Archive for 2012
How To Acquire a Passport in Cebu
Applying for a passport is indeed a hassle, well I guess this applies to all government agencies or offices, may it be in acquiring a driver's license or securing an SSS ID.
Here are the five steps on how I applied for my Passport:
1. Secure a priority number.
The front guard advised James and I to come back at two in the afternoon, great because I still have enough time to sleep. James had to go to work earlier that day so he can render exact hours of duty.
Kusina Uno: Best Pocherohan in Cebu
It was hard to capture the food served because the hungry suckers took them off right after it was served. However I hope I can still recall what we had ordered, Lechon Kawali, Buttered chicken, Kinilaw, Calamares, Fried Lumpia and of course their beef pochero. We had their pitcher sized Iced tea for our drinks.
Snacks at Joven's Grill and Seafood
For Php 85, we had plunged our taste buds to Joven's Grill and Seafood's Eat All You Can for Snacks in IT Park, Lahug Cebu. It was because of another team reshuffling, we had to spend time with our new team mates so to build camaraderie between us.
The Merienda time starts at three in the afternoon until five, just good timing because we go out from the office at 2:00 pm. Only few were dining when we arrived and so we immediately started to get food.
There were sandwiches, bam-i, fish fillet and etc. Rice was as well served, pizzas and deserts however, I think the food looks good but the taste wasn't great! It was not tasty, for instance, the fish fillet was lacking its saltiness. The pizza tasted like just garlic bread with little garlic on it. The deserts were not sweet at all. Our excitement had turned into disappointment though we couldn't grouch much because all of these were worth Php 85 only. I guess the cook had just tantrums that day because I had heard good comments about their snack foods here via Facebook comments and blog reviews.
My Epic Fail Passport Application
"Dear Maam:
We referred your concern to the Verification Certification Section and they would like to inform you that the name Jean B. Beltran has no Derogatory record in the database as of October 18, 2012."
And so this post had come up, my first attempt to apply for a passport was last Monday, November 5, 2012. Confidently, James and I arrived at Pacific Mall Mandaue City at seven in the morning. I never expected the scene I saw - four long lines of tired yet hopeful Filipino citizens who just like me want to get their own passport and travel abroad. And so I got discouraged to continue and instead went back home which I truly regret, it was a mistake because I never went down and ask for certain questions regarding the application.
LRT Moments
Trains or even railways - I haven't seen these in person nor from a distance, only from movies and tv shows like the Harry Potter and the like. Didn't really matter to me if I could get a ride though but it wouldn't hurt if I can at some point and guess what? When we went to Manila last September, James and I with my older brother and his wife took the LRT ride to Baclaran from Muñoz. I heard from a friend who came to Manila last summer that there's violence while people go into the vehicle. Ungentle men would tend to overtake the weak and the ladies just to be able to have their own seats. I couldn't imagine the scene though, I don't want to experience something like that but I have to take the ride for me to know.
Light Rail Transit is one of the cheapest rapid transits in Asia and so in my mind, I won't leave Manila unless I got to ride on it even just for one time only. And so during our last day, we went to Baclaran via LRT Muños. I never imagined it would take long for a train like this to reach our destination, but I enjoyed the scenery towards our destination, we passed by De La Salle where student passengers hopped down. My first impression never occurred, not even a shadow of it. The passengers I rode along were very courteous and silent. I only heard Bisaya while on the way, it was funny because James and I would tend to whisper when we talk so people wouldn't think that we are Bisaya but there in a distant, two Bisaya women of their thirties were speaking in Bisaya aloud. No you won't feel discriminated, the passengers never mind it.
What To Do in Basdaku Beach Moalboal?
Swimming under the heat of the sun is the number one thing to do when we talk about the beach. But Basdaku Beach in Moalboal has more to offer than just merely swimming. Let me enumerate the things you can do and enjoy at the beach.
Me Hearts Korean Drama : BIG
I recently finished another Korean drama series titled “BIG”; it was a story about a high school male student named Kang Gyung Joon whose soul entered a man’s body, Seo Yoon Jae during an accident. Seo Yoon Jae was about to be married with Gil Da Ran yet Da Ran was doubtful with his feelings for her, he was about to tell her about his true feelings but the accident occurred. Only Gil Da Ran knew about the switching of the souls, KKJ pretended to be her fiancée while Seo Yoon Jae was sleeping in KKJ’s body. Because of the story’s complication, both Da Ran and KKJ acted to be lovers and soon got married until KKJ felt in love with her and she fell within his love too!
