Starting my year with these declarations, see attached photo. Happy New Year everyone! I promise to write about these resolutions in my future posts!

It’s the start of the BER-month. Merry Christmas!

If it’s over, then it’s over. Guess it’s time to move — on.
Be brave enough to start all over – AGAIN.

My very first recipe post ever. 

Good thing, vegetables in the market are starting to go back to its normal price. We can go ‘gulay festival’ again at home.  Woohooh!!! The vegetables in our Pinakbet  for lunch today, was bought last night at SM Supermarket at Php 40.00. Pre-sliced and packed, but fresh though.  :)

PINAKBET or Pakbet is a classic Filipino dish from the Ilocos region of mixed vegetables and pork stew.  It is popular all over the Philippines and variety of  ways to cook it was invented over the years.  Personally,  I love my Pakbet with tokwa (tofu) instead of pork and with no bagoong alamang (Filipino shrimp paste).  

Let me share here another way I cook Pakbet — with pork just like in the original recipe.  Bagnet, which is also popular in Vigan, Ilocos is a good alternative.  In my cheaper version, I love to fry the pork strips in its own oil and make it crunchy (like the bagnet). It matches really good with the veggies half-cooked. Not much of  cooked bagoong  and water, no MSG or commercially produced mixed seasonings, please.   But equally tasty. Yum. Yum. :)

Estimated cooking time is  35 minutes. Though the secret to a tasty food is in the slow cooking, I believe.

• 1/4 kilo pork with fat, cut into small pieces or strips
• 2 Ampalaya (bitter melons) sliced to bite size pieces
• 2 eggplants, sliced to bite size pieces
• 5 pieces of okra, cut in two
• ½  medium sized Squash, cut to serving pieces
• 6 pcs. String Beans, cut into serving pieces
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 2 onions, diced
• 3 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 small ginger, crushed and sliced
• 4 tablespoons bagoong alamang
• 1 1/2 cup water
• Patis (fish sauce) and pepper to taste

• In a hot pan, put pork strips with little salt and mix. Little by little add water  and bring to boil until it dries up and  oil comes out.
• Fry in its own oil until brown and bit crunchy and cooked, Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
• On the same pan, sautee ginger for awhile, then onions and garlic.
• Add bagoong and tomatoes,  mix until bagoong  gets cooked.  
• Pour in pork and vegetables and mix until vegetables are almost done.
• Add fish sauce or salt to taste.
• Pour in water and simmer for 10 minutes. Be careful not to get it overcooked.
• Serve hot with plain rice.

For life’s simple pleasures, please visit my  site — www.insearchofligaya.wordpress.com under the RECIPE category. Feel free to send in comments, queries or suggestions.  Thank you! 

10.31.09

It’s my 35th birthday today. Yes, I am a Halloween baby. 

Without fail, I have always been excited and would mental check almost everyday since Ber month arrives till the ’big day’.  There are quite a many reasons why I love looking forward to my birthday. It’s not about the party or the gifts, I simply believed that birthday is a celebration of life.

Plus the fact that it took two miscarriages for my mother before she was able to conceive me.  What more could we be thankful about, right? To cut the story short, I was able to wait up until it’s time for me to come out. I was tiny and was  indeed cooperative that I  did not made it hard for her to deliver me to the world.

I received a lot of  greetings from friends today and a few sweet little gifts, collectively even months ago. I am thankful also that I did not get sick on my birthday week this year.  

Hope that I will accomplish my to-do list in the next two weeks and will be able to get a better internet connection, need some catching up to do with work. Tsk.  And a few other personal things I should attend to.

Just random thoughts….

Would like to share stories about my ‘search’ and  a few interesting topics that spells life’s simple joys. Will also start posting my 360 photoblogs beginning tomorrow. Sooo excited.

Lessons learned :

Easy come, easy go — including LOVE.

Trust your instinct. Always be positive. Avoid people who pulls you down.

Last Sunday, I’ve seen Now and Then on QTV11′s Chick Flicks. On young Teeny’s scene on the mirror, the song I’m Gonna Make You Love Me was used as a theme song. For awhile I thought I was already hearing things for thinking so much about the person who introduced me to the song, glad I’m not. Sad though. I wonder what’s really going on.

I still believe that there are a few good men out there who really mean what they say. *sigh*

The song has a very nice lyrics. Though I admired Stevie Wonder, I love Diana Ross and The Supremes with The Temptations version more.

I’M GONNA MAKE YOU LOVE ME

by Diana Ross and The Supremes with The Temptations

ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

eddie: i’m gonna do all the things for you
a girl wants a man to do, oh baby
i’ll sacrifice for you
i’ll even do wrong for you, oh baby
every minute, every hour
i’m gonna shower
you with love and affection
look out it’s comin into your direction

chorus: and i’m i’m gonna make you love me
oh, yes i will yes i will
i’m gonna make you love me
oh, yes i will yes i will

diana: lookie here my love is strong you see
i know you’ll never get tired of me ooh baby (sure won’t)
and i’m gonna use every trick in the book
i’ll try my best to get you hooked hey baby (take me i’m yours)
and every night, every day
i’m gonna say
i’m gonna get ya, i’m gonna get ya
look out boy cause i’m gonna get ya

chorus: i’m gonna make you love me
ooh yes i will yes i will
and i’m gonna make you love me
ooh yes i will yes i will (you know i will)

diana: every breath i take
and each and every step i make
brings me closer baby, closer to you

otis: and with each beat of my heart
for every day we’re apart
i hunger for every wasted hour

eddie: and oh every night and every day
i’m gonna get ya, i’m gonna get ya
look out cause i’m gonna get ya

chorus (fade out)

P.S.

Damn, I missed honeydew.

