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

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.

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!


 

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, Part Two

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. 

 

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

 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

 

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).

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

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!

Tuesday Travels#35 Pagsanjan Falls

Heave...

  

Carry..

 Sigh...

 and wait a bit..

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..

  ...is the awesome sight of Pagsanjan Falls

Sunday Stealing#119

Today we ripped off a blogger named Silly Dreamer from the blog, My Semi Charmed Kind of Life. We will do it in two parts. Silly does not say where it is from. 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 Semi Charmed Meme, Part Two

21. A better name for me would be: Alex

22. I have a hard time understanding: people who lie constantly.
 
23. If I ever go back to school, I’d:like to take up graduate studies or something related to photography.
 
24. You know I like you if: I find to talk with you more.
 
25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be: my mother.
 
26. If I could bring back a TV show for a reunion it would be:the Charlie's Angels.
 
27. Take my advice, never: stop learning.
 
28. My ideal breakfast is: rice,fish and veggies and coffee.
 
29. A song I love, but do not own is: I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston.
 
30. If you visit my hometown, I'd suggest: you do the zipline, the beaches and the white water rafting in Davao River.
 
31. If I could meet a couple of my blog buddies, I'd include: the people from Bisdak Bloggers.
 
32. Why won’t people: be more conscious about our environment.
 
33. If you spend the night at my house: you'd likely eat more than you're used to.
 
34. I’d stop everything for: any family emergency.
 
35. The world could do without: greedy people
 
36. The last time I got drunk I: kept smiling without reason.
 
37. My favorite blonde is: Marilyn Monroe and Pink.
 
38. Paper clips are more useful than: using it as toothpick.

39. If I do anything well, it’s: because I was trained to do it well.
 
40. And by the way: The Avengers is a cool movie. Incredible Hulk provided the good laughs.

Litratong Pinoy#179 Malapit Na Itapon

It was nearly thrown away before. Thank goodness, somebody thought of using this wood again. If it has been a part of a Spanish ship during the Spanish period, it is now being used as support inside the parish church of San Geronimo in Morong, Rizal.

 Pilipino: Malapit na sana itong itapon noon. Buti nalang, napag-isipan nilang gamitin itong kahoy ulit. Kung noo'y parte ito ng isang lumang barko noong panahon ng Kastila, ngayon ay parte na ito ng nagbibigay suporta sa loob ng simbahan ng San Geronimo ng Morong, Rizal.

Tuesday Travels#34 Vietnam's Street Food

If the Filipinos like their street food grilled, fried or barbecued, the Vietnamese like their street food with soup, lots of veggies, and with noodles and bread.

 

 

While they have the usual dry and crunchy snack foods, which by the way are quite tasty and cheap, the ones that could fill the tummy are the soupy type. 

What Is The Best Waterproof Camera?

Summer is in full swing now and the question that has been bugging me for weeks now is “What is the best waterproof camera?” Summer fun cannot be complete with pictures and of course, summer cannot be summer without beach escapades. But, I do not want to my Canon DSLR get too exposed in the sand and water so the best option is a waterproof camera. Perfect for the sunny and water shots.

Since last year, a friend had his waterproof Canon Powershot10 (12.1 mp, 3x optical zoom and I saw his photos on Facebook. They were good but the Canon Powershot10 came out about two or three years ago. So, I am quite sure that there are newer models available around. A few keystrokes and I got the list of the top 5 best waterproof cameras I got from online reviews nowadays:

#1 Nikon CoolPix AW100 16 mp, 5x optical zoom, 33 feet waterproof, with GPS

 #2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 12 mp, 4.6x wide angle, 40 feet waterproof

#3 Sony Cybershot DSC-TX10 16.2 mp, 4x optical zoom, 16 feet waterproof, 3’ touch screen

#4 Fujifilm FinePix X130 14 mp, 5x optical zoom, 16.5 feet waterproof, with GPS

#5 Canon Powershot10 12.1 mp, 3x optical zoom, 33 feet waterproof, 2.5’ LCD screen

All I need right now is the money to buy one of these.

Litratong Pinoy#178 Babasahin

After seeing free travel magazines featuring their own tourist destinations in international airports during my travels, I have always looked for our own in our airports. It took years but finally, I saw these free travel magazines at the information counter in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) III. They are really very interesting reads giving a lot of information about where to go, what to do and how to get there. Check it out when you're passing through our international airports.

