ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr: April 2008

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Pasalubong from Marinduque

Received a pasalubong from an officemate who spent his vacation with his family at Marinduque...

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Boracay: Day 4

Writing this in a bus from Caticlan port to Kalibo Airport. Left Caticlan around 7:10AM.

Woke really early as we still have to prepare for our departure. The boat that would fetch us from The Panoly to bring us to Caticlan port would arrive at 6AM.

The alarm from my mobile phone woke me up from my sleep. My niece, who asked me last night if it is OK if she wakes up at 3:45AM, is already awake and informed me that some of the lights and the TV is off. I asked her to call the front desk about it. They were checking on it, she relayed.

Ate something to tide me over (roll of bread, banana given by Reynen yesterday and Combos). The power was back and the TV is again set to Star Mandarin.

The front desk called around 5:30AM and informed us that the boat has arrived. We went to the front desk to check-out. At exactly 6AM, we are already on our way to Caticlan port.

Reached the port around 6:30AM. Learned that the bus we would be in would be leaving around 7AM. Enough time to buy some goodies (dried mangoes, mangorind, etc.) as pasalubong at Angel's Store, which is right beside the office of Southwest Tours.

(To be continued...)

(...continution)

Writing this inside the Kalibo Airport.

Nothing exciting happened during the 1-1/2 hour trip from Caticlan. Already inside Kalibo Airport's waiting area around 9:10AM. One thing is sure, was able to access the internet faster as I was able to connect to a Wifi connection.

(To be continued...)

(...continuation)

Writing this in my desktop at home.

Our Cebu Pacific flight 5J 342 was delayed. Estimated time of departure (ETD) was supposedly 10:55AM, left Kalibo Airport around 11:45AM. Arrived at the Manila Domestic Airport around 12:45PM.

Well, leaving the plane (and airport) shows you characters of people, especially those who wanted to be first out.

While leaving the plane, a man wanted to leave before me, which raised my eyebrow. His companion must have seen this and told him about it. Well, he tried to be as far away as possible from me in the conveyor (area where one picks-up their luggage). Hehehe!

While queueing to leave the airport and have our baggages checked, one man keeps on pushing his boarding pass with the stubs of his luggage. Told him that the airport guard is still checking the bags of the person in front of him and wait for his turn. Now, that's telling him off. Hmpt!

Since we're hungry, decided to go to Glorietta to have our lunch at Pancake, proceeded to Serendra to buy a cake at Conti's and, finally, home!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Boracay: Day 3

Our third day at Boracay is to tour Boracay on a boat.

Before 7AM, my niece and I were already at the Receiption to inquire on the boat that would take us island-hopping. It seems our earlier inquiries upon arrival about this has not been finalized. Thus, went to the fishermen's houses to talk to Aling Juana for a possibility of looking for another boat that would take us on tour. I was already talking with Aling Juana about it when my niece called that everything is a-OK. Tsk! Tsk! Should have cancelled the arrangements with The Panoly. Thus, just ordered our dinner from Aling Juana.

Willy's Rock

On our way to Crystal Cove, passed by White Beach where we saw Willy's Rock at Station 1.

The trip to Crystal Cove island is exciting because of the big waves. One feels like riding a roller coaster.

Crystal Cove

There's a PhP 150.00 entrance fee at Cyrstal Cove. One can spend the day swimming and have a picnic at this island. But, we came to see the two caves where crystals were formed due to the hitting of the water on the walls of the caves. There is also a mini-zoo.

Crocodile Island

If my niece was decided to do some snorkeling, we would have gone to Crocodile Island. It is named as such because the island looks like a crocodile.

Thus, instead of snorkeling, we decided to go to Puka Beach to have our early lunch there. On the way there, one can see the Carabao Island. It is named as such because when viewed from the airplane, it looks like the back of a carabao (water buffalo). That is according to Eli, our tour guide/boatman.

The food is delicious, what with the fresh fish and crab. Added liempo with our meal. After the hearty lunch, proceeded back to The Panoly for a well-deserved rest.

(To be continued...)

