5/30/2012

Tuesday Travels#38 Sulyap Gallery Cafe, San Pablo, Laguna

I wanted to experience the old world of the Philippines and what better way to do it by going to places where our heritage has been preserved. Stepping into Sulyap Gallery Café is like stepping back into time. Sulyap Café’s abode is a restored stone house built during the Spanish period. It is one of the two preserved houses inside the Cocoland Compound. Brgy. Del Remedio, San Pablo City, Laguna.



The cafe is brimming with artifacts and antique that waiting for the food went by so fast. Above photo is an example of such antique objects.




While the art objects are food for the eyes, Sulyap Gallery Cafe's food offering is guaranteed mouthwatering. We tried Kulawong Puso ng Saging as recommended by our tour guide, Illuminati Travel and Tours' Joel Aldor and the Tuna Pasta.  Both dishes are unique (at least, for my taste buds) and really good-tasting.

Aside from the cafe, Sulyap Museum and Casa Obando Bed and Breakfast are just within the compound for a very interesting and worthwhile trip. 

To check out the place for their interesting antiques, art objects, food and ambience, here are the contact details:

Sulyap Gallery Cafe
Casa Obando Bed And Breakfast
Tel. nos. 5629735 / 5629740
Mobile nos.:  Smart - 0920-9519185
Globe - 0917-5968760
Email: roy@sulyap.net

5/29/2012

He Got Impeached

Chief Justice Renato Corona made history today. He is the first Supreme Court Judge to get impeached.

The early days of the impeachment trial against Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona never took my interest. I thought it was just a waste of country’s money especially when China threatened our claim on the Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was the only one who made me pause and check momentarily of the goings-on the said trial. However, the trial’s last few days somehow made me wonder if the Chief Judge can actually get out of the tangle he got into. His unapologetic stance when he took the stand made me really believe that he should be impeached. Apparently, the majority of the Senate thought the same.

5/27/2012

Sunday Stealing#123

Today we ripped off a blogger named Hui Lin from the blog Conversations with an Imaginary Audience. It's 200 questions, so we will do it in parts. She does not state where she got it from. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. 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. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


 
21. Have you felt that life is like being on a roller coaster? 
Often. 

22. Favorite year so far? 
The year when I went to US for the first time. 
 
23. Do you consider yourself religious? 
Not very much. 

24. How do you dress to impress? 
For business meetings, business clothes. For a date, just something that I am comfortable wearing and at the same time, would make me feel sexy and confident.

25. Have you ever been to Connecticut?
Just passed by. 

26. Do you eat sushi? 
Nope. 

27. Would you smoke pot providing there was no risk or driving involved? 
Nah. 

28. What do you think of Idol Winner Phillip Phillips?? 
He's good but Jessica Sanchez is much, much better.

29. Do you believe that animals have souls? 
I would like to think so .

30. Who did you last talk to? Share, if you dare.
My mother. Talked about my day and her day.

31. What is one thing that always annoys you? 
Liars and thieves.

32. Do you believe in a higher being? 
Yes.

33. Have you ever fallen in love with a neighbor? 
Just a crush. 

34. Any plans for this weekend? 
Attending a photography workshop. 

35. Would you like to rule your country, if you could?
Nope. We have a lot of problems from all sides. 

36. Do you like watching films about the nature of animals? 
Yes, in fact that's why I watch National Geographic channel often.

37. What's the difference between lust and/or lust? 
Same spelling, same urge.

38. Do you have a soul? 
I'd like to think so.

39. One best friend or many good friends? 
One is good enough for me. 

40. Do you believe in spontaneous combustion? 
Nope. 
 

5/22/2012

Tuesday Travels#37 Paete, Laguna: Carving Capital Of the Philippines


IMG_8251
Known for their intricate, artistic and delicate wood carvings, Paete, Laguna is considered the carving capital of the Philippines. If only I have a budget for these beautiful pieces of art, I would love to have one or two to take home. 

5/20/2012

Sunday Stealing#122

Today we ripped off a blogger named Hui Lin from the blog Conversations with an Imaginary Audience. It's 200 questions, so we will do it in parts. She does not state where she got it from. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. 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. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing! Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, Part One

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, Part One
 
1. Have you ever peed your pants as an adult?
No, God forbid.

2. Who do you have a celebrity crush on now?
Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.

3. Would you date someone you met online?
Maybe, if we get along fine. Besides, I know some people who actually got married with someone they met online.

 4. Do you wear underwear always?
 Yes.

5. Do you hate yourself at times?
I do sometimes.

7. Do you like dirty movies?
What dirty movies? I know only dirty clothes. :D

8. Could you believe Josha Ledet was voted off Idol?
 In American Idol, everything's possible.

 9. When was the last time that you bought a car?
 I didn't have one. I only bought matchbox.

10. Have you ever been camping?
 Years ago, it was fun.

11. How many times a day do you go on facebook?
Usually, just once a day. In the evening.

12. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
 Safe with Jason Statham in it.

13. Have you ever worried that you'd cut off a limb?
 No. I hope I don't have to worry about that anytime soon.

14. Where did you get your last email from?
It's work-related.

15. Favorite website?
 This website and my other ones, http://maritstravels.blogspot.com and http://marites1034.bravejournal.com


16. Are you down with ghetto?
Huh? meaning???

17. Will the world end in fire or ice?
 I hope the world won't end ever.

 18. Do you believe in the afterlife?
Yes.

19. Would you be upset if facebook stopped working?
Not really. I couldn't care less.

20. How did you start your blog?
A friend encouraged me to do it. 

5/19/2012

Love Your Enemy


I was on my to church in a taxi yesterday and was listening to the radio absentmindedly. The radio hosts were talking about asking for God’s grace to have more patience and striving to love one’s enemy.  Out of the blue, the taxi driver asked me if people could actually do what the radio hosts were talking about. I could only laugh. Because honestly, loving one’s enemy is easier said than done. Personally, it takes even a lot of effort to even talk civilly with an enemy especially if my thoughts were running on wanting to pull the hair cuticles forcefully of my enemy. More so, it is harder  nowadays because there are more insensitive, selfish and greedy people around. But like the driver said, with prayers and God’s grace,  we might not be able to love our enemy but we can actually be tolerant towards them. I could only pray for that.

