Litratong Pinoy#69 Linis (Clean)

The street sweepers/cleaners caught my attention last year during the Kadayawan celebration. It was a hot day and there were a lot of people but look at them, they were having a blast watching the dancers of the streetdancing competition, right?

Pilipino: Napansin ko ang mga tagawalis at tagapaglinis ng kalsada noong nakaraang taon habang nagdiriwang ng Kadayawan. Mainit ang araw at maraming tao noon pero ayan, aliw na aliw sila sa kapapanood ng mga mananayaw ng patimpalak ng Indak-indak sa Kadalanan, hindi ba?


But, after each dance of every participant, they quickly swept and cleaned the streets and surroundings before the next participant would start again. I was really amazed at them. That is why it is no wonder that Davao City is known for being a clean city.

Pero, saan ka tuwing matatapos ang pagsasayaw ng bawat partisipante, mabilis nilang winawalis at nililinis ang kalsada at kapaligiran bago makapag-umpisa ang susunod na sasayaw. Napahanga talaga nila ako. Kataka-taka ba na kilala ang lungsod ng Dabaw sa pagiging malinis?

Tsunami In Samoa

Let us all pray for the victims of tsunami in Samoa and surrounding islands. An 8.3 intensity earthquake off American Samoa in Pacific triggered the tsunami. I also pray that this disaster would not affect the Philippines being located at the western part of the Pacific Ocean.

We are still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Ondoy and it will take a long time to recover for the affected areas. Further, another typhoon (local name: Pepeng) is being watched closely as it is getting near the Philippines.

There are more calls for donations (in cash or in kind) for the Typhoon Ondoy victims. So, please help thru here:

National Disaster Coordinating Council
http://ndcc.gov.ph/home/

Philippine National Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx

ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/donate.php

GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
(Thru credit card)
http://www.kapusofoundation.com/donate

(thru cash or cheque)
http://www.kapusofoundation.com/donatecashcheque

Gawad Kalinga
http://www.gk1world.com/ketsana-ondoy/

There are also links to my previous posts on how to help the Typhoon Ondoy victims, just scroll down below.

Ruby Tuesday#18 Scout Island, Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan

The rains that dumped almost boundless this weekend in the northern part of the Philippines had me wishing for sunny days. The kind of sunny days that we had when we were in Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan.

The islands looked mystical from afar, mostly sparkling green but when we got near they are more beautiful with clear, pristine and sugary-powder sand like the ones I showed in the pictures below. Yeah, that's me wearing something red!



The above pictures was taken in Scout Island, one of the 124 islands in Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan. We had the island for ourselves for hours! Love it!

This is my entry for:

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How To Help Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Major Philippine TV networks are helping tremendously in the relief and rescue operations for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. They are also accepting donations in cash or in kind. Here are their contact numbers and links:

ABS-CBN HOTLINE
416-36-41

SAGIP KAPAMILYA
413-2667 / 416-0387
No 13 Examiner Street, Quezon City, Look for Ms Girlie Aragon
Bank: Banco de Oro, Mother Ignacia branch
Acct name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Acct no.: 5630020111
Routing code for international cash donations
BNORPHMM ABS-CBN Branch

Donate thru Credit Card:
http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/donate.php

ABS-CBN Foundation US Office Toll-Free 1-800-527-2820

Negros Navigation
from Mr. Edmund Gawchua, Manager
Negros Navigation is now accepting the transfer of relief goods from Mindanao to Manila for free for aid to victims of Ondoy.

Donations can be sent to Negros Navigation stations and offices nationwide.

GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION, INC.
How to Place Donations: (Monetary and Material)
The Foundation exists mainly because of the overflowing generosity that is entrusted to us by concerned and kindhearted people to be given to our disadvantaged brothers and sisters. For all types of donations, it could be handed over in the GMA Kapuso Foundation office from 9am to 6pm.

o Material donations can be delivered to the GMA Kapuso Foundation office from 9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays. We accept old clothes, food and hygiene products, mats, medicines, medical equipments, toys as well as other items which could be generously given to our brothers and sisters in need.

o For monetary donations, the foundation accepts cash or check donations. It could be given to our finance officer personally from Mondays to Fridays 9am to 6pm or your donations could be coursed through our GMA Kapuso Foundation Saving account numbers in the following banks:

§ METROBANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
o PESO Savings Account # (3-098-510347)
o DOLLAR Savings Account # (2-098-00244-2)
Code: MBTC PH MM

§ UNITED COCUNUT PLANTERS BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
o PESO Savings Account # (160-111277-7)
(115-184777-2)
o DOLLAR Savings Account # (01-160-300427-6)
(01-115-301177-9)
Code: UCPB PH MM

§ EQUITABLE-PCI BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
o PESO Savings Account # (1383-07544-7)

Donate thru credit card:
http://www.kapusofoundation.com/donate

More links here.

