Ruby Tuesday#85 Eternal Flame

This is the topmost part of one of the memorials in Corregidor Island. It is called the Eternal Flame for Freedom.

More photos of the said memorial here.

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday. Go here to see more entries..

Sunday Stealing#78

Today we ripped off a blogger named Ace of Hadeon from the blog My Heroes Have Always Been Scientists. Since it is 100 questions we will do it it in three parts. He stated he jacked this from Padme 18. 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 Ace Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!
34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY?
Yes, several times.

35. WEAKNESSES?
Books, movies, travel and my being pigheaded sometimes.

37. FIRST JOB?
Saleslady.

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Yes, high school days.

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOUL MATE?
I thinks o.

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU DID STEALING?
Just blogging away..

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
Yes.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
The 3 B's..boobs, butt, brain.

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Nope.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Birthday is still too far but I want a telephoto lens preferably Canon.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND WHAT DO YOU WANT THEIR NAMES TO BE? (OR IF YOU HAVE KIDS, TELL US ABOUT THEM.)

I'd like to have a kid...if it's a girl, it would be named Maxine or Mikaela or Alexandra. If it's a boy, it would be Jacob or Joshua.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My name was taken out of the calendar, feast day of the saint.

47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE SEX(ES) YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO?
Their being fixated on that thing between their legs.

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
We were young and there were a lot of things going on in our lives at the same time but we remained close to each other and we had a lot of fun.

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
For now, it's Head and Shoulders.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
I prefer fish or chicken not pork or beef.

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
Procrastination.

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
Not really.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Oh yes.

55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?
Nope.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
For me, not really. What matters most is the heart and soul of the person.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
Boxing, tennis and working out at the gym. If I can't do all those, I just read a good book.

58. WOULD YOU RATHER GAIN 58 POUNDS OR LOSE 58 POUNDS?
58 pounds is too much to lose for me right now but I'd like to lose weight for about 10 pounds.

59. WHAT'S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?
To travel more, to own a beach and/or a farm before I retire.


60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
A walking doll bought by my father and a set of clay pots and pans that I could actually use to cook some food.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
100+

62. WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
Nope.

63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Sometimes I do.

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Both.

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A LOVER?
Compatibility, stability and honesty.




66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Bayot, Bru, Minggay and some more..

67. FAVORITE SUPER POWER?
Invincibility and the ability to fly.

PhotoHunt#124 Standing

Doing photography is no easy task or hobby. That's what I discovered when I started this hobby. Sure, it's totally interesting and fun but the standing! It could take hours and I could imagine roots creeping out on my legs after a few hours of doing photography while standing. Am I complaining? Naaah!!



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Litratong Pinoy#123 Malambot (Soft)

Vibrant-colored, soft, very nice companion especially during cold weather. This is my new pillow given by friend last Christmas.

Pilipino:
Matingkad ang kulay, malambot, masarap kasama lalo na kung malamig ang panahon. Eto ang bagong unan na regalo sa akin ng aking kaibigan noong nakaraang Pasko.

Outdoor Wednesday#19 Middleside Barracks, Corregidor

Ruby Tuesday#84 Dogs At Play

They saw this big foam at the side of the tennis court. Kongkong (the bigger dog) took it but Jessica wanted it too. Oblivious to us who took pictures of them while playing, they wrestled for the foam.






This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday. Go here to see more entries..

iPhone Or Not

Some friends are fantasizing about getting the iPhone 4. On the other hand, I am fantasizing about getting the Canon telephoto lens or as a start the Canon Speedlite external flash. A year ago, I would've fantasized the same with my friends but after acquiring the Canon EOS 550D last year, my interest shifted. I learned that photography is a never ending learning experience. Upgrading the lens seems much more attractive than buying iPhone for now.

PhotoHunt#123 Hands

We were on our way to the hot spring hidden somewhere in the Hapao Terraces of Banaue. It'll be a long walk along the rice terraces, our guide said. Fine with us. After all, we went to Banaue and Sagada just to walk along those rice terraces. A dream I shared with some of my friends, a dream included in my bucket list. It would be a good opportunity to fulfill that, long trek or not. 



There were some interesting things to see along the way, while I tried not to fall off the rice terraces (I don't doing the mud bath). Kids were playing and running around I marvel at how easy they did it on the terraces. Small local communities almost barely touched by modern technology.

