Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Old school scents, anybody?
A nostalgic throwback of the scents/perfume people, my mother and "titas" used, back in the day. Since the bottles are just left in the dresser, I used to apply it also. I am fond of men's perfume. My 2 favorites is Banana Republic for Men (classic one), and Voyageur, which was daddy's, but almost used up half of its contents. Scents back then were usually "eau de parfum." Rarely do I see bottles say "eau de toilette". The first whiff of old school perfume is usually strong and will start a headache, but lasts the whole day. You sniff yourself after 6 pm and that remaining soft powdery/musky scent still linger. Definitely, your dirty pile of laundry would not stink like sewage ditch. (pictures courtesy of google.com)
Monday, June 27, 2016
Shampoo Archives
And a deserving throwback on shampoo brands mom chooses to buy, back in the day...Anybody familiar with any of these?
Organic and smelled like fresh grass.
Smells so good.
Ultimate Classic. Smells like Barbie's hair.
Classic DutyFree shop buy.
Classic DutyFree shop buy if you still have spare cash.
Remember that milky blue liquid? It's either Gard or this one to dandruff free hair.
When you want to achieve the fully buhaghag hair!
Hair Chronicles
Diameter of my ponytailed hair measures around .70 in inches. During the 90s, my hair thickness when ponytailed, measure about 1.3 inches in diameter. Naturally, I have buhahaghag, or what they call "unruly", "not straight, not curly", and "wavy and frizzy", in a way. Based on the classification below, mine can be identified as Type II Open Wave.
During my younger days (ages 3-9 years), I have basic straight hair. But when my tita discovered the magical world of Pagoda Cold Wave Lotion and plastic rollers with matching wax paper square sheets, my bangs suddenly puffed and I modeled the poodle hair. A few days months after when my hair got longer, my tita got bored and decided to curl the ends of my hair. Tadan...then I become poodle again, upgraded version. Note that my sister and cousins also fashion the same hairstyle. We pretty much welcomed our tita's new hobby.
Years passed, I became older, my hair's former straight and smooth texture was never restored. After many failed attempts of hot oil and treatment, the fizziness and waviness never disappeared. I had the most boring hairstyle from 14-26 years old. I never tried having it relaxed or rebonded, so I'm a virgin on that aspect. It was only when I was 27 when I decided to have it permed at a salon in Katipunan Avenue, QC, using the traditional method of ammonia perming using the pink rollers. I achieved the hair I wanted to have---no combing, just add mousse and voila! -my go-getter hair.
When I reached the age of 30, I had chronic hairfall. One day, after working out at the local gym, I was preparing to dry my hair when I saw and felt that circular bald spot on the left side of my head. I panicked and I sat down, started thinking of my stress history. Hair fell in clusters. I never combed my hair, for the fear of aggravating hairloss. I took Vitamin E capsules, waited for some time, and hair grew back on the spot. Now that I am 38, I am losing more hair than ever. Now, aside from the Vitamin E caps that I'm taking, I plan to add Folic Acid on my plate, and be wary of stress and lack of sleep. Now, let's see what comes out of it. I hope to grow more hair for the next coming months.
During my younger days (ages 3-9 years), I have basic straight hair. But when my tita discovered the magical world of Pagoda Cold Wave Lotion and plastic rollers with matching wax paper square sheets, my bangs suddenly puffed and I modeled the poodle hair. A few days months after when my hair got longer, my tita got bored and decided to curl the ends of my hair. Tadan...then I become poodle again, upgraded version. Note that my sister and cousins also fashion the same hairstyle. We pretty much welcomed our tita's new hobby.
Years passed, I became older, my hair's former straight and smooth texture was never restored. After many failed attempts of hot oil and treatment, the fizziness and waviness never disappeared. I had the most boring hairstyle from 14-26 years old. I never tried having it relaxed or rebonded, so I'm a virgin on that aspect. It was only when I was 27 when I decided to have it permed at a salon in Katipunan Avenue, QC, using the traditional method of ammonia perming using the pink rollers. I achieved the hair I wanted to have---no combing, just add mousse and voila! -my go-getter hair.
When I reached the age of 30, I had chronic hairfall. One day, after working out at the local gym, I was preparing to dry my hair when I saw and felt that circular bald spot on the left side of my head. I panicked and I sat down, started thinking of my stress history. Hair fell in clusters. I never combed my hair, for the fear of aggravating hairloss. I took Vitamin E capsules, waited for some time, and hair grew back on the spot. Now that I am 38, I am losing more hair than ever. Now, aside from the Vitamin E caps that I'm taking, I plan to add Folic Acid on my plate, and be wary of stress and lack of sleep. Now, let's see what comes out of it. I hope to grow more hair for the next coming months.