Review:
I had great expectations to this series knowing that the main character was portrayed by Gong Yoo of the famous Coffee Prince which has a Filipino version now aired by GMA. The first episodes were nice I admit it, Gong Yoo had shown her own charisma and he had definitely changed. From Coffee Prince, he has a more manly body now, my friend Camille who had recommended the series describe him, the man with chocolate abs. His face is now much skinny compared to before yet his eyes still stayed the same. The internet said he had gone to the Korean army and this series was his return drama.
Barili's Hot Bibingka
On our way to Sayaw Beach, Barili at the boundary of Barili and Carcar lays a long line of local Bibingka vendors. Bibingka is a Filipino delicacy, made of rice flour mixed with sugar and coconut milk. Way back during my childhood years every summer where the fields are dry and is harvest time, I could still remember myself together with my fellow children picking up those rice plants dropped by the farmers during harvest. We can pick up most of the time a bagful and we automatically go to my aunt who makes tasty bibingka and exchange the bagful rice with some bibingkas. The rate would depend on friendship, teehee since I am her niece, she would always give two or three more than the other kids.
I love eating a freshly baked Bibingka but I also like the uncooked one, the white liquid type uncooked bibingka mixture. I have been told not to take those because it causes diarrhea but I never mind just as long as my taste buds are satisfied. The rice flour combined with water, sugar and baking soda was cloud nine to my little taste buds but I finally stopped by the time I got admitted due to diarrhea.
Ramon Resthouse Carcar City
Carcar City is an hour away from Cebu City and is well known of making quality shoes. James and I bought our first espadrilles in this city last year, we still have those pairs. When we returned to Carcar, it was not for their espadrilles but for our Team Building in Ramon Rest house.
We came from Barili and from the highway roads, we turned right at an intersection, it took us five to ten minutes to reach the beach front area where the rest house is located. It was an ordinary house of a well-known family, the Ramos but is now used as their rest house since the owners are now living outside the country. The house is now maintained but I say otherwise by a caretaker, I never mind asking for his name because he was some kind of aggressive.
The room given to us was very small; though we rented the whole area for Php 5000, only one room was opened. Reason was that the other rooms were not prepared and cleaned. It was an unacceptable alibi for me but we just consider it since the boys were all intoxicated and just stayed outside in the karaoke area. I can't appreciate the pool that much, it was an undersized one, I would say it is just good for a family and not for a team. It goes from three feet to six feet deep and of four by six meters wide.
Jesil + Bambie Nuptial
Originally planned as a garden wedding, it could have been much prettier outside where the nature can as well witness the union of Jesil and Bambie. My cousin Jesil resides in Laguna where he is a Pastor and is a part of the World of Life Ministry. Their love story was stated with their invitation letter; I was unaware of their story until Bambie (I don't know if I have to call her ate since she is older than me) shared it to me personally that day when we had a double date in Lantaw Floating Restaurant.
Vintage Country - was their wedding theme, the invitation has the needed information in terms of the dress code. On the actual day, the entourage specifically the bride's maids and groom's men were all bubbly-looking with their dresses and get ups The girls wore a vintage flowery whole dress while gripping a bouquet of fresh flowers. The guys' getup reminds me of the movie "The Notebook", remember Noah when he was still a teenager and had that cute hat on him with a khaki pants on, a checkered polo shirt and a rusty jumpers. And the girls were like Ally with their floral dress on with a flower head dress, the best part of them was actually their smiles, all of the girls were pretty!
Double Date at Lantaw Floating Restaurant
In a secluded area somewhere in Lapulapu, a new native-inspired Filipino restaurant emerged, making its name and is now well-known so I didn't wonder seeing a long line of customers waiting at the welcome-area when we arrived there last September fifteenth. We were group guest number 46 and they were serving guest number 26 at seven in the evening.
