01. Who was your last text from?
Mark V.
02. Where was your default picture taken?
i don't see any photo!
03. Your relationship status?
single and ready to mingle
04. Have you ever lost a close friend?
NO.
05. What is your current mood?
Happy!
06. How many siblings do you have?
2
07. Whats your brother(s)/sister(s) names?
My sister's name could be spelled with an 'i' or a 'y'
My brother's name can be pronounced with short or a long 'a'
08. Where do you wish you were right now?
in a 5-star hotel room...perhaps in the plane...business class
09. Have a crazy side?
YES.
10. Ever had a near death experience?
NO.
11. Something you do a lot?
haha! Thesis?!
12. Angry at anyone?
NO.
13. What's stopping you from going for the person you like?
distance...he's on the other side of earth.
14. When was the last time you cried?
sometime ago.
15. Is there anyone you would do anything for?
It depends.
16. What do you think about when you are falling asleep?
what would be the last thing i would be thinking before i lose myself to sleep
17. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Niks
18. What is your favorite song?
Wouldn't it be nice - Beach Boys!!!
19. What are you doing right now?
multi-tasking: watching tv and answering the 19th question
20. Who do you trust right now?
secret.
21. Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
from my last trip in Hong Kong
22. Have you kissed someone in the past week?
NO.
23. Who is your friend that lives closest to you?
haha! ktensky!
24. Describe your life in one word.
dream.
25. Who are you thinking of right now?
Alex
26. What should you be doing right now?
Working on my thesis
27. What are you listening to?
the wind...
28. Who was the last person who gave you a hug?
kten
29. Who was the last person who yelled at you?
none, but i remember yelling at someone!
30. Do you act differently around the person you like?
i think so...yeah maybe
31. What is your hair color?
black
32. Who was the last person to make you laugh?
ktensky
33. Who was the last person to make you sad?
none.
34. What do you hear?
i can hear my heart beating
35. Is your hair curly or straight?
its wavy
36. Has anyone ever called you "scrumptious" before?
NO
37. Do you have a best friend?
yes...and she can be my online diary
38. Held hands with the opposite sex in the past 3 days?
duh, NO!
39. Do you use smiley faces on the computer?
YES, all the time.
40. Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle?
hahaha! YES.
41. Are you happy with life right now?
I couldn't complain!
42. Are you currently jealous?
NO.
43. What jewelry are you currently wearing?
a pair of earrings
44. What were you doing on friday night?
today is a friday night, and im not out!
45. Have you ever had your heart broken?
Maybe NO.
46. Have you ever broken someone's heart?
NO. why would i do that
47. Is there anybody you're really disappointed in right now?
NO.
48. What was the last reason you went to the doctor for?
Annual Physical Exam... and i hate the sight of that tube with a noozle sucking my blood
49. How late did you stay up last night and why?
10 pm...
50. Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
NO.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
In the middle of things
It's great to enjoy the "fun experience" once in awhile..and to be away from it, is to feel so deaden.
After the much hyped trips from Hong Kong to Thailand to Zamboanga, I feel so away from the world. And as much as I would want to think of those trips (which by the way, I haven't blogged about), I can't...it's thesis we're talking about here!!!
I shall resume when all else are done. Submission is coming...defense too! See you after the tragedy!!!
After the much hyped trips from Hong Kong to Thailand to Zamboanga, I feel so away from the world. And as much as I would want to think of those trips (which by the way, I haven't blogged about), I can't...it's thesis we're talking about here!!!
I shall resume when all else are done. Submission is coming...defense too! See you after the tragedy!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hong Kong January Trip
Today, is the first day of another HK trip; My first for this year. :-)
I left Manila at 540, arrived in HK 20 minutes earlier than ETA...Thanks to Cebu Pacific!I noticed though that alot were flying to Hong Kong. I am seated on 1A and front row seats are all taken.
At HK, everything seemed to be in the same place, just like how it was when I was here last September. That's good to know, the only thing that I have to worry about is whether I still remember everything I need to know from my last flight.
