Litratong Pinoy#68 Palengke (Market)

Every night, this nearby street corner turns into a small marketplace. Fresh vegetables, fruits, seafoods, meat and etcetera are being sold here. This is why we do not go to the market that much anymore especially that the prices are all just the same. In some instances, the prices are even lower because sellers from the province bring and sell their products here.

Pilipino:
Tuwing gabi, nagiging munting palengke ang kantong ito na malapit sa amin. Mga preskong gulay, prutas, mga lamang dagat, karne at kung anu-ano pang bilihin ang andito. Kaya tuloy, hindi na kami masyadong pumupunta sa palengke lalo pa’t pare-pareho lang ang mga presyo ng mga bilihin. Minsan pa nga, mas mura pa dahil na rin may mga pumupuwestong manininda na galing pa sa probinsiya.


Along with the fresh produce, there are also cooked food like barbecue, grilled fish, boiled eggs and some more. This is why, this street corner is always busy with people around.

Pilipino:
Kasama sa mga preskong bilihin, may mga lutong pagkain na rin gaya ng barbekyu, inihaw na mga isda, nilagang itlog at iba pa. Kaya naman, itong kantong ito palaging matao.

Ruby Tuesday#17 Philippine Street Food At Barasoain Church

It was a muggy, hot day when we got to Barasoain Church last month to visit it. There were a lot of people milling around looking like they were waiting for something. We went inside the church, prayed and took pictures around the place; and then, we saw some stalls just adjacent to the church's doors.


Here are what the stalls had to offer. These are typical Philippine street foods that can be seen anywhere in the Philippines. Because the Philippines is a tropical country with days typically humid and in some days, it feels like the sun could actually fry your brains out, cold drinks for sale to help ease the sweltering heat and sweat are commonly seen in the streets.

The first on the left was a mixture (halo-halo of fruits, jelly, coconut jelly, milk and sugar with ice), the middle one had ice, tapioca balls (sago) and jelly (gulaman) flavored with vanilla and the last one which was the one I most preferred, had stringy young coconut meat (buko) and pandan flavored jelly with milk, sugar and ice.

These were fishballs and squidballs on a stick. They were deepfried and you got to choose the dips/sauces that you want to have. The choices vary: there were vinegar with onions and diced hot pepper(for the ones who like it spicy), vinegar sauce with just onions, catsup, and sweet and sour sauce. The thing to do is just to put in the entire fishballs or squidballs with the stick in those bottles of dips/sauces and voila! you have your cheap, delicious and filling snacks.

For more pictures of the Barasoain Church, go here.

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Music Monday#21 Fire by 2NE1

This girl group, the 2NE1, is making waves not only in their native country, South Korea, but also here in the Philippines. As I like dance music pretty much especially hiphop dance, this song entitled Fire easily took my liking. This is the street version and I like the portion where they did the robotic dance at 2:57. The space version is quite good too.

credit: YG Entertainment, youtube

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.




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Sunday Stealing#13 One Long Meme (Part Two)

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger called Yellow Jacket from Foma. He explains that "I found this clunker on Impetua's blog.". But, it was probably stolen at that blog as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: One Long Meme (Part Two)

27. Do you prefer to sleep or eat? Eat but right now, I prefer watching the Mayweather vs Marquez free live streaming video. Hopefully, I can also find and watch UFC 103 live stream.

28. Do you look like your mom or dad? When I was younger, a lot of people told me that I looked more like my father. However, as I grow older I started to look more like my mother.

29. How long does it take you in the shower? 15 minutes, tops.

30. Can you do the splits? Yes, but not much as I can 10 years ago.

31. What movie do you want to see right now? Whiteout starring Kate Beckinsale.

32. What did you do for New Year’s? Pray, eat and be merry.

33. Do you think The Grudge was scary? I don't watch horror movies.

34. Do you own a camera phone? Yes.

35. Was your mom a cheerleader? No, but she belonged with the school's dance group.

36. What’s the last letter of your middle name? U

37. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 6 hours.

38. Do you like Care Bears? What are they?

39. What do you buy at the movies? Of course, the first is the ticket and then, some snacks.

40. Do you know how to play poker? Nope

41. Do you wear your seat belt? Yes, when am in a moving vehicle.

42. What do you wear to sleep? Nothing? LOL! Nah, just sleepclothes.

43. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? Just last month, we had our Kadayawan festival.

44. How many meals do you eat a day? 3 meals

45. Is your tongue pierced? No and am not planning to get it.

46. Do you always read MySpace bulletins? Nope, not interested in MySpace.

47. Do you like funny or serious people better? Both.

48. Ever been to L.A.? Nope but I have been to San Francisco and other parts of California though.

49. Did you eat a cookie today? Nope.

50. Do you use cuss words in other languages? Sometimes when I am too pissed.

51. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? hmmm...

