Tuesday Travels#25 Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City

I grew up near this place called Sta. Ana Wharf. When I was young, my family used to come by here in the early mornings to watch the sunrise. It used to be a quite busy port with big commercial ships making port calls on this wharf. This place and the nearby Magsaysay Park used to be part of the must-see destinations for locals and visitors of the city but things changed. Nowadays, it looks old and desolate but for some locals, life goes on.

 

Small fishing boats still come and go usually in the early mornings to bring back their catch. Also, small commercial boats plying the Samal-Davao sea route and resort boats still use the wharf. A small military detachment in the port area helps  it clean not only of unwanted garbage but also of unsavory characters.

 

Additionally, it has also become a weekend favorite for photoshoots as it has a very good view of the sunrise. Plans are undergoing of reviving this part of old Davao and if things push through, Sta. Ana Wharf will undergo some major facelift as part of the tourism development plan of the city government. I am keeping my fingers crossed for those plans to come true in the nearest future.

Happy Valentine's Day!

(Facing a new day of their lives together..) 

The day of the hearts is upon us again. Happy hearts' day, everyone! Love totally, live carefully.

Sunrise photo was taken at the Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City.

Sunday Stealing#112

Today we ripped off a blogger named Kyogres from the blog Hero of the BlueFlames. It's long so we will do it in parts. It was stolen from Nerdish. 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 99'er Meme: Part 3 Cheers to all of us thieves!

51) Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? Yes, especially the ones who did the grave mistakes repeatedly.

52) What is your astrological sign? Libra.

53) Do you save money for anything? What? Yes. Any project or anything that I'd like to purchase.

54) What's the last thing you purchased? A blouse which was on sale.

55) Have you ever had a relationship that you realized was lust not love? Nope.

56) In a relationship? Not right now.

57) How many relationships have you had? A few.

58) What do you want to tell us about your day? It has been pleasurable because I played tennis.

59) Where were you yesterday? I worked and watched the movie, Contraband.

60) Is there anything interesting within 10 feet of you? The TV.

61) Are you wearing socks right now? Nope.

62) What's your favorite animal? Cat. Next is dog.

63) What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you? Smile.

64) Where is your best friend? He's somewhere.

65) How did you end your last relationship? We just talked.

66) What is your heritage? Filipino, Spanish and Chinese.
67) What were you doing last night at 12 AM? Already sleeping.

68) What's new? I want a new Canon lens.

69) What is the key to seduction? It's all in the mind.

70) What was the weirdest thing that happened to you this week?? A guy asked me if I could spar with his friend on the boxing ring.

71) You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do? I might risk getting fired.

72) You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid? I'd probably be looking calm outside but freaking out inside. I'd be praying more while doing my funeral arrangements.

73) You can only have one of these things: trust or love. There can't be just one. They go hand in hand together.

74) What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it? It's a wonderful world.

75) Who has your cell phone number (other than family)? My mother, friends and some family members.

Wordless Wednesday#4 Hay Field In Columbia City

This mural entitled Out In the Hay Field is located at the back of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Building in downtown Columbia City, South Carolina.

Buying Another Canon Lens

I wish a good photographer-friend is around to help me decide. A photographer-friend is selling her Canon EF-S 18-200 F3.5 after buying a new Canon L lens (her second one). While I am still drooling on her new Canon lens of which I cannot afford (maybe, if I win the lotto), I am thinking of buying her 18-200 but what's stopping is that I already have a Canon EF-S 55-250 and if I buy the other camera, would it be worth it? Help!

Reading the reviews is not really helping. It's confusing me more so I want somebody who had experience using it aside from the seller. Unfortunately, I cannot find one. Hopefully, there'd be somebody here who could enlighten me before I make my final decision.

Tuesday Travels#24 Universal Studios, Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is one of the must-see places that we promised to visit during our Singapore travel. The popular theme park is located in the Resort World Sentosa, Sentosa Island. It is the first Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia. Its soft opening was last May 2010 and we visited it last February 2011. Its grand opening was only last May 2011 but during our visit, its thrilling rides were already quite popular with its visitors. Battlestar Galactica is considered as its most thrilling and scary ride, I heard. Of course, I didn't try it hehehe!

Litratong Pinoy#171 Abo (Ash)

The skies looked ashy and rain drizzle came and went when we arrived at Chocolate Hills of Bohol but we didn't stop going up on one of the hills to see the surrounding area better. Of course, we also tried to drop a few coins in the well there to ask for some good luck.



