The Passing

 
 I just remember when my mother was teaching Rizal Course during her younger days, these beautiful lines were highlighted in her Zaide textbook:

"Si sobre mi sepulcro vieres brotar un dia
Entre la espesa yerba sencilla, humilde flor,
Acércala a tus labios y besa al alma mía,
Y sienta yo en mi frente bajo la tumba fría
De tu ternura el soplo, de tu hálito el calor."
- Mi Ultimo Adiós por Dr José Rizal, 1896

1911 English translation by Charles Derbyshire:
"If over my grave some day thou seest grow,
In the grassy sod, a humble flower,
Draw it to thy lips and kiss my soul so,
While I may feel on my brow in the cold tomb below
The touch of thy tenderness, thy breath's warm power."

It has been quite a while since my last entry appeared here. I was then very busy preparing for another exam when my very dear mother passed away last August 21st. It is very hard to get again into action and energy since it is just more than 40 days since her passing but life must go on. Our family is very grateful to friends and relatives for their support and sympathies during the days of our mourning and bereavement. May the Good Lord forever bless you with abundance and prosperity.

source: http://www.fabulousphilippines.com/mi-ultimo-adios-jose-rizal.htmlimage: flowerinfo.org

Heart's Day at Cuidad Christia 9 Waves Resort

     My friends, it's been a long time since I got another entry in this blog... and that was a year ago since my last entry! I was telling my 12-year-old son, who also loves writing, to continue blogging since I barely had the time to do it. However, he still prefers to master his moves in PSP and daze in front of Cartoon Network and Disney,

     Last Saturday, we had a great time at Ciudad Christhia 9 Waves Resort. That was how we celebrated Valentine's Day for the family.

     Why 9 waves? According to their website, the 9 waves swimming pool cast out nine different types of waves giving you that beach feeling without the mess of sand in your swimwear.

      The kids enjoyed the pool, especially the wave pool, which gives us an extraordinary experience. The place is indeed a perfect destination for summer vacation. It has affordable rates that are fit for the family's budget. The place has nice greenery and clean and well-maintained facilities that the entire family will surely enjoy during their stay. Guests can choose an array of cottages, from tables to Pavillion in the picnic areas.

     Also, an experience rides down the 69-meter double loop water slide was surely one we don't want to miss at the adult pool. Deep inside the 6-foot-deep adult pool, we had a great time taking pics and videos with an underwater cam.

Besides the double loop is the soothing outdoor jacuzzi covered by anahaw hut.

We also had a great time at the huge stage waterfalls.

At the kiddie pool, the whale slide will surely amaze the children. 

     We had a wonderful day in the anahaw kiosk and had a "salo-salo"  ( a Filipino way of family solidarity of eating together) of "pansit-bihon" (noodle), spaghetti, adobo (a Filipino pork dish favorite), "inihaw na tilapia" and  "liempo" (grilled fish and pork). Together, a vacation to Ciudad Christhia was really a great time for all of us.

      How to get here? Ciudad Christhia Resort is located at Carrieland Country Homes II, Ampid San Mateo Town, Rizal Province, Philippines. The historic and beautiful town of San Mateo, the home of the famous Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, is located on the western side of the Rizal Province and surrounded by Quezon City, Marikina City and the equally historic town of Montalban (made famous by the Tale of giant Bernardo Carpio and the famed Avilon Zoo). It is just an hour's ride from the heart of the City of Manila so it is considered as the most accessible holiday wave pool getaway in this part of the beautiful pacific islands.

     It is indeed a great summer holiday destination perfect for family bonding. Take a visit there and experience the fun too! Help preserve and protect the beauty of nature and enjoy its pristine beauty. Happy Hearts Day!

