Remembering Intramuros

Definitely, it's really a walk to remember.

Walking for more than four hours in a stretch! Whew! Even if my cam's battery went zero and only had these few shots, I enjoyed walking along the cobbled streets and passing along the old ruins.


Our 'tour' started from fort santiago where for the second time, I saw some of rizal's creations. After checking the museum, we enjoyed the view of [the dirty] Pasig River.

Outside Fort Santiago is Manila Cathedral.

In between our so-called "guided" tour (guided by a travel book adarbil bought), we rested in Plaza de Santa Isabel in the corner of Anda St and Gen Luna.

We didnt get to see Bahay Tsinoy (closed at 5p) but we bought cheap souvenirs from Silharis, an Antique Shop.


We fancied eating at Ilustrados (read about it in cosmo) but too bad, it closes earlier during sundays.

We rode a calesa to Roxas Boulevard and ended our 'expedition' in Sea Food Wharf, a romantic restau, facing Manila Bay.

Intramuros, literally "Within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress

Barrio Fiesta in San Agustin, Pampanga

San Agustin, San Luis is my mom's hometown. I've been inlove with this place eversince I started to live in Manila. This place is sort of an escape for me from the busy life in Manila. Back in college, I would stay here for a week with my pilyo cousins and we'll have our own adventure like crossing the Pampanga River.

Life here is so simple, and very provincial

Every last Sunday of April, San Luis celebrates it barrio fiesta. With Noreen, we took a Sierra Madre Bus in Monumento, Caloocan going to Arayat. We took off in Sto. Domingo and rode a tricycle going to the town. The town of San Luis is small with a beautiful church.

this church should also be included in the World Heritage List (hehe)

We rode another tricycle going to my lolo's house. Trykes is the usual mode of transport here. And it's the occupation of most residents :(

Wee.. we were so hungry that I did not bother to take pictures of the handa. I let Noreen taste burong isda. It's Pampanga's version of fermented fish. It's a combination of cold rice, fish, patis, and some spices. The smell is appaling but Noreen tasted it anyway and of course she did not like it. But I love burong isda paired with inihaw na talong or ampalaya.

After visiting and eating the handa from two homes, I toured Noreen.

no, that's not Noreen. I used to bike around and sell mangoes for P35 per kilo!

this is Noreen. She dropped her brain and is looking for it somewhere.. cheers! I love you Noreen

There aren't any people in the streets they were hearing mass spoken in Kapampangan.

MANGAN!

(let's eat!)

Girl Bonding in Puerto Galera

I miss my sister soo much and here I am, looking at these old pictures during our Puerto Galera Trip last year.

We stayed in Sabang to escape the action in White Beach. After all, we're not into partying, and we wanted to enjoy the scenes Puerto Galera offers.

After we ate our lunch in the nearby barbeque stand, our rented banca (PhP1200) arrived. We told the boatman to bring us to coral garden. In an island near Coral Garden (it serves like a drop off), there is a much smaller boat that can be rented for PhP200 and an additional of PhP50 for the goggles. This boat has ropes attached at its side where we held it while this small boat circles Coral Garden. I'm really not good in describing it, hope you can imagine how it's done.

Anyway, while the boat pulled us, we were enjoying the view under the sea. Corals, fishes, starfishes... it was really fantastic.

I was wishing I was a mermaid princess living under the sea.

I wonder why most pinoy going to galera does not know about this. They prefer drinking and partying in White Beach.

After an almost-hour swim, we rested in the island nearby (the dropoff). There were only 5 people in that island (me, my sister, a foreigner, the boatman and his small son), so malakas ang loob kong magtwo piece. We enjoyed the place all by ourselves.. photo op galore! Check our pics below.

We were tired but satisfied and we returned to our cottage and had dinner in a restau owned by a dutch guy. (I forgot the name, again, I'm sorry..)

A Korean guy took this pic for us.

Next day, my sister and I had a morning walk in Sabang. It was a nice sister bonding experience!

As Seen from a Calesa

I was godmother to a an adopted baby, and I was ecstatic about it. My first time to be ninang to a girl!

The baptism was done in Sta. Cruz Church, Manila. In front of Sta Cruz church is the Carriedo Plaza with a big fountain. Unfortunately, the water in the fountain is a bit dirty with bottled waters floating and there are some 'beggars' sitting. But I don't mind them, it's a public place anyway..It's just that.. *sigh

Well anyway, I took pictures of the fountain, instead

My boyfriend asked me if I wanted to ride a kalesa going to the reception. How romantic! Although smokes from jeepneys and cars are ruining the 'moment' I still enjoyed it. Holding hands together, we enjoyed sightseeing the Lawton Plaza, Pasig River, ruins in Intramuros, Queen Isabel's statue etc.

It was a cheap thrill... and of course unforgettable!

Lil Miss Lovelorn Cooks

Guess what this is? You too can create a simple breakfast into something extra ordinary!

Breakfast is one of my favorite meal, aside from lunch, dinner, and snacks.

But breakfast is the meal I enjoy cooking the most! Here's one of my not so ordinary sardine omelette, that you can try. Here's how:

Ingredients

1 can of sardines, sauce separated

minced garlic

minced onion

2 eggs, beaten

oil or butter

Directions

♂Saute onion and garlic in a pan until onion becomes translucent.

♂Add sardines. Mash sardines. Cook for 2-3 mins

♂Remove from pan and set aside.

♂In another pan or same pan (just wash it), heat oil in low fire.

♂Slowly pour the eggs. Add the sardines mixture on one side of the half cooked egg.

♂Fold the eggs slowly. Transfer omelette to a plate and pour the sauce.

♂Serve hot.

Old School

I was browsing some old pics in yahoogroups and I found these. Pictures of us during our first year in college.

according to donnie, a blockmate and friend, "mukhang tibo si jan-na oh..."

camwhoring sessions after classes

camwhoring moments even during thesis

im so payat pa..

supposed to ba a 'candid' shot for our class pic

and finally, our graduation

we were all camwhores during those days.. kakauso pa lang kasi ng cam phones and digicam.

hey you, were you just staring at my boobs?

While I am blessed with a pair of mammae, men are blessed to have something to drool on. Funny.. no matter what size it is, men usually looks at it first before looking at your face or listen to what you're saying.

I was commuting and I remember this guy beside me who try so hard to stretch his neck just to have a peep on my breast. That is very rude. I stared at him straight in the eye and asked, 'what are you looking at?" Haha, I enjoyed seeing the look of his embarrassed face.

But why do men love staring at our beautiful bosoms?

Here are some reasons i gathered from Y!Answers

* men don't have boobs and they don't understand how women carry them
* men are visual creatures
* according to one answerer, women's body is very beautiful and men are perplexed since age 1 til they die. And it's directly correlated with breast feeding
* men are just simply pervs. and one perv answered "needs to look before touching them"

And I have done further research in the web, and it has something to do with reproduction and passing the DNA.

Scientifically, women with wide hips and large breasts are more likely to be fertile or successful mothers so men go for bigger breast.

And one of the good reasons I found is that "Men tend to be attracted to breast due the fact as a baby they were a source of pure contentment they provided food and comfort. This memory is one of the first assocations a baby will make with breasts. Even though the memory is till there it isnt formed into words"

It is also because of animal instinct. Like baboons being attracted to big red butts.

I just hope men learn not to stare when the woman is talking to them.

Cooling Off in SAGADA

I was watching the evening news in GMA and they featured Sumaging Cave in Sagada

>>flashback<<

The best plan is having no plans at all - read this somewhere.

Two years ago, Jen, my closest friend in my previous job asked me if I wanted to go to Sagada and she'll be leaving Manila the next day! And I didn't want to miss this chance, so together with my boyfriend, we packed our things and traveled up north.

That was my first impulse travel and our first trip together as a couple. Taking a Victory Liner Bus in Pasay City, the trip lasted for 8 hours-the longest Baguio drive! Then we proceeded to a dreary-looking bus terminal (Dangwa station). After 6 more hours, we arrived in Sagada at past midnight.

We stayed in Traveller's Lodge, then slept the whole night to ready ourselves for the next day's adventure!

The cold and crisp weather was one of the things I love about Sagada. But of course, I love the entire place. It's like communing with nature. Trees, the mountains, the simple life and the friendly people.

Talking about the igorots, I noticed that they are mostly singkit. :)

Wa-an could not come with us, so it's just the three of us exploring the place. Jen's bf is from Sagada and Jen has been to Sagada like more the 5 times already (lucky girl)

Our first stop was the Yogurt House, were we had our breakfast with a cup of freshly brewed native coffee. MMmm. What a nice way to start a day!

We then strolled along the town, then just walked wherever our feet brought us. I cannot clearly remember some of the names of the place. But I remember seeing the cemetery. Then we tried to trek the side of a mountain where you could view the hanging coffins. But because of some irresponsible and selfish travelers who vandals and steals some stuff from the coffins, the entrance to the hanging coffins were blocked so visitors cannot enter the place any longer.

We then followed the road that leads to Sumaguing Cave. Quite a long hike up, but very delightful! I stop so often to take pictures and savor the mountain's beauty. Jen even pointed a cave where some mummies were buried and we could see their caskets.

Unfortuantely, since we did not have a guide, we were not able to go inside the cave. So we just satisfied ourselves by hanging out in the cave's entrance and with Jen's elaborate descriptions on what we could see inside. Too bad, but I promise myself, I'll be back in Sagada!

We returned to the main town after lunch and we were hungry. We ate somewhere (i forgot the name, sorry!). But I can describe it for you *wink. The restau was on the second floor and there were wooden sculptures that we find adorable.

We then watched a game of baseball. Fascinating, huh? Yip, they do play that sport. Remember, the igorots are english-speaking people :)

After a very long tiring day, we had a nice good night sleep.

I know, I missed some good stuff in Sagada, but swear, I'll be back!!

@Jen, when I go back to Sagada, can we borrow Wa-an to be our tourguide?

I Got WAXED!

S U M M E R

The sun, the beach, the boys and [screech].. unwanted hair?!

When my friends and I were planning to go to El Nido, we tried getting a brazilian wax.My first was last year. If your pain tolerance is low, better take a pain reliever 2 hours prior to your appointment. But honestly, the pain did not make me teary-eyed - pain is very much tolerable.

I was a bit shy and scared on the first minutes but their friendly and professional staff made me feel comfortable and I actually enjoyed the process specially after seeing myself all bare! LOL (I felt like a baby again HAHA)

Lay-Bare uses cold sugar wax and they also provide threading and other body waxing services - underarm, legs, bikini wax etc. With their affordable price, this mediocre blogger is definitely a suki!

I am now more confident in wearing a bikini

---

Filmore Branch5081 Filmore Corner Fahrenheit Street, Palanan, Makati City833-7915 / filmore@lay-bare.com
they also have branch in Quezon City. http://www.lay-bare.com/

Experiencing Taal's Charm

Summer is here! And I haven't done anything to enjoy it - no beach trips, no Baguio or Sagada climb. . . my summer is simply a drag! To break the monotony, I compulsively asked 2 of my friends to go to Tagaytay! Noreena was already at my place at around 7:30am. We made plans on what to do and where to go. Adarbil, the owner of Ada's Adventure Travel and Tours (the office is in Room 406, E.G. Dy Bldg.) wanted to go to Tagaytay just for a SPA?! What?! Luckily, Noreena and I were of the same interest.. go hike up and see Taal Crater. Off we go to Buendia and took a 2-hour busride to Tanauan, Batangas. From Tanauan, a jeepney brought us to Talisay. The kind driver dropped us off in Villa Manalo Beach Resort.

Manalo Resort offers one of the cheapest package. The 2,500-peso package includes bancaride, 3 horses (plus tips for the 3 kutsero), and P50 environmental fee. Usually, just for the horse ride, it costs 500 each. But with Ada's haggling power, we really had a good deal.

The road is dusty, and taking a horse is an excellent decision. And my kutsero is kind enough to take pictures of me while riding my horse. I felt like im a White Castle Whisky model! But my boobs were jiggly during the ride, I should have worn a sports bra!

Bounce! Bounce! Bounce!

After 30 minutes, we arrived at the crater's viewing area. The view is amazing! Most of the tourists were Koreans. Too bad, few Pinoy appreciate this kind of tour.

Click.click.click.. too many tourists wanted to take pictures, and I cant take a good shot!

At around 2:00PM, we went back to the resort and then we headed to Tagaytay. We visited People's Park or Palace in the Sky. The place is in ruins but the picturesque 360-degree view it offers is worth more than the P15 entrance. Do you think it's ok if they increase the entrance fee and renovate the place? But I think the decaying building adds a gothic beauty that contrasts the scene below.

So much for that.. I wanted to catch the sunset but we dine in Leslie's and the only sight is the sunset's reflection against the clouds. It's still captivating though.

I guess Leslie's specialty is bulalo, so we ordered one. Just see the picture on how hungry we were.

We wanted to dine on one of the protruding cottages facing taal volcano, but there is aP500 charge. So we agreed to eat inside the restaurant where good music played.

I cant stop myself commenting on their unique lavs. The faucet is a reminiscent of the old bomba and a train railtracks leads you to the toilet's entrance.Cute, huh?

Tired and full (soo busog!) we went back home. I still have a little grudge because I wasn't able to buy some pies from Bag of Beans :(


Villa Manalo Beach Resort
Contact:
Ben Manalo: 09193937507 Brgy Zone 8
Ed Manalo: 0920-508-5558 Pob. Talisay, Batangas
Bert Matienzo: 0920-602-7551

a peek to my life

I never thought i will be making a blog page.

So who am I?

• I dont find myself very intelligent nor very smart (but I am above average) and I dont excel in anything particular but I can manage to make my own decisions and am always happy with the results. I could just learn anything.. if I want to.
• I am a budget traveller. And a frustrated photographer.
• I love to take pictures but I only have a very simple point-and-shoot camera.
• I am not rich that I could just have whatever I want but not under-priveledge. I am lucky to find joy from life's simple pleasure to human's complicated desires.
• I could be a clean freak but my closet is always cluttered - and no I am not an O.C.
• I live with a roomate in a very small unit, and this place is my solace. But I miss home, too. I miss my family but I love my independence.
• In highschool, I did good in Math but I love art better.
• I used to do acting but in school play. I miss to hear the sound of applause. I miss the spotlight but I dont want to be a leader
• I worry a lot because I am a perfectionist.
• I could easily see what is wrong in a person's character that often makes me judgmental. But I easily accept the kind of person he/she is.
• Daydreaming is my hobby. But I learned I must wake up to make them come true.