PhotoHunt#99 Public

Former presidential daughter Chelsea Clinton grew up under the public's eye. Now that she has grown up and is getting married, people's curiosity about her are on the rise again.

I can't imagine the pressure being in the public eye. It's like living in an aquarium where everybody is watching every movement you make with everybody having a say on what you have to do or say.

As I watched these models pretend to walk and talk nonchalantly around the place during our photography workshop, our photographer-lecturer was giving instructions nonstop to them. To pretend, smile pretty and act like everything's A-okay in public is something so hard to do. But these girls were doing those very well.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Running Our Race

An email came to me today and it goes…

"…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…"
(Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJ).

We were about to do a glamour photo shoot last weekend and we were waiting for the models to come out from their dressing room. After a few minutes, they came out one by one. We all stopped what we were doing and most of us gawked at them. The models were really pretty and sexy. One was really fair-skinned that one photographer was scratching his head trying to figure out how to adjust his camera’s exposure.

When I recovered from staring and gawking, I remarked “I can never see myself as fair skinned as them.” A friend heard what I said and asked, “Aren’t you suppose to be wishing that you could be as fair-skinned as them. Most girls would? A lot have gone as far as downing bottles of glutathione to shed the melanin off their skin.”

I shot back, “No, am happy with my own skin. It has served me well. I can’t make myself as fair-skinned as the models as I’ll just be worrying constantly about not getting bumped or something.”

In a world today of must-haves, it is just so easy to always be in competition with everyone around us. We feel inferior when we see somebody who has something we perceived as better and superior as what we have. We fret. We fuss. We plan until we outwit, outsmart or outdone them. Sounds like the slogan of the Survivor Reality show but the show probably hit the right nerve about how the world thinks nowadays. But the thing is, being on a constant lookout for somebody who is better than us is a very unhealthy competition because there’ll always be someone ahead of us. There’ll always be someone who’ll be better than us.

The better attitude is to strive to be the best that you can possibly be. Do not compete with others but to yourself. In time and with perseverance, blessings will come.

Litratong Pinoy#106 Gusto (Like/Want/Desire)

There are a lot of things I'd like to do nowadays but as they say, take it slow. So, am trying to do just that.

I'd like to know more about photography. I just attended a lecture-workshop this past weekend. I had learned a lot but I realized that I still need to learn more about photography if I want my photos to look better.

Pilipino:
Andami kong gustong gawin ngayon pero sabi nga nila, hinay-hinay lang. Kaya, sinusubukan kong gawin iyon.

Gusto kong matutunan pa nang lubos ang paglilitrato. Kakatapos ko lang sumali sa isang panayam sa paglilitrato nitong nakaraang linggo. Marami akong natutunan samantalang napagtanto kong mas marami akong kailangang malaman kung gusto kong gumanda pa ang aking mga litrato.

Banaue Rice Terraces

 San Francisco Bay, California

My desire to travel and sightsee around the Philippines and outside the country has not waned yet. So, I'd like to continue traveling as long as I can.

Most of all, I want that my father could recover from cancer and live a longer life. It doesn't matter if I can get what the things I said I want earlier as long as he recovers and live a better life.

Pilipino:
Hindi pa rin nawawala ang kagustuhan kong magbiyahe at mamasyal dito sa Pilipinas at sa labas ng bansa. Kaya naman, gusto kong magbiyahe hangga't sa aking makakaya.

Higit sa lahat, gusto ko sanang gumaling at humaba pa ang buhay ng tatay kong may sakit ng kanser. Hindi na mahalaga kung makukuha ko ang mga naunang sinabi kong gusto kong gawin basta lang gumaling at umayos na ang kanyang kalusugan.

Angelina Jolie Is Worth Her Salt

I just watched Angelina Jolie's latest starrer, Salt. I must say that the lady still got her touch and can really challenge any movie action star worth his or her salt on any action scenes. I most loved the car chase scene wherein she jumped from truck roof to another while they were moving fast on an interstate highway.

While there were action scenes that weren't new to me, like scaling the windows of a high-rise apartment,  jumping from one roof to another or even engaging into a close arm to arm combat with guys twice her size, the mere fact that the lady can actually do these scenes are already amazing. Add to that is that she can actually run, jump and fight full throttle ahead, got me wishing I was her..LOL!