Disclaimer : Due to a bad internet connection, this post could have been posted on 10.31.09.

I saw these sweet little stickers on the inner sleeve of the cover of my everyday worknotebook. I had these when I was at home in Taytay. It was also the day  before I realized that dates 10.10.10, 11.11.11 and 12.12.12 are also nice wedding dates after seeing  a feature on the news of couples . Anyway, I am not thinking about my own wedding to this writing — at least not yet. But I’d like to talk about  something related to that one of these days. 

My two year old niece Ishka (my own nickname for her, short for Chieska or Franchieska . She was reprimanded several times for jumping all around and screaming in the house while her little 3 months old brother was sleeping.  I got her punished for almost kicking her brother’s face when she sat on the couch near him and let her sat quietly, hands clasped and placed on her lap. She’s not allowed to talk or move until I told her to. Somewhat it is also a good way to enhance child’s EQ (emotional quotient)level.  She fell asleep while waiting for her punishment to end.

How she looks like whenever she’s punished —infront of the TV. Oopss. Don’t try this with your kids, it may not be effective to all sort of kids as punishment, but with her it was indeed effective than the old school face-the-wall  we used to give her whenever she gets so unruly which we believe to be a little humiliating for the child.

As soon as her punishment was lifted, she tries to catch my attention away from the computer.  She knows how to charm me and get me to play with her no matter how I am engrossed with something. But I pretended to be busy. I wanted her to understand that what she did was wrong and I mean to punish her like that again next time if possible. She can’t be all the time so energetic and ransack the house and make noise especially when someone’s sleeping. It’s our first lessons to her about respect.

Then I heard sounds like she’s digging her toys from its box where she keeps it when playtime hours were over. I called on her name and tell her it’s past 6pm and she can’t play anymore. Then she came to me smiling and waving a sheet of stickers while calling me sweetly — Tita Joooyyy  —with matching pouting lips.   She has the sweetest way of saying my name.

Smiling, she said something like ‘love, love, Tita Joy’. She started to lift the sticker from its sheet and before I could  tell  her not and get the stickers on my arm. Then she goes : ‘O di ba? Love, Tita Joy’ (See, Tita Joy, Love). Then she hugged me tight and kissed me. I felt guilty and wondered if punishing her like that is mean and cruel.

I indulged and let her put one sticker on my face and one on my netbook even if I knew I shouldn’t put anything near the monitor. To preserve the memory, I took a photo of it before I transferred it to the inner page cover of my everyday work notebook. Now I have it on this blog. I want her to know someday that no matter how unruly, naughty and so irritating she is at times, her loyalty and forgiving attitude that goes with her smile, sweetness and talkativeness really seals the deal with us. Much as we don’t want to give her such punishments because she is just two years old who needs to be understood and give so much patience to but she has to learn her lessons as early as possible. 

Yesterday that I brought  her to the playground as a reward for  sleeping in the afternoon and behaving while the little boys (her 3 month old brother and one week old cousin) were sleeping. 

I think I shed a few pounds running after her.

But I don’t want to sugar-coat words. I am really torn — knowing that many lives was dismissed by typhoon Ondoy. Many homes were washed out by his rage. But once again, Filipinos will prove what ‘bayanihan’ really means. I pray one day, we will work together to save Mother Earth so that she will not give another outrage such us this.

Thank God because rescue operations will be done much easier now, heard about groups organizing relief operations, I hope I can do my part too.

The rain has stopped, thank God. But a new storm in my heart has just began. Part of it was missing, taken away by someone from ’my next paradise-home’. 

I feel so stupid to believe that someone could really make me feel so wanted but yet free.

WILDFLOWER

by Skylark

She’s faced the hardest times,
You could imagine
And many times,
Her eyes fought back the tears
And when her youthful world,
Was about to fall in
Each time her slender shoulders,
Bore the weight of all her fears
And a sorrow no one hears
Still rings in midnight silence
In her ears

Let her cry,
For she’s a lady
Let her dream
For she’s a child
Let the rain,
Fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild

And if by chance,
I should hold her
Let me hold her for a time
But if allowed just one possession
I would pick her from the garden,
To be mine

Ummmm………………..
Be careful how you touch her,
For she’ll awaken
And sleep’s the only freedom,
That she knows
And when you walk into her eyes,
You won’t believe
The way she’s always payin’
For a debt she never owes
And a silent wind still blows
That only she can hear
And so, she goes

Let her cry,
For she’s a lady
Let her dream,
For she’s a child
Let the rain
Fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild

Let her cry,
For she’s a lady
Let her dream,
For she’s a child
Let the rain
Fall down upon her
She’s a free and gentle flower
Growing wild

She’s a flower
Growing wild

She’s free…….

It’s starting to stress me thinking that someone or a bunch of your loved ones are worrying for nothing for you while I am just living my life one day at a time. Anyway, for the nth time and for the record. I want to declare here, that — I am happy with what I have, with the choices I make and most especially of what I am today. The same goes with my excitement of how I will be, what I will choose in life tomorrow. I always believe that life shouldn’t be thought of as a complicated one and we shouldn’t make it complicated. Just do what makes you happy without hurting anybody, and everything else will just follow. Live today better than you have lived your yesterday, and don’t forget to think of how to make your tomorrow the best one. It should be as simple as that.

Thanks for the care, guidance and support. The seemingly fun and silly remarks may better off take a stride. Believe me, it’s not gonna help me. Because in all honesty — I’M OKEY AND I DON’T NEED IT, at least not yet.

Middle life crisis isn’t  for me. If possible I want to skip it gracefully if it may not be necessary. I wish to live up to my 80’s, therefore I should be experiencing it on my 40’s. :) Five years to get ready for that may be enough. hehe.. ( oopss.. how about the ‘Life begins at 40’ saying, don’t forget that, huh ).

