Tickets.And.Me

Indian "Idiots" Invading China, US

2011-12-07T14:50:00.001+08:00

If you love learning more over education, then this will be a great movie to conquer the world. This is one of my favorite movies and I’m happy that more people will share the experience.

According to Digital Spy Bollywood's award-winning comedy, "3 Idiots", starring Aamir Khan, will undergo treatment by Hollywood and China.

The film is about three individuals in search of friendship, learning, and of their dreams. This film was also successful in captivating the different sceneries of India as it uses an array of locations as its stage.

Read the Digital Spy article Here.

Carbonara: Black for White

2011-12-07T10:49:00.001+08:00

Pasta alla Carbonara is one of our favorites and decided to included it in the list on our holiday meals. As a tradition we will be having this with families.

Which interests me about how did Carbonara came to the dish as we know it.

Like most recipes, the origins of the dish are obscure, and there are several hypotheses about it. As the name is derived from carbonaro (the Italian word for charcoal burner), some believe that the dish was first made as a hearty meal for Italian charcoal workers. The etymology gave rise to the term "coal miner's spaghetti", which is used to refer to spaghetti alla carbonara in parts of the United States. It has even been suggested that it was created by, or as a tribute to, the Carbonari ("charcoalmen"), a secret society prominent in the unification of Italy .

Carbonara was included in Elizabeth David 's Italian Food , an English language cookbook published in Great Britain in 1954. The dish is not present in Ada Boni's 1927 classic La Cucina Romana , and is unrecorded before the Second World War . It was first described after the war as a Roman dish, when many Italians were eating eggs and bacon supplied by troops from the United States.

To be honest I am not very good with Italian Cooking, so I browsed through the net and found this easy recipe from Rachel Ray:

Carbonara

Ingredients:
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat bottom of pan)
1/4 pound pancetta (Italian bacon), chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
5 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 large egg yolks
Freshly grated Romano cheese
Handful of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Directions:
1. Put a large saucepot of water on to boil. Add a liberal amount of salt and the pasta. Cook to al dente, about 8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta. Brown pancetta 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Add wine and stir up all the pan drippings.
3. In a separate bowl, beat yolks, then add 1 large ladleful (about 1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water. This tempers the eggs and keeps them from scrambling when added to the pasta.
4. Drain pasta well and add it directly to the skillet with pancetta and oil. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta. Toss rapidly to coat the pasta without cooking the egg. Remove pan from heat and add a big handful of cheese, lots of pepper, and a little salt.
5. Continue to toss and turn the pasta until it soaks up egg mixture and thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and extra grated Romano.

Wish List: Camiguin

2011-12-06T13:54:00.001+08:00

(Image from: http://www.camiguin-island.com/white-island-camiguin.shtml )

""I am very happy that I am there. I think the Philippines is a wonderful country, and especially, Camiguin island where we are which is a beautiful, beautiful island," --- Wenche Thorkildsen, director of Sea and Sun Ministries International (SSMI), Inc

I recently read an article from www.abs-cbnnews.com which captivated me to the beautiful island of Camiguin.
This will definitely be on my wish list. I really hope I will have the time and means to visit this place soon.

To read the entire article, please click below:

Gushing about the country's beauty, she said she did not choose the Philippines as a site of her mission, but it was chosen for her by God.

"I am very happy that I am there. I think the Philippines is a wonderful country, and especially, Camiguin island where we are which is a beautiful, beautiful island," she said

Amici di Don Bosco (Amici)

2011-12-05T11:25:00.001+08:00

(Image from http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/86/ee/a9/amici-counter.jpg )

History:

Amici was said to have evloved from the printing press canteen started by Salesian Italian missionary Fr. Gianluigi Colombo. Amici di Don Bosco was established in 2001. Today, Amici brings you the authentic Italian dining experience that your friends and family will always enjoy.

Locations:
Don Bosco. Tomas Morato. Megamall. Greenhills. Alabang Town Center. Ayala Triangle Gardens.

Type:
Cassual Dining

Website:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amici-Philippines/156901777655575?ref=ts&sk=info#!/pages/Amici-Philippines/156901777655575

Review:

The Experience 7/10:
Amici is the Italian for "Friends", hence this may be a nice place to meet-up with frineds as beer is also served here.

The taste of the food served was authentic, although I was looking for the vinaigrette and olive oil to start the good meal. The poignant scent of these two was quite missing for the complete Italian experience.

Value for Money 7/10:
The price was quite affordable though. Overall this is quite an affordable place where you can bring your family and friends.

The Service 5/10:
The place was quite crowded during lunch time. This was quite evident through the staff as they looked undermanned and you can hardly get a waiter for a follow-up order or for the bill.

Time to Get the Bill 5/10:
Around 10 minutes.

What we had:

(Image from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amici-Philippines/156901777655575?ref=ts&sk=info#!/pages/Amici-Philippines/156901777655575 )

Mela Prosciutto Insalata

Value for Money: 6/10 (Fair)

Taste: 7/10 (Good)

Presentation: 5/10 (Passing)

(Image from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amici-Philippines/156901777655575?ref=ts&sk=info#!/pages/Amici-Philippines/156901777655575 )

Spaghetti ai Tesori del Mare

Value for Money: 6/10 (Fair)

Taste: 7/10 (Good)

Presentation: 5/10 (Passing)

(Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesah/4425435667/ )

Spaghetti Carbonara

Value for Money: 6/10 (Fair)

Taste: 7/10 (Good)

Presentation: 5/10 (Passing)

Capture the Moment

2011-11-29T13:51:00.001+08:00

live forever young...
but learn.