Pilipino: Pagkatapos makakita ng mga libreng pambiyaheng pahayagan na nagpapakita ng kanilang mga pangturistang destinasyon sa mga pandaigdigang paliparan sa aking mga biyahe, lagi kong hinanap-hanap kung meron bang ganoong babasahin na sariling atin sa ating mga paliparan. Umabot pa ng ilang taon at sa wakas, nakakita na ako ng mga libreng pambiyaheng pahayagan sa impormasyong bantayan ng Pandaigdigang Paliparan ng Ninoy Aquino III. Talagang napaka-interesanteng babasahin na nagbibigay ng maraming impormasyon kung saan maaaring pumunta, ano ang mga dapat gagawin at paano makapunta sa mga lugar na iyon. Suriin ang mga babasahing ito kung kayo'y mapadaan sa ating mga pandaigdigang paliparan.

Tuesday Travels#33 Dare To Scoot

According to our guide, there are at least two motorcycles per household in Saigon. While buses and taxis are also available easily, motorcycles and scooters rule the streets of Saigon.

 

 

 But what fascinated me the most are the utter disregard to the traffic laws of some of the motorcycle drivers. Numerous times, I have witnessed scooters passing by on a counterflow of the traffic. The result, heart stopping chaos but for the locals, it's just part of their daily lives.

 

By the way, the tourist photographed on the middle of the picture is riding a cyclos. A slower way to sightsee the city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh).

Cellphone Over College Education

 

Clearly, I do not understand my niece anymore. I used to laugh at people who would say that their teen-age daughter or teen-age relative has grown horns and morphed into a devil’s offspring but now that I am experiencing it, it is no laughing matter.

The trouble started when she joined the school band two years ago. We actually encouraged her to get involved in extracurricular activities as his father wanted  to help build her confidence. Things started good. She was happy and was doing good with school although she has always been slow in the academics. Things started to change bad when she started to give priority to her band practice and meetings instead of her academics. She started attending parties without permission, coming home after staying overnight from God knows where. No thanks to her same-attitude bandmate-friends. She became disrespectful, belligerent and totally selfish. Her father gave her much leeway inspite of protests from both me and my mother that his “undisciplining” his child could backfire.  His reason, she is a teen-ager and she is allowed to rebel. A stupid reasoning for a parent, I say.

After a few weeks, we were proven right, her attitude worsened. She started to dress up provocatively duplicating her gay-friends, secrets were her expertise and money in the house started disappearing. There were situations at home that made me wish that my father is still alive to help us out.

Now that she is entering college without improvement on her actions, nobody is willing to pay for her tuition fees. Seeing that she likes to buy trivial things without much thought on saving for the future, we took turns telling her to save for her college. Not so. She always had a new blouse or a new bag or a new bling-bling. Constantly, she lied. Always, she disappears to God knows where without telling anybody where she has gone.

Last week,  I saw her busy with her new cellphone. In fact, I heard her being reprimanded by her father for finishing up her P20 pesos load in a matter of minutes. I do not want to think where she got the money but the disappointment was just too great.  After all the sacrifices we put into her and her sister, it seems that we are in for a big failure. It breaks my heart to see my mother struggling to care for her selfish grandchild. She told me that she has it worse now than when she was taking care of us, her children. She is not losing hope but my fear is that the stress of handling a belligerent teen-ager might take a toll on her. Already, she complains of heaviness on her chest.  I have been thinking of going abroad to work, just to be free of the burden but the worry for my mother could not escape me.  I pray to God for more patience but on the other hand, the relief will be great if she is not living with us anymore and gets back to her mother. Yesterday is not soon enough.