Source:
Ciudad Christhia 9 Waves Resort, San Mateo Town, Rizal Province, Philippine Islands

Fun and Trill at the Island Cove, Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

It is at Island Cove Philippines where fun and good times take care of nature. This 36-hectare island is only 45 minutes away from Manila. If you would come from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport you have reached Binakayan, Kawit, Province of Cavite, Philippines by passing through Aguinaldo Highway to get extraordinary actions. I say extraordinary because the islands have one of the best family-oriented adventure resorts outside Metro Manila. This Mediterranean-inspired island is ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the Department of Tourism as a triple “A” resort. Among the various attractions of the park are the Oceania Water Park, the Animal Island, and the Adventure Zone. Island Cove is also perfect for celebrations, corporate functions, team-building activities, and family affairs. Its free Wi-Fi is accessible in most parts of the resort or alongside the pool area making blogging seamless together with your laptop.

 

Oceania Water Park has the most exciting water attraction. It has a 3,000-square-meter two-layered swimming pool with four giant slides. It also has a wading pool for children, called the Kiddie Cove which has slides, fountains, and showers that are really a hit to kids and parents alike.

This line of coconut trees adorned the entrance of the Oceania Water Park

The kids tried the Walk on Water (WOW) Aqua Balls where they run and roll inside a giant, inflatable and transparent balls.

My son got inside WOW Ball with his cousin and Uncle waiting for the action.

The adventure began the adventure and feels good about how to walk on the water.

It is time to walk on the water.

Their excitement at Kiddie Cove is superb.

The 3,000 square meters two-layered swimming pool with four giant slides.

There's the Fishing Village, which is a 3-hectare fishing ground. There you can have your catch cooked exactly the way you want. You may also enjoy classic Filipino dishes and fresh fruit shakes while dining in huts on stilts over the water. The huts in the background are of different sizes and can accommodate 6 to 150 persons.

This is the place that really drove the kids crazy. The attractions here include a Butterfly Farm,  a Crocodile Farm, and Monkey Island, and a Petting Zoo, where we meet six-foot tall ostriches, Bengal tigers, deer, bearcats, wild boars and rabbits, and different species of snakes and iguanas, mammals, and birds like the predator eagle.

Inside the Crocodile Farm, we had a chance to feed twelve-foot-long crocodiles and monkeys. We also took a leisurely stroll along pathways lined with colorful flowers inside the Butterfly Farm. Horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage services are also available at reasonable rates. Worth watching is the baby crocs at the entrance to the Butterfly Farm.

The crocs scrambled after chicken meat was thrown.

How about an up-close encounter with Bengal Tiger.

Going to Bacolod Chicken Inasal and mission accomplished.

Although man-made, the islands have through the years faithfully mimicked the romantic fantasies of nature. The place is perfect for sports and athletic events. It has a modern gym that is open every day and equipped with quality equipment, which includes treadmills, cardio machines, and weight lifting equipment. Qualified trainers are on duty to ensure that guests and gym members do the right workout. Health buffs may also use Jogger’s Lane and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings of the island while sweating it out. They have basketball, tennis courts and beach volleyball courts. Table tennis and billiards are likewise available. A playground is also at hand for children. They also have an outdoor giant chess set, a playground, and Concert Park.

But of all these things, one thing I really admired about Island Cove is its environment-friendly park. A paradise in the making has sound waste management. To reduce fuel emissions, a zero-emission electric tram transports guests around the islands. Here at Island Cove the adventure never stops because nature is always the best adventure.

Source: Island Cove Website

From Clean Water to Sizzling Billboards

Passing by La Mesa Watershed

When we went to Imus, Cavite, our cousin drove the Adventure. When we passed by the La Mesa Watershed it was really appalling to see how that area has been fast deforested. Equally very consternating was the nearby landfill which used to offer relief to Metro Manila's painful garbage woes. As this bleak sight of grim and stench gradually eroded the AUV left the supposed to be protected area but now desecrated by irresponsible citizens. Heading for Commonwealth Avenue, I could not fathom shortly how my children and descendants would savor and enjoy the gift of nature. Will they have a clean water supply or lush greenery? Perhaps privatization of this water reservoir, where millions of people drew their daily water buckets would get the area greener and yield more water. Will it really solve the problem? Water, please!

