Tuesday Travels#33 Dare To Scoot

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

 

 

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

 

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

Cellphone Over College Education

 

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Stealing#118

Today we ripped off a blogger named Just Paisley. Crediting this meme turned out to be difficult. We found it on a sit called Tumblr. Just Paisley was just one of lots who answered the questions. We are not proud. We will steal anything. Whether the site Tumblr offered the meme or a "member" posted it isn't clear.Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: The TV Show Meme

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

1.  Mork and Mindy

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

4. South Korean TV show, Dong Yi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to look for in a business hotel

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

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

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

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

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

Travelodge

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

Hilton Canary Wharf and Hilton Docklands

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

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

Ramada Docklands

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

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

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

Getting The Most From Vacations

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

 "Provided by ThomasCook"

Tuesday Travels#32 Laguna Visita Iglesia

This is a late post but I have been quite busy catching up with work before the long weekend and then, we had our Visita Iglesia in Laguna. Anyway, I have just ticked off one item off my bucket list today. I have just done the Southern Luzon Visita Iglesia particularly in Laguna. To top it off, I took my mother with me to let her see the some of the old churches of Luzon.

Here're two photos I took of the facade of Morong Church, our first stop for the Visita Iglesia.

 

 

Back Home

Finally, am home now. Just came home from doing Visita Iglesia with my mother and niece. We did it with a group in Southern Luzon, particulary in Laguna. The trip was not only entertaining but it was also quite educational and interesting. It was also a dream come true for me because I was able to take my mother on a trip to the Visita Iglesia. It was a tiring trip but I know I am blessed.

Living it up in low-cost luxury ski chalets

For many of us the thrill of whizzing down a beautiful mountainside is what a ski or snowboarding holiday is really all about but it doesn't hurt to be staying in fantastic accommodation either. The good news is that you can secure a short break or a week-long stay in luxury ski chalets at surprisingly low prices right now if you do some research online.

As you may already have realised the internet is comfortably the most straightforward and best way to dig out ski holiday bargains, regardless of the kind of holiday you're looking for or the dates you'd like to go. A simple online search can turn up a lengthy list of very viable snow sport hotspots and all manner of chalets, hotels and apartments for prospective visitors to choose from. And that goes equally for large families or groups of friends, as well as for couples or individuals and whether you've been skiing for years or if it's your very first time in the snow.

Perhaps the best plan of action for Britons hoping to take their family away to the slopes this year or next is to seek out some cheap European ski holidays. There are plenty to choose from and the vast majority of resorts across the continent offer very high quality skiing, entertainment, facilities and accommodation.

Luxury chalets are perhaps the most popular way to go for families with youngsters to look after, with meals being made and cleaning carried out by live-in hosts and chefs who really know their way your kitchen. So parents can focus on spending quality time with their children and all guests can enjoy their time away to the absolute maximum, or at least as much as their energy levels will allow them.

Sunday Stealing#117

Today we ripped off a blogger named Dayna Ngai from the blog Dayna Me: The Tea Addict. She says that she took part in a meme which is a series of interview questions by Clem. And also said that the other day, Chibi Jeebs from the blog of the same name tagged her as well. So, we guess we stole two separate memes from Dayna. 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 April No Fools' Meme

1. What was the last clothing item that you bought? 
Two blouses in Bien Tahn Market, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. 

2. If you could stay one age forever, what age would you choose? 
It should be 25 years old.  

3. When you say “lol”, are you really laughing? 
Yes or giggling or smiling big.  

4. What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the past year? 
I learned to let go of someone I considered very important in my life.  

5. If you started a business, what would it be? 
A food business, probably or if not, an online store. 

6. Do your friends/family/coworkers know about your blog?
Yes, some of them.

7. How long does it take you to write an average blog post?
It depends. Sometimes, just a few minutes and other times, an hour or so.