(...Continuation)

While my niece slept, I watched Star Mandarin on cable... waiting for 5PM where we would be taking a banana boat ride. At 4:50PM, went to the beachfront to wait for our ride.

The ride was fun, fun, fun. It was so fast that water keeps splashing on us. And my niece who never rode one really enjoyed it. In fact, she still wanted to have another go.

We would be having dinner at 7PM and a dip in the pool after. Then, we would be packing our things before calling it a night as we should be checking out around 6AM.

So, before 7PM, we were already on our way to Aling Juana to enjoy the garlic prawn and liempo. My niece and I were able to finish half-kilo of each.

Since it is our last night at The Panoly, checked out Cafe Havana. Finally, my niece treated me with a mango shake! Hehehe!

While enjoying my drink, it rained. Waited at Cafe Havana, hoping that it would stop so that we can go back to our room. Since it seems it won't let, borrowed an umbrella from Cafe Havana.

Our plan to go swimming after dinner? Kaput! c",)

Friday, April 25, 2008

Boracay: Day 2

Today's the day we would be going to White Beach, checking out every nook and cranny. Hopefully, it would be a food and shopping trip. We would be taking the 9AM shuttle of The Panoly to d*mall. We also reserved our return trip around 7PM.

From d*mall (at Station 2), my niece and I walked to Station 3 looking for the English Bakery. The last time I went to Boracay with my other niece, the other passenger beside us is part owner of said bakery. Also learned from her the The Panoly usually orders bread from them. When we tasted the bread served, it was good! We tried to look for it but was not successful.

This time around, wanted really to find it. And we did! We passed the sign showing the way to d*talipapa. This is where we had our breakfast. Ham and cheese omellete with hot chocolate for me and banana pancake with Coke for my niece.

Walked back toward Station 2 to buy some souvenir items at d*talipapa. Am surprised, but my niece is very good in asking discounts... hehehe!

Satisfied with our purchases, went back to d*mall to have our lunch at Aria. We had Napoli Pizza. The eight slices pizza is too much for us; thus, brought the rest home for our dinner.

Near Aria, there is an ongoing Nestea Beach Volleyball competition. There is also a shop near it offering henna tattoo services. My niece wanted one.

While the henna tattoo is put at the back of my niece, decided to do some window shopping at d*mall.

Next stop is at Jonah's Fruit Shake, to try their famous banana choco peanut shake. Walked our way to Station 1, hoping to catch a glimpse of sandcastle/s for a photo-op. Oddly, there's none.

I guess my niece was tired of all that walking that she already wanted to go back to The Panoly. Good thing, there is a 2:30PM shuttle back. In order to catch it, took a tricycle ride back to d*mall. Called The Panoly to inform them that we would be joining the 2:30PM shuttle, instead of the 7PM one. Bought some items at Budget Mart , and fried chicken at Andok's for our dinner.

(To be continued...)

(...Continuation)

Rested a bit at our room in The Panoly. Me, updating my blog; my niece, watching Star Mandarin on cable. Around 4:30PM, we decided to swim at the pool before having our dinner.

The other family with us in the shuttle earlier from d*mall to The Panoly also decided to take a dip in the pool. Then, a staff opened the jacuzzi near the pool. Me and my niece raised towards it, beating the other family. LOL

Spent several hours in the pool until our fingers were wrinkled... hehehe! Then, went back to our room for our (take out) dinner.

Sidelight:

* While in the shuttle, on the way back to The Panoly from d*mall, heard the mother of the two guys tell them that they should know the actor portraying Pedro Penduko (he was seen near d*mall) as he is taking a workshop at ABS-CBN. My niece can only see the back of their heads and was curious when I told her about it. Thus, she made steps to "hunt" them and see how they look. Saw them in the pool and was disappointed. Hehehehe!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Boracay: Day 1

Writing this in the van on the way to Caticlan. Left Kalibo Airport at 8:25AM.

This must be a day of hits and misses.