I am turning 35 two months from now. Yes, that’s true. My social network accounts declare that publicly. If you meet me in person and asked me about my age, without batting an eyelash and comfortably, I’ll tell you the truth. I don’t see the point why hide it. (especially if it shows, hahaha! ). If you think asking me if I am married or how many kids do I have is offensive, you’re wrong. My quick reply would always be ‘I’m totally single’ (technically). We can even go on forever talking about it. :)

I always feel I am just 25 years old, body and spirit. The truth, I decided to stay on that age so I will not worry about growing old.  I don’t have plans of letting go of that good feel, even in the next five years. Just don’t try to ask me about my vital stats now. I don’t really know the answer. All I know is SEXY is my second name. Hahahaha. (blame my friends and ‘friends’ for making me believe that and not trying harder to lose weight).

Seriously, approaching mid 30’s made me want a revision on my current life without stressing too much on the number. I’d love to share my take on that and write it on my birthday blog after my planned Halloween party. By the way my birthday is on October 31. Every year is like a Freaky Birthday for me. But ever since as a child, I am always excited about my birthday. 

For now, I would like to post this WISH LIST in celebration of my freakin’ but exciting and challenging new stage of my life . I hope this will give you (yes YOU), get me a birthday gift. Just post a comment for clarifications so you can avoid sending me the wrong gift. Hahaha..

Apologies, it’s kind of lengthy. Feel free to choose just one. 

RANDOM BIRTHDAY WISH LIST

( a combination of WISHES, GOALS and OBJECTIVES, both tangible and intangible. Originally it’s 35 but I trimmed it down to 20, for easy reading and feasibility. Hehehe…)

I WISH …..

1. To have a successful and well attended HALLOWEEN event this year by friends and friend’s friends in their
costumes and/or make-up. Details TBA.
2. To have sturdy, efficient but ‘fasyon’ bag for my Aspire One. Big enough to fit in all my ‘mobile office stuff’ as
well.
3. To have spare batteries for my notebook, digicam and celphone.
4. To have a new celphone and a wireless landline.
5. To be able to quit smoking and coffee— totally.
6. To learn to drink San Mig Lite. ( I am a RHB fan ).
7. To religiously take my milk and supplements.
8. Go back to running and play some sports for fitness and health.
9. New books on business, health and crafts.
10. A signed collectible CD of at least three of my favorite local rock bands.
11. Reunite with ‘old friends’ and renew friendship.
12. Get rid of ‘O-C-R-G’. ( ooppss.. don’t ask what I meant with O-C-R-G )
13. More projects ( events, trips, websites ) to come. 
14. A very good graphic artist who can deliver original and fun designs for our.
15. A birthday medical check-up.
16. A one week birthday vacation at a relaxing beach.
17. To have an International Wedding Planner certificate.
18. An autographed collectible CD or DVD or book from any of my favorite music artists, film or author.
19. A handwritten poem by one of my favorite and admired person.
20. Jesus Christ painting by Joey de Leon. (my ultimate wish for my 35th birthday, tangible but priceless)

A letter from my cousin who got married last July. I guess I should keep a record of it here. To remind me of what I am already missing.

I had a crazy month approaching my very first full wedding coordination project last July 11. Had passed on a lot of meet-ups and chats with people who needed my time and help one way or another. I missed a few ‘gimmicks’ and avoided opening my inbox with interesting subjects from our grade school alumni yahoogroups. Damn, I’m missing a lot on things and hhmm..someone.

On the other hand, I am glad because I finally started with a new venture. Not to mention, my No Front Act was on its 4th Year already. I look forward to better years to come. More events, parties and opportunities.

ON TITA CORY

Just finished watching a documentary about our Former President Cory Aquino who sadly, after battling for cancer for more than a year, finally gave her good bye to the Filipinos 3:00 am of Saturday, August 1, 2009.

I was still in my Retronym event at Checkpoint Bar in Parañaque that time and was about to go home when heavy rains poured. Newlyweds Mike and Audrey invited me to sleep over their place though, but I wouldn’t want to disturb their sweet time of course. So, I asked Mike hailed the next cab we see when rain kind of tamed before they could think of driving me home.

I just realized now that the heavens did cried (or should I say welcomed Tita Cory) that morning of Saturday. Oh well, I am not complaining for soaking a bit getting in the cab that morning now that I did caught a bad cold and spent the almost the whole day dozing in bed. Now, I can’t sleep anymore.

GO NEGOSYO
Yesterday, I was awaken by my alarm with a note that I should prepare for my Sunday meeting with a client for a wedding and send out the email to Mitch. We are already having trouble getting a venue for her and Benedic’s twins’ for December. So, though a little sleepy and lazy ( I felt like a flu is coming up but I ignored it ), I turned on the PC and do what I got to do.

I was saddened by the confirmation on Yahoo News that Tita Cory died. I wanted to write a blog about it, but I got other things to finish first. I content myself by posting the sad news briefly to my Facebook wall instead.

Even with less sleep I still went to the free seminar at Megatrade Hall with Lori in the afternoon. It was raining hard and wanted to backed-out actually. Tsk. I just promised myself to catch up on lost sleep early that night. Again, I got drizzled while crossing from the parking space to the mall. Tsk.

The seminar/talk was really inspiring. I missed winning the free book from Go Negosyo when one of the panelists asked what was Lapid Chicharon’s original business (mind you it’s not chicharon). I know the answer because I remember seeing a feature on tv before. Damn, I couldn’t remember it that time. Blame it on lack of sleep.
Well, for those who don’t know it, they supply oil for the Nissin noodles before they got into the yummy chicharon business.

