It's Been A Long Time!

It's been a long time since I last posted here on this blog! It's been a year! Blame it on my forgetfulness - admittedly, I wasn't able to post because I didn't recall my password. But after brave attempts,I managed to break through. For now, at least I can access my account anytime and post.

Perhaps I should run back on some events that I should have posted here.

Lost in Hongkong - The Tour

Shopping in Hongkong is an activity shared by the locals and tourists alike. Not a day goes by without you seeing a tourist haggling with a seller or a local checking out the latest fashion at a store. It is also the reason why so many people go the place - the main attraction. So, we armed with my savings, we barged right into the one of the good shopping places in the state - Wan Chai and Central District.

We went to Wan Chai first. Around Wan Chai, you'll see a lot of stores selling shirts, shoes and bags. You just need to walk around and check all the stores for good finds. I actually found authentic Quiksilver boxers at a store priced at less than 15.00HKD - a sound deal! In addition to authentic branded shirts priced at 20.00 to 30.00HKD - again, just look around - you'll never know until you go inside a store and check the merchandise. An advice - be friendly and smile when a local seller greets you inside their store.

In Central District - one of the main business hubs of the state - resembles like Ayala characterized by its structures and the busy environment. Like Ayala, it has shops all over. There's this one store, H&M, where my sister went crazy with her shopping. Well, I do admit that that shop has serious goods. The price ranges from 90.00HKD onwards for miscellaneous men and ladies wear.

Well, thats about it. I just suggest that you just walk around Hongkong to have good finds. Next stop: Mongkok!

Lost in Hongkong - The Tour

After going to the awesome flower show at Victoria Park, we headed straight for Tung Chung. Going from Causeway Bay to Tung Chung a 20 minute ride at the MTR. After nine stops (and a MTR transfer) we finally made it to the Citygate Outlets. Basically, Tung Chung is just a big shopping mall on sale.

 It's kind of embarrassing taking a photo at a mall....

European and American designer brands are sold here at a lesser rate than its original price - but what I like about here, all is authentic, so no-worries about what you're buying is fake or original. I immediately bought as much Esprit shirts and Crocs Sandals as I can. Well, I admit that were not that well-off, so I skipped the European brand stores... My sister bought herself a new bag and wallet from Nine West for her bragging - then the usual sibling bantering comes in. Anyway, after we strolled around the mall and buying stuff, we decided to take a breather.   

Of course, we wouldn't wanna miss all those Chinese dumplings! So we did! And man, it was really good.

Pork and Shrimp Dumpling, my all time favorite!

After our merienda, we decided to go back to Causeway Bay. Again, we rode the MTR from the Tung Chung station towards Causeway Bay to cram our stuff back inside the quarters.

After which, we rode the local Tram (for the first time - we had to take pictures) towards a restaurant we're eating dinner. Riding the tram was fun! Much like our jeepneys, except it's slower and has designated stops. The cost of one ride is 2.00HK$ for an adult, and 1.00HK$ for a child or a senior citizen.

Inside the tram...

Tram fare guide

Trams waiting for a go signal...

We dropped ourselves at Wan Chai for dinner. It seems that we weren't satisfied with our earlier dumpling affair to we decided to take it to the next level - a full dumpling dinner. There's a local restaurant along Johnston Road, at Wan Chai were we went that night. The restaurant was selling reasonably priced yet delicious dumplings - according to my mom. And behold, a 15 piece dumpling for 20.00 HK$! Not bad! We had the Pork and Watercress Dumpling, the Pot Stickers and a clear soup with meatballs in it- not sure what's name but it was delicious too. I resisted the urge to buy another set for me since it was really good and cheap. At any rate,after that miniature feast we were "dumpling-ly sated".

  The Menu..so many dumplings, so little time

 Sorry, we got hungry before taking a decent picture...

         Pot Stickers..Yum! Makes me hungry again...       

that meatball soup i forgot the name...

