Ruby Tuesday#6 Kadayawan Floral Parade

August is just around the corner and one of my nieces is starting to prepare for the Kadayawan festival. She wanted to be part of the streetdancers of her school for the Kadayawan, decided to audition and got accepted. She is now giddy with excitement.

Every 3rd week of the month of August is Kadayawan Festival. Kadayawan is a celebration for the harvest season that started from among indigenous tribes. One of the popular highlights of the festival aside from the streetdancing is the floral parade which is usually done on the last day of the week-long festivities.

This is one of the participating floats with its bright red musical sign:

This is my entry for:

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Music Monday#9 Ben by Michael Jackson and Jackson 5

Inspite of his past major mistakes, bizarre behaviors, financial collapse and eventual ostracization from society, nobody can deny that Michael Jackson has the enormoous talent and once had the charisma to entertain thousands and thousands of people all over the world. He was part of my childhood music memories and my rebellious teenage angst; and it was just saddening to know that he died sooner.

This song is one of the earliest songs that I heard from Michael Jackson and it really reminded me of my childhood. It is entitled "Ben", an all-time favorite of mine from Michael Jackson and his brothers.



Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
Ill never be alone
And you my friend will see
Youve got a friend in me
(youve got a friend in me)

Ben, youre always running here and there
(here and there)
You feel youre not wanted anywhere
(anywhere)
If you ever look behind
And dont like what you find
Theres something you should know
Youve got a place to go
(youve got a place to go)

I used to say, I and me
Now its us, now its we
(I used to say, I and me)
(now its us, now its we)

Ben, most people would turn you away
I dont listen to a word they say
They dont see you as I do
I wish they would try to
Im sure theyd think again
If they had a friend like ben
(a friend)
Like ben
(like ben)
Like ben

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.

Sunday Stealing#3

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Becky from Musings from the Sofa. She credits two bloggers for her theft, the Queen, and also Zoesmom. 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. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The ABC Meme

A – An advantage you have – I can be quite perceptive or sensitive sometimes. Physical training and tough times I had when I was young.

B – Blue or brown eyes – black, I would love to have brown or blue eyes though.

C – Chore you hate –ironing clothes

D – Dad’s name – Jose

E – Essential start of your day – Checking my email and reflecting/praying

F – Favorite color – nowadays, it's black.

G – Greatest thing you’ve ever done that made you feel really good – charitable works

H – Habit you have – Reading even if I am on a moving vehicle or while walking

I – Issue you hate that the world tries to make you pursue – nothing because I always have a choice.

J – Job title – Prettify term is SMAS but the work really means "collector".

K – Kohls or Target – both but really am not from US so the nearest mall to me is Gaisano Mall

L – Living arrangements – with parents, nieces and a menagerie of cats and dogs.

M – Music you like – anything but nowadays, I am discovering Asian pop (Korean and Japanese pop)

N - Nicknames – Teray, Mads, Bru, Wang, Astig, Gahi (last 2 nics mean "tough").

O – Overnight hospital stay – Never and hope never will

P – Pet Peeve – Smokers that smoke on public places and people who pretend they own the world or the place.

Q – Quote that you like most – Excuses are for those who do not want to do it and reasons are for those who really want to do it.

R – Right or left handed – Right but I tried to learn boxing and guitar playing left-handed years ago :)

S – Siblings – one

T – Time you wake up – 6 to 630am

U – Underwear – preferably cotton but sometimes, hmm...

V – Vegetable you dislike – I eat any vegetable

W – What makes you run late – surfing the internet

X – X-rays you’ve had – neck and chest

Y – Yummy food you make – spaghetti, blueberry cheesecake, stir-fried noodles, salads and I want to learn to cook more nowadays

Z – Zoo animal – Lion and monkey

PhotoHunt#36 Flags

These are the flags on the walkway by the beach of Seagull Beach Resort, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. It was a great day to be at the beach that day. The water was calm and quite suitable for swimming and there was a gentle wind about to balance the hot, sunny day.


The picture below showing the Philippine flags was taken last June 12, 2009 in celebration of the Philippine's Independence Day. More pictures of the celebration here.