Lake hopping- San Pablo City, Laguna
This year, before summer officially started, we went on a spontaneous day trip to San Pablo, Laguna. Me and my husbay, Ging, wanted to see the famous Seven Lakes of San Pablo. The nearest lake and largest of them all was Lake Sampalok (Tamarind), which was the nearest in town. Actually, it is located in the town itself, near the church or poblacion. From a main road, you just have to make a slight turn to a narrower road heading to the city hall and church, and a little downwards that road, you will be welcomed by the lake. It's alongside a road where tricycles and small vehicles could ply. Since the lake is accessible and the area is developed, it's not conducive to swimming and it was not the lake you look forward to, spread a blanket and hold a picnic. You have vendors dotted along the lake, selling all sorts of sari sari store items like bottled softdrinks, snacks (chichirya), etc. It's like a cleaner version of Pasig River in Metro Manila. Why? Because it's paved on one side. The difference is, there are hundreds of fishpens and cottages on stilts around, and there are a few hotels and resorts along the lake road, if in case you want to spend the night and have a morning view of a lake and a mountain on the horizon (I don't know the name of the mountain). If you want to make the most out of your effort to reach the lake and if you are not taking a car, you can hire a pedicab to drive you along the whole stretch of the lake. If it's not too sunny, you see a lot of people- couples taking pictures, groups of teenager, just lazing around, sitting and just relaxing.
Ok, so we were not done. I checked the internet too look which is the best lake to go picnicking, considering that it's not too far from town. We found Lake Pandin on google map, and says it's the perfect place for a picnic. It took us about 20-30 minutes to reach the improvised parking space. You had to be careful in choosing which space to park because some spots are privately owned. Before you reach the parking space, you will pass by a massive land property, (might be a farm), which had a few horse stables and approximately thousands of roosters for cockfighting housed on the typical triangle-shaped shelters.
To reach Lake Pandin, you have to hike for about 15 minutes, uphill. We were accompanied by a little boy. As soon as we parked, he approached us and asked if we were willing to hire him as our trail guide. We asked how much he's charging us, and he told us that any amount is ok, so we immediately agreed. The hiking was a little tiring, because the sun was up, the trail was slightly uphill and dusty. As soon as we reached the lake, I immediately inhaled and exhaled the fresh air and green surroundings, and bought fresh coconut (buko) juice, which costs around 20 pesos only.
There were a few people queued for the raft ride. I asked the hospitable residents where to register. There was a registration booth. Glad to find out that the Lake Pandin tour/operations were run by a local cooperative, so everyone was benefitting, and not just one sole greedy businessman.
The package they offered costs 360 pesos per person, which included the 2-hour balsa (bamboo raft) ride, and lunch. Since we'd like to avoid the hassle of the food being served at the balsa and having to do a balancing act of eating grilled fish with your bare fingers and sipping your fresh buko juice, we requested to have our lunch served at the tables located at the jump-off point. Lunch was promptly served. It consists of grilled tilapia, paco (fern) and salted egg salad, rice, shrimp in gata sauce, bananas and bottled water. After lunch, we rested for a bit and waited for our turn to ride the raft. When it was our turn, we were asked to wear lifevests, since safety is their priority and the lake's depth reaches down to more than 200 feet. So anything that falls to the lake (may it be your phone, wallet, or jewelry) cannot be retrieved anymore, to avoid the risk of boatmen drowning too.
Our balsa ride was the relaxation we looked forward to- just the right sun, cool breeze and the sound of splashing water. All the balsas are guided by a thick rope connected to the opposite edge od the lake. Before we swim, the boatman suggested that we pass by the view of Lake Yambo. We docked on a land mass, went up on the side of a small mountain and reached the top to get a view of Pandin's twin lake, which is Yambo. If you want to swim at Lake Yambo, you have to take a different route. We took some photos, looked around, and decided to return since I was so eager to swim already.
Returning to the balsa, we continued bracing the calm waters and reached the edge of the lake where a few balsas were also afloat. I was prepared to swim, lie on the water, and just let the lifevest take me where it wants me to be. The water was cold, but just the right cold that refreshes. We swam and lingered at a certain spot for about 30 minutes. Funny thing that Ging had a hard time climbing back to the raft. He went on a long explanation that the lifevest was stopping him from climbing properly...well, I just told him that he has a weak upper body that cannot handle his whole body weight. I tried to assist him, but he was too heavy. The boatman was the one who hauled him up. Well, in my case, I was able to climb back to the raft, not very smoothly because of the slimy moss on the edge of the balsa, but accurately and with no trouble. We stayed on for a while chatting with our fellow balsa companions (two of them, a husband and a wife too), until the wind started to pick up and we decided to go back and let the other guests have their turn.
Overall, the trip was good. It was different from the usual beach and mountain environs we were accustomed to. I would recommend my family and friends to visit too.
Ok, so we were not done. I checked the internet too look which is the best lake to go picnicking, considering that it's not too far from town. We found Lake Pandin on google map, and says it's the perfect place for a picnic. It took us about 20-30 minutes to reach the improvised parking space. You had to be careful in choosing which space to park because some spots are privately owned. Before you reach the parking space, you will pass by a massive land property, (might be a farm), which had a few horse stables and approximately thousands of roosters for cockfighting housed on the typical triangle-shaped shelters.
To reach Lake Pandin, you have to hike for about 15 minutes, uphill. We were accompanied by a little boy. As soon as we parked, he approached us and asked if we were willing to hire him as our trail guide. We asked how much he's charging us, and he told us that any amount is ok, so we immediately agreed. The hiking was a little tiring, because the sun was up, the trail was slightly uphill and dusty. As soon as we reached the lake, I immediately inhaled and exhaled the fresh air and green surroundings, and bought fresh coconut (buko) juice, which costs around 20 pesos only.
