asking for the child's kiss. Additionally, alsalam has been a strong contributor to our group with good stories and frequent comments on other's stories. Indeed, Alsalam nominated “Forgotten” as best on the month.“Forgotten,” by blanca18, captures a poignant moment that most of us have shared, the loss of a relationship. As mentioned on the thread's discussion, the story needs a final resolution, a photo showing the washed away writing in the sand. The story is well set-up and photographed.Since there is no clear cut winner, and both stories deal in different ways, with the importance of meaningful, loving relationships, I declare co-winners. Will alsalam and blanca18 both place their stories in the group pool. Congratulations!
WD External Drive 160 GB
just purchased WD external drive 160GB. this is for my pictures only. with this external drive i can save upto 40,000 pictures. love it!
in preparation for our Bohol get-away this weekend.
kape talk
did you know that coffee was initially used for spiritual reasons? a beverage known as qishr was made from the pulp of the fermented coffee berries which was used by Arabians during religious ceremonies. coffee reduce the risk of certain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's (etc) as well. and by using a Starbucks tumbler, you help save the environment! a coffee addict that i am, i'm a frequent visitor of Starbucks, Figaro, Seattle's Best, Cafe Breton and the Bag of Beans in Tagaytay.
Starbucks Mocha Frap is my all-time favorite. cafe latte with strawberry cheese cake is mouthwatering. a plus is the tumbler they're selling (which by the way, i am collecting.. donations everyone..) and the popular planner which everyone look forward to.
Figaro with its wi-fi! latte and the carrot cake.
Cafe Breton's La Pinay crepe! sweet.
and lastly, Bag of Beans in Tagaytay. i like the homey atmosphere. they're famous for the Alamid Coffee -- coffee alamid is philippine civet coffee from wild civet droppings... a nocturnal animal which uses its nose to choose ripest and sweetest coffee cherries..
' love their hot tsokolate and the freshly baked breads! and the must-try pumpkin soup..
loving this
oh! i'm loving this. was able to add pictures now and several posts already! wow, great times.
how are you doing, Lon? *wink*
a weekend in pangasinan
we spent the all saint's day long weekend in pangasinan. i had a chance to explore the coves and islands, popularly known as the hundred islands. finally, i conquered another destination in my long list of places to visit.the travel from manila was more than 4 hours. i was honestly bored of the long drive but the idea of exploring another place with chimp made it lighter. we left early morning and catched the sunrise in a town in pangasinan.
stayed in San Fabian, Pangasinan where i captured this photo of the sunset.
the next day we left early morning to visit the hundred islands. 2 hour drive was far but it was nearer compared to a 5 hour drive from manila. and off we go.it was more of curiousity, more than anything else. i wanted to see for myself if indeed the hundred islands as enchanting and as magical as most people call it. and i found my answer hours later. yes, it is amazing to see hundred ++ of islets scattered but it didn't captured my heart magically. ' just glad i was there.
happy to spend time with people i love.
photo below: taken by chimp during the boat ride
photo below: SeaShell -- our vessel during the tour
memories are priceless
if Superman is true, i'm pretty sure that people will wish for wealth, peace, health, happiness, success etc and probably the chance of turning back time. i must admit that there are times in my life that i hope i could turn back time to change decisions, or perhaps do something far better than what i did. reality bites.a second lost is a time lost forever. moments are gone, however they're preciously kept in our hearts.
memories are priceless.
*for anything else, there is mastercard*
memories are priceless.
*for anything else, there is mastercard*
the distance
i have always loved the movie Serendipity. 'watched this movie several times and always i end up with a "sigh"
i'm listening to the sound track until i finally sleep...
"The Distance"
The sky has lost it's color
The sun has turned to grey
At least that's how it feels to me
Whenever you're away
I crawl up in the corner
As I watch the minutes pass
Each one brings me closer to
The time you're comin' back
I can't take the distance
I can't take the miles
I can't take the time until I next see you smile
I can't take the distance
And I'm not ashamed
That with every breath I take I'm callin your name
But I can't take the distance
I still believe my feelings
But sometimes I feel too much
I make believe you're close to me
But it ain't close enough
Not nearly close enough
I brave fire and I brave rain
To be by your side I'd do anything
I can't take the distance
I will go the distanceI will go the miles
That's how much you mean to me
'Cause I can't take the distance
I can't take these miles
I can't take the time until I next see you smile
I can't take the distance
And I'm not ashamed
That with every breath I take I'm calling your name
I can't take the distance
It's hard to remember
As long as you're away
When I find solace
There's only one way
nyte
i'm listening to the sound track until i finally sleep...
