Thank You 2010

• For all the opportunities
• For all the lessons learned
• For all the people who've touched my life this year
• For the gift of life
• For allowing me to cry my heart out of all the pains and frustrations that come with life
• Simply, for the year that was

Cheers to you 2010! Thank you Father God.

*Image from here.*

Victory Liner Online Reservation

Few days ago, I sent this email to Victory Liner. Got their email address from their website.

Hi,

First, congratulations for the great service you are doing. Great service, very informative site.

I'm just wondering if you have any plans in the near future of implementing online reservations? In the internet age, I believe that will be a great investment in the long run. Hope you would consider this. :)

Cheers,
Mylene
 
Yesterday, I received this reply.
 
Dear Ms. Mylene:

Our management is already working on the online reservations for the convenience and easy buying of tickets for our valued customers.

Thank you for your suggestion, We're looking forward to it.

All the best,
Miles
 
Weeee! I hope that happens SSSOOOONNNN! :p

Sunset...taken from 46F

Taken one afternoon. I love sunrise and sunsets that's why I always keep the blinds rolled up. :)

my third place

She's all mine :). Claimed it the day before Christmas.

Love their slogan. Looking forward to filling it up with a lot of memories for those third places.

Merry Christmas to me!

This is my Christmas gift to myself :p.

Since I am height-challenged, I need to have my clothes altered. When I was living in Quezon City, I just bring my clothes to a tailoring shop nearby and the seamstress does it for me for a cheap price. However, when I transferred to Pasig, I can't find any tailoring shop nearby. The only option I have are the ones in the malls but they charge too high (the charge for one shirt can already buy a new shirt...insane right?) and you have to wait for at least a week before they're done.

And so I decided to just buy a sewing machine for myself. Anyway, the alterations I require are just to adjust the length of some clothes I buy. I tried with one blouse today and it was a success. I'm just oh so slow hahaha. Maybe I'll sew faster once I get the hang of it.

I bought the machine in SM Makati the weekend before Christmas for Php 3,669.75. The salesman said it was on sale as the original price is around Php 7,000.00. Not bad. Also, the parts are replaceable. The brand is JML. I'll see if I can create other things besides alteration. :p

Strawberry Taho

 I've read in some blogs that one of the foods that shouldn't be missed when in Baguio is the Strawberry taho (beancurd). I didn't even know this existed until I read about it. Luckily, when we visited Burnham Park, a magtataho (seller of taho) passed by our table so we bought some to taste it. The syrup is actually strawberry preserve so it's not just an artificial flavor. Yummy! I wonder how it would taste if it's mixed with strawberry jam (with real strawberries).

the famous strawberry taho with a generous serving of strawberry preserve

the kids enjoying their share :)

Had Fun at Burnham Park

Went home last weekend of October to spend some time with my family. Together with me was my niece (brother's daughter) from Tagaytay (their home). Since it was only her 2nd time to visit, we went out on Sunday to attend mass, and picnic at Burnham after.

Burnham Park is one of the tourist attractions in Baguio. There are different parts of the park depending on what you prefer to do. There's the Children's park, Biking area (separate for children and adults so it's safe especially for kids), Burnham lake and the Rose Garden to name a few. You can find the perfect spot for your picnic in any of these areas. For photography enthusiasts, this is also a nice place to take lots of pictures.

For my family, it has always been the Children's park so that the kids can just play around. After lunch, the kids went biking for an hour.  We rented just one with side-car where it was manuevered by my nephew and his passengers were my 2 nieces. The area was beside Burnham Lake so after their biking, they requested us to go boating wich I obliged because believe it or not, I haven't tried that myself. :p

We had the option to paddle the boat ourselves or just have someone do it for us for an additional fee. Being the nervous aunt that I was that time (I was the only adult in the group :p), I opted for the later. Rowing back and fourth took about 20 minutes. I'm not very much familiar with the existing rate but I paid Php 230.00 for the 30-minute boat ride, and the fee for the boatman.

Here are some pictures of that day.

 @the Children's park

 biking weeee!

 posing at the boat

my niece concentrating on the paddle. she had fun doing it!



If you're visiting Baguio, you can't miss the place because it's located at the city proper.

See you KL, SG in 2011...Hopefully

I forgot all about Air Asia's free seats promo from Nov. 9-Nov. 14 because the first time I tried it, I was getting an error and was unsuccessful in my first 2 attempts. I decided to just drop it. This morning while I was checking my email, I saw the email notification so I tried to do a mock booking and fortunately was able to find a favorable schedule for next year. I was able to book the following:

Aug. 13, 2011: Clark to KL, Malaysia (one way)
Damage: Php 2680.00 for 2 pax, inclusive of baggage and convenience fee. Base fare is Php 790.00 per pax.

Aug. 16, 2011: KL, Malaysia to SG (one way)
Damage: MYR 122.00 (around Php 1770.00) for 2 pax, inclusive of airport tax, baggage and convenience fee. Base fare is MYR 0! :)

I still have to look for good deals for our fare from SG back to PH. I hope I'll be lucky as well. :)

Ok, next question. Where to stay on those places? Research...research...research.

