It’s been a long while that I haven’t updated this blog. I’ve been busy this month enjoying myself with the twice travel I made to Davao City and a cruise going to Bohol. I’m considering this month as the best month of the year not only because it’s my birthday month but because many of my dreams did come true during the month of August. It was fulfilling and I can say that I truly live the best life. Though simple as it was, small dreams that came true are priceless.

My First travel to Davao City happened last Aug 6, 2010 together with my office buddies that include Bryan. I availed a 3 day vacation leave that left me worry-free during our stay there. And on my birthday I spent the day with my family in Gingoog City.

To summarize the eventful day in Davao, I will list here the place I have visited and dreamed once:

1. Samal Island - Don’t missed the island hopping and scuba diving experience in Samal Island.
2. Crocodile Park - See how crocodiles grow in this park, touch them and have a taste of their meat. There are wild and extinct animals living in the park too. You will enjoy the place and understand nature more.
3. Dencio Restaurant - Don’t forget to treat yourself at the place. They serve delectable meat and rice. The whole gang agreed that the foods really taste good!
4. Malling - Step in the G-mall, NCCC mall and SM Davao. They have huge spaces for shopping.
5. Food tripping - Visit some small food cart in malls. I tried some yogurt and pizza there.

Later this month I visited Davao City again for business purposes. But fun can never be out of place despite of works. Other places I got to see:

1. People’s Park - Marvelous structures will entertain its visitors. It is perfect for bonding and doing some exercise both for family and friends.
2. Ranchero Grill Restaurant - They served well respectable dining experience. Place has good ambiance and a playground stood at the side which attracts us while waiting for the foods to be served.
3. Lachi’s - Sweet goodies are available here. If you have a sweet tooth, bring with you some items from here.

The second’s visit highlights our meeting with the other team members in Davao office. It’s such a wonderful time to finally see and meet them. Though visit was short, it’s good enough to talk with them.

I was very happy with the travel I made in Bohol this month. The splendid island, I can’t explain how I feel being there. The rich cultures, the nature, the warm people all adds in a one of a kind experience. I’d like to say that I’m lucky to reach the place, to watch in my very own eyes the beauty of their bountiful nature. No wonder many tourists flock in the province.

1. Chocolate Hills - It’s been one of the seven wonders of the world. You can’t help but be amazed with it’s structures.
2. Tarsier - The smallest primate in the world. They’ve became extinct.
3. Prony - The famous phyton in the Philippines that few artists have visited like Kuya Kim.
4. Man Made Forest - Tall tress standing to give you shade and cool travel just before you reach Chocolate Hills.
5. Loboc river Cruise - Take the romantic cruise in Bohol and taste their cuisine to add to the whole experience.
6. Baclayon Church - Say a prayer in this prehistoric church.
7. Blood Compact Statue - This one is a famous picture of strong men having a compact at the scenic view of a horizon.
8. Balicasag Island - a  small white island that has pristine waters and green nature wonder. Do snorkeling and boating in the fish sanctuary. Really great place for unwinding.
9. Bohol Tropics Resort - Nice place for food tripping and picture taking during the night. It has lively dancing lights and good oldie music to indulge with.
10. Island City Mall - Shop at this convenient mall at Bohol.
11. Calamay - Who doesn’t know about their specialty? When you say Bohol, Kalamay is associated with it.
12. Dao Diamond Bed and Breakfast - We stayed in this cozy place while in Bohol.
13. Loboc Forest Camp - They have house of butterflies and other species of animals.
14. Hanging Bridge - Fight your fear over high heights by walking and crossing  the shaky bridge.

I will be writing soon more of each detail of the places above. That include the fiesta in CDO and my birthday.
Keep on posted.

Finally! My first camera has arrived from Japan woho! I was quite anxious of when can I finally hold it and take unlimited pictures! My colleague in college was considerate to brought a cam for me from Japan. It’s an Olympus mju 7020 which is sold cheaper at the said country.

olympus mju 7020

This is one of the goals I have achieved this year Thanks God for letting me win it ^^

I wanted to go back to Apple Tree Resort and Hotel in Opol, Misamis Oriental. Just to feel the breeze and enjoy the air the beach has to offer. I love its pool because it has huge space for people who have a height like me hehe. I enjoy learning and practicing swimming there cause I’m assured that I’ll never get drown.They also have jacuzzi beside the pool. Food is great, breakfast is awesome. An experience in the hotel means you’re ‘living a good life’ at the moment

I wanted to escape this scorching heat in the City. Please take me there hehe..