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett Are Dead

Just read on some shocking news a few minutes ago. Yahoo News reported that Michael Jackson was found dead in his home. He was 50 years old and the cause of his death is unknown yet. If this is true, this is really sad. I consider him one of the best artists of all time even if his life turned upside down for the past years due to his bizarre behaviors.

On the other hand, another iconic figure and I consider part of my childhood memories, Charlie's Angels TV star Farrah Fawcett died from her cancer. She was 62 and has battling the dreaded disease for years now.

My prayers for the repose of the souls of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.

Litratong Pinoy#56 Dito Lang (Only Here)

It was said that Philippines is one of the countries in the world with the highest concentration of biodiversity. Because of this, there are several animals, plant, land and sea creatures that can only be seen here in our country. Perhaps, this also includes the stingless jellyfish in Siargao.

But, do you know that there is one place in the Philippines and the whole world that about 2,000 bats converge in? That because there were too many of them, the caves are already congested and some bats are already on the cave floors instead of hanging on the cave walls and ceilings.

Only here in Monfort Conservation Park, Samal Island, just across Davao City. Because it can only be seen in the Philippines, a lot of foreign groups have already visited to study the place.

Pilipino translation:
Sinasabing isa ang Pilipinas sa mga bansa na may pinakamataas na “biodiversity” sa buong mundo. Dahil dito, maraming mga klase ng hayop, tanim, lamang lupa at lamang dagat na dito lang sa Pilipinas makikita. Siguro, kasama na dito iyong dikya na walang lason sa Siargao.

Pero, alam ninyo bang may isang lugar sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo na humigit-kulang sa dalawang libong (2,000) paniki ang nakatira sa iisang lugar? Na sa dami nila ay naging masikip ang mga kuweba at ang iba ay andoon nalang sa sahig ng kuweba at hindi na nakalambitin sa mga haligi o bubong ng kuweba.

Dito lang iyon sa Monfort Conservation Park sa isla ng Samal, harap lamang ng Siyudad ng Davao. Dahil dito lang makikita sa Pilipinas ang ganung karaming paniki sa iisang lugar, maraming grupo na rin ng mga banyaga ang pumunta para pag-aralan ang lugar na ito.

Ruby Tuesday#5 Sea Urchin On The Red Boat

Reddish sea urchins on a red boat. The sea urchins were being sold for P10 at White Island, Camiguin. The sea urchin's shell were sliced open and the jelly-like insides were sold with ice, milk and sugar. I saw a vendor selling some but I was not able to try it.

This is my entry for:


Go here for more..

Music Monday#8 Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross

I really love this song and since it is Father's Day, I am posting this. Happy Father's Day to everybody!


youtube video by: Obiwankenobi702

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.

Sunday Stealing#2

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named NotBob from NotBob’s Bits. He admits that he “lifted it” but does not say from where. 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. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Finish The Sentence Meme

1. I've come to realize that my last kiss...has been a long time ago and I kinda miss it.

2. I am listening to...the TV not watching it.

3. I talk...fast sometimes and sometimes, I just get too quiet that some people find it quite unsettling.

4. I love...adventures and doing something different from time to time.

5. My best friend/s...is always busy and I am thankful that we still get to find sometime together.

6. My first real kiss...was a long time ago and I can remember it was really good.

7. Love is...good if you share it.

8. Marriage is...only beautiful if two people try to work things out together always.

9. Somewhere, someone is thinking...of me, I hope:).

10. I'll always...be optimistic even if sometimes I do not feel it.

11. The last time I really cried was because...I was so disappointed with somebody.

12. My cell phone...is acting up right now and i am thinking of replacing it. Any suggestions on what model should I buy?

13. When I wake up in the morning...I sometimes feel like I want to get back to sleep again.

14. Before I go to bed...I think of my day and thank God for it.

15. Right now I am thinking about...what I should write in my blogs.

16. Babies are...always cute and adorable.

17. I get on Myspace...sorry i don't have Myspace but I have plurk and twitter.

18. Today I...will try to finish all my assignments.

19. Tomorrow I will be...working and doing workout at the gym after office hours.

20. I really want to be...always travelling and experiencing new things.

PhotoHunt#35 Creamy

Creamy strawberry cheesecake partnered with Cafe Mocha. I forgot the other cake's name but it was really delicious too. We had them in Starbucks Shanghai after we got so tired walking on a cold, drizzly day in Shanghai last year.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Litratong Pinoy#55 Imposible Ba Ito?