52. Do you hate chocolate? I don't hate it and I don't love it either.

53. What do you and your parents fight about the most? Mostly, in how to discipline my nieces.

54. Are you a gullible person? Not at all or I try not to.

55. Do you need a girlfriend to be happy? Heck, no. Happiness comes from one's self.

56. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what what would it be? Professional photographer or dancer.

57. Are you easy to get along with? Pretty much so.

58. What is your favorite time of day? Dawn or early morning.

PhotoHunt#56 Upside Down

This is the sculpture of an upside down diver installing artificial corals in the Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan. The sculpture was installed to recognize the efforts of the groups and individuals that help preserve the marine life of Hundred Islands National Park.

More pictures of the Hundred Islands here.

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Mayweather vs Marquez Live Streaming Video

The Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Jose Manuel Marquez fight is coming this weekend; and I am trying to find a live streaming video of the fight as I do not want to wait for it on TV. The Mayweather vs Marquez fight is going to be an interesting fight as both are quite very good boxers. Marquez was defeated by Pacquiao before and I am quite curious now as how would he fare against Mayweather who has come out of retirement after Pacquiao "Pacman" defeated Hatton this year.

I saw an advertisement for a live streaming video from a restaurant nearby but I have to shell out P300 to see it. My thought, why pay when I could find a free live streaming video for the Mayweather vs Marquez fight on the net. I will just have to look for it.

Litratong Pinoy#67 Karatula(Signboard)

It used to be that I would see the silhouette of Mt. Apo (the tallest mountain in the Philippines) every morning on my way to work. Nowadays, because of the huge billboard standing by the road, my favorite daily view has been obstructed. I hope, someday soon this billboard will be gone as I prefer more to see Mt. Apo than this useless signboard.

Pilipino: Dati-rati, karaniwan ko nang nakikita tuwing umaga ang anyo ng Bundok Apo (ang pinakamataas na bundok ng Pilipinas) habang ako ay papunta sa trabaho. Ngayon, dahil sa napakalaking karatulang nakatayo sa daan, naharangan na ang paborito ko pangitain araw-araw. Sana, maalis na agad itong karatulang ito. Mas gusto kong makita si Apo kasi kaysa sa hindi importanteng karatulang iyan.


It is really difficult if you cannot understand what is being said on a sign, right? This is a signboard at the train station in Shanghai. There were English translations which were a good thing because if not, we would surely get lost anywhere.

Pilipino:Ang hirap kapag hindi mo maintindihan kung ano ang sinasabi ng isang karatula, hindi ba? Eto iyong karatula sa istasyon ng tren sa Shanghai. Buti nalang, may Ingles nang nakasulat kung hindi tiyak maliligaw kami sa kung saan-saan.

This one, I got crazy. I could not get the translation soon enough. Let's see, if you can get it. I saw this outside a Hongkong store. I stared at this signboard for a long time until I just had to laugh. As you can see, Bruce Lee is about to get angry. Did he get it?

Pilipino: Eto naman, naloka ako. Hindi ko "gets" ang pagkasalin agad. Sige nga, kung "gets" ninyo. Nakita ko ito sa labas ng isang tindahan sa Hongkong. Ang tagal kong tinitigan ang karatulang ito hanggang sa matawa nalang ako. Tingnan ninyo naman, parang magagalit na ata si Bruce Lee. Gets kaya niya?

Goodbye, Patrick Swayze

He was one of my first American celebrity-crushes. I saw him first in Dirty Dancing and I was just so awed at his hunky dancer's body and his dancing prowess. I was as heartbroken as Demi Moore in Ghost and now, Patrick Swayze is dead. Just so sad to know that he's gone at 57 after fighting valiantly against cancer.

Goodbye, Patrick Swayze. May you rest in peace.

Ruby Tuesday#16 Our Lunch In Hundred Islands

After doing some island hopping, the Marcos island jump and soaking in the waters for a half-day, we were all set and ready to have a big meal. Fortunately, our boatman, Gerry, volunteered to cook our lunch for us while we explored and took pictures in Quezon Island, Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan.

After a while, we were told that lunch was ready. Hayho! It was looking so delish! Did we use the plastic spoon and fork? Nah! The best way to eat typical Philippine food like grilled fresh fish, pork belly-both dipped in soy sauce and native lemons with newly-cooked rice is to eat barehanded; and when you down them with ice-cold coke, it's a guaranteed burping, satisfying meal.


By the way, next time I get back to Hundred Islands, I'd be sure to hire Gerry again as our boatman. He can really cook.