Actually, I was like awed while thinking..this girl is a mother of six! How did she do all those?! Heck, she can trample Brad Pitt easily with those fight scenes!

Ruby Tuesday#60

These are the products of the activity we did for the photography workshop I attended this weekend. I don't know the plant's name but I like its color and patterns. I still have a lot to learn about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure and such but hey, am having fun with photography nowadays.

Sunday Stealing#54 Meme of Many Odd Questions, Part Three

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Kuda Girl of the blog named Kuda Girl's Journal. Kuda Girl explains that she ripped it from two bloggers Slay Me Softly and Dragon Fly Lady. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It has 65 questions, so we'll do it in parts. This is the final chapter. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part Three
Cheers to all of us thieves!
45. Favorite color?
Nowadays, black and green.

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Long time ago.

47. Is your hair curly?
It gets wavy.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Ray Charles' Duets

49. Do looks matter?
Sometimes but not all the time.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Depends on what he/she cheated on.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
Oh yeah, it's creeping me out.

52. Do you like your life right now?
It could get better.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No, I like to sleep with silence on.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Yes, quite well most of the times.

55. Do you have good vision?
Yes, I'd hate to think I wasted on laser.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Dislike more than 3 people.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
When am in the office, it's like almost all the time due to the nature of my work.

58. The last person you held hands with?
A very good friend of mine.

59. What are you wearing?
Houseclothes. Am so ready for bed.

60. What is your favourite animal?
Cats and dogs.

61. Where was your favorite picture taken at?
Too many favorites but the latest was taken in Banaue and Sagada.

62. Can you hula hoop?
For the life of me, I can't make the hula hoop stay long.

63. Do you have a job?
Oh yes, thank God for that.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?

Groceries.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes hehehehe!

PhotoHunt#98 Hanging

Yes, these girls are still alive and yes, those are rings of fire hanging around their necks. Just joking :D Actually, a ring of fire running circles on their neck while I took continuous shots in slow shutter speed. They were doing the fire dance and thanks to the Basic Photography Workshop I attended just today, I was able to do that photo.

My brain cells are filled with the words like aperture, depth of field, exposure, ISO, shutter speed and other terms in photograph today. At least though, I can say now that I understand a little bit of those words after attending the Basic Photography Workshop today at Tribung K'Mindanawan. It was initially intimidating even made more so when I saw that except for me and a friend, the participants are holding their own DSLR's.

They came in various sizes with complementing bazooka-like lenses, those DSLR's. It took me a few minutes to take out my cute, compact Canon G10. How could I dare take out my cute firecracker against those SCUD-looking missiles. Anyway, after some prodding and encouragement by the lecturer and other participants, I gingerly exposed my "advanced digital camera" Canon G10. Poor thing, it's been almost a year since I bought it and I still don't know much about its other features and buttons except setting it on AUTO. LOL!

I'm amazed though that I learned a lot today about photography and about my camera. I learned how to slow my shutter speed to shoot this...*oh, that's how these numbers in this button work here*



I learned that I can set my camera on continuous shot and keep on shooting to produce this shot...

These girls look like there are rings of fire hanging around their bodies.

We'll have another session tomorrow. I wonder what we'll be doing next. For sure, I'd be sweating buckets again trying to apply what I learned. Mind you, the words aperture and such on my brain don't necessarily translate easily on my fingers that operate my camera but I'm having fun though.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Botoxing Charice

Filipino international singing sensation, Charice Pempengco, is causing a different stir nowadays. All of eighteen years old, the powerhouse singer has undergone a Botox procedure in preparation for her “Glee” appearance. The anti-ageing procedure was even witnessed live by some invited media people at the clinic of the controversially well-known Filipino doctor, Vicki Belo.

Source: http://www.epigee.org/beauty/botox.html
Botox is made from Botulinum Toxin Type, a protein complex produced by a bacterium, which has the same toxin that results in food poisoning.
In small, medical doses, however, this bacterium blocks the release of a chemical known as acetylcholine that is released by the nerve cells, virtually blocking electrical messages sent by the brain (and more specifically, by acetylocholine) to the muscles to contract and move. Because these messages are blocked, there is less of a chance of developing fine lines and wrinkles.

In the case of Charice, people are reacting negatively to it because she’s not only young at 18 years old but she actually looks younger than her age.

