Boarders And Floors

Years ago, my father opposed of the construction of additional rooms to accommodate paid boarders in our home. While it would help provide additional income to defray our household expenses, we would have to provide more security measures at home. Aside from that, having someone unrelated to the family living with us would have caused some awkward situations.

Unfortunately, my father died too soon to stop this project. We now have two lady boarders at home and I am getting worried with the security around the house. Even so, that most of us are always at work during daytime.

Additionally, there have been sticky situations that could have not happened if we did not have any other people in the house except our family. The other day, I came home and found a very wet staircase. Getting negative answers from family members, I decided to check our boarders who are living upstairs. I found one who was throwing soaped water on the wooden floor. She was supposed to be cleaning up but ended leaking water to the staircase that could have caused some accident.

I realized then that if our boarder would keep doing her style of cleaning the floors, we should plan changing our floorings upstairs. Firstly though, research is needed to know which floors are affordable and at the same time long-lasting enough. Good thing, the internet is helping a lot so I click for flooring options.

In the meantime, I asked our boarder to refrain from throwing water on the floors indiscriminately to avoid leaking water downstairs. So far she is doing that but I prefer that we stop having boarders at home.

Sunday Stealing#134 The Back 15 Meme

15) How do you vent out your anger?
I vent my anger by doing something physical like working out, cleaning up the house, taking a walk or go shopping.
 
16) Favourite toy as a child?
The doll my father bought me and the little cooking set my mother gave.
 
17) Favourite season?
Summer.
 
18) Do you ever get letters delivered by the post office?
Yes, mostly marketing letters and postcards.

19) When was the last time you laughed hard?
While watching Chinese kungfu movie, Tai-chi Part 2.
 
20) What is on the floor of your closet?
hmm...dust.

21) Are you any good at drawing?
Just so-so.
 
22) What did you do last night?
Blogged and watched Tv.

23) What are you most afraid of?
Losing people I love.
 
24) Plain,cheese or spicy hamburger?
Plain cheese.
 
25) Favourite dog breed?
Any. I love dogs.

26) Favorite day of the week?
Friday!
 
27) How many states / provinces / countries have you lived in?
Two provinces, one country.
 
28) Diamond or pearl?
Both.

29) What is your wish for this new year?
My wish for this year is that somebody should stand on his own feet and live away from his mother.

30) New year resolutions
I don't have one because I keep breaking them anyway. 

If Only I Could Have It Sooner

Traveling for me is not only seeing new and interesting places but also meeting interesting people. Traveling is also learning about new things that I would not be able to learn if I stayed close at home. Every place always has something different to offer and to show off. For the recent Europe trip, it showed me that Europe is far more interesting and has a lot more to show off than other continents.

Part of our itinerary was the exotic Northern African kingdom of Morocco. The kingdom was known for its Berber people, exotic belly dancers and for its colorful world-renowned carpets and leathers.

We went on a tour inside what is considered the oldest medina or town in the world in the city of Fez, Morocco. There, we saw how the world-renowned Moroccan leather was made from animal skin or animal hide. The smell of tannery was bad but curiosity on how the process was made had our group tackling the labyrinthine stair of the tannery building determinedly. We also saw how such thick and exquisitely beautiful carpets were made. I could have bought one if only they were cheap. Actually, I almost bought one if not one of our tour groupmates prevented me when she told us that she bought her own exquisite carpets by checking online on Shop deals & savings today!

She was right about the more affordable but similarly beautiful carpets when I checked online. Good thing that impulsiveness did not take over on that day, it would have been more expensive. Anyway, the carpet project is on my future project list. If only I could have it sooner but things are not easy nowadays.

Sunday Stealing#133 40 of The Most Random Questions Meme

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!!!
Today we ripped off a blogger named Gina from the blog The Journey to Olivia. It is 40 questions, this is part two. She does not state where she found the meme. 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: 40 of The Most Random Questions Meme, Part Two,.

21) What’s something you’ve always wanted?

Travel the world with somebody special.

22) Do you have hairy legs?

Nope, thank goodness.

23) What does “Semper Fidelis” stand for? 

I've googled it, Always Faithful or Always Loyal. It is also the motto of the United States Marine Corps.

24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake? 

I'd rather do the ocean.

25) Do you wear a lot of black?

Yes, because it's always the color of anything about photography. Black is considered the combination of all colors.