8. How do you keep up with the blogs you follow?
Blogger's list of blogs I follow. 


9. What is your bedtime? Is sex always involved?
Just about midnight. Nope.

10. Introvert or extrovert?
Both.

11. What is your biggest fear?
Losing my loved ones.

12. What is the best job you ever had?
I can't say best but quite challenging and interesting when I was assigned at the acquired assets unit.

13. Dog person/cat person/both/neither?
Both.

14. If you had $1,000 to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Travel, books and a long-delayed visit to the dentist.

15. How do you "dress" your toast?
With butter or sandwich spread.

16. How do you feel about snow?
Cold? and lonely.

17. What was the worst job you ever had?

Cashier of a store that was managed poorly.

18. What song can you not stop listening to?

Nowadays, none.

19. Love your name or hate it?
It's ok. I'd like Alexandra or Maxine though.

20. How did you choose your blog/twitter handle?
It just came about.

Year-Round Sun in the Canary Islands

Located just off the West coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are a hugely popular holiday destination with British and European tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. Aside from great beaches, bustling resorts and a diverse range of things to see and do, one of the islands’ best traits is its location - which means it boasts a sunny, temperate climate all year round and makes it a great choice for both Summer and Winter holidays.


Although clustered closely together, the Canary Islands differ quite significantly from each other and offer a unique experience depending on which island you choose to visit.


Holidays to Fuerteventura are usually all about the beach. The island is generally laid-back, with little in the way of nightlife but plenty of great family entertainment and mile upon mile of golden sandy beaches that are just perfect for that much needed rest and relaxation. In contrast, the island of Tenerife - the biggest of the archipelago - is famous for its nightlife which attracts top-name DJs, while Lanzarote is a fascinating island formed by ancient volcanic activity that left behind a legacy of spectacular lunar-like scenery with deep caverns and a craggy mountainous landscape.


On a Gran Canaria holiday you’ve got elements of all the other islands with superb scenery, glorious beaches and a range of resorts to suit different tastes. Dotted around its beautiful coastline you’ll find everything from lively towns and all-night clubs to laid-back family resorts and sleepy seaside villages, with plenty of accommodation choices to suit every style and budget - including low-cost self-catering apartments, all-inclusive hotels by the beach and luxury cliff-top retreats with all the trimmings.


The Canary Islands are full of character and a great choice for any style of holiday. The only difficulty you’ll have is deciding which one to visit.

Tuesday Travels#31 Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central post office is located at downtown Ho Chi Minh City, just walking distance from Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city's main church. The post office building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. It has a Gothic architectural style. It was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel, the same designer who did the Eiffel Tower of France.

Her First Visita Iglesia After So Many Years

She left Catholicism years ago but because her family belonged to that religion for generations, she could not easily and totally leave it alone. More so, that our culture is intertwined with it.

I started doing Visita Iglesia years ago when I did it the first time during our Ilocos tour. Amazed with our historic churches’ beauty and longevity, I started doing it whenever I am in the country during Holy Week. Now, we are scheduled to do the Visita Iglesia together. Her first after so many years. No, she is not reverting back to her old religion. She was just curious enough about my stories of Philippines churches and their amazing architectural designs that lasted for generations. I do hope she will love the trip as much as I did for the past years.

Sunday Stealing#116

Today we ripped off a blogger and blog named Susan K. Mann. She claims to have been tagged by the lovely Pippa from A Mothers Ramblings in this & Questions and by the book loving Big Book Little Book. 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 Last March Meme

1. Which TV character do you think you are most like?

Not sure..I like the quirky characters like Zooey Deschanel's character in New Girl or Brooke Elliott's character in  Drop Dead Diva.

2) What time do you go to bed? 

Mostly, near midnight nowadays. Would love to change back to earlier time for bed though.

3) What was the last meal you made from scratch? 

Omelette.

4) What is your favorite type of music? 

Dance, R & B.

5) In what position do you sleep? 

I sleep on my back.

6) What is your first memory? 