Botox is mostly synonymous to aging or not-so-young people, mostly celebrities. It’s already disturbing to see and hear people giving too much value to appearances but to see someone as young as Charice doing it is, well, quite saddening especially that she has a lot of young fans that emulate her. Goodness, my nieces are already asking if Botox are actually good for them.

Blurred By The Mind

Sometimes in our confusion, 

we see not the world as it is,
but the world through the eyes 
blurred by the mind

Litratong Pinoy#105 Tawid (Cross)

Tourism was still not the "in" thing when I started traveling with my friends around the Philippines years ago. This is why, I went through a lot of travel hardships. Because the Philippines is made up of seven thousand one hundred seven islands, it was inevitable that I went through different modes of water transportation.

To compare the water transportation from years ago to now, it can be said that what we have now are better, bigger and faster.

I can still remember the boat we had years ago on our way to Camiguin. The travel took two hours and all those two hours, I prayed constantly. The boat we had was overloaded that I could actually touch the waters. Nowadays, there are now RORO barges that ply to Camiguin Island from Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Of course, I could not touch the waters anymore.



Pilipino:
Hindi pa masyadong uso ang turismo noon nang mag-umpisa akong mamasyal sa kung saan-saan sa Pilipinas kasama ang mga kaibigan. Dahil doon, napagdaanan ko ang klase-klaseng hirap sa pagbibiyahe. Dahil sa pitong libo't isang daan at pitong isla (sinubukan ko lang kung kaya ko bang tagalugin iyan) ang Pilipinas, napagdaanan ko ang anu-anong klaseng sakayang pantawid dagat.

Kung ikukumpara ang mga sasakyang pantawid dagat sampung taon na ang nakalilipas sa ngayon, di hamak na mas maganda, mas malaki at mas mabilis na ang mga ginagamit ngayon kaysa noon.

Natatandaan ko pa ang bangkang sakay namin noon papuntang Camiguin. Dalawang oras ang tagal ng biyahe. Sa dalawang oras na iyon, panay ang dasal ko. Kasi ba naman, sa sobrang puno ng bangka ay kayang-kaya kong iabot ang kamay ko sa dagat. Ngayon, may mga barkong RORO(Roll On, Roll Off) na papuntang Camiguin mula bayan ng Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Siyempre, hindi ko na maabot ang dagat sa laki ng barkong yan.


Davao City to Samal Island Roll On, Roll Off barge

The roll on, roll off barges really helped not only the tourism industry but also the trade and commerce of the islands. With these barges, people as well as products and services can travel safer and faster. Hopefully, we can see more of these modes of water transportation in the future as they got better, safer and faster. Easy crossing, go!

Pilipino:
Ang mga barkong roll on, roll off ay naging malaking tulong hindi lang sa industriya ng turismo pati na rin sa kalakalan at komersyo ng mga isla. Sa mga barkong ito, mas mabilis at matiwasay ang biyahe ng mga tao at paglilipat ng mga produkto at serbisyo. Sana, may makita pa tayong mga mas magagaling, maayos at mabibilis na ganitong uri ng transportasyong pandagat. Sa madaling pagtatawid, halina!

On His Third Chemo

Yesterday was my father's third chemotherapy session. My father didn't want to check in to the hospital so he was allowed to have his chemo at the doctor's clinic. A good thing because the cost was lesser. It didn't diminish my anxiety though.

With an improved appetite and lesser difficulty in swallowing his food, the past weeks had us relieved and encouraged. The latest CT scan reversed the relief though. After two sessions of chemotherapy session, a lot of my father's cancer cells did diminish in size but some got bigger. Perplexed, our doctors asked for the CT scan films instead of relying on the lab reading results.

Almost at the same time, my father's appetite deteriorated. He was relying more on drinking milk than eating solid food.

With this situation, my father's third chemotherapy session was such a big worry for me. Thankfully, a cousin who is a registered nurse volunteered to stay with him and my mother for the day as he had his session. They went home by the afternoon. We do still need to talk to the doctor regarding the CT results. I was thinking we might need to reconsider his current treatment plan.

Ruby Tuesday#59 Plaza Lacson, Manila

This is the statue of Arsenio Lacson, a former mayor of Manila. He was nicknamed "Arsenic" for having a bad mouth but with a good heart. The plaza wherein this statue stands was named after him. It was formerly known as Plaza Goiti.