Apple tree

jacuzzi

Apple tree resort

As you may have known, yesterday was a special day to us. And we did a special treat for each other too! (without planning or sharing it). On my part, I am into learning new things though I suck big time to some technicalities specially in terms of computer related works I still tried my best to create a video for him. It’s my first time ever to do a video without a help from anyone, I just used the Windows Media Maker, and do a researched over the internet.  Wanna see the outcome? haha its too obvious that I’m such a newbie or noobs as they call it. Well I’m taking it one step at a time (Sounds like a song hehe). And know what I did for the first time again?

Yes that’s right, it’s my first time to upload videos in youtube too! I printed the screen on my email confirming that my uploaded videos are successful. They also emailed on how to promote your videos.

I collected our old pictures ( old or shiny)  stored in my computer. You will notice we almost have the same collections of pictures lol. So when he presented his video I shouted out with delight cause we have the same idea (well what boyfriends/girlfriends are for). But you choose which is the better video between the two here. These pictures in the videos were taken a year ago when we just started going out. I know you will find the videos both cheesy and corny and so let the cornier video begins, made by yours truly:

Why I choose this song The man who can’t be moved? It’s because he is the one who introduced it to me and the meaning is direct and sweet. Mine’s boring video, it’s like presenting pictures in a slide show

Then here’s video that Bryan made for me He used Cyberlink Power Director. I might install that application too so I could create better movie (still enthusiastic).

Why he choose this song? I don’t know why too! hahaha. That’s for me to find out.

Yesterday is a special day because it marked as the day of our first year of officially dating (Bryan and I of course). Bryan has been the generous type of guy who gives me what I need and sometimes what I want. I became spoiled sometimes but he makes it a point to not tolerate this kind of attitude. As a present for yesterday’s, I slowly opened a small package and ta-da! A wrist watch is revealed and shining right into my very eyes. But I already expect that he’ll give me something (giggles), that is why I look forward to month’s celebration and year’s too! Sounds clever *-* This thought gives me a thrill and enchantment. But hey that is not the reason I’m happy about us, I’m just happy that we make up to our differences and get along and adjust to every situation we have (hope so)

We have revisited Bigby’s Cafe this time, all in all the dinner was great from main dish to drinks and desserts.
Rack a bye baby is such a sumptuous dish. They are right when they brand it ‘you can’t get enough of it’. Perfectly describes how good it taste.

rack-a-bye baby

For a sweet treat, here’s fudgy sensation made of brownies and topped with vanilla ice cream.

fudgy sensation

yellow mango shake

bigby's cafe

jennifer-lopez2

Perfect hair do for summer, right? We are suffering from the heat of the sun, sometimes I can’t stand the heat anymore. This hair bun would be a great option to have a refreshing look at this weather we are experiencing. Jessica Alba and Jennifer Lopez look good at these modern buns.

Can you bear to watch this bird die because of toxic foods it gathers from the garbage we carelessly throw anywhere? This is just one of the effects of exploiting natures resources. Thinking of what you can do to help save our Mother Earth? You can! By doing in your own simple ways. Practice them and eventually you’ll be used to them. We can as a responsible care taker of Mother earth take part on this valuable cause.

We cannot let the Earth just die. Climate change is man made problem therefore, it is us who would solve it (John F Kennedy). Little action could make a difference. If you have passion of the things you are doing, eventually you can influence others too.

1. When going to a grocery, don’t use plastic bags. Bring your own bag or basket. The benefits, less garbage more convenience in shopping. I bought a bag like this for grocery purposes.

2. Don’t buy something new just because their is a new gadget being introduced in the market like cellphone. You may throw the charger and cellphone just anywhere when you purchase a new one. Remember: They are not biodegradable and it takes years to decompose them or maybe not. So please take good care of your things to avoid purchasing and throwing the old ones. The benefit, save more money, save mother earth.

3. When going to grocery, buy the packed size items or the larger ones to reduced purchasing many plastic. Sample, instead of sachets, go for the bigger ones. Sachets creates mess too.

4. Instead of riding your own vehicle to go somewhere, have an exercise and take a walk. The benefit, less oxygen and good exercise for the heart. You can opt to do bicycling too.

5. I know you’ve been eating at fast food restaurants. Minimize eating in them, styrofoam are already in millions Don’t try to contribute to this problem. Don’t be lazy, take time to cook in your own house.

6. Helium balloon is a no no! Do you know where they go after flying them? Inform your friends if they like to fly balloons that it’s a contaminant. They would not decompose and became hazardous to forest, riverbanks, seafloors where some of our endangered species lives.And the worst part is they became foods to these

8. Be early to bed as to minimize energy use. Turn off unnecessary appliances.

9. Holding a a kiddie party? Don’t use paper plates and plastic glasses and spoons. Be a warm host, offer your treasured plates to your guests.

10. Go natural. Instead of buying fruit juices stored in cans and plastic container, why not choose the fresh fruits? Easy to bite and has more nutrients.