Of a Sunday morning, me just waking up in my bedroom and hearing my father's favorite songs playing from the radio while my parents have their early breakfast. The house smell of newly-cooked food. 

7) What is your least favorite smell? 

Cigarette smoke and smoke from vehicles.

8) It's your round at the pub and your friends asked you to surprise them. What drink would you buy and why? 

The native drink, tuba and lambanog (fermented coconut juice). Both easily get people drunk.

9) What was the last thing you read/watched that made you cry?

 Jeffrey Archer's Kane and Abel.

10) They say that you learn something new every day. What was the last thing you have learned?
Liars lie whenever they can, small matters or not. 

11) Which Literary love interests would you snog, marry and avoid. 

Huh..my old brain can't easily recall all that.

12) What is your oldest memory? 

Hm..still a lot actually. Mostly, of old relatives

13) Paperback, Hardback or Kindle? Which of these is your favorite reading format and why? 

Paperback. I like the touch and smell of paper on my hands and besides, it's not hardback but hardbound which to me is more expensive.

14) If you could bring back any canceled TV series for another run what would you pick and why? 

Charlie's Angels.

15) Paperback, Hardback or Kindle?

Is this a typo? you already asked this. See#13. 

Litratong Pinoy#177 Mahirap Hanapin (Hard to Find)

On our first day, we walked for several hours at the city centre of Tacloban. We were looking for something to buy to take home and I didn't expect it to be so hard to find.  We got tired and it took us well into the night and we did not them. Good thing though that on our second day, somebody told us where the buy the Tacloban native delicacies.

They said, the Tacloban trip can only be complete if one has eaten the native delicacies of binagol, moron and sagmani. This is why we where quite happy to see them lining up at Zamora St., fronting the Goldilocks store near the public market of Tacloban.

Pilipino: Sa unang araw, naglakad-lakad kami ng ilang oras sa sentro ng lungsod ng Tacloban. Naghahanap ng kung anong dapat ipasalubong at hindi ko akalaing mahirap hanapin pala ang mga iyon. Inabutan kami ng pagod at kalaliman ng gabi pero hindi talaga namin nahanap. Mabuti na lang at sa pangalawang araw na pagsubok, may nakapagsabi kung saan namin matatagpuan ang mga pasalubong na kakanin ng Tacloban.

Sabi nila, kulang ang byahe sa Tacloban kung hindi nakakain ng binagol, moron at sagmani. Kaya, ang saya namin ng makita namin itong nakalinya ng marami sa daan ng Zamora, harapan ng tindahan ng Goldilocks na malapit sa pamilihan ng bayan.

Photography Without Photoshop

Ask any photography enthusiast if they do photoshop, likely a lot of them Photoshop their photographs. Except for this author who prefers her photographs unedited with just the watermark obscuring somewhat the view, photoshop has become such a part and parcel for anyone who ventures into photography. There are a lot of good things to be done on the said software. Amazing and awesome fit the descriptions of the said software.

God knows, how many significant pieces of life recorded in a photograph were saved by the Photoshop or by any photo editing software out there. However, for me, a good photograph is a really good one if it has not been edited or enhanced. For a professional photographer-friend, his recent discovery of Photoshop was a lifesaver. However, the time spent and lost editing his photos thru Photoshop is making him lose money. He now realizes that the best option is always to make sure to take a good photograph than rely on on any photo editing software.  As one photographer said, know your camera first before you photoshop.

The Rare Watches - Montblanc Replica Watches

The Montblanc Watch has approach an extensive technique from its modest first phase as the associate line by the Montblanc the corporation based in the country France. Formerly, better identified for its well works in creating the high class pens and the stationary, the brand name has approach an extensive method in manufacturing its individual line of the Swiss Watches.