 Enjoying the dumplings...and yeah that's two pieces, I admit.

After dinner, we headed back to our quarters and rested for the night. Tomorrow is another day of endless shopping. Where? At Wan Chai and Central!

Lost in Hongkong - The Tour

Date: March 28th
Time: 9:00 AM

I don't know, but when you're in a new place, the excitement to roam around seem to overcome you. For me, it did push.

We started the day early and walked towards Victoria Park where the annual Hongkong Flower Show 2010 is slated. This activity is part of their Spring Festival - months long celebration of the new season.

The Hongkong Flower Show 2010 @ The Victoria Park, Victoria Road, Causeway Bay

So there we where..fell in line for tickets, took a few photos at the entrance and checked out the layout of what's in store.

The event is a showcase of flowers each participating country' floral beauty. There are booths that brag their respective traditional garden landscapes and there are unique landscaping and gardening ideas there too. In additions, flocks of photographers are seen in the area admiring and taking photos of one subject - flowers.

Perhaps the pictures would explain more what we enjoyed seeing there.

A sea of tulips at the middle of the park flocked by photographers and visitors

a pumpkin coach, perhaps Cinderella's?

Flowers...


Grandma Veggie!


Grass-hugger?


and flowers...

I found Nemo too!

and a cute cat


a Chinese garden


Chinese Garden 2


with a wishing well with more flowers...


the Mighty Dragon - one of my favorite


the Gingerbread House garden

We noticed a few bonsais in showcased as well. We took some photos of the more interesting ones for show!

a sage with his hut


That girl riding on the carabao is...

actually part of this bonsai.

It was an enjoyable sight indeed. Anyway, after admiring each and every booth, we ate a few sideroad snacks to fill up. But that didn't end our day.

We rested at our headquarters to get ready shopping! Next stop: Tung Chung - where some of the outlets of branded footwear and apparel are found - of course at a discounted rate!

Lost in Hongkong - The Arrival

A view from the top

I found that getting lost in Hongkong is actually more fun than it seems. As long as you don't get mulled by the crowd during the Rugby Sevens, cheated by a side-store keeper or pickpocket-ed.

At any rate, I'm here to share my one week long trip to Hongkong.

First, let me describe Hongkong. A crammed place with a rich past, overflowing cultural heritage in set in a majestic scenery with people, structure, technology and commerce.

It was the eve of March 27th that my foot first landed on Hongkong. Accompanied by my sister, you trudged our way from the Arrival area of the Hongkong International Airport and met our mom at the receiving area.

Wish I could a have a TV like this in my room!

After a bit of pleasantries and chitchat, we were escorted by our mom towards the exit and experience our first double deck bus ride from the Airport strip towards Causeway Bay - where our headquarters will be.

In line for the double decker bus

As the ride went on, I noticed something about the place - it's organized; from the bus stops, tram stations, road signs, MTR rail, shipyard and the people are disciplined; from throwing trash in correct bins, usage of pedestrian lanes, respect of the stop light; these small acts of discipline can go a long way...anyway so much of that.

After arriving in Causeway Bay, a heavily commercialized area in Hongkong-resembles much of Ayala and Fort Bonifacio-we settled in our headquarters to put our baggage. It was 10:00PM then when we decided to go out and eat at fastfood restaurant much nearer to our hearts - Burger King.

burger+fries+soda at 10:00PM

After that, my mom bought us to Time Square just to have a go-see what the place looks like. It was a shopping center full of, er, shops. Taking pictures at a public mall doesn't seem like a good idea to me...but, it's my first time in Hongkong, so be it! (^.^)

guilty pleasure

By the way, the area was closing when we got there. But, we are just familiarizing ourselves anyway with some of the landmarks and places to go in Causeway Bay. After a few more pictures we decided to call it a night.There's a full week ahead of us, and there are so much more in store.

Randon Thoughts

Selfishness is a big weight that keeps you down in the muck.