Kulay abo ang kalangitan at may manaka-nakang pag-ulan nang dumating kami sa mga mala-tsokolateng burol ng Bohol. Hindi kami tumigil sa pag-akyat sa isang burol para makita nang maayos ang kapaligiran at siyempre pa, sinubukan din naming maghulog ng konting barya sa balon para humingi ng konting swerte.

Wordless Wednesday#3 Philippine International Folk Dance Festival

Taken last December 13, 2011 at RSM Events Center, PWC Davao Campus, Matina, Davao City.

Sunday Stealing#111

Sunday Stealing: The 99'er Meme: Part 1

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

I don't have iTunes but if I do, I'd probably have a lot of Maroon 5 and some South Korean band songs. 

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

Hugh Jackman and/or the Pope.

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

From the book, The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare..the line goes "Charlotte gave a little gasp but sat motionless in her seat,".

4) What do you think about most?

Nowadays, a friend whom I haven't talked to for months now.

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?

It was in our local dialect but it says, "please try to make it to the party tonight."

6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?

Sometimes on, sometimes off.

7) What's your strangest talent?

Can't think of one.

8) Women.... (finish the sentence); Men.... (finish the sentence)
Women are from Venus; Men are from Mars.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

No, I don't think so.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
Hmm..a long time ago.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I don't think so. Probably, a phobia on liars but most people do have that phobia too. 

12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
Thank goodness, I haven't done that.

13) What's your religion?
I'm a Catholic.

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

On Sunday  mornings, I'd probably be playing tennis court. 

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
Behind the camera because I love taking pictures more than posing infront of the camera.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?
Maroon 5, Queen, Little River Band, Toto, etc.

17) What was the last lie you told?
That I have eaten already.

18) Do you believe in karma?
Pretty much so.

19) What does your URL mean?

I know this but I forgot tehehehe! off to research..here goes, "Uniform Resource Locator".

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Impatience is the greatest weakness and honesty and perseverance are the strengths.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

Too many but this has been asked before. Huh!

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

Half skinny dipping. I want to do the full skinny dipping someday! lol!

23) How do you vent your anger?

Years ago, through comfort eating. Nowadays, it's more on going to the gym or doing some cleaning around the house.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?
I collect keychains and refrigerator magnets from my travels. I started collecting postcards last year by swapping through postcrossing.com. I have a collection of books too.

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

Talking on the phone is much better. 

My USA Trip

I can still recall vividly my first USA trip last 2001. An aunt was with me back then to attend the graduation of a cousin from West Point. After the graduation rites, we drove overland to Texas passing through several states. It was an amazing trip. The plan back then was to stay in Texas for a few days and get to Florida to spend some time there. My relatives have their favorite Orlando Hotels from their previous trips and knew the places to visit. I was excited for the trip considering that I would be able to see another good friend living there.

I am not sure when will I do my next trip to USA considering the travel plan with my friends for this year is to do the Europe tour. If not for the Europe tour, the USA tour it will be for me considering that my friends and relatives there have been inviting me for years now.

I thought of not returning after the expiration of my US visa but then, not one of my travel friends have been to USA. They have been checking out the Facebook and some other websites for the hotels and the places to visit in the US. They thought it fair and more fun that I should return with them on their first trip there. Of course, I could not disagree.

It's Azarenka vs Sharapova

My friend will be ecstatic with this news. A big fan of Sharapova for years now,  she has been longing to see her idol in any Grand Slam tennis championships. It seems that for this year, Maria Sharapova will have that chance. I don't know much about her opponent (Azarenka) though but as what I've seen from the game she played against Australian Open defending champion Kim Clijsters, the hardworking Victoria Azarenka of Belarus is a force to reckon with. Aside from the fact that she's also a noisy player like Maria Sharapova. It seems that it's going to be a finals with a lot of grunting and shrieking, after all.

It's saddening to see Kim Clijsters go though.

Litratong Pinoy#169 Mahal (Love)

It has been difficult for me to find somebody to love and to want to share my life with. Always unsuccessful and somehow sometimes, loneliness creeps in. However, I always feel happy to see somebody who have been lucky with their find.

Pilipino:
Hindi madali para sa akin ang makakita ng isang taong mamahalin ko at gugustuhin kong makasama habang buhay. Laging bigo at kahit papano paminsa'y tinatablan din ng konting kalungkutan. Ganunpaman, masaya ako tuwing nakakakita ng sinumang naging masuwerte sa kanilang paghahanap.