I heard the place is good for couples because of the romantic ambiance so I suggested it to my cousin who recently got married to Bambie and boy, I couldn't agree more. The place was made of bamboo and native tall grass, wooden furniture such as tables, seats and lamps were add on to its native style. I love the bamboo made mini-bridge going to the restaurant from the main entrance and the lights were indeed romantic. The bamboos-inspired under the long table was an attractive as well as the half "jeepney" turned into a bar.
O plus I
Simply thinking about taking blood out of me freaks me big time and so even I had taken multiple Annual Physical Exams, I would always forget requesting for my blood type each time the company nurse do a blood count. I never thought knowing my blood type is necessary and I had no plans of knowing it either, however my friends and colleagues often send emails about their relatives in need of blood of this type and this would actually make me wonder what my blood type is.
Fortunately, Sykesasia with the cooperation of 360 pharmacy and Primecare had a three-day Health Awareness festival and it includes blood typing, blood, bone and cholesterol screening and a lot more plus they have some mini-pharmacy booths which sells medicinal drugs.
I then got the chance to finally learn what type of blood do I have. I was again skeptical if I will do that then when I was at the site staring at the nurse, she was holding her syringe, no! I was just hallucinating. She was just holding a pen. My colleagues Darwin Legara and Richel Roca pushed me to the blood typing table and so I was forced and faced the nurses.
Off To El Salvador
My September was so far the month with the most number of get-away and travels for this year. On its first week, I got to travel by plane to Manila, then the third week we went to Carmen for Mt. Uragay Spring and yesterday, before September ended, James and I went to El Salvador in Sabang, Danao City!
Thanks to my new team, I got to join another team building activity without spending much even if I wasn't included on their team budget. I had paid Php 100 only for two meals that day. I tagged James along so we could bring Mia as well.
Entrance fee was good for Php175 per person, it was quiet expensive for me but I soon realized that the price was justifiable to what it offers to their guests. We arrived at nine in the morning, had our brunch. Then the children went on swimming at the pool. Most of my team mates have families on their own and kids too so the resort was good for them. The pools were indeed inviting and I was just about to change for swimwear when I noticed something, I can't say it here but it ruined my day because I won't be able to take a plunge anymore. Too bad for me but James on the other hand went on and enjoyed the waters.
The Cold Mt. Uragay Spring Resort
Mt. Uragay Spring is located in Brgy. Corte Carmen Cebu, four towns away from Mandaue City where we are residing. From Mandaue,we need to go pass by Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Danao. That took us an hour or so for the trip, including the short stop at Danao Local Market to buy some hanging rice and roasted chicken.
Barangay Corte is a few kilometers away from the high way road, there weren't any problems going up to Mt. Uragay since the roads are cemented and there aren’t any very slopy ones. I need to say that the air breeze was fresh and cool, made me took my helmet off and feel it's coolness on my face.
A Three Minute Death Experience
Off we go and lined up together with the noisy teenagers. I never felt scared or afraid if this ride might kill me although I have seen the faces of those who were just done with the ride. Their faces were like they were about to throw up, some were teary eyed and some of them were shouting and laughing at the same time. Well, I was just confident because I have my parents with me and I thought three minutes was too short.
We seated side by side, my dad, mom, me, my sister in law then my brother. We were all excited and James was there in front to take our photos and record the said happening.
Star City's Price List and Rides
It's more fun in Star City! You plan your visit first beforehand, here are the price list for your rides in Star City:
ADMISSION Fee only: Php 60
RAYC (Ride All You Can) this includes admission fee: Php 400
3 CHEERS includes admission fee: Php 350
SNOW WORLD only: Php 120
1 4D Max Rider Entry: Php 120
1 LAZER Blaster Game: Php 100
Value Combos:
A. RAYC + 1 LAZER Blaster Game or 1 4D Max Rider Entry : Php 460
B. RAYC + SNOW WORLD : Php 480
C. RAYC + 1 LAZER Blaster Game and 1 4D Max Rider Entry : Php 520
D. RAYC + SNOW WORLD and 1 LAZER Blaster Game or 1 4D Max Rider Entry : Php 540
E. RAYC + SNOW WORLD and 1 LAZER Blaster Game and 1 4D Max Rider Entry : Php 600
A Night at Star City
I was still a little girl of six or seven when I last entered a carnival and rode the Ferris wheel. I can barely remember what happened to me at that time when I was in it but I think I threw up which caused me to become afraid of those kinds of rides. I had never ever ridden any other rides until we visited Star City in Manila. The plan was to go to Enchanted Kingdom which was way popular than Star City. But because of the location we opted to just go to Star City instead.