Random Thoughts

We are not perfect. Accept our own humanity.

Though sometimes, it's very hard to do so since we are blinded by our wants and false ambitions. L et us learn to graciously be aware of our mistakes and try to change them for the better.

WE LOVE YOU PAPA JESUS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA JESUS!

LOVE. JOY. PEACE. ONENESS. SIMPLICITY. SHARING. TRUE HAPPINESS.

Mga Chichirya Noong Mga Panahon Na Iyon - Compendium

Walang dumaan sa pagkabata ang hindi kumain nang chichirya.

MSG!

Iyan ang ititiyak ko sa inyo. Lahat tayo dumaan sa phase na sinisipsip ang mga daliri para lasahan ang natitirang MSG, asin or kung anu-ano pang flavorings sa mga kinain nating chichirya. Minsan pa nga inuulam pa natin sa kanin! Lalo na yung maasin! Kadalasan bibili tayo

pagkatapos ng eskwela, tapos sabay punas sa polong puti!

Teka, maiilista nga yung mga paborito nating chichirya at candy noong mga bata pa tayo...

Siguro naman nakain niyo na ang...

1. POMPOMS - maliliit na korteng C na puro hangin lang pero may maalat na cheese flavor; yellow pack na may elepanteng mag bola.

2. PRITOS RING - isa sa mga paborito ko to!! Yung tipong ilalagay mo sa daliri mo yung kada piraso tsaka mo kakainin! Kulay pula yung balot nito.

3. WONDERBOY - Kulay puti yata yung balot nito; flat na chichirya, malutong at maalat din.

4. LITSONG MANOK - masarap iulam sa kanin pag madaming MSG! Haha! Rectangular shaped ito na lasang chicken. May kulay red, yellow at green ang balot nito.

5. BASTA PINOY - hmmm...nakain ko na to pero nakalimutan ko na itsura.

6. CHEESE RINGS - Buhay pa din hanggang ngayon! Classic junk food to! Cheese flavor na korteng malalaking rings. Kasya din sa daliri to.

7. SNACKU - Naalala niyo pa ba yung mga palabas sa channel 13 dati? Yung shaider, bioman o takeshi's castle? Isa ito sa mga kino-commercial dun. Sticks to na kulay green, lasang vegatables kuno. Green din ang balot.

8. CHEEZ-IT - Yung kulay dilaw na balot na may daga na naglalambitin. Parang letter H yung korte nito. Cheese flavored din.

9. TOMI - Corn chips! Buhay pa din hanggang ngayon.

10. RINBEE - Cheese sticks! May bubuyog ang balot nito na kulay puti at orange.

11. KOBI - Corn chips yata to. Di ko na maalala yung balot..

12. BOOGIEMAN - Ah! Eto yung may kalabasa sa balot (jack-o-lantern!) Sticks din to na maliliit na vegetable flavor

13. CHEEZ-UMS - Classic! Di ko alam kung buhay pa tong chichirya na to.

14. RICHEE - Milk flavored na korteng H. Kasabayan to ng Cheez-it.

15. SWEET CORN - Classic din! Bilog bilog na lasang mais. Isa sa mga maaalat na chichirya. Masarap tong dinudurog! Kaya lang yung mga Sweet Corn ngayon(na nabibili ng piso piso), wala nang lasa gaano..

16. LUMPIA/CHEESE DOG - Favorite ko to! Hanggang ngayon, bumibili ako ng maramihan. Parang lumpia ang korte na cheese flavor; pero puro hangin ang laman! Hehe! Minsan nga lang makakatsamba ka ng medyo maalat. Yun ang pinaka masarap!

17. SQUID RINGS - Parang cheese rings din ata to. Di ko kasi gaanong nakahiligan to.

18. CLOVER CHIPS - Classic! Hanggang ngayon buhay pa! May iba ibang flavor to - barbeque. cheese! Meron ding Clover Bits!