11. Recycle, recycle, recycle. Don’t throw away your things yet and find ways to recycle them so they can be used again.

12. Support the green company. I admire and patronize companies that helps in campaigning the green community and saving mother earth because they are not only thinking about profiting but thinking as well what they can contribute to the country.

13. Test your politician how much he cares. Think of a presidentiable and candidates who cares a lot about saving the mother Earth. Haven’t decided yet on this one but this factor should be considered.

14. Become a green driver. The faster you drive the more gasoline/diesel you burn. Our recycling truck gets 18 mi/gallon when we drive 70 mph but it run 22 miles a gallon when we drive 53 mph.

Have you realized today when going to a mall how many waste they are disposing? Just in a store or a food chain alone? You can’t count them but you can count the things you can do.

Aware of climate change? Or just too blind. The challenge is to take your part!!!!

Dating back when I was just a little kid in my elementary years, I always looked up to my lola and admire her for being such a bookworm. She collected and subscribed to monthly editions of reader’s digest and Women’s magazine. She also had some educational books around her room she well kept and treasured. She treat it with great care and kept it in place where no insects and dust can touch. She was like that, keeping those books in a place we Filipinos called kaban. Due to my curiosity as a little kid I started to climb and reach her collection of books and slowly opened them once a day, one by one. I became enthralled by them and a book lover out of me eventually crept in as time goes by. Books are not only made up of papers and pens. Far more it is made out of love and passion for knowledge and the value of sharing. Furthermore it creates a memory, a memory of someone who’s been part or a great influence to us. One true value that lola gave me is to always seek knowledge in books. That’s why when I see a collection of books I can always remember my lola.

I’m sharing here one of the poems I would never forget while reading one of her magazines. When I am contented and happy with life, these lines would pop up into my mind. It’s my lola’s second anniversary today and I simply remember her and pray for her.

I don’t know why until now I never forget this poem. It’s been 8 to 10 years ago that I have read this one. Hope you read it between the lines. It’s very meaningful and idealistic.

I Wish You Enough

“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Good-bye..”

I found myself not motivated to work these days and I don’t know why. I am receiving the appropriate salary and treatment but still find some looses. I’m serious about this. Maybe I need a real break. My mind just don’t want to think, it wanted just some entertainment and funny thoughts. And work is such a serious job. Haaayyy. Sometimes I get tired with this fuss ( I can’t elaborate it here) So thinking what could be more appealing and entertaining to me at the moment I try looking up into my old pics. I really love pizza and I have collection of pics of them. Maybe this could relax my mind. I’m starting to crave for pizza as I look over at these pics. Hope I have one on my hand ready to bite as I try to overcome this frustration and wandering mind.

Shakey's Thin Crust Pizza

Bacon pizza at Shakeys

Greenwich's meat overload

pizza hut solo

yellowcab pizza

The face in delight with a pizza.

First off I’d like to send my greetings of Happy Valentines to you! So how did you spent the day? Was it a remarkable one? On valentines day we visit the place of El Salvador Municipality, particularly the Divine Mercy Shrine. It is Sunday so a mass was held at the chapel. Luckily we have attended the said mass. The mass is treated with great respect and solemnity. Ladies are required to wear long skirts as it is a holy and sacred place, so ladies take note, when going there use the appropriate skirt specially when they are holding a mass (Sunday). It’s my first time to visit the place and I don’t have the knowledge yet about this policy. I’m sorry about this ignorance. Good thing they lend long skirts to visitors wearing pants like me. So I end up looking like this. So how do I look with this one?

Okay this is not the highlight of the Shrine but this 50 feet statue.

Bryan and I are amazed and awed upon seeing the structure. It’s a huge and beautifully crafted one. If you are devoted to the Divine Mercy, you should watch it in real life. You can only climb the stairs and reach the heart of the Divine Mercy when you have the permission (given by the priest and staff of the shrine). Inside the heart of the Divine Mercy is a hidden niche of a life size statue of St. Faustina. The cross section of Ray is made up of stained glasses.

Some Facts about the Divine Mercy Shrine:

Lot Area:9.8 hectares
Purchased Price: P8,500,000.00 including taxes
Master Planner of architects: Palafox Associates, Makati Metro Manila
Sculptor: Nick Reyes, UP Fine Arts

They also have a flowing holy water. So when you go there bring with you an empty container so you can fill it with this water.

Following are the pics I took while we are climbing the stairs. I took it to show or reveal how the statue looks like as you get nearer to it.

Looking like a real tourist….and the face looked so tired too. hehe

Seeing the wide ground with flowers surrounding it creates a good feeling. Across the hill where the Divine Mercy stood is the endless sea. It’s a breathless view and the air is so refreshing.

El Salvador

And let me remind you to bring an umbrella, the heat can spoil your visit.

Or if not, enjoy a cute shade of a plant.

It was a great day and we’re happy with our date. Enjoy your visit too.