 
We passed by this guy while he was busy with his woodcarving. He didn't even stop from his work as I took his photo and asked him what he was carving. His hands were fast and sure, evidence that he has done it innumerable times. If only he had the available finished product. I would've bought one. He was carving a male hunter which was the perfect partner of a wood carving I already have. An Ifugao female carrying her baby on her native backpack.


A lot of Ifugao people turn to woodcarving during lull season in their farming activities. Woodcarving is also a source of income for them.

Litratong Pinoy#122 Malamig (Cold)

Because I grew up in a tropical country, the cold weather in China took me by surprise when I had a chance to visit it. It was not yet cold by their standards but for me, it was already too much. I got itchy skin experiencing the cold climate.

Photo was taken outside Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China.

Pilipino:

Dahil laki ako sa isang tropikal na bansa, malaking sorpresa sa akin ang lamig ng Tsina noong nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makapamasyal dito. Hindi pa raw ito malamig para sa kanila ngunit para sa akin, grabe na. Nangati nga ako sa lamig.

Kuha ang larawan sa labas ng Hardin ng Yuyuan, Shanghai, Tsina.

Outdoor Wednesday#18 Chikko

This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday. Go here for more.

Ruby Tuesday#83 Davao City Hall During Christmas

The Davao City Hall during Christmas season.

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday. Go here to see more entries..

Train From Singapore To Malaysia

I wonder how can I  find the website for the train from Singapore to Malaysia. I have an upcoming trip with my friends in Singapore and we're planning to do a sidetrip to Malaysia. Years ago, we rode the Sri Maju bus from Singapore to Malaysia but I heard that there's a train for that route. So, we might try that. For now, I'm doing some more research. Any suggestions are welcome.

Sunday Stealing#77 The Stupid Evil Bastard Meme

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Les Jenkins at the blog Stupid Evil Bastard. He credits Dave as his source. 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 Stupid Evil Bastard Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. What time did you get up this morning?
I woke up at past 7am.

2. How do you like your steak?
Well-done. I don't want to see any blood on it.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
The Tourist with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie in it.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
CSI, The House, Dancing With The Stars

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I would love to live for a while in Italy.

6. What did you have for breakfast?
Rice, Luncheon Meat, egg omelette with shrimp paste(bagoong)

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Filipino and Chinese

8. What foods do you dislike?
Can't say I dislike them but I just don't prefer them that much.
10. Favorite dressing?
Oriental dressing

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
I don't drive.

12. What are your favorite clothes?
Jeans and t-shirts.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Right now, I'd like to visit my father's grave. As for some trip, I'd really like to get to Palawan this summer.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
Most of the time, half-full.

15. Where would you want to retire?
In a farm, by the beach.

16. Favorite time of day?
Early morning when the day is just starting over.

17. Where were you born?
Davao City

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Tennis

19. Who do you think will never call you again?
I don't know, I don't care.

20. Person you expect to call you next?
A good friend who seems so busy nowadays.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to Stealing?
Actually, any participant of this meme.

22. Bird watcher?
Yes, but not much.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Both.

24. Do you have any pets?
Yes, one dog and 5 cats.

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share?
We did a studio light photo-workshop yesterday and since I don't have any external flash, I tried to use the ambient light. To my surprise and excitement, some of the photos I took were good (at least, to my standards) hehehehe!

26. What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a doctor and/or a nun.

29. Are you married?
No.

30. Always wear your seat belt?
Yes, as long as I don't forget.

31. Been in a car accident?
Just bumper to bumper and hopefully, that will be it.

32. Any pet peeves?
People who don't know how to clean up after their mess.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
Cheese and pineapple.

34. Favorite Flower?
Rose and sampaguita.

35. Favorite ice cream?
Ube (purple yam), cheese, halo-halo

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
I like Jollibee better than most fastfood restaurants, not that I go there often though.

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test?
Haven't taken one yet.

38. Who did you get your last email from?
From a good friend.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
If I can really afford, I'd really max out on plane tickets for my travels hehehe!

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Hmm...went to a restaurant and pigged out.

41. Like your job?
Yes, for this year,.i'd like to explore more of it.

42. Broccoli?
Yes, I like it.

43. What was your favorite vacation?
It's always near a beach:).

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
With good friends and we talked about our upcoming Singapore trip.