First, thought that our flight would be at 8:10AM, thus, we are to leave the house around 5:45AM, enough time to be at the Manila Domestic Airport around 6:10AM, two hours before ETD. We even dropped by McDonald's to buy an Egg McMuffin Meal plus Hash Browns for our breakfast. While lining-up to check-in, that's when we learned that our time of departure is 7:10AM! They already made the last call around 6:20AM. The gods must be smiling at us as we were still able to get a seat.

While waiting to board the plane, found out that the cover and the battery of my battery-operated fan is missing. (sad) Another hit (or is it a miss?).

Touchdown of our Cebu Pacific flight 5J 339 is 8:00AM, ten minutes earlier than ETA. And, lo! It is raining. Hit (or miss?).

Now, gonna check that weather report...

(To be continued...)

(...continuation)

Writing this at my improvised computer work area at The Panoly.

Arrived at Caticlan Port around 10AM, about 1-1/2 hour travel from Kalibo to Caticlan. Our next ride is a boat bringing us directly to The Panoly. It is a 30-minute boat ride.

As soon as we docked to shore, my niece (first time in Boracay) is already amazed by the white sands of Boracay. We were met by the friendly staff of The Panoly plus a cool glass of iced tea for a welcome drink.

We, then, checked-in our room, rested a bit and already enjoyed the Star Mandarin channel on cable. Hehehe!

(To be continued...)

(...continuation)

Back to my improvised computer area at The Panoly.

Decided to proceed to talk to the The Panoly's Guest Activity Personnel to inquire on the activities me and my niece can do. Here, we met Reynen. Decided to ride the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to Mount Luho today, roam the White Beach tomorrow, and island-hopping and banana boat on Saturday. We would be checking-out at 6AM on Sunday for our flight back home.

Our tour guide is Mark, with his able, young assistant Alvin. (Alvin has a twin, Albert.) It should be an hour ATV ride, but it seems more than an hour, and we enjoyed every minute of it. At Mount Luho, we have to climb up several steps to reach the top and see the view of Boracay. Entrance fee is PhP50.00. At the peak, there are also unique animals being taken cared of--like a mini-zoo. There are monkeys, wild cat, the Philippine Eagle, bayawak, python, etc.

Our next stop is the Butterfly Farm, which we were able to see bats plus several species of butterflies. Entrance fee is PhP60.00.

After the ATV tour, we proceeded to d*mall. This is where Club Panoly's shuttle would pick us up. Pick-up time is at 4PM. Thus, strolled around d*mall while waiting for the time.

(To be continued...)

(...continuation)

Back to Neo eXplore X1.

My niece decided to take a swim at the beach to cool off after a strenuous activity of driving an ATV. We would both be swimming in the pool after dinner.

While waiting for my niece enjoy the water, Aling Juana approached me and informed me about dinner. I've learned before, at the side of The Panoly are the fishermen's houses where we can order food. This would be more affordable for us. But, we must order it ahead of time as they still have to prepare the food. Thus, it would be liempo and tangigue for tonight.

My niece also took a short dip at the pool. After showering, we proceeded to the side of The Panoly where the houses of the fishermen are. Ate our dinner there with Aling Juana as our cook. While eating, a family, also a guest of The Panoly, joined us.

Decided against a dip in the pool. Thus, called it a day by watching cable and updating my blog... hehehe!

Sidelights:

* Four friends were the other passengers on the van. As expected, they were the talkative ones in our ride. When they finally mellowed down, the one who is beside me fell asleep and was leaning on me. The good girl that I am, just let her be. But, the rest of her friends were laughing. Duh?!

* While waiting at Southwest Tours' office at Caticlan Port for our boat ride, a group of golden girls arrived. Sure was fun watching them banter around. They looked "sosyal". I think they would be staying at The Regency. But, I think, they were surprised when they saw the staff from The Panoly (with his fetching uniform) pick us up for our boat ride to The Panoly. "Mas sosyal!" LOL

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Forbidden Kingdom

It's my usual haunt. Wanted to watch 88 Minutes but it is no longer being shown in any of Glorietta's theaters. Good thing, The Forbidden Kingdom starring Jackie Chan and Jet Li is already being shown.