Stinky Gas Station

But wait. I could not barely notice it...we have to drop by a gas station as our rear wheel needs some blow. Upon reaching the gas station, I also alighted the vehicle and I came inside their comfort zone. But inside I could not barely take it...and I told to myself...luckily my son didn't come with me. I haven't got out from the sight of grim and stench. The toilet in that gas station stinks. And the worst thing was that their air pump has long been not functioning! This one is along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City near the Ever Gotesco Shopping Mall. Perhaps the administration of this petrol station doesn't know about this. I assume that being among the big three, it practices some sort of a degree of sound and quality management. Good enough, we were able to reach another one near UP-Ayala Techno Hub, and finally, there we got the relief.

Thinking about EDSA without sizzling billboards?

Reaching EDSA is not a breeze. You know when it's SUNDAY...traffic is not so terrific. Pong told me not to pester him with eye-popping billboards along EDSA. I know, he won't dare to even glance. Angel was not his taste, perhaps Derek...perhaps. For all we know, we were sandwiched by two huge delivery trucks...Really, it's so delicate to spare the steering wheels My entire family is on board so I just remarked..."Oh, Manila...we're heading to Cavite...where there are no sizzling billboards along Aguinaldo Highway". But I like billboards, especially huge ones.

This sizzling F and H billboard along EDSA features a tanned Angel clad in a white one-piece swimsuit. It is not a surprise that she has also been awarded as Style Star's Readers' Choice for this billboard on Stylebible's Style Star weekly poll for last year's Hottest Billboard in the Philippines. I'm a huge fan of supermodel Angel so I searched for this one on the web.

Still, thinking about EDSA without sizzling billboards? That spells the difference between your Lolo's Highway 54 and the "jejemon" generation Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

From Coastal Road to Bottleneck in Bacoor, Cavite

And so having reached Imus, Cavite about ten in the morning...we were again caught in traffic while approaching Puregold on Aguinaldo Highway. We Uncle's fabulous abode very later. He was in town for a week-long vacation from his European assignments. Thereafter, he leads us to a sumptuous special pancit meal with ice cream and of course, hindi mawawala yun...a cake from Goldilocks. And after a brief chit-chat, we boarded his hi-ace in droves as we left the AUV for the next destination...the historic Kawit, Cavite...the birthplace of the First Philippine Republic.

Looking for another best thing about Kawit, Cavite?.. why not try Island Cove!

Three of the World's 10 Largest Malls

Metro Manila may not be the biggest city in the World but according to Forbes.com, the jewel of the Philippines holds a record of having three of the World's 10 Largest Malls. These Philippine Malls are the SM Mall of Asia, ranked No. 3 with a gross leasable Area of 4.2 million square feet; SM Megamall, ranked no. 6 with a gross leasable area of 3.6 million square feet; and SM City North Edsa, at 10th rank with a gross leasable area of 3 million square feet. All of these shopping malls I mentioned are owned by Filipino billionaire Henry Sy.

SM Mall of Asia is located in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

SM Mega Mall is located in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

SM City North EDSA is located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

To complete the excitement, here is the prestigious list of the World's 10 Largest Malls according to Forbes.com:

1.  South China Mall
     Location: Dongguan, China
     Year Opened: 2005
     Gross Leasable Area: 7.1 million square feet
     In the Chinese mall arms race, this facility opened a year after the Golden Resources Mall to displace it as the country's and the world's largest. The space includes windmills and theme parks, plus a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.

2.  Golden Resources Shopping Mall
    Location: Beijing, China
    Year Opened: 2004
    Gross Leasable Area: 6 million square feet
    Not sprawling, this is a stacked-up five-story mall. Approximately 1,000 stores, selling plenty of familiar global brands like Nike and DKNY. A truly ambitious real estate project, with new apartments and offices, surrounding the mall. A tough location outside the heart of the city has resulted in disappointing traffic from foreign tourists.