Btw, here's the catch. I'm not even sure about what will happen by next year. My friend and I just booked and are now crossing our fingers that our schedules by then will still be able to accommodate this adventure! :)

Braving the Pay day Weekend

It was a pay day weekend so most malls are on sale. My other friend Des, was also planning to go to Megamall on Sunday to check out the sale so we agreed to just meet there. I also messaged Glo to join us. Good thing she was available as well. This time, I didn't have anything on my list. I just wanted to check out how things were hehe.

However, it was one of the mall trips I didn't enjoy much because of the traffic and there were a LOT of people. Unbelievable. It seems that even those from provinces came to check out the sale as well. Glo and I arrived first but we decided to just go to Shang and just meet Des there because the crowd is giving us a headache already. However, Des wasn't able to buy something at Shang so we went back to Megamall, praying that people have thinned out by then. Fortunately, the crowd was more bearable this time. But then Des wasn't lucky enough and wasn't able to buy anything still. We just proceeded to dinner and they went home after. I don't want to wait in line for taxi for long so I just watched a movie first. Good decision. After the movie, I was able to ride a cab without enduring the long line.

Thank God for friends and weekends. :)

Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar

Hungry and disappointed a bit, we went to check out the bazaar. I've learned about this in the beauty blogs I read. I had 2 items in my list: Inti-Mate (bra converter clip) and Clutterzap EarBones (for a tangle-free earphones) from Beuatynomics. I was successful with Inti-Mate but not with Clutterzap since I'm using a different type of earphones. There were quite a number of shops selling different items.

I also saw Suelas which is only available online. I wanted to try one shoe but my size was not available. Sayang. Looks like the style was a best seller that time.

I was also able to buy a passport wallet for Php150 and toiletry travel kit (which I was looking for the longest time) also for Php150. I did not notice the names of the shops though.

There were food stalls available as well so we tried Brooklyn pizza. Finally, I was able to have a taste of it. I heard of this yummy eons ago but haven’t got the chance to try it. I ordered the cheese pizza and loved it. I bought a beverage over at Tea Ology to partner it with my pizza. Perfect combination. :)

All in all, it was a worthwhile trip.

Hello Rockwell. It's Been a while...

Had a great weekend with high school friends.

Last Saturday, Glo and I braved the strong rains and visited Rockwell Powerplant simply to check out the mall itself and the Rockwell Mooonlit Bazaar which was scheduled that weekend. Rockwell happens to be our (me and my officemates) favorite hangout in my first job since it was just near the office. Walking to the mall at night after office hours was our way of de-stressing during those days. And the last time I was there was in 2006 simply because Glorietta, which was our first option, was bombed.

Upon arriving at the mall, we were first asked to place our umbrellas in plastic which the mall provided. That was cool for me since I was able to put the umbrella back in my bag hehe. Just hoping that the plastic is biodegradable.

Anyway, we first checked out the different shops. We were amazed with the Tempur products displayed in one floor and we excitedly planned to give Tempur pillows as Christmas gifts. But our hearts were crashed when we learned of the price haha. Just to give you an idea, one regular-sized pillow costs more than 7K so...dig that. But the quality I think is good hence the price. If I have much money to splurge in the future, I'll buy some items from them. :)

And oh, there's a Royce shop in the mall! A friend gifted me with these chocolates a few weeks ago when she came home from her trip in Japan and I super liked it so it was heaven when I saw the shop hihi. I was so ready to buy even though it was expensive but did not have enough time so maybe next time. It wasn't meant to be :).

Bacolod: Wrapping Up

Expenses:

Airfare: Php 2,292.64
Rebooking fee: Php 939.68 (I had to change flights since I did not push through with Kanlaon)

Day 1-3: Php 3,682.00 (includes fare, meals, tip, terminal fees, souvenirs etc. from the time I left the apartment until the time I was back)

Accommodation: Php 1,600.00 (2 nights)

Total: Php 8,514.32

This is not a tipid trip especially that I had no one to share common expenses with and I rode taxis most of the time hehehe. But I guess it would still be more expensive if I stayed overnight in Mambukal, which I decided against since I’m sure it’s better to have companions there when staying overnight or more. :)

Some thoughts:

• This time, I decided not to ask my friends to accompany me because I would really like to know how it feels to roam around alone. And I want to do it in a place where I am at peace because I know there are friends nearby hehehe
• This is also an opportunity for me to know myself better and practice talking to strangers because I’m sure I would need to ask for directions or anything often. You see, I don’t research much on places before I actually go there so…I really have no idea at times
• Bacolod City is thriving in business. I have seen 2 (or was that 3?) familiar call center companies there. It’s great that these companies decided to do business outside of the metros. It gives a boost to local economy.
• Bacolod is a sugarcane plantation area. It’s sad however that some of these plantations are now being converted to subdivisions and business district. I am all for progress and development but I would prefer a diversified one. Hopefully, not all the plantation areas will be replaced with tall buildings. It’s still nice to see green around.
• The Silay International Airport is built just a few years ago to replace the old one. They say that this is one of the best airports as it meets international standards. Long runway, located in a non-residential area, and seeing greens all around (IMO) to name a few.