Sampaguita

2009-08-23T20:41:00.001+08:00

There was a strong rain outside and there's this little girl trying to sell a lace of sampaguita to church goers.

Office Art: I Belong

2009-08-20T15:52:00.001+08:00

This an image sent to me via MMS

Purple

2009-06-29T13:05:00.000+08:00

Meet Purple, Warlett's new Pug!

The Family Tree

2009-06-23T09:19:00.001+08:00

I just started my family. And I want YOU to be part of it. Join my Mafia Family.
Join me at FaceBook: a_sumook@yahoo.com

Missing You

2009-06-16T13:03:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday, my father, mother and youngest brother who is just two-years old, accompanied my younger brother John Paul to the seminary. It would be the start of John Paul's crusade to priesthood.

John Paul is firm and will-full with what he wanted. My mother could see in his eyes the joy and satisfaction of making this one small step. But she can't stop the thought of missing him.

After saying good-byes, John Paul accompanied the whole family to the gates of the seminary to a family-friends' car where they can hitch a ride. But before closing the doors, my mother hugged John Paul so tightly and said, "my baby", holding her tears from her eyes. John Paul answered, "Mom, I'm can do this, I'm a grown-up now", then smiled.

My youngest brother Luis Gabriel can't stop missing his older brother.

The next day when he woke-up he asked mother, "where is Kuya (older brother)?".

"He's in the seminary to attend school", Mom answered.

Luis Gabriel went to silence.

The morning after when he wakes-up, Luis Gabriel said to Mom, "I don't like what you did".

"Why? what did I do?" Mom asked.

"You left Kuya at the seminary, you should have not done that, we should have brought him back home", Luis Gabriel said.

"But that is where his school is, right?", Mom replied.

Luis Gabriel went to silence....

The People Will Live to Die Another Day, and that Day is NOT in this Lifetime!

2009-06-11T14:59:00.003+08:00

I was reading Condrado de Quiros' article during lunch break and had to ask:

Why do history repeat itself?

Why is it that the Philippines has always to be in a position where people has to say "Ang Mamatay ng Dahil Sayo". Our ancestors have already given us the clue to the answer but the clue had been always been misinterpreted(or interpreted singularly). Old folks would always say "Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan". Indeed not reaching your goals is fearsome, that is why the quote is used most of the time. But we seldom hear the interpretation of it which says "If we cant learn from the past, history, or previous mistake, we can not push through".

As engineers by training, we always have said, its hard to learn from our mistakes, lets learn from the mistake of others from the past, we can't build a building and kill hundreds of people because we need to learn from our mistake.

People let us learn to the past.

Here is an anecdote from de Quiros:

Three drivers were being interviewed to drive for a rich man.
Asked how good a driver they were,
the first answered: "Sir, if I were your driver, even if one wheel of our car juts out into the cliff on a mountain road, I will make sure to save us."
The second answered: "Sir, if I were your driver, even if both wheels of our car juts out into the cliff on a mountain road, I will make sure to save us."
The third answered: "Sir, if I were your driver, I will make sure we do not get into that situation."

What will you do if tomorrow one pillar of our country collapsed?
Surely a lot heroes will be made there.
But isn't it great if the pillar have never collapsed after all?
What can you do to prevent this?

Two Angels

2009-06-08T15:28:00.000+08:00

I could not write.

Words could not be painted as well as before.

Colors could not be vivid with brush stokes of the keyboard.

I could not write.

I could not see.

But I would want to paint the beauty.

Of two Angels that heaven sent to me.

And paint with words the beauty of their hearts.

And with brush strokes.

And with colors.

And to paint the sea.

And to paint the sky.

The beauty of two Angles of sea and sky...

But I could not.

For they wish not to.

(The Spanish for Sea is Mar and the Spanish of Sky is Cielo)

Angels Brought Me Here

2009-06-07T10:34:00.002+08:00

Dear Kuya

2009-05-22T09:31:00.007+08:00

Letter from my little Brother, starting this June, he's going to attend the Seminary....
Haaay! School is here!

----- Forwarded by*****************c on 05/22/2009 09:21 AM -----

John Paul ******** <***********@yahoo.com>

05/17/2009 05:11 PM

To	******************************
cc
Subject	baralyuon....hehehe

kuya adi an mga baralyuon para pag eskwela ko sa palo.......23 ini ngatanan 6 la an

gin papapalit ko saim.... the things are the ff.

(Big brother, here are what I need for my schooling in Palo(Leyte)........ there are 23 things in the list, hope you can get me 6 of them........)

*holy bible (New American Bible)

* 2 blankets

* 2 plain white bed covers (for single bed)

* black leather shoes ( 1 pair will do)

*1 black portfolio type bag with sling for the shoulders (Something cheap yet durable.it's neither a knap sack, nor a haversack, nor a tote bag.)

* 1 durable black umbrela (it's up to you whethere you prefer the long or the folding type.)

iton gad la.......hehehe pero kun kaya mo pa paki palit nalat rubber

shoes size 7 ta pero kun may kwarta ka pa.... kay tikawakay na lat ini pero pwede pa gad

ini suluton...palita la ini kun may kwarta ka pa.........

(That is all...... hehehe. but if you can spare more you can also buy me a pair of rubber shoes size 7, my old shoes is getting worn out......)