Plaza Lacson is part of old Manila and is situated just right after McArthur Bridge in Carriedo, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Sunday Stealing#53 Meme of Many Odd Questions, Part Two

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Kuda Girl of the blog named Kuda Girl's Journal. Kuda Girl explains that she ripped it from two bloggers Slay Me Softly and Dragon Fly Lady. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It has 65 questions, so we'll do it in parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part Two
Cheers to all of us thieves!
23. Do you rent movies often?
I used to but not much anymore.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Hmm..the mask I bought during Ati-atihan festival.

25. How many countries have you visited?
Let me count..Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, USA and Australia. A total of 8.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Yes, to a friend.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes, I usually use train in Manila and other countries.

28. Brown or white eggs?
White eggs but I would love brown eggs but it's not easy to find here.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes.

30. Do you use Chap Stick?
No.

31. Do you own a gun?
No but I'd like to learn how to use one.

32. Can you use chop sticks?
Yes, but not very well.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Myself and family.

34. Are you too forgiving?
Yes, sometimes especially if the person is someone I care about.

35. Ever been in love?
Yes.

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow (or the next soonest week day)?
Probably, working.

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes.

38. Last time you cried?
Yesterday.

39. What was the last question you asked?
When's breakfast?

40. Favorite time of the year?
Summer.

41. Do you have any tattoos?
I have none. I had a temporary before, a string of butterflies circling my left ankle.

42. Are you sarcastic?
I can really be.

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
I tried. Some classmates was able to and they taught me but I couldn't because I was thinking too much how to do it.

PhotoHunt#97 Triangle

The Church of the Monastery of Transfiguration is located at Brgy. San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. It was the last work of the National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin. His works include the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine International Convention Center, the church of Holy Sacrifice and the official residence of Sultan of Brunei, Istana Nurul Iman.




This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

You May Submit What You Want To Submit

I received a disturbing call today. More than a week ago, I submitted a complete set of documents in an agency for compliance and evaluation. The caller I had today was calling in behalf of that agency. She told me that I submitted an incomplete set of documents. Totally surprised (because I reviewed my documents for completeness several times), I asked her what particular document was lacking.

She told me that my bank statements were not submitted when in fact, the bank statements I submitted were original copies. I told her so. Then, she went silent while I could hear the rustling paper on her line. When she came back, she told me she can’t find it. So, I asked her if I can send photocopies or would she need additional documents for me to send.

Her surprising answer was, “You may submit what you want to submit.” I was actually stupefied with her suggestion. Took me a while to recover, in fact. Not giving up, I asked her again. I got the same bewildering answer. Then, she suddenly said “Ok, let me just call you again.” Until now, she hasn’t called yet.

How can somebody suggest something like that? It is considered as a standard operating procedure and a polite way of dealing with clients’ queries to be specific of what requirements or documents are needed to be submitted.

If I had been the supervisor of that caller, she would be in trouble especially that she was transacting in behalf of an international agency. Shame.

Learning New Things

I feel that am spending too much time here on the internet without so much results but my blogs. So, to test my brain cells if they are still functioning aside when am at work, I am planning to attend two workshops, to wit:

Creative Writing Workshop which will be held this coming Saturday from 8am to 5pm at the PLDT Training Room, Davao City. Details here.

Photography Workshop which will be held this coming July 24 and July 25, 2010. Details below:

Registration Fee-3,500/2-day photo workshop

Guest Speaker: Mr. Jomel Gregorio
De La Salle-Saint Benilde College of Design and Arts Professor
AsianTraveler magazine Photographer
Top Destination Photographer
Tintographer/artist

Inclusive of:
- Workshop Module (prepared by Mr.Jomel Gregorio)
- Shirt (with Fotospeakmedia logo)
- Jomel Gregorio Photo Exhibit (sponsored by Canon) -Day 1 @ tribu mindanawan
- Privilege to be a member of Fotospeakmedia-Mindanao Group
- Certificate of Participation
- Photo contest
- Free meal/snacks

who can JOIN?
-Photo enthusiast with ANY DSLR Camera or Advance Digital Compact Camera with M-mode.

