Pinoy Blog

Banco De Oro - Charges a fee to withdraw over the counter.

2011-09-09T02:10:00.000-07:00

Today, I went to the bank (Banco De Oro) to withdraw some cash from my account.
For some reason, the Cash Machine went OFFLINE (No connection, no money, maintenance - etc..), so I went inside the Bank and asked the tellers when the ATM will be operating again. They informed me that it will be working in 30minutes. So I had a little chitchat with the tellers and applied for a Credit Card while waiting.

One lady went inside and ask if she could withdraw some cash over-the-counter, the teller immediately said, Yes!, but wait, there is a PhP 100.00 fee to withdraw money from your own account. I was like, wow, really? It was my first time to know about the fee. Even if you own an account at that particular branch, you are not excused not to pay the withdrawal fee.

The lady walked out, disappointed.

Smart Netphone 701

2011-09-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Smart Telecom recently released their Smart Netphone 701 and it is available for pre-order.
You can pre-order on the site below.

http://smart.com.ph/netphone/phones/

After submitting your request, you will be called by a Smart Sales Agent to confirm the information you put in the pre-order form. Orders can be claimed at your choice of Location. Just present a couple of valid id's (Passport, Voter's ID, Company ID, Drivers License, PRC...so on).

iOS 5, Exciting or Disappointing?

2011-08-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone must be excited about the release of the new Apple iOS 5, but some out there like me might not be too happy about it, particularly those who owns Apple Devices that won't be a part of the next update. I have an Apple iPod Touch 2nd Gen, and sadly, it won't be a part of the supported device for the iOS 5. To know more about the features of the iOS 5, you can click the link below and will direct you to apple website.

http://www.apple.com/ios/ios5/features.html

I am not upset with Apple at all, their products are superb. I have a few devices from them and I am enjoying their features. I gathered that it is a part of their Marketing Strategies not to put everything on a single device in that way, they encourage you buying more products from them.

iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch - all devices uses iOS, but why not all the features of the iPhone be in the iPad or iPod Touch? Think about it, who would buy the expensive iPhone if they can have the iPad and iPod touch work like iPhone? Apple gives the option to consumers; it's your decision folks on what to buy.

Swimming! Videoke! and Food!!!! (Pansol, Laguna, Philippines)

2011-03-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

When you get to talk to an average of 60 Customers a day for your 8-hour shift from work, you would want to just relax. Swim, sing and eat. Woooohoooooo.

Photos below were from our trip to Pansol, Laguna Philippines.

After our stressful week at work, our group decided to relax a bit. We drove from Makati City to Pansol, Laguna and it took us at least 3 hours to get there due to heavy traffic. But then, it was fine because all of us were almost dead and sleeping inside the vehicle. When we arrived at the Private Resort, we changed to shirts and shorts and started to stretch a bit and thought of what to have for dinner. Everyone had lots of ideas in mind and we put them altogether and came up with the idea of eating BBQ for dinner...

While the rest were sleeping, some were cooking, some of us were swimming. lol.

Enjoy the Photos!

Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

2011-03-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Carvings on the Front Door of the Manila Cathedral

Intramuros, located along the southern bank of the Pasig River, was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Its name, in Spanish, intramuros, literally "within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress, also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself. - from Wikipedia.org

I have been to Intramuros a few times and I am always fascinated with its historical artifacts and the history behind it. If it is your first time to go to Manila, I suggest that you visit Intramuros specially if you will be extending your visa because the US Immigration is just around the block from Palace of the Governor. and The Manila Cathedral.

The Manila Cathedral
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Cathedral

Casa Manila
http://www.intramuros.vweb.ph/museumcasamanila.htm

Main Gate of Forth Santiago

I was not really peeing. lol

Forth Santiago, Manila, Philippines

2011-03-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

When I was in my last year in college, our program dean decided to have a what we so called "field trip" which is referred to as "educational trip". We went to Forth Santiago but my friend Robz and I decided to take a couple of photos on the Gate and sit somewhere else and have coffee. lol. I know we were there to discover lots of historical stuff but we were too tired from the ride from Pangasinan to Manila. ha ha ha.

We went to the Cultural Center of the Philippines as well and watched "The Nutcracker". It was a fun experience, its just that, we are not allowed to videotape the ballet show. It could have been a good posting for my youtube channel. lol.

Since I was not able to enjoy the trip to Forth Santiago and Intramuros the first time, I visited the place a couple more times and made sure I have enough photos to share with you guys. So don't get confused when you suddenly see my photo from bald to long hair. ha ha ha. Enjoy!!!

Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan

2011-03-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan - maybe you have noticed that most of my blogs are about Pangasinan. Well, obviously I am from Pangasinan and I am a real Pangasinense. I am born and raised in Pangasinan and my first Language is "Pangasinan". Pangalatok is not a dialect nor a language, most people refer to our Language as Pangalatok which is definitely incorrect and deregatory. Pangalatok is basically derived from a tagalog statement "Pangasinense na may katok" which literally means "a person from Pangasinan who is Insane or Fool". Even Pangasinenses, they refer to themselves as Pangalatok but not to those who know the origin of the word. I am a Pangasinense and my Language/Dialect is Pangasinan and not Pangalatok. Now that you know about it, stop referring to our Language/Dialect as Pangalatok. Thanks!

Going back to Patar, Bolinao, this place is very Beautiful and sometimes compared to the famous beaches like BORACAY, PUERTO GALERA and a lot more. Well, it has its own beauty. Photos posted here were taken using my Pentax Optio M50 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom "photos with date on it" (already broken) and my ever durable Olympus C765 4MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom.

People of all Ages Enjoys basking under the sun.

It is free to run around. lol. look at those kids, priceless. ha ha

Patar Bolinao, Pangasinan

What are you looking at? lol

The guy raising his hands is Norman (Dorie's Brother)

Hey Mark, can you still breath? lol

Miss Patar Bolinao 2009. lol

Philippine National Animal

Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan

2011-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

Alaminos, Pangasinan - is where the famous Hundred Islands of Pangasinan are located. I have visited this national park at least 3 times as I remember and just recently, my colleagues and I had a day tour. It was their first time to see Hundred Islands and they were all amazed and fascinated of its Beauty.

From our house (Calasiao) to Hundred Islands, it will take you at least an hour to get there. We rode a jeepney which we rented from my sister. So during the jeepney ride, we were thinking of what to do when we get to the town of Alaminos, first, we bought some of the stuff that we might need when we get to the beach. We bought food of course, since it will be a little pricier when you buy food at the beach. If you are into boating, snorkilng, para-sailing, swimming and even just reading your favorite book, this is the best place. Just make sure you bring with you a sunblock if you do not want to get as dark as me. lol.

Photos posted here are from my 1st and 3rd visit. find the difference. Lol.

St. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Calasiao, Pangasinan

2011-03-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

St. Peter and Paul Parish Church - Calasiao, Pangasinan was built in the 17th to 19th centuries by the Dominicans, the church is considered as the best-preserved church complex in Pangasinan. The bell tower and some parts of the church have been recently reconstructed, having been damaged by an earthquake: still and all, it is well conserved and the recent work has not deviated from its original appearance.

Calasiao is centrally located in Pangasinan, between Dagupan City and San Carlos City. A major highway connects Calasiao to Dagupan City, San Carlos City, San Carlos City, and Urdaneta City, which then connects to Baguio City and Metropolitan Manila. Calasiao is only a few minutes ride to the Bonuan Blue Beach and the Hundred Islands on the Lingayen Gulf. Calasiao is about an hour ride to Baguio City and a four hour ride to Manila.

Calasiao is known for its puto, a soft rice cake; suman, a sweet coconut and sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves; and bagoong, or fermented fish paste. Calasiao puto is described as the town's "white gold." Calasiao puto is a bite-size, soft rice cake made from semi-glutinous rice that is fermented in earthen jars. It is produced mainly in Barangay Dinalaoan.

Many pilgrims from neighbouring cities/towns and provinces visit Calasiao to pray at the Senor Divino Tesoro shrine. The statue of a crucified Jesus Christ is believed to grow in size and grant miracles.

Baguio City Philippines

2011-03-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

Aerial View view from SM Baguio City

Posing a bit. lol

I love my hair shot. lol

Swan Lake

Pooh and the Swans with the HUMANS.

Jennifer(college friend) and Me

Baguio City, Philippines - it is very famous for it "Panagbenga Festival" which is literally means "season of blooming".

The photos above are from my trip to Baguio City last May 4, 2009, so this is not my latest trip, but i have not blogged about and I just have the time to blog about it so, here I am. Talking about something that might interest some of my readers.