The movie is an action, comedy, fantasy film. With Jackie Chan in it, expect the movie to be hilarious. And for Jet Li, he fits his character as the Monk Soldier, quiet and strong. Reminds me of his character in Once Upon A Time In China. But, his portrayal as th e Monkey King witnesses a childlike, perky Jet Li. The scenes where Jackie Chan and Jet Li tries to outdo each other is a comedic experience (well, aside from good fight scenes).

The movie starts with Jason, an American teenager who is a big fan of Hongkong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing through a Chinatown pawnshop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason, where he joins a band of legendary martial artists on a quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King.

After the movie, went to The Landmark to shop and check some items; then, attended the anticipated Mass. We had dinner at Super Bowl.

Friday, April 18, 2008

"First Blood"

My kumpare already received his first paycheck from his new company. Thus, he treated us for lunch at Teriyaki Boy.... c",)

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

eXplore: Reunion

My kumare from Canada arrived to attend the wedding of her youngest brother. since she would be going back on Thursday, we are to meet with some of our friends today. Took a half-day leave from the office.

We were supposed to meet at The Landmark around 2PM. Thus, dropped-by PC Express, Buendia first to finally buy the sub-notebook I decided to buy.

It was a toss-up between the Neo eXplore X1 and the Asus Eee PC. My decision what to buy came down to this...

Asus Eee PC
512MB memory
4GB storage
<.9 kg weight
Linux OS --> cannot use my PLDT WeRoam
P19K++

Neo eXplore X1
512MB memory
30GB storage
1.4kg weight
Windows XP Starter Edition --> can be used with my PLDT WeRoam
P16K++

With my precious "toy" safely tucked, went to The Landmark to meet with my friends. Strolled around Greenbelt 5 and ate at Chateau 1771 of the same mall. Then, had coffee (and/or frappe) at Figaro at Greenbelt 3. Spent our time talking, sharing experiences and keeping each other up to date of what's going on with us.

Definitely a fulfilling day... c",)

Learned something about the Windows XP Starter Edition:

1) Only three windows is available. --> Considering the size of my Neo eXplore X1's screen (7"), I don't think I would be opening several windows. Hehehe!

2) It can only handle 512MB memory. --> If I want to upgrade my Neo eXplore X1 to 1GB, I have to change the OS to Windows XP Home.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Air-Cooled Nim's Island

It's Nim's Island for me. An adventure, comedy, maybe romantic(?) movie about a young girl who lives on a tropical island with his scientist father. When his father did not come back after pursuing another scientific finding on the sea, Nim seeks the help from the literary swashbuckling hero, Alex Rover. Unknown to Nim, the writer behind the hero is Alexandra Rover, an agoraphobic.

The movie is fun, funny and full of adventure. Abigail Breslin (as Nim) is spunky, fitting her role to a-T. Not to be outdone is Jodie Foster (as Alexandra Rover) and Gerard Butler (as Nim's father and as the fictional hero Alex Rover). Just "be the hero of your own story"... c",)

After the movie, bought some items at the Landmark Supermarket, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Italianni's.

Before finally heading home, dropped by Anson's at the Landmark Department Store and bought an air-cooler. Got a P700.00 off from the item.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Creative Zen Vision:W, Traveller D301

Received the document we are waiting for. This is the benefit that was stopped when the merging occurred. Thus, our contribution, our company's contribution plus the earnings from our contribution would be given to us. What is nice about this benefit, one is forced to save. Plus, it ensures that you double it because the company matches your contribution. Also, you get earnings for your contribution as it is invested.

Already bought yesterday one item in my wish list--a Creative Zen Vision:W. I was deciding between Zen Vision:W, Canon's Media Storage, Epson's P3000, and Archos. My primary consideration is that I can simply plug in my compact flash (CF) to it and my images can be transferred to the portable media storage. This way, in case I am traveling and my CFs are full, I can simply transfer my images and continue with my shooting.

One thing is sure, I got a good deal. Why? Because other shops that carry the same product (Zen Vision:W) sells them at the same price I bought mine. But my Zen Vision:W has an 60GB capacity; theirs is 30GB. Oh! I got other freebies, too.