 
26) Describe your hair:
Used to be really black and thick. It has lighter color now and thinner than it used to be.

 
27) Do you have Entomophobia?
Nope.

28) Are you an adult?

Yes, I hope so.

29) Do you own or rent?

Own or rent what? I own a house but I'd rather rent a car than own one.

30) Do you have a tan?

Yes, am naturally tan.
 
31) Are you addicted to TV?
Thankfully, no. I'd rather read or blog.

32) Do you enjoy spending time with your In-laws?
Am single.
 

33) Are you a sugar freak?

Nope but I like sweets from time to time. 

34) What happened to Larry King?

Don't know.

 
35) What sign are you?
Libra.

36) What do you wish on your birthday?

A new camera or a new lens.

 
37) Who did you copy this from?
 Sunday stealing.

38) Do you eat breakfast?

Always.

39) What would you name the royal baby?

If a girl, Alexandra. If a boy, Michael.

40) Do you buy a newspaper?
At least, twice or thrice a week.

Where Did The Money Go?

Source: FastLoanTree.com

Am in the process of evaluating what I have earned and what I have spent for the past year.This is to ascertain if I'd actually save some or not. For sure, my expenses were quite high last year due to some travels but I also know that I saved a few. Last year, the realization that I could not depend on some people I thought I could trust was more prevalent than ever which is why the goal for this year is to save more for some planned projects for my future and for some more planned travels.

Do Not Forget The Local Travel

Thanks to cheaper plane fares, people are traveling more. It used to be that the international destinations  were more expensive than the local destinations but because of budget plane fares, people are traveling abroad more. This is good but a lot more people now prefers to go abroad than see the local destinations.

Me and my friends started traveling long before these budget travels came along. Back then, the travel cost were not only expensive but the bookings were quite difficult to make. Back then, there was no internet, no mobile phones and such conveniences to make things easy for travelers to book for their vacation. But we made a pact, travel locally as much as we can before we could allow ourselves to travel abroad inspite of the difficulties we encounters.  We did and we still do and we had great adventures.

Of course, we are now traveling abroad too but at least, once a year me and my friend-travel companions travel locally. Not only we learn more about our country but we also get to appreciate our own culture, people and heritage. So, whenever I hear people telling stories about their travel abroad, I also encourage them to travel local too.

How to Find All Inclusive Holiday Deals

When it comes to finding a great holiday deal, many travellers look no further than all-inclusive for their next package break.

Why? Because with all-inclusive all of your meals, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are typically included in the upfront cost of the holiday - which takes care of the essentials when you're in the resort. Just think of all the money you'll save on eating out, and the time you'll save by not having to go in search of three meals a day. What's more, in Eurozone countries the currency exchange rate means that eating out can feel significantly more expensive. So for many, all-inclusive is the way to go.

But how do you find cheap all inclusive holidays?

The trick, just like any bargain hunt, is to be vigilant with regard to special offers and scour the market as widely as possible. That means browsing various travel agents' websites and performing a range of different searches on your ideal dates, and whittling down the options until you've found your perfect combination of destination, departure date and price. It's a process of elimination.

Another great way to find all inclusive holidays is to look for late deals. Just like any regular package holiday, all inclusive holidays will often come down in price just before the departure date. The last few weeks prior to departure is usually the best time to find late deals, as this is when hoteliers and travel agents will drop their prices in order to sell off the last few available rooms before the date passes. After all it's better to have a half-price-paying customer than none at all.

So remember to be vigilant, do your homework thoroughly and be prepared to jet off at a moment's notice if the price is right. After all, bagging your perfect holiday at a great price means your travel experience will be worth its weight in gold...

Traveling Is Not Expensive

Some people will disagree but hear me out first. Sure, it takes money to get to one place to another. More especially if the destination is half the world away. Even more so, if one needs to get a visa for the country to be visited like what we did in Europe. For ordinary employees, some could only afford to travel in distant places after getting their retirement pay or after they have saved several years from their toils for the trip. In most cases, the dream to travel abroad could only take them to nearer places. This is why some people just forego their plans to travel at all. To not travel at all is akin to deciding not to learn something new again. Because traveling opens a lot of learning experience and opportunities for an individual not only to appreciate the world outside-the world different from one’s own and to live outside the comfort zone. The value of these experiences is priceless. One cannot put monetary value on how people live their daily lives, on how do their dress themselves, as well as their beliefs, culture and tradition. Traveling may need money but I cannot say it is expensive in the truest sense. Because in lieu of the cost, the learning experience and the appreciation of what is life to other people are invaluable.