Thank you Bacolod! I shall see you again. :)

Thank you Father God. I am forever grateful.

P.S. I'll try to upload pictures if I'm lucky to still have them.

Bacolod Day 3: Going Back to the Real World

There was nothing left for me to do the next day other than pack, have my breakfast and leave for the airport in time for my 10:25 AM flight. They have shuttle services to the airport all over the place and I requested for one the night before to pick me up (rate is Php 150.00 per person). They were late for about 30 minutes though because the people from the other hotels were late. Hay. Filipino time :p. Anyway, thank God we still arrived on time.

When we were boarding the plane, the Cebu Pacific staff provided umbrella for the long walk from the waiting area to the aircraft as it was unusually hot that time hehhe. They hand it to you already opened and you hand it back for them to close it. I felt like an important person during this time. How about holding the umbrella for us next time, Cebu Pacific? Wahahaha! Uma-attitude bigla? Hahaha.

Back in Manila and ready to be out of the airport by 12:30 PM. Fides’ sister and her bf were also visiting that weekend and on Saturday night during dinner, they told me that they can drop me off to anywhere near my place from the airport. I was touched when they looked for me at the airport (we had the same flight) and waited while I was waiting for my luggage . I thought we were just sharing a cab but they parked their car at the airport when they left Manila. I was saved from airport taxi hehehe. We decided to just have lunch before heading home. We were looking for any place as long as it has parking and guess where we ended up? Bacolod Chicken Inasal in QC hehehe. Can’t get enough of the delicacy. :p

Bacolod Day 2: More of Bacolod City

After The Ruins, I asked Manong taxi driver to bring me to the Negros Museum. Unfortunately it was closed since it was a Sunday. Disheartened a bit, I just proceeded to Calea coffee/pastry/cake shop for a snack. This was highly recommended to me by my friends. And true enough, their cakes and pastries are oh so yummy! I can’t get enough so I took home some for my breakfast the following day :). I would say this is a nice place to rest after a tiring tour of the city or if you just want to have quiet conversations. The place is small though with just several tables so it might be hard to have a seat during peak hours.

After spending several minutes in Calea, I hailed a taxi to take me back to San Sebastian Cathedral which is near Bacolod Pension Plaza for the mass. However, the ongoing mass was in Bisaya (Bacolod’s dialect) so I checked out the schedule of the English mass before heading off to SM for some treats to bring back to Manila. They have a different structure of SM. It was just a looooong building with 2 floors. Most of the shops, however are the same as in any other SM. Merci and Bongbong’s have stalls here as well. This is where you can buy your treats already. They are also available in the airport but the big Bongbong’s shop is quite far from the airport while Merci is inside the building, just before the departure area.

As per my friend, after SM is the reclamation area. However, I was not able to visit it anymore since it was already night time.

I went back to the church just in time for the English mass. I’m glad that the church was filled with people given its size. It’s an old structure so imagine the long aisle with a lot of pews. They had TV on the sides so people who were not able to enter can still see the activities inside. I think this is a good idea so that people can still really participate in the mass rather than do other things since they don’t feel the solemnity of the mass or worse, they don’t know where they are at because of poor speaker setup. One of the things I always want to experience in a new place is their mass. I know it’s the same ritual but I love to see how people in different places behave inside the church hehehe. In here, I was able to pray solemnly and I even got to sing the songs because they were familiar.

After the mass, it was time to head back to the hotel. The church is I guess just 5 minutes away from the hotel but I took a leisurely walk going back just to savor my last night hehehe. I was also looking for a convenience store since I was craving for ice cream but unfortunately, I did not see one. The good Lord perhaps decided that the cakes were already enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. :)

Back at the hotel, I settled my account for my last night and requested for a service to the airport the following morning. After which, I had dinner while watching the Sunday shows on TV. It was a quiet night of TV and book reading until I went into a dreamless sleep.

Bacolod Day 2: The Ruins

I slept until late morning hehehe. Ok, it’s really almost a sin to be sleeping instead of going around the place but then, I preferred it that way since I did not have any decent sleep days prior. I ordered food for brunch, stayed a little longer in my room to read and watch TV and then went out by mid-afternoon.

My first stop was to visit The Ruins in Talisay City. This can be reached by public transportation but I decided to hire a taxi and asked him to wait for me while I toured the place. Anyway, I won’t be staying long. He charged me Php 500. He did not give me maximum number of hours but he dropped me off to my next destination after 2 hours of picking me up from the hotel. There might be cheaper ones but I was fine with the rate.

The Ruins showcases what is left of the Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson Ancestral Home. It was built for his Portugese wife and patterned after the Carnegie Hall in New York.

What’s amazing with the Ruins is that they have tourist guides who can take pictures of you. They know the exact spots where you’re supposed to pose to get a good shot of the ruins in your background. At the stairs, by the window, profile pics, jump shots, they have it. They even direct some of your poses hehehe. They know how to operate any camera (I suppose, as he was familiar with the settings of my camera without asking questions hehehe). This is the place where I had a lot of pictures. Wait, let me correct that. This is the ONLY place I had pictures I took wahahaha.