This fashionable watch arrives with the limited version assortment. These limited editions watch simply manufactured and circulated to the online and offline shops of the entire world to be take pleasure in by the followers of the high standard Swiss made Watches. This is only of the brand which the brand which is famous for its popularity. So, this watch is very high in the price due to its popularity. For the reason that normal class person cannot purchase this kind of costly watch then the Montblanc Replica watches comes into the market for the fashion followers. The competitors of the Montblanc Replica watches produce the same kind of watch every year, but the people always trust on the Montblanc replica because of its quality and superior function.

This stylish is rare to locate but you can easily find this fashionable and high demanded watch from the online store. You can find a number of unique and attractive functions in the Montblanc replica watches.

The characteristics of the Montblanc replica watches which differentiate it from additional branded watches are the similar to feature and quality. Only the most excellent substances are utilized when making these luxury watches. So you can be positive which the watch you hold is a strong one which can situate the test of occasion. The Montblanc replica watches are certainly a huge speculation and can be hand behind from age-group to age-group. So don’t waste the time and purchase these stylish watches at the reasonable price.

Tuesday Travels#30 Vietnamese Girl

 I wanted to buy at least one of these Vietnamese girls as souvenir and also, to add to my mother's doll collection but I ended up having none because I run out of Vietnamese money. So, just took a photo of them instead.

No Benefits

Because am a bit of a night owl, I always end up rushing through my mornings since I could not seem to get up early enough. The result makes the taxi drivers happy considering I have to use them almost everyday now (the habit is hurting my purse badly.) The morning habit had me befriending some “suki” and we got to talking about their lives. Their woes are familiar to me considering my father was one of them for years in between his overseas works.

Since they mostly rent their taxis from the operators, they are not actually considered as employees but mere renters. Thus, the benefits that they should have were not given to them. It is common among taxi drivers to not have SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and a health card. Most of them only know that their daily income goes straight to buy for their family’s food and for the children’s schooling. But leaving these benefits unpaid for are not good for somebody who is a breadwinner has no retirement plans or even health cards and has no other job options.

While riding the taxi, I mostly take my time in explaining them the experience I had with my father’s government benefits. He was actually luckier as he was employed in some private corporations that provided him the SSS and PhilHealth contributions. Only when he was in between jobs or when he was being a public vehicle driver that he stopped his contributions. The Pag-IBIG membership he had, I took the initiative to pay it along with my mother’s. For SSS and PhilHealth, enrolling and continuing in the membership payment will help the member and his beneficiaries in times of sickness. When my father got sick, PhilHealth really helped in our medical bills. SSS monthly pension made our daily expenses less burdensome.

For Pag-IBIG membership, which can be withdrawn upon maturity or retirement age, it was a big surprise for us to receive the amount in lump sum with dividend earnings that is more than the usual bank interest and without tax deduction! So, for those who are earning from work or business, even if it seems burdensome and unless you have millions stashed somewhere, it’s always imperative to get those memberships from SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG. Always, they could help and in some days, they could unexpectedly.

Litratong Pinoy#176 Lalaki (Male)

Male dancers during the Kadayawan festival's streetdancing held last year.

Pilipino: Mga lalaking mananayaw ng Indak-indak sa kadalanan sa piyesta ng Kadayawan noong nakaraang taon.

Tuesday Travels#29 Mutya ng Dabaw Beauties

Since I will not be able to see the Araw ng Dabaw festivities this coming March 16, Friday, I am posting the Mutya ng Dabaw beauties who won the beauty contest last 2010.

Araw Ng Dabaw Is A Holiday

The city’s foundation day dubbed as Araw ng Dabaw is on March 16. The city government already announced that it’s going to be a holiday. It’s just too bad that I won’t be here to see the celebrations. Several events are already lined-up for the week-long celebration of the city's foundation day. Already, my nieces are planning to see Coco Martin and the cast of the TV hit series, Walang Hanggan at one of the city’s malls this coming Friday. As for me, I am tra-veling...