"The Distance"
The sky has lost it's color
The sun has turned to grey
At least that's how it feels to me
Whenever you're away
I crawl up in the corner
As I watch the minutes pass
Each one brings me closer to
The time you're comin' back
I can't take the distance
I can't take the miles
I can't take the time until I next see you smile
I can't take the distance
And I'm not ashamed
That with every breath I take I'm callin your name
But I can't take the distance
I still believe my feelings
But sometimes I feel too much
I make believe you're close to me
But it ain't close enough
Not nearly close enough
I brave fire and I brave rain
To be by your side I'd do anything
I can't take the distance
I will go the distanceI will go the miles
That's how much you mean to me
'Cause I can't take the distance
I can't take these miles
I can't take the time until I next see you smile
I can't take the distance
And I'm not ashamed
That with every breath I take I'm calling your name
I can't take the distance
It's hard to remember
As long as you're away
When I find solace
There's only one way
nyte
the song -- ever the same
We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down
Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same
We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us
Man, this doesn't need to be the end
You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love
mushy. this is the song that top the my-car-stereo-playlist. been listening to this song since march and i never get tired of it.
Emotions... it ends tonight
This isn’t another mushy thought. I am not consumed by the heavy rains outside. Emotions, it ends tonight is a great CD with several songs in rock poetry. So there is such a thing as rock poetry and emotional sounds at its best after all.
I have to block out thoughts of you so I don’t lose my head. They crawl in like cockroach leaving babies in my bed. Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I’m alone… Hate me today, hate me tomorrow. Hate me for all the things I didn’t do for you..
- Hate Me by Blue October
I can’t stop playing this song. Message is negative however the rhythm and/or music are platinum. Best in driving I guess
I have to block out thoughts of you so I don’t lose my head. They crawl in like cockroach leaving babies in my bed. Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I’m alone… Hate me today, hate me tomorrow. Hate me for all the things I didn’t do for you..
- Hate Me by Blue October
I can’t stop playing this song. Message is negative however the rhythm and/or music are platinum. Best in driving I guess
a place called Here
this is another multiply original
People go missing and things go missing most of the time. According to the book “a place called Here”, all those who and which are missing, are found in this place. Where is Here? It’s an in-between place.
This is another creation of Cecilia Ahern which is as witty as her other book, “If you could see me now”. a reflection of a child at heart in all of us. The main character is obsessed with finding missing things until she herself got missing and then stumbles upon a place where everyone she’s looking for are there. a “lost and found” area for all things missing. a place called Here.
What if there’s really Here? What if the people we thought are missing just moved to this place? Will I find the people I met somewhere from time immemorial? Will I find the shirts I’ve been looking for? Just a thought, although I don’t wish finding myself in “Here” at all
Sometimes people go missing by choice. If I go missing one day, probably by choice. And if I do, I would want someone to find me, more than anything.
“I can only assume that there’s only one thing more frustrating than not being able to find someone, and that’s not being found.”
People go missing and things go missing most of the time. According to the book “a place called Here”, all those who and which are missing, are found in this place. Where is Here? It’s an in-between place.
This is another creation of Cecilia Ahern which is as witty as her other book, “If you could see me now”. a reflection of a child at heart in all of us. The main character is obsessed with finding missing things until she herself got missing and then stumbles upon a place where everyone she’s looking for are there. a “lost and found” area for all things missing. a place called Here.
What if there’s really Here? What if the people we thought are missing just moved to this place? Will I find the people I met somewhere from time immemorial? Will I find the shirts I’ve been looking for? Just a thought, although I don’t wish finding myself in “Here” at all
Sometimes people go missing by choice. If I go missing one day, probably by choice. And if I do, I would want someone to find me, more than anything.
“I can only assume that there’s only one thing more frustrating than not being able to find someone, and that’s not being found.”
a make believe
this was originally posted in my multiply account
i got a chance to be interviewed in a magazine (READ by Powerbooks). i'm sharing the article with you. (a make believe)
Blanca: procurement engineer, a student, a friend & a pretty girl in the neighborhood (down those eyebrows, this is my article!)
