habagat tales

back to the working force

2011-03-26T11:52:00.000+08:00

Hooray for me! Started working last week in Ortigas again but I think I bit more than I can chew. Been trying to match wits with civil engineers. Argh! The first week was sort of a drag. Been perfecting the act of doing nothing at work while working my ass off for tasks in extra curricular projects. I'm barely getting any sleep. I hope my extra tasks would slow down a bit. This week, I was assigned to a major project and I'm still trying to learn the ropes. Most of the time I'm out on the field doing ocular inspections at the sites. Sadly, I'm getting frustrated with myself as I find myself not being able to do the things I want to do. This is what you get for being the new guy at work. Oh well.

And to my thesis, I'll get back to you. :)

Story of my life this season

2010-12-20T09:36:00.001+08:00

I can relate. :(

Big Cat Cub photos

2010-12-09T13:15:00.000+08:00

I just want to share some of the pics I saw at the National Geographic website. These two are just so adorable. They inspired me to take more photos of animals. Haha. :P

king cheetah cub

asiatic leopard cub

Source: National Geographic

Habagat goes to The Greenery

2010-12-01T15:46:00.000+08:00

We went to The Greenery in Bulacan last Monday to help a friend with his sister's pre-nup shoot. Their official photographer was kind enough to let me shoot from the sides. The place was awesome and it was a very enriching experience. So now, I have a little idea what happens in a pre-nup shoot so I can use this experience in my future endeavors. Haha.

The Sword with No Name

2010-11-18T13:30:00.000+08:00

So, I watched this film yesterday and I think it was okay. The usual love story formula and some CGI fight scenes. Since the film was set in a time where Westerners were finally coming in Korea, it was interesting to see some of the reactions of people regarding foreigners and how the politics work with other countries especially with Japan and Russia trying to influence national policies.
The fight scenes were okay most specially the last one where the Japanese stabs the Queen and blood was squirting out of her body. Gory but good. I can't stop myself from blurting out expletive words. Haha. But that was not the most disturbing scene for me, it was actually the last scene which were flashbacks. It was supposed to be all sweet remembering their happy time together but then the guy-licking-the-girl's eyeball happened. I'm still having goosebumps whenever I remember that scene. *shivers.

Skyworld

2010-11-14T09:34:00.001+08:00

I bought these at Komikon yesterday. I was there to see if Trese Book 4 was already released but when I saw these, I immediately told myself that I just had to get them. Finished reading them and Trese crossing-over to Skyworld was just awesome. Geekgasm. Haha. Can’t wait for the next issue which hopefully will not be on the next Komikon. I want it now. :P

25th

2010-11-08T19:30:00.000+08:00

I missed my own party due to a work-related meeting. Crap. This will not happen again. Good thing Habagat was there to stand in for me. :P

hello bank book

2010-10-20T17:42:00.000+08:00

So, this is me saying hello to my bank book as I was finally able to open my own bank account. :) I've been planning to do so for years now but I've been hindered by my lack of proper IDs and a whole lot of procrastination (and funding, that's the most important part haha). But since I recently got a new ID, I thought it was time to do so. Hello grown-up world. Here's to a future where I hopefully will not be forced to close this account. :P

PS.
I still need to wait for a week to get my ATM and I really have no idea why I've decided to get a bank book in addition to the ATM since I'm planning to just check my account and pay bills online. Oh well.

the back-up plan

2010-10-04T19:14:00.000+08:00

Zangetsu broke my heart and my pocket. I had to buy an external hard drive to save all my files right there and then. I was actually targeting a 1 TB hard drive for a long time now but since the situation calls for immediate action, I had to settle with a 320 GB. Still can't say if I'm loving it but it's ultra portable and the sleek black case is just too hard to resist. Hahaha. I'm still figuring out when is the best time for me to back up my files. Once a week seems like a pain so I'm leaning towards the once a month plan. We'll see. Meh.

zangetsu version 2 is up

2010-09-29T22:28:00.000+08:00

Well, I got my laptop back and I've spent the last 2 days trying to reorganize my files. My iTunes library's intact but my iTouch recognized it as a new library and I had to painstakingly customize it again. Everything's still a mess since some of the licensed softwares I was using are gone and I can't find the installers. Gah! Even my Norton antivirus is gone so I've settled for Avira. I sure hope it's good. Photoshop's still missing. And I'm not really excited to install ArcGis again.

My Life According to Dashboard Confessional

2010-09-26T23:00:00.000+08:00

Again, I'm bored.

Using only song titles from ONE ARTIST, answer these questions. Repost as “My Life According to (name of artist)” and share with your music-loving friends.

Are you male or female: Saint and Sailors
Describe yourself: These Bones
How do you feel: Again I Go Unnoticed
Describe where you currently live: In a Big Country
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Places You Have Come to Fear
Your favorite form of transportation: Currents
Your best friend is a/an: Belle of the Boulevard
Your fear: Rapid Hope Loss
What is the best advice you have to give: Remember to Breathe
Thought for the day: Bend and Not Break
How you would like to die: Vindicated
Your soul’s present condition: Slow Decay
Your motto: Don't Wait

Zangetsu died on me

2010-09-26T18:22:00.000+08:00

Zangetsu, my laptop, has crashed. He lost all of his reiatsu so I'll be bringing him to Soul Society to get fixed. Gah! I don't have any back-up and I have a pending deadline by the end of this month. I hope it can fixed without erasing all my files. :(

I am Death

2010-09-26T11:35:00.001+08:00

I'm bored.