I stayed at HKIA to have breakfast at Burger King, and then everything started from there. I took the bus, because it's much cheaper than taking a cab or the Airport Express train. I had to worry though, about where to get off. At one point, I thought I missed my stop and I want to blame my having no sense of direction. But my memory serves(although its a digressed version- selective memory, and went down at Quarry Bay. I took 2A bus, and boy did I feel triumphant!!!Great Great!
I arrived at Saincair's place. Then, decided to leave her place at 12 to visit her at Lingnan. At Lingnan, I sighed as I catch my breath while walking at a faster phase. I was received by Sainclair at Hostel F lobby. Goodness, why do I feel a throb in my heart?! I laughed at the thought of the past. It kinda hit a nerve there yah know!
At room, I want to turn back the time. I miss my room, my desk, the view from my window, my roomate. I miss the codes I have to memorize to access the gates and he lavatory. I miss LU and I miss hostel life.
Here's the catch: As I remember the places and people who forms part of that episode in my life. I saw a lot of foreign-looking students gathering in main entrance of LU. They are this school year's spring sem exchange students. Not just a throb in my heart...I felt something I could not explain...I imagined everything...how it was when I was that exchange student experiencing LU. Sainclair and I took the 67x, back to reality...I'm not an exchange student anymore, I am a tourist now;It's not gonna be a 6-month stay...its just a visit until February. So I shall enjoy this visit, especially since, it's Chinese New Year. Kong Hei Fat Choi!!! Lai Si Tau Loi!!!
I left Manila at 540, arrived in HK 20 minutes earlier than ETA...Thanks to Cebu Pacific!I noticed though that alot were flying to Hong Kong. I am seated on 1A and front row seats are all taken.
At HK, everything seemed to be in the same place, just like how it was when I was here last September. That's good to know, the only thing that I have to worry about is whether I still remember everything I need to know from my last flight.
I stayed at HKIA to have breakfast at Burger King, and then everything started from there. I took the bus, because it's much cheaper than taking a cab or the Airport Express train. I had to worry though, about where to get off. At one point, I thought I missed my stop and I want to blame my having no sense of direction. But my memory serves(although its a digressed version- selective memory, and went down at Quarry Bay. I took 2A bus, and boy did I feel triumphant!!!Great Great!
I arrived at Saincair's place. Then, decided to leave her place at 12 to visit her at Lingnan. At Lingnan, I sighed as I catch my breath while walking at a faster phase. I was received by Sainclair at Hostel F lobby. Goodness, why do I feel a throb in my heart?! I laughed at the thought of the past. It kinda hit a nerve there yah know!
At room, I want to turn back the time. I miss my room, my desk, the view from my window, my roomate. I miss the codes I have to memorize to access the gates and he lavatory. I miss LU and I miss hostel life.
Here's the catch: As I remember the places and people who forms part of that episode in my life. I saw a lot of foreign-looking students gathering in main entrance of LU. They are this school year's spring sem exchange students. Not just a throb in my heart...I felt something I could not explain...I imagined everything...how it was when I was that exchange student experiencing LU. Sainclair and I took the 67x, back to reality...I'm not an exchange student anymore, I am a tourist now;It's not gonna be a 6-month stay...its just a visit until February. So I shall enjoy this visit, especially since, it's Chinese New Year. Kong Hei Fat Choi!!! Lai Si Tau Loi!!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tagaytay Chill
My friend in her usual spur-of-the-moment invited me to go to Tagaytay today. No plans really, as it was meant to chill over stress and what-have-you of life. So she swinged to my house at around 7, we arrived Tagaytay between 830 to 900, had dinner at Pancake House. Yes, Pancake House, and so?! we just want to have our dinner in Tagaytay, so it didn't really matter which resto to eat. Had coffee at Starbucks, and chat over a lot of things. Then she dropped me off to my house at 12.
You bet! t'was really a great time. And though we chilled at the regular food establishments we visit around Manila none of it is disappointing. Obviously, there's nothing really special to go to these places when you know these are next door favorites. But heck, the point of our trip is to chill. So we did, literally.