How Did you Became a Reader? I started reading back in high school, influenced by my classmates who made the library their sanctuary.
What did you read when you were growing up? I find joy in the lives of the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and the Sweet Valley twins.Oh! I love Jessica and the Unicorns. They's my best friends.
What are your Top Ten Favorite/Memorable Books?
The following are my top ten as of now, I believe there are hundreds to be discovered yet. Obviously, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Again, illuminating the mysteries of a "meaningless" life and the wonderful connection between everyone. P.S. I love you by Cecelia Ahern, a great love story and i definitely can't wait to see the movie. My favorite line in this book is from the song Holly sung.. "i'll get by with the help of my friends".Cecelia's other books; If you could see me now, a reminder of our childhood days and our imaginary friend; and Rosie Dunne, a love story told through letters, emails and SMS messages -- i can relate. The Alchemist by Paulo Cuelho, everyone's responsibility to follow our dreams or should I say alalahanin mo panaginip mo. The Little Prince, what is essential is invisible to the eyes. Hope for the Flowers, be a butterfly! Eragon and the Eldest, i love Saphira. James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas & Sam's Letter to Jennifer, sob sob sob.
What do you base your choice of books to read? I usually check Power Books recommendation and best seller, check READ magazines and recommendation from friends. Once I read a creation of an author and enjoyed it, I'll continue to read their other works.
What do you do with your books before and after reading them? I don't read a book unless I had it covered already and then after reading, I just keep them. I make sure my books are accounted in my librarything account.
What are you reading now? What's next in yur reading list? I'm trying to finish the Letters to a Young Poet. I have Pursuit to Happyness next in my reading list.
i got a chance to be interviewed in a magazine (READ by Powerbooks). i'm sharing the article with you. (a make believe)
Blanca: procurement engineer, a student, a friend & a pretty girl in the neighborhood (down those eyebrows, this is my article!)
How Did you Became a Reader? I started reading back in high school, influenced by my classmates who made the library their sanctuary.
What did you read when you were growing up? I find joy in the lives of the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and the Sweet Valley twins.Oh! I love Jessica and the Unicorns. They's my best friends.
What are your Top Ten Favorite/Memorable Books?
The following are my top ten as of now, I believe there are hundreds to be discovered yet. Obviously, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Again, illuminating the mysteries of a "meaningless" life and the wonderful connection between everyone. P.S. I love you by Cecelia Ahern, a great love story and i definitely can't wait to see the movie. My favorite line in this book is from the song Holly sung.. "i'll get by with the help of my friends".Cecelia's other books; If you could see me now, a reminder of our childhood days and our imaginary friend; and Rosie Dunne, a love story told through letters, emails and SMS messages -- i can relate. The Alchemist by Paulo Cuelho, everyone's responsibility to follow our dreams or should I say alalahanin mo panaginip mo. The Little Prince, what is essential is invisible to the eyes. Hope for the Flowers, be a butterfly! Eragon and the Eldest, i love Saphira. James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas & Sam's Letter to Jennifer, sob sob sob.
What do you base your choice of books to read? I usually check Power Books recommendation and best seller, check READ magazines and recommendation from friends. Once I read a creation of an author and enjoyed it, I'll continue to read their other works.
What do you do with your books before and after reading them? I don't read a book unless I had it covered already and then after reading, I just keep them. I make sure my books are accounted in my librarything account.
What are you reading now? What's next in yur reading list? I'm trying to finish the Letters to a Young Poet. I have Pursuit to Happyness next in my reading list.
the five people you meet in heaven
we are all connected to each other in ways we don’t even realize, and that perhaps, when your life is over, you may find out all the other “waves” in this big ocean that you affected without even knowing it -- the five people you meet in heaven by mitch albom
one of my favorites. reveals unexpected connection of our lives. how interesting every person who came and touched our lives. we may not realize the difference they made but time will come when we will find ourselves saying "Someone said this to me".
illuminates the mysteries of what we thought "meaningless" life. remember the stranger who helped you find your way when you were lost? we are all connected to each other in ways we may not realize nor understand
one of my favorites. reveals unexpected connection of our lives. how interesting every person who came and touched our lives. we may not realize the difference they made but time will come when we will find ourselves saying "Someone said this to me".
illuminates the mysteries of what we thought "meaningless" life. remember the stranger who helped you find your way when you were lost? we are all connected to each other in ways we may not realize nor understand
while everyone is excited
Christmas is in few weeks from now. It seems to me that everyone is excited but me. I never liked the season. Call me different but it is one thing I never looked forward. But of course I have to show people in the office that I am otherwise my boss will not approve my planned 2-weeks leave.