There were a few people queued for the raft ride. I asked the hospitable residents where to register. There was a registration booth. Glad to find out that the Lake Pandin tour/operations were run by a local cooperative, so everyone was benefitting, and not just one sole greedy businessman.
The package they offered costs 360 pesos per person, which included the 2-hour balsa (bamboo raft) ride, and lunch. Since we'd like to avoid the hassle of the food being served at the balsa and having to do a balancing act of eating grilled fish with your bare fingers and sipping your fresh buko juice, we requested to have our lunch served at the tables located at the jump-off point. Lunch was promptly served. It consists of grilled tilapia, paco (fern) and salted egg salad, rice, shrimp in gata sauce, bananas and bottled water. After lunch, we rested for a bit and waited for our turn to ride the raft. When it was our turn, we were asked to wear lifevests, since safety is their priority and the lake's depth reaches down to more than 200 feet. So anything that falls to the lake (may it be your phone, wallet, or jewelry) cannot be retrieved anymore, to avoid the risk of boatmen drowning too.
Our balsa ride was the relaxation we looked forward to- just the right sun, cool breeze and the sound of splashing water. All the balsas are guided by a thick rope connected to the opposite edge od the lake. Before we swim, the boatman suggested that we pass by the view of Lake Yambo. We docked on a land mass, went up on the side of a small mountain and reached the top to get a view of Pandin's twin lake, which is Yambo. If you want to swim at Lake Yambo, you have to take a different route. We took some photos, looked around, and decided to return since I was so eager to swim already.
Returning to the balsa, we continued bracing the calm waters and reached the edge of the lake where a few balsas were also afloat. I was prepared to swim, lie on the water, and just let the lifevest take me where it wants me to be. The water was cold, but just the right cold that refreshes. We swam and lingered at a certain spot for about 30 minutes. Funny thing that Ging had a hard time climbing back to the raft. He went on a long explanation that the lifevest was stopping him from climbing properly...well, I just told him that he has a weak upper body that cannot handle his whole body weight. I tried to assist him, but he was too heavy. The boatman was the one who hauled him up. Well, in my case, I was able to climb back to the raft, not very smoothly because of the slimy moss on the edge of the balsa, but accurately and with no trouble. We stayed on for a while chatting with our fellow balsa companions (two of them, a husband and a wife too), until the wind started to pick up and we decided to go back and let the other guests have their turn.
Overall, the trip was good. It was different from the usual beach and mountain environs we were accustomed to. I would recommend my family and friends to visit too.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Before I write about my past decade's summer escapades, I will write first about the pigs in Upi, Maguindanao province, that my brother is taking charge of these past half year. The pigs you see in the picture are part of batch 3. The were bought from a local breeder about 2 months ago. Their pig pen is largely made up of concrete hollow blocks and bamboo. Unlike typical pig pens in the Philippines, the pig's bedding is not plain smooth concrete. It comprises of "Ipa" or rice grain hulls. I got the idea from the organic farm in Naic, Cavite, that I have visited long time ago when I used to work with WV Phils. I suggested it to my brother and he took my suggestion without any hesitation. I was later told that we were the first one in the province of Maguindanao to actually utilize ipa beddings (according to some reliable or unreliable sources) in pig pens. The advantage of having ipa as beddings, is the non-smelly and cozy feel or ambience in the farm. When you visit other pig pens in the provinces, 100 meters away, you can already inhale the stench and no amount of holding your breath, or covering layers and layers of handkerchiefs or wet towel on your face could suppress the force that's about to enter your nostrils.
Whether the piggery is small or big in scale, if you have pure concrete pig pens or cages, a spectator will usually feel sticky and can't help but breathe through their mouths. I do not have anything against hog raisers who adhere to that style of their pigs sleeping on the cold, wet concrete floor, celebrating the sight of excrements. Pigs don't actually sweat (that's why it's said that they're one of the cleanest animals), and they don't need to huddle together to feel warmth from their comrades, but the point is, animals too need a homey, warm and natural ambience for the months left before they face their perpetuators in the slaughter house. Pigs also have a strong sense of smell and they like to dig through their mouths (that's why they're also best hunters for truffles in other parts of the world). Having ipa actually lessens their boredom and improves their social interaction! If they are not busy sleeping or eating, they can clean off each other's bodies by snorting the hulls from their skins (which is actually unnecessary). Their excrements are also camouflaged, by the way, though the farmer has to have sharp eyes to know where to pick-up the magic fertilizer goodies. Pigs have a natural instinct of doing their toilet business in just one part of the pen, and identify which part of the pen is for sleeping and cuddling. The ipa beddings wear out in time, so it's recommended that you replace it once every quarter, really depending also on the number of pigs you are tending.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Mt. Pinatubo Sojourn 2009.