All of us were doubtful to go since my cousin who is working in Manila mentioned that only those who are wearing shoes can go inside, good thing it wasn't the case. We were staying in one of our relatives in Marikina so it took us almost an hour to reach the place. Our stomachs were all hungry so we decided to just pay the entrance fee first then eat. There were dining area and some fast food restaurants inside so food were not a problem. We dined at Chowking and so we started with our rides at almost seven evening.
My Manila Trip
This was my first air travel too so I was sort of excited, after 24 years of waiting I have now experienced three travelling means, land, sea and air. It took me so long to get this three done but it’s better late than never!
Tempurahan sa Boulevard
A few meters away from the sea port area in Dumaguete City, at the end of the lovely and romantic Rizal boulevard, a pack of hungry Dumaguetenos, foreigners and local tourists gathered, some eating while others patiently waiting for their street food which were about to be served by the accommodating ate and kuya vendors.
Tempurahan sa Boulevard is how the Dumaguetenos call it and this is only visible at night where tempuras, balut and other street foods are mostly in demand.
There was nothing special about the tempura or even the balut. They are the same food you can see and buy at any street side vendors, usually near schools or universities or anywhere where there's much number of people. There's one unique thing about their tempuras here, they don't have the sweet sauce ready to dip our sticks in or even the spicy ones. The sauces were placed in a container which you would personally pour on a plate or something, this is cleaner though compared to what we have here in Cebu where we all share the same can of sauce. Whatcha think?
Dumaguete's Quezon Plaza Yet Again
If you go to Dumaguete with a motorcycle with you, as how we brought Mia with us when we went to the said city last August, Dumaguetenons will easily know you're an alien. Know why? Because in Dumaguete, if you park your bike in their plaza someone's gonna take care of it and properly align it with the rest, aside from properly arranging these motorcycles, they will also look after them for only Php 5. Unlike in Cebu where these guys sometimes ladies who stand next to your bikes would only attend if you are already on our way out from where we parked it so they can collect the money even without doing anything. I don't really like giving them some cents but James would always insists so I just give them anyway.
I was even surprised when I saw these guys wearing some IDs on them which made me thought that they are legal personnel. I was even surprised when this person immediately took over the motorcycle himself after James parked it evenly at a side, Tanya and Don were both laughing at us and said this is normal in Dumaguete City. People can easily recognize we were not locals in the area.
Oh I Love Fruit Shakes!
Fruit juice and shakes always mesmerize me aside from being super tasty, these are nutritious drinks too which made me a fan of Thirsty. Yet Thirsty's a bit costly and that servings aren't that satisfying but I am glad there's SM's Fruit Shake to love!
In SM Cebu's grocery area just underneath the staircase is a space for fruit lovers as well as the vegetarians. And of course where SM's fruit shake can be found. For only Php 32, you can buy a 12oz mixed fruits to be blended in fruit shake and if you crave for the larger size, just pay Php 40 for the 16oz. whenever I got the chance to visit SM Cebu, fruit shakes will always be a must.
Tayada Sa Plaza Sa Dumaguete
When we were in Dumaguete last August, we got the chance to watch an afternoon show at their own Quezon park which according to Maimai, our host’s sister is happening every Sunday afternoon and are presented as well as cooperated by all schools in town. I haven’t seen something like this for months now and it brought me back to my elementary and secondary years where I involve myself in every extracurricular activities.
I didn’t really understand what Tayada means, neither did I hear it from any Boholano or Cebuano term so I googled it. But I failed to find the right equivalent term instead, I found this:
DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) --- Dumaguete City’s most popular cultural show returns to the stage today, Feb. 5, after nearly three months of absence from the local limelight.