3. SM Mall of Asia
    Location: Pasay City, Philippines
    Year Opened: 2006
    Gross Leasable Area: 4.2 million square feet
    Includes the first Olympic-sized swimming pool and the first IMAX theater in the Philippines. Spread over four buildings, customers can get around on a 20-seat tram.

4. Cevahir Istanbul
    Location: Istanbul, Turkey
    Year Opened: 2005
    Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet
    Europe's largest shopping mall has a roller coaster, a wave pool, and several IMAX theaters.

5. West Edmonton Mall
    Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    Year Opened: 1981
    Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet
    The biggest in North America, the West Edmonton Mall has over 800 stores, along with attractions like a water park, skating rink, casino, and rides.

6. SM Megamall
    Location: Mandaluyong City, Philippines
    Year Opened: 1991
    Gross Leasable Area: 3.6 million square feet
    Fun stuff includes bowling, ice skating, and a 12-cinema movie theater, along with traditional mall fare-like arcade games. Customers can also get a haircut or see a doctor at the Manila clinic.

7. Berjaya Times Square
    Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Year Opened: 2005
    Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet
    Built with an adjacent hotel and convention center. In addition to over 1,000 retail shops, the mall includes a 12-story-high roller coaster, plus a pool, skating rink, and "Cosmo's World," a children's theme park.

8. Beijing Mall
    Location: Beijing, China
    Year Opened: 2005
    Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet
    The first real suburban mall in China, located about an hour from downtown Beijing, this center has four levels with parking for 8,000 cars, plus a man-made beach. Bootlegged DVDs of American movies are top sellers.

9.  Zhengjia Plaza
    Location: Guangzhou, China
    Year Opened: 2005
    Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet
    Has been known to attract over half a million shoppers on a good day. Another mixed-use space, the mall has a hotel and office tower in addition to retail stores.

10. SM City North Edsa
Location: Quezon City, Philippines
Year Opened: 1985
Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet
The first major "mega-mall" was built by SM Prime Holdings, which now claims three of the largest 10 in the world. It's a five-story complex that boasts over 100 retail outlets and restaurants, along with 12 cinemas, a bowling alley, and a skating rink. An IMAX theater could be added soon.

Source of the article: World's 10 Largest Shopping Malls by Tom Van Riper at Forbes.com 
Source of images: Forbes.com

Liham ni Ninoy kay Noynoy (Letters of Hero Ninoy to President Noynoy Aquino)

Good day friends, for the past few days I was not able to blog. I think I was infected with "yellow fever". But don't worry. It is not contagious. It is just a feeling of awe, joy, and hope after witnessing the oath-taking of the 15th President of the Republic. As I'm searching the web, I encountered these exchanges between the father, then a prisoner, locked up by a constitutional and authoritarian regime, and a young boy who later, no one knows and nobody expected, would become someday, the most powerful person in the Philippines.

Link: Liham ni Ninoy kay Noynoy

See how valuable a 500-peso bill is. It is more than just a souvenir but a historical document itself!

Even without nightclubs and bars, there is life in Manila. Is there?

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There are contradictions in life, and you don't have to look far. Whatever it is, there is still more in life than anything else.

A truly unique destination in the galaxy can be found in Southeast Asia. If you're from the Americas - across the vast expanse of the pacific. If you're from the Asia mainland - beyond the South China Sea. Covering 636 square kilometers of land area, the pearl of the orient seas has been left untouched for thousands of years. So be prepared for a deep breath. Let's dive and get it.

EDSA, Metro Manila - An Aerial View

May you have a pleasant stay here even if the airport is not that good, as recent flights to the city have been rerouted to Clark Field due to faulty navigation equipment in the NAIA. I know it will be fixed soon. If your taxi driver does not care that you'll be late for your appointments, just smile and say “how are you doing?”. The traffic in the nerve center of the more than seven thousand islands should not ruin your day. Look out and ask the driver to lower the window of the taxi. The site may be untidy, as garbage is piled along the way. But you can also see fine-looking men and gorgeous women who speak like British and walks like an American. Sounds may be so noisy, videoke singing is everywhere. But everyone wants to be a rock star. (I also tried to be...and the microphone likes me...). American Idol has a huge following here. And the aroma may not be so good, as scents of smoke from cramped buses and WWII jeeps with the stench of garbage and sewer along the way. But folks you'll meet smile well, and smell well. 