A certified Tagaytay chill, coffee anyone?!
You bet! t'was really a great time. And though we chilled at the regular food establishments we visit around Manila none of it is disappointing. Obviously, there's nothing really special to go to these places when you know these are next door favorites. But heck, the point of our trip is to chill. So we did, literally.
A certified Tagaytay chill, coffee anyone?!
Postcard from Lebanon
Today, Alex just made my day! :-)
For the longest time, I've been waiting for a promised parcel from Germany or from Scotland where he is currently enrolled. This year we've been keeping in touch, exchanging hi's and hello's from wherever we are on earth. And in between those chats and musings, he'd never fail to make promises. Today, at least for once I could say: i so believe his promises! yay! so sweet of him! Its like forever whenever we're not speaking, but with him yesterday is like today. He's his usual carefree guy in our International Organization Class in 2007, or that endearing, silly exchange student from Aberdeen, who never fails to play tricks when he wants to.
So here's my shout for you:
Mr. Isele, you really know when to make me smile! thanks for remembering me all the way from Lebanon. I know you've been busy with all your interviews for thesis. I hope they're all friendly and nice to you. Don't forget to thank the owner of the flat where you are staying (haha! that is, if you have any intentions to inform him that you're using his place!) Say hello to Foucault, I know he's not easy to understand, but trust his theory, and you won't have any problems with your framework. I shall be online in skype, to see how my thesis buddy has gone far. You're almost there, and so am I?! (that's if i'd make good with my defense on March).I shall see you and your degree, ill bring mine too, if i make it this year (i'm keeping my fingers crossed). We shall see at least!
Always.
For the longest time, I've been waiting for a promised parcel from Germany or from Scotland where he is currently enrolled. This year we've been keeping in touch, exchanging hi's and hello's from wherever we are on earth. And in between those chats and musings, he'd never fail to make promises. Today, at least for once I could say: i so believe his promises! yay! so sweet of him! Its like forever whenever we're not speaking, but with him yesterday is like today. He's his usual carefree guy in our International Organization Class in 2007, or that endearing, silly exchange student from Aberdeen, who never fails to play tricks when he wants to.
So here's my shout for you:
Mr. Isele, you really know when to make me smile! thanks for remembering me all the way from Lebanon. I know you've been busy with all your interviews for thesis. I hope they're all friendly and nice to you. Don't forget to thank the owner of the flat where you are staying (haha! that is, if you have any intentions to inform him that you're using his place!) Say hello to Foucault, I know he's not easy to understand, but trust his theory, and you won't have any problems with your framework. I shall be online in skype, to see how my thesis buddy has gone far. You're almost there, and so am I?! (that's if i'd make good with my defense on March).I shall see you and your degree, ill bring mine too, if i make it this year (i'm keeping my fingers crossed). We shall see at least!
Always.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Side trip: Liwaliw sa Liliw
After our side trip to the Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan, we went to yet another famous tourist destination in the Province of Laguna. No less than our gracious local friends volunteered to bring us to the famous tsinelas capital of Laguna, Liliw, it is.
Liliw is 17 kilometers away from Laguna’s Capital. It is believe to have been named after a bird. According to the story, Gat Tayaw erected a bamboo pole to name the town after the bird that would first alight the top of the pole within four days.
However, the first bird to alight the pole was a crow. A crow symbolizes something bad. Gat Tayaw and his men decided to transfer the bamboo pole to the south, and a beautiful bird alighted the pole and sang “Liw, Liw, Liw”. Thus, the town became Liliw. During the Spanish regime, the name Liliw was used. Americans called the town Lilio, since it was easier for them to pronounce it.
Liliw is best known for its sizeable tsinelas industry. Whatever the season, slippers never go out of fashion. In Gat Tayaw Street are the nicest collection of trendy slippers and shoes. The street is the most sought-after attraction being labeled as the “footwear Capital of Laguna. Tourist, especially from Manila enjoys checking out the latest designs on slippers, sandals and slip-ons.