Litratong Pinoy#175 Babae (Woman)

When you say  "Filipino woman", she'll surely have the talent and brains. These are the women dancers who participated in the Kadayawan festival streetdance last year. Their group was one of the top winners for that year. Today is the International Women's Day.

Pilipino: Kapag sinabi mong "babaeng Pilipino", siguradong may galing at talino. Ito ang mga babaeng mananayaw na sumali sa Indak-indak sa Kadalanan para sa piyesta ng Kadayawan noong nakaraang taon. Ang grupo rin nila ang isa sa mga nanalo nang taon na iyon. Ngayon ay internasyonal na araw ng mga kababaihan.

Tuesday Travels#28 Malagos Garden Resort (more photos)

Here are more photos I took from our Malagos Garden Resort trip sometime ago..

The visitor's receiving area..

The garden by the restaurant...

As I said from my previous post, there were several installations scattered around the resort. One of the installations is called Noah's Ark which is surrounded by animal topiaries.

This huge circle is said to be one of the installations done by the National Artist Napoleon Abueva.

Sunday Stealing#115

Today we ripped off a blogger named Moi from the blog Bite the Apple. She states that it's Curmudgeon's fault because he tagged her. 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 Eve Was Framed Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Why is your favorite color your favorite?

My favorite color changes depending on my mood. Right now, I like orange and green. Orange because it looks happy and perky. Green, the light colored one, because it's cool to the eyes and it means hope.

2. Do you prefer dogs or cats or do you just hate animals, and want to kill baby seals?

I don't hate animals, love them. I don't have any plans of killing any of them too.

3. How much time do you spend on the computer?
A lot, at work and at home.

4. Not including porn, what do you do on the computer?

Work. Research. Update my blog posts.

5. Are you a clock watcher?

Not really unless am trying to check on an appointment date.

6. What do you/did you look for in a partner? 

God-fearing, hardworking, honest and proactive.

7. What type of clothing do you prefer? 

Comfy clothes. Basically, t-shirt and/or shorts/pants. 

8. What is your favorite type of music? 

Anything except the metallic rock.

9. Do you believe in the paranormal, Ghosts, ESP, levitation, spoon bending? 

A little.

10. The most important question: Do you have a inie or outie belly button?
Huh, don't get you.

11. What kind of car do you drive?
I don't have a car. Good thing because gas prices keep getting high.

12. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun or The Boys Are Back in Town?

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

13. Camping or the Ritz?

Camping but I won't mind the Ritz once in a while.

14. What food are you craving RIGHT NOW . . . did you eat it?

Hmm...deep fried tuna.

15. The most thrilling place you've ever visited. Why?

Top of the Philippine highest mountain, Mt. Apo.

16. If you could slip into the skin of one public figure--celebrity, artist,--who would it be?

It used to be Madonna. Nowadays, I'd like to know Lady Gaga.

17. Look up from your computer. What do you see first?

Knick-knacks.

18. Sum up your philosophy of life in one sentence. You can borrow it from someone else, if you'd like.

Live life to the fullest but stay true to yourself. Work hard, play hard.

19. Name the one thing you just don't understand about kids today.

Fashion and attitude.

20. If you could steal one work of art from a museum or gallery, which would it be?

Any of Monet's work.

Litratong Pinoy#174 Sapin sa Paa

 

 

 

 

I had fun taking pictures of the costumes of the streetdancers of the Kadayawan festival last year. What I like most are their footwears. Unique. Colorful and of course, the Filipino's ingenuity and talent were quite obvious. 

Pilipino:

Kinatuwaan kong kuhaan ng mga litrato ang mga suot ng mga mananayaw ng Indak-indak sa Kadalanan sa piyesta ng Kadayawan noong nakaraang taon. Kasama sa nagustuhan kong mga kuha ay ang kanilang mga sapin sa paa. Kakaiba. Makulay at siyempre pa, kitang-kita ang galing at malikhain ng Pinoy.