So this is it. I say the place is unique. There are shanties of city dwellers and slums that you can see. But there are also huge billboards along EDSA and thoroughfares. People love to see these sights even if it is the skin that they can only see. What is left to advertise if not for the underwear? And if you'll have to pee and poo, at the gas station you can do it...but not all the time. Shoppers fill the malls even if it's the window that they only shop. You may not wear your jewelry if it's fake. If you want to... Achtung!..at owner's risk. But if the policemen are not so friendly all the time...probably because there are hidden cameras installed to watch. I have to ride on the bus or train and be prepared to stand all the time. It isn't now a fad for a man to share a seat with a woman. Not then, but now. Why? But on Sundays, more and more people go to church. Jollibee is filled with families dining together and so with McDonald's and Chow-king. Movies can be watched in every mall, with the best from SM i-max, of course. Life is full and vibrant here. At night you might forget what these contradictions really mean. Having good times in bars and nightclubs here is beyond compare.

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The Filipina Painting by Fernando Amorsolo

 

So this is Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. On this day the city goes on a holiday to celebrate its foundation day. It has a rich cultural heritage because of mixed Malayan, Chinese, American, and European influences. You call the city dwellers, Manileños. They are known for being hardworking, neat, and honest. I hope that day if you'll search for “Filipina” and “Pinay” on the internet, the hits will not be very revealing and not grossly disappointing...online dating, and maid.

 
Images from:
Manila
The Filipina Painting by Fernando Amorsolo

Sand Castles in Rizal Beach, Gubat Sorsogon

If you're going to Sorsogon, Philippines you'll probably ask your travel guide for the best places to hang out. There are a lot of places and of course beaches. And if it comes to beaches, I would say the best beach in Sorsogon, you might also try traveling to the Municipality of Gubat and to its world-famous "Rizal Beach".

Gubat is just a ride from the City of Sorsogon. You can be there by bus or car or by passenger jeepney. You won't believe it! the jeepney fare from Sorsogon City to Gubat is only 10 pesos per passenger. The jeepney terminal is located along Manook Street. Named after Don Pedro Manook, a descendant of Rajah Sikatuna, who happens to be the first Gobernadorcillo (Mayor) of Gubat, Manook Street is a busy commercial hub in Gubat where you can find the public market, banks, stores, and transport terminals for jeepneys and tricycles.

At the Gubat public market, I'm sure you will enjoy shopping for native foods like mouth-watering pili, suman or ibos, timitim, hinagum, and linukay. You might also try freshly caught "angul" fish at the wet market, which is best when steamed (sinaing), crabs, and prawns. There, you can also feast your eyes on an array of dried fishes of different kinds, including dried squids.

Native handicrafts made of abaca (hemp) and sea shells can also be purchased as souvenirs at very reasonable prices. This also includes hats, slippers, home decors, bracelets and necklaces, coin purses, and even cellphone accessories. Gubat really is a tourist spot. Very interesting though, you can also find in Gubat the "ukay-ukay" things. Para nang Baguio City.

If you're security conscious, you need not worry. There is constant police visibility in the town and I can vouch for this there are no robbers and pickpockets in Gubat. Besides, Gubateños are friendly and very accommodating.

Rizal Beach is located at Barangay Rizal. By going there you would pass by the stretch of beaches from Dangkalan Beach passing to Buenavista and then to Rizal Beach. It is indeed a "good view" watching this site, as a long time ago Spaniards called this place "Buena vista". There are inns and hotels there like the Veramaris Hotel which is perfect for a unique and enjoyable stay along the beach.

