Priceless Reaction

A lot of Filipinos were really happy to see Maria Venus Raj make it to the Top 15. When she reached the Top 5, the Philippines held their breathe altogether to watch and pray for their bet. After all, we all need the win not only because it has been a while since we've made it to the top 5 but the win would somehow lessen the blow of shame from the hostage crisis tragedy the other day.

Anyway, this youtube video of four gays' reaction while watching the Miss Universe 2010 was really priceless. Not only that, it was a hoot! It's getting popular too with almost 200,000 views and still counting. Watch...



credit: lexlib(youtube)

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Litratong Pinoy#105 Tawid (Cross)

Tourism was still not the "in" thing when I started traveling with my friends around the Philippines years ago. This is why, I went through a lot of travel hardships. Because the Philippines is made up of seven thousand one hundred seven islands, it was inevitable that I went through different modes of water transportation.

To compare the water transportation from years ago to now, it can be said that what we have now are better, bigger and faster.

I can still remember the boat we had years ago on our way to Camiguin. The travel took two hours and all those two hours, I prayed constantly. The boat we had was overloaded that I could actually touch the waters. Nowadays, there are now RORO barges that ply to Camiguin Island from Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Of course, I could not touch the waters anymore.



Pilipino:
Hindi pa masyadong uso ang turismo noon nang mag-umpisa akong mamasyal sa kung saan-saan sa Pilipinas kasama ang mga kaibigan. Dahil doon, napagdaanan ko ang klase-klaseng hirap sa pagbibiyahe. Dahil sa pitong libo't isang daan at pitong isla (sinubukan ko lang kung kaya ko bang tagalugin iyan) ang Pilipinas, napagdaanan ko ang anu-anong klaseng sakayang pantawid dagat.

Kung ikukumpara ang mga sasakyang pantawid dagat sampung taon na ang nakalilipas sa ngayon, di hamak na mas maganda, mas malaki at mas mabilis na ang mga ginagamit ngayon kaysa noon.

Natatandaan ko pa ang bangkang sakay namin noon papuntang Camiguin. Dalawang oras ang tagal ng biyahe. Sa dalawang oras na iyon, panay ang dasal ko. Kasi ba naman, sa sobrang puno ng bangka ay kayang-kaya kong iabot ang kamay ko sa dagat. Ngayon, may mga barkong RORO(Roll On, Roll Off) na papuntang Camiguin mula bayan ng Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Siyempre, hindi ko na maabot ang dagat sa laki ng barkong yan.


Davao City to Samal Island Roll On, Roll Off barge

The roll on, roll off barges really helped not only the tourism industry but also the trade and commerce of the islands. With these barges, people as well as products and services can travel safer and faster. Hopefully, we can see more of these modes of water transportation in the future as they got better, safer and faster. Easy crossing, go!

Pilipino:
Ang mga barkong roll on, roll off ay naging malaking tulong hindi lang sa industriya ng turismo pati na rin sa kalakalan at komersyo ng mga isla. Sa mga barkong ito, mas mabilis at matiwasay ang biyahe ng mga tao at paglilipat ng mga produkto at serbisyo. Sana, may makita pa tayong mga mas magagaling, maayos at mabibilis na ganitong uri ng transportasyong pandagat. Sa madaling pagtatawid, halina!

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PhotoHunt#96 Free

The guards were not around. The area was abandoned. It was a hot day, after all and the visitors preferred staying indoors while we were busy checking out the perimeter of the place called Malacanang of the North in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

We saw some mango trees near the dried up Olympic-sized swimming pool. FREE for the taking. The mango trees were full of big, juicy green mangoes that we started to drool a bit *giggle*. So, with me keeping an eye on whoever might come near us, my friends strained to reach the irresistible mangoes. We got two. Sour but crunchy!

Malacanang of the North was one of the resthouses of the former president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. It is now being managed by the government and is now a museum.