Mt. Pinatubo Trek Adventure through Russell Ri, who organize tours everywhere in the Philippines. The package fee of around 1,800 pesos already included shuttle transpo from Quezo City, Metro Manila to Capas, Tarlac (jump off point to the volcano) then back to Metro Manila, hike/guide fees and 4x4 jeep rental. Advisable if you could bring hats, caps or bandana/scarves to protect your face from dust during the jeepney ride. The jeep ride was for an hour and the hike going to Mt. Pinatubo crater was about and hour and a half. I'm not a mountaineer but I think the route we took was not for beginners. It was just too much effort. One slip and your head is towards the sharp rocks. It was not for beginners because it seems there's no trail of anyone passing the spot. We reached the crater just in time for lunch. We brought our own food (sandwiches, water), but you can also bring the "binalot" type of food (rice and grilled liempo or chicken with a side dish of salted egg and tomatoes), for added picnic ambience when you eat beside the lake.
During that time, we were still able to swim in the lake (it was still allowed). The water was bottle green and there was vegetation on the lakeshore where there is an abundance of black rocks also. The swim was very relaxing since the water was cool and calm. We stayed in the lake area for about an hour and a half, took pictures and just breathed in the surroundings and pondered how this volcano destroyed so many lives and properties in 1991. We hiked down and reached the base around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. The designated resort/hotel where we are allowed to wash up also offers spa services. You can either have a massage or a volcanic spa/lava treatment.
The hike was long and tiring, but it was all worth it. Overall, this challenging adventure was a great experience. Will never go back, but it's one for the books.
A few months later, I heard in the news that French and Filipino hikers, scaling from Mt. Pinatubo, were killed from flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rain.
I posted this questionnaire with answers 9 years ago, now let's see the difference in the answers:
1.) Who is the last person you held hands with?
2007: SI GING...AY PARANG OFFICEMATE KO PALA.
2016: Still Ging, yesterday while on a Sunday date at Trinoma.
2.) Single or taken?
2007: SINGLE.
2016: MARRIED!
3.) If you were drafted into a war, would you survive?
2007: YES,BUT PROBABLY I'D BE AMPUTATED OR I'M BUSTED SOMEWHERE.
2016: Yes, by always hiding and lying face down.
4.) Have you ever drank milk straight out of the carton?
2007:YEAH. EVEN MY ALL-TIME CRANBERRY JUICE DELIGHT.
2016: For the past 9 years, NO.
5.) Have you ever won a spelling bee?
2007:YES, WHEN I WAS A FRESHMAN AND WAS ON A CRAPPY SCHOOL..TO PROVE HOW CRAPPY IT IS WAS, I EVEN BEAT THE SENIORS...
2016: Same as 2007.
6.) Who is the last person you texted?
2007:JANETTE EMNACE...
2016: Tere, my shoe supplier.
7.) Are you a fast typer?
2007:I'M A SLOW TYPER.
2016: No.
8.) Are you afraid of the dark?
2007:I PREFER TO SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON... THOUGH I'M NOT FREAKED OUT IN THE DARK
2016: Depends how dark it is. If it's pitch black, then I'm afraid I'd trip.
9.) When's the last time you chose a bath over a shower?
2007:JUST THIS MORNING.
2016: We don't have a bathtub.
10) Do you knock on wood?
2007: NO!
2016: Never.
11.) Are you drinking anything right now?
2007: NO. BUT A FEW MINUTES AGO WAS BLACK COFFEE.
2016: Yes. Just finished my black coffee.
12.) Do you think you're attractive?
2007: YES, MOSTLY TO TRICYCLE DRIVERS AND CARPINTEROS...ACCORDING TO SOME SOURCES
2016: When I'm wearing strikingly colorful clothes, or when I'm all tan and sunburnt.
13.) Do you know the muffin man?
2007: NO.
2016: No.
14.) Do you talk in your sleep?
2007: OFTEN. I WOULD EVEN SPEAK TAGLISH AND ARGUE EVEN IF I'M HALF-AWAKE ALREADY.
2016: Yes, oftentimes still.
15.) Have you ever flown a kite?
2007: NO AND I DON'T FIND IT AMUSING.
2016: Not on my own.
16.) When was the last time that you went swimming and where?
2007: LAST WEEKEND AT DUCK POOL IN LAGUNA.
2016: At a beach in Guimaras, Iloilo.
17.) How many people are on your contact list of your cell phone?
2007: NO IDEA, MAYBE I'D KNOW IT BY THE TIME I HAVE MY OWN SERVICE PHONE.
2016: Wouldn't want to check. Takes so much effort.
18.) Have you ever asked for a horse?
2007: NO AND WHY?
2016: No. Horses are not pet gifts in the Philippines.
19.) Plans for tomorrow?
2007: GO TO ORTIGAS, CHECK OUT THE ENVELOPES FOR PAM, CALL A FEW PROSPECTIVE SPONSORS, PACK MY BAG FOR CEBU.
2016: Go to work (Tuesday is a normal working day during Holy Week)
20.) Missing someone right now?
2007: NOT SOMEONE, SOMETHINGS: HBO MOVIE MARATHONS, SWIMMING BEFORE WORK SA ASIAN MANSION, EATING BALUT AT ASIAN MANSION, TAMBAY AT POWERBOOKS ALL DAY.
2016: Hanging out at BGC, UP, Divisoria, malls, without any care in the world.
21.) How are you feeling today?
2007: A LITTLE JITTERY, CAUSE I'VE BEEN CONTROLLING MY PEE.
2016: Fine, though I'm 10 kilos overweight and I feel that I really need to lose weight drastically.