19. POT-POT - yung chichirya na pinagpapalit ng bote o dyaryo; kadalasan may mamang nakabisikleta o kariton na may dalang "pot-pot".

20. OISHI - Classic! Shrimp flavored sticks na masarap isawsaw sa suka.

21. EXPO PEANUTS - Eto yung nasa maliliit na balot, kulay gray - parang nagaraya - cracker nuts pero kasing liit ng mga ulo ng turnilyo.

22. PEEWEE - Classic - at buhay pa din ngayon! Kasabayan ng Richee at Cheez-it! Eto naman yung barbeque flavor. May chef na naka print sa balot.

23. HUMPY DUMPY - Classic! Buhay pa din! Iba iba flavor nito. Barbeque, cheese, etc. - Corn chips.

24. KIREI - Classic! Isa sa mga di ko pinagsawaan. Shrimp flavor na triangle ang korte.

25. KROPEK - classic Pinoy junk food! Suka lang ang katapat, pwede nang pulutan!

26. CHICKADEES - Cheese flavor to. Eto yata yung may libreng tau-tauhan na plastic..

27. SEBSEB - favorite ko din to! Parang popcorn na pinalobo. Kulay yellow to.

28. PIKNIK - korteng flower na cheese flavored; isa sa mga paborito ko to!

29. FISH CRACKER - isa pang classic Pinoy junk food! Dilaw at lasang isda kuno. Pero suka lang, pwede na din!

30. MARIE BISCUITS - Bilog na biscuit! Kulay pula yung balot!

31. ICED GEM BISCUITS - Classic! Favorite ko din to! Yung may matamis na icing na iba-ibang kulay - madalas yung icing lang kinakain natin at hindi yung biscuit na kasama!

32. CHISNACK - nasa kulay blue to na balot na sobrang sarap papakin; cheese flavor din!

(Segue lang) Hindi ba kayo nagtataka na madalas flavor ng mga chichirya e cheese?

At dumako naman tayo sa mga matatamis; mga candy, bubble gum at iba pa!

1. ORANGE SWITS - Kakabili ko lang nito! Top favorite ko to sa mga candy na nakalista dito. Kulay orange na korteng C. - Gummy candy! Heaven ako pag kumain ako nito!

2. TEXAS - Nabibili din to dati ng piso-apat. Kulay puti din to na may kulay puting balot.

3. TARZAN - Rectangle na gum na kulay puti - may linya linya sa balot na iba iba yung kulay.

4. BAZOOKA - Most favorite gum! Pink na parang hollow blocks at may libreng komiks ni Bazooka Joe. Parang kamukha nga nya si Popeye eh...

5. BIGBOY - Favorite ko din to. Kulay pink na nasa parang waxpaper na balot na korteng baterya na triple A.

6. BUBBLE GUM NA PISO, SAMPU - madalas nakalagay sa plastic ng sigarilyo!

7. CANDY CARAMEL - Square to na may kulay puting balot na nabibili mo dati ng piso-apat.

8. LIPPS - kulay red - cherry o strawberry flavor yata at ginagawang lipstick ng mga babae mong kalaro!

9. FRESH MINT - yung nasa kulay green na balot - yung parang buletas na green din. Madalas nilalagay sa bulsa ng polo at kinakain sa classroom.

10. CURLY TOPS - Classic Pinoy Chocolate!

11. EGGHEADS - Korteng M&M's to. Kulay puti. Masarap tong papakin!

12. LALA - Isa pa sa mga Classic Pinoy Chocolate!

13. MIKMIK - milk powder na nasa foil na pakete na may kasamang straw

14. MIGHTY MOUSE CANDY- nasa maliliit na pakete na 50 cents ata isa.

15. NATA DE COCO - Favorite din! Nasa transparent na balot, tapos pinalalamig din sa ref. Masarap tong naka freeze tapos unti unti mong nginunguya yung nata! Hayyy....