Wordless Wednesday#2 Drifting

Tuesday Travels#22 Sydney Harbour Bridge

I've been watching the Australian Open whenever I get the chance for the past few days now. In fact, I just finished watching the heartstopping game of Novak Djokovic and Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt played splendidly but Djokovic went all out in stopping him. In the end, the Djoker won resoundingly. Coincidentally, a good friend of mine started posting our Australian travel photos at the same time. So, I had fun watching the Djokovic-Lleyton thriller while smiling/laughing over our Australian photos on Facebook. Here's one of the photos we had of Sydney Harbour Bridge..

(photo was taken from the Sydney Tower and Sydney downtown)

Sunday Stealing#110

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it 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 Never Ending Meme, Ends

Cheers to all of us thieves!

36. Have you watched American Horror Story?
No, I don't watch horror movies.

37. Baseball hat or toque?
Baseball hat.

38. Do you shampoo or soap up first in the shower?
Shampoo first.

39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste?
Wet the toothbrush first.

40. Pen or pencil?
Both.

41. Have you ever gambled at a casino?
Yes, My relatives took me first there.

42. Have you thrown up on a plane?
Nope, I don't usually get dizzy or nauseous immediately.

43. Have you thrown up in a car?
Nope, thank goodness.

44. Have you thrown up at work?
Nope, but almost.

45. Do you scream on roller coasters?
Yes, to take out the thrill and fear.

46. How many shoes do you have?
More than 10, I think.

47. Who was your first roommate?
My younger brother.

48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time?
Fruit Punch with a lot of brandy in it.


49. What was your first job?
Saleslady.

50. What was your first car?
Don't have one ever.

51. When did you go to your first funeral?
Hm..a funeral of a parent of a classmate.

52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?
I was years six years old.

53. Who was your first grade teacher?
We had the same family name, couldn't remember her first name though.

54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride?
From Manila to Davao, it was supposed to be just a vacation but it took us 5 more years to get back again.

55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?
With friends, I think.

56. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them?
She was a principal's daughter. No, I haven't any contact with her since we moved back here in our hometown.

57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents’ house?
I'm still in my parent's house.

58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
God.

59. Whose wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen?
Never been a bridesmaid.

60. What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Drink water.

61. What was the first concert you attended?
Gosh, I forgot already.

62. First tattoo or piercing?
Ear piercing since I was a baby. First tattoo was a henna tattoo on my lower leg. The design was of butterflies.

63. First celebrity crush?
A lot but the one I could remember distinctly was Tom Cruise. He's still one of my crushes.

Doing Right Finally

He was encouraged to get automotive jobs because he was good with it but he wanted to be a businessman. It was a good plan if money was there but it was not and so he waited and bummed around. Meantime, he got older and poorer while most of his friends and classmates moved on and did well. He was left behind.

After so many years of bumming around with his friends, my brother is doing something right. Finally. I can only pray that he will not stop until he is done. Amazing how a person could change throughout the years. He was more aggressive in finding work when he was single and younger. He did everything just to earn some money. He worked as a laborer, cook, waiter, and a whole lot more. He did well in all of them but always, boredom got the upperhand and he was off to another job. We encouraged him to finish his college studies but he preferred going somewhere and returning empty-handed while his children were growing. Now that the eldest is on her way to college, he decided to get back to schooling again in his 40s. I can only heave a sigh of relief but I shall be happiest if he gets a stable job and stop worrying my mother too much.

Litratong Pinoy#168 Sadness (Kalungkutan)

There was a little sadness in my life this past Christmas but life should go on. To take my mind off from those sad thoughts, I decided to go on a night shoot with my photographer-friends around the city this December. Here are some photos I took at the getting more popular Mana House.

Pilipino:
May kaunting kalungkutan sa buhay ko noong nakaraang Pasko nguni't patuloy pa rin ang buhay. Para makalimutan kahit sandali ang nakakalungkot na isipan, napagdesisyunan kung sumama sa panggabing paglilitrato dito lang sa siyudad kasama ang aking mga kaibigang litratista nitong nakaraang Disyembre. Narito ang mga litratong kuha ko sa nagiging mas kilalang Bahay Mana.

Nobody can get really sad seeing these colorful and happy Christmas lights at Mana House along J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City. Throughout the years, the antique and home furnishings store have been coming up with grander and more amazingly colorfully lighted Christmas decorations every December. The place has become one of the must-see places in the city during Christmas time.

Pilipino:
Walang magiging malungkot kung makikita itong makulay at masasayang pamaskong ilaw sa Bahay Mana na nasa Daang J.P. Laurel, Siyudad ng Dabaw. Sa mga nagdaang taon, ang tindahan ng mga antigo at gamit pambahay ay nakagawa ng mas engrande at mas nakakamanghang makulay na inilawang Pamaskong dekorasyon tuwing Disyembre. Ang lugar na ito ay naging isa sa mga dapat bisitahin during kapanahunan ng Pasko.