22.) Have you ever been suspended or expelled from school?
2007: NO!
2016: No. But I got a "Fail" mark on one of my MA classes (I didn't drop the course and went AWOL because daddy died).
23.) What are you looking forward to?
2007: WHEN ALL MY DEBTS GET PAID OFF...HOSPITAL DEBTS...
BORACAY THIS OCTOBER.
2016: My August 31 Bangkok trip with Ging.
24.) Have you ever crawled through a window?
2007: YES,A BIG WINDOW AT AN ANTIQUATED HOUSE IN PANGASINAN...WINDOW DIN NG KOTSE...
2016: Yes, window at my lola's house.
25.) Can you handle the truth?
2007: YES, BUT YUNG ULTIMATE TRUTH BAKA HINDI...YOU KNOW NAMAN SKELETONS..
2016: Yes, even if it hurts sometimes.
26.) Do you like green eggs and ham?
2007: I'M NOT SURE CAUSE I HAVEN'T TRIED GREEN EGGS...BUT SALAMI IS GREAT IF IT'S TOASTED.
2016: No. Definitely not appetizing.
27.) What 3 things do you always bring with you to places?
2007: MY BILLS, MY PHONE, AND MY BORROWED AND INANGKING IPOD.
2016: phone, wallet, tissue paper
28.) Any cool scars?
2007: AT MY LOWER BACK ARE 2 WORM-LIKE KILLOIDS. GOT WHEN I WAS FLIRTING MY LAUGH WITH A FEW FRIENDS, THEN SLIPPED OFF THE WALL AND STUCK WOOD SCRAPINGS ON MY BACK DURING HIGHSCHOOL.
2016: nothing cool.
29.) Do you like or have a crush on anyone?
2007: YES. A LOT LIKE JUDAH PAOLO AND JUDE LAW.
2016: Too childish.
30.) Who was the last person you kissed?
2007: IF IT'S FK, IT'S THE SAME AS THE PERSON I HELD HANDS WITH. BUT IF IT'S BESO, CAN'T RECALL BUT I'M SURE IT'S AN OFFICEMATE.
2016: Ging
31.) How often do you talk on the phone?
2007: IN NUMBERS, MAYBE 30 IN A DAY, MOSTLY WORK RELATED.
2016: Rarely these days, usually it’s via Skype.
32.) Do you believe in love?
2007: YES.
2016: Yes.
33.) Is there something you want that you can't have?
2007: MY OWN DESIGNER PAD...BIG HEADLIGHTS AND MAYBE A SHOWBIZ CAREER.
2016: My parents coming back to life.
34.) Who did you last hug?
2007: KUYA NONOY.
2016: Ging
35.) Where is your phone?
2007: AT THE LEFT OF MY KEYBOARD.
2016: 1 foot away from my left side of the desk.
36.) What was the last thing you ate?
2007: RICE AND FRIED DAING NA BANGUS.
2016: Spam sandwich.
37.) Favorite Color/s?
2007: OFTEN RED AND GREEN...CHRISTMAS COLORS BA..
2016: Aqua and pink for summer.
38.) Last movie you saw?
2007: SHREK 3, BUT SCHREK 2 IS ABSOLUTELY BETTER.
2016: Gods of Egypt.
39.) What song are you listening to?
2007: NOT RIGHT NOW. I'M ON SOME OTHER'S PC.
2016: None.
40.) What do you want?
2007: A LIFE WITH LITTLE WORRIES AND BIG LAUGHS.
2016: A life with lighter trials. I’m really tired of the big ones, brings so much heartaches.
41.) What T.V. show are you watching?
2007: SINCE NO CHOICE AKO AND MY COUSIN'S INTO CHANNEL 2 SHOWS, YUN LANG...SANA MAGKACABLE NA KAMI.
2016: None, I don’t watch TV.
42.) Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
2007: MY BOSS.
2016: My colleague.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Summer 2016 officially starts.
Summer has official started! Long hot, sunny days, when the sun starts striking stingy rays at 6 am and slows down at around 6:30 pm. I long for weekends of dry crispy hair, banana smoothies, the smell of Hawaiian Tropic, residue of sand on the crevices of my backpack and a leftover lukewarm bottled water in the same bag. I also miss my sore right shoulder, while carrying a heavy bag, regretting that I brought a big towel when in fact hotels provide you with one. Since I'm back in the workforce since November last year, I'm new and therefore, vacation leaves are much of a favor to ask, I will dwell in the past for the meantime, and just share with you my favorites and my most cherished beach vacations in the Philippines I've had for the past 10 years.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Birthday Weekend at Baguio
Last weekend was special because it was a birthday weekend celebration of Ging. We spent it at Baguio, one of our favorite escapes from the hot, humid, heavy polluted and stressful Metro Manila. Yes, probably Baguio has one of the highest levels of air pollution (because of rampant smoke belching from most forms of transportation), but there is still an abundance of fresh chilly air from the patches of pine trees and other vegetation found in the city.
Some may say Baguio is overrated, but whenever we visit, we always find new things to do and new places to discover. There are Baguio trips when we go to the same old places, but as I've said, there will always be new discoveries-whether they be new buys or great places to eat. Just be cool, find the time to go around without an itinerary, and touring would be as enjoyable every time.