Dumaguete City Tourism Officer Woodrow Maquiling, Jr. earlier announced the return of Tayada sa Plaza, a weekly cultural event that has been staged every Sunday afternoon at the Quezon Park for the past ten years.
Tayada sa Plaza showcases the numerous talents and skills of students coming from the schools in Dumaguete City.
Earthquake Before August Ends
So just a few minutes ago, the Philippines had just experienced a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. I was wide awake even though it was already time for me to sleep. The event somehow made me feel good on staying up late since I got to witness my room wiggling. I was first thinking of the Blue Moon but things shifted instantly because of the earth's shaking.
There's just one thing that I would love to ask each reader of mine, what was the first thing you grabbed when the earthquake started?
My cellular phone, I grabbed it as soon as I felt the shaking. I was listening to some OPM Original Pinoy Music while scrolling down to see more of my Facebook wall when I heard my neighbors shouting then I just started feeling dizzy. I stopped the music and started saying "in Jesus name!" then immediately took my phone. The faith had stayed in me and I never really left my seat until the shaking stopped. I know God is in control.
Melting Ice Cream at Molave Milk Station
My taste buds can't help but crave when the group talked about this station somewhere in Barili where ice cream made from pure cow milk is being sold. It is unusual though to find something like this in a province but it looks like the said town is quiet full of natural wonders, from beautiful beaches like the Sayaw Sayaw Beach to high waterfalls, the Mantayupan Falls then to ranches full of animals such as cows.
A few minute ride from Mantayupan falls and we found ourselves on this vehicle packed area, in my mind I thought this was a cockfighting arena but I was definitely wrong. The place's label says: Molave Milk Station. I instantly realized that this was what Caloy has been talking about, about tasty ice creams made of pure cow milk. I was indeed very surprised by the numerous visitors who were sitting in the benches and enjoying their own cone of ice creams or those cup ones. Aside from Ice cream, they offer fresh milks too and pizzas! You would never think something like this is present on an area like this.
BDO Online Account - How to Unlock
Oftentimes, I would forget the passwords I set on the websites I log in to especially if the website requires me to create a strong, unique password which needs a character, an upper case letter and a symbol. This websites will not allow me to put my birth-date, name or even my previously used passwords in creating a new one and the most hated part here is that you are required to replace it every 90 days. So indeed I would always end up hitting the forget password button. I know it sucks to remember all of them plus my work log in does the same thing, all of them are rambled inside my head and as soon as I face the log in page, it takes me a long time to recall what is it that is for this and this. Most of the time, I would need to try again twice but I need to be extra careful because on the third attempt, if I would miss it again, my account will get locked up.
Compared to my work password, whenever my account gets locked up I just have to inform my immediate supervisor about it and in three to five minutes, I got a new temporary password at hand however the online account such as the BDO one does the other way around.
Three months ago, I forgot to share that I got locked out with my BDO online account. The story was, James awakened me from a long sleep and asked me to log in to my account for some matters. I was damn sleepy and can’t even compose myself that I immediately logged in even without thinking what my password is. It was very careless of me that even after receiving the second incorrect password error message; I still tried to type another one and boom! You know what happened next.
Road Trip: Mantayupan Falls
After the photo shoot session, of course the trip will never be documented without those pictures so it's the first to-do thing before eloping with the waters. So right after that we gathered our things in one single place and cover them with towels and jackets. Area doesn't have that much place to stay on though there were umbrellas planted on the sideways, the soils were not that accommodating as well, slimy and rocky. It's hard to look for a spot to secure our things, we first thought of getting to the corners but there were waters coming from the falls and we were too afraid our things might be carried by it. So we ended in the hot rocky part of the place where no one opted to stay because it doesn’t have any shade on it.
Numerous Koreans and other foreign bloods were in there with us, some were busy barbequing and some eating their “baons” or packed lunch while most were soaking in the waters, feeling cold and merely staying in the shallow parts. We want adventure that point that staying in the shores is not a good idea.
Kill Pain? Take Tramadol
There are different types and kinds of pain reliever also known as pain killer. I like the latter term though, I can sense the grief and the want to eliminate this terminator! I seek for the right one, tried each one of those being introduced and though they are really effective, I learned about this specific one which has been proven very effective when it comes to relieving pain.