We bought interesting ‘business’ books from the exhibit, Lori tasted some food samples. I resist on doing so, I wanted to satisfy my cravings for KFC chicken that day. I kind of missed C*** and Janeth whenever I craved for KFC.

I missed an invitation thru text, didn’t noticed my phone was off. Tsk. I wanted to see h** pa naman.

ON BACKLOGS

I still have a lot of photos and blogs to post about my past month’s ‘craziness weeks’. Plus some websites to polished and finally launch in time for the Ber-month prospects to see. Don’t want to admit itm but I’m a little stressed about it. I’m excited though and looks forward to some great challenge this year.

Glad that supposed meeting was moved to another day because my partners are still in Tabuk enjoying their white water rafting escapade. I promised to go with them for the Mt. Pinatubo exploration.

For now, let me suffer with a bad cold. That’s what I get for not bringing an umbrella or jacket and not taking my Vit. C. I hope to be awake early and catch on Jon online at 10:00 am. He’ll surely scold me again when I couldn’t answer his call or won’t be online per agreed time.

I couldn’t decide on what photos to upload with this post now.

OVERLOOK RESORT  Taktak Road, Sta. Cruz, Antipolo Rizal

Months ago we planned to have a summer outing with our batchmates in SJES. After several inquiries with different resorts, we decided to go Antipolo since it’s near Pasig where most of us live.  We even went resort hopping in Antipolo last May.

But since it didn’t come successful to get our other batchmates to  join us, we ended up with the same group who always are on an ‘all singles night out’ —the group who planned it in the first place. We didn’t go to any of those resorts that we checked, but instead go for Obet’s suggestion to try  OVERLOOK RESORT. He’s been in the place for a company outing.

Di naman kami mapili, kahit san pwede kami. Basta may videoke at iinumin o kakainin. Go kami. Para maiba naman, palage nalang kami sa During’s at Clarke Quay, puro walking distance lang ‘yun sa’ken eh. :p

At kahit malamig talaga dahil umuulan pa din hanggang madaling araw cge swimming pa din.

Entrance at OVERLOOK is at Php 150.00 for overnite. With check-out time at 7am. 

Rooms are at Php 1,500.00 good for 2 pax.  (overnite)

It was way past midnight when we checked in. Omie really wanted to get a room to keep our stuffs in,  so he got all of us seven in one room for Php 1,200.00 (or two pax free from entrance fee).  

We get to use only one of the two pools, the 6-7 feet deep, (poor me!). The other pool about 4-5′ feet was kind of slimy and had dead insects (because it rained that day) floating on the water. 

So I don’t have choice but to be content with the ‘jacuzzi’ tub near the 6-7′ feet pool.  Good thing, no other guests other than us  seems interested to swim that cold night and we had the common videoke all by ourselves.  

I commend Overlook if you are looking for a place to really experience ‘overlooking’ and appreciate a scenic view of the city skyline at night. It wasn’t a large resort that means it’s less chaotic. Maybe one day, I’ll try going to this place again if I want some quiet time and a little swimming.

Despite the drizzle and my batteries almost drained, I made sure I’ll capture some photos.  

The resort was full that night because of  a conference held by some group of students and teachers according to the caretakers. 

We only saw one group of five by the pool the past night. No one’s swimming except us. Guess, the rest of the guests are having their  sweet time sleeping on a rainy night in their rooms.

Poor Omie, he wasn’t able to even lay his back on the bed. Worse he get to use the shower with no lights on.

I just hoped that the resort management would regularly check  if all their bulbs are still working or needs replacement. Tsk.

Omie was just too nice not to complain about it. But if I we’re him, I could have haggled more and  gotten the room for Php600 only.   

When we checked out, I couldn’t help but tell the front desk man my complaint. At least they would know.

Ang hirap kayang magbihis ng walang ilaw sa madilim na CR.

Since most of us need to be home early, we didn’t  extend time up to 12nn.  Obet got work at 3pm, Lui need to be back in Binangonan in the morning and I  should be in Divisoria by 2pm for gown fitting of my cousin’s entourage so left the resort at 7am.

It was a fun night though. Full of teasing and laughters. When we we’re on the line to get breakfast at Jollibee Taytay (near Club Manila East), the teasing continues.

Us was like teens who can’t get off each other’s company, giggling, tease each other and pick on the current ‘pulutan’ in great practice of  team work and ensures that the ‘pulutan’ should be sport despite having no allies.

In this occassion, it was ME…tsk.. (pasalamat sila inde na’ko pikon katulad nun elementary kami).

I  was thankful na nauna na sila Obet at Dennis umuwi. Kundi it’s six against one. Wheew!

That day, we realized —- KUNG IKAW AY MASAYA …. MANLIBRE KA! 

Oppss.. sorry, it is STILL a private joke among five of us, err seven of us.  :)

May 30, 2009  Efjhay’s 1st birthday

Binangonan, Rizal

Since there was no sign of our supposed overnight swimming in Antipolo that it’ll push thru, I still packed my stuff and decided to go with Lui in Binangonan, where they will celebrate her son’s 1st birthday.

She met up with me in Pasig after she picked up the cake in Waltermart. And together we braced the heavy rains and traffic to Binangonan and arrived there  in time for the children’s  party.

I enjoyed watching kids compete for a toy prize.  More often than not, they   behaved and followed  the rules given by the host/clown. Played the game fair and square and enjoyed the food and the party.  :)  (mabuti pa ang mga bata, inde madaya sa laro basta ine-enjoy lang nila, walang pikunan) .

An old sweet couple in party hats watching kids play games caught my attention.  I saw lolo, one time wrapped  his arms at lola’s shoulders while talking to her. On others times, he was holding her hand. In between their watching the kids, they would whisper words and talk quietly to each other.  Sweet sight, you know.   Without fail, even in other circumstances,  this would really made me smile. For awhile, I missed one part of the game I’m taking photos of.  I got busy looking at them, I can’t even afford to click some more photos afraid that I might invade their ‘privacy’.