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Litratong Pinoy# 101 Ang Pagbabalik(The Return)

I keep asking myself when I could return to El Nido, Palawan. A place so beautiful I can't get enough visiting it again and again. I wish it'll be soon. I miss it already.

Pilipino:
Laging nasasagi sa aking isipan ang pagtatanong kung kailan ang pagbabalik ko sa El Nido, Palawan. Hindi kasi siya nakakasawang balik-balikan. Sana, sa mas madaling panahon. Nami-miss ko na siya.

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PhotoHunt#85 Addiction

My parents call it addiction...travel addiction. I call it fascination. I am fascinated with traveling. The process of it-preparing for the travel papers, the bookings, learning how to get to the destination and then, meeting different people, seeing new places, learning new things and different culture; the realization that there's a lot more out there. Not just me and my world but also other people, other culture and other world. Yet, we live together in one world.



These photos were taken inside Sumaguing Cave at Sagada during my Northern Luzon travel last month. The cave was really beautiful, almost magical. I was half-scared going in the total darkness with just the gas lamp and the local guide helping us see our way but in the end, the adventure was really exhilarating. An unforgettable experience for me.



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PhotoHunt#84 Covered

I have been seeing this native basket outside some of the Ifugao houses while traversing the rice terraces but did not know what was it for. When I found this again outside the Hanging House Souvenir Shop in Batad, I asked our guide who was also the owner of the souvenir shop what was it for. The answer, a basket to cover their chickens. Can you see one now?



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Ruby Tuesday#44 SM North EDSA's Wavy Sculpture

One of the interesting sculptures found at SM North EDSA's elevated garden.

This is my entry for:

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Litratong Pinoy#83 Akin (Mine)

I wish this is mine, I told this to myself when I saw this beach. There are no people around, clean surroundings, quiet, beautiful and far from the civilization. It must be nice to have my own island or even just a beach. I wish.

Pilipino:
Sana akin nalang ito, ang sabi ko sa sarili ko nang makita ko ang dalampasigang ito. Walang tao sa paligid, malinis na kapaligiran, tahimik, maganda at may kalayuan sa kabihasnan. Ang sarap siguro kung may sarili akong isla o kahit dalampasigan lang. Sana.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

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Litratong Pinoy#82 Balak (Plan)

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

I plan to continue traveling and discovering my own country, Philippines, even if I have plans in traveling to foreign countries. For me, it is necessary to know more about my own country to learn how to love it more and to learn things that could help in its development.

Yes, it is said that plane fares are now cheaper due to discount promos but would it be more helpful if we know first our own country before we know more about Hongkong or Singapore or other places?

Pilipino:
Balak kong hindi tumigil sa paglalakbay at pagdidiskubre sa sarili kong bayan kahit pa man na may balak akong mamasyal sa mga dayuhang bansa. Para sa akin kasi, kailangan kong mas lubos na makilala ang sarili kong bansa para matuto akong mas mahalin ito at mas matuto akong magmalasakit para sa ikabubuti nito.

Oo nga, mas mura daw ngayon ang pamasahe sa eroplano dahil sa mga promong diskwento pero hindi ba mas nakakatulong tayo kung uunahin nating kilalanin ang sarili nating bayan bago natin kilalanin ang Hongkong o Singapore o kung saan-saan pa?

Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan

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Pictures of Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan

I am finally posting some pictures I took in Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan. It took me a while to do this as my internet connection was not good enough to upload pictures while we were on travel. I thought the connection would get better when I finally got home but it was still the same. For now, PLDTdsl is cooperating, so here are the pictures I took from Governor's Island, Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Governor's Island is one of the three developed islands in Hundred Islands National Park. All three are being maintained by the government. A short hike up the island is all worth the huffs and puffs because when you get to the top, the view is really spectacular.

Details of our itinerary is here.

More pictures of the Hundred Islands are here.

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Day 2 Luzon Tour (Island Hopping in Hundred Islands National Park)

Today was a real blast. The weather was good, the sea was calm, the islands were beautiful and we did a lot of swimming and eating. For that, I am now a stuffed brownie girl.

We started our day taking pictures of sunrise from Maxine By the Sea before 6am. Entrance fee for the Hundred Islands is at P20.00 for the day tour (P40.00 for the overnight stay with 20% discount for Senior Citizens).

Our island hopping started at 8am. First island we visited was Governor’s Island which commands a breathtaking view of the islands from its top view deck. The view deck took us about 5 minutes to climb. The island is also where the Pinoy Big Brother House is located, a P10,000 per night house for rent. Some Hundred Islands pics here.


Next stop is Cuenco Island for some picture taking. We saw a black snake with white stripes slithering from a hole a few meters away from where we took our pictures.

Marcos island boasts of a natural bathing pool inside it. It can only be accessible by jumping off from the cave opening located at the island’s highest point. Getting out of the pool was done by swimming out of the natural cave opening beside is.

For the jump, it took us several minutes to decide as it looked scary especially as the bats were flying around. A flight of stairs going down made the jump a bit shorter though.

We had our lunch in Quezon Island which is one of the three islands (Governor, Children and Quezon islands) being maintained by the government. Lunch was grilled fresh fish (Samaran) and grilled pork, newly-cooked rice and afterwhich, downed by ice-cold coke. At the peak of this island is a statue of President Manuel L. Quezon and another breathtaking view of the islands, another photo op from this place.

After doing some swimming and picture taking in Quezon island, we decided to visit the following islands:

Cathedral, it has a huge cave opening that looks like a cathedral.
Lopez, very nice for swimming and snorkelling with powdery-fine white sand and a small beach with rock formations.
Scout, another island with powdery fine white sand beach that could rival Boracay’s.

At 3:30pm, it was time to get home for a much-needed break. At 7pm, we took our sumptuous seafood dinner in one of the eateries at Lucap wharf and bought some souvenirs.

I would really like to thank our boatman and tour guide, Gerry. He was not only our boatman but also our tricycle driver and cook (for our lunch). He also helped us in finding cheaper accommodations and the best swimming spots. For those who are planning to visit the Hundred Islands, check out Gerry’s number below.

Contact numbers:
Maxine by the Sea - 09216428551
Gerry (boatman/tour guide) – 09109605897

Pictures and a video shall follow in my subsequent posts.

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Former Pres. Corazon Aquino Is Dead

Let us offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of former Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. She is one of my heroes and it is really saddening that the Philippines lost its one of the most stalwart believers. She will always be remembered as the icon of Philippine democracy. For the Filipino people, she was the mother that they needed to guide them out through the dictatorship of the Marcos regime and the strength to draw upon during its aftermath.

As for me, Cory Aquino made me appreciate more that I am a Filipino, that I should be proud of my heritage and that I should fight for freedom and democracy. Without Cory Aquino, the Filipinos would never learn how to appreciate their worth and the sacrifices her husband, Ninoy, had to go through just to attain the democracy the Filipinos have come to be famous for.

To Tita Cory: May you rest in peace. You'll always be remembered. God bless.

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PhotoHunt#51 Entertainment

August is the Kadayawan month wherein Davao City celebrates the annual Kadayawan festival to commemorate the harvest time of Davao and its surrounding areas. The festival also puts together activities and events that celebrate the indigenous tribes of Mindanao and their culture. One such event is this exhibit of different types of houses of the indigenous tribes at the Osmeña park fronting San Pedro Cathedral of this city. This showcases not only how the tribes live but also some of their traditions and cultures.

As common among Filipinos, people from indigenous tribes like to celebrate and entertain themselves by singing and dancing using their own musical instrument. We came across this particular house with some of its elders singing and dancing along with some visitors who were mostly teeners who tried to learn their dance steps.


Garbed in their own traditional costumers making music with their own traditional musical instruments, who needs iPod or radio to get entertained?


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Wacky Poses In White Island, Camiguin

A friend forgot how to set her new digicam into multishot mode. While we were in White Island, Camiguin, she decided to try it again. She wanted us to be her wacky models while she tried using the multishot mode but eventually, gave the cam to another friend while we were doing the modelling and joined us to our wacky poses. Here goes..

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Litratong Pinoy#46 Hardin (Garden)

We spent our first night in Camiguin the other week at Enigmata. Enigmata is a well-known hostel in Camiguin. It is a unique place because not only because it is a treehouse hostel but also of its artistic objects that you can find around the place.

Upon entering the place, you will see their garden that is full of plants and big trees. I will not be surprised if Tarzan will suddenly appear swinging among the vines with Jane.

Pilipino: Unang gabi namin sa Camiguin noong isang linggo, sa Enigmata kami tumuloy. Ang Enigmata ay isang kilalang hostel na nasa Camiguin. Kakaiba ang lugar dahil hindi lang sa bahay-puno pati narin sa mga likhang makasining na makikita sa iba't ibang panig nito.

Pagpasok mo pa lang, tatambad ang kanilang hardin na punung-puno ng iba't ibang klase ng tanim at naglalakihang puno. Hindi ako magtataka kung biglang susulpot si Tarzan kasama si Jane na palipat-palipat sa mga baging .

There are unique artistic items in the garden like this giant wormy thing.
Pilipino: Meron pang mga kakaibang makasining na mga bagay sa hardin gaya nitong higanteng mala-bulate.

Here is another one..they have this guy who is comfortably resting with his back on a smiling crocodile.
Pilipino: Eto pa ang isa..may lalaking nagpapahinga at nakasandal pa sa isang nakangiting buwaya.

All in all, Enigmata was fun. What they need to do is spruce it up and clean up more the surroundings.
Pilipino: Sa kalahatan, nakakatuwa ang Enigmata. Kailangan lang sana nilang mas ayusin at linisin ang kapaligiran nito.

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Went Hiking In Old Vulcan, Camiguin

I really need some good massage right now. My body took a lot of beating today. First, I did not get some sleep last night as we travelled from Davao to Cagayan via Bukidnon. When we arrived in Camiguin, we immediately went sightseeing and did some hiking in Old Vulcan, Camiguin. It was supposed to be done later today when it was cooler but we decided to do it earlier.

Unfortunately, we did it at high noon and it got more tiring for me because I was only wearing slippers as we went up the mountain to do the Way of the Cross. I was actually wishing I wore some comfort shoes as my feet were really hurting and burning from the heat.

One of our friends who is not used to any physical activities wondered if his Ugg Boots will help his feet feel better. We actually thought he would pass out as he was really breathless while we were hiking up the mountain. It was a good thing that the hike going down was easier.

After we did our hike, we had our lunch and went to the Sto. Nino Cold Spring afterwards. This spring is government-run and is a quite popular destination not only by the tourists but also by the locals. I had a cold shock when I got in the pool as it was really, really icy cold. We ended up huddled and shivering together in our corner of the spring pool.

Afterwards, we went to the Sunken Cemetery and the Gui-ob Ruins. We wrapped our day with a soak in the Ardent Hibok-hibok Hot Spring before dinner. This one gave much relief to our tired muscles but it made me feel so sleepy.

Tomorrow, we shall be doing some more sightseeing around Camiguin Island. I will keep you posted as soon as I can. Meantime, off I go to a much needed rest.

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Litratong Pinoy#45 Paboritong Litrato (Favorite Picture)

Marami akong paboritong litrato kaya hirap na hirap akong mamili para sa tema ng Litratong Pinoy ngayong linggo. Karamihan sa mga litratong gustung-gusto ko ay iyong mga kinunan sa Pilipinas gaya ng Batanes, Siargao,Ilocos, Palawan at marami pang iba. Pero dahil kailangang mamili, eto na:

Translation:
I have many favorite pictures and it has been so difficult for me to choose for the Litratong Pinoy theme this week. Most of the pictures that I truly like are the ones that were taken in the Philippines like Batanes, Siargao,Ilocos, Palawan and etc. But I have to choose, so here it is:

Takipsilim sa Panglao, Bohol (Sunset in Panglao, Bohol)

Malaking Lawa ng Miniloc, El Nido,Palawan (Big Lagoon of Miniloc, El Nido, Palawan)
Kuha ito ng kaibigan naming si Zaldy habang abala kami sa pagkakayak sa malapit (This was taken by our friend, Zaldy, while we were busy kayaking somewhere nearby).

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Yes For Earth Hour

With only a kerosene lamp and some candles inside our house, we joined people all over the world for the Earth Hour last night. My nieces were quite curious about it and we tried to explain to them the importance of the event and as well as that of the global warming. As I watched the Earth Hour's coverage on TV, I felt really glad that Philippines actively participated in the event. There is hope in addressing global warming problems.

I hope the movement will not stop after Earth Hour. We can help in any little way we can. All of us.

Update:
According to the Earth Hour website, the Philippines topped the most number of participants in the event with 650 communities switching off their lights for the Earth Hour. Go Pinoy!

Blogger’s Earth Hour Link Love Chain:
Norway: RennyBA’s Terella - The host of this list.
Philippines: Heart of Rachel: Vote Earth! and Fun Heart Hour 2009.
Singapore: EastCoastLife put up the banner and a separate post!
Norway: CultureSchock - Vote Earth!
France: A. at A Changing Life - Earth Hour 2009.
USA: Scarty at My Daily Life Experience - Earth Hour 2009 in Chicago.
Sweden: Lifecruiser - Earth Hour Stockholm City 2009.
Malaysia: Life Ramblings - Earth Hour 2009.
Philippines: FiliPina Jade - Do you think our planet is worth saving?

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What Were You Thinking, Nicole?

Yes, our justice system is slow and sometimes, prejudiced against the poor and common people and oh yes, sometimes one wonders if it’s really for the Filipino people and not for some “friendly” ally-country. Yes, there is something much to be desired from our supposed-lawmakers and law implementors but Nicole….

Why did you receive a measly P100,000.00 or the equivalent of $2,068.00 just to recant your statement against US serviceman and convicted rapist, Daniel Smith? How and why did you get to immigrate to the United States of America, the native land of your “rapist’? Have you not thought the repercussions of these actions not only in the case against Daniel Smith but also how these actions of yours be perceived by the international community, most especially, the US government?

Nicole..Nicole…where is your shame? You felt guilty, you said. You felt guilty that you may have falsely encouraged the poor, sex-starved US serviceman in thinking that you want more than drinking and seductive dancing from him. But Nicole, you should have known that in going public with your accusations, you were going against something big. You knew that. Your lawyers made sure you knew that. Several groups that helped you along the way knew that but you were steadfast with your convictions. They all believed you. We all did. We all stood behind you. We rallied and prayed for you. The courts of law studied, evaluated, debated your case thoroughly before coming up with the decision, and all the while you were steadfast with what you said and now…

You made us all look like fools. Worse, you just confirmed the accusations of a lot of Americans who did not know better that a lot of Filipinos are dollar-crazed, American visa-hungry people. You could have chosen any country like Italy where your brother is supposed to be.

Where in the world was your dignity? I read somewhere that we went to the same college. Oh boy, you just made our school a huge disfavor for that action.

What were you thinking, Suzette Nicolas. I am sorry to tell, that is one huge stupidity and disfavor you did for your country and your countrymen.

Good luck to your endeavors in the land of milk and honey. I heard, life’s tougher there now than here in the Philippines.

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PhotoHunt#7 Ruin(ed)

This is Songsong Ruins of Batanes. Batanes is a group of islands located at the northernmost part of the Philippines. Songsong was a small fishing village when it was struck by tsunami in 1970s. For a long time, it was a ghost town until recently, when a few of its former occupants started returning but still, only a handful of the houses are occupied. The village has an eerie feeling about it; but Batanes, in its entirety, is a beautiful place to see.

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