Unpaved Paradise

2009-05-18T10:46:00.002+08:00

"Lovers, Roads, Change " by Willow Pontino

This Photo shows me and my wife walking through a half paved road. This shows us stepping from a comfortable concrete road to a unpaved road that leads to a place of lush greens. This photo was taken from a Bulacan Farm.

Archie in the Heart

2009-05-18T09:30:00.003+08:00

We went to the Davids' Cook and Archuleta concert last Saturday night and my girlfriend can't stop admiring Archuleta. It was a great concert with over 40,000 people in attendance and the energy was high.

Death by Broken Heart

2009-05-12T12:53:00.003+08:00

Death by Broken Heart (Ink and Pencil on Paper with Microsoft Paint Manipulation)

Homeless Not Worthless

2009-05-09T08:22:00.002+08:00

This is my contribution to PAWS' campaign.

Sinangag sa Agahan

2009-05-07T13:41:00.005+08:00

Noong bata pa ako ay madalas at madali akong mahalina sa mga paanyaya sa telebisyon. Mga paanyaya na madalas na nagpapakita ng kaisipang ang mga bagay na banyaga lalo na kung mula sa bayan ni "Uncle Tom" ay masdakila at masmainam. Lumaki kasi ako noong panahon na ayon sa mga mananaliksik ay kung tatanungin mo ang mga kabataan ay maspipiliin nilang maging Amerikano sa halip na maging Pilipino.

Naaalala ko nung minsan ay nakapanood ako ng patalastas ng isang pankik (pan cake). Aba! nagulat ako. Ang mga Kano pala ay iba ang kinakain sa agahan---pankik. Siguro ay napakasarap ng pankik sa agahan. Nakita ko na binubuhusan ito ng pulot at mistulang ginto sa kinang! Takam na takam ako sa paanyayang iyon. Pankik! gusto ko ng pankik.

Kinabukasan ay inihain na ni Ina ang aming agahan: tuyong daing, sinangag na maraming bawang at tsokolate na ginawa pa ni Ina gamit ang pamanang batirol. Pananabik ang aking nadama. Hindi sa pagkaing nakahain kundi sa pinapangarap kong pankik. Nawala ang dati kong gana sa pagkain ng dati kong agahan. Pankik, pankik, pankik lamang ang nasa isip ko. Nung tinikman ko ang pagkain, masarap naman, ngunit hindi ito ang gusto ko. Hirap na hirap akong kumain hanggang sa napansin ako ni Ina.

Medyo naaasar siguro siya sa akin dahil sa ikinikilos ko kaya pasigaw niya akong tinanong. AYAW MO BANG KUMAIN!?!?!?! Wika ni Ina. Umiyak ako dahil na din siguro sa takot, umiyak akong sinabi ang aking pananabik: Gusto ko po ng pankik sa agahan.

Kinabukasan, nanlaki ang aking mga mata! Pag gising ko ay nakahain na ang aming agahan. Ang pinapangarap ko. Ang kinasasabikan ko. Ang aking pankik. Sa tuwing isinusubo ko ang pankik ay ligaya, galak at sarap ang aking nadarama. Pagkasama ko ang pankik ay hindi ko na naiisip ang daing, sinangag o tsokolate man lang. Kaya ko ipagpalit lahat para sa pankik.

Kaya ngayon, ilang taon nadin ang nakalipas, hindi na ko kumakain ng pankik sa agahan. Hindi naman talaga masarap ang pankik. Sa una lang. Kasi bago, kakaiba. Pero sa totoo lang mas masarap talaga iyung nakasanayan namin. Minsan kasi naiisip natin na gusto natin ang isang bagay dahil sa ito iyong wala sa atin. Ang nakakalimutan natin ay masmainam pala kung ano ang meron na tayo.

Minsan nabubulag tayo sa mga paanyaya. Kaya nating ipagpalit lahat para sa isang bagay na hindi naman pala tulad ng inaakala natin. Pero lilipas din yun. At pag naisip natin na mali tayo. Hindi pala natin talagang gusto ang isang bagay ay kadalasan na nakasakit na tayo ng ibang tao.

Buti nalang mabait si Ina, at matapos ang isang linggo kong kahibangan sa walang kwentang pankik ay malugod niya parin akong ipinagluto ng aking paboritong tuyong daing, sinangag na maraming bawang at tsokolate.

( This post is in response to Reyn's post "Liham" http://reynthology.blogspot.com/2009/05/liham.html)

Gazing

2009-04-27T12:19:00.006+08:00

Last time we were walking by the bay walk of Roxas Boulevard, the sky was clear. We were lucky to see some Astronomers gazing through the night sky and we decided to take a peed.

Pegasus

2009-04-27T12:15:00.002+08:00

I took this several weeks ago. I was just look at the sky when I saw something that looks like a horse. Its a cloud formation. I think it was nice.

Side Trip: Ayala

2009-04-27T12:09:00.002+08:00

I was browsing through my archive when I came across this. This was one of my first photos using my lower end phone. I took this a couple of months ago along Ayala Avenue at Makati City during a bright sunny day.

Reunion

2009-04-06T21:52:00.002+08:00

I am back!

Death of Common Sense

2009-04-03T19:54:00.003+08:00

This is "Death of Common Sense" by Lori Borgman from this page. I think we all can learn a thing or two from this.