45. What are you listening to right now?
Hmm..I like the song, Jar of Hearts.

46. What is your favorite color?
Nowadays, it's green.

47. How many tattoos do you have?
None, I did try henna tattoo before though.

48. How many times have you tagged someone to do a meme?
Hm...none lately.

49. What time did you finish this meme?
It's past 2pm here now.

50. Coffee Drinker?
Yes, I prefer Nescafe.

PhotoHunt#122 Shadow

Photo was taken inside the Fahrenheit Restobar after we had our division's Christmas party last year.



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Litratong Pinoy#121 Lata (Can)

This robot which was made of can and carton was moving and dancing.  It was fun to see but I took pity on the guy inside it who was bathing in sweat. Never mind though, he said he was happy doing it even if his clothes were made of can and carton.

Pilipino:
Gumagalaw, sumasayaw itong robot na gawa sa lata at karton.  Nakakatuwang tingnan pero nang makita ko ang lalaking nasa loob na naliligo sa pawis, naawa ako. Di bale, masaya naman daw siya sa ginagawa niya kahit damit niya'y gawa sa lata at karton.

Outdoor Wednesday#17 Blazing Car At Christmas

This car was one of the participants of the 1st Davao Lights Festival (Lamdag Davao). It was moving fast so I was not able to capture it very well.



This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday. Go here for more.

Ruby Tuesday#82 Lighted Ceiling

Another photo from the People's Park. This was on the ceiling of the park's office.

 

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday. Go here to see more entries..

Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Verification

It’s really good to see that some government agencies are doing some serious effort in reaching out to the people to cater to their needs.

One website that I have seen improving steadily is that of Pag-IBIG Fund’s. I still like SSS website more but I am just amazed to see that the Pag-IBIG Fund’s website is still improving which means that the people behind are working steadily.

For Pag-IBIG members who availed of a Pag-IBIG housing loan, Pag-IBIG housing loan amortization payments can now be viewed from the Fund’s website. To log in, just type in the housing loan identification number (HLID), full name of the borrower and the security code provided from the website. Posting of payments are a few days delayed but I think, a little patience won’t hurt us.

Other online services that the website offers are online filing of short term loans (for local members), OFW members’ contribution verification, online membership registration and modified Pag-IBIG 2 enrolment.

Pag-IBIG website address is http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/

Sunday Stealing#76 The First 2011 Alphabet Meme

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Neil Turner at the blog Neil Turner from the blog Neil Turner's Blog (duh). Neil is from Yorkshire, England. He said he stole it from Troy. 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 First 2011 Alphabet Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

A is for Age: Age doesn't matter.

B is for Beer of choice: I don't drink beer.

C is for Career: Office employee.

D is for favourite Drink: coffee, coke, iced tea.

E is for Essential item you use everyday: computer, cellphone

F is for Favourite song at the moment: Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars

G is for favourite Game: Bookworm

H is for Home town: Hometown is where I grew up.

I is for Instruments you play: guitar

J is for favourite Juice: DOLE pineapple juice or apple juice.

K is for Kids: None.

L is for Last kiss: Long time ago.

M is for marriage: with no one. I wonder if I'll ever be married.

N is for full Name: too long so just call me Marites

O is for Overnight hospital stays: can't remember how many but it was recent when my father was hospitalized last August.

P is for phobias: Of losing my loved ones.

Q is for quote: Life is short, make the most of it.

R is for biggest Regret: Having a heart to heart talk to my father before he died.

S is for sports: tennis, boxing, badminton, karate.

T is for Time you wake up: past 6am during working days, past 8am during weekends.

U is for colour of underwear: now? white.

V is for Vegetable you love: hmm...i love vegetables so I can't pick one.

W is for Worst Habit: procrastination.

X is for X-rays you've had: I always have them during my annual physical exam.

Y is for Yummy food you make: blueberry cheesecake and Buko (young coconut) salad last New Year's Day

Z is for zodiac sign: Libra

PhotoHunt#121 Waterfalls At People's Park

It has been awhile since I have been to this place, the People's Park. So, when I went with my mother to check the place out again last December, I expected some changes. The place did not disappoint. Not only was there the big Christmas tree made of colorful parols (native Christmas lanterns), but also a lot of Christmas decorations and lights abound the area.

I had to take a photo of this waterfalls which was not lighted before.



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Lessons Learned From Last Year

I have always felt the mixed feelings of sadness and anticipation each time a new year starts. For this new year though, those feelings intensified. The past year has not been easy not only for me but also for my family. Problems cropped out one after the other and the illness and death of my father was the real blow.