Blast On Their Noise

Chinese New Year is just around the corner and the unwanted noise from the neighbors might happen again. These neighbors have this habit of turning on their television and/or radio at full blast even on ungodly hours. In some days like when they have parties or celebrations, the noises from their speakers go on day in and day out. For somebody who is an insomniac, getting those elusive winks are much too precious for me to waste but how can I can get my sleep when our dear neighbors are blasting out the peace and quiet of the night. Complaints were already lodged but they only get quiet for a time and after a few days, they get back to their noise.

I can tolerate the loud music during daytime but during evenings when peace and quiet should rule, it is another story. A friend’s advice might be a very good one because she tried it on their previous neighbor and it worked. What she did was she changed her old speakers from those really big ones and took care to buy the good quality ones with center channel speaker for crisp and clear sound. She faced the speakers to the neighbor’s direction and cranked the speakers to the maximum. Of course, she covered her ears with cotton balls to minimize the noise. A few minutes after, the neighbor got the message and toned down their speakers. After that incident, the neighbor was more considerate with their noise.

Wordless Wednesday#1 The Eagle With The Christmas Tree

This is my first entry for Wordless Wednesday so I won't be wordless for this post. Anyway, I took this photo at the People's Park last December while the place was bedecked with Christmas decorations and Christmas lights.

Tuesday Travels#21 Mactan Shrine

The back view of the Lapu-lapu Shrine

The Mactan Shrine or the Lapu-lapu Shrine is located at Punta Engaño, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu. The shrine is the site of two memorials, the Lapu-lapu and Magellan memorials. Lapu-lapu was a native datu who fought and killed the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan.

Sunday Stealing#109

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it 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 Never Ending Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21. Did you go to your high school prom?
Yes, I did. I enjoyed it very much.

22. Perfect time to wake up?
During work days, it's usually 630 am. Weekends/holidays, it depends on my laziness tehehehe!

23. Perfect time to go to bed?
Nowadays, it's usually past 11 o'clock in the evening.

24. Do you use your queen right away in chess?
No.

25. Ever been in a car accident?
Minor, a bump on the back of the car.

26. Closer to mom or dad…or neither?
My mother.

27. What age is this exciting life over for you?
In the 20s.

28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
Any decade is fine.

29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned?
Rubber shoes, Converse, and a pair of Chinese embroidered shoes.

30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school?
Hmm..not anymore.

31. Were you in track and field?
Nope.

32. Were you ever in a school talent show?
Nope.

33. Have you ever written in a library book?
Yes.

34. Allergic to?
When I was younger, none. As I grow older, I get allergies from just from anything and anytime.

35. Favorite fruit?
King of fruits, durian. Most of my favorites are our native fruits not the usual apple, orange thing.

Missing Meme

I was supposed to do the PhotoHunt meme on Saturdays but when it's owner decided to stop it, I decided to stop doing it after somebody took over. It was just not the same anymore.

There have been too many memes I've been to but there were just a few that I really liked, most of them have folded up unfortunately.

Memes helped me alot and am sure a lot of bloggers would agree, that it helps in filling a gap in the posts. Sometimes, it's easier to do the meme's weekly theme than just think of something to post about. Unfortunately, it's not easy to choose a meme that I really like. Anyway, after PhotoHunt's demise, am on the lookout for another one to fill its place.

Litratong Pinoy#167 Balak (Plan)

One of the vintage World War II big guns in Corregidor Island.

I have been planning to travel with my parents for a vacation. But for so many reasons, that plan never came through until my father got sick and died. That is why I really convinced my mother to travel with me last year. For this year, I want to take her to Corregidor Island which my father really wanted to visit but was never able to.

Pilipino:
Matagal ko nang planong isama ang mga magulang ko sa pagbibiyahe at magbakasyon. Dahil sa maraming dahilan, hindi matuluy-tuloy ang planong iyon hangga't nagkasakit at namatay ang aking ama. Kaya naman, pinilit ko talagang matuloy noong nakaraang taon ang balak na iyon kasama ang aking ina. Para sa taong ito, gusto ko siyang isama sa isla ng Corregidor na siyang pinakagustong puntahan ng tatay ko noon pero hindi niya nagawa.

Free LandBank Cash Card

Pag-IBIG Fund in collaboration with Land Bank of the Philippines is offering free cash cards for its multi-purpose loan applicants to receive their loan proceeds.