Common Sense, aka C.S., lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the millennium. No one really knows how old he was, his birth records were long ago entangled in miles and miles of bureaucratic red tape.
Known affectionately to close friends as Horse Sense and Sound Thinking, he selflessly devoted himself to a life of service in homes, schools, hospitals and offices, helping folks get jobs done without a lot of fanfare, whooping and hollering. Rules and regulations and petty, frivolous lawsuits held no power over C.S.

A most reliable sage, he was credited with cultivating the ability to know when to come in out of the rain, the discovery that the early bird gets the worm and how to take the bitter with the sweet. C.S. also developed sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adult is in charge, not the kid) and prudent dietary plans (offset eggs and bacon with a little fiber and orange juice).

A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, the Technological Revolution and the Smoking Crusades, C.S. survived sundry cultural and educational trends including disco, the men's movement, body piercing, whole language and new math.

C.S.'s health began declining in the late 1960s when he became infected with the If-It-Feels-Good, Do-It virus. In the following decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal and state rules and regulations and an oppressive tax code. C.S. was sapped of strength and the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, criminals received better treatment than victims and judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional baseball and golf. His deterioration accelerated as schools implemented zero-tolerance policies. Reports of 6-year-old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing classmates, a teen suspended for taking a swig of Scope mouthwash after lunch, girls suspended for possessing Midol and an honor student expelled for having a table knife in her school lunch were more than his heart could endure.

As the end neared, doctors say C.S. drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments regarding regulations on low-flow toilets and mandatory air bags. Finally, upon hearing about a government plan to ban inhalers from 14 million asthmatics due to a trace of a pollutant that may be harmful to the environment, C.S. breathed his last. Services will be at Whispering Pines Cemetery. C.S. was preceded in death by his wife, Discretion; one daughter, Responsibility; and one son, Reason. He is survived by two step-brothers, Half-Wit and Dim-Wit.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Institute for Rational Thought.

Farewell, Common Sense. May you rest in peace.

Chip Tsao's War at Home: Chip Tsao's Apology

2009-04-01T20:55:00.005+08:00

(Chip Tsao is declared Persona non Grata in the Philippines for his article "War at Home", illustration from Phillipine Star.)

Chip Tsao made his apology last night. Although I've never seen the transcript, I have seen news reports on the web.

I believe that people can make mistakes, but it is not an excuse for doing one. By accepting his fault, Chip Tsao proves that he is a gentleman.

To Chip Tsao, I believe that the Filipino people can forgive you.

As a wise American president once said:

"Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names."

For news about Chip Tsao's apology click here.

Chip Tsao's War at Home: Publishers Apology

2009-03-31T22:37:00.005+08:00

This is the apology of the publisher of HK-Magazine.
All I can say for the publisher is is forgiven... Now I hope Chip Tsao will do his turn.

Chip Tsao's War at Home

2009-03-31T22:32:00.004+08:00

I can see that Chip Tsao's article has already be cut offline by HK-Magazine. But for those who have not read it but wants to, here it is folks and judge for yourselves.

The War At Home
March 27th, 2009

The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That’s no big problem—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.

But hold on—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.

As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.

Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.

Oh yes. The government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout “China, Madam/Sir” loudly whenever they hear the word “Spratly.” They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, “Long live Chairman Mao!” at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that’s going a bit too far, at least for the time being.

Tasteless

2009-03-29T00:17:00.006+08:00

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

This article is just tasteless... I just went through an article which was linked from Reyns blog. And I just found the article as tasteless. I don't want to dignify the author and launch him to stardom for his obvious incompetence (I never knew that BBC would once hire a person like this) but I want everybody to read and see what this man wrote and what the magazine published so that when they are able come back to their senses, they will not forget the shame that they did to their selves.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

Earth Hour

2009-03-26T20:48:00.005+08:00

Vote Earth! Show your supprot! Turn on your Light on 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, March 28 2009

"This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday. We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm."
source: http://www.earthhour.org/about/

(This is in support with Fadil Wimala's comment)

Side Trip---Korean Malate

2009-03-21T13:42:00.009+08:00

Another Friday, I met up with friends from Paco, Manila. It was going to be the ussual bar hopping, band, music and disco kind of Friday night. But this time we decided to do things differently.

Walking along the streets of Malate, we've seen this small restaurant by the Remedios Circle. It was "Chicken Full House". From the outside it looks like a typical chicken place here in Manila. We were all hungry for walking around Malate trying to find our different place, so we decided to take bite of that chicken. But when we entered the doors, we were all surprised.

Chicken Full House was not your ordinary chicken restaurant. It was a Korean restaurant with a twitst.

(Spicy Chicken Stew)

The interior of the place is somehow Filipino inspired. Drift wood makes the furnitures. The athmosphere was very homy, and the staff was very helpful.

The food was good and the taste was authentic.

The problem with most foreign inspired restaurants here was that they tend to Internationalize their menu too much that the authencity of the food is somehow underminded.

I remember going out with my Vietnamese friends Khoa Huyhn and Minh Nguyen. They were so excited of telling me how good their food were in Vietnam when we decided to dine at Phoa. But to my surprise they were so disappointed with the food. Yes it was good and everything, but as they put it in their own words "this does not taste like Vietnamese".

Here I can say that, the taste is still preserved. The spices may tone down a little, but the esence of the taste of the food is safe to say that is in tact. Maybe because the owner/manager of the restaurant is Korean.

(Pickled Radish)

Pickled radish was served first together with what looks like coleslaw, then the spicy chicken. I loved the pickled radish and it perfectly compliments the hot spicy chicken. It somehow neutralizes the spices in your tounge to prevent it from burning.