When we visit Baguio, we always stay either at the City Center Hotel located at Session Road, or the historic Mountain Lodge, located across Teacher's Camp.
DAY 1:
We traveled the whole day, left Manila around 11am, then arrived Baguio at 7pm.
We had dinner at the classic Sizzling Plate along Session Road, where we had the usual Salisbury steak, then tried for the first time, one of their bestseller, which is sizzling sisig (which tasted like bopis). We finished our meal with a slice of Sans Rival, along with the corn syrup enriched Coke and fresh calamansi juice.
We spent the rest of the night at the Harrison Road ukayan, of which the crowd mostly consists of wandering students. Surprisingly, many Koreans also go around the ukayan, trying to steal good deals on ukay goods.
DAY 2:
We had breakfast at Vizco's along Session Road, where we had the usual Pinoy breakfast of daing na bangus and longganisa, with egg and fried rice. For dessert, we had their bestseller, strawberry shortcake. It was the best version I've tried. The strawberries on top were really fresh, sweet and juicy.
Because we just had to, we went to Mines View Park, not to enjoy the view nor take pictures riding on pink-haired horses or wearing traditional Igorot costumes. We went there mainly to eat grilled pusit and grilled corn, smothered on butter and iodized salt. The grilled dried pusit was sold at php25 each and the corn was at php30 each. We bought silver rings from Ms. Becky, located at one of the stalls selling souvenirs and such. Because the afternoon was getting chilly, we walked straight to Good Shepherd and had regular brewed coffee at php50 for a cup and adobo roll at php30. Their kiosk is located at the gazebo part of the convent. By the way, they are also selling Civet coffee, for php100/cup, which is quite cheap, as compared to other cafes selling this exotic variety of coffee.
It was quite late so we weren't able to go to Cafe in the Sky, located at Mt. Sto. Tomas part. We attempted to still go, but when we were already at the jeepney station at Bayanihan building area, headed to Tuba, the driver told us that it was kind of late at 5 pm to be heading there, because the last trip going back to Baguio city center is at 7pm. Definitely, I wouldn't enjoy drinking coffee and staring at a sea of clouds at 30 minutes max. So instead, we just went around the Bayanihan building for ukay ukay finds. As soon as we got a jacket and a bag for Ging, we called it a day and decided to go back to the hotel.
Just when we were about to go down the creeky wooden stairs, we noticed a set of stairs alongside a wall, going up. I saw a sign that says Bayanihan Heritage Library and Training Center. On instinct, I immediately grabbed Ging's arm and went up the stairs. Alas! The whole floor was a cozy, rustic, homey library. The complete package of shelves, smell of books, a few chairs and tables and a number of artsy looking people awaited us. These people, I suppose, were the owners and staff of the library. They welcomed us with a smile and offered us a place to settle down (heavy-looking furnished oak-type low benches and table with a silver mat on top). Coffee was brewing somewhere, old books screamed "browse me!", the slight sound of vehicles outside and low voices of people chatting- elements that confirmed to me, this place is perfect, this place I don't want to leave.
So, as if we have been here many times before, I immediately felt at home, run my fingers on book spines, took some books, browsed and gazed blankly with amazement at the place. The place looked humble, complemented by the old wooden floor, old shelves, old books, everything old, everything musty and vintage, except for the people. The staff looked young, and I suppose we looked young too, plus another set of young-looking visitors. We stayed for an hour or 2, mostly going through the nostalgic Childcraft books and the Baguio history coffee table book that Ging laid on the table. We had a 5-peso hot chocolate from the vendo, and a 15-peso cup of brewed coffee. The most senior guy apologized that they have not much to offer, as the library is newly-opened and they are about to purchase a refrigerator, so they can accomodate more refreshments to visitors. The place is open at 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Kalapaw Taste of Laoag restaurant, located near the Victory Liner station, has been consistent- has been consistent on their below-standard buffet menu. They are only consistent on one delicious dish - the safe one, the Bagnet. The first time we tried their dinner buffet, it was already almost 8pm, so there was not much left, and my taste buds were not functioning then, so I just got whatever was still fresh looking, but based on my visual judgement, every dish looked like it was cooked a day ago. The meat looked dry, the veggies look wilted, and the fish looked massacred. The only perky looking dish was the bagnet. The buffet dinner costs Php300, which includes drinks, of which is either water or iced tea. I forced myself to eat, I took mostly the remaining arosep (lato), and paksiw na puso ng saging. Thinking we were quite late for dinner- therefore we made up an excuse for the left-over-looking food. Now, this second time around, we went to Kalapaw at around 6:15 pm, but but but...the line-up looked worse, well except for the Bagnet. There was na lato, the same meat, veggies and fish looked stale and lifeless, rice was looking rock-solid, and worst, they could not offer other desserts, except for the halo halo ingredients of gulaman and black beans that looked like children played with it. We were tired and we were hungry, so despite feelings of angst and hesitations, and because I don't want to spoil Ging's mood, we had our dinner there. I had a bowl of sinanglao, a serving of paksiw na puso ng saging, 3 small Paksiw fish, about 5 chopped pieces of Bagnet, a patch of Pinakbet of which I mostly took okra and sitaw, and 2 spoonfuls of rice. Basically, that's what I ate- for the price of Php300. I'm not a picky eater, but if you might get opinions of food bloggers, this place belongs to the top 10 worst buffet offerings. Surprisingly, a lot of locals go to the place, maybe because they were after the bagnet, or maybe because out of habit.