DAY 1
Venue: Tribu K' Mindanawan
Time : 9 am - 5pm
Activities:
- Hand-on lecture (basic photography)
- Trouble Shooting
- Photo shoot with Tribu Mindanawan Dancers, wildlife photography
- Shots for Photo contest
- Preparation for photo entries
- On the spot photo printing (c/o Canon)
- May extend for night shooting


DAY 2
Venue: Loleng's Garden Resort (Free ride going to the site)
time: 9 am - 5pm
Activities:
-Short Forum with Guest Speaker
-hands on Lecture
-Fashion/Glamour Photography
-Presentation of the Photo Entry
-Photo Critiques
-Photo Shoot with Models (Mutya ng Dabaw runners-up)
-Giving of Certificates
-Awarding for the Best Photo winners (c/o Canon, Tekpone and other Sponsors)

Yes, yes..I know I don't have DSLR camera even if I'm fantasizing to have one. But for now, I'll make do with my Canon G10 point and shoot.

Mind you, am kind of intimidated with these two workshops but what the heck, there's no better way to get my brain cells juice going but to intimidate them sometimes. Fighting! Who wants to go with me..let's get it on!

Litratong Pinoy#104 Dismaya (Dismay)

I have always been fascinated with the old churches of the Philippines. The most fascinating ones can be found in the northern part of the country with its well-preserved architectural designs and beautiful interiors worthy of international accolades.

I wanted to get some clear pictures of some of the old churches of Manila, one of which is the Santa Cruz Church located in the old Manila. But when I got there with a friend, I felt so dismayed with the electric cables obstructing the view of the church. I went out on the street to try to get a better angle. Left angle..no good! Dismay to the max!

Pilipino:
Matagal na akong halinang-halina sa mga matatandang simbahan ng Pilipinas. Ang pinakamahalina sa kanila ay iyong mga makikita sa hilagang parte ng bansa dahil sa kanilang maayos na pagkapreserba ng kanilang disenyong arkitektura at magagandang looban na karapat-dapat bigyang pang-internasyonal na mga papuri.


Gusto kong makakuha ng mga klarong litrato ng mga lumang simbahang ito ng Manila, isa na roon ang simbahang Santa Cruz na nasa lumang Maynila. Kaya lang nang dumating ako roon kasama ang isang kaibigan, nadismaya ako sa nakitang mga kawad at mga poste ng kuryente na nakaharang sa tanawin ng simbahan. Lumabas ako sa may kalsada para makahanap ng mabuting anggulo. Kaliwang anggulo..hindi maganda! Sobrang nakakadismaya!

Right angle...worse! Whoever put those electric posts with snaking electric cables all over right infront of Sta. Cruz Church has really no respect to the church. How dismaying!

Pilipino: Sa bandang kanang anggulo..mas malala! Sinumang naglagay ng mga poste at kableng kuryente na nagkalat sa harap ng simbahan ng Sta. Cruz ay wala talagang respeto sa simbahan. Nakakadismaya!

Ruby Tuesday#58 A Friend's Pat On The Shoulder

This group is one of the participants in a cultural dance contest during our city's foundation day, Araw ng Dabaw. It was a hot day and I imagined it to be very tiring for the participants who had to endure not only the heat but also the waiting for their turn while standing up.

One of the girls looked so tired and weary and the other tried to consoled her by patting her on the shoulder.

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday hosted by Mary. Go here for more.

Viva La Espana!

Spain wins World Cup 2010! Congratulations! Spain won over Netherlands.

It must have been thrilling to see this World Cup final I would really like to see this event on TV. Perhaps, I could find a youtube video of this game. I’d better check it out now.

Soccer is not that popular in the Philippines, a country more basketball-crazy than soccer-crazy. Ironic really, when soccer can actually more fitting for a country whose average height can never compete with the international standards. We look like midgets beside those international basketball giants!

Perhaps, we should give more attention to soccer more. We might have better chance in the international circuit. After all, one of the soccer greats is a Filipino-Spaniard, Paulino Alcantara who is the first Filipino and first Asian who played in a European club. (source:wikipedia)

Holiday Gym Promo

Holiday Gym is having a promo on their gym rates until July 15, 2010. Check this out...