(Coleslaw)

We liked the place because it was relaxing. And is perfect if you want to have some good coversation with your friends.

(Chopstick and rubbish basin)

We also enjoyed checking out the utensils. It looks a lot like the ones shown on TV.

(Chopsticks)

The place was just for us during that night.

(Vincentians of Calixto Dyco)

We talked for hours.

(Vincentians of Calixto Dyco again)

Location:

You will easily find the place it is just along the Remedios Circle.

Price:

It is fairly cheap, a chicken dish would amount to about 500Php.

(Staff of Chicken Full House waving goodnight)

Why not Iraq

2009-03-18T10:15:00.002+08:00

Last night I watched the news and was absolutely shocked by what is on TV. Nicole, the "rape victim" of a US Army Smith, a much sensational case, fired her lawyer, and fled to the US for she wanted to for get her past and that she was "disappointed with the case". Very novel and patriotic. Which gave me a two questions I want to ask.

1. Of all places, why fled to the US knowing the person who "abused" her is after all, a US citizen. ( If I were her, I would go to Iraq, or North Korea.)
2. How did she get her US visa?

Now how would the world believe us when we cried wolf after all that happened.

Plan to Forget

2009-03-10T19:59:00.003+08:00

Memories to Forget
by Anun

I can only think of that afternoon
where everything was in monochrome
Numbed with mind filled with overwhelming beats
Of wild music flowing so gracefully with chaos
The same picture depicted
of the day and days before
Same old song, same old music
All same thing so new.

I have just phoned mama, everything was fine, but despite of her composed voice, I can feel sadness between the words while we were talking. For more than two decades, our family have lived in the simple comfort of the province, but today, she had expressed her desire to make a new start in Manila. Away from the place that brought our family the heartache that one needs not to suffer. Away from awful memories of that one afternoon where all our lives changed.

Kaleidoscope World

2009-03-06T14:50:00.004+08:00

Past noon today, I received a forwarded email from my girlfriend, who received the email from her friend, who received the email from another friend, who received an SMS from a friend who overheard somebody talking by the hospital.

The message reads:

"Francis Magalona is dead"

I was saddened by the news, Francis M, or the Master Rapper was one of my most admired Filipino artists. His Raps/Songs does not only portray struggles, but also touches the heart of his listeners.

Below is one of my favorite song from Francis M.

Kaleidoscope World

Francis Magalona, October 4, 1964 - March 6, 2009

So many faces, so many races
Different voices, different choices
Some are mad, while others laugh
Some live alone with no better half
Others grieve while others curse
And others mourn behind a big black hearse
Some are pure and some half-bred
Some are sober and some are wasted
Some are rich because of fate and
Some are poor with no food on their plate
Some stand out while others blend
Some are fat and stout while some are thin
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most

Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world

Some are great and some are few
Others lie while some tell the truth
Some say poems and some do sing
Others sing through their guitar strings
Some know it all while some act dumb
Let the bassline strum to the bang of the drum
Some can swim while some will sink
And some will find their minds and think
Others walk while others run
You can't talk peace and have a gun
Some are hurt and start to cry
Don't ask me how don't ask me why
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most

Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world

Summer's First Ray

2009-03-03T09:44:00.003+08:00

(Eastwood, Quezon City)

This might be one of summer's first ray on Eastwood City. The vibrant sun can be felt through the whole surrounding. I like how the ray passes through openings from obstructions creating different patterns with the shadow.

Traffic Hell

2009-02-25T10:09:00.003+08:00

Too much traffic and we had not moved for 30mins. So I walked all the way from C5-Ortigas flyover to Eastwood to get to office before 10am.

By the way its EDSA1 aniverssary.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Asturias

2009-02-18T17:59:00.001+08:00

(A nice place at Asturias Manila)

At last, I have found the time to write about this... Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Asturias, Manila. You might think of the UST upon hearing the street, but there is more to studies. As they say, all school and no play makes Juan a very dull guy.

(The bar with menu on the wall)

I was waiting to meet a friend when I decided to take a walk around the street. And there to my surprise was a very different place with the word TAPSI shouting by the entrance. What I found was goldmine for the college students who are tight on the budget but wants to enjoy and unwind after the exams.

(People inside the bar)

And as expected, the place was full of students trying to have a good time. And yes, there is almost no place to walk through. The place was an experience. You can feel the youth in the air.

(Tapsilog at TAPSI)

More to the bar and the restaurant, TAPSI is an architectural encounter. The place is an antique Filipino house converted into a restobar filled with unique designs and memorabilia from different decades in history.

(The place is air-continuous)

I tried their TAPSILOG and it was good and cheap! For those who are really on the budget, they can order KROPEK from the counter. Now thats what I call a real students' place!

(Tree inside TAPSI with glowing fruits)

Beer is very affordable (although the tube ice tastes funny) and the food is very affordable for the students.

Of Great Men

2009-02-09T16:51:00.005+08:00

(Manila Central Post Office, Lawton, Manila)

Lawton

2009-02-09T16:39:00.004+08:00

(Lawton, Manila)

Adamson

2009-02-07T14:37:00.004+08:00

(Within thy portals hollowed, view from AdU's ST gate fronting SV Building. )

Its 77th year of Adamson University!

Mabuhay Vincentians!

Paraluman

2009-02-06T09:11:00.013+08:00

"Kamukha mo si Paraluman"("You look like Paraluman") I have always heard from the popular song of Eraserheads.