Weight Gain On Christmas Season

Note to self: Do not ever gain weight this Christmas season or you will get back to box training like you will be going on a match against Pacquiao and will also have to get back to running like your butt is on fire.

Christmas season is a season for partying and bingeing that only a few stayed on their weight as the new year enters. I know the feeling and I hated it but also, there was a few Christmas seasons that not only did I maintained my weight but actually lose some. What did I do?

Sure, I tasted the party food but just tasted not eat them entirely. In some instances, delaying the gratification worked because the food disappeared after I delayed eating them (thanks to those who were not mindful of what they pick). And even if the gym always looked stranded during this Christmas season, working out was a must. No matter if the party is on the next hour, hitting the gym to burn the fat. It worked.

Hopefully, there will be a repeat for this year. Already, the aerobics time was doubled to two hours mixed in with a few boxing sessions and a few runs around the gym’s running track.

Meantime, let’s not forget that Christmas time is not party time entirely but it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Like going to the gym, sharing our blessings and helping our less fortunate brothers is not an option but a must.

Even The Monkeys Cried

The truck and the grotto were the only ones left standing while the roaring winds blew everything off in their way. They hide and secured the baby inside the grotto while most of them crouched low and prayed hard inside their military truck. They were experienced soldiers used to attacks, skirmishes and ambushes but Pablo’s fury was totally unpredictable and unmatched that one of them said that never did he pray so hard in his life until this typhoon came along.

After the winds calmed down, everything was so eerily quiet except for a few human stirrings of life and a few animal sounds of howling probably, animals keening for their lost loved ones. When the wind and rain settled, they saw that the devastation was so indescribably massive that one soldier said that he could even hear the monkeys crying after Typhoon Pablo decided to move away.

I passed through these lands innumerous times through the years. The green and undulating terrains dotted with big swath of lands of rice, tree and fruit farms were such that their nature’s beauty during those travels were expectedly familiar to me. Mostly agricultural with dotted forest covers, these areas of Mindanao were not only fertile farm lands but also, rich with minerals. Not so, when I came back today.

The unfamiliar horizon that lay before us was monochrome-like, humid, forlorn and outworldly. Trees were thrown helter skelter like toothpicks everywhere, electric poles were transferred right in the middle of the street, ruined houses like they were made of chopsticks while some stood bare-roofed and not a few of these roofs were thrown some distance away. People, young and old alike, extend their hands begging by the roadsides.

Those were the scenes that greeted us as we made our way through the Compostela Valley Province, one of the provinces hardest hit by the Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) on the first week of December. Our target destination was the small towns of the Municipality of Monkayo. Prior coordination with the military personnel assigned to the area was made and designated towns were targeted. We had about 500 relief packs of 2 kilos of rice, a few packs of noodles and canned goods. We also brought shoes and slippers and used clothings.

 A girl waiting while her mother lined up to get the relief pack.

The travel to the military detachment that served as our relief distribution area was just about 15-20 minutes away, if they were good roads. But potholes created by the typhoon were like craters so big that they could easily fit the military truck. Debris of fallen trees, crumpled houses and downed electric posts punctuated the roads that we reached the area after almost an hour of bone-jarring, teeth crunching ride.

The people were already organized by small groups by their own local officials and by our military personnel escorts that only the weather of confusing interchange drizzles of rain and sudden hot sunshine made the orderly relief distribution much more eventful. A lot of them walked through the mountain roads to reach us and yet, they did not complain about it. Some were recognized by the soldiers as their rebel enemies but the relief packs were given equally without discrimination. We know that what we brought will only last for a day or two but the people were just as thankful and some even readily shared their typhoon stories to us.


A soldier said that he used to look out at the mountains and could not even see and hear what or who was out there in the forests but now he could actually see clearly so far that any rebel doing a reconnaissance on them is an easy target.

I could never reconcile the scenes I have seen today to what I have grown used to see on my previous travels to these lands. Probably, relief packs will arrive to these people from time to time to help them somehow get through their daily sustenance but recovery of their lands will take at least a year and some miracles to happen.