The celebrant, seemed to understand what’s going on, played his part as a friendly and hospitable host, who did not grew tired of smiling to his guests and retired only  until the party is over. At first, the basketball game playing on tv caught his  attention and ignored his party, though sitting quietly infront of his guests.  

Good thing,  Efjhay’s  not afraid of the clowns nor he got irritated with his Superman costume.  When it was time to blow the candles, he seems to know what to do and excited about it.  Soooo cute.

Some of our teachers from our elementary attended the party with their kids and grandchildren. ( Lui’s mom is a teacher from our school too). It’s nice to see them all after 20 years at the same party, and taking their pictures. 

I played  ’photographer’ until my 1st set of  batteries almost died.  

Then at 3pm, when the party is almost over, I received a text from Omie that they will leave Pasig at 9pm later that night and will drop by in Binangonan before we proceed to Antipolo.   So even the heavy rains can’t stop us.  :)

Here are some more of my favorite shots on that rainy Saturday afternoon in Binangonan Rizal.

Jediah’s Christian Dedication, Sunset time 

Ozeano Fusion Restaurant,  2nd level of Manila Ocean Park.

Ferdy who came all the way from Olongapo and Omie,  became ninongs to Jun’s first born. The three were friends since our elementary years.  Jun’s dad, even remembered them as ‘madalas sa bahay nila nuon’.  

My role? Pull-off the event with the hands-on dad, Jun.  From sourcing for the venue, party favors and decorations.  With Carlo’s  (my inaanak sa kumpil and cousin’s fiance ) and his cousins’ help, we decorated the venue to an Under the Sea theme. 

The solemn ceremony transpired when the sun starts to set.  After the ceremony, we we’re treated to an eat-all-you-can buffet meal.

The festive buffet at OZEANO FUSION RESTAURANT ( also owned by the Tamayos of  Tamayo Catering ) includes Japanese, Chinese, Fil-Hispanic and Mediterranean cuisine and costs Php 600.00/ head. Just add Php 50.00 for a bottomless iced tea or lemonade.

 Parting shots at the entrance of Manila Ocean Park.

And since the night was young, we moved to MOA and hang-out at San Miguel By The Bay had coffee at Starbucks, watched some videos from Ferdy’s phone while waiting for the next bus trip to Olongapo since Ferdy missed the first bus.

When Ferdy left, me Lui and Omie,  moved to Clarke Quay to have some drinks and videoke singing.

Here are some photos taken thru the glass windows of Ozeano Fusion Restaurant.

Nagyaya si Lui pumunta ng Antipolo and suggested that we checked out some resorts.  Ayoko sana umalis kse kelangan ko pang antayin ang fax message ng isang supplier for the May 24 dedication.

Kaso mas mabilis si Lui sa supplier na yun. Nasa Buendia na daw siya. Tapos nagtext pa si Omie na nasa kanto na daw siya ng street nila. So ayun, lipad ako sa Buting in less than 20 minutes. Naka-automatic naman pala ang fax machine. Mamaya ko nalang babalikan hehehe.. (laboy!)

Actually, what tempted me to go out and join them is to see how Antipolo looks like now, especially at night because of its famous ‘overlooking’.

Ang pasimuno, si Lui.

She’s from the south pero sanay na sanay sa Rizal. Panu pala kahit highschool pa lang siya nakakapunta na siya Antipolo.

Omie, the Videoke King and a new friend, Carla, the Videoke Queen.

We visited the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church. (Antipolo church) which is walking distance away from Mc Do where we ate.

It was already past 10:00pm, as expected churches by that time is closed to public.

Not this church, most doors are closed, the central door  though barred with grills  is open enough to view the altar.

Even in a gloomy, dark and drizzling night, you can have a glimpse of beautiful scenery of trees and city lights. 

One can really relax and enjoy swimming in their pools while overlooking the bright city and listen to the sound of birds and wind kissing the tree leaves. Making a very relaxing sound.  ( if not for that videoke machines, its almost perfect. )

The place is nice. It may not suit our requirements for our upcoming overnight swimming with our batchmates though. 

Preferrably, its better that we get a private area for us, which FEMAR can’t assure us.  They have an open area with tables and chairs and a videoke machine (can be rented )  good for 20pax for only Php 1,500.00, but the pool nearby cannot be closed for our private use. We have access with the other pools though. Their rooms are mostly good for couples only. Overnight room rate is at Php 900.00/room.

Arnold, the desk attendant who toured us around the place suggested that we check-out also their sister resort, Boso-Boso Highlands.

I tactlessly exclaimed, ” Ang panget naman ng name ng resort”. Miski naman si kuya eh natawa, nagpipigil lang.  Tapos sabi ni Lui baka may mga “taong labas” pa dun, in which he calmly responded,  ’Wala na pong mga ganun ma’am”.  Hirit ko, ” Asenso na sila, baka resort owners na din sila ” hehe..

Sa isip-isip siguro ni kuya ” Mag-sialis na nga kau ang kukulit nyo. “ hahhaa..

Obvious ba na di kami dun magsi-swimming.   But he and the other desk attendant, politely said thank you and good night to us.

Arnold also suggested that we drop by Mountain View Resort owned by Jose Manalo when he showed us the way out.  Since gabi na baka wala na daw mag-eentertain sa amin dun.  But we can get the contact  numbers posted outside the resort naman daw. Which we did on our way to Villa Sampaguita.

Parting shot at FEMAR. 

It was drizzling that night and the moon is shying away from us. Ayan di ko tinigilan hanggat matimingan ko siya.  :)

Our next stop was Villa Sampaguita.