DAY 3:
We had breakfast at the hotel, the usual longganisa and daing na bangus silog.
Our ticket back to Manila is scheduled at 11:30 pm, so we had the whole day to frolic and just go where our feet take us.
And that was literally what we did. We walked from Session Road to Camp John Hay. No rushing, no mood swings, just walk and talk. For lunch, we had bulalo and pinakbet at Mamita's Bulalo, located near 50's Diner. The bulalo was good, the serving was just right. Then, we proceeded with our afternoon walk. There was a part on our walking route, along Loakan, where people might have wondered why were we walking on awkward places. We even saw Diane Castillejo riding on a Chevy SUV. She seemed like she wanted to ask us for directions, but immediately sensed we were not from there, so they took off. Along we trotted. Didn't care, didn't stare, we even stopped to take pictures of weeds and pine tree barks, and pointed at old houses that looked haunted. Finally, we reached CJH and had mocha frappucino at a famous and overrated coffee shop. There was a downpour, so we waited for it to stop a bit, and we hailed a cab going to SM. Ging was looking forward for his online fantasy basketball drafting at 9 pm, so we had a lot of time to chill and just talk (because we had no internet signal). We went carbo-overloading at Sbarro, and when it was almost time for Ging to go online, we walked straight back to our hotel in Session Road. By the way, that weekend was the worst Globe internet connection ever. The hotel had their own PLDT wifi connection, but it was fluctuating, so Ging was in a sour mood that evening. Anyway, we ended our last day with a strawberry smoothie at Beans Talk cafe, and I had a terrible stomachache afterwards. Two reasons - maybe I had hyper-acidity and the coldness of the drink made my stomach flip.
Over-all, the trip was good. It was the first time that we didn't go to the city market. It was also the first time that we didn't buy pasalubong. All is well. God is good.
Some may say Baguio is overrated, but whenever we visit, we always find new things to do and new places to discover. There are Baguio trips when we go to the same old places, but as I've said, there will always be new discoveries-whether they be new buys or great places to eat. Just be cool, find the time to go around without an itinerary, and touring would be as enjoyable every time.
When we visit Baguio, we always stay either at the City Center Hotel located at Session Road, or the historic Mountain Lodge, located across Teacher's Camp.
DAY 1:
We traveled the whole day, left Manila around 11am, then arrived Baguio at 7pm.
We had dinner at the classic Sizzling Plate along Session Road, where we had the usual Salisbury steak, then tried for the first time, one of their bestseller, which is sizzling sisig (which tasted like bopis). We finished our meal with a slice of Sans Rival, along with the corn syrup enriched Coke and fresh calamansi juice.
We spent the rest of the night at the Harrison Road ukayan, of which the crowd mostly consists of wandering students. Surprisingly, many Koreans also go around the ukayan, trying to steal good deals on ukay goods.
DAY 2:
We had breakfast at Vizco's along Session Road, where we had the usual Pinoy breakfast of daing na bangus and longganisa, with egg and fried rice. For dessert, we had their bestseller, strawberry shortcake. It was the best version I've tried. The strawberries on top were really fresh, sweet and juicy.
Because we just had to, we went to Mines View Park, not to enjoy the view nor take pictures riding on pink-haired horses or wearing traditional Igorot costumes. We went there mainly to eat grilled pusit and grilled corn, smothered on butter and iodized salt. The grilled dried pusit was sold at php25 each and the corn was at php30 each. We bought silver rings from Ms. Becky, located at one of the stalls selling souvenirs and such. Because the afternoon was getting chilly, we walked straight to Good Shepherd and had regular brewed coffee at php50 for a cup and adobo roll at php30. Their kiosk is located at the gazebo part of the convent. By the way, they are also selling Civet coffee, for php100/cup, which is quite cheap, as compared to other cafes selling this exotic variety of coffee.
It was quite late so we weren't able to go to Cafe in the Sky, located at Mt. Sto. Tomas part. We attempted to still go, but when we were already at the jeepney station at Bayanihan building area, headed to Tuba, the driver told us that it was kind of late at 5 pm to be heading there, because the last trip going back to Baguio city center is at 7pm. Definitely, I wouldn't enjoy drinking coffee and staring at a sea of clouds at 30 minutes max. So instead, we just went around the Bayanihan building for ukay ukay finds. As soon as we got a jacket and a bag for Ging, we called it a day and decided to go back to the hotel.
Just when we were about to go down the creeky wooden stairs, we noticed a set of stairs alongside a wall, going up. I saw a sign that says Bayanihan Heritage Library and Training Center. On instinct, I immediately grabbed Ging's arm and went up the stairs. Alas! The whole floor was a cozy, rustic, homey library. The complete package of shelves, smell of books, a few chairs and tables and a number of artsy looking people awaited us. These people, I suppose, were the owners and staff of the library. They welcomed us with a smile and offered us a place to settle down (heavy-looking furnished oak-type low benches and table with a silver mat on top). Coffee was brewing somewhere, old books screamed "browse me!", the slight sound of vehicles outside and low voices of people chatting- elements that confirmed to me, this place is perfect, this place I don't want to leave.