You are Death

Change, Transformation, Alteration.

People fear this card, but if you want to change your life, this is one of the best indicators for it. Whatever happens, life will be different. Yes, the Death card can signal a death in the right circumstances (a question about a very sick or old relative, for example), but unlike its dramatic presentation in the movies, the Death card is far more likely to signal transformation, passage, change. Scorpio, the sign of this card, has three forms: scorpion, serpent, eagle. The Death card indicates this transition from lower to higher to highest. This is a card of humility, and it may mean you have been brought low, but only so that you can then go higher than ever before. Death "humbles" all, but it also "exults." Always keep in mind that on this card of darkness there is featured a sunrise as well. You could be ready for a change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Noriter

2010-09-09T12:34:00.000+08:00

I spent the day waiting with Juraine at the hospital for her doctor. Since the doctor was running late, we had to kill some time so I decided to read some of Juraine's case files and bother her about the stuffs I don't understand while she was busy playing the Impossible Test on my iTouch. Haha. :P

waiting game

frustrated iTouch gamer

After her appointment, we still had to wait for the traffic to lighten so we headed out to Noriter, a cafe I always wanted to go to. A nice relaxing place where people can study and enjoy good food. Plus the decors are cool. Cups are everywhere. They have another branch at Dumaguete which was a memorable place since that was my first trip outside of Luzon. I will try to visit that branch the next time I'm in Dumaguete. :)

noriter

cups

strawberry sans rival cake

climb, little man

wooden gardener

Ip Man 2

2010-09-06T14:41:00.001+08:00

I "saw" this film while on my way to Siem Reap. I'm putting emphasis on the word 'saw' because that is all that I did, I never fully understood the story because there were no English subtitles. At first, I thought that it would be pointless to watch a film where I don't understand the dialogues but as I had nothing else to do inside the bus and I'm naturally attracted to the TV screen, I can't help but glance at it from time to time. And soon enough, my attention was focused solely on the film. The story was quite moving based from what I can tell from the scenes and the fight scenes are great especially the one where they were fighting on top of a round table. :P
The film was a good distraction from the monotony of the long bus ride. The weird thing is that I totally forgot about this film until yesterday when I saw a commercial for a new cable channel and they were showing clips of various Chinese films which luckily included this film. I immediately searched the net to find out what this film is which is actually quite challenging since I don't know the title, the cast, and the year it was released. Nada.
After an hour of web surfing, I finally found the details. So my next task is to find out where I can get copies. Haha. :P

Edit:
Funny thing, I saw a poster of this film in Bulacan yesterday and after that I was able to watch the first half (with subtitles yeah!) on a bus on the way home. Talk about serendipity. Haha.

Zombie Shaun and Ed

2010-09-01T13:10:00.001+08:00

I just need to blog about this. Haha. I want one.
It's a scene from the movie Shaun of the Dead. Epic. :P

photo source

funemployed no more

2010-08-07T00:10:00.000+08:00

Whenever people ask me what I do or where I work, I usually say I'm currently unemployed, albeit being slightly embarrassed or that I'm a full time student finishing my thesis (which is a lie because I haven't even started. I still need to find a topic. Dang!) whenever I'm talking to people in the academe.

So the usual scene happened today while I was doing some layout at a friend's workplace (yes, apparently I do layouts now and I'm now called an "artist" despite the fact that my brain's protesting that it's more logical than creative) and her colleague asked me the dreaded question. So I answered him that I'm not working and followed it with an awkward laugh. So the colleague thought I was joking and pressed on. Good thing my friend was beside me and answered that I'm a freelance consultant (which is actually true because I'm now legally eligible to say so and the fact that I'm still involved in a project which was supposed to be finished last May. Not my fault though).

Freelance consultant, it has a nice ring to it. Vague but not embarrassing to say to other people. I'll use that term from now on until I get a decent job in the future. Haha. :P

Habagat in Ta Prohm

2010-08-05T18:30:00.000+08:00

Ta Prohm

looking for Lara Croft :P

Habagat in Bayon

2010-08-05T18:22:00.000+08:00

Bayon showdog

ruins

Habagat in Angkor Wat

2010-08-05T18:19:00.000+08:00

sunny morning at Angkor Wat

Habagat in Siem Reap

2010-08-05T18:13:00.001+08:00

Habagat goes to Siem Reap.

on the way to Siem Reap

because Fanta still exists

Beef Loklak is love

Angkor beer

Habagat in Saigon

2010-07-11T19:12:00.001+08:00

Habagat outtakes while taking a break from the conference.

tea is love

waiting for pizza

Iris and Habagat

Angkor Wat Sunrise

2010-07-04T17:22:00.000+08:00

A beautiful sunrise to chase away my travel blues.

travel frustrations

2010-06-21T21:17:00.000+08:00

Gah! I'm just frustrated that none of the travel plans I made last year will come true. A beach-less summer just blows.
rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant rant

I just hope that the upcoming trip this July will not get cancelled.