5/13/2012

Sunday Stealing#121

Today we ripped off a blogger named Pookie 808 called Pookie808. We will do it in two parts. Where she got it, we have no idea. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. 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. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Get Out of Jail Free Meme, Part Two



21. Has there ever been anyone that now you regret meeting? 
Yes, I did.  
22. What's the last film you saw? Would you recommend it?
The Avengers. Oh yes, it's a must-see.
23. Would you rather have roommates or live alone? 
Am okay with roommates as long as get along fine with them.

24. Do you like any of your friends a little more than just a friend?
Yes, one.

25. We loved the results yesterday on Saturday 9. Post a rather current song that you'd like us to hear.
Hmm..I don't have a current song right now but I keep thinking about the Etta James song that Jessica Sanchez did this week in American Idol.

27. If you found out that you were going to be a parent, what would you do? If you are one, tell us what the best parent of being a parent is.
I would be both happy and scared.
28. Do you give money to homeless people when they ask? 
I do but not those who're staying on the streets.
 
29. A weekend in Las Vegas or Miami? Why?
Both, because I haven't been to both.
30. What was your reaction to the president supporting gay marriage? 
I'm not against gays but I think, it was too early for him to announce it.
 
31. You are totally alone on a Saturday. What do you do? 
At home, I'd probably be cleaning around the house.  
32. You have 3 months left to live, what is your bucket list? 
Do the list of things to do that I did sometime ago. One of which is to do skydiving.
 
33. You're having a bad day, what one thing can make your day better? 
Talk with a very good friend. 
34. Ever use a tanning bed? 
No, I don't need one. I'm tanned already. 
35. Is there anything you would change about your body if you could? 
I wish my metabolism is the same as it was before.
 
36. You wake up in an unfamiliar place, what is your first reaction? 
Probably, be wondering where am I initially. Explore around and get the hell out of there as fast as I can.
 
37. Is there anything that you should be doing right now?
I should be going to bed now.
38. At what age do you think that sex becomes less important? Why?
Middle age? Not sure. 
39. What is your favorite breakfast food? 
Rice and fried fish.
40. Your phone rings at 4am, who do you expect it to be? 
It could be some relatives from abroad making the call.
 

5/10/2012

Tuesday Travels#36 Things To Do In Laguna

Summer is halfway through and yet, I still have a lot of places to visit on my to-visit list. One thing I am quite glad of is that I was able to visit Laguna with my mother and niece last Holy Week.

The province is well-known for its waterfalls and spring resorts but unknown to a lot of people, there are a lot of things to do in Laguna. A recent discovery is their centuries-old churches and intricately beautiful santos (statues of saints).

IMG_8136
  So, if I  have a chance to visit the northern part of the Philippines this year. Laguna is part of my travel plans.

5/06/2012

Sunday Stealing#120

Today we ripped off a blogger named Pookie 808 called Pookie808.We will do it in two parts. Where she got it, we have no idea. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. 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. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: The Get Out of Jail Free Meme, Part One


1. When you're home alone, do you still close the door when you use the restroom?
Yes, I still do.

2. If you have to go grocery shopping, would you rather go alone or with someone? 
I'd rather go alone.

3. It's your best friends birthday, would you buy them a gift even though they didn't buy you one for yours. 
Sure, I'd buy for my friend. 

4. You win the lottery. Lump sum or small payments over a period of time? Why? 
Lump sum., that way I can plan properly.

5. Do you like your music loud or at a reasonable level? 
Sometimes loud, sometimes at a reasonable level.

6. Are you a beach person or a snowy mountain person? 
The beach!
 
7. When do you brush your teeth?
After every meal.

8. Can you watch scary movies alone?
Eeeek, cannot!

9. Soft bed or firm? And in fantasy land, who's in it with you?
Soft bed. Nobody in fantasy land, for now.

10. Would you rather stay home all day, or be out and about?
Out and about. Can get boring at the house if there are no any projects to do.

11. What's one of your worst memories (that you are comfortable sharing)?
Death of my father. 

12. Do you like to keep the peace or be confrontational?
I can do both.

13. Are you more likely to be with a large group of people or a few close friends?
A few close friends.

14. What are your plans for October?
Travel, most likely.

15. If money were not a problem, where would you like to live?
Same city but in a better neighborhood.

16. What is your ideal profession?
I'm good at work now but I want to learn more.

17. Are you (or were you) close to your Mom and Dad?
Am comfortable with both.

18. What is one fear that you can't seem to overcome?
Losing my mother.

19. Are you good at math?
Sometimes hehehe!

20. Editor's note. There is no question 20. It is sort of like getting a "Get out of Jail Free" card. We will do 21 to 40 next time. Peace & love!

5/02/2012

Tuesday Travels#35 Pagsanjan Falls

Heave...
 IMG_8626 

Carry..
IMG_8628

 Sigh...

IMG_8621

 and wait a bit..
IMG_8623

The things that our boatmen did for two hours as we went through fourteen rapids upstream of Pagsanjan River to reach our destination were just amazing.

 The result..
IMG_8637
  ...is the awesome sight of Pagsanjan Falls