Tuesday Travels#27 Malagos Garden Resort

 

 It has been awhile since my last visit to the Malagos Garden Resort. So, I thought I'd bring along my parents and nieces to check it out. It was a first time visit for my nieces so they were quite excited about it. There were some improvements around the place like this beautiful fountain but the usual features of Malagos Garden Resort were still there. Installations and artworks by National Artist Napoleon Abueva were scattered around the resort which actually made some really nice surprise while exploring the area.

They also have the animal and bird show. I found this cute little horse being taken for a little walk by one of the resort staff.

 

More photos on my next Tuesday Travels entry..

How To Make More Money Online

I do make money online. It is not much but it helps a lot considering that I do not actually spend too much time doing it. The thing about making money online is one can get flexible with time and effort. After all, there are just so many choices of work online.

If you want to earn more money, you spend more time online doing it. If you get lazy, you lessen your time and effort and you can see your earnings dip low. Still, it is a good way of spending time online than just surfing through Facebook or any other websites with zero earning.

There are many ways to make money online. While I do it just when I have extra time to spare, I know some people who actually are doing it full time. In fact, some people I knew quit their traditional job to make more money online. Blogging, accepting post assignments, doing paid surveys, surfing websites,  doing online auctions like Ebay are just some of the things one can do to earn more money..

Sunday Stealing#114

Today we ripped off a blogger named Scottish Mum from the blog Scottish Mum Blog. It was stolen from three bloggers. She explained that the "lovely ladies over at More Than a Mum, Yummy Step Mummy and Fluffy Dumplings have all tagged me so far." 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 Scottish Meme Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Where are you from and where do you live now? I am from the Philippines and now living in the southern part of the country.

2. Favorite childhood story/book/film? All the children's stories: Cinderella, Snow White, and the bible stories.

3. If you could change gender for a day what would you do? Go where the guys go.

4. Do you feel you family is complete or would you like more/some children? I am single and I am actually thinking of adopting a child.

5. What do you do/Where do you work and do you enjoy it? I am in the Marketing Division and I enjoy my work. I am learning a lot from my work.

6. Which three words do you think sum you up? Hardworking, lifelong learner.

7. If you were a fairy what magical powers would you possess? Knowing if someone is lying, jumping into places in split seconds.

8. If you were invisible, where would you go and what would you do? Why? All over the world, taking photographs.

9. What song can’t you listen to without crying? Can't think of one.

10. Which book changed your life – or at least made you think a lot? The bible.

11. Why do you blog? Blogging is an extension of my writing.

12. What is your top ‘me-time’ tip? Go on travels, reading, going to the gym.

 13. What can’t you live without? My mother.

14. Which of all your blog posts are you most proud of and why? There are a lot.

15. Have you ever met a famous person? Who and where? Local celebrities. Mostly in Manila.

16. When did you last have a full nights sleep? Last night.

17. What would you think is harder: Going to work or staying at home with children? Staying at home with children.

18. What are you doing for Easter? I am thinking of going on a travel.

 19. What is your favorite drink? Coke.

 20. Do you play any sports? Tennis, boxing and for a while, badminton.

21. What is your most embarrassing moment? There were a lot but the one that I can recall right now is when I fell face down on the street while getting off the vehicle near the church door on a Sunday.

 22. How clever are you? I think, you should ask the people who knew me.

 23. Name a new favorite TV show? South Korean movie, Dong Yi.

24. Any guilty pleasures? Travel and books.

25. If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be? Alexandra or Rafaela or Mikaela.

26. Who do you most admire in life, and why? My mother and people who works hard and tries to do good no matter what happens.

 27. What is your most treasured possession? For material things, my Canon DSLR.

28. Tell your favorite funny joke… corny..

29. What is your biggest fear in life? Losing my loved ones.

30. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? What does it remind you of? Cheese. It reminds me of my childhood.