I think this can also be a place for reception. They also have a small coffee shop where you can take your snack after capturing the best picture of the place and yourself in it hehehe. The tour guides are really great IMO so give them generous tips ok? :)

Bacolod Day 1: Taking Chances at Bacolod Pension Plaza

After that hearty dinner, the rest of the gang drove back to Silay City while Weng and Leo drove me to Bacolod Pension Plaza to check if they have available rooms. I did not reserve a hotel room prior this trip so I just did walk in. Fortunately, they had available rooms so I just booked. I took the deluxe room which is at Php 800/night. This was recommended by Anne since it was where she and her cousins stayed when they visited Bacolod years back. I did not have any problems during my stay here. The staff were very kind in answering my questions especially on transportation. They also had a coffee shop where you can order food delivered right to your room :). I did that twice, for my brunch and dinner of Day 2 hehehe.

Bacolod Pension Plaza is located at:
Cuadra St., Bacolod City
Tel. No. (034)433-4547/(034)433-2203

Bacolod Pension Plaza is also near SM, city plaza and San Sebastian Cathedral.

For other accommodation options, you may check the official site of Bacolod.

Bacolod Day 1: Bacolod City, and Mambukal

At around 2PM, we went back to Bacolod City to meet with Fides, Weng and family for a late lunch (take note, the one we had at the farm was breakfast :p). We ate at Chicken House. Of course, it’s chicken inasal hehehe. Beside Chicken House is the Negros Showroom where you can buy souvenirs. I would say this is the best place to buy as they have more choices as compared to Bong-Bongs or Merci.

After a hearty lunch, we drove Anne to Mambukal which is their meeting place with the rest of the guys climbing Kanlaon. It’s I think almost 2 hours drive from Bacolod City. For us not climbing, we stayed there a bit for the kids and kids at heart to enjoy even the Dipping pool (hot spring). I did not bring any change of clothes so I just amused myself by watching the other people. Full of foreigners I must say, especially from other Asian countries. I think it’s also nice to stay there for overnight. When I return to Bacolod, I’ll definitely stay in Mambukal longer. This is also the jump-off of the famous 7 Falls. I’ll also visit that when I go back :).

We were back in Bacolod City at around 8 PM and went straight to Aboy’s Restaurant in Goldenfields Commercial Complex for dinner. Delisyoso! They serve mostly Filipino food. I did not notice if there are other types of food but I’m sure there is. The place is good for reception. It has a well-maintained garden that’s good for pictorial. The resto is homey, spacious and well ventilated. Weng said that it was just a small place before but they’ve expanded more than 2x its original size. Business must be good for them :). Their customer service is good even though there were a lot of people at the time we were there. It’s one of the places recommended by locals.

Bacolod Day 1: Off to the farm…

It took us another hour to reach it. By that time, I was already really hungry and sleepy. Good thing we had a hearty breakfast of longganisa, dried fish and adobong gabi. Hay sarap. The adobong gabi was cooked in firewood and it reminded me of home. It was only then that I realized what the elders at home have always been saying about the difference in gas-cooked food and firewood cooked food. They say food cooked in firewood is tastier as compared to food cooked in stove but I didn’t see the difference until last weekend. And what the folks from home say is true :).

After filling our tummy, we had a tour of their farm. Leo started with his project just 6 months ago. He had several fish ponds, herbs, organic plants and lots of calamansi! Every time I recognize a plant, I remember home. :)

He also prepared tea for us. Lemon grass with calamansi and sugar and mint. He added hot water, waited for a few minutes and then—fresh tea! Yummy I would say.

Because of this visit, I was inspired to do the same thing at home. I should already start planting in my yard. I remember we had lemon grass before and I really liked it. I should resurrect those and try it here in Manila as well. Calamansi too! This is a must in my yard at home hihihi.

After the tour, it’s siesta time! Actually, we were just exchanging stories at first until finally each one of us was lulled to sleep by the serenity of our surroundings. I was lucky to be sleeping in a hammock. It was a short nap but it definitely re-energized me especially that I did not have any sleep the previous night.

Bacolod Day 1: With Friends

Reached Bacolod at 6 AM. Leo (who we met back in 2004 through Weng and Fides) fetched Anne and me at the Silay Airport and we went straight to their home. He prepared breakfast for us but we requested that we just have it in their farm. We packed everything and left after he drove his wife to the taxi stand. Sorry naman hehehe. At salamat gid.

Next stop is at Weng and Fides’ home. They are now working in Singapore but Fides and the kids will be staying here for a while. Their kids were playing bubbles in their front yard when we reached their home. Very cute kids! Napakahinhin ni Ysa. Matunog magkiss si Simon hahaha. After planning for the day’s itinerary, we proceeded to the farm. Unfortunately, Weng, Fides and the kids can’t join us because of the rough road and their available cars are not for it.

Bacolod, Thank You Gid

Last July 31-Aug. 2, 2010, I was supposed to climb Mt. Kanlaon and meet with friends. Unfortunately, that same week, I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis so I opted out as I don’t like to put the whole group at risk.