16. ICE POP - Masarap kainin pagkatapos ng laro! Grape, Orange, Apple, etc! Ayos na!

17. WHITE RABBIT - Sino bang hindi makakakilala nito? Puting balot, nakakakain yung kulay puti na film sa loob na lasang ostya, tapos yung candy lasang gatas. Kaya lang may lumabas na din na hindi nakakakain yung puti na film bago yung candy..

18. SERGS - local chocalate! May sergs na nakasulat sa bawat bar!

19. NIPS - local version ng smarties o M&M's. Buhay pa din hanggang ngyn!

20. MAYFAIR CHOCOLATES - Eto yata yung maliliit na bars - na may iba ibang nakadrawing na bahay.

21. BENSONS ECLAIRS - Haha! Paborito ko to! Yung caramel na may chocolate sa loob! Panalo!

22. JUICY FRUIT - Classic! "You need a juicy!" - kung naalala niyo pa yung commercial.

23. DOUBLE MINT - Classic!

24. ORANGE GUM - yung nasa maliit na tetrapak na papel, tapos maliliit din na gum na kulay orange.

25. CHERRY BALL - Bilog na kulay pula - lasang cherry - pero sa panlasa ko mapait!

26. COLA CANDY - nasa maliit na violet na balot na lasang cola.

Hay. Ang sarap balikan nang pagkabata na ito lang ang inaatupag. Kumain ng chichirya!

A Really Rainy Weekend with Ondoy - Part 2

There's so much left to say on this story. But I think it's time to leave it to history and let it go.

A Really Rainy Weekend with Ondoy - A Story Part 1

It's been two weeks since Ondoy struck the country with its wrath. And look at the devastation it caused! In a short span of time, the entire Manila (most of it) was submerged in water. The storm caused massive property damage and lives were lost; not only with the flood victims, but some of the volunteer rescuers as well. PAGASA noted that Ketsana (international name of Ondoy) bought 13.43 inches of rain in the six hours between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time, which is equivalent to about a month's worth of rain for the area.

I can say much since we are one of the typhoon victims.






It was just another Saturday for me to rest. But that Saturday, September 28 2009 was a weekend to remember. I was woken up my dad around 9:30 AM since he noted that the water in our creek was getting higher and higher. So we packed up some of our clothes ad elevated a few appliances that we have.

It was me, my dad, two of my younger sisters and two of our househelp that were around. But we weren't expecting that the water would rise very high...and very fast. After packing up, turning off the switches(including the main electric switch), sealing plug outlets, elevating appliances we headed to one of our neighbors in a higher place in the same village. But it was quite late.

As noted earlier, the water level was rising very fast. The vehicle that we were riding (a SUV) wasn't able to pass! The current was fast now and the water level is waist deep (and I'm 5'10"!). Because of that, we left the vehicle. I was tasked to bring my siblings and the helpers to safety and we treaded on foot to a neighbor's house.My dad went back to the car and was helped by a few men in the area where we left the car and pushed it to safety to higher ground.

Random Thoughts

Sometimes the hardest thing to admit to ourselves is our stubbornness.

You pretend to listen, but you only hear what others say. You do not appreciate that what they're saying is good for you. You know for yourself that you're wrong but you still hold on to what you believe. Sometimes, it is really hard to let go.

But when you start to listen, appreciate and apply; everything good follows.

The real mature person knows how to let go.

Random Thoughts

What is your truth? What do you hold dear deep in your soul that you believe? That no matter what other people tell you to do, or follow, you say "no" because you cling to that truth? The ideal that motivates you and keeps you fighting and hoping?

Hold on to that dearly. Let no one take that away.

Gadgets I Gotta Get

Blame it on technology. It seems that at this time and age, you need to "invest" on a few technological gadgets to get you going. As all businesses and households cannot operate without the help of a few devices as men cannot communicate or do some tasks without technology.