From Nagcarlan, take a right turn after passing by the town hall. Upon entering Liliw, you would be directed to Gat Tayaw, a street lined with retail shoe stores that sells very cheap but nice slides and shoes. It will surely be a feast for any woman who loves shoes.
Before making a liwaliw at Liliw, things you should know:
1. You can park your car on the street. But, since it's a certified tourist destination, parking space maybe full. Don’t worry the people of Liliw will surely assist you.
2. Visit all retail stores as much as you can. You’d surely find something different in every shop.
3. Footwear is cheaper than bags or anything else sold at Gat Tayaw. Try to bargain, because you’ll surely get good items you like, at a cheaper cost.
4. Some of the most trendy, modern-looking stores are Socialite, Entrada, Badong (one of the olders) Pias footwear, La chika, Shalom and Aishe footwear.
5. When you get hungry there are places to eat like Arabelas. There’s also a Chowking branch next to the shoe shops.
6. You could buy some great pasalubongs as well, like: uraro, buko pie, lambanog, espasol and kesong puti, and some souvenirs.
Liliw is 17 kilometers away from Laguna’s Capital. It is believe to have been named after a bird. According to the story, Gat Tayaw erected a bamboo pole to name the town after the bird that would first alight the top of the pole within four days.
However, the first bird to alight the pole was a crow. A crow symbolizes something bad. Gat Tayaw and his men decided to transfer the bamboo pole to the south, and a beautiful bird alighted the pole and sang “Liw, Liw, Liw”. Thus, the town became Liliw. During the Spanish regime, the name Liliw was used. Americans called the town Lilio, since it was easier for them to pronounce it.
Liliw is best known for its sizeable tsinelas industry. Whatever the season, slippers never go out of fashion. In Gat Tayaw Street are the nicest collection of trendy slippers and shoes. The street is the most sought-after attraction being labeled as the “footwear Capital of Laguna. Tourist, especially from Manila enjoys checking out the latest designs on slippers, sandals and slip-ons.
From Nagcarlan, take a right turn after passing by the town hall. Upon entering Liliw, you would be directed to Gat Tayaw, a street lined with retail shoe stores that sells very cheap but nice slides and shoes. It will surely be a feast for any woman who loves shoes.
Before making a liwaliw at Liliw, things you should know:
1. You can park your car on the street. But, since it's a certified tourist destination, parking space maybe full. Don’t worry the people of Liliw will surely assist you.
2. Visit all retail stores as much as you can. You’d surely find something different in every shop.
3. Footwear is cheaper than bags or anything else sold at Gat Tayaw. Try to bargain, because you’ll surely get good items you like, at a cheaper cost.
4. Some of the most trendy, modern-looking stores are Socialite, Entrada, Badong (one of the olders) Pias footwear, La chika, Shalom and Aishe footwear.
5. When you get hungry there are places to eat like Arabelas. There’s also a Chowking branch next to the shoe shops.
6. You could buy some great pasalubongs as well, like: uraro, buko pie, lambanog, espasol and kesong puti, and some souvenirs.
Side Trip: Nagcarlan and the Underground
Last November 24,2008 was my first taste of driving out of town. Thanks to the kids who participated in a project on citizenship, it gives me the opportunity to experience a lot of firsts. I was with the country director of the organization to visit two public schools who enthusiastically participated the pilot testing of the project. Our travel began from Paranaque at 7 am, bound to Nagcarlan, Laguna.
Nagcarlan is a 3rd Class Municipality in the Province of Laguna, Philippines. It is 103 Kilometers south of Manila via San Pablo, although, it can also be reached via Sta. Cruz, the capital town of Laguna. It is bounded on the North by municipalities of Victoria, Pila and Liliw, on the east by municipality of Liliw (Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines), on the south by the municipalities of Rizal, Calauan and San Pablo city (Home to 7 Lakes).