Baguio City is just an hour away from my town (Calasiao). If you are coming from Manila, it will take you at least 6 hours by bus. If you are from Dagupan City, then it will just be 45 minutes. By Land - The three main access roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands are Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Highway. Kennon Road road is the fastest route to Baguio but is the most dangerous with frequent landslides during the rainy season. Marcos Highway and Naguilian Highway are more roundabout routes but are much safer than Kennon Road and are the only routes permitted to buses and trucks. Major Bus lines from Manila go straight to Baguio City all hours of the day. Buses that ply from Manila to Baguio City route are the following:

Dagupan Bus Lines: New York St., Cubao, Q.C. Tel # 929-6123, 727-2330

Partas Transport: Aurora Blvd, Cubao, Q.C. Tel # 724-9820, 725-7303

Victory Liner: Edsa, Pasay Tel # 833-5019 & Cubao, Q.C. Tel # 727-4688

There are lot of things to see and do in Baguio City. If you feel like doing a little "sweetums tweetums" with your love ones, you could rent a boat and enjoy boating at the man-made swan lake. Around the swan lake, there are bicycles and trikes that you could rent and stroll around the swan lake. Food vendors are everywhere too. Shops are also around this area wherein you could buy bags, scarfs, shirts, and a lot more. Not to mention the wooden souvenirs and other stuff that might interest you.

Baguio City Cathedral is a majestic church built on top of a hill, and is seen from many parts of the city. On the right side of the cathedral is Session Road. It is the main avenue of the city and is its commercial center. Along the main street and side streets are numerous shops, restaurants, and billiard and duckpin bowling alleys. Session Road is also the place visited by foreign tourists who wish to enjoy the city's nightlife.

Baguio is a favorite vacation destination of Filipinos & foreign tourist specially during summer because of its year-round cool climate. It is also known as an educational center with its 4 universities and several colleges and institutes in Baguio City’s 49 square kilometer area.

KARE KARE a very delicious dish....

2008-12-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Kare-kare is a Philippine stew. It is made from peanut sauce with a variety of vegetables, stewed oxtail, beef, and occasionally offal or tripe. Meat variants may include goat meat or (rarely) chicken. It is often eaten with bagoong (shrimp paste), sometimes spiced with chili, and sprinkled with calamansi lime juice. Traditionally, any Filipino fiesta (particularly in the Tagalog region) is not complete without kare-kare. In some Filipino-American versions of the dish, oxtail is exclusively used as the meat.

Where is KARE KARE originated?

As with many things in the Philippines, there are several stories as to the origins of this rather unusual yet distinctly Filipino dish. The first one is that it came from Pampanga, known as the Culinary Center of the Philippines. Another, from the regal dishes of the Moro elite who once settled in Manila before the Spanish arrival (interestingly enough, in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Kare-kare also remains a popular dish). Some say that the name comes from a corruption of the word "curry", and that the dish evolved from the cooking of Indians who settled in the area of Cainta, Rizal (see Sepoys) many years ago. The combination of a beef, tripe, and vegetable stew cooked in peanut sauce and served with the pungent fermented shrimp paste (bagoong) that is considered as an integral part of the dish (bagoong is always served with kare-kare), must seem particularly bizarre to non-Filipinos; yet it is one of the ultimate comfort foods for Filipinos worldwide, and is a perennial family favorite in both local and overseas Filipino households.

How to cook KARE KARE

Oxtail, with the skin on and cut into 2-inch lengths, and ox tripe are boiled until tender. Sometimes pieces of ox feet or shins are added. In some varieties, other types of meat are used, such as pork or (rarely) chicken (there is an instance of one version omitting the meat altogether and using vegetables). When the meat is tender, the soup becomes glutinous and to this is added ground roasted peanuts (or peanut butter), ground roasted glutinous rice to make the soup thicker. Atsuete (annatto) is added to give color. The basic vegetables for kare-kare include young banana flower bud or "heart" (puso ng saging), eggplant, string beans, and Chinese cabbage (pechay). Kare-kare is often served hot with special bagoong alamang (sauteed salted shrimp paste).

PORK STEW (Nilagang Baboy)

2008-12-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

Nilaga in filipino means 'boiled'. Nilagang Baboy is another filipino food recipe that is easy to make that you just throw everything in the pot and let it cook until tender. It can be with pork or beef of any kind you like and just add any vegetables of your choice. Corns and ripe saba (banana plantain) is also good in this dish. You may or may not add pork and beans -- it's up to you if you'll like it thickened or just a clear soupy dish. You can even add a thumb-size ginger for a pungent flavor. Nilaga is good in any kind of weather.

Ingredients :

· 1 lb. pork (choices of belly, hocks, neck or any bony parts of pork), cut into serving pieces
· 5-6 cups water
· 3 cloves garlic, crushed
· 1 onion, quartered
· 2 green onions (scallions), sliced into 1” long
· 1/4 tsp. peppercorn
· salt to taste
· 2 eddoes- also known as taro or gabi, quartered (optional)
· 2 potatoes, quartered
· 1 can pork and beans
· pechay (bok choy) or cabbage leaves

Cooking Procedures :

1. Place pork in a big pot and let it covered with water. Bring to a boil.
Lower the heat and let it simmer until pork is tender for about an hour.