3 months + 1 month - P4,000
6 months + 2 months - P7,000
12 months + 4 months - P11,000

Group discounts on top of this promo:
2 to 4 persons - 5%
5 to 8 persons - 10%
9 to 12 persons - 15%

For more information, you may contact telephone numbers 2223041 and 2224207 or visit Holiday Gym at F. Torres St., Davao City.

Sunday Stealing#52 Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part One

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Kuda Girl of the blog named Kuda Girl's Journal. Kuda Girl explains that she ripped it from two bloggers Slay Me Softly and Dragon Fly Lady. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It has 65 questions, so we'll do it in parts. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: Meme Of Many Odd Questions, Part One
Cheers to all of us thieves!
1. First thing you wash in the shower?
My hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Green

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Absolutely, yes.

4. Do you plan outfits?
Sometimes..when I'm in the mood.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Feeling lazy.

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
My ballpen holder.

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
Hmm...I couldn't recall it fully but it has something to do with a friend's financial problems.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Yes.

9. What are you craving right now?
Am craving for somebody's company.

10. Do you floss?
Yes.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Salad.

12. Are you emotional?
Yes, sometimes.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Yes, it used to be a challenge for us siblings.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
LIck it.

15. Do you like your hair?
Yes.

16. Do you like yourself?
Yes.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Nah.

18. What are you listening to right now?
I can hear somebody playing video games and I can hear my father watching Engelbert Humperdinck on DVD.

19. Are your parents strict?
Yes.

20. Would you go sky diving?
Oh yes, it's part of my bucket list.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Not very much.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes, several times. I would love to meet Brad Pitt in the future though.

PhotoHunt#96 Free

The guards were not around. The area was abandoned. It was a hot day, after all and the visitors preferred staying indoors while we were busy checking out the perimeter of the place called Malacanang of the North in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

We saw some mango trees near the dried up Olympic-sized swimming pool. FREE for the taking. The mango trees were full of big, juicy green mangoes that we started to drool a bit *giggle*. So, with me keeping an eye on whoever might come near us, my friends strained to reach the irresistible mangoes. We got two. Sour but crunchy!

Malacanang of the North was one of the resthouses of the former president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. It is now being managed by the government and is now a museum.



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Gawad Kalinga's Goodbye Gutom Day

On July 24, 2010, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Bayan-Anihan is going all-out to fight hunger. With the help of multi-sectoral partners, GK Bayan-Anihan will be holding the Goodbye Gutom day event in 4 different places in the Philippines.

Luzon: GK Amalia Village Conception, Tarlac
           GK Pura Obias Village San Jose, Camarines Sur

Visayas: GK ERH Village Sum-ag, Bacolod City

Mindanao: GK San Pueblo Village, Catigan, Toril, Davao City.

For those who are interested, go here for more details. 

Litratong Pinoy#103 Discipline (Disiplina)

If only most of us Pinoys are disciplined, we can surely surpass our neighbor-countries. A simple discipline could mean a lot. For example, the simple discipline of lining up.

All of us do not like lining up but we need to do it. I don't know why but there are many who don't want to wait in line. They are in a hurry, they said. Who aren't? So, if they can't jump on the line, they pay under the table. The little payment under the table that's where most of the corruption started pulling down our country.

I hope, something changes soon..



Kung ma-disiplina lang sana ang karamihan sa ating mga Pinoy, siguradong hihigitan natin ang ating mga karatig-bansa. Malaking bagay na ang isang simpleng disiplina. Kagaya nalang ng simpleng disiplina ng paglilinya.

Lahat naman tayo naiinis maglinya, pero lahat naman kailangang maglinya. Ewan ko ba at marami sa atin ang ayaw maghintay sa linya. Nagmamadali daw. Sino ba'ng hindi? Kaya, hayun..kung hindi makasingit sa linya, nagbibigay nalang ng suhol sa ilalim ng lamesa. Diyan nag-uumpisa sa maliliit na suhol ang maraming katiwalian na nagpapabagsak sa ating bansa.

Sana, may mabago na...

Implementing the IRR of Expanded Senior Citizens Act

A few days ago the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 or RA 9994 has been approved. Among other things, the new guidelines shall entitle senior citizens the twenty percent (20%) and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of the goods and services covered by Article 7, Sections 1 to 6 of the said act.

The new development is really a cause for celebration among the senior citizens but the question now is how is it going to be fully implemented. Already, a lot of establishments are complaining about the loss of profit from the said discounts and already, some prescribed medicines, specifically, chemotherapy drugs were excluded from the senior citizen’s discounts.