Sunday Stealing#118

Today we ripped off a blogger named Just Paisley. Crediting this meme turned out to be difficult. We found it on a sit called Tumblr. Just Paisley was just one of lots who answered the questions. We are not proud. We will steal anything. Whether the site Tumblr offered the meme or a "member" posted it isn't clear.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 TV Show Meme

Before reading the questions: Pick 5 TV Shows you like. They can be past or present. Hint: pick shows that you are REALLY into. Hey! no peaking at the questions! List them:

1.  Mork and Mindy

2. American Idol because Jessica Sanchez is in it.
3. Amazing Race

4. South Korean TV show, Dong Yi

5. South Korean TV show that featured Kim Hyun Joong and Hwangbo Hye Jung.
 

1. Who is your favorite character in 2?  The Mexican-Filipino-American Jessica Sanchez.

2. Who is your least favorite character in 1? None.

3. What’s your favorite episode of 4? Hmm..the one when the King was going to propose to Dong Yi.

4. What is your favorite season of 5? When the couple visited the theme park and interacted naturally with each other.

5. What’s your favorite relationship in 3? A lot of couples.

6. Who is your anti-relationship in 2? Hmm..not anti-relationship but I didn't like the anti-Jessica.

7. How long have you watched 1? My family used to watch it every time it's on.

8. How did you become interested in 3? A friend recommended it.

9. Who is your favorite actor in 4? The South Korean actress who played Dong Yi.

10. Which show do you prefer 1, 2, or 5? The American Idol comes first because of Jessica Sanchez.

11. Which show have you seen more episodes of 1 or 3? 3, Amazing Race.

12. If you could be anyone from 4, who would you be? Of course, it'll be Dong Yi.

13. How would you kill off any character in 5? Not going to kill off anybody because it's a reality show.

14. Would a 3/4 crossover work? I don't think so. Different country, different culture.

15. Pair two characters in 1 that would make an unlikely, but strangely okay couple. Mork and Mindy

16. Overall, which show has the better cast, 3 or 5? It's 5. They're a fun cast.

What to look for in a business hotel

The Docklands area has been given a make-over in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, along with the rest of East London. Business travellers have very good reasons to stay at one of the many Dockland hotels. But how can you choose a good business hotel, and which are the best ones in the area?

The first thing that needs to be considered when choosing a business hotel is its location. If you have to attend to a meeting outside the hotel, how easily can you get to the venue? Is the location safe? Is there public transportation within walking distance? Does the hotel provide a shuttle service?

Secondly, you need to consider what corporate facilities does the hotel offer. This is especially true if you are organising a conference or a meeting at the hotel's premises. Does the hotel offer special rates to conference delegates? What can be said about the meeting rooms? The best business hotels offer meeting rooms with natural daylight. Meeting rooms in these hotels are dedicated rooms with no pillars or other objects that might block the attendees' view. Also, meeting rooms should ideally be located on the ground floor, in order to facilitate entry and exit with the maximum efficiency possible.

In-room amenities should include a safe, a spacious and well-lit work station, and complimentary Internet access. 

So, which are the best business hotels in the Docklands area?

Travelodge

The best budget option is Travelodge, with excellent offers and good a standard of facilities on offer, this is perhaps among the best budget option for a business hotel.

Hilton Canary Wharf and Hilton Docklands

These are leading business hotels, connected via a ferry shuttle and offering 24-hour business centres. Some of their facilities include couriers, a copy centre, as well as secretarial and translation services. A total of 34 fully-equipped meeting rooms are available and manned by a dedicated team. 

Both hotels are 15 minutes away from London City Airport, and offer easy access to the underground, the Docklands Light Railway and river water taxis.

Ramada Docklands

The Ramada is located just across the river from London City Airport, and 5 minutes away from the Excel Exhibition Centre. 

Usually, airport hotels are not the most pleasant from an aesthetic point of view. However, the Ramada Docklands is the exception to the rule, due to its architectural design and the views it affords over the Thames.

Staff at the Ramada are experts organising conferences. There are two spacious meeting rooms, equipped with the latest conferencing technology, and an ample lobby is located next to their meeting rooms, to facilitate registration and coffee breaks. Fork and finger buffet menus are available, as well as complimentary car parking.

Getting The Most From Vacations

Booking for vacations have come a long way since I started traveling years ago. Back then, the planning was difficult, tedious and even more expensive. There were a lot of risks because available information and communication facilities were limited and slow. Things have changed though, looking for travel destinations have become easier in just a few keystrokes. Very good travel websites like this one below provide information  to help travelers and vacationers decide on what, where and how they will spend their vacations, with lesser expense and more convenience.

 "Provided by ThomasCook"