The advantages of using the cash card in getting the loan proceeds are:

Ø      Member-borrowers avoid the long lines in claiming loan checks because the loan proceeds shall be deposited in their accounts after loan approval.

Ø      The member-borrower may withdraw the money anytime from any automated teller machine (ATM) accredited by the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Ø      The cash card is valid for three years and can be used to receive subsequent loan proceeds until expiry date.

For interested applicants, please submit the following to the LandBank teller assigned at our office:

Ø      Two (2) valid Identification Cards (Bring Original Copy for authentication)

Ø      Duly Accomplished enrolment form for cash card and Letter of Introduction (both forms are available from the LandBank teller).

Ø      One (1) 1 x 1 photo

Go to the nearest Pag-IBIG branch to avail of this good opportunity.

Ruby Tuesday#131 Folkrandia Festival

This is one of the Korean dancers who performed in the Davao Leg of the Folkrandia Festival show last December 13, 2012. Their group performed along with the Philippines' Bayanihan Dance Group. The show was really amazing and beautiful. I hope to see their performance again soon.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Penalty Condonation For Employers

If you have not yet registered your business establishment and your employees with Home Development Mutual Fund/Pag-IBIG Fund or have been delinquent/inactive in your employees’ contribution remittances, the Fund is now offering the penalty condonation program beginning January 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012.

With this program, all incurred penalties by the employers whose application for penalty condonation has been approved shall be condoned upon updating of contribution remittances.

Eligible employers who fail to avail of this program shall continue to incur penalties on their unremitted contributions and shall be held criminally liable and shall be prosecuted in accordance with the penal provisions of RA9679.

Go to the nearest Pag-IBIG Fund branch to avail of this program, contact details can be found at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph

Litratong Pinoy#166 Kasiyahan (Happiness)

Unexpectedly, photography gave me such happiness. It took time for me to get convinced by my friends to start this hobby. I was just content with the ordinary cameras before but due to their encouragement, I bought a Canon DSLR a year ago at slowly started to learn photography.

Pilipino:
Sa hindi inaasahan, nagbigay sa akin ng sobrang kasiyahan ang paglilitrato. Matagal bago ako nakumbinsi ng aking mga kaibigan na simulan ito. Nagkasya lang ako sa ordinaryong camera noon. Pero, dahil sa kanilang pag-engganyo sinubukan kung bumili ng Canon DSLR noong nakaraang taon at unti-unting pinag-aralan ang paglilitrato.

I know I still have a lot to learn but that's what makes it all exciting because while I am learning, I discover alot of things that bring happiness to me. For now, I am trying to take "bokeh" photos wherein part of the image is blurred and part is sharp.

Pilipino:
Alam kong marami pa rin akong dapat matutunan pero iyon ang mas eksayting dahil habang pinag-aaralan ko ang paglilitrato, marami akong nadidiskubre nakakatuwa. Sa ngayon, sinusubukan kong kumuha ng litratong "bokeh". Iyon bang may parte ng litrato na malabo at may parte namang malinaw.

Ruby Tuesday#130 Davao City's Christmas Lights

December was such a busy month that I was not able to take photos as much as I wanted to. But before the Christmas lights disappear, I promised myself to visit some places in the city to take some photos of the Christmas decorations.

Hereunder is one of the photos I took inside People's Park. The building at the background is the Casa Leticia glowing in Christmas lights.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#108

Happy New Year, everybody!
Today we ripped off a blogger named  Am I Half Dead or Am I Doing Fine  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 2011 Year End  Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Took my mother for a long-deserved vacation. 

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept some, and some I totally forgot. I'll try to keep more this coming 2012.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmm...nope.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope. Thank God for that.

5. What countries did you visit?
Singapore and Malaysia.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More peace of mind.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A day in November. I finally had the guts to do something that I should've done long time ago. 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I consider being able to convince my mother to take a travel vacation as my biggest achievement.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Disciplining myself more.

10. What was the best thing you bought?
Canon lens. I want to buy another one this year. 

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Government employees who served without waiting for grease money. 

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?
President GMA.

13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had been more forthcoming with what I wanted from somebody. I wish I traveled more around the country.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
I should've tried to be less emotionally dependent with a friend.

16. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Fall out of love, perhaps.

17. What was your favorite new TV program?
None.

18. What was the best book you read?
Too many but I'd like to mention Stieg Larsson trilogy books with one of the books being adapted in the movie entitled The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

19. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
If somebody did not take things for granted.

20. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I couldn't care less.