These are the kids who were tailing us around when we visited Overview Park, Bukidnon last month. Most of them were selling snacks and candies. Their common words to convince us to buy were "Please buy so we can buy paper and pencil." I was taken aback by what they said because of their little sizes and young ages, I thought that those things should not have been their problems. They should only focus on their lessons or because it was vacation time when we were there, they should have been playing.

Pilipino:
Eto iyong mga batang sunud nang sunod sa amin nang namasyal kami ng Overview Park, Bukidnon nitong nakaraang buwan. Karamiha'y nagtitinda ng mga kakanin at kendi. Ang lagi nilang pangumbinsi na salita, "Bili na kayo, pambili lang ng lapis at papel!". Nabigla ako sa sinabi nila dahil sa ganuung kaliliit at murang isipan, naisip kong hindi dapat nila problemahin ang mga ganung bagay. Dapat leksiyon lang ang problema nila o di kaya, paglalaro lang ang dapat nilang problemahin dahil panahon ng bakasyon nang andoon kami.


The government has a program called "Education For All" but due to poverty, these kids will have a hard time finishing even their elementary schooling if they do not have their paper, pencils and other school needs. They will need the help not only of the government but also from their countrymen.

See, they requested to have their pictures taken and post it on the internet.

Pilipino:
May programa ang gobyerno na "Edukasyon para sa lahat" pero dahil na rin sa kahirapan, kahit libre pa ang edukasyon kung wala namang pambili na lapis, papel at kakailanganin sa pag-aaral mahihirapan pa rin ang mga batang ito na tumapos maski lang man sa elementarya. Kakailanganin nila ang tulong hindi man lang ng gobyerno pati na rin ng kanilang mga kababayan.

O ayan! humingi pa na magpapiktyur sa amin at ilagay daw sa internet.

We were on our way home when this cute kid went after us. She was not selling anything but asked for something to buy for her paper and pencil. I asked her, "Where are your parents?" Her answer: "They are by the street doing some selling."

I asked myself: Is it impossible to eradicate poverty from this country? Is it impossible to help these kids so that the free education program will include free school supplies? Is it impossible to stop greed of people with powerful positions so that we can help give these kids a better future?

Pilipino:
Pauwi na kami nang humabol itong kyut na bata. Wala siyang tinda pero humihingi ng pambili ng lapis at papel. Natanong ko tuloy, "Asan ang mga magulang mo?" Ang sagot niya: "Ayun sila, nagtitinda sa may kalsada."

Tanong ko sa sarili: Imposible bang matanggal ang kahirapan sa bansang ito? Imposible bang tulungan ang mga batang ito para kahit paano iyong libreng edukasyon may kasaling libreng pambili ng kakailanganin sa pag-aaral? Imposible bang tumigil ang kasuwapangan nang mga nasa katungkulan para mabigyan ng mabuting kinabukasan ang mga batang ito?

Ruby Tuesday#4 Strawberry Souvenirs

Red, red strawberry souvenirs being sold at the strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet. They have key chains, pouch bags and wallets. Some are made of wood and some are knitted and all are strawberry-shaped. The stores also have strawberry wines and vinegar, native snacks, knitted clothes and bags and a lot of interesting items.

This is my entry for:


Go here for more..

Music Monday#7 Mature by Hwang Bo Hae Jung

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.

Sunday Stealing #1

I find this meme quite amusing so decided to do it. Here goes...

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Rene from the blog Blue Rene. She doesn’t say where she got the meme. 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. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Blue Rene Meme

1. What thing is nearest to you ? Cellphone and my bed

2. What is your ringtone ? Do not know its name.

3. What was the last message in your inbox ? Contact number of the beach resort that me and my friends are planning to get to

4. Who is your best friend ? M

5. What is the brand of your TV ? Sony

6. What schools did you attend? I attended 5 schools in elementary, 3 in high school, 1 in college, 2 in graduate studies. How many schools? 11!