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Music Monday#20 Prayer of St. Francis

I first heard of this song when we had to learn it for a presentation years ago. I find it quite beautiful and heartwarming even if it gave me headaches after each time we sang it. LOL!

This is the beautiful rendition of the said song by the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers.


credit: vibrantray74(youtube)

Prayer of St. Francis de Assisi
Lord make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.

O divine master grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive-
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it's in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.




PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Sunday Stealing#12 One Long Meme (Part One)

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger called Yellow Jacket from Foma. He explains that "I found this clunker on Impetua's blog.". But, it was probably stolen at that blog as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: One Long Meme (Part One)

1. The phone rings. Who will it to be?
Probably one of my mother's friends.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? No

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? More like a listener.

4. Do you take compliments well? Not really, kinda awkward for me.

5. Do you play Sudoku? No, but I've tried.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? I hope so.

7. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? No.

8. What was your favorite game as a kid? all kinds of games

9. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he was married, would you? No.

10. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? Yes, I think so.

11. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? Both.

12. Use three words to describe yourself? Likes to keep active, lifelong learner and outspoken.

13. Do any songs make you cry? Sometimes

14. Are you continuing your education? Thinking of it.

15. Do you know how to shoot a gun? No, I wish I know how.

16. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? No, I would like to try though.

17. How often do you read books? Once every other week but nowadays, I can't seem to finish one.

18. Do you think more about the past, present or future? More of the present.

19. What is your favorite children’s book? None. I like to read anything.

20.What color are your eyes? Black

21. How tall are you? 5'2"

22. Where is your dream house located? Above a hill, facing the sea

23. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? My bag

24. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? where is that

25. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? Just at the mall after playing tennis

26. Do you like mustard? Not really

PhotoHunt#55 Electric

It would be really nice to see no electric wires and/or electric posts in my pictures. I just feel that they are just so distracting but I cannot do much about it.


These pictures were taken during Davao City's annual celebration of the Kadayawan Festival which happens every 3rd week of August. Some of the worries that floral float owners have to contend with during the floral float parade are the low-lying electric wires traversing above the streets which could cause not only damage to the floats but could also cause untoward accidents to the sightseers. This is why marshals and spotters were there to prevent these things to happen.


This is my entry for:

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Tracy Raver's Baby Photos

Have you seen the baby photos done by Tracy Raver? It is currently popular around the internet. They are so adorable and cuuuuuute you cannot help but do the "awwwwww..." I wish my photos are as good as those or even, half as good as those. Anyway, go to this link to see the cute baby photos.

Litratong Pinoy#66 Lansangan (Street)

For a city dweller like me, it is refreshing to see a street with fewer vehicles and fewer people walking around. It seems like there is just too much space that I can see and this was how I saw this street. This was taken in Barangay Guijalo, Caramoan, Camarines Sur.

Pilipino: Para sa kagaya kong taga-siyudad, nakakapanibago sa akin ang makakita ng ganitong lansangan na kokonti lang ang sasakyan at taong naglalakad. Para bang ang daming espasyo akong nakikita at ganun ang pagkatingin ko sa lansangang ito. Ito ay kuha sa Barangay Guijalo, Caramoan, Camarines Sur.

This is Magsaysay Ave. or as it is called in its more well-known old name, Uyanguren St., of Davao City. It is one of the major streets and part of Chinatowan of the said city. This is where cheap clothes, shoes and almost anything are bought. This street is always full of people especially during the day. During Christmas season, the street gets quite congested as items for sale would reach the street.

Pilipino: Eto ang Daang Magsaysay o sa mas kilalang dating pangalan na Daang Uyanguren ng lungsod ng Dabaw. Isa ito sa mga pangunahing lansangan at parte ng Chinatown ng nasabing lungsod. Dito mabibili ang mga nagmumurahang damit, sapatos at kung anu-ano pang mga kagamitan. Laging matao ang lansangang ito lalo na kapag araw. Kapag panahon naman ng Pasko, masikip dito dahil umaabot sa lansangan ang mga paninda.

Kiss For Rafael Nadal

Who would want to kiss Rafa? Me! Me! Me! And for sure, two of my friends are going with me LOL! We would probably be elbowing each other to be the first one to give Raffy Nadal his kiss.

I was just so amused after reading about a guy who was arrested for running on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court to kiss Rafael Nadal (source: Yahoo news). Nadal just won over Gael Monfils at the U.S. Open last Tuesday night. Gee, Rafa is not only a world-class tennis player but he is a certified eyecandy. Who wouldn’t want to kiss him? :)

Anyway, I am so looking forward to seeing Rafa in the finals. Serena Williams, another favorite tennis champion of mine, is already looking at the finals against comebacking Kim Clijsters. Sounds like an interesting U.S. Open finals in the offing.