21. What kept you sane?
Prayers, being active, reading and other interests.

22. Who did you miss?
My father.

23. Who was the best new person you met?
Hm..too many to mention.

24. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2011?
When things go wrong, they will go wrong no matter how you try to do it right.

25. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
It's a wonderful world..

Litratong Pinoy#165 Tapos (End)

I knew that the arrival of the firedancers signaled that the lighted floats were getting near and the Lamdag Dabaw (Christmas Light) parade was also ending.

Pilipino:
Alam kong ang pagdating ng mga mananayaw ng apoy ang hudyat na malapit na ang mga karosa ng mga ilaw at palapit na ang tapos ng parada ng Lamdag Dabaw.

And I was right because right afterwards, these beautiful and colorful floats came after the dancers.

Pilipino:
At hindi naman ako nagkamali at sumunod kaagad ang mga nagagandahang karosang ito na punung-puno ng iba't ibang ilaw.

Ruby Tuesday#129 Christmas Lighted Sleigh Ride

Want a Christmas-lighted sleigh ride?

This is the 2nd year that our city is having the Lamdag Dabaw (Christmas Lights) parade. The parade started along R. Magsaysay Ave. and passed thru C.M. Recto Ave before culminating at the People's Park.

There were more people who watched the light parade than last year. Unfortunately, the parade started very late that we became impatient and tired. Nevertheless, it was really fun watching the floats and the walking lighted characters.


A Christmas-lighted red pumpkin ride.


This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Christmas Bokeh

Finally, I did the Bokeh photography. For a long time, I wanted to try it but things got busy and it has gotten the backseat in my memory bank. The get-together with two of my photographer-friends this week gave me a chance to do it. So, here're some of my shots:

By the way, Bokeh or boke in Japanese is the blur or out of focus area of an image. This is a photography technique usually used to emphasize a certain subject in the image.

Ruby Tuesday#128 Hawaiian Christmas Party

This was the backdrop of our stage for our office Christmas Party. The last time we had our branch's Christmas party was about four to five years ago. Because of budget constraints for the past years, we had our Christmas parties by our own group/division. So, the branch party was such a welcome change.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Help For Cagayan De Oro And Iligan

I was clueless about what happened last Friday night. Busy with preparations for our office Christmas party, I thought it improbable that Typhoon Sendong will affect much of the southern Philippines considering typhoons are rarities in this part of the country.

Saturday morning, I was uploading our Christmas party photos on Facebook when I saw the horrendous flash flood victim photos. Initially thinking that they were victims of the past Ondoy and Peping floods, I said a few prayers for them until I started reading the accompanying posts. The photos were of victims of the Friday night’s deluge of flash floods in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan!

Let us pray and help the victims of the flash floods of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities. Go here on how to help the Sendong flood victims.

Sunday Stealing#107

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tom Baker from the blog Morning Erection. (Tom points out that you shouldn't read much into his blog's name. It's a great blog.) This is an original meme and it's very first time posted. Tom asked us to rip it off and of course we are grateful! 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 Community Meme


Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. As a blogger, what do you draw inspirations from for your posts?
Current news and issues and just about anything that interests me.

2. If you could swap blogs with another blogger for a post, who would you switch with and why?
Hm...too many to mention. There are just too many great bloggers out there.

3. If your blog had a theme song, what would it be? Why?
Can't think of one right now.

4. What is your writing process for a post?
If some idea crops up and I can't make a post right away, I try to take note of it so I don't forget. Then, I make the post as soon as I could get the chance to get online.

5. Your blog requires a cute, new, mascot - what would it be?
Garfield.

6. Do you feel you express your "true self" on your blog?
Yes, I think so.

7. What is your biggest online pet-peeve?
Spammers.

8. If you could live in a fictional universe, where would you live? Why?
A universe where people can fly and move quickly. I want to see more of the world, that's why.

9. You're having a bad day, you're upset, you're angry, or you're sad - what is your go-to comfort?
Gym, movie watching or eating.

10. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Live life to the fullest.

11. If they were to make a movie based on your life, who would play you, your leading lady/man, your best friend, and your rival?


12. Do you think the world is going to end in 2012?
I hope not.

13. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
My frankness.

14. What is your favorite season and why?
Summer because the weather is always sunny and it's usually the time for travels.

15. You've been bitten by a vampire. Would you fight it with all your undead being or would you embrace it for all it is worth?
I'd probably fight it with all my undead might.

16. Have you personally met any of your blogger friends?
Yes, I met some during a bloggers summit years ago.

17. What does your favorite pair of underwear look like?
Clean.

18. Have you ever drank something right from the container in the refrigerator knowing other people will have to drink out of the same container later?
Yes, at home years ago when I was younger.