This week Gubat celebrated its foundation and occasions for the homecoming  ("baragat") and reunions and Gubateños all over the world. "Baragat" for Gubateños not only means meeting old friends and enemies but also going to your roots to help. It also held its town fiesta in honor of its patron Saint, San Antonio de Padua. Legend tells it that the great saint then saved the town from an impending rape and onslaught of arriving pirates at Gubat Bay by brandishing a sword atop the belfry of the 17th-century San Antonio De Padua Parish Church and driving them away to panic. Novena prayers for the saint are also said to aid in the good voyage and for pregnant moms wanting to have baby girls. The cultural show "Guinubat Festival", which tells the saga of Bintolan and the raid of a horde of swordfish (locally known as "bugiw"), where the town got its name, is also held annually to highlight the event.

While in Rizal Beach, you've only got three things to do. First, enjoy the beach and try surfing. Second, enjoy friendship and warm accommodation, and third, enjoy the experience.

For me, I've got four. Add the time when my daughter learned how to build sand castles. Cool!

External links:
Gubat, Sorsogon by Wikipedia
Rizal Beach: Gubat Sorsogon by Gloria Gamat
Discover Gubat - Learn Some Things About Gubat Sorsogon

Sweat, Rains and Tears - A Story of Hope and Faith

I do hope that the hotter days will be over it started to rain here in Manila, Philippines so  I can't help to write something for advocacy. 

The Climate Crisis

Have you ever ventured into waist-deep flooded streets or worse, swim the flooded highways and need to cling to the fallen electric cables and posts against the deadly surge?

 

Have you ever experienced excessive sweating all day not due to biological or medical reasons but due to hot days and hot nights that have become more frequent? Your undies were soaked in salty slimy liquid after a few moments whether at home, travel, school, or work. These inconveniences are brought about by the extreme weather that we are experiencing.

I survived the wrath of Ondoy (Ketsana)

I can recall what happened on September 26, 2009, with Ondoy and its horrors, but I do not care to remember its sordid details. I swam the waist-deep streets of San Mateo, Rizal Province, Philippines to catch an exam in Manila scheduled for early morning the following day. You might not believe that I reached Ampid, San Mateo by swimming in the flooded streets. But there, I was prevented by the soldiers not to proceed because the flood had already reached the second floor of the houses. I cannot go back as the flood level has already reached my breast so I took shelter at the nearby Saint Mathew's College together with other evacuees of the nearby subdivisions, their children, their pet dogs, and pees and poos and everything.  I went home after the flood water has receded. What an awful sight to see where people lost a lot terribly, and where everything is a mess.  We begin to rebuild after the deluge because we always know the rainbow smiling at us. Indeed, such was a filthy event of nature's wrath that even the heavy downpour last days and nights sent shivers down my spine. It is a story of hope and faith that we were able to survive such a catastrophe.

Drought

According to the Philippine government think-tank on climate change, extreme weather events have occurred more frequently since 1980. These include deadly and damaging typhoons, floods, landslides, severe El Niño and La Niña events, drought, and forest fires. Adversely affected sectors include agriculture, fresh water, coastal and marine resources, and health. Frequent occurrence of extreme El Niño events has affected rainfall and inflow patterns of the reservoirs. It also resulted in water rationing in Metro Manila. There is also evidence correlating El Niño occurrences with the epidemics of dengue. From personal experience, these hot months have caused problems in electric generation, such as high energy demands and brownouts or worse, blackouts. There was also the occurrence of earthquakes and panic.

Deluge

Among the extreme, La Niña events that have happened recently are those which caused massive landslides. These severe weather events have one thing in common - persistent torrential rains, causing landslides and flash floods, killing thousands of people and destroying billions of properties along their path.

In all these extreme events, the poor and the disadvantaged are the most vulnerable to the negative consequences of climate change. In my view, nobody is spared. Even the rich suffer and so with the poor. They both terribly perspire the hot months and pay spiraling electric bills. And they both swam the flooded streets to save lives and properties. That is because nature is always fair.