She Wants To Start A Blog

A photographer-friend posts her photos once in a while in Facebook. She is actually a very good photographer and could earn some money from her photos. However, she prefers it as a hobby not as a source of income. She had fun with Facebook for a while but wanted to start a blog as not all the people she knows have Facebook account. I thought she was actually joking when she asked me on how do it but was amused and happy to see that she got her blog running after bugging me continuously for a week.

 The websites I gave helped her a lot in getting her blog up and running. She is lucky that there are now websites and blogs that really give good tips in starting a blog. When I started years ago, I relied only from a blogger-friend who patiently guided me step by step until it was all done.

 For now, she is enjoying her blog more and more and I would not be surprised if she starts thinking of selling her photos online thru her blog. After all, some photographer-friends are already doing it.

In A New Photography Group

Something went wrong with the photography group I had last year. The plans for photoshoots and photography workshop-seminars stopped, members’ meeting attendance dwindled and then, the group was disbanded. I missed our activities and thankfully, I found a new one.

Why go get another group when the previous one flunked? Because it is always more fun to have somebody to share something that you enjoy doing and it doesn't matter if the camera they are using is Nikon or Canon or the recent camera that I covet, Sony DSLR. Also, there are more to learn more because there are more people, you meet new friends and it is cheaper too.

So, here I am quite excited with my new group. Tomorrow is our swearing-in as new members. Looking forward to exciting photography sessions with my new friends.

Why Malaga is a Special Place

Anyone who visits Spain will surely reach the most popular coastal city in the country, Malaga. Malaga is a really important tourism city, so you can see that this place would be really crowded by people from all over the world who spend their vacation here during the holiday season. Malaga has a mixture of tropical and Mediterranean climate so the winter here is quite warm compared to other places in Europe. That is why this city is flowing with tourists who want to escape from the cold at their hometowns during the winter.

If you take a flight to come into the city, you will first land at the Malaga Costa Del Sol Airport. It is located eight kilometres from the Malaga city centre, and it is estimated that twelve million passengers board their planes here to go in and out of the city each year. You will need a car to go to the city centre, especially if you do not want to use the public transport here as they will be usually congested during the holiday season. Car hire Malaga service at the airport can give you the best car deals for your family for the vacation.

Malaga is usually overlooked by the more popular Sevilla and Granada, mainly because these two have more interesting places. However, Malaga is rapidly developing its tourism attractions here so you can see that there are a lot of hotels and museums being built currently. You can spend a day or two at this city but if you are someone who loves the sea, you may need to allocate more than two days to see all of the attractions that are located near to the beach.

If you come to Malaga in the hope to shop for some souvenirs to bring back home, you can find them at the shopping streets of the Malaga city centre. Calle Marques de Larios is the main shopping street in the city and it was named after the Larios family that built the street during the 19th century. You can find a lot if items here like clothes, wooden ornaments, key chains and also shoes. The price of the items here are also cheap enough compared to other famous cities like Barcelona and Madrid, and you can always haggle to get the best price. You will be amazed with how much money you will spend here to buy all the things you want!

Litratong Pinoy#173 Plenty (Madami)

There are plenty of people who wanted to get married but could not afford to do it due to lack of money. It was a good thing that there was somebody who decided to help them. This photo was taken at SM Davao during day of the hearts, February 14, 2012. Pag-IBIG Fund helped in making their members' wedding plans come true.

Pilipino Ang dami palang taong gustong mag-asawa ngunit salat sa pera kaya't hindi makasal. Buti nalang, may nagmagandang loob na tulungan sila. Itong litrato ay kuha sa SM Davao noong Araw ng Puso, ika-14 ng Pebrero 2012. Tumulong ang Pag-IBIG Fund sa planong pagpapakasal ng kanilang mga myembro.

Tuesday Travels#26 Xin Tian Di, Shanghai

 

 

  Xin Tian Di is located at the center of Shanghai City, China. It is considered as part of the cultural and historical site of the city and is now one of the popular tourist destinations of the city.