Ruby Tuesday#57 Wedding At St. Pancratius Chapel

A wedding was about to start in Paco Park when we arrived. Thankfully, the accommodating security guard allowed us to get in to take pictures inside an otherwise intimately private wedding.


This is St. Pancratius Chapel inside Paco Park, Manila. Paco Park is now popular for weddings and other events but it used to be a municipal cemetery of the walled city of Manila.

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday hosted by Mary. Go here for more.

Dr. Maithri's The Soaring Impulse

Once in a while, I encounter a blog or blogs that convey a beautiful message, a heartrending story, a gentle reminder that not there's more than coveting iPod 4 or the latest LCD TV model, there is more than getting truly carried away watching Bella Swan's (Kristen Stewart) struggle in choosing between the vampire, Edward Cullen and the werewolf with washboard abs, Jacob Black and there is more in worrying how can I earn more money.

Dr. Maithri's blog, The Soaring Impulse, just makes me feel guilty as well as grounded as to what is more important in this earth of ours. Reading his blog posts makes me feel that what I thought as heavy burdens in my life are not as heavy as those sufferings he had witnessed in Swaziland. I easily forget that I don’t need that iPod 4 or the Sony flat TV that I have been salivating on for months now.

Dr. Maithri is a medical doctor who can easily make it as a professional singer, a gifted wordsmith with a generous heart bigger than Swaziland, he has a way with words that always makes his blog stand out among others.

If you could, dear readers, go there and read some of his posts and maybe..just maybe, contribute something to help with his organization’s projects to alleviate the sufferings in Swaziland, please do help.

God’s blessings for your little sacrifices shall be a hundredfold.

Sunday Stealing#51 The Eighty Meme, Part Two

 
Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Heart of Shou of the blog named Musings of an Absent Mind. Shou explains that she ripped it from a blogger named Erro. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. It was originally 80 questions, hence the name. We chose 44 of them and here is the second part! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Eighty Meme, Part Two
Cheers to all of us thieves!
23. Are your days fast-paced?
Yes, especially when am working or doing some project.

24. What did you do last night?
I finished rereading Eclipse. I like the book better now than the first time I read it.

25. Do you use sarcasm?
Yes, I do.

26. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
I'll be 43.

27. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Yes, kind of.

28. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex?
Both, actually.

29. Do you watch the news?
Yes, but not as often.

30. How did you get one of your scars?
I got one of my scars after getting chicken pox. It was  the first one to come out and I thought it was just a stubborn pimple so I pricked it. I called it the mother chicken pox.

31. Who was the last person to make you mad?
Annoyed at but more like sad at what happened, a good friend of mine. There are times I wish we're not close. It would be easier to not get hurt or get sad or feel anything.

32. What is the last big thing you purchased?
Electric stove.

33. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
The friend that I got annoyed to. Perhaps we need to talk more. We don't talk much anymore or we do talk but it's mostly trivial things.

34. What is a rumour someone has spread about you?
This has happened years ago. A guy spread out a rumor that I was a lesbian.

35. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
Pray and shout for help while at the same time, press the emergency button.

36. T or F: All’s fair in love and war?
Nah, I don't think so. Always, there'll be someone who got the advantage edge and will use it to their favor.

37. Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?
Not sure about that.

38. Do you know which US states don’t use Daylight Savings Time?
No. I've always thought that the DST applied to all states.

39. Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 mustang?
Yes, as long as I don't have to buy it.

40. What’s something you’ve always wanted?
Repair our house. Like major repair but it seems that there's always something that crops up for me to postpone that plan.

41. Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
Ocean. There are times I find  the lake as creepy.

42. Do you wear a lot of black?
Yes, I like it more.

43. Describe your hair:
Short, just down my ears. Layered bob style.

44. Where is/are your best friend(s)?
In this city and in US. 

PhotoHunt#95 Open

It was a relief to be out in the open again. I enjoyed exploring Sumaguing Cave and its magnificent stalagmites, stalactites and other limestone formations but the dark can be quite intimidating at times, especially as we went down further exploring the cave's chambers.

Sumaguing Cave is one of the must-see destinations in Sagada which is located at the northern Philippines.