So, as if we have been here many times before, I immediately felt at home, run my fingers on book spines, took some books, browsed and gazed blankly with amazement at the place. The place looked humble, complemented by the old wooden floor, old shelves, old books, everything old, everything musty and vintage, except for the people. The staff looked young, and I suppose we looked young too, plus another set of young-looking visitors. We stayed for an hour or 2, mostly going through the nostalgic Childcraft books and the Baguio history coffee table book that Ging laid on the table. We had a 5-peso hot chocolate from the vendo, and a 15-peso cup of brewed coffee. The most senior guy apologized that they have not much to offer, as the library is newly-opened and they are about to purchase a refrigerator, so they can accomodate more refreshments to visitors. The place is open at 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Kalapaw Taste of Laoag restaurant, located near the Victory Liner station, has been consistent- has been consistent on their below-standard buffet menu. They are only consistent on one delicious dish - the safe one, the Bagnet. The first time we tried their dinner buffet, it was already almost 8pm, so there was not much left, and my taste buds were not functioning then, so I just got whatever was still fresh looking, but based on my visual judgement, every dish looked like it was cooked a day ago. The meat looked dry, the veggies look wilted, and the fish looked massacred. The only perky looking dish was the bagnet. The buffet dinner costs Php300, which includes drinks, of which is either water or iced tea. I forced myself to eat, I took mostly the remaining arosep (lato), and paksiw na puso ng saging. Thinking we were quite late for dinner- therefore we made up an excuse for the left-over-looking food. Now, this second time around, we went to Kalapaw at around 6:15 pm, but but but...the line-up looked worse, well except for the Bagnet. There was na lato, the same meat, veggies and fish looked stale and lifeless, rice was looking rock-solid, and worst, they could not offer other desserts, except for the halo halo ingredients of gulaman and black beans that looked like children played with it. We were tired and we were hungry, so despite feelings of angst and hesitations, and because I don't want to spoil Ging's mood, we had our dinner there. I had a bowl of sinanglao, a serving of paksiw na puso ng saging, 3 small Paksiw fish, about 5 chopped pieces of Bagnet, a patch of Pinakbet of which I mostly took okra and sitaw, and 2 spoonfuls of rice. Basically, that's what I ate- for the price of Php300. I'm not a picky eater, but if you might get opinions of food bloggers, this place belongs to the top 10 worst buffet offerings. Surprisingly, a lot of locals go to the place, maybe because they were after the bagnet, or maybe because out of habit.
DAY 3:
We had breakfast at the hotel, the usual longganisa and daing na bangus silog.
Our ticket back to Manila is scheduled at 11:30 pm, so we had the whole day to frolic and just go where our feet take us.
And that was literally what we did. We walked from Session Road to Camp John Hay. No rushing, no mood swings, just walk and talk. For lunch, we had bulalo and pinakbet at Mamita's Bulalo, located near 50's Diner. The bulalo was good, the serving was just right. Then, we proceeded with our afternoon walk. There was a part on our walking route, along Loakan, where people might have wondered why were we walking on awkward places. We even saw Diane Castillejo riding on a Chevy SUV. She seemed like she wanted to ask us for directions, but immediately sensed we were not from there, so they took off. Along we trotted. Didn't care, didn't stare, we even stopped to take pictures of weeds and pine tree barks, and pointed at old houses that looked haunted. Finally, we reached CJH and had mocha frappucino at a famous and overrated coffee shop. There was a downpour, so we waited for it to stop a bit, and we hailed a cab going to SM. Ging was looking forward for his online fantasy basketball drafting at 9 pm, so we had a lot of time to chill and just talk (because we had no internet signal). We went carbo-overloading at Sbarro, and when it was almost time for Ging to go online, we walked straight back to our hotel in Session Road. By the way, that weekend was the worst Globe internet connection ever. The hotel had their own PLDT wifi connection, but it was fluctuating, so Ging was in a sour mood that evening. Anyway, we ended our last day with a strawberry smoothie at Beans Talk cafe, and I had a terrible stomachache afterwards. Two reasons - maybe I had hyper-acidity and the coldness of the drink made my stomach flip.
Over-all, the trip was good. It was the first time that we didn't go to the city market. It was also the first time that we didn't buy pasalubong. All is well. God is good.
Thursday, July 09, 2015
The condition of the weather has not changed much for the past 24 hours. Rains are still heavy and the water drop sounds from our ceiling (due to a weak roof) have not given me a sound sleep for the past week. The ceiling at our room is made of gypsum board, and it's not waterproof. It's even worse than the typical plywood board, because the gypsum melts off when water sinks into it, making its surface thin and creates a hole that eventually lets off drops of water into the floor. I have so many rants about the ceiling in our room, and the newly installed and painted MDF ceiling and flooring in the living room. I wish there was a way to turn back time. What's really unfair is that we made proper and on-time payments, and the contractor's rate is way above than the usual fees you give directly to construction workers. Just sad. I don't even have the courage to take pictures of the floor (gray homogenous tiles and vinyl tiles), as they look tacky, out of place, and unprofessionally done.
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