Enchanted Kingdom

2010-05-27T12:53:00.000+08:00

Spent last weekend at Enchanted Kingdom for some family bonding. The long lines and scorching heat was less than desirable. They added some rides since the last time I went there but they all have extra fees. Dang. The go-kart was fun though.

space shuttle

wheel of fate

20c

cobblestone

go-karts are fun

grand carousel

self-portrait

fireworks to end the night

Pacman's 30th

2010-05-22T09:17:00.001+08:00

Today is Pacman's 30th birthday and you can play this game at google. Haha. Nostalgia.

review break

2010-05-21T14:18:00.000+08:00

A brief break before I resume reviewing. I haven't even started on all the laws. Sheeeesh.

sample exam result

2010-05-18T15:17:00.001+08:00

With only 29 days before the exam, I think I need to work double time. So much to read, so little time. Lately, I can't seem to find any motivation to study but now that I have an estimate score, this could be it. I aim to increase my score by 10%. Gah!

Pahiyas 2010

2010-05-16T20:59:00.002+08:00

After several detours and transfers, we arrived at Lucban in one piece. That's the last time I'm commuting to the Pahiyas Festival. One good part though is I got to ride at the jeepney's roof from Luisiana to Lucban. Yep. Just me. It's like a rollercoaster ride with all the zigzags and the cool wind blowing in your face. :P

view from the top

top load

It was also the first time that we really made any effort to join in the festivities by decorating our house. I was supposed to go there early to help out but several things came up.

our house

kiping

San Isidro

broken wing

Hachiko: A Dog's Story

2010-05-11T08:44:00.000+08:00

Hachiko is a story of a faithful dog who waited for his dead master for years. Based on a true story, Hachiko has became Japan's national symbol for loyalty. A statue was erected on his waiting spot in Shibuya. Awww. Can I have my own Hachiko?

I voted

2010-05-10T11:45:00.001+08:00

don't mind the shirt

Catanduanes kids

2010-05-08T13:10:00.000+08:00

Some of the kids I've met along the way in Catanduanes.

green

stare

brotherly love

ice cream friday

2010-05-07T17:15:00.002+08:00

just because of the sweltering heat and the stress from a day of loitering at the DFA

spelunking at Virac

2010-05-05T14:27:00.001+08:00

Half a day of exploring some caves in Virac. It would have been great if we had the proper gears and wearing the proper clothes. Some ropes would have been helpful too. Haha.

descending into the unknown

into the darkness

Martial Law Babies

2010-05-04T15:44:00.000+08:00

a story of living, loving and leaving

A graphic novel by Arnold Arre which is about a group of friends who were tagged as the Bagong Lipunan children, being born during the Martial Law era. A good read, it made me reminisce how simple life was back then. Although I don't belong to this generation, I can still relate being born during the second half of the 80's. The story moves forward coupled with a few flashbacks to explain how things happen.

After reading this, it made me question where is home? Where am I heading to? I guess I really need to get my act together.

Underpass

2010-05-01T21:50:00.000+08:00

Underpass is Summit Media's first ever graphic novel. It's composed of four short stories with a dark fantasy genre. A cousin lent me a copy and it was good. Erm, well the first two story probably deserves a shrug because it was a bit weird for me while the last one was pretty funny if it was true. Nice one. Haha. Katumbas is the best story for me and I think that it deserves to be expanded into its own series. The illustrations were just plain awesome and the story's very intriguing that it made me crave for more. I give this story two thumbs up. I hope Summit Media will publish more. :P

Habagat attends SURP graduation

2010-04-26T17:40:00.002+08:00

April 25, 2010

It's that time of the year again where Oble's wearing his sablay and the sunflowers are in full bloom. Good luck to the graduates and those still trying to graduate. :P

Oble

smile because it's graduation day

adventures at Puraran

2010-04-24T15:52:00.000+08:00

I became a full-fledged stripper at Puraran. Erm, no not that kind of stripping. More like this:

a full-fledged abaca stripper

A local was kind enough to demonstrate how abaca fibers were made starting from the tree up to the drying process. It was fun watching him extract the leaf sheath around the trunk and then turning them into strips that will then be used in the stripping contraption. He demonstrated how to use the contraption and then we tried it. Nice.

Majestic Puraran Beach Resort

the waves of Puraran

We stayed at Puraran for a few days and made it our homebase since we will be visiting the nearby municipalities. Sadly, I never got to swim in the waves nor learn how to surf. Aside from a fully-packed schedule, the current is too strong so we were advised not to swim in certain parts as we might be carried out to sea. Well, there's always a next time. :P

This is Brad, the local beach dog. Feed him and he will be your new best friend. Haha. Seriously. he is a very sweet dog who will follow you around. He even sat near me as I was shooting the beach one cold morning. He also likes digging in the sand looking for crabs. Haha.

i miss Brad

the reason I have uneven sunburnt arms

climbing the top at Bato

2010-04-23T15:23:00.001+08:00

Bato is located at the southwest part of the island of Catanduanes. What's interesting about this town is how they pronounce the name. It has a softer ending not like the usual Tagalog pronunciation. They even made a joke about it. Haha.