So why did I never liked Christmas? Reason why we are celebrating this season has been totally commercialized. And why on earth are we all going to be loving-caring people only in this season? The season makes me nostalgic as well. I never liked the feeling of life-dramas.
While everyone is counting, I just want this pass and get it over with. “May” has always a better month for me. And oh, I don’t need any unsolicited opinion on this one.
So why did I never liked Christmas? Reason why we are celebrating this season has been totally commercialized. And why on earth are we all going to be loving-caring people only in this season? The season makes me nostalgic as well. I never liked the feeling of life-dramas.
While everyone is counting, I just want this pass and get it over with. “May” has always a better month for me. And oh, I don’t need any unsolicited opinion on this one.
while i was in class
started our next module this afternoon. we were discussing about logistics, inventory, demand planning and i couldn't help but find myself in somewhere-land.
not that i'm saying that the class was boring. *wink*
i recall the pictures i posted in flickr, story based on 5 frames. mine was about the name written in the sand. starts with when it was written and then when the waves is nearing by and ended when it being covered with waves. i should have added another picture when the name was already washed off by the wave. it could have been excellent. i wonder if i can still edit what i posted.
oh! i have to pass Starbucks. with only 2 stickers for the 2008 planner, i still have a lot to collect. i wonder if this year's season drinks are good. why couldn't they return the rhumba. i used to love that drink.
opps, there's a message in my phone. it's Coco's birthday today. i need to buy her a gift, or maybe i will wait for Christmas. a 2 in 1 gift. *wink*
and speaking of the holiday, i haven't started my gift list yet.
i'm hungry. i think i want some spicy seafood for dinner.
i am only a second late as agreed, you may now go home. that was my instructor.
Yes, it was time to go home. *wink*wink*
not that i'm saying that the class was boring. *wink*
i recall the pictures i posted in flickr, story based on 5 frames. mine was about the name written in the sand. starts with when it was written and then when the waves is nearing by and ended when it being covered with waves. i should have added another picture when the name was already washed off by the wave. it could have been excellent. i wonder if i can still edit what i posted.
oh! i have to pass Starbucks. with only 2 stickers for the 2008 planner, i still have a lot to collect. i wonder if this year's season drinks are good. why couldn't they return the rhumba. i used to love that drink.
opps, there's a message in my phone. it's Coco's birthday today. i need to buy her a gift, or maybe i will wait for Christmas. a 2 in 1 gift. *wink*
and speaking of the holiday, i haven't started my gift list yet.
i'm hungry. i think i want some spicy seafood for dinner.
i am only a second late as agreed, you may now go home. that was my instructor.
Yes, it was time to go home. *wink*wink*
rebirth of random thoughts - this and that
while having an exchange of email with my friends, marlon came up with an idea that we (marlon, chie and i) create a blog account. it will be a venue for us to express all our thoughts; interesting, valuable and mostly not .. and while everything else is still in its planning stage, here i am writing my own.. thus the rebirth of random thoughts in its new name.. this and that..
inspired by an article from healthy options magazine, here's my list of "anything"-feel-good: a good book, sipping Starbucks mocha frap (sshhh, i'm actually in Seattle's Best while writing this, talk about favorites huh?), SPA (thinking about it is already relaxing), applying alcohol in your hands after cutting nails (the best!), foot spa and pedicure (so girly!), refreshing bath, eating Bread Talk's Floss (and i wonder why i'm fat?), taking pictures, listening to whatever-music while driving, sleeping, having silly conversations with friends, and let me borrow Chimp's favorite -- a cloudy but sunny day. great times.
inspired by an article from healthy options magazine, here's my list of "anything"-feel-good: a good book, sipping Starbucks mocha frap (sshhh, i'm actually in Seattle's Best while writing this, talk about favorites huh?), SPA (thinking about it is already relaxing), applying alcohol in your hands after cutting nails (the best!), foot spa and pedicure (so girly!), refreshing bath, eating Bread Talk's Floss (and i wonder why i'm fat?), taking pictures, listening to whatever-music while driving, sleeping, having silly conversations with friends, and let me borrow Chimp's favorite -- a cloudy but sunny day. great times.
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