Okey lang din yung place. If not for the additional costs that we may incur if we rent the videoke exclusively at Php 1,000.00. Check-out time is 5am.  I can imagine all of us rushing at 5:00am. 

Rooms for 2-4 pax is at Php 600, 700 and 900.00. Difference vary if the room will has a porch or not and if there will be in excess of 2 pax.

We can rent a private pool at Php 8,500.00 for 12hours.  No rooms yet included. Plus we need to pay the entrance fee of Php 100.00 per head. Open cottages is at Php 300.00 to 800.00 while pavilion is at Php 1,500.00 and can accomodate 20pax. 

Parting shot at Villa Sampaguita. I don’t remember who made a witty remark as :

” Nakakailang naman mag-inuman dito. “

I wondered why.

Kse daw Mama Mary is everywhere.  Parang nakabantay.  hahaha.. 

That’s one thing  I noticed with resorts in Antipolo, ( including the ones I browsed over the internet ) karamihan or lahat ata,  may grotto.   

Take note, bawal magdala ng hard liquors. Even hard beers like REDHORSE and COLT 45, which is  understandably bawal talaga. (particularly at Villa Sampaguita even if we get a private pool for us )

Beside Villa Sampaguita is TERRA VILLA RESORT. That night the guards on duty seemed to be on a slumber mode. So we just got the numbers and checked out the website for photos.

Rates is close to that of Villa Sampaguita’s.  Except the latter seems to have a friendlier staff.

Just a little trivia about ANTIPOLO.

The city was named after the Tipolo (breadfruit) tree (Artocarpus incisa) which was in abundance in the area. Antipolo was also derived from the Greek words “antirl” meaning “a source of many products”.

05.03.09 SUNDAY

Past 5:30am when we left During’s  and decided to have breakfast in Tagaytay.   

We agreed to be back in Manila in time to watch Manny Pacquiao’s  fight with Ricky Hatton to be televised on GMA.  

Our road trip to Tagaytay itself was fun. Kulitan at asaran. Sinong ’pulutan’? Siyempre, AKO!. Kung nun elementary kami nila ako inasar, malamang sobrang pikon ko nun.

Sabi ko nga kay Omie, “Maru-ruler na naman kita diyan eh” .  Medyo di na niya naalala yung incident na yun nung Grade II pa lang kami. Tamang kulit si Omie nun (or tamang pikon lang ako? :p ). 

Anyway, nalampasan ko yung incident na yun na di ako sinumbong ni Omie kay teacher.. hehehe.. but I learned to be more patient and promised myself na di na ko mananakit, no matter how pikon I will be.

Today, we’re friends na. Cute na at di na nakakaasar  yung pagiging ‘alaskador’ niya.  hahaha.. 

It was my first time to go up Tagaytay in the morning.

This arc says  “MALIGAYANG PAGDATING SA LALAWIGAN NG MAGIGITING” .  Interesting.

It was 7:06 am when we reached this spot and made a left turn going to Caleruega. Since it was my first time in the place. I’m a bit surprised when by the entrance, the friendly guards charged Php30.00/pax. Before I could ever utter a protest, Obet paid Php 150.00.

In my mind, “how come you need to pay to get in a church?. Pagka-mahal namang parking fee at  flyer na ‘to. “

Lui’s  familiar with the place so she served as our tour guide. Caleruega, according to the flyer the guard handed us,  is a house of prayer and renewal. It has complete facilities to accomodate retreats and seminars. Even wedding receptions. 

Pretty flowers, lush greens and interesting  structural features sorround this peaceful and beautiful place close to nature and yes, closer to God. A perfect place to contemplate. 

Kung di lang ako malo-lowbatt na, I could have taken more photos of us around the place.  It was just past 7am at kami lang ang tao.  In between supressed laughters and a lot of teasing, sabi nga ni Omie, Picture! Picture!  

(mabuti walang nananaway ng ‘Silence Please.” )

Obet and Omie with a backdrop of lush greens and abundant trees of Caleruega. You can hear birds chirping on the background.

Kami naman.

With She and Lui and Omie, again.

Eto lang ang medyo di ko gusto, crossing hanging bridges.   Kaya pinapauna ko sila para di masyadong magalaw yung bridge. hehehe..

The place is just so relaxing and peaceful. I hardly recognized my fear surfacing again.

Pause for pose at the hanging bridge.

Finally, wacky class picture..hehe..

According to Obet, there could be snakes around. There are holes  in the soil like this  scattered all over the land area. You could imagine who could have done this holes. Maybe Obet is right.  

Okey, one more shot and I’m out of here.   

Next stop : Caleruega Church. 

Obet, Lui, Omie and She infront of the TRANSFIGURATION CHAPEL.  According to their website, TRANSFIGURATION CHAPEL is a reproduction of Caleruega Church in Spain.

 This is interesting. Let me repost it here.

The Transfiguration Chapel

Rising tall and majestic in the highest point of Caleruega is the Transfiguration Chapel. From here one can behold the expanse of Caleruega and witness the glorious opus of radiant nature – a symphony of sky, trees, and the distant hills of Batulao. Like St. Peter during Jesus’ transfiguration, anyone who experiences such splendor of nature’s poetry will declare: Lord, it is good for us to be here… (Mt.17:4).

The chapel itself is replete with symbolism. Its façade is a reproduction of the original chapel in Caleruega, Spain. Its hut-shaped roof is in remembrance of the temporary sheds that the apostles wanted to build for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8). The seal of the Dominican Province of the Philippines is depicted in stained glass in the upper portion of the chapel’s façade. The seven grapevines entwined in the steel doors of the chapel not only portray Jesus as the vine and we as branches (John 15:5), but also symbolize the seven sacraments.

