9/30/2011

PhotoHunt#152 Covered

They covered the peace sign with flowers and beans! I loved it. The peace sign was on a floral float which is one of the contingents for the Kadayawan's Floral Float parade contest this year.

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This is my entry for PhotoHunt. Go here for more.

9/29/2011

Annual Physical Examination

It is time for our annual physical examination once again. As usual, we are going to have our urinalysis, fecalysis, complete blood count, chest x-ray and ECG.  After the said laboratory tests, we are scheduled for consultations with an accredited doctor.

The annual physical examination is something that I do not look forward to but it is something necessary especially now that I am getting older.  Like most people, I do not have much patience waiting at the clinic lobby for my turn to get pierced and poked upon by the medical personnel. Thankfully, the magazines available for reading and listening to the small talks made by the laboratory people somehow helped me get through the boredom of waiting.

I have always been interested in reading about the human body. Perhaps because I used to dream of becoming a doctor until financial constraints squashed that dream dead. Still, the fascination with the human body remained with me through the years, more so now after the recent death of my father due to cancer.

Here are some fascinating facts about the human body:

Litratong Pinoy#155 Drinks (Inumin)

Davao City


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The Davao Punch combined the tastes of pomelo and guava and something that I could not quite guess. It was really good and I would have gotten a second cup if they had let me. The drink was offered at the arrival area of Davao International Airport. Initially, it was only me and a friend who dared to taste the drink but people started lining up after asking us how it tasted.

The Value Of Education

I remember how my parents used to remind me when I was younger to finish my college education no matter what. We were very poor  but they valued education more than anything else. I did not know what they meant back then but in time and through experience, I started to see what they have been lecturing through the years. If not for their constant reminders, I would have been part of the drop-out statistics. For their constant reminders, I am forever grateful to them.

Philippines has a high literacy rate among the developing world but this rate has long been considered questionable quality-wise. Its government offered free education up until secondary level for several years now.  However, the drop-out rate increases as the level of education increases. Research studies indicate that poverty is the biggest contributory factor in the drop-out rates in education.

It came as a big surprise for me though to see that even developed countries like the USA has the same problem as ours as can be seen in the graphics below..

See Expanded ImageAccredited Online Dropout College Data
From: http://www.Accredited-Online-Colleges.org

 I guess, problems in education apply not only to developing countries but also to developed countries as well.

9/27/2011

Tuesday Travels#13 Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino's Water Fountain

3Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino's Water Fountain is located just outside its church, just right in the middle where the candles are being offered. Actually, it was my first time to see a water fountain situated right smack in the middle of the candle offerings.

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This is my entry for..

9/26/2011

Ruby Tuesday#116 Kadayawan Festival Contingent

I haven't had nude hosiery for years now. I find it so much trouble but it seems that Kate and Pippa Middleton are making it popular once again. For sure though, this another contingent of Kadayawan festival's Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (streetdancing) did not need those hosiery. After all, they're wearing tattoos on their legs.



This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

9/25/2011

Too Busy For His Loans

Somebody called me up this afternoon while I was about to get to church. I did not know the guy but my mother asked me to just take the call. It turned out, the caller was the driver of a cousin. The caller has a cousin who has been looking for somebody working with our company. An insider that he hoped would help him with his delinquent housing loan and I was the likely candidate.

The call annoyed me for several reasons. One, I was late for my appointment. Two, he could have just gone to our office instead of calling to our home. After all, it’s work-related. Three, I could not understand the need of an insider to fix his loans since all he needed to do was pay his arrearages. Anyway, I tried to explain to the caller that it would be better for his cousin to personally visit our office and discuss his options to his account holder. However, the caller said that his cousin is always busy that he could not find time to get to the office. I thought to myself, “Wow! If he cannot bring himself to our office even if he already got the foreclosure notice. Then, he does not care at all if his house gets foreclosed. This call is useless.” Of course, I did not tell the caller what went through my mind. Instead, I just told him to advise his cousin to get to our office immediately so he can discuss his options.

In my line of work, it amazes me to no end whenever I encounter borrowers with this kind of mindset. They take loans without thinking if they could actually pay their amortization payments. When their creditors start running after them, that is when they start worrying but only for a while. Until, it has become too late.

Sunday Stealing#99

Today we ripped off a blogger named Jess from the blog IROCKSOWHAT. She says everyone is doing it, but doesn't say who she stole 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: That Meme That's Going Around

Cheers to all of us thieves!