Listed here are a few gadgets that I need (actually "I want") to have. Though I have my reasons to have it:


1. Digital Camera - for my business

I have been eying for a digital camera this past few months. Its just that our old digital camera is showing a few signs of aging (like power turning off even after you've fully charged it)...so I'm thinking to replace it soon. After asking a few friends of what brand of cameras I should buy, and checking out reviews in the internet, I found the perfect camera( for me, at least.. ) considering its features, price, quality, longevity and after-service.

The Kodak Easyshare M1093 in Black.

The review from *CNET.com actually made me choose it.

* The bottom line: The Kodak EasyShare M1093 IS is a perfectly capable, inexpensive ultracompact point-and-shoot camera.

2. Laptop - for work and business. And games. And downloads....and the list goes on.

It's the reality. Businesses today thrive on technology. Everything is done online from banking to purchasing. And the internet is the best platform for businesses to be able to market its products. With the help of computers. Again after considering the whole package, I choose...

The Sony VAIO VGN-N385E/B.

Off to Greenhills! ( and the bank! )

*Quoting CNET.com for its product review on Kodak Easyshare M1093.

Sublime Advertising

Matagal tagal ko ding tinitigan tong picture para ma-gets.


http://tunaynalalake.blogspot.com/2009/06/logo-ng-high-school-musical-3-tunay-na.html

Random Thoughts

If you think that you're miserable, think again. You might have heard the line "Count your Blessings" a million times but only a few people do realize what it means. It does not mean to literally count every little good tangible thing that you have come to possess in this life(but these are blessings too!). It is an outlook. A positive outlook in life, that is. Counting your blessings means that you see all the wonderful miracles that life provided you. A loving family, great friendships, a caring partner or even a stable career! Some people doesn't have access to this things; and guess what, these things that you have is what they yearn for all out their entire life.

So why waste it?

Alone?

For the past weeks, I have been figthing with this feeling inside of me. I don't know. I just feel..alone. It seems like everywhere I go, I feel that way. The people I talk to at the office, the people at home, the people at my Saturday class..everyone. I have received a few text messages to some people but its content seems so superficial. It feels so bad having this drag inside of your, carrying it through out the day, everyday. Sometimes I just want to break down and cry. But it does not lose that feeling. I need a break from this. I need something. Perhaps someone...

"People don't care - I say"

Some say loneliness is a choice. Other say its just a state of mind. But how do I believe that since everyone around you seems to be alright. I envy those people who are so carefree and light, like that they don't care about anything, except happiness.

When will I be truly happy?

Absent! Present Ulit!

It's been a while since I posted an entry here. Let's just say that my mind was very occupied and I wasn't adjusted to it yet. Work was literally frying my mind and making me unhealthy. Late na kasi ako umuuwi. So most of the time, when I go, I just suit up for bed. And sleep. The routine goes on and on everyday. For months mind you. Even my social life has been compromised! I haven't joined any organization or underwent any activity all those days. I just rest and eat. Nakaka-bore na din minsan. But all is about to change. At least, I'm a bit adjusted and I intend to join a few classes by next month. That's why I'm excited.

By June, I'm gonna join a public speaking class in UP-KAL, or perhaps at Trumpets Inc.




And I'm gonna take guitar lessons at Yamaha (or suggest a school for that matter).

Random Thoughts

Why do we want to complicate ourselves? Is it because to make ourselves more interesting to others? Is it because we want others to catch us behind our backs? Is it because of pride? There are things that I do that I don't want to do. There are things that I need to be but I don't want to be...Must we always follow the convention? Do we go straight down the road? Do we walk through life or do we live our lives?

Why do I do this? I don't want to do this!!

Random Thoughts

1. We've all heard the saying "Nasa huli ang pagsisisi."a million times. But once it becomes applicable to you, it's very blunt. And true. Blame it on my eagerness to explore new things, being carefree and hard headedness. The result? A bad ending that will haunt you for the rest of your life. And sometimes other people are affected too. Nasa huli talaga ang pagsisisi.