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Changes Galore

This week had separation galore news. I can’t help but say that truly, change is always inevitable. Let’s do the rundown:

Over the past weekend, Kris Aquino announced over national TV that she’s giving up fighting for her marriage with James Yap. Midweek, the Noynoy inaugural drew thousands of Filipino people at the Quirino Grandstand. Ex-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo drew jeers from the people while marching to the stage while she was feted and cheered in her home province as she started her first day of work as a congresswoman.

Meantime, Kim Hyun Joong, the popular South Korean singer/actor who played Ji Hoo in Boys Over Flowers and leader of South Korean boy band, did not renew his contract from DSP Entertainment. He is now under contract with Bae Yong Joon’s entertainment company, Keyeast Co., Ltd.

As this weekend draws near, Tiger Woods is in the news again. This time it’s not about his prowess in golf but it’s about the finalization of his divorce settlement with his Erin Nordegren.

Kristen Stewart must’ve gotten tired with her Twilight vampire-magnet brunette mane. She changed it to strawberry blonde locks and she is looking great with it. I wonder if Edward Cullen is liking the new hair color though.

As for ordinary me, the change that I’ve been praying for is the continued improvement of the health of my father. We are all so worried for him. I also pray that my mother’s health stays good as she takes care of my father.

Litratong Pinoy#102 Teknolohiya (Technology)

Philippines was supposed to be a forerunner for development and modern technology among the Asian countries decades ago. Greed, selfishness, graft and corruption slowed down our progress even if we have a lot of people who can actually invent and help modern technology easier to access.

Pilipino:

Sinasabing ang Pilipinas ang nangunguna sa asenso at modernong teknolohiya sa mga Asyanong bansa ilang dekada na ang nakararaan. Pagiging matakaw, makasarili, pangunguwalta at katiwalian ang nagpahina nang ating pag-unlad kahit na marami tayong taong maaring umimbento at makatulong sa mas madaling paggamit ng modernong teknoholohiya ng karaniwang Pilipino.



I visited China several times through the years. Each time, I was awed and amazed by their development and the modern technology that was available to its people. This is something that makes me sad for my country.

With the Filipinos' unified help and cooperation to the new president, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, my hope is that our progress with the help of modern technology will now be easier.

The photo was taken in Shanghai, China.
Pilipino:
Noong mga nakaraang taon, nabisita ko ang bansang Tsina nang ilang beses. Sa tuwina, ako ay nasindak at namangha sa kanilang pag-unlad at sa madaling paraan ng paggamit ng modernong teknolohiya para sa kanyang sambayanan. Nakakalungkot itong isipin para sa aking bayan.

Sa nagkakaisang tulong at kooperasyon ng mga Pilipino para sa bagong presidente, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, umaasa akong ang ating pag-unlad sa tulong ng makabagong teknolohiya ay magiging mas madali.

Ang litrato ay kuha sa Shanghai, Tsina.

Ruby Tuesday#58 A Pat On The Shoulder

This group is one of the participants in the cultural presentation during our city's foundation day, Araw ng Dabaw. It was a hot day and I can only imagine it to be very tiring for the participants. I caught these two girls with one of them patting her friend on the shoulder seemingly trying to console the other. 

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday hosted by Mary. Go here for more.

The Heat Is On High Power Bill, Low Power Service

I could almost feel my jaw slacken down to my chest while my eyes strained out of its socket as I read our power and light bill last month. How can I not when it went up almost 50% from the previous month’s bill?! I mistakenly thought we would have it lowered down considering the brownouts that we had. I was about to have a fit (started to say the first syllable of my favorite curse word, in fact) but my mother heard me and reminded me that we started using our electric stove last month after our gas stove’s burner plates became unusable. Okay, I simmered down a bit at that but still could not believe with what I was about to pay. I did pay, grudgingly.

Come this month, I was almost afraid to touch the power and light bill but I had to. There it is, another increase of almost 20%. What the…?! What’s going on? The brownouts are still there. They may have not been happening as frequently as it was but they are still there. Surely, that should count for something in the bill amount. I mean, it should decrease but increase. Agree?

Apparently, Davao Light and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) think otherwise. I have yet to know the reason behind the increase of the power and light bill but one thing’s for sure, the increase hurt my pocket really bad, the power service did not commensurate with the bill I paid. These two companies suck!