The St. John the Baptist Church (more commonly known as Bato Church) started construction in 1830. The exterior is very antique but the inside was renovated through the years. One of the trip highlight for me was probably climbing the belfry. It was one of the things I have always dreamed of. I told the church caretaker that one of my goals in life is to be able to climb one and I was so happy I finally did. They were a little confused and asked why. Was it because of my health or am I afraid of heights? I told them that it was the other church caretakers' fault being stingy and all. Haha. It was not like I'm gonna jump or something.

the antique bell

the view from the belfry

Habagat

shooting the bells

black sand in batalay beach

white sand in sakahon beach

Another trip highlight for me was climbing the PAGASA Weather Radar Station with a raging Signal No. 1 typhoon somewhere in the country. It would be no fun if you will not experience the best product Catanduanes is known for, typhoons. Haha. Local joke. :P

But lately, typhoons haven't been hitting the province, which is a good thing so that their agriculture sector can now flourish.

radar station

big ball

typhoon wind in my hair :P

view from the top

inside the big ball

day trip at San Andres

2010-04-22T16:30:00.001+08:00

San Andres is the municipality just west of Virac. It is historically known as Calolbon. It boasts of a lot of beaches and falls. We didn't even made a dent to our list of places to see. One of the interesting place to see is the municipal hall which sits on top of a hill and has a view of the Mayon Volcano across the sea. Once the sea port is constructed, Caramoan will only be 30 minutes away from San Andres. Nice. :P

Another thing to visit is the Batong Paloway. It is a stone which has the image of the Virgin Mary and was said to be growing through the years. Luyang Cave is also interesting as it has historical significance to the locals.

steep stairs just to get to the municipal hall

a view of Mayon Volcano at the municipal hall

hammock, the most wonderful place to rest thy feet after a muddy trek

see my point

well, this one's just plain vanity

i just love the texture of wooden antiques

Habagat's abaca bed

inside Luyang Cave

viewing the rock formations at tibang beach

Caramoan: so near yet so far

first few days at Virac

2010-04-21T21:38:00.001+08:00

Our flight to Virac was via Zest Air which was a first for me. The flight was delayed for a few hours so I got to hang out at the Old Domestic Airport. There was nothing much there. They have free wifi but I couldn't connect to the net. Days before the flight, we were told to pack light so I tried to cram all my stuff and six days worth of clothes inside my backpack. Imagine my surprise when I saw my companions carrying big suitcases plus backpacks. Haha. So that's what they call packing light. :P
The flight was okay, uneventful perhaps except for being hit in the head by my seatmate's bag. Grrr. We stayed at Rhaj Inn for a few days. They have free wifi at the reception area and at the restaurant.

playing the app 2012 on my ipod was probably not the best idea :P

Rhaj Inn

good morning mr. sun!

parallel lines

bored out of my wits

mornings don't work for me

sous chef for a day

2010-04-20T14:36:00.001+08:00

A cousin of mine just finished culinary school, so for my mom's birthday we decided to experiment a bit and try out a few things. Most of the dish I posted here doesn't have a recipe since we cooked it by the "nose". Hahaha. Good thing the relatives liked it. :P

ENP Review Sessions

2010-04-16T09:32:00.000+08:00

The 4-day review session was held at Serye, Quezon Memorial Circle last April 9 to 12. As with all review sessions, we were bombarded with information and after the first day, it seems that we already need a break. So we decided to head to the Circle of Fun since it was only a stone's throw away. The first thing we did was try out the Water Ball. The three of us were excited to try it out but we found out that the inflated balls for adults were under repair and the only available were for the kids (those weighing 50kgs and below), much to Eman's dismay. So me and Jaja had fun trying it out despite the stuffy air inside. We then tried out the other rides like the rollercoaster and the bump cars.
We learned a lot and had fun the next few days. Sir Joel got elected as president of the review class. We then ended the review session with a couple of beer with a few review classmates.

Hello Mayon!

2010-04-15T11:35:00.002+08:00

The Mayon Volcano is a definite must see when you find yourself in the Bicol Region. Although it was cloudy when we went there, the clouds can't hide the beauty that is Mayon which was aptly named after the local heroine Daragang Magayon which means beautiful lady.

As my companions were busy posing and taking photos, I was content to sit under a cool shade and just stare at the volcano which was like playing hide-and-seek with me as it keeps hiding and reappearing beyond the clouds. Or it was like a shy lady who keeps peeking at her suitors.

Next time we meet again, I will see to it that I see you in your full splendor. (And I will remember to charge my batteries then. Hahaha :P )

Habagat goes to Catanduanes

2010-04-10T01:54:00.000+08:00

Just got back from Catanduanes after almost 2 weeks of exploring the island and the culture of the people living there. I would love to share tons of pics but due to copyright issues, I'm bound to ask permission first from the company that hired me. Oh well. Hahaha. I will try to sift through the pictures and see what I can share online.

off to Catanduanes

2010-03-24T01:00:00.000+08:00

I'm leaving in a few hours for Catanduanes but I haven't even started packing yet. I'm still busy finishing a report due today. Sheeesh. Spell S-T-R-E-S-S.

test post from raiju

2010-03-21T17:21:00.000+08:00

Test post from raiju, my new itouch. I'm still trying out a few things and it took me a good 10 minutes just to post this one. Hahaha. I'd probably not use this for posting 'coz it's too complicated for me. :p

tired of pretending to be smart

2010-03-17T20:42:00.000+08:00

I just feel so exhausted today after a day of pretending I know a lot. It's not easy keeping up with a doctorate and a professor. I might have used up all my mental capacity for a year. I can't even think straight. I'd better get some sleep and deal with everything tomorrow.