I pushed through with the trip however to still meet with our friends and check out what else Bacolod has to offer.

Let me just say in advance that I didn’t have many pictures in this trip. I only have stories to share hehehe.

*Image from a friend.*

Backlog

I have a lot of unpublished blogs. The succeeding posts are just some of it.

Unfortunately, I can't find my Bacolod pictures in my disks. I hope it's still in my camera at home though.

Elusive

I was extatic when I found out that Zest Air is now flying to San Fernando. It means cutting the trip to Baguio at a shorter time. Also, they have a shuttle service going to Baguio so transfer is not a problem. I was more extatic when I received email notifications about their seat sales! However, I was always disappointed because when I try booking, I don't get to see their promo fare. :( Sad. So sad. It would have been great to go home via plane more than half of the way. Hay. Hopefully, I'm lucky next time. How elusive you are Zest Air promo!

*****

It's my dream to climb Kota Kinabalu even though I haven't climbed Mt. Apo yet (highest mountain in the Philippines). My friend was convincing me to climb with her and another friend this October. I was hesitant at first due to budget constraints but finally gave in after much more convincing. However, our other friend needs to renew his passport and his schedule is still in November. Also, since our trip falls on the climbathon event in KK, the park is closed to the public. In short, we can't climb on the dates we are there. We have no other choice but to reschedule the trip. When I checked on the rebooking fee, it was a whooping 3k each and unfortunately, no refunds either. How sad and what a way to waste funds. :p I didn't want to give up at first so I was considering of just pushing for the trip and explore the place without climbing and just book for another trip for the purpose of climbing.  However, my mom texted me she needs funds at home. So ok, that's my sign to let go of the Oct. airfare down the drain. :p

Few days ago, I received an email from Air Asia about their seat sale. I immediately tried to do a mock booking and I got a promo fare if I booked per guest (CK-KK @ 399 one way). The total amount is also way cheaper than the rebooking fee so I and my friend decided to just book a new one. I booked her first and I had no problems. When it was time to book myself, the ever cheap promo fare was gone. Nada. None. It was replaced with the other promo rate which is almost 4x the seat sale I was able to book for my friend. Waaaa! Huhuhu! How elusive can you get?! I just needed one more!!! Please let me in. It's my birthday the day we depart from PH. Let that be my birthday gift. Please oh please?

I decided to just try my luck in anther promo. Crossing my fingers that I'll be in the next time. :)

Sunlight, Oh Sunlight

I was showered by the afternoon sunlight. Love it. Will not close the blinds next time. I don't know but I never tire watching the sun rise/set. I'm always amazed everytime I see one. :)





Pictures taken from the 46F of our building in Ortigas.

MERALCO Bill

Got my first MERALCO bill in my new address and I'm happy to see that it was around 40% lower as compared to my bills in my previous address eversince MERALCO increased its rates. Whew! I also noticed that Subsidies was bigger and Government Taxes was lesser. Is this dependent on the location?

Anyway, I think the reason why it's lower now is because the TV is turned off most of the time since I still don't have cable and the reception is bad. I only have GMA and it's vague so I'd rather not watch anymore. Lesser electricity consumed. However, I've also replaced my gas stove with an electric stove so that should have increased the usage since I cook more frequently now as compared before. In any case, I'll just keep up with the electricity savings techniques to keep my bill pleasing to my eyes. :)

While Waiting

While waiting for the implementer....

A drive from Corporate to consolidate all SQL Servers led the team to transfer databases to other servers. Since this was not included in our 2010 portfolio and since our SSEs are loaded with their own projects, I took the responsibility of handling this project. Can I just say that I missed that stuff? Hehehe. But I'm glad to learn that I'm still the way I was before when it comes to project overseeing. :)

Ok, he's already here. Off to implement...

Thank You Pasig Green City

Yes, wish granted. Pasig has adopted me. It will be my new home starting later today, August 8, 2010 until destiny takes me to another place :). When our team transferred to the OSMA site and I considered moving to a new apartment that’s nearer work, I have always wanted to rent a place in San Antonio Village. However, the rents were way out of my budget. So I postponed transferring to look for other places but none of the apartments I visited captured my heart. Yes, I am that way. I should fall in love with the place before I can say this is it. “Pwede na rin” was never my basis when it comes to places I choose to live in. Anyway, fortunately, the apartment I visited last May decreased its rental for 1K when I inquired again 2 weeks ago. I visited the place and I was able to choose a unit that’s calling my name. So there, later, it’s goodbye Quezon City :).

And I can’t understand where all my stuff came from that it took us forever to sort out and pack all things. Grrr. I think I’ve been collecting or keeping stuff that I don’t really need. Will have check on all my things again and discard everything that I don’t need. Thanks to my brother and sister who helped me pack and who will be accompanying me with the transfer as well.

I’ll miss Quezon City which has been my home for the past two years but I’m also looking forward to living in Pasig.

Oh, downside by the way is that I won’t be having internet for the next month (only, I hope) as I still need to process the transfer. No cable as well. Hopefully for this, it will be faster though. Oh well. I wish, I wish, I wish :).

Ok, time to rest these tired muscles to have energy again later for the actual transfer.

See you later Pasig!

*Credits to the owner of the image.*

It’s good to know…

• That it was not only me who had lots of questions with one of the processes at work :). At first I felt guilty and frustrated that I had so many questions but when it was my colleague’s turn, he also had his own questions, others similar to mine. So ok, I’m not the only one lost here. :p
• That a big question mark has been confirmed just recently :p. In my entire life, I’ll never forget this confirmation hehehe. And until my golden years, I’m sure this will still make me smile and shake my head (in disbelief) at the same time. :)
• That a colleague/friend is somewhat impatient on my lovelife hahaha. The way he asked me one time on when the hell am I gonna have one sounded like he was even more frustrated than I was wahahaha. Perhaps he’s just excited to here my stories on the love department. Well, we’ll see my friend. And while we’re waiting for mine, why don’t you share yours?
• That there are still people who are passionate about farming. It always reminds me of my other life and it gives me inspiration and excitement to go home and do some planting.

Gone Walking

In our recent trip to HK, we had to do a lot of walking. On the average, we were walking for at least 13 hours a day for 4 straight days. I've already removed the hours spent on sitting while we are having our meals or while in transit. Yes, that's how energetic and diligent we were that we are out for at least 16 hours a day hehehe. Adik? No, we were just so excited and amazed that's all. Come to think of it, those walks are even longer than all the walking I do when I go to th boondocks.

The trade-off however was a super tired feet at the end of the day. Perhaps that's the reason why there were a lot of people offering massages everywhere even in the middle of the night. We didn't get one though because aside from it being expensive, we were wary hahaha. And so, I went home with aching feet and bad news is until now, the pain hasn't gone away, whereas for my friends, their feet are back to normal.

Last weekend, I had to do some walking again as I am looking for a new place that's nearer the office. Come Monday, I've felt the same pain I felt during the last 2 days of our HK trip. I decided to just have it checked at Pain and Rehab Megamall. Just after describing the situation, the doctor said it's plantar fasciitis. Gah. Big term for me. But according to my research, it's an irritation and swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. The doctor said I have a mild case but I'll still need to undergo therapy for at least a month. The therapy includes applying gel in my soles and they have a machine that spreads(?) the gel for my feet to absorb. Afterwhich, I also have several stretching excercises. I was also prescribed to buy heel caps, which I haven't bought until now.

Given this, I am restricted to run/jog/do strenuous walking until my feet is not better. Otherwise, I'm risking myself to a more sever case. Ugh. No, thanks so I'll behave for now :D.

Interestingly, while I was doing my research, I came across the following articles about flip flops and its relation to foot pain. Errr. Ok, I'm guily, I was in flip flops all those time except for that one day that I wore my rubber shoes just to put it to use and not waste my effort in bringing it with me :p. Hoookeeeeyyy...now I know. Now I want new rubber shoes :p. And I'm definitely buying the heel caps too.

Here are the links:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/flip-flops-fun-but-not-great-for-feet
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/summer-flip-flops-may-lead-to-foot-pain/
http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/03/flipflop-foot-problems_cx_sy_0504htow.html
http://arthritis.about.com/od/foot/a/flip-flops.htm

New addiction

Guess what. I'm beginning to get addicted to...nail polishes. And take note, it's not those nail polishes with a friendly tag price. UGH! Good luck to my wallet wahaha. It started when I came across a blog all about nail polish. I find her designs so cute and I was inspired by it. Hahaha. Damn those blogs! LOL, just kidding. I love those blogs and these are actually already added in my Google Reader subscription.

Let's see where this will take me. Not in a negative way hopefully :D. I'm just excited to go back to doing my nails. When I was in college and during the earlier years of my working life, I'm the one doing my pedi (no funds for salon pede :p). Lately, I find myself just running to the salon when I needed one. So with this new-found interest in polishes, I'm going back to self mani/pedi and hopefully master the art of applying nail polish on my nails. Teeehee!

Errr, I don't wanna post my stash for the past 2 days ahihi.

Warning: Don't be surprised if later on, you'll be seeing some posts with pictures of my polished nails on this blog. If you don't like it, then just close your browser. Yes, that simple. :p

Lost and Not Yet Found

For almost a month now, I've been searching and searching and searching for my other 2 ATM cards but to no avail. I can't find them anywhere at home. I'm not bringing those ATMS so I'm sure it's not stolen or got lost outside. Yesterday, while I was trying to remember the last time I saw it, I recalled that I placed it in one of my wallets but then again, that wallet is missing. And months ago, that same wallet was sent to trash by none other than me (who else right?) because it's starting to tear off. And stupid me either did not check its contents before throwing it or that I was able to get the contents but forgetful me can't really remember where I placed it next. Darn! How stupid can I get?! Ugh!

So what do I get in return? Need to go to my bank (which by the way transferred to a new building farther to my work place last June) to file for declaration of loss. Good news is, I can get the non-personalized ATM on the same day! Bad news is, when I got there, the teller told me that I need get to have an affidavit of loss since the ATM's content is more than a particualr amount...and that new policy was implemented just yesterday after their AM meeting. How lucky can I get? I never bothered to have my accounts blocked since I was and am very sure that those ATMs were not stolen. Besides, I can monitor those online. So ok, with a sinking feeling, I asked if I can just transfer the amount to my other account via online banking. She said yes. Unfortunately, she can't do it for me. I wished right then and there that I brought my laptop with me :p. Since I don't want to deal with having it signed by a lawyer (I don't like the idea of having to pay someone big bucks just for his signature gah!), I just opted to do online banking and just go back there next week. I'm crossing my fingers for a VERY VERY smooth and hassle free transaction by next week.

I would also like to thank the teller for being so accommodating! You see, besides my ATM issue, I had other gazillion questions ehehehe.

Lastly, if you have several ATM cards that you leave at home, make sure that you know where you'll be placing it. On second thought, maybe I'm the only one stupid whe it comes to this so just ignore this last paragraph. :p

It's Here! It's Here!

Errr...I'm talking about my credit card bill teehee! Have been anxiously waiting for it since after I came back from my HK trip with my friends. I kept all the receipts but then I was afraid to consolidate it just yet. I don't want to face the reality whether I overspent or not (but then I had the strong feeling that I did ahihi), hence the missing post of that trip as well.

But this evening, I got my e-statement. And yes, I overspent but not much (I think). It's not more than 50% of my target budget yifeee! So now I can write about that trip in peace wahahaha!

Ok, off to dreamland.

Went Wireless

I bought the D-Link DIR-600 router weeks ago but it was only today that I was able to set it up. How?

• Read the manual, put on the set-up wizard CD but failed - simply because the instructions and descriptions in the wizard are different from what I have. I don’t have a DSL modem, I only have the cable connected to the Smart Bro antenna and directly connected to my laptop.
• Searched the internet on how others did it. No exact setting as mine but maybe similar so I tried following their instructions. Still failed however at least I got some ideas already.
• Went back to the manual straight to the Manual setup section. Bull’s eye!

What I have:

• D-Link DIR-600 Wireless 150 router (bought it at Octagon SM Sta. Mesa last April for around Php 2, 150.00)
• Smart Bro with a static IP (which I need to set up every time I switch between my office network and my Smart Bro)
• I’m not sure if the Smart guy who connected my Smart Bro before configured anything else in my laptop

Here's how I did it:

1. Plugged in the power into the router. The Power LED indicator in the router should display a solid light (according to my manual, it’s blue but in my case, it’s yellow)
2. Connected the Smart Bro cable to the Internet port in the router.
3. Connected an Ethernet cable to the LAN port (I used port 1) of my router and my laptop. The D-Link router comes with an Ethernet cable and that’s what I used.
4. Checked the LAN properties and set it to obtain an IP address automatically.
5. Accessed http://192.168.0.1 (this is what’s indicated in my manual) and configured the Internet Setup and Wireless Setup. I just used the wizards available. Internet setup connection successful!

Now, I’m wireless. No more setting up of LAN properties, no more long cables connected to my laptop.

Ok, next I’m off to fixing the router in its place by the TV stand. :)

*Image from the DLink site.*

Long Weekend

Weeeee! Labor Day (which is supposed to be on May 1st) is moved to Monday, making it a legal holiday = no work. :)

So, what’s in store?

•  Roadtrip to Quezon/Laguna. This is a tipid trip so nothing of the fancy stuff. We just want to be with nature.
• LapDance Gateway for repair of bag
• Send money to nephew for his guitar
• Attend Bo Sanchez’s event
• UP run
• Talk to landlady about moving out
• Apartment hunting
• De-clutter. Pack unused stuff to be sent home to Baguio
• Continue HK IT
• Research for more online jobs

It will be a busy and productive (hopefully) long weekend.

Oh, it’s the last day of the month and it’s the last day for this work week. Yipee!

Happy weekend everyone!

Government documents

I’m pushing myself to complete all those government IDs. I’m bound for HK in July and I remember that I still haven’t gotten a travel clearance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). I don’t want the nightmare of being left behind for that trip just because I was not cleared of travel out of the country. So I have to make sure this won’t happen. How? I need to research on that still. All I know is that I need a COE so I’ve already filed a request to our Site HR for that tonight.

**Background: As a DOST scholar, we were required to work in the Philippines equivalent to the number of years that we were scholars. So during those payback years, we were banned to go out of the country. If we need to for leisure or business trip, we still have to get a clearance.

Next thing I remember was that I applied for my NBI clearance ages ago but didn’t receive any copy. One time, I was given a slip of paper that they are requiring me to report to their office for interview. I’m guessing this is all about the DOST thing so I might as well settle my DOST clearance first before heading to NBI. :p

Want more? I want to have my e-passport before the HK trip! So I’m in the process of attending to that as well.

What else? Oh, there’s the TIN card, Philhealth card and SSS too. :)

I’ll have all of you in no time hehehe. Pramis!

Anything else I forgot? Is there an ID for Pag-ibig? That I have to check.

So now, off to researching on how to have all those. I’ll post important details if there will be any.

*Image from here.*

Moving...Moving On

After almost 5 years of staying at our current site (and of course endless floor transfers), our team will once again be moving back to OSMA (back since we've already been there before). The Capacity team says it will be our permanent location. Hopefully, since I’m also planning to move out of my current apartment to a place nearer to our new site. And when I say nearer, I mean to a new apartment that’s just walking distance from the office hehehe. So I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to find another smashing apartment that will fit all my things and with big windows of course. :)

I’m excited. New workplace, new home, new neighbors, it’s nearer Ultra. Perhaps I’ll be able to jog this time.

So…moving on….

*Image from here.*

Sunset @ La Union

Took a picture of the sun setting while passing by La Union last April 4, 2010. This was on our way back to Manila from our Ilocos tour. :)

Pasyar Ilocos: Wrapping Up

Expenses:
Tour – Php4,088.00
Day 1 – Php1,280.00
Day 2 – Php650.00
Day 3 – Php600.00
Total Expenses – Php6,618.00

 Some thoughts:

• Thank God for digicams, we were able to capture a thousand pictures.
• It's fun to travel with friends who are photography enthusiasts hehe. SLR kung SLR.
• Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the falls and the rock formation. Oh well, next time :)
• Along the way, there are a lot of newly built houses or houses under construction. And these are big houses with complete exterior (and perhaps interior) finishing. At times I wonder how they did it. But I’ll just take it as a sign if progress for these owners due to their perseverance and hard work :)
• During socials (any socials for that matter), lovelife is and will always be an interesting topic. Hopefully soon, I’ll have one interesting story of my own to share :)
• There are a lot of wonderful places to see in the Philippines. Hopefully, everyone will be given the chance to explore it. :)

Thank you Ilocos. I had fun especially during the times that I was able to converse with locals in Ilocano hehehe. It feels closer to my home sweet home. :)

Thank you father God for the unending blessings. I am forever grateful.

Note: All pictures in the Ilocos posts are courtesy of Jacq and Vivi. Thanks girls! :)

Pasyar Ilocos Day 3

Happy Easter! In Ilocano, naragsak a pascua ti panagungar.

Our pitstops:

St. William Cathedral and Sinking Tower

After a quick breakfast at Eagle's nest, we hailed a tricycle to take us to St. William cathedral where we attended the Easter mass. Unfortunately, we didn't have any idea on the schedule so we arrived late for the 7:30 mass. Also, the mass was in Ilocano so it was more challenging for our non-Ilocano friends and to me as well since I was not used to it. It was more than a decade since the last time i heard mass in Ilocano so errr I forgot the responses ahihi.

The sinking tower is also at the same area where the cathedral is so we had photo ops session after the mass hehe.

Heritage Village

At around 9:30 AM, we checked out at the hotel and started the trip back to Ilocos sur. We arrived at the village at around 11 AM so we had at least 1.5 hours to tour around, have lunch and buy pasalubong. We agreed to just have our lunch first at the Vigan Hotel. When we were about to go out of the hotel, we saw Jomari at the lobby so we had our pictures taken wahaha.

After lunch, we bought some pasalubong. I only bought chichacorn for the office and tsokolate de vigan for me hehehe. Unfortunately, empanada is only available by mid-afternoon so no empanada for us. I thought of buying bagnet for home but it might already be spoiled by the time I go home to Baguio. Besides, I think some are already selling it in town.

 

The heritage village is just a small area. We actually just walked one street and had photo ops session to our heart's content on all nice spots.

At around 1:45 PM, we started our trip back to Manila.

Expenses(Php):
Breakfast - 100
Lunch - 230
Pasalubong-270

As of this writing, it's already 3:13 PM and we are already at Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.

Pasyar Ilocos Day 2

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we immediately proceeded to our itinerary for the day.

Our pitstops:

Patapat Viaduct

This is a concrete highway built along the coastal area of Pasaleng Bay. As per other sites, this was constructed to answer the landslide problems in the area. Now, it’s one of the tourist attractions in Ilocos Norte.

Market

We made a quick stop to buy the necessary supplies for our lunch. For our group, we just bought liempo, pork chop, and tilapia which we later asked the locals at the beach to grill for us.

Blue Lagoon

This is not the famous Pagudpod beach but it's one of the many resorts in Pagudpod. The waves were strong so we opted not to swim. Instead we had photo ops and played a little with the waves reaching the shore. There were a lot of people today maybe because it's Holy week and most people are off from work.

Bangui Windmills

Breathtaking site! Amazing technology. And oh, one of our travel companions works for the company who built the windmills hehe. We had more fun here playing with the waves. We met another couple who gladly took group pictures of us while jumping in the waves. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

We arrived here just before sunset. Unfortunately, the way to the tower was already closed. Perhaps it’s for security reasons. You only have to climb a few steps before reaching the tower so it’s not very tiring. Once on top, you’ll have a spectacular view of mountains and seas, with the wind blowing gently. Perfect way to end the day.

The lighthouse was our last stop for the day. We went back to the hotel after for dinner and socials. For the second time, the singing group serenaded us again. :)

Expenses (Php):

Breakfast - 90
Lunch - 200
Dinner - 360