19. What is your favorite word and explain why?
Fighting. A favorite word I got from some Korean teleseries. It encourages people to fight.

20. 2011 is soon coming to a close, is there anything you'd like to do different on your blog in the year 2012?
I've been thinking of changing my template.

In A Rut

I didn't update my posts here for the past days because I was too busy with work, too lazy to let my mind work and just been having less drive to blog anything about. I guess, it's a stage when any writer or blogger gets into sometimes. For whatever reason, I am trying to get out of this rut by trying to be more active in taking pictures in the hope of posting some of photos that I like. It's a good thing that there are several parties coming up in the coming days for me to enjoy taking photos.

Hopefully, I'll be able to update my posts here more next week. Let's wait and see..

Ruby Tuesday#127 Red Christmas Balls

I found these huge Christmas balls along the halls of Abreeza Mall.

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

2012 Philippine Holidays

Finally, I got the list of the 2012 Philippine holidays. For what are this? For travel plans, of course! Here it is...

Under Proclamation 295 issued by Malacanang late Thursday, January 23 (Chinese New Year), which falls on a Monday, has been declared special non-working holiday.

"The joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people," President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, himself of Chinese heritage, said in the proclamation.

Although Malacanang said "23 January 2012 may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest," the said date is included in the official list of holidays. In 2012, there are six long weekends.

Complete list of 2012 Holidays:
A. Regular holidays:
New Year’s Day January 1 (Sunday)
Maundy Thursday, April 5
Good Friday, April 6
Araw ng Kagitingan April 9 (Monday)

Labor Day May 1 (Tuesday)
Independence Day June 12 (Tuesday)
National Heroes Day August 27 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day November 30 (Friday)
Christmas Day December 25 (Tuesday)
Rizal Day December 30 (Sunday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days
Chinese New Year, January 23 (Monday)
Ninoy Aquino Day, August 21 (Tuesday)
All Saints Day, November 1 (Thursday)
Additional special (non-working) day November 2 (Friday)
Last Day of the Year December 31 (Monday)
C. Special Holiday (for all schools)
EDSA Revolution Anniversary
February 25 (Saturday)

Litratong Pinoy#164 Golden (Ginintuan)

This gold-painted structure is located near at the General MacArthur Landing Memorial in Paco, Leyte.

Pintadong ginintuan ang istrakturang ito na matatagpuan kalapit sa parke ng pagdaung ni General MacArthur sa Paco, Leyte.

Here Comes Tom Cruise!

As one of Hollywood's big celebrities, Tom Cruise's absence never wanes his popularity. Now that the latest installation of Mission Impossible is out, my friends and I are really looking forward in watching the movie this coming December 15.

I liked the previous installments of the Mission Impossible and some its TV episodes. With Tom Cruise still on the lead,  who is also known for his daring stunts, the latest installment will certainly disappointment. So, here comes Tom Cruise and we're excitedly waiting.

Adele's Rolling In the Deep

This song keeps playing inside my mind. I first heard in the gym while working out and it got stuck in my head. Now, it's my current favorite:) Love the lyrics too!

Ruby Tuesday#126 Red Alien

Is it a red alien wreaking havoc in the city? No, although it looks like one from the back. He was one of the participants of Davao's First Lamdag Dabaw last year.

For more Ruby Tuesday entries, go here.

Davao City's Pasko Fiesta Is Up Now

This is the 2nd year that the city's Pasko Fiesta will be celebrated and several activities are lined up for this event. Last year, I was only able to watch the Lamdag Dabaw, the event's equivalent to world-famous Electric Light Parade with Christmas-costumed participants. For those who are interested to check out the schedule of the said events, go here.

In the meantime, my Canon cameras shall be cleaned in anticipation of the several colorful shots that I will be making around the city.

Sunday Stealing#106

Today we ripped off a blogger and blog called BlueLifeMemories. It's long so we will do it in two parts. She states she stole it from a friend, but did not say which friend. 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 Blue Memory Meme, Part One

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say? Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, not all about shopping!

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be? The Pope

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?
Call my boss to ask permission, pack up my bags and my Canon cameras and go to Italy or Spain.

4) What do you think about most?
Nowadays...it's all about a relationship that has gone sour.

5) You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
Adam Levine of the Maroon 5. Wooot!

6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?
The death of my father.

7) What's your strangest talent?
I don't think I have one.

8) What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on?

Secret..tehehehe!

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?
Nope. If somebody did, please tell me now!

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
Hmm..a few months ago.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?
None, so far.