  Nowadays, the old buildings house commercial stores of well-known brands from all over the world. The sculptures above depicts the fortune, prosperity and longevity.

Finding Orlando Hotels for Tourists

If this is your first time going to Orlando, Florida, it is important to know which hotels in Orlando offers the best deals. One does not need to worry about finding hotels in Orlando because there are hundreds of hotels that suits ones budget and needs. Orlando Florida hotels offer the most affordable hotels in the world.

One of the most recommended hotels in Orlando is the Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas. They offer Orlando hotel deals that are very good when it comes to affordability and quality. If you are interested in going to Epcot, this hotel is the best one for you. It offers a shuttle service that could bring you from the hotel to Universal Studios. If you are looking for a place to dine with your family and friends, it is a must to try at the boardwalk.

Another hotel that is excellent for travelers is Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. This is the nearest hotel in the airport, and one does not have to worry about flight schedules because the place is just minutes away from the airport.

The third Orlando hotel that offers excellent service is CrownPlaza Orlando Universal. There are many tourists who gave positive feedback about this hotel. When you are with your family and friends, this is one of the best choices in the area. The staffs services are top-notch. They see to it that their guests will have a memorable hotel experience in Orlando. Disney theme parks are just a walk away from this four star hotel.

To see other hotel options, one is advised to search online. There are so many hotel accommodations in Orlando Florida that are available online. Tourists will not enjoy the theme parks but will also have an unforgettable hotel experience in Orlando Florida.

Sunday Stealing#113

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: Final Part

Cheers to all of us thieves!

76) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?
Honesty, openness and hardwork to make it all work.

77) How did/could someone win your heart?
By being funny, honest, spontaneous and by sharing the same interests with me.

78) In your world, what brings on more creativity?
Inspiration from others.

79) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?
Finishing my college education against all odds.

80) Why did you break up with your last ex?
Felt taken for granted.

81) What would you want to be written on your tombstone?
Curious. Lifelong learner.

82) What is your favorite word?
Tiguwang, local dialect for "old one".

83) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: delusional.
Lost.

84) What is a saying you use a lot?
Do to others what you want others do unto you.

85) Are you watching Idol this season? If yes, how do you like it?
Yes, so far so good. It's good to know that there's a Filipino-American that made the list. She is Jessica Sanchez.

86) Were you surprised that House got canceled?

Although I really liked it, I am not surprised that it got cancelled considering that not a lot of people are quite in medical themed shows.

87) What is your current desktop picture?
A white-sand beach island with three coconut trees on a beautiful sunny day.

88) If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be?
Anybody who is guilty of murder.

89) What would be a question where you'd not tell the truth?
If somebody asks me if they are physically beautiful.

90) One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by WEEPING ANGELS. The Weeping Angles aren't really doing anything, they're just standing around your bed. What would you do?

Freak out and probably, shout my lungs out.

91) You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power?
I think, I answered this question before but to answer again, I'd like to have the power to fly and to heal.

92) You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?
My first kiss tehehehe!

93) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?
My father's death.

94) You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. (let's say that you are both single and available) Who might it be?
Gosh, too many.  One would be Adam Levine of Maroon 5.

95) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?
Europe.

96) Do you have any relatives or friends in jail?
None.

97) Who's winning the U.S. Republican presidential nomination? Why?
Don't know.

98) Who's winning the next U.S. Presidential election?
Obama seems doing good.

99) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?
Let us save the earth.

Litratong Pilipino#172 Dugtong/Kabit (Attached)

If the ship is not there, would you know where the skies start and where the sea end? At first look, they look like they are attached to each other.

Photo was taken at the Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City

Pilipino: Kung wala iyong barko, malalaman mo ba kung saan ang langit nag-uumpisa ang langit at saan humihinto ang dagat? Sa unang tingin, mukha silang magkarugtong sa isa't isa.

Kuha ang litrato sa daungan ng Sta. Ana, Lungsod ng Dabaw.

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.