But who/what is Paraluman?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paraluman the Street

(Paraluman Street, St. Joseph, Cainta, Rizal)

Barely few passersby knew who/what paraluman was.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paraluman the Actress

Sigrid Sophia Agatha von Giese (December 14, 1923), better known as Paraluman, was a legendary Filipina actress during the early cinema era in the Philippines. She was a contemporary of the likes of Fernando Poe, Sr. and Marlene Daudén and was a major contract star of Sampaguita Pictures

Personal life
Paraluman was born from a German father and a Filipina. At her prime, she was considered as the Philippine's answer to Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo because of her perfect bone structure, svelte figure, long brown hair, hypnotic eyes, an impenetrable gaze, and a face capable of registering everything.

The young Paraluman was a movie fan. She loved reading magazines about her favorite celebrities. Her interest in showbiz increased when she learned that their next-door neighbor was the big movie star, Corazón Noble. Oftentimes, she would climb over the fence to catch glimpse of the actress.

Her curiosity yielded positive result because Noble’s younger sister, Lily, noticed her. Soon, Paraluman became friends with Lily.

Career
Because of her extraordinary beauty, Paraluman was recommended by Norma, another sister of Corazón, to Luis Nolasco of Filippine Films. She was only 17 at that time. Her first movie was Flores de Mayo (1940). She first used the the screen name Mina de Gracia. It was later changed to Paraluman by Fernando Poe Sr., who signed her as a full-fledged star in X’otic Films’ Paraluman (1941). This was followed by Bayani ng Bayan and Puting Dambana.

After World War II, she came back to cinema as a contract star of Sampaguita Pictures. She then became a famous leading lady in romantic movies, but when she made a comeback, her image was repackaged by Sampaguita Pictures owner Dr. José “Doc” Pérez. She was given character roles, playing nemesis to Gloria Romero in Hongkong Holiday, then as a lame woman in Tanikalang Apoy(1959). This, however, turned to her favor because it honed her acting skills more, earning her a FAMAS Best Actress Award for the movie Sino ang maysala?.

Paraluman was also nominated four times in FAMAS: twice in 1959 for Best Actress for the movies Bobby and Anino ni Bathala, in 1972 as Best Supporting Actress for Lilet, and in 1976 as Best Supporting Actress for Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko.

Her daughter, Baby O'Brien, was a TV-commercial-model-turned-actress. Her granddaughter, Rina Reyes (O'Brien's daughter) is also an actress.

Paraluman's legendary status in Philippine showbusiness even merited her an inclusion in the lyrics of Ang Huling El Bimbo, one of the most popular songs of Filipino rock band Eraserheads.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paraluman as the symbol of beaty in a song

Huling El Bimbo

Last El Bimbo

by Eraserheads

kamukha mo si Paraluman
you looked like Paraluman
nung tayo ay bata pa
when we were kids
at ang galing-galing mong sumayaw
and you were so good at dancing
mapa-Boogie man o Cha-cha
be it Boogie or Cha-cha
ngunit ang paborito
but my favorite
ay pagsayaw mo ng El bimbo
was when you danced El bimbo
nakakaindak, nakakaaliw
catchy, amusing
nakatindig-balahibo
hair-raising

pagkagaling sa skwela ay
after school
didiretso na sa inyo
I'd go straight to your house
at buong maghapon ay
and the whole afternoon
tinuturuan mo ako
you would teach me

magkahawak ang ating kamay
we held hands
at walang kamalay-malay
and had no idea
na tinuruan mo ang puso ko
that you taught my heart
na umibig nang tunay

true love

naninigas ang aking katawan
my body freezes
pag umikot na ang plaka
as the record starts to spin
sabay sa kembot ng bewang
along with the sway of your hips
at pungay ng iyong mga mata
and the sparkle of your eyes
lumiliwanag ang buhay
my whole life brightens
habang tayo'y magkaakbay
when our arms are on each other's shoulders
at dahan-dahang dumudulas ang kamay ko
and my hand slowly slides
sa makinis mong braso

on your smooth arm

sana noon pa man ay
I wish that long ago
sinabi na sa iyo
I had already told you
kahit hindi na uso ay
though it's gotten old
ito lang ang alam ko
this is all I know

magkahawak ang ating kamay
we held hands
at walang kamalay-malay
and had no idea
na tinuruan mo ang puso ko
that you taught my heart
na umibig nang tunay
true love

lumipas ang maraming taon
many years passed
di na tayo nagkita
we haven't seen each other
balita ko'y may anak ka na
I heard you already have a child
ngunit walang asawa
without a husband
taga-hugas ka raw ng pinggan
I heard that you wash dishes
sa may Ermita
somewhere around Ermita
at isang gabi, nasagasaan
and one night, you were run over
sa isang madilim na eskinita

in a dark alley

lahat ng pangarap ko'y
all my dreams
bigla nang natunaw
have suddenly melted
sa panaginip nalang pala
I will now get to dance with you
kita maisasayaw
only in my dreams

magkahawak ang ating kamay
we held hands
at walang kamalay-malay
and had no idea
na tinuruan mo ang puso ko
that you taught my heart
na umibig nang tunay ...
true love ...

Mark

2009-02-02T11:10:00.012+08:00

(picture from wikipedia)

It is not for nothing that the samurai have chosen for their truest symbol the fragile cherry blossom.
Like a petal dropping in the morning sunlight and floating serenely to earth,
so must the fearless detach himself from life, silent and inwardly unmoved.