2. Remove all the resulting scum that will rise to the top of the pot.

3. Add crushed garlic, sliced onions, scallions, peppercorn and season with salt.

4. Add quartered eddoes (if using) and potatoes. Cook until tender.

5. Add the pork and beans. Simmer for 5 minutes. Correct the seasoning.

6. Add pechay or cabbage leaves. Do not overcook the green vegetables.

7. Remove from heat. Serve hot.

Trip to Anda Pangasinan

2008-11-10T02:53:00.000-08:00

take a look

Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Onions, Garlic, Black Pepper, Water, Chicken and fire....

2008-08-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

The title might be new to you guys, well, that's the main ingredient of the Filipino dish called "Chicken ADOBO", guys, its not ADOBE, adobe is a kind of software that reads PDF files... hahaha... did you know that?

I cooked Chicken ADOBO for my room mates tonight...all of them went to a certain gathering and they left me all alone here in the lodging house... i decided to cook for them instead, because i know that they'll get home hungry... weeeeeeeeeeee.... it took me a little while to gather the ingredients which i found from the Refrigerator and the other ingredients are found in the kitchen... too good i have good eyesight... lol...

First step, i took the pan and cleaned it up, second is to wash the dressed chicken meat and put it in the pan.... next is mincing the onions and garlic.... oh i forgot i chopped it really good... very fine... i want to bring out the real flavor from the onions and garlic... next step is to put 7 teasponful of vinegar and 9 teaspoonful of soy sauce... don't put it on fire yet,... one, two, three, four five, okay, put it in fire now... lol.... let it simmer for 7 minutes without stirring, and the flame should be low, so that the solution won't evaporate that fast... ooops, don't add salt... no need... soy sauce wil take good care of the flavor... while the solution is on flame, go and get the knife and peel the sckin of the potatoes, you could just wash the potatoes real good if you dont wanna peel the skin off... that wil be fine... just make sure that there are no spots... rotten part i mean... add the potato if you feel like the chicken is soft enough... let it simmer until the potatoes are soft enough... the good thing is that, you don't really need to take a open it from time to time... once you smell something real good, it means the Adobo is ready and you can turn off the flame... don't open it yet, let it sit for 5 minutes, then after that, you can enjoy Chicken Adobo, it is best with rice...
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if you want your adobo to be a little it spicy, you can add green chili, or any chili that you want... i prefer green chili though, and bell pepper... really good for adobo......
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if you want more cooking tips, just feel free to email me or make a comment down below...

will be more than happy to share tips in cooking... eventhough i am not a cook... my housemates enjoys my cooking...... :)

turn the page some other day.....

see yah..........

Brendon Potter?

2008-08-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

You might be wondering what the title is all about? Well, well, well, its just a title anyway.. might not be interesting but go ahead and read since you already started. lol....

Have you seen the movie Harry Potter? There were actually 5 released series now. And the next one is still on the making stage... I'll be watching that on a big screen, hopefully i could.... At any rate, the blog is about me, so lets skip the Harry Potter thingy, or should i say, lets go on with my story? Either way... Take a close look at my photo, can you see something unusual? you might wanna make a comment down below. Alright, if yo can't see or figure out what I'm pointing or talking about, I'm going to tell you.... See the scar right above my eye? yes... Harry have the same scar as that... hahaha...

I actually got that when i was 7 years old. I was Grade One at that time... You can barely see that scar in my photos, but in person, barely noticeable. Let me tell you the story about that... Where did I get that freaking scar? During my time, my classmates and friends loves to play "Habulan" which means "Catching". The game is all about running after your playmates and touching them, once you touch anyone of them, you will be free and the person you touched will be the next chaser... So there i was, not a chaser, i climbed the mango tree so that the chaser couldn't touch me and not be the chaser... the mango tree was not that high, i guess only about 6 feet above the ground.... okay, too bad, there was this one guy(my classmate) who jumped before i jumped them he bumped into my head and i fell don on the ground and my head hit the sharp rock in front of me. I stood up and had blood all over me... i fainted and you know whats the good thing? A handsome man caught me, weeeeeeeeee..... I didn't know what had happened after falling in that guy's arm, i woke up in my moms hands and calling my name repeatedly... then i felt that my forehead really hurts... i was brought to the hospital and had 4 stitches, it really hurts while they are sewing my forehead. they did not use anesthesia because its too expensive that time...so i have my pop holding my arms while the doctor is doing his thingy...i screamed so loud and feels like the world is going to break... i can feel the needle and the stitches while the doctor is sewing it... ouch(arayyyyyyyyyyy).... i screamed like a pig or a cow i guess... that was really painful, have you tried surgeries without Anesthesia? try it... it sucks... lol... turn the page some other day... I'm going to bed now..... see yah