Sunday Stealing#132

Today we ripped off a blogger named Zoe from the blog Mama Geek. She states that she got it from Mummylish. 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!

The idea of the 11 Questions Meme is that you are given a set of 11 questions to answer by a fellow blogger , and then once you have answered them you have to think up 11 questions of your own to ask, we consider that part of the meme a bonus and optional, so.. feel free to come up with 11 questions, ONLY if you feel like it.  Fun stuff. 


Sunday Stealing: The 11/11 Questions meme


What is your favorite possession?
Hmm..Nowadays, the photos I took during our European trip.

 Do you like to read? If so, which books do you love best?
I love to read. I keep an eye on those bestsellers and see if I like them.

Do you have any pets?
We have 8 cats, one dog at home.

What was your favorite food as a child? Is it the same now?
It was hotcake but not much now.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?
What I like blogging is that I can pick any subject/topic I like and talk about it. 

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Aside here in my home country, I'd like to live in Spain.

What is your favorite number?
Favorite number is 4, 7 and 8.

Which of these things would you find hardest to give up for a year? Chocolate, reading, coffee or smoking?
Reading and coffee.

If you could make your life into a movie, what would you name it.. and who would you want to play you?
Boring question..hmm..next!

If you had £20,000  for a shopping spree, what would you buy?
I'd buy a travel package for me and my mother.

If you could eat lunch with one famous person, who would it be?
Obama and Gandhi.

Help For Mindanao

Mindanao has always been a typhoon free part of the Philippines. We were proud of it considering that most part of the Philippines have always been battered by 30 to 40 typhoons a  year. We grew up in this place content with heavy rains and recently, a few surprises of flashfloods. In fact, we had more bad press from rebel situation news than about weather-related ones. It started to changed recently though. Flash floods took over some parts of our city more than a year ago leaving death and devastation. Last December, Typhoon Sendong's wrathful waters caused landslides and flashfloods during Christmas time last year. But slowly, reticent as always, our people picked up the pieces and rebuild.

This is now being challenged. Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) came in packing 160-more than 200 kph winds and made landfall in some parts of Mindanao that have long been considered typhoon-free. Pag-ASA and the local government units prepared and warned the people to evacuate and brace themselves as this strong typhoon promised to be one for the books. Indeed, after making landfall in some parts of Davao Oriental and the Bukidnon area early this week, Typhoon Pablo left such huge devastation that left thousands of Mindanaoans shellshocked and homeless.  There are now more 300 people confirmed dead and about 500 people that are still missing.

These typhoon victims could not live and could not go on with their lives without help. Let us help our brothers and sisters who not only lost their homes but also their loved ones. A few peso could go a long way for their basic needs. We could delve from our Christmas shopping budget to help provide for the typhoon victims' basic needs: food, shelter and medicine.

To help, there are several ways but I would rather recommend Philippine National Red Cross and Gawad Kalinga. Both are actively coordinating and helping for the delivery of relief goods to the typhoon victims.

Sunday Stealing#131

Sunday Stealing, The SCARY meme

1) What do you think is the best costume for Halloween? Vampire and some other creative, scary costumes I've seen through the years.

2) What would an alien think of humans if it came to Earth on Halloween? That they have come to the right place.

3) Who Would you haunt? My worst enemy.

4) Are you afraid of the dark?  Not really.

5) Do you pass out candy, or hide with the lights off? Pass out the candy.

6) What Scary movie do you like best? None, I don't like scary movies.

7) If you had to wear a costume for a week, what would you be? For halloween costume, vampire costume.

8) What do you think about Ouija boards? I have classmates using it, it was a scary hobby.

9) Have you ever told ghost stories around a fire? Yes, kinda.


10) Trick? or Treat? Treat!

11) Have you ever been in a haunted house? Yes.

12) What would you do if you saw a ghost? Freak out!

13) Question 13, should we have skipped this and jumped to 14? Not really.

14) Are you brave enough to walk into a grave yard after dark on Halloween? Heck, no.

15) Do you like chocolate? what kind:I like the white chocolate.

16) Who would look better in a clown costume? Obama or Romney? Romney.

17) Are you in the path of Frankenstorm? Thank goodness, no!

18) Post a link to any other blog: My travel blog is here.