Music Monday#22 Open Arms by Journey with Arnel Pineda

I love this song when Steve Perry sang it and I love it more when a Pinoy, Arnel Pineda, sings it now with the Journey.This video was Arnel Pineda's first concert with the Journey held in Chile last year. Way to go, Arnel!




credit: Emoisgay4, youtube

Help Typhoon Ondoy Victims

A lot of people have lost not only their homes and belongings but also their loved ones. Let us all help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy by donating to Philippine National Red Cross, here’s the link.

In the meantime, here’s the Typhoon Ondoy situation map for Metro Manila for those who want to know or keep track of what’s going on.

Let us also pray not only for the victims but also for the rescuers who are also risking their lives because there are still a lot of areas in Luzon and Visayas that are inundated by floods.

UPDATE:
Drop-off places for relief good donations are listed here

GMA news' list of verified relief centers here.

CONTACT NUMBERS OF RESCUE OPERATIONS:
Red Cross: 143, 527-0000. Centers for relief: Red Cross chapters in Rizal, QC, Valenzuela, Bulacan. Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: 635-0922, 634-7824. Send full address of stranded friends/family to Sen. Dick Gordon 09178997898/0938444BOYS

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Emergency Numbers: 912-5668, 911-1406, 912-2665, 911-5061. Help hotlines: 734-2118, 734-2120.

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA): 136

Philippine Coast Guard: 527-6136

Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (045) 9634376

San Juan City Hall Command Post: 468-1697

MERALCO hotlines: 0917-5592824, 0920-9292824

Contact NCRPO 838-3203, 838-3354 for rubber boat requests. You can also text 0917-422-6800 or 0927-675-1981 for rescue dump trucks. Appeal for those able, to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Pls. send truck to Greenhills Shoppng Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, tel. 09209072902.

505 Rescue needs life-vests & rubber boats for their rescue operations. Please bring to Villamor Air Base.

Office of Sen Villar to rescue stranded people: 0917-4226800, 0917-2414864, 0927-6751981

Please go to GMA Facebook page & post addresses of people in need of immediate help.

For all Ateneo de Manila students who are stranded/ those who need help (as well as those who know of other students who need help), please TEXT your/their name/s, location and contact number to 0908-8877166. The MVP Building (HQ)is open to all those who have difficulty going home tonight.

Sunday Stealing#14 A Fall Meme

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger called Bikramyogachick from the blog 60 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge. She explains that this meme was written by the Restaurant Refugee. Hannah posted it on her blog, which is where she discovered it. So we have another relatively "virgin" meme. So we have no need to even explain that we don't trace back origins of a meme! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: A Fall Meme

It’s not really fall in until...the colors of the leaves change from green to gold.

What did you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete?
To get tanned and to be at the beach as much as I can.

A person I know was wrong for me but about whom I frequently thought after a break-up was...
Nobody. I was careful with people I get involved with.

If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be?
Olympics, track and field event.

Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar?
Hmm...I don't this get this.

Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche?
Housing issues or education.

If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you?
At 15, go for the scholarship. At 16, go for the scholarship. At 25, start your own small business.

Who among your friends do you really wish had a blog because their stories, or perspective on something ought to be shared?
All of them especially the ones that I haven't seen and talked for a long while. At least, if they have a blog, I would know what's going on with them.

If you were to take an e-cation (vacation from the trappings of our electronic world,) and assuming that employment obligations would allow it, how long of a break could you take? What would you miss the most, the least?
One day? More than that, I'd be experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Anyway, I'd miss most updating my blogs and the bloghopping.

On September 11th of this year, I attended a couple of parties and was somewhat conflicted by the fact that this ignoble anniversary shall pass with it being just another day in the eyes of many (and in some ways my own eyes as well.) Thoughts?
No matter how horrible things have been, life moves on whether we like it or not. We can only strive to do better and hope that these horrible things won't happen again.

How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt?
About 100 or more feet. LOL! Spiderman web, hands and feet.

The sexiest thing a man or a woman can say to you (or has said to you) is:
Say "you are in my heart and thoughts always." and actually mean it.

PhotoHunt#57 Twisted

This is the painted ceiling of Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan. The center of the painting has a flower adorned around with a twisted knot.

The church plays a significant role in the Philippine history. Why? See here..


This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Quezon Island, Hundred Islands

This is Quezon Island. One of the three developed islands in Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan. The island just like the other two is being maintained by the local government. It is quite popular among beachgoers for its pristine waters and white sand beach. On its highest point is a statue of the former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, of which the island was named after.

Pregnant Woman, Pregnant Again

How can it be? A pregnant woman, pregnant again? Just saw this from yahoo news that an Arkansas couple was shocked to find out that the woman named Julie Grovenburg who is already pregnant and scheduled to give birth sometime December 2009 is pregnant again with a second baby who is estimated to be given birth on January 2010. Surely, doctors and scientists are already agog with this rare phenomenon. Personally, I just wish the mother and the babies good health and easy childbirth.

Oh, by the way, the term for conceiving while still pregnant is superfetation.

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.

This is my entry for:

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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.




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

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.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

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.

This is my entry for:

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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:

For more photohunters, go here.

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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