The main altar is a carved tree trunk representing the “stem of Jesse,” mentioned in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit (Is 11:1). The tabernacle is a gentle reminder of the burning bush through which God revealed Himself to Moses in Mt. Sinai (Ex 3:2). The birds carved on the communion table are representations of God’s providence in Matthew 6:26: Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap…and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

The stained glass depicts the Transfiguration of Jesus witnessed by Peter, John, and Luke. With Jesus are Moses and Elijah, two significant instruments of God in the Old Testament (Mat 17:3).

This is a sure spot where the bride in her dainty wedding gown, will have her photos taken. There was a wedding that will happen that day. The bride and some members of the entourage are all over the place and having  their sweet time taking their photos.  Like us.

Just a note on the function halls.

TOMASINO HALL : An 80-bed (double deck ) dormitory for MEN with 6-unit common toilet and bathroom.

CATALINA HALL : A 90-bed (double deck) dormitory for WOMEN with 14-bathrooms and 6 toilets.

See the numbers. 6 against 14.   Pretty obvious, right? Nice.

The website indicated in the flyer cannot be viewed. But you may find details of the facilities of Caleruega Philippines in this link.

See the bride behind them? Nice.

 I did not see the groom. Was busy taking pictures and appreciating the scene.

According to Lui, there’s still hope for us.  

( okey, it is an inside joke )

She and Omie, behind is the TRANSFIGURATION CHAPEL and the grooms men.

The TRANSFIGURATION CHAPEL is a 150-seater chapel. It is an ideal venue to hold a solemn wedding ceremony with a small group of guests.  The chapel, that day was simply decorated with mums and roses. The wedding theme, judging from the color of the entourage’s gowns, (and flower arrangements)  was red and apple green.

Obet : Kamusta naman tau (me) naka-shorts papasok sa chapel?

Me : Kamusta naman at nauna pa tau sa kanila (the wedding guests and couple) pumasok dito, parang tau ang wedding coordinators nila. hahaha.

More flowers.. love it!

Parting shots.

Bye, Caleruega. See you again next time.  

The Php 30.00 entrance fee is understandably for the maintenance of the place.

How To Get To CALERUEGA ?

(lifted from the flyer)

PRIVATE VEHICLE :

Via South Superhighway :

• Take Sta. Rosa exit.
• Proceed towards Tagaytay Market.
• Turn right to Rotonda.

Via Coastal Road :

• From Roxas Blvd. proceed to Aguinaldo Highway all the way up to Tagaytay.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION :

• Proceed to CROW Bus Terminal along EDSA in Pasay Board Buses going to any of these destinations : Nasugbu, Balayan or Calatagan. Get off at Evercrest, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. Tricycle service is available at Evercrest entrance or it’s a 2 kilometers hike to Caleruega.

CALUEREGA Phils. is located at Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

For more info contact :

Ms. Jackie, Ms. Melda and Ms. Cristalle

Call or text      :  0921.270.9890 or 0921.830.4226

Call                  :  (043) 706.0348

Email : caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com

www.caleruega-philippines.ph

Our next stop is at Tierra de Maria, some walking distance away to Picnic Groove.  I am a little hesitant to take photos inside the shrine as people are silently praying. After saying my own, we went up and oversees the wide  lawn that leads to Picnic Grove.  

Omie, She and Obet at the Tiera de Maria in Tagaytay.

Omie wanted to try the zipline.  I informed  him that a one-way up-there bliss costs Php200.00 and  Php 300 (I forgot. :p ) if it’s two-way.

“Goodluck sa’yo, down there is a cliff pseudo snake pit. ”

Omie :  Puyat ako. 

Last few shots before my batteries went dead.

For the record :

It was She’s first time in Tagaytay daw.

The hanging bridge that never fails to make me feel sick.  

We ate brunch at Andok’s. Funny thing was, there’s Andok’s actually in San Joaquin, may sinigang pa.

Pero trip nga eh. Fun trip to Tagaytay with friends.

After ng brunch, uwian na.  May pasok pa sa work si Obet ng 3pm and we also want to catch Pacquiao’s  fight with Hatton.

In less than 1 1/2 hours nasa Pasig na kami.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to watch the fight. Parang napapikit lang ako eh, tapos na ang laban.  In 6 minutes time,  on 2nd round.  

Bagsak si Hatton.

Its not just I’m reunited with old friends, but gaining new ones as well and I’m loving it.

And I must admit, I’m beginning to like .. hhmmm. no, I’m beginning to love videoke because of them.

Midweek last week at 12mn, while I am having my occassional ‘telebabad’ with my friend Thelma and in between trying my first time with mobile YM chat on SUN, chatting with this interesting young guy (may ganun? hehehe), my friend Lui called and asked me if I can go out cause she’s in C-5 already (about 10-15mins away from home).

Since she’s the kind of friend na bihira lang mangbulabog and I just can’t say no to her, so I said yes and dropped the telebabad and chat sessions.

We met up in Mc Do and went back to their condo to fetch her housemate Carla and headed to Music 21 Pasay.

 Kudos to nice and attentive staff of Music 21.

They would turn off the videoke  system by the clock. Kahit may 2 songs ka pa na next in-line.

Ok lang din naman.  4am na kaya nun.

 Rooms are cool and sweet-smelling (I could almost taste it) :p

 Charge is Php 85.00/head non-consumable. 

Visit their site for their drink package and food package. 

The pizza shrimp is just right when hot and turns gummy when cold. :p 

 Drink and eat moderately.  

Sing Carla, sing. Kahit anung posisyon, kanta lang. (lafftrip kami dito ni Lui)

At kahit di daw niya alam ang BURN, kakantahin niya yan. Just to make us happy.  :)  It was 5am when I reached home.