The town is considered the food basket of Laguna, basic crops include coconut, rice, lanzones, coffee, bananas, root crops and vegetables. No doubt that the food served during our lunch was really good. I really enjoyed the sweet and sour tilapia and the langka (green jackfruit), cooked in gata (coconut milk). “Hmmm, ang sarap!”
Nagcarlan has a very interesting history. It was headed by Datu Gat Lakilaw before its Christianization and was one of the two baranggays in present-day Laguna, the other being the present town of Majayjay to resist Spanish rule, while the others surrendered to the Spanish forces.
Nagcarlan was converted to Christianity under the Franciscan order. Fr. Juan de Placencia, a Franciscan missionary who wrote the first Diccionario Hispanico-Tagalog in 1579. Ten years later, he wrote the manuscript, Costumbres de los Tagalog. The manuscript was used by Alcalde Mayores for effective and righteous local governance. Perhaps, the manuscript is an off-shoot to the galing pook awards for local governance that we have now.
If you happen to be in Laguna do not forget to visit the Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan. In 1851, the Franciscan Missionaries built the famous Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan. The Katipuneros during the Spanish Colonial period used Underground Cemetery as a meeting place by the Katipuneros.
The famous burial ground has marked its significance not only in the history of Nagcarlan local people, but as well as the rich history of this nation. In 1982, the National Historical Institute inscribed the underground cemetery as a National Historical Landmark. The oldest niche in the cemetery has the date, 1886. The last internment was in 1982, before it was declared a national historical landmark.
The historical landmark is really eye catching, with the scenic structured wall depicting the old times. Fr. Vicente Velloc, who was parish priest in the 1800s, designed the 18-foot façade of the chapel for funeral mass and the 1-hectare sloping terrain to build an underground graveyard.
Inside the walls is a beautifully manicured lawn that welcomes visitors. Along the pathway are red santan flowers that lead to the chapel.
The restored underground crypt has the same size as the chapel. It looks so old, that when we were already there, I was imagining how the high-spirited katipuneros were secretly and quietly discussing the revolution. There are two flight stairs from the chapel to the crypt. The first nine steps lead to a Spanish inscription worn away by time. The inscription was translated by the Nagcarlan Historical Committee, which say:
“Go forth, Mortal man, full of life
Today, you visit happily this shelter,
But after you have gone out,
Remember, you have a resting place here,
Prepared for you.”
The last six steps lead to the portion of the actual underground crypt, lit by a small iron-grilled window that opens to the ground level. There are four walls with 36 niches arranged into rows. This is where the privileged families of Nagcarlan, Laguna are buried.
We took several photos of the underground crypt. It’s a very, very interesting place with tiles and stones, resembling the old-Spanish times. As I found myself 15 feet under the ground, I can’t help but notice how the site was incredibly designed with the minutest details of art that carefully presents the status of people rested in this place.
The place did not look as creepy as I thought it would be, well, perhaps, it goes to the fact that it's a national historical site, and that it has to be maintained. I noticed, though that it was cold there.
How to get to the Underground Cemetery:
Take South Luzon Expressway and exit Calamba. As you drive to Nagcarlan you will pass by the towns of Los Banos, the resort capital of the Philippines, Rizal Town, Calauan Town and the home to the 7 lakes, San Pablo City.
Things to know when visiting the Underground Cemetery.
The underground cemetery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The historical landmark is situated, a few meters from the Town Hall, across it is a Shell Gasoline Station where you could park your car.
Before entering the site, find the office and look for a shrine guide. The shrine guide welcomes the guests and provides a brief lecture on Nagcarlan’s history before giving a tour of the crypt.
No fees are collected from visitors. The National Historical Institute maintains the Underground Cemetery but the Catholic Church remains its ownership.
There is no national hero buried in the historical site, and the primary purpose of keeping the underground cemetery is to preserve the past.
Nagcarlan is a 3rd Class Municipality in the Province of Laguna, Philippines. It is 103 Kilometers south of Manila via San Pablo, although, it can also be reached via Sta. Cruz, the capital town of Laguna. It is bounded on the North by municipalities of Victoria, Pila and Liliw, on the east by municipality of Liliw (Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines), on the south by the municipalities of Rizal, Calauan and San Pablo city (Home to 7 Lakes).