It's urgent. Let's do our share. Be Prepared. Share and Help.

As citizens, we can do our share to cushion the impact of climate change. Use fuel-efficient transport to save on fuel. Use bikes or walk if you have to travel not at a distance. It is also good exercise to keep our body healthy and active. Save on electricity at home or at work. Participate in eco-friendly activities in your home, work, or community. Let us not forget that we also have social responsibilities. And these include relief response participation and food and medical assistance in case of emergency.  It is our eco-friendly behavior and practices that can save us. Above all these, it is our green lifestyle that makes a difference because we are still alive today.

I know that Bayanihan spirit is still alive. It is a Pinoy way of self-sacrifice and charity.

 Source of this post on technical aspect:
 Philippine Task Force on Climate Change

Read more on Climate Change:

Al Gore on Global Warming and Climate Change
Gore will be in Manila on June 8, 2010, to Speak on Climate Change
Climate Crisis Coalition

Image from:

www.keepbanderabeautiful.org

Meeting Rumpelstiltskin in 3D

Rumpelstiltskin  

by Brothers Grimm
An Excerpt

“Today I bake, tomorrow I brew,
Next, the queen’s child is mine;
How good it is that no one knows
Rumpelstiltskin is my name!”

You can imagine how happy the queen was when she heard the name.

And soon after the little man entered her chamber and asked “Now, Mistress Queen, what is my name?”

She first asked “Is your name Kunz?”

“No.”

“Is your name Heinz?”

“No”.

“Is your name perhaps Rumpelstiltskin?”

“The devil told you, the devil told you,” the little man cried and in his rage stamped his little foot so with such force that he sank into the ground up to his waist. Then he stamped his left foot into the ground in rage and with both hands tore himself in two.

Read More:

The Fairy Tale Channel

Short Stories at East of the Web

Rumpelstiltskin and his Witches

We meet Rumpelstiltskin last night when we watched Shrek Forever After 3D at SM City Marikina Cinema 1 and we really had a great time. This horrible short guy is really terrible. Do not bargain with this fellow...even for at least a day of escapade. Treasure your present being. Be content with what you have and be careful in making deals. In the story, at the end of the day, Shrek realizes that his family is everything that matters. The ogre has until dawn to make Princess Fiona fall in love with him again to take back his wish in an agreement with Rumpelstiltskin. Shrek will cease to exist if he doesn't receive true love's kiss by that time.

Read more...

Shrek and Rumpelstiltskin

Princess Fiona, Shrek, and Kids

I would like to acknowledge the sources of Shrek 4 posters: 

behindthevoiceactors.com; worstpreviews.com; and babble.com 

Visiting Bicol - May 7, 2010

Related Articles:
All About Mayon Volcano by Wikipedia
Mount Mayon, Philippines by Malapascua
Mayon Volcano Crater by NASA
Mayon Volcano Map by Wikimapia
More pics on Mayon Volcano by Google Images
Magayon Festival 2010

Days and Night with Sierra Madre - May 15, 2010

The Sierra Madre Resort and Convention Center is right along the National Highway in Tanay, Province of Rizal, Philippines. We spent two days and a night there as our annual office outing. We enjoyed the cool air and the spectacular view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and we took many photos there, especially on the veranda overlooking the mini golf course. If you're there you might think that you're not in Tanay but in Tanaytay (I mean Tagaytay!) because of the cool breeze especially at night so much so that you'll need no aircon inside your suites. There are a lot of sceneries you'll find there such as the hanging footbridge in the photo, located at the edge of the mini golf course; The Aphrodite-adorned park such that if you're there you might feel that you're in Greece. It also has a clubhouse where we had a lot of singing and dancing (si tito boy lang yun!). The food is also okay. They served us truly pinoy dishes of inihaw na bangus, bulalo ng baka and adobo. The owner is a true-blooded Bicolano so expect the best of Bicolano hospitality and accommodation.