7. Do you own a MP4 ? No

8. What song are you listening to now ? Mature by Hwang Bo and Thank you by Kim Hyun Joong (both Korean singers)

9. Did you kiss anybody in the past 2 days ? no

10. Have you ever kissed someone you met in the blogosphere? no

11. What would you want to call if you weren't your current name ? Madonna

12. Would you be happy if you had everything ? No, I won't have a challenging life

13. Are you always thinking of someone special? Kinda

14. Tell us of your most desperate dream? Can't remember one.

15. When did you last laugh till you cried? Last week while watching the JoongBo couple at the Korean reality show, We Got Married

16. If you had a crush, would you tell them you love him/her now ? Heck, no!

17. If you could be anywhere in the world now, where would you want to be ? Europe

18. When was your heart last broken? Hm...secret!

19. Whose birthday(s) is/are coming up? My niece, Christine

20. How many email accounts do you have? lots but got 5 active ones

PhotoHunt#34 Lock

"Thank goodness, he is locked inside the cage." That was what I was thinking when we got to see this tiger in Baluarte Zoo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He was about to be fed by the caretaker when we got there. He was prowling inside the cage restlessly and was looking fierce. After the caretaker was done giving him his food, the caretaker made sure his gate was locked properly.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Litratong Pinoy#54: Pangarap Ko(My Dream)

I have so many dreams, so many things that I want to do and experience, and so many places I want to go to. I know I am not alone in having these dreams.

One of the things that I still want to do is mountain climbing. I have done it years ago and yet, there are times that i still miss it. The exhilarating and fulfilling feeling upon reaching the top and looking down at the world is really extraordinary. I always felt like Superman when I am on top of the mountain. I think, that is how the gods feel while looking down on us mere mortals.

Pilipino: Ang dami kong pangarap, ang dami kong gustong gawin at maranasan, at andaming mga lugar na gusto kong puntahan. Alam ko, hindi ako nag-iisa sa ganitong mga pangarap.

Isa sa mga bagay na gusto ko pang gawin ay ang umakyat ng bundok. Nagawa ko na ito noong mga nakaraang taon kaya lang may mga panahong hinahanap-hanap ko pa ito. Ang pakiramdam nang tagumpay at kasiyahan tuwing naabot ang tuktok at ang pagtingin sa nasa ibabang mundo ay kakaiba. Feeling Superman ako palagi kapag andon ako sa itaas ng bundok. Sa tingin ko, ganito ang pakiramdam ng mga bathala habang nakatingin sila sa ating mga mortal sa ibaba.


This is the rockies near the crater of the father of Philippine mountains, Mt. Apo. This is not a black and white picture but because of the thick fogs and some rains, the color of the surroundings changed. Being there was really surreal and out of this world. By the way, digital camera was not yet invented when I took this picture.

I dream of doing mountain climbing outside the Philippines. It would be nice to be able to climb Mt. Everest but I do not think my powers can do it which is why I would like to try Mt. Fuji of Japan and Mt. Hall of Jeju Island, Korea or any other mountains in other countries where I can shout "I am Superman!".

Pilipino:
Ito ang batuhang malapit sa bunganga ng pinakatatay ng mga bundok sa Pilipinas, ang Mt. Apo. Hindi ito black and white na litrato pero dahil sa mkakapal na ulap at konting ulan, nag-iba ang kulay ng kapaligiran. Ang mapunta doon ay surreal at walang kasintulad. Siyanga pala, hindi pa naimbento ang digital na paglilitrato nang kunan ko ito.

Pangarap kong umakyat ng bundok sa labas ng Pilipinas. Maganda sanang makaakyat ng Mt. Everest pero hindi na kakayanin ng powers ko kaya ayos na sa akin ang Mt. Fuji ng Japan at Mt. Halla ng Jeju Island, Korea o maski anong bundok sa ibang bansa na puwede akong sumigaw sa tuktok nang "Ako si Superman!".

Ruby Tuesday#3 Red Wall

This is the wall of the bar cum receiving area of Enigmata hostel in Camiguin Island, Philippines. The place is full of artsy and quirky things.

This is my entry for:


Go here for more..

Music Monday# 6 Thank You by Kim Hyun Joong

Since I have just finished watching the last episode of the Korean reality show, We Got Married, I am featuring the digital single of part of my favorite couple in the said show, JoongBo/Lettuce couple. This is Kim Hyun Joong and his song, Thank You. The song seems fitting enough for the sad ending for their pretend marriage in the show. Nevertheless, I like the song and it is really nice (thank goodness for the subtitles).