8am when I was awaken by a reminder text. I felt somehow strange. hhhmmm. In the evening, a supposed weekend trip didn’t pushed thru.  Sorry,  sometimes ‘unexpected things’ happen. 

SATURDAY, it was Omie’s turn to make an unscheduled gimmick.

Afternoon when Lui texted and told me that she and Omie will meet at 6pm. It was 8:00pm or so when Omie called, wala na kong lusot.. hehe.
Since I’m just a block away from During’s, 8:30pm andun na ‘ko.

During’s used to be a huge ‘playground’ in my elementary years where I used to play agawan-base, shato and baseball with playmates. This is also where I practice to ride a bike in my high school. In this lot, natuto naman ako, kahit mag-isa at sawang-sawa sa pang-aasar ng mga friends ko.

Pagdating ko andun pa lang si Lui at Omie. Then afterwards, She came. We kidded about being single and ‘kaladkarins’. Nag-drop lang si Lhai since she’s gotten well from flu.

Napag-usapan na mag-swimming bago tuluyang matapos na ang summer at mag-pasukan.

2008 VIDEOKE KING of Batch '88 on the loose!!!

 Omie sang MAYBE THIS TIME and I’M NEVER GONNA SAY GOODBYE

Past midnight dumating si Obet from his work at The Fort.  Naki-kanta ng konti with Omie sa  ’When Will I Hold You Again’.  Medyo nabadtrip sa nagpapalipat sa’min ng table kse past 2am na raw.  Mananalo na sana siya, kaso nag-CR siya eh.  hehehe.  Sa Bethsilog kse di ata ganun. :p

Tapos humabol pa si Harold bago kami umuwi ng 5:30am at umakyat ng Tagaytay.

… to be continued

But I did not promised I will not WRITE it here.  hahaha..

Sorry, my friend, I really want to do this. Okey, names and some incidents withheld. Hmmp.  

Just wanna share this story I ‘learned’ yesterday that  made me drop my supposed schedule for the next few days in an instant.

( To a ‘friend’ whom I may have disappointed last night, I will make it up to you as promised. )

They met in their early high school years during a summer vacation in their province. Like most summer vacations in our teen years, we expected a few new acquaintances and develop some crushes, right?

To cut the story short, their summer vacation ended and soon after they’re back in their respective hometowns. The boy opted to visit the girl in her school when classes resumed. ( The school was named after a famous Philippine president ).

Since, during that time, cellular phones are not yet a valuable tool of communication and even landlines are not for everyone, meet-ups become if not challenging, an exciting thing to do. From planning, mustering the courage to ask and get approval of to the exact day of the scheduled meet-up, it consumes time, effort and the bonus?, maybe a whole lot of ‘pogi points’ on the spot if the object of your ‘pagpapapogi’ will appreciate it. The boy got the support of his cousins in his waiting challenge. They will also serve as an army of back-ups or a cheerleading squad behind him in case he’ll need it.

He patiently waited until all students seemed to emptied the huge high school. Then came three bullies (for some reasons went to school that day, awww), armed with a knife and bully-shits, approached them and take the excitement of waiting off  from them.

Worse thing, the girl did not ‘showed up’. She is fortunately not in that school that day, neither would she be in other days.

Unfortunately, the boy went to the wrong high school branch. Ouch!

Even worst? The encounter with the bullies left the boy some scars in his arms and hands. Luck waved a finger at them in that fateful day allowing him to keep his life, suffered some stitches and keep some scars in memory of a ‘young sweet love’ thing. With a hope that one day he’ll see the girl again, he moved on with his life as swelling of the scars heal. Three years later, their paths crossed again and fate interfered, they parted ways — AGAIN.

What happened in those years after the last ‘together’ episode are not to be told here. Sorry.

Fast forward 2009, one  Saturday of April, ‘destiny’ ended it all.  As the boy recounts it, after twelve years, they met again. He admitted that he could have just forget the girl and everything about her and move on.

But destiny has its own course, I guess.

Yesterday, over cold choco and sweet cake donuts in a noisy sweet shop inside a busy mall—the girl was introduced to a friend as his WIFE.

No, they’re not married yet.

So here’s to the owners of this story…

Some scars are not just scars, nor simply a conversational piece’ to start with. Its a reminder of why things happen and why we should see its reasons. What or who may have hurt you in the past may make you happy one day. Make up for lost time and know each other more.  Love more, wait less.

I am not a fan of this ‘destiny’ beliefs. But like what I fortuitously uttered, it must be ‘destiny’.

And the ‘tactless part’ of my brain means it. hahaha.

This song plays in my mind as I write this.

 Somewhere Down The Road

by : Barry Manilow

Those dreams of yours
Are shining on distant shores
And if they’re calling you away
I have no right to make you stay

But somewhere down the road
Our roads are gonna cross again
It doesn’t really matter when
But somewhere down the road
I know that heart of yours
Will come to see
That you belong with me

Sometimes good-byes are not forever
It doesn’t matter if you’re gone
I still believe in us together
I understand more than you think I can
You have to go out on your own
So you can find your way back home

And somewhere down the road
Our roads are gonna cross again
It doesn’t really matter when
But somewhere down the road
I know that heart of yours
Will come to see
That you belong with me
Letting go is just another way to say
I’ll always love you so

We had the right love
At the wrong time
Maybe we’ve only just begun
Maybe the best is yet to come
‘Cause

Somewhere down the road
Our roads are gonna cross again
It doesn’t really matter when
But somewhere down the road
I know that heart of yours
Will come to see
That you belong
With me

Disclaimer: I’ll be glad to relate the story that would follow yesterday’s. Right here in my blog. When I am permitted to do so. J