A. Age: 40s

B. Bed size: Queen size

C. Chore that you hate: Ironing those clothes

D. Dogs: One old, lazy dog that I love.

E. Essential start to your day: Drinking one glass of water right after waking up.

F. Favorite color: Nowadays, it's green.

G. Gold or Silver: For jewelry, white gold or silver.

H. Height: 5'2"

I. Instruments you play: Guitar but am not good at it.

J. Job title: Paper and pen pusher, Drill Sergeant.

K. Kids: None.

L. Live: I live with my mother.

M. Mother's name: Mama.

N. Nicknames: Bru, Mar, Wanggits, Tes.

O. Overnight hospital stays: When my father had his operation last year.

P. Pet peeve: Liars, liars, liars.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Go ahead, make my day..."

R. Right or left handed: Right handed.

S. Siblings: One. It would be nice to have another one.

T. Time you wake up: Past 6am on working days. Past 8am on non-working days.

U. Underwear: I prefer cotton and colored ones.

V. Vegetable you hate: Hmm...none I can think of.

W. What makes you run late: Staying on the internet for far too long.

X. X-Rays you've had: Recently, I had my nose x-rayed due to allergies.

Y. Yummy food that you make: Fruit salad, blueberry cheesecake, chocolate mousse, spaghetti, bihon (stir fried noodles).

Z. Zoo animal: Tiger.

9/24/2011

PhotoHunt#151 Yellow

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Yellow and red were the common colors during Kadayawan festival. This was one of the contingents of the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (streetdancing) contest last August.

This is my entry for PhotoHunt. Go here for more.

9/23/2011

Holiday Gym Promo

Holiday Gym and Spa at Torres St., Davao City is running a membership promo package for this month.

The promo package shall include:
Ø Unlimited use of fitness center including jogging track and boxing facilities.
Ø Unlimited attendance to all group exercise classes.
Ø Personalized exercise program.
Ø Exercise supervision from licensed, certified & well-trained instructors.
Ø Free use of sauna, locker facilities and shower.
Ø Free use of swimming pool, basketball courts.
Ø Free use of wall climbing facilities from Monday to Friday 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 3pm to 7pm.
Ø Free use of badminton courts from 6am to 2pm daily. Ø Free postural analysis & scoliosis screening.
Ø Free nutritional counseling on scheduled days.
Ø Discounts in other establishments.

Promo Rates for Regular Membership:
3 months P4,000 + 1 month free
6 months P7,000 + 2 months free
12 months P11,000 + 4 months free

Contact details: Holiday Gym and Spa, F. Torres St., Davao City

Telephone numbers: 2223041, 2224207 website: www.holidaygymandspa.com http://holidaygymandspa.multiply.com email address: holidaygymandspa@yahoo.com

9/22/2011

Jewelries To Shine

My mother like her mother before her always emphasized that women should wear jewelries even if they are not going anywhere but home. A simple stud earring or a ring band on the finger somehow enhances a woman’s beauty than nothing at all. Somehow, this has influenced our generation of cousins especially the women. Not so much on me though because I still prefer to not wear jewelries while at home but I never saw one cousin of mine who did not wear some kind of jewelry any where, any time. Old tales say that wearing jewelries not only enhances somebody’s beauty but they somehow protect the wearer from evil spirits or bad vibes.

A cousin loves Anna Kournikova’s necklaces while another likes the Williams’ sisters style of jewelry. My preference on the other hand varies all the time. Sometimes, I like antique-style jewelry and another times, I like the ones that are made of unique materials. I like gold jewelry more than silver jewelry. Intricate designs are attractive but simple designs are preferable more over clunky ones. Recently, a friend bought tungsten jewelry online and I like what he bought. I actually bought a tungsten ring years ago for another friend’s birthday and promised myself to buy a similar one for myself. It was a promise I have yet to keep.

Enjoy Life

I saw this from a friend's wall and I really liked it. So am reposting this here..

REPOST FROM A FRIEND'S FB POST: When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his Biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides... a burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!" You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. So...please pass me a biscuit. And yes, the burned one will do just fine! And please pass this along to someone who has enriched your life... I just did! Life is too short to wake up with regrets... Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't.
ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION

9/21/2011

Litratong Pinoy#154 Manipis(Thin)

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They used thin cloths for the kites in Boracay but they were really sturdy. The cloth can pull and carry one person through the waters, again and again. It was really amazing to watch and seemed so easy to do but I know, it was not that easy.

Pilipino:
Manipis lang na tela ang gamit sa saranggola ng Boracay pero talagang matibay ito. Kaya nitong hilahin at buhatin ang isang tao sa tubig, pabalik-balik. Nakakatuwang tingnan na parang ang daling gawin lang pero alam kong, hindi siya madali.

Cannot See The Dancing With the Stars

I came home today to find my niece squinting intently on the TV screen. Not sure what she was up to, I just observed her for a while. She looked agitated and excited at the same time while muttering at the TV. From time to time, she would get busy rummaging inside her school bag and would return to the TV again pushing buttons here and there. I decided to ask her what she was up to but she said it was nothing. Until I heard her muttering to herself that she would be really happy to find her prescription glasses as she cannot watch Dancing With the Stars properly without them. I got upset with her since I was the one who bought them for her and they were expensive. She assured me though that she have been trying her best to find them. Tonight, I saw her wearing her glasses back again. She happily reported that she found them under the kitchen table while the kittens were pawing at them. Her prescription glasses now have a few scratches but other than that, they are in good condition. I warned her though that if they get lost again, I will not buy some new ones for her. She assured me that she will not lose them again as she icannot afford to miss watching the The Dancing With the Stars. Thank goodness for that.