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.

PhotoHunt#33 Advertisement

I have never seen so many different forms of advertisement except in China. These pictures were taken in Shanghai.

The blimp going around the Bund and Huangpo river while it advertises products on its big, wide screen.

Hereunder are photos of Nanjing Road, one of China's oldest commercial road, in various times of the day; colorful, eclectic advertisements and signboards everywhere:

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Litratong Pinoy#53 Misyon(Mission)

My mission for this week is to finish watching the reality show, We Got Married, that has gotten popular last year in South Korea. I really like the couple Kim Hyun Joong at Hwang Bo Hye Jung who were called Joongbo for their playfulness and frequent jokes with each other. I am very reluctant to finish watching their segment because it is saddening for me but I really need to. It would be nice if they will end up with each other in the real life, they really have beautiful chemistry and they are really good to each other. They really have shown positive side of marriage.

Pilipino:
Misyon ko ngayong linggo na tapusin ang panonood ng pangrealidad na palabas na sikat na sikat sa Timog Korea nitong nakaraang taon, ang We Got Married. Gustung-gusto ko ang magkapares na Kim Hyun Joong at Hwang Bo Hye Jung na kilala sa tawag na Joongbo dahil sa kanilang kakulitan at pagkamabiruin sa isa’t isa. Halos ayokong tapusin panoorin ang parte ng pares nila dahil nakakalungkot tapusin pero kailangan na rin. Maganda sana kung magkatuluyan silang dalawa sa tunay na buhay, sobrang ganda ng samahan nila at napakabuti nila sa isa't isa. Talagang naipakita nila ang positibong aspekto ng pag-aasawa.

On the other hand, my mission this year is to go and help finish what we have started with the Gawad Kalinga project. We need to finish the 11 houses where 20 poor families will be living. They were started last year but due to lack of materials and funding, we could not finish the houses. I really hope somebody will donate for the necessary materials to finish the houses for the use of the 20 poor families.

Pilipino:
Sa kabilang banda naman, misyon ko ngayong taon ang sumama at tumulong tapusin ang naumpisahan naming proyekto ng Gawad Kalinga. Kailangang matapos na iyong labing-isang bahay na titirahan ng dalawampung mahihirap na pamilya. Naumpisahan nitong nakaraang taon pero dahil na rin sa kakulangan ng pera at materyales, hindi matapos-tapos ang mga bahay. Sana naman, may makapagbigay ng mga kakailanganin at gusto ko nang matapos ang mga bahay para matirahan na ng dalawampung mahihirap na pamilya.

Susan Boyle Learning Disability

Poor Susan Boyle, she got her hands full when she got into Britain’s Got Talent show. News have been circulating that Susan Boyle is suffering from learning disability after allegedly crying for 24 hours due to her loss in the finals of Britain’s Got Talent show. Days prior to the finals, she was said to be behaving erratically and have shown temper towards the media who have been following her around.

I really think that she only needs some break from the limelight. She has been living a relatively ordinary life prior to getting into the said talent show and now that she has become a celebrity, she would need a lot of adjustments in her life and sometimes, media frenzy over her makes things difficult for her to do just that.

According to Dailymail.co, Susan Boyle’s doctors said that she will need to be in Priory for weeks for rest and observation.

Ruby Tuesday#2 Zipline On Red

I did the Excelerator Zipline last Saturday and I was really excited and anxious before doing it. Anxious because the zipline would be so far the fastest (80-100 kph) and the longest (720 meters long, 200 ft high) zipline I have ever done ever.

Here're some of the harnesses used for the zip...


And this is me ready for take-off ala Superman with the camera:


This is my entry for:


Go here for more..

More zipline pics here

Music Monday#5 What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

This song never fails to make me feel positive and hopeful. Among all of the versions I have heard of, Louis Armstrong's rendition is my favorite as there is so much soul he put into singing it.



I see trees of green........ red roses too
I see em bloom..... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do
Theyre really sayin......i love you.

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
Theyll learn much more.....than Ill never know
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world

(instrumental break)

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are there on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do
Theyre really sayin...*spoken*(I ....love....you).

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
*spoken*(you know their gonna learn
A whole lot more than Ill never know)
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself .......what a wonderful world.

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.