Habagat goes to Zoobic Safari

2010-03-11T20:26:00.000+08:00

March 6, 2010
Subic Bay Freeport

the usual souvenirs

the way to the hiking trail

the official mascot

no picture

2010-03-07T21:06:00.000+08:00

The problem with being the one behind the camera is that I have no decent shots of myself. And now, I'm looking for a full body outdoor shot of me as an ID picture. Argh! I can't find one. Darn.

yellow watermelon

2010-03-03T14:22:00.000+08:00

as yellow as can be

Erm, forgive the ignorance but I only just recently found out that yellow watermelons exist. Haha. I was amazed when I saw this at our dining table today. I was so used to seeing the red variety that I couldn't help but google for yellow watermelon just to make sure my dad's not pulling a prank on me. :P

bed hair day

2010-03-02T09:28:00.000+08:00

I don't know which is more frustrating, the fact that my mom woke me up early in the morning to carry boxes of ceramic tiles from Muntinlupa back to Laguna, or that she didn't even tell me that my hair was sticking up at weird angles while doing all that. Grrr.

zombie

2010-02-27T05:23:00.000+08:00

awake for 24 hours...
staring at the monitor for 22 hours...

err...

2010-02-26T23:55:00.009+08:00

got a long night ahead and an even longer day tomorrow...

Clow Cards

2010-02-22T12:21:00.000+08:00

The Four Elemental Clow Cards

Hot Air Balloon Festival 2010

2010-02-19T01:29:00.001+08:00

February 14, 2010
Clark Freeport Zone

We arrived at Clark during the wee hours of the morning only to lose my aviator glasses. Darn it. And to top it off, it was so cloudy. No blue skies for us. We were wondering why there was a big mass of clouds hovering on the site when the surrounding areas are cloud free. Sheeesh. Talk about bad luck. At least we were able to get inside. I hope next year would be better. :P

UP Fair 2010

2010-02-10T18:30:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year again where students can stay up all night and party all week long. Well sort of. Aside from the music brought by the various bands performing on stage, there are also a lot of food, games and rides. I remember when students can come to class drunk, haven't bathed, and with henna tattoos on their faces. Haha. Just because it's the UP Fair. :P

marcus adoro

jeff bolivar

soapdish

Power, Palace and a shot of Beer!

2010-02-04T17:39:00.000+08:00

A short trip with Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks. It was quite interesting as Ivan was very much animated with his explanations about the history of the Philippines in general. It was actually very fortunate for us to be able to see the various memorabilia of our history. Paintings, statues, books, clothes and old furnitures was everywhere. Neat. :P

the chandeliers

Presidential Seal

Manuel Quezon

Lapu-Lapu

the Marcoses

the Aquinos

Pasig River

The short snack or merienda after the tour at La Cocina de Tita Moning was quite filling and very much delicious. Since we have foreigners in the group, the conversations about the different places that they should visit just fuelled my desire to travel to these places. Hopefully soon. Very soon.

Ivan, Mitch and Dane

back to the past

2010-02-01T00:13:00.000+08:00

Last Friday I made a short trip to the past. Certain events has made me walk down the streets I used to play in during my formative years. It is now that I only realize how lucky I was to be able to walk from home to school and pass by Malacanang every day. Security was less strict back then or maybe I just didn’t pay attention. Haha. Well, I passed by the place where our old house used to stand and saw how dilapidated the general area has become. Sometimes I wonder what could have happened to me if we never moved and I grew up on that area. Well I just hope that it’s not better than what I am today. :P

15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

2010-01-27T18:51:00.001+08:00

We got our photographer pass for the event which means that this year we will be shooting in the designated photographers area and our ticket entitles us a Caltex Gas Card worth 500php and a T-Shirt. Not bad for 1000php. Regular tickets cost 150php. Last year, we went to the event but since I woke up late, we missed the hot air balloons. I hope that will not happen this year. Haha.

new planner

2010-01-24T10:10:00.000+08:00

So I got a new planner. The I Was Supposed to Get that “Coffeehouse Planner” But I Got Fat, Broke and Insomniac on the 10th Frappe Planner. Haha. I hope I can use it since the last planner I got still remains to be used. :P

hired

2010-01-21T15:29:00.000+08:00

I think I just got hired last night. Err.. at least for a few months that is since its sort of a consultancy thing. I'm not sure if it's the right move since I still have tons of academic requirements that I need to deal with, the ENP board exam coming this June and the paper I'm supposed to be writing for a conference. Well maybe this is for the best since I'm kinda slacking off with all my responsibilities. Haha.

eclipse? err no..

2010-01-16T07:35:00.000+08:00

Eclipse? Fail!. Darn clouds. Darn trees. I didn't have a good vantage point. Disappointing. Oh well.

solar eclipse 011510

2010-01-15T09:47:00.000+08:00

I heard some news the other day that there would be a solar eclipse today. So I'll try to catch it later this afternoon since that's the expected time it will be seen here. Too bad it's not a total solar eclipse and that the sun is already setting so I doubt that I will even see it. Haha. Oh well.

bored in class

2010-01-09T14:56:00.000+08:00

Free wifi in class.
Bored.
Waiting for our turn to report in class.
*sigh.

blade runner

2010-01-08T18:08:00.000+08:00

I am now finished with this book. Hummmm.. It seems that I'm reading faster than expected that I only have one book left to read. Maybe it's time to visit the library and get started on those class readings... or not... :P

nightmare factory

2010-01-07T19:18:00.001+08:00

A couple of friends gave me this book for Christmas.Talk about being in accord with what I feel about the holiday seasons. Hahaha. They told me that they have no idea what to give me so they settled for a book which was actually a good choice. I have only browsed through the first few pages so I still don't know about the stories itself but the illustrations are interesting. Sweet. I'll start reading this as soon as I finished the book Blade Runner.

magic mouse

2010-01-06T13:38:00.000+08:00

the magic mouse that prevents carpal tunnel syndrome... or so it says..

oh yeah, and fox tv asia is up so that means Simpsons! Simpsons! Simpsons! :P

stare down contest

2010-01-05T09:40:00.000+08:00

No matter how many hours I stare at the screen, I know that a paper will not magically write itself...

schoolwork for the year

2010-01-04T12:38:00.000+08:00

Paper, Paper, CDP, Thesis... it's high time I deal with you...

going solo...

2010-01-03T23:04:00.000+08:00

I have decided that this year will be a little more me and a lot less you, you and you.

I just found out that the people I consider my friends for a long time think I'm weird and the only thing I'm good at is taking their photos. Talk about sucking the fun out of the thing I love to do. Well, if being different from the rest of you means I'm weird then so be it. At least I'm not afraid to try out new things and go to different places. Try reading for once instead of watching lame noontime shows, who knows maybe you'd learn something new.

For the only person whom I asked for help, you left me hanging up in the air. Again. Disappointing. I promise not to ask anything from you anymore.

And for the other set of people whom I've... enjoyed the company ... developed emotional attachments? ... considered my friends? ... I can't even find the words to describe you but you only remember me when you need something from me. I guess I'll try to teach myself to need you less.

This year, I resolve to go solo and do things on my own. I don't need your approval. I don't need you.

finished Rant

2010-01-02T16:18:00.000+08:00

Having a hiatus on reading Stephen King books.
Rant. Satire. Conflicting points of view. Rabies. Party Crashing.

new year lunar eclipse

2010-01-01T04:53:00.001+08:00

let's start the new year with an eclipse.. :P

need to get away

2009-12-31T13:35:00.000+08:00

far far away from where I am right now..

waiting for the blue moon

2009-12-30T14:24:00.005+08:00

A few days before the blue moon. Just testing my lens and trying out different settings.

Erratum: The next full moon would fall on January 1 here on the Philippines so January would be the blue moon month. Oh well.

Batibot Christmas Party

2009-12-23T11:23:00.000+08:00

December 19, 2009
IVC Elementary School, Marikina

Juraine hosted the Christmas party of the Batibot Daycare Center, which was devastated by the recent flood, as part of her birthday celebration. Food, games and gifts for the kids. There was a lot of kids and kids-at-heart running around. Haha.

spongebob squarepants

habagat

being mobbed by the kids

success

UP Technohub Christmas

2009-12-21T13:18:00.000+08:00

Christmas decors at the Technohub.
After the Lantern Parade.

Lantern Parade 2009

2009-12-21T12:56:00.000+08:00

December 18, 2009

The annual Lantern Parade showcases a lot of lanterns and fireworks which serves as a venue for the university to air its comments about the various issues that's hounding the nation like climate change and the maguindanao massacre. It also serves as a venue for people to meet up and just have fun. :P

stop the killings

gloria

darna

beer!

fireworks

to believe or not to believe

2009-12-10T14:45:00.000+08:00

December 8 Fiesta

photographers outside

the most ignored sign that day

I woke up early that day and headed to Antipolo partly for a group meeting but mostly for the free food. Haha. The planned meeting place was the church and it was packed with a lot of people. I even saw my friend's mom from Laguna. It struck me a bit strange that there was a mass every hour which was probably to accommodate all the visiting people. A groupmate fetched me and we headed to another groupmate's house where a lot of food awaits us. The food was excellent. I probably ate most of the time I was there. As we were leaving, my groupmate's grandmother, known for having a certain gut feel about the future (she doesn't want to be labeled as a fortuneteller), approached us and we thanked her for the food. She said that it was nothing but she would love it if we would invite her to our wedding. Wedding?! What wedding? Me? Getting married? Uhm. You must me mistaken. That hasn't even crossed my mind. Err, and here I was planning to die a bachelor. Haha. That was the strangest prediction someone has told me. I really rather not believe.

Happy 3rd!

2009-12-09T11:17:00.000+08:00

The scruffy looking dog just turned 3! Although most of his siblings have gone into hibernation, he will still try to blog about his recent adventures and misadventures. To the three years that we've been together, Cheers! :P

Ride & Roll Diner

2009-11-30T18:21:00.000+08:00

Ride & Roll Diner is located at 59 Xavierville Avenue, Quezon City. A nice place to hang out if you like art and music. They have these cool books and paintings about music icons and comic book superheroes. Haha. We certainly had a blast just discussing about random geekiness. We will certainly try some more of their menu next time we're there since we only had nachos and milkshake since we're going to a dinner that day. :P

ride & roll diner

marvel encyclopedia

captain america

iron man

ely buendia

batman

Boso Boso Church

2009-11-30T13:39:00.000+08:00

After coming from Barangay Calawis for a survey, we headed to Sitio Boso Boso in Barangay San Jose to visit the oldest church in Antipolo.

According to the marker located in front of the church, it was first constructed in 1700 under the Jesuits but it was damaged by an earthquake in 1880. In 1930, it was abandoned when the town was moved to another location due to a proposed construction of a dam but when that didn't push through the people came back. In 1943, it was razed by fire and was restored back to its original design and construction in 1993.

Boso Boso Church

church marker

church entrance

buttress

side entrance

inside

Attempt at the Pyrolympics: Fail!

2009-11-23T11:50:00.001+08:00

After coming from a group meeting, we decided to come watch the World Pyrolympics in Taguig. Since we were waiting for June's class to finish, we hang out at the lib of Romulo Hall since I've never been there before. A small scary place especially at night. Haha.

outside of Romulo Hall

Traffic was terrible. Parking lots were packed. Lots of billboards blocking the view. Rain. Fireworks flying low. Haaaaay. No tripod. Big flop. I doubt if I'll try again next Saturday. Haha. :P

everyone was at the other side

Habagat

lens envy for a Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM ultra-wide zoom lens

due to shaking hands

the sole decent shot which still sucks

booking mania

2009-11-21T02:39:00.000+08:00

It's already 2:30 in the morning and I'm still online chatting with friends trying to book as many flights as possible for the coming months. Cebu Pacific has launched another seat sale. Haha. Now I have no idea where to get the money for those trips. Gah!

back to Antipolo

2009-11-20T15:32:00.000+08:00

I was recently in Antipolo for school work and it seems that I'll be coming here more often in the coming days. We got the chance to sit in a meeting with some barangay officials (I have no idea why I'm shaking hands with a lot of people) and discovered how diverse the city is. Urban and rural areas sitting side by side.

the birthday dinner

2009-11-13T21:55:00.001+08:00

November 10, 2009

My first class for this semester ended early. It was so early, two of my classmates who were already in the vicinity missed it. Haha. But it's interesting to note that we already have an assignment due in two weeks. Meh. :-|
We met up with the two at the parking lot then decided to have dinner (which doubled up as my belated birthday dinner) at the Sky Garden in SM North. Even though it was a Tuesday, the whole strip was packed.

good food + booze + chillax music + friends + a gadget I can tinker with = good night

Here's to alcohol, the cause of—and solution to—all life's problems.

CYC Island

2009-11-13T15:26:00.000+08:00

The last remaining public beach in the Coron Island Loop. We only stayed for a while since the island is so unkempt and littered with trash. We even saw a monitor lizard (bayawak) happily scampering in the beach. Our guide swam to shore and tried to chase it.

CYC Island

mangroves

Malaroyroy Island

2009-11-13T15:18:00.001+08:00

Malaroyroy Island is located on the northern tip of Bulalacao Island beside Banana Island or Dicalabuan Island and facing Ditaytayan Island. It is linked through sand bridges to two islets. Malaroyroy has two beaches. The west side has white sand beach while the east side is teeming with mangroves. Entrance fee is 150php with free coconuts. Haha. :P

blue skies

rest house

east side mangroves

west side beach

free coconuts

Malcapuya Island

2009-11-13T13:53:00.003+08:00

November 1, 2009

Malcapuya Island is located about 30 kilometers south of the Coron Poblacion and east of Culion. Since it was our first stop for the day, we literally had the beach all to our selves. Talk about being lucky. We got to pick the cottage with the hammock which just completes the whole beach experience of just lying around enjoying the shade while watching the waves roll up on the beach.

a stretch of white sand paradise

turqoise waters

We even found a new hobby of climbing coconut trees but it's not as easy as it seems. Haha. I lost my slippers somewhere but it made me remember how nice it is to feel the earth with your bare feet. I wouldn't mind going home barefoot but then I realized how icky and dirty the concrete of Manila is. Good thing I found it. :P

exoskeleton

the missing slippers

Kayangan Lake

2009-11-13T12:59:00.000+08:00

Kayangan Lake is dubbed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines.This freshwater lagoon is found amidst sheer limestone cliffs. There is a 200php entrance fee.

Swimming in the lake is like a break from the day's routine. It actually felt weird to taste freshwater after swimming in seawater the whole day. The place has that mystical feeling, like it was never disturbed by any human activity. Looking underwater, one just can't shake off the feeling that a sea monster can suddenly emerge and take you down. The jagged rocks and deep water just boosts your imagination to the max. Haha. Near the platform, there are those small pointed fishes that seems to be used to human presence. Just dip your feet in the water and you have an instant foot spa. They would slightly peck your feet thinking it's food. You just need to be very patient. Before leaving, we made sure that we got our picture taken at the viewing spot to prove that we've been there. Be careful of the mosquitoes though.

the occasional swimming monitor lizard

the tame pointed fishes

fishy foot spa

swimming amidst limestone cliffs

the compulsory shot to prove you've been there :P

Coron Bay Loop

2009-11-13T12:37:00.002+08:00

October 31, 2009

Coron Bay Loop:
Atuwayan Beach - Php100
Skeleton Wreck   - Php100
Kayangan Lake    - Php200
Siete Pecados      - Php100

Half a day of swimming and basking in the sun. Snorkeling fun to see the wonderful world beneath the waves. :P

atuwayan beach

snorkeling site

sunken ship

kayangan lake entrance

siete pecados fishes

swimming with the fishes

Culion: The Old Leper Colony

2009-11-11T15:57:00.002+08:00

Culion is part of a group of islands in Northern Palawan called Calamianes. During the Spanish Period, these were known as Las Islas de Calamianes, Provincia de Espana. This municipality was once known as the largest leper colony in the world. Today, although there are still some cases, there is no need to avoid this place since there is already a cure for leprosy and it is not highly contagious. Besides, it lets you take a peek at the old Philippines.

approaching Culion

Fort Culion

the lady in white

inside the church

Fort Culion

silent guard

We left early in the morning to get the most out of our time since we were planning to go island hopping in Coron Bay after Culion. Our first stop was the Culion Church and Fort Culion. Next was the Culion Sanitarium and museum but we found out that it opens at 10AM on Saturdays. We had to wait so we decided to eat breakfast at a nearby store.

Museum fees are Php250 for foreigners, Php100 for non-locals, Php50 for locals, and Php20 for students with IDs. Good thing I have my ID. Haha.

find me

Culion: Shooter Sniping

2009-11-11T15:30:00.001+08:00

Testing my 55-250mm on shooting moving subjects. I'm still getting used to being able to zoom in on people without being so obvious. Haha. Paparazzi.

Perya

2009-11-11T15:25:00.001+08:00

On the way back to the town proper, we passed by a local perya and decided to try our luck a bit. We didn't mind that we were still dripping wet. We just want to have some fun. :P

Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hotspring

2009-11-11T14:54:00.001+08:00

Mt Tapyas is located in Busuanga Island. It stands at 210 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the Coron Bay. It has been developed as a tourist site with a stair of 718 steps which leads to the summit where a giant cross was constructed. We caught a breathtaking sunset where the sky just burst into different colors.

After Mt. Tapyas, we headed to Maquinit Hotsping which is located 20 minutes away from the town proper. Entrance fee is 100php. It is situated on the mangrove forests of Coron and it is the only known saltwater hot spring in the country with temperature ranging from 38-40 degrees Celsius. The first dip into the pool was unbearable, but after a while you'll get used to it. Floating on the pool staring at the full moon is just pure bliss. A nice way to end the day after a tiring climb.

Mabentangen River and Dam

2009-11-10T00:30:00.001+08:00

A popular spot among the locals. This was where the group of local teens we spotted earlier that day at the plaza were heading. The road going here is a bit rough and muddy. What you will find is a fresh water pool being held by a dam. It kinda reminds me of the dam at Ditumabo Falls in Aurora.

Lambingan Bridge

2009-11-10T00:10:00.001+08:00

The bridge that leads to nowhere. Well, it's not really a bridge, it's more of a pier or dock. I bet the sunset here would be grand. Too bad we came here in the morning. At least we were able to observe the daily life here.

Coron Cemetery

2009-11-10T00:01:00.001+08:00

Since All Saints Day and All Souls Day was just around the corner during our stay in Coron, we decided to drop by the local cemetery to see all the preparations that are being made by the locals to honor their dead. It makes me wonder why I am so fascinated with cemeteries. I even made a paper about it during my undergrad. Haha.

waiting for customers

hardworking

fallen

fakes for the dead

Coron: First Day

2009-11-09T23:37:00.000+08:00

Marye and I were the first ones to arrive at Coron. Kuya Randy, the van driver, told us the history of the land surrounding the airport. The Yulo King Ranch was said to be owned by Marcos. It was a literal ranch with hundreds of cows. The road linking the airport to the town is currently being paved which aims to reduce the travel time. Sadly, it diminishes the rustic setting of the ranch. I'd rather pass by a dirt road and be welcomed by the sights than get to the town faster without even bothering to look out of the van.

While we were looking for an accommodation, we walked around the town to see the sights. What impressed me the most is the cleanliness of the town and how everything seems to be within walking distance (or we are really just that cheap that we'd rather walk than ride a trike.. haha..).

santa claus on vacation

kids of coron

coron church

We checked-in at Seadive Resort and then ventured out again to explore the town more.

24

2009-11-07T00:00:00.001+08:00

Err... yeah.. I recently turned 24. It came as quietly and as uneventful just like how I planned it to be. I'm not really a big fan of celebrations where I need to be sociable. I am not a people person. I'd rather stay put in a corner and avoid all the well wishers. :P