9/20/2011

Tuesday Travels#12 Costa Marina Waters

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The calm and clean waters of Costa Marina Beach Resort, Davao City. What I like about this beach resort is that only a few people get there so it usually is quiet.

This is my entry for..

Ruby Tuesday#115 Red Everywhere


The indigenous people's favorite color is red and yellow. No wonder that the contingents of the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (streetdancing) of the Kadayawan festival wore predominantly red and yellow/gold costumes.


This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

9/19/2011

Illuminati Tours' The LightHouse of the Northern Coast

If I can only afford this trip nowadays, I won't pass this up. But since I can't, I will just share this must-do, must-travel destination. I just hope that this will not be a one-time trip because I know I can do the trip maybe next time.


Discover and experience romance in the most scenic Spanish-era lighthouses of the Philippines! Enjoy the journey of your lifetime as ILLUMINATI TOURS AND ADVOCACIES takes you to a 4-day and 4-night getaway to the most historic lighthouses of the Northern Coast. (See attached web flyer)

We’ve teamed up with Archt. Manuel M.L.C. Noche, author of the coffee table book “Lonely Sentinels of the Sea: The Spanish Colonial Lighthouses in the Philippines”, professor of College of Architecture in University of Sto. Tomas, expert member of UAP (United Architects of the Philippines), ICOMOS (International Committee on Monuments and Sites) and corporate secretary of HCS (Heritage Conservation Society of the Philippines). The tour will highlight the rich history of lighthouses in the Philippines, its significant contribution with the maritime trade since the 19th century, and the need for its continuous utilization, maintenance and preservation.

Visit these following lighthouses:


· Faro de Islote de Capon Grande, San Antonio, Zambales

· Faro de Punta Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan

· Faro de Cabo Bojeador, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

· Faro de Cabo Engaño, Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan

Tour package include:

Ø Round-trip tourist bus transportation

Ø Round-trip boat rides to Capones Island and Palaui Island

Ø Overnight stay (twin sharing) at Cagayan Holiday and Leisure Inn, Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Ø Overnight stay (twin sharing) at Grandpa’s Inn, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Ø Overnight stay (twin sharing) at SCL Garden Paradise Resort, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Ø Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for 4 days

Ø UCPB Travel Insurance Coverage

Ø Services of the Tour Guide and Facilitator



Tour fee is Php 17,000 per person, all-inclusive. Only 20 slots available.



Deadline for registration is Monday Oct. 17, 2011.

For full details of the tour itinerary, please click here.
 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This tour requires some climbing and trekking, especially when visiting the Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island and Capones Island Lighthouse. Please ensure that you are medically fit and in sound health before registering for the tour.


To register, please contact us at +639174797015 or e-mail inquiry@illuminatitours.com

9/18/2011

Sunday Stealing#98

Today we ripped off a blogger and blog called Highway Girl. We will do the forty question in two parts. She states that she shamelessly stole it from Rappy. 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 Lower 40 Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21) Have you ever flown a kite? Oh yes, with my brother.

22) Do you wish on your fallen lashes? When I was a kid, yes.

23) Do you consider yourself successful? To some degree, I think so especially if  I compare myself to my contemporaries or classmates.

24) When was the last time that you made an obscene phone call? Never did that.

25) Have you ever asked for a pony? Nope.

26) Plans for tomorrow? Just work and have a good day.

27) Can you juggle? A little.

28) Missing someone now? Yes, the birthday boy.

29) When was the last time you told someone "I love you"? It has been a long time.

30) And truly meant it? I meant it, still do.

31) How often do you drink alcohol? Not anymore.

32) How are you feeling today? Feeling good. My sinusitis is receding. Thank goodness.

33) Have you every tried to write a meme? Nope but thought about it.

34) Have you ever been fired from a job? Nope.

35) What are you looking forward to? Travel, learning new things.

36) Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes, several times.

37) What's the most recent bad meal that you had to endure? I couldn't recall.

38) Can you handle the truth? Hard the truth maybe, it is meant to be handled.

39) Whose to blame for what's going on? People.

40) What will it take to fix it all up? To fix it all up is to be responsible for one's choices and to be brave enough to face at the consequences down the road.

9/17/2011

PhotoHunt#150 Wooden

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Our Garden Room at Blue Mango Inn, Barangay Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island. I love it!

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Not only did I love our room. I also love the wooden bed with its headboard designed with the coconut tree. My mother wanted to take home this wooden cabinet with coconut design.


This is my entry for PhotoHunt. Go here for more.

9/16/2011

The Heart Run

The registration has already been paid. The race singlet is waiting to be worn for tomorrow's Heart Run but the wearer is still having second thoughts. It will only be a 3 kilometer run/walk but because I'm not at my usual self (runny nose, sneezing, slight fever and lethargic), my foremost thought right now is how can I wake at dawn, drag myself out of the bed and make it to the meeting place, the People's Park. A lot of my officemates and some friends will be doing it but unlike them, I will only be doing the run just to challenge myself. Not with this runny nose and sneezing maniac though.

Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this run. Fighting!