The town is considered the food basket of Laguna, basic crops include coconut, rice, lanzones, coffee, bananas, root crops and vegetables. No doubt that the food served during our lunch was really good. I really enjoyed the sweet and sour tilapia and the langka (green jackfruit), cooked in gata (coconut milk). “Hmmm, ang sarap!”
Nagcarlan has a very interesting history. It was headed by Datu Gat Lakilaw before its Christianization and was one of the two baranggays in present-day Laguna, the other being the present town of Majayjay to resist Spanish rule, while the others surrendered to the Spanish forces.
Nagcarlan was converted to Christianity under the Franciscan order. Fr. Juan de Placencia, a Franciscan missionary who wrote the first Diccionario Hispanico-Tagalog in 1579. Ten years later, he wrote the manuscript, Costumbres de los Tagalog. The manuscript was used by Alcalde Mayores for effective and righteous local governance. Perhaps, the manuscript is an off-shoot to the galing pook awards for local governance that we have now.
If you happen to be in Laguna do not forget to visit the Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan. In 1851, the Franciscan Missionaries built the famous Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan. The Katipuneros during the Spanish Colonial period used Underground Cemetery as a meeting place by the Katipuneros.
The famous burial ground has marked its significance not only in the history of Nagcarlan local people, but as well as the rich history of this nation. In 1982, the National Historical Institute inscribed the underground cemetery as a National Historical Landmark. The oldest niche in the cemetery has the date, 1886. The last internment was in 1982, before it was declared a national historical landmark.
The historical landmark is really eye catching, with the scenic structured wall depicting the old times. Fr. Vicente Velloc, who was parish priest in the 1800s, designed the 18-foot façade of the chapel for funeral mass and the 1-hectare sloping terrain to build an underground graveyard.
Inside the walls is a beautifully manicured lawn that welcomes visitors. Along the pathway are red santan flowers that lead to the chapel.
The restored underground crypt has the same size as the chapel. It looks so old, that when we were already there, I was imagining how the high-spirited katipuneros were secretly and quietly discussing the revolution. There are two flight stairs from the chapel to the crypt. The first nine steps lead to a Spanish inscription worn away by time. The inscription was translated by the Nagcarlan Historical Committee, which say:
“Go forth, Mortal man, full of life
Today, you visit happily this shelter,
But after you have gone out,
Remember, you have a resting place here,
Prepared for you.”
The last six steps lead to the portion of the actual underground crypt, lit by a small iron-grilled window that opens to the ground level. There are four walls with 36 niches arranged into rows. This is where the privileged families of Nagcarlan, Laguna are buried.
We took several photos of the underground crypt. It’s a very, very interesting place with tiles and stones, resembling the old-Spanish times. As I found myself 15 feet under the ground, I can’t help but notice how the site was incredibly designed with the minutest details of art that carefully presents the status of people rested in this place.
The place did not look as creepy as I thought it would be, well, perhaps, it goes to the fact that it's a national historical site, and that it has to be maintained. I noticed, though that it was cold there.
How to get to the Underground Cemetery:
Take South Luzon Expressway and exit Calamba. As you drive to Nagcarlan you will pass by the towns of Los Banos, the resort capital of the Philippines, Rizal Town, Calauan Town and the home to the 7 lakes, San Pablo City.
Things to know when visiting the Underground Cemetery.
The underground cemetery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The historical landmark is situated, a few meters from the Town Hall, across it is a Shell Gasoline Station where you could park your car.
Before entering the site, find the office and look for a shrine guide. The shrine guide welcomes the guests and provides a brief lecture on Nagcarlan’s history before giving a tour of the crypt.
No fees are collected from visitors. The National Historical Institute maintains the Underground Cemetery but the Catholic Church remains its ownership.
There is no national hero buried in the historical site, and the primary purpose of keeping the underground cemetery is to preserve the past.
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