So, let’s take a peek on this so called Tramadol, what it is made of and how we can acquire it.
Dancing at Sayaw Sayaw Beach
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| photo courtesy of Carlo Ella |
Literally, we had some dancing in Sayaw-Sayaw beach in Sayaw, Barili as a start of Caloy's whole day birthday celebration. Almost an hour by motorcycle travel and we had a glimpse of the crystal clear sea waters of the said beach. Prior to getting there, we had seen the beautiful view of an unknown port, I sometimes think that was Toledo's but most of my companions disagree.
Can't really say that the beach is perfect but it had indeed good waters, nice sea air breeze and polite people. Had read a blog about this beach and its mysteriously caves but we didn't had the chance to wander the caves because they were already restricted, for reasons I never was told of.
DPWH vs Car Car City's Ancestral Trees
I don't understand why the Department of Public Works and Highways had come up to this thought of cutting the heritage trees of Carcar in the southern part of Cebu province just because of DPWH road widening project? I don't know what the basis were and why they had come up of this decision. They may have not thought about how these trees had given not just shelter but nice ambiance to the south province.
Barili Tour For Carlo's Day
I would rather spend my big day as such but it was not my birthday nor my anniversary day but Carlo's. I on the other hand was very lucky to be a part of this event because I got to add another place in my travelling experience. An addition to my monthly goal: to go to a place I never been before.
Last week was Tanya's impromptu birthday celebration, impromptu because we never planned it compared to Carlo's yet it was Tanya's unforgettable birthday. According to her thank you message, we made her special day extra special and that her memory won't ever forget it. While it was an unplanned event, Carlo's birthday was planned since Monday, the 13th. We first thought of going to my ever longed Kawasan Falls but since it was still closed; we need to find another place out. Then by Wednesday, we considered Tera Mana which most of the group had disagreed of and the next day we agreed to go to Moalboal but Darwn wouldn't agree. We were hopeless as to the success of the birthday plan but by Saturday, the night before the said day; we made up our mind and decided to go to Barili specifically in Sayaw sayaw beach.
Waterfalling in Red River Valley
Is it just me or there's really a mystery hidden in the waterfalls?
I lived in a province where I thought waterfalls didn't exist, that these wondrous gifts of nature can only be seen outside the country and that it would take me all my treasures to be able to see and experience myself how it would feel underneath those free flowing waters. All of these assumptions were erased when I started to travel and explore other places, I should say that to work in a BPO company had really helped me go to different areas around the region and made me crave more travelling. Then I came up to this life's goal to go to a place I haven't been to once a month.
And so I am blessed to have friends who are from Negros Oriental who helped me discover and experience the three amazingly wonderful waterfalls of Malabo, Valencia’s Red River Valley.
Photo Essay: Our Way To Red River Valley Waterfalls
A trail we need to take towards Red River Valley Waterfalls.
Overwhelming rock mountains indeed!
The True Beauty of Valencia
Our dear Mia was very strong during our Dumaguete adventure, though it was her first long travel, she had endured the tiring trip, she had wandered on the lands of Dumaguete and Valencia as well, never did she had complained throughout the exploration. Right after the encounter with the Oozing Mount Talinis, I had just realized what Valencia has that other Negros Oriental towns didn't acquire – Water. Indeed, water was actually flowing everywhere. I saw it coming out from the mountains, the rock walls, the rivers, the soil beds and everywhere. It was a day full of water falling from here and anywhere. We had explored and played along with four waterfalls that day.
Unknown falls – this was the first falls we found and yet we found it just on the road side. Quite and still, the Unknown Falls continued to lay there, all sort of land vehicles travel on that land yet they never had noticed this wonderful work of heavens. It was slim and at rest, didn’t create even a single sound of though water was pouring, the waters was flowing gently on smooth rocks and soil then goes to a tunnel turned to the big water banks – the sea. The sun was shining brightly from above and the temperature was boiling up yet the waters coming from the Unknown falls was cold, cold enough to get all of our spines chilled as we felt the waters running on our feet. Our two little companions, Ken and Mai2x were not able to help themselves and immediately laid their bodies for the water to fall down them. Pure happiness and enjoyment filled the place, their giggles made me miss childhood once again.