I only have profound gratefulness and appreciation to a cousin who helped us out by just being there with us, by running errands and by consoling my mother while I was busy taking care of my father’s health and subsequent funeral needs.


I learned a lot of valuable lessons from losing my father this year. One is that if there is some ill health in my immediate family, I really cannot depend on our extended families from both sides to help financially. If I did not find some burial insurance policies for seniors years ago for my father, it would have been so hard for me financially to handle my father’s burial expenses.


His death was also a painful reminder that my parents are not getting any younger as days go by. With that thought, my constant fear now is for my mother. My constant prayers nowadays are always for her to stay healthy and to live longer.


Another lesson I learned from my father’s death was that while death is inevitable, the pain and worry can be somewhat lessened by preparing for its inevitably. This realization made me check out the current Burial Insurance quotes a few days after his death.


I do not want to be a burden in the near future. I do not want my family to worry so much about me when I get sick or God forbid, when I die. Saving for the future can help but having insurances such as those from MetLife.com are also quite practical and helpful.


It is just a matter of choosing the one that really fits my needs and the one that could really deliver what they promised.

Litratong Pinoy#120 Paboritong Laruan (Favorite Toy)

I am doing photography nowadays. Of course, this means that my favorite toy is my camera, a Canon DSLR 550D. But, the lenses are quite expensive and I am still saving up for them. Somebody rescued me, thank goodness. My BFF (best friend forever) gave me some lenses this past year. Best friend, thank you so much!!

Pilipino:
Nakahiligan ko ngayon ang paglilitrato. Syempre pa, paborito kong laruan ang aking kamerang Canon DSLR 550D. Kaso lang, dahil  mahal ang mga lente nito, pinag-iipunan ko pa hanggang ngayon. Buti na lang, may sumaklolo. Nabigyan ako ng mga lente nitong nakaraang taon ng aking BFF. Bespren, salamat talaga!!

Outdoor Wednesday#16 Roxas Avenue Lights

This urban island traverses between three major city landmarks. The Marco Polo Hotel, the Aldevinco Shopping Center (the city's premier souvenir shopping center) and the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Davao University. Every year, this place lights up with hundreds maybe thousands of Christmas lights.







This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday. Go here for more.

Is It The End Of The World?

Predictions or shall I say, mere guesses were rife about the cause of the birds falling out from the sky. The strange occurrence came about at the same time the a massive fishkill happened nearby in the small town in northwestern Arkansas.

Is it the end of the world? People were asking. I hope and pray not. 

Ruby Tuesday#81 People's Park's Dancing Water Fountain

Opened in time for the 2010 Christmas season, the dancing water fountain became an instant hit not only among the locals and visitors.

It is just right after the sculptures of dancing children done by Davao sculptor, Kublai Millan.

This is my entry for:

Sunday Stealing#75 Over The Edge Meme

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger named Lady Turner from the blog Over the Edge. She states she ripped it from Brit Babe. 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 Over the Edge Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. What curse word do you use the most?
S***t

2. Do you own an iPod?
I don't have any iPod.

3. Do you still remember the first person you kissed?
Very much so.

4. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
Both.

5. Has anyone ever called you lazy?
No, thank goodness.

6. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
None so far.

7. What is the first thing you notice about the someone that you are attracted to?
Eyes and smile.

8. What are you looking forward to?
For 2011, better year for my family, more travels and better discipline in my expenses.

9. Do you own any band t-shirts?
Nope.

10. When is the last time you slept on the floor?
I can't recall..it has been ages.

11. What did you do last night?
Organize my cabinets, watch a little TV.

12. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex?
Both.

13. Who was the last person to make you mad?
My brother.

14. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
My bestfriend, so we can talk until we get tired and sleepy.

15. T or F: All’s fair in love and war?
False.

16. What’s something you’ve always wanted?
I've always wanted to have a beachfront property and a working farm. I also want to live at my own house independently.

17. Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?
Yes, I do.

18. Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 mustang?
oh yea!

19. Where is/are your best friend(s)?
He's thousand miles away.

20. Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
Ocean.

PhotoHunt#120 Fuzzy

The water sprays from the dancing water fountain created some fuzzy air around the place. The water fountain is the latest installation inside People's Park and has become quite popular for picture taking this Christmas season.



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.