 

Tuesday Travels#44 Cultural Center of the Philippines

 

The grand stairway of Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Cultural Center of the Philippines is one of the projects attributed to the former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda E. Marcos.  Considered as premier center of the cultural and arts of the country, it is located at the reclamation area along Roxas Boulevard.

Sunday Stealing#130

Sunday Stealing: Stealing's Last Meme with Bud
 
Welcome to the my last Sunday Stealing. We are thrilled it will go on without us. Let's go!!! Today we ripped off a blogger named Dark Trinity from the blog Sparking Beach. He states he got it from DA. 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 would have taken some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's been a great way to make new friends! Sunday Stealing: Stealing's Last Meme with Bud

41. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Maria, Teray..etc.

42. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE?:
I don't have one.

43. BEST DATE YOU'VE EVER BEEN ON? (IF MARRIED, before your present spouse)
With a very good friend.

 44. WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
 I got so upset with my niece. Felt disappointed after all what my family had done for her and her sister.

 45. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB?   WHAT WAS THE JOB?
24-hour shift. To finish work for an important employer-client.

46. FAVORITE MOVIE?
Too many but the one I can recall now is the Transformers.

47. WHEN WAS THELAST TIME YOU SANG IN PUBLIC? WHAT DID YOU SING?
Hmm..was on a choir a few years back. We sang during office events or every time we got invited.

 48. WHAT WAS YOUR LAST FIGHT ABOUT?
The usual family fights.

49. WHAT STUFF DO YOU NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT?
 My purse.

50. FAVORITE ITEM OF TECHNOLOGY?
Cellphone and personal computer.

51. FAVORITE WEB SITE?
Yahoo, Facebook, Blogger and some more.

52. DO YOU SMOKE?
Nope.

 53. IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, HAVE LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS WORKED?
Yes, it did.

 54. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?
Not really.

 55. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON WHO CALLED YOU?
My mother.

56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED?
It was about my tennis schedule for today.

57. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?:
Tank top and shorts.

58. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?:
We only have two seasons, dry and wet. My favorite is the dry.

59. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER?
I don't know yet.

60. DO YOU THINK WTIT IS COOL OR OVERRATED?
I think, it's cool not overrated.

61. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND?
Chill and relax. A visit to my father's grave is must though.

 62. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?
Happy and successful.

63. WHAT'S YOUR BIGGEST REGRET?
Did not do much of what I had planned years ago.

64. ARE YOU SMILING? WHY?
Recalling some fond memories.

65. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Europe, first. USA, to visit a very good friend.

66. DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I tried playing guitar years ago but I did not  have the patience.

67. DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SEE ANYONE IN PARTICULAR RIGHT NOW?
Yes, a very good friend of mine and my father.

68. LAST THING YOU WATCHED ON YOUTUBE?
Last week.

 69. WHY DIDN”T YOU DECIDED TO TAKE OVER STEALING?
I just knew that it's ending today and there is someone who's already taking over.

Tuesday Travels#43 Let's Indak-indak!

 

For years now, Kadayawan Festival's popularity has steadily risen. The festival started in the mid-80s and was originally called Apoduwaling Festival. A combination of three words, Apo (which pertains to Mt. Apo), Durian (the king of fruits) and Waling-waling orchid. All three can be found in Davao and its surrounding areas.

There are several Kadayawan festival events that make people from all over the world visit Davao City.  Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (streetdancing) is one of the top draws. Participant-dancers from all over the country come and showcase their colorful native costumes and native dances.

Photos were taken during the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (streetdance) last August 18, 2012.

 

Sunday Stealing#129

Today we ripped off a blogger named ChibiNatsumi21 from the blog  The Unfulfiller of Expectation. It’s 88 questions, we will do it in parts. She does not state where she found the meme. 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 88 Meme, Part Two

 

23. Why do you think so many people cheat?
Some people cheat just because, some said they cheat out of necessity while others cheat because they feel good about it.

24. Tell me what's on your mind?
Right now, I am missing a friend, wishing I can choose relatives and wishing my father is still alive. 

25. What are you looking forward to in the next three months?
Europe travel. 
 
26. Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?
Yes, mostly tshirts because they are comfortable.

25. When did you last talk to your BFF? 
Just earlier today. 

28. When is your next road trip?
Probably November.

29. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell anything to?
Yes, a good friend.

30. How's your heart?
It's ok but it has undergone some rough roads.

31. Have you ever felt like you weren't important?
Several times.

32. Do you think somebody's secretly in love with you?
Don't think so.

33. What are you planning on doing after this?
None.

34. Last time you yelled at someone?
Today, one of my nieces.

35. Have you told anybody you loved them today?
Nope.

36. Who do you not get along with?
Some relatives.

37. What does your most recent text say?
"Where are you?" 

38. What are you wearing right now?
Houseclothes. T-shirt and shorts.

39. You're locked in a room with the person you last kissed in high school, how is it?
Awful.

40. When's the last time you had a grilled cheese?
Years ago. I wish I have one right now.

41. What's your favorite boy and girl name?
Alex for the girl, Michael for the boy.

42. How did you feel when you woke up?
I felt good.

43. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
Very much so.

44. Do you think Clint Eastwood would have been better talking to a table?
Hehehe! yeah.

45. What were you doing yesterday at midnight?
Updating my blogs.

Philippine Earthquake And Tsunami Warning

Dinner was ongoing at home when the ground started to shake tonight at almost 9:00 o' clock in the evening. Initially thought that it was the common shaker we experienced previously but it got stronger and stayed on longer. We rushed out of the house carrying nothing. Along with the neighbors we spilled out in the street, prayed and waited. My mother was trembling while praying. Eventually, the ground got steady and we slowly got in. I know it was strong quake and true enough, the news confirmed that it was 7.9 magnitude with the epicenter at sea located at the Eastern Samar.

Tsunami Warning is up at these areas.

Update: As of 1210am September 1, 2012, tsunami warnings for the Philippines has been lifted. Philvocs advises that aftershocks may occur.

Where Is Davao?

Early this month, we traveled the Philippines for just a little less than two hours.  We were at SM Mall of Asia’s SMX Convention Centre attending the Philippine Travel Mart 2012.  The entrance venue was P50 and it was worth it because there were giveaways, promo packages and there were booths and pavilions that beautifully showcased the different parts of the country.

We had fun having our photos taken at the Banaue/Sagada booth along with the real Igorots in their G-strings and their wooden scooters.  We marveled at the Higantes and stood beside the Roman soldier-dressed and masked guy of the Moriones festival. We pretended we were newly weds at the Bohol area and then, played with the windmills of Ilocos region but where is the Davao’s booth? We wondered. Retracing our steps, it took us a while to find it. Pearl Farm Resort had a small booth and it was an ordinary-looking one and that was it?? Undaunted, we searched more only to find out that the Region XI Department of Tourism booth was right there beside Pearl Farm Resort’s booth. Except for a long table and several handouts on it, the DOT Region XI booth was almost bare. Taking its picture was not worth it.   What a disappointment! What happened to the organizers of the said booth?

The other region’s pavilions or booths were really cool. They really showed the attractions of their provinces and it was obvious that they really prepared for their respective booths/pavilions. Can’t say the same to our region’s booth though. Hopefully, they shall do better next time. If they shall not, it is already a big injustice considering Region XI as well as the whole island of Mindanao has so much to offer to visitors from all over the world. The negative flak sometimes gets

Tuesday Travels#42 Sayaw Mindanaw 2012

Every 3rd week of August, all roads lead to Davao City. Flights and hotel rooms are fully booked months ahead and the city streets of Davao are colorfully decorated with the colors of the Kadayawan festival.

One of the major events in the Kadayawan festival is the Sayaw Mindanaw (Mindanao Dances). The event showcases the Southern Philippine dances as presented by different group-participants from all over Mindanao.

If not for my photography group, I would not have gotten into this particular event much less into the first row of the venue. I really thank God for the opportunity. I saw first hand how beautiful, amazing and colorful our native dances from the South were. I am truly proud of all the participants who came from all over the Southern Philippines just to showcase our beautiful heritage.

This year's Sayaw Mindanaw (Mindanao Dances) was held in connection with the Kadayawan Festival at the SM Davao Annex last August 16, 2012. There were about 10-15 group participants. The performances were really intense, fast-paced, intricate and fascinating. The costumes and the props were beautiful, indigenous and colorful. What made me really more proud was that most of the participants if not all are in their teen-age years. I am now more hopeful that our native dances will survive for far longer into more generations.

Here are some photos of the participants:

 

 First Prize winner (Open Category): Kadanao Theater Collective of Butuan City

 
One of the participants in the children's category.