(Eugen Herrigel)

-----------------------------------

(Photo taken by David Hyde about two months before Mark died)

-----------------------------------

It is two years now since Mark left. I knew then that his goodbye would mean that it was only us who would bid farewell. For when he left, no words were heard from him. I knew then that he would never return. But I cant stop waiting for him to step back in to those doors. I have waited, and waited, and waited long enough that I forgot how it feels to wait.

His life is like a flower that started to bloom in the month of January. Before he can fully show his beauty to the world, the wind blew him away. He was not given a chance to bloom, he was never given a chance to wither.

If I was to spend my life watching a bud to grow into a flower, I would not have wasted a lifetime. And if the bud have grown into a flower and withered, we have not wasted beauty nor time.

-----------------------------------
Dying cricket –
how full of
life, his song.

(Basho)
-----------------------------------

(Video presentation by Jayson Bayugo)
-----------------------------------

In memory of my younger brother Mark Anthony "Mac Mac" Sumo-ok who was murdered on February 2, 2007.

Calbayog

2009-01-31T07:34:00.003+08:00

(Bus at Calbayog, Samar)

Im heading for Catarman for my mom's birthday! This time I took Calbayog airport for a change.

Restoring Manila

2009-01-30T14:35:00.003+08:00

Workers are giving Manila City Hall a fresh look.

St. Pancratius Chapel

2009-01-25T17:00:00.002+08:00

Paco Park, Manila

Vietnamese Visitor

2009-01-24T20:18:00.006+08:00

("Thai" is our Vietnamese guest's name from Emerson Vietnam and Jhonell my team mate)

This is Thai, although we had a very hard time communicating to each other I think she liked our whole team. And the other girl is Johnell.

Moving Forward---My Street, Dyco

2009-01-24T11:05:00.015+08:00

(Calixto Dyco Street, Paco, Manila)

Most of my life in Manila I lived in this neighborhood, now I am moving forward...
I have always love my street. It is one of the few places in Manila where people knew their neighbors, trees are all around, you will never hear the noise of the main streets and what one would hear in the morning are birds and kids singing in the nearby Justo Lukban Elementary School.

But now, I am moving forward.

And I am going to miss the place.

--------------------------------------------------
Dear Vincentians of Calixto Dyco, Manila,

It was worth a thousand experience living in Calixtoville. And a thousand more for a simple reason---I enjoyed our home.

S'Don, I have come, left, come back home and now, I think, is leaving for good. I want to thank you for making me part of your family. But as our roads shows only what is on the horizon, we can never see what's beyond it. Now I have to take a different path to prepare myself for what tomorrow has in store for me.

You are not just a friend but also a teacher with the whole world as our class room, and experience as your best textbook. For everything I want to thank you.

I will still try to visit as often as I can, as for now, I want to leave you guys this message:

S'Don - eat less fat, less sodium, and start a new chapter of your life gracefully.
Julius - try the dreadlocks, for something new.
Paolo - maybe you would like seafood caldereta.
Angel - come home more often.
Gie - Apiton. It works.
Icy - Methatione. It is available in most drugstore.
Dennis - Magna RX. Try it. I know a friend who did!
Ebad - goodluck on your business.
Carl - banana diet.

All, thank you being part of a chapter in my life.

Regards,

Anun
--------------------------------------------------

Side Trip---Reunion

2009-01-21T20:43:00.003+08:00

(Goldians Chi-Chi and Topher at Dencios, Eastwood, Quezon City)

After years we see each other again.

Ticket Lines---Obama Inauguration Speech

2009-01-21T12:09:00.010+08:00

"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."---Barack Obama

Here is the transcript of Obama's speech as it was prepared.

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Side Trip---Best Buddies

2009-01-20T23:16:00.007+08:00

(Gie and Icy at Dyco, Paco, Manila)

Moment with a friend,
More words heard,
Than spoken.

Side Trip---Pink Orchid

2009-01-19T22:31:00.005+08:00

If love lasts as orchid's bloom,
Then make just weeks,
Our lifetime...

Next Stop---Asturias

2009-01-18T18:53:00.003+08:00

Hi guys, I'm on mobile so this will be quick. I was able to pass by this bar near UST at Asturias, Manila. I will visit the place soon and write more about it.

Side Trip---Mobile Blogging TEST

2009-01-17T12:33:00.007+08:00

(LRT Line1, Recto Train Station, Manila)

I am able to configure my Mobile Phone to blog directly (I love my phone). This picture was blogged directly from my phone. But I logged on to a desktop to add long this comment. Expect realtime pictures to be blogged soon. It would be similar to a photo essay, I'll put a title and just a quick description. And if I have time, I'll write more.

I would still make my normal blogs in regular basis so keep reading!

Nostalgia---Last day of vacation FULL

2009-01-17T09:45:00.022+08:00

Nostalgia
–noun
A wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time: a nostalgia for his college days.

After two weeks, I am able to write more about my last day of vacation….

Bittersweet---a feeling was pulling my heart back to the previous days as I was boarding the plane bound to Manila. I knew for sure that my happy vacation paradise is over and in less than two hours, I would be back to my bench. This was for many reasons. This is the second Christmas holiday without Mark (my brother). And the first Christmas Holiday that I was out of the blue---starting to see things that are irreversible and continuing with the journey.

(John Paul)

Almost the whole two weeks of my vacation was spent alone with family. I would almost always be at home enjoying the company of my brothers, Luis and John Paul.