I would like to thank my co-workers for these lovely and beautiful shots.

..and if you intend to commute to Sierra Madre Hotel,  I've found this photo from multiply.com that is truly amazing.

More about the Sierra Madre Hotel at Tanay, Rizal, Philippines



More about Tanay, Rizal Province, Philippines:
Facts and History
A peek into Tanay’s Natural WonderThe Calm and Majestic Waters of Daranak Falls
Seeing the Breathtaking Sierra Madre Mountain Range from Tanay, Rizal
Tanay, Philippines - A Travel Blog of Rea Dora
Our Tanay Getaway 
Erap’s Tanay Rest House

City of Pines - February 18, 2010

Together with my wife and kids, we went to Baguio City, Philippines on February 18, 2010. The event was actually a school tour of the children so we had to accompany them. I have with me a handy cam to capture these beautiful and historical places. In the City of Pines we visited the following places:

a) Strawberry Farm at BSU, where we enjoyed taho with strawberry jam for only 10 pesos per cup from local vendors. It is unique and delicious and only from Baguio City;

b) The Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, which is located on Mirador Hill in the western part of the City. Inside the grotto is a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes (Virgin Mary), where we prayed and asked for blessings. To reach the grotto, we hurdled 252 steps. There, an excellent view of the city can be seen;
  

c) The Philippine Military Academy;

The PMA is the officer training school of the Armed Forces in the Philippines. Located at Fort Gregorio del Pilar on Loakan Road, visitors to the City of Pines are welcome to explore the grounds, view the cadets performing their drills, and explore the PMA museum and walk around its manicured grounds to see vintage tanks and other historical military weapons. The Philippine Military Academy began on October 25, 1898, with the establishment of the Academia Militar in Malolos, Bulacan by a decree issued by the first president of the young Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo. Graduates were awarded the regular commission in the armed forces.

On December 21, 1936, Commonwealth Act No. 1 (also known as the National Defense Act) was passed. The law formally created the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and authorized it to confer a Bachelor of Science degree on its graduates after they successfully complete the four-year course. The outbreak of World War II in late 1941 disrupted training at the Academy. The Philippine Military Academy reopened on May 5, 1947, again at its former location in the Summer Capital, Camp Henry T. Allen. Due to the need for wider grounds, the Academy moved to its present site at Fort Gregorio del Pilar, a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, some 10  kilometers from downtown Baguio City. Named after the young hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, General Gregorio del Pilar, PMA in its new location was developed into a military training institution with facilities and infrastructure required by a growing academy. In 1993, PMA was transformed into a ‘Tri-Service Academy', which introduced specialized, branch-of-service-specific courses in the last two years of training, preparing fresh PMA graduates for their specific branch of service, for the graduates to be ‘field-ready', ‘fleet-ready' or ‘squadron-ready' upon graduation. Also that same year, by Republic Act 7192, the first female cadets were admitted into the Philippine Military Academy.

d) The Mansion.

It is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The structure which is older than Baguio City is located on the eastern part of the city along C.P. Romulo Drive (formerly a part of Leonard Wood Road) and right across from Wright Park. Formerly called the Mansion House, this stately building was built in 1908 as summer homes for U.S. Governors-general who were the American administrators for the Philippines and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines. They say that the elaborate main gate of the Mansion is said to be a replica of that at Buckingham Palace in London, England. Vehicles entering the compound pass through a tremendous circular driveway and it is usually open only when the Mansion is used for an official function or activity. With its beautiful gardens and a well-manicured lawn, it is a favorite site for sightseeing and picture taking.

e) Horseback riding at the Mines View Park

or enjoying its magnificent view;

f) Enjoying a boat ride at the Burnham Park Lake; and

g) at SM-Baguio City; where we had our lunch.

Indeed, it was really a vacation for us all.

More about the beauty of Baguio City at http://www.gobaguio.com

Island Hopping 100 Times in Pangasinan, Philippines