12) What's your religion?
Catholic.

13) What is your current desktop picture?
An island with coconut trees.

14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing?
Nowadays, I think, I've been paying bills too often.

15) What's the last song you listened to?
Carpenters' I won't last a day without you.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

Maroon 5, Queen, Savage Garden, etc.

17) What was the last lie you told?
That I didn't feel hurt when I felt really devastated.

18) Do you believe in karma?
Oh yes. I've seen it work several times.

19) What is a saying you say a lot?
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?
Weakness, procrastination. Strength, frankness.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?
Too many. All time crushes are Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart.
Love.

23) How do you vent your anger?
There are so many ways...eat, workout, shop, read and pray, pray, pray.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?
Yes, I collect keychains, books, travel photos, refrigerator magnets and souvenir t-shirts.

25) What is your favorite word?
None.

PhotoHunt#159 Ripped

Kadayawan is not only famous for the fruits, the sights and the sounds of the festival but also for the celebrity-guests. These celebrities usually rode the Kadayawan floats during the parade. One of the celebrities I saw had the ripped muscles any woman would swoon over hehehehe! and he's cute too!

Giant TV Network GMA's popular primetime TV show, Amaya, has its own float during Kadayawan festival. The float was one of the Kadayawan floats that people really flocked to during the Kadayawan floral float parade. Marian Rivera, Sid Lucero, some ripped-muscled and scantily-clad male casts were there too. The ladies were equally sexy too.

Christmas Is On!

For most Filipinos, Christmas season starts when the "ber" months start. So usually it's not surprising for some Filipino families to start their Christmas preparations in September. By that time, Christmas songs over the radio can be heard on air and malls would start displaying their Christmas decorations.

For my family though, our Christmas decorations come out at the start of December.So, let's start decorating! Christmas is on! Merry Christmas in advance to all!

Litratong Pinoy#163 Pagdating (Advent)

He was famous for the words, "I shall return." and indeed, Filipinos held on to that promise during World War II. To commemorate his return to the Philippines, a memorial of General MacArthur's landing along with his fleet in Leyte was erected.

Facts about the memorial (source:www.thetravelmart.net)
Situated in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte, the monument marks the spot where General Douglas MacArthur landed with the American Liberation Forces in 1944. The statues of the liberators stand in a lagoon, 1.5 times bigger than lifesize. It is also the site of the 50th Leyte Landing Anniversary Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace. A beautiful beach can be found in the area.

Pilipino:
Kilala siya sa mga katagang "Ako'y magbabalik." at pinaniwalaan ito ng nakakaraming Pilipino noong Ikalawang Pandaigdigang Digmaan. Sa pag-alala ng kanyang pagdating kasama ang kanyang mga sundalo, isang memoryal ang itinayo sa Leyte.


Ang monumento na nagtatanda sa lugar ng pagdating ni Heneral Douglas MacArthur kasama ang puwersa ng mga Amerikanong sundalo noong 1944 ay nasa Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. Ang mga istatuwa ng mga nagpalaya na tumatayong 1.5 pang mas malaki sa tunay na taas na tao ay nakatayo sa isang maliit na look. Dito rin makikita ang mabatong hardin na nagpapaalala ng ika-50 anibersayong ng Leyte Landing.

Tuesday Travels#20 Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

The entrance fee took us by surprise. It was P200 per three persons and P30 per camera. Considering that there were four Canon cameras and one Sony digital camera among the four of us, we thought we would just take the photos from outside instead of going inside. The place looks rundown outside and I wondered what happened to the entrance fees that they've been collecting. The place would have been pretty if it had been maintained properly.

According to the locals, Tacloban's Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum was ordered built by then First Lady Imelda Marcos. It was situated just beside People's Center, another building from the Marcos era.

Here are some facts about the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum (source:www.travelmart.net)
Located in Real Street, Tacloban City. Paintings of the 14 stations of the Cross done by Filipino artists, wooden bas-relief of the legend of the First Filipino man-woman (Si Malakas at si Maganda); tastefully decorated guestrooms of varied Filipino motifs; image of the Holy Child; a collection of original paintings by Fernando Amorsolo; spacious ballroom; priceless collector’s items.

Holiday For November 30

Another holiday is coming up this week and I'm glad because work is getting more hectic as the year is coming to a close. November 30 is Bonifacio Day and it's a national holiday. Thank goodness for that.

Here are some facts about Andres Bonifacio from wikipedia:
Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary. He was one of a founder and later the supreme leader of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines.Bonifacio is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first president of the Philippines, but he is not officially recognized as such.