(Luis Gabriel)

I was planning to go fishing, I brought my fishing gears with me from manila, but the weather was terrible and big waves were worst for the fish. But I enjoyed the sight… I think surfers would love our shores.

(The UEP white beach during December)

I enjoyed the time with my family and my time alone. It gave me the luxury contemplating the small things around me. How I love my hometown, and how I love Manila where I am now based. How I hate the morning rush-hour traffic at C5 going Libis, and how I missed it. I remembered David asking me how I feel about riding a bus on Ayala Avenue during the afternoon rush-hour---I said it was relaxing, it was the best time to make the return calls you missed during work.

It was all laid back and relaxation, all until the last day.

Rey, was the one who woke me up. I was surprised when he touches my head to try to wake me up. He told me that he plans to go to a nice place he know, a falls, about 30mins drive to the outskirts of Catarman.

(Us on the road)

I was excited to hear that and jumped on-board. I just brushed my teeth and went. He brought his car. We picked-up Tristan first then to Nam-Nam’s place.

(Frozen Lechon)

There we got a load of frozen lechon from the New Year celebration. We heated it up and went. The falls was very beautiful. It was a small falls, but the place was all just for us. The water was cold and relaxing. The place was clean.

Cold water flows to earth
Warm bodies longs to feel
Drops of joy---relaxing…

Feel nature’s breeze in air
Be in God’s embrace
Peace of mind---Divine…

After wards, just went home to change clothes then back to the road for some videoke session.

(Tristan the videoke king)

Tristan was shy at first. But it turned out that he was out videoke king.

The whole day was fun... And all were experience worth bringing. (end)

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I just configured my phone to publish pictures in this blog (I hope it would work) so expect real time pictures to be uploaded soon.

Last day of vacation---TEASER

2009-01-06T00:21:00.007+08:00

(From the left, Nam-Nam, Me and Rey. Tristan took the Photo)

Its my last day of vacation here in Catarman for now... it is the day I enjoyed the most. Some of my friends picked me up to go to a falls (there were four of us), eat our lechon by the falls and sung unlimited videoke when we got back to town. I am already tired as I am writing this, however overwhelmingly excited to post the experience. So I decided to make a teaser instead.

(This is Tristan)

Since Tristan was not on the group photo. Hehehehehe. I decided that he would feel better if I would get him two shots.

(Tristan again)

Please expect more about this soon... so watch out!

Ticket Lines with David

2009-01-03T14:09:00.002+08:00

(David and Myrna Hyde visiting, David is an Electrical Engineer and Myrna is an Accountant in Australia)

David: Anun do you have any plans of migrating to another country?

Anun: As of now, none.

David: And why is that?

Anun: I believe that things can still get better here...

David: Why is that, there is lot of corruption here, how can you say that things can get better?

Anun: (Laughs) Because, all the corrupt politicians are already old. They are all dying. And it is our turn now. The younger generation!

David: How can you say that knowing that the younger generation grew with the culture of corruption?

Anun: Well, knowing that... I think that because we already know the tricks of corruption and grew with it we have better understanding about it. And if we have made a choice to be better, those who have a plans to get smart with us would have a very hard time. They can't hide from us, because we already know how to play the game.

David: Laughs

Anun: Laughs

Ticket to Catarman My School

2009-01-03T12:00:00.009+08:00

The Ticket

From Manila

by air, PAL Express, Zest Air.

by land, there is a wide range of Bus Lines that caters to the south and to Catarman. The Araneta Center Bus terminal would be a good place start.

and ME, The Experience
This is a personal trip for me. This is the place where I grew up. As a child, I have never imagined the world to be big. I was satisfied with what was available in my "small world". Ironically, this same "small world " was also the one that opened my eyes to the adventures that have to be experienced. Looking back my small world has changed a lot, but then again, maybe it has not.
(This is the gate of the school where I went to grade school. When I was attending school here, there were no gates nor walls around it.)

Maybe it was only me... maybe it was me that was looking at the same things, just a different impression...
(Here is another picture of it....)

Our High School building also has not changed much. Back in High School we used to call our selves the "Goldians". We were the section Gold. Then during breaks and recess, we would all sit by the porch. We were very close friends. All of us. The Goldians. Maybe because there were not even thirty in the class.

(This is where I went for High School...)

High School has taught me a lot. This was the first time I had really good friends leave without knowing if we would see each other again. Some said goodbye and some---never given a chance to do so.

(This is the another picture of the High School, it has not changed much, except for the walls.)

High school really had a lot of goodbyes:

first is Phillip. His family needs to move to Eastern Samar. I still see him.

second is Guilmore. He ran away. I never knew the real story behind him. I guess its family problem. He is now a big shot in Manila.

third is Joseph. He transferred school. He needed to be near his parents. After High School, he went to U.P.

fourth is Christine. Her family transferred her to La Union. I think it's family reason.

fifth is Jenny Rose. Her family transferred to Manila.

lastly, the most painful goodbye yet from the Goldians was Jan. Jan was never given a chance to wave his final farewell to us... He was murdered the night before the graduation. That was very painful for all the Goldians.
The Goldians would never be complete again... everybody have chosen their special road to travel... and some just won't be back. Ever. But I guess it does not really matter, complete or not, what's really important is that once in our life there was us... the Goldians Batch 2001.

First blogging day!

2009-01-03T10:09:00.001+08:00

Hi guys,

I have seen friends blogged and I got interested with it. I hope I'm not too late with blogging... I will be blogging more soon so watch out.

anun
tickets.and.me