Read and Learn

I remember when I was a child and still prone to play than study, my mother used to remind and even scolded me to read so I can learn. It is no wonder that they have sacrificed so much to give us the better education that they were not able to have. I am and shall be forever grateful to them especially my mother for sacrificing everything just so I can finish my college education and live a life with better opportunities.

This is not so in the case of millions of people all over the world, surprising but it is the real truth. Even if the internet is paving the way for better access to information and exchange of ideas, the number of people who cannot read and write even at a minimum level all over the world is astounding.

Studies show that children whose one or both parents have lower or no educational attainment have higher mortality or survival rate. Based on my experience and observation, this handicap also prevents access to better opportunities in life.

To remind people all over the world regarding this situation, UNESCO proclaimed September 8 as the International Literacy Day.

A lot of organizations have already started reading clubs, free book distribution and other reading projects but these are not enough. I commend the national newspaper, Philippine Daily Inquirer for their ongoing reading project. I hope more private organizations can do their shares as the government alone cannot address this situation promptly and properly.

As individuals we can do our own little ways to alleviate this problem right within our own circle. Encourage reading and when I say encourage, you try to show that you are actually reading yourself to be the role model. Kids learn mostly by emulating. Lessen computer use (I am guilty on this.) for them to have time to read not only their school lessons but also other reading materials. Be more active and be involved.

I believe that reading helps people to think better, learn better and act better. Let us continue reading and help others who cannot.

Ruby Tuesday#15 Our Boat in Hundred Islands

This was the boat we used while we did our island hopping in Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan. It was a medium boat and can accommodate about 10 persons. The procedure is to pay the P20.00 registration fee at the Tourism center and choose what size of boat you would like to use. The boatmen would be there waiting.

Our boatman/guide was Gerry, a very lively guy. He volunteered to buy our lunch from the market and cooked it himself while we enjoyed soaking in the waters.

The detail of our day trip in Hundred Islands and of course the contact number of Gerry, the boatman, is here.

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Music Monday#19 Insomnia by Craig David

Feels like insomnia..ahhhhh... This song keeps cropping up in my head for months now. When a guest group exercise teacher from Singapore taught us the dance steps of this song a few weeks ago, I got more hooked LOL! I like Craig David's version but I like Wheesung's music video of this song more just because there are more dance scenes in it and Wheesung can really dance amazingly:


credit: nico1T, youtube

Here's Wheesung's version:


credit: elaisfangirl, youtube

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.




PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Sunday Stealing#11 The Random Dozen Meme

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger known as Barbara at Stray Thoughts. She is our first two-time victim! She explains that she saw the meme at Susanne’s yesterday AND that Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee had created The Random Dozen Meme that looked like a lot of fun." It's unusual that we stumbled upon the birth of a meme. Barbara, in comments, wants Linda to get full credit! So we have no need to trace it back further, although you know we wouldn't anyway! Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Random Dozen Meme

1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration?
We don't have Wowmart.

2. What is something that people are currently “into” that you just don’t get or appreciate?
Twitter and Entrecard, I have both accounts but I don't use them actively.

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel “ho-hum” about?
I like doing charitable work and would prefer to do more and try to encourage more people to do it but a lot of them just feel or act "ho-hum" about it.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car?
Any song that crops up in my mind.

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient:
Cheese and fresh veggies.

6. What advice in a nutshell would you give to new bloggers?
Blog what you really like and have fun!

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you?
Soraya, after the then Queen of Iran. No, am okay with my current name now.

8. What in your life are you waiting for?
Everything that will come into my life.

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from?
Likely from friend/s abroad and not sure what's in the package, they keep surprising me:).

10. Today–what song represents you?
There are too many songs to choose one. I kinda like Climb by Miley Cyrus nowadays.

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself?
That blogging is not just about expressing one's self but also it can be used as a conduit in trying to make things better to our fellowmen.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you’re wearing today?
Since I would be playing for tennis in the morning, I chose my tennis clothes. As for the rest of the day, I chose what is most comfortable while am here at home.

13.What do they say about you in general or specifically how you’re feeling today?
Am feeling okay today and some people say I have a very strong personality..couldn't care less though.

Photo Hunt#54 Orange

The sky turned to orange as the sun was setting on our last day in Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan. It was a pretty sight.

And what better way to have our last dinner on a place we enjoyed so much but to have plateful of rice, fresh red-orange looking and yummy shrimps and crabs downed with ice cold coke. I was quite surprised to know that both plates of sauteed shrimp and crab was only P150.00 shared by me and two travel companions. Delicious and cheap! Burp! excuse me...




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