Surfing, found a USB modem. Called the supplier (as it is listed in the website) for some of my queries. The modem is "open line" and one can simply use ordinary mobile phone SIM of any network--just have GPRS enabled.

Testing it at home, find that the Traveller D301 is better than Huawei E220 (provided by PLDT WeRoam), and definitely better than ZTE MF622 (provided by Smart Bro Plug-It Prepaid although they also provide the Huawei USB modem).

Both the Traveller and Huawei have their installer in the unit. Thus, once you plug the modem to the computer, the software and driver is automatically installed if it is still not existing in the computer. There are USB modems that you have to install the software and driver separately before connecting the unit to the computer.

I may be biased but I prefer the Traveller over Huawei. My basis is the behavior of my desktop when the Traveller is connected to it versus Huawei. (My desktop at home behaves oddly when unit/s are connected to it via the USB.) When I use the Huawei, I have to run the Device Manager to detect the USB modem. For the Traveller, there's no glitch. Also, I notice that even using it for several hours, the Traveller does not get warm to the touch.

Brightstar is the distributor of the Traveller USB modem here (telephone (02)638-6868). Traveller comes with a Smart SIM.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Framed Shots Outing: Day 2

We took more shots in the morning after breakfast. We stopped when the sun is way up in the sky and the heat is scorching. We are to leave after lunch.

But before actually leaving, we played some team-building activities/games. There's the hula hoop--with the group hand-in-hand, we have to pass the hula hoop to the next person. Then, there's the circular chair wherein the group forms a circle and sits on the other person's lap without falling. And lastly, there's a mat with holes in them wherein the group would hold on to the edge of the mat; the group must work in sync so as to guide the tennis ball without falling into the hole.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Framed Shots Outing: Day 1

Today's the outing of our camera club, Framed Shots. It will be at Mommy's Farm, Calauan, Laguna.

The meeting place is at KFC-Buendia (near Pasong Tamo) around 6AM, decided to hitch a ride with someone who would be going to Mommy's Farm at a later time.

Thus, we met at McDonald's La Salle around 1PM. We actually left around 2PM. Everything went smoothly until we (unknowningly) missed the turn to Calauan (as there's no signage). Good thing, we found a sign pointing to Calauan, but our route took us a long way to reach the Calauan Church (the landmark in the map provided to us). Actually, we were lost three (3) times until finally arriving at the venue around 5PM.

As soon as we arrived, we drew lots and took images of our nudes. This is the first time I tried nude photography. We still took shots after dinner. After which, the judging of the next theme: colorful jeepney.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Second Round of X-Ray: Doomsday?

Got the result of my second round of x-ray.

Initially, was afraid that something is wrong for according to the nurse there, they did not finalize first the report as the radiologist need to see the result of my first x-ray! What?!

Thus, immediately went back to the office to get my first result, brought it back and waited for their findings. There is no significant chest findings!!! (Except for the mild thoracic dextroscoliosis.)

To celebrate, decided to watch a movie after office (palusot... hehehe!)

Watched Doomsday at Glorietta 1. A sci-fi, action, adventure, thriller movie, a group of soldiers and scientists were tasked to go into the "walled country" (Scotland) as the threat of the same virus is imminent outside Scotland.

Thirty years ago, a virus outbreak threatened Scotland. To contain it, England builds a giant wall around Scotland, cutting it off from the rest of the world. Everyone believes no one survived. But when the same virus is about to threaten London, the group was tasked to find the cure as, all along, the government knew that survivors exist withing the walled Scotland.

The movie is action, action and, definitely, action. c",)

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Parking No Parking

On the way to the jeepney terminal at Park Square 1 to get a ride home, heard a loud, booming voice who seems to be berating someone. The owner of the voice is the owner of a white Nissan Patrol SUV with 888 as the plate number's last three digits. (Hmmm... now, who likes the number 8 in their car's plate number...) His car is parked (near a "No Parking" sign) in front of a shop at Glorietta 1 selling musical instruments. And to think, the GUards arE just trying to do their duty.

ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr