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Fly High at the Asia's Longest Dual Zip-line in Bukidnon

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 06:51:00 +0000

Dahilayan Adventure Park - Zip Zone

This is the third and last installment of our MNL-CDO trip.

If you're already in Cagayan de Oro City, why not extend your adventure at Bukidnon province. It's about 40 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro City proper.

Try to experience another breathtaking and heart-pumping adventure and this time on air.

Dahilayan Adventure Park is the newly opened national park, about 4,700 feet above sea level, located in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. It is famous for its longest dual zip zone consisting of dual carrying cable each 840 meters long from point to point (same length for the safety cable). Elevation drop is about 100 meters.

The view at Dahilayan Adventure Park

Apart from the longest zip-line record in Asia, 840 meters, the adventure park has 150 meters and 320 meters zip-line also. See the rates below way back year 2010:
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840 M ZIPLINE - P 500

320 M and 150 M ZIPLINES - P 250

All Ride Package - P 600

Others:Ropes Course (2-level/12 obstacles) - P 200 per pax

Wall Climbing - P 100 per head

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Since we already reserved and availed this tour along with the white water rafting at CDO and packed lunch and dinner, we settled Php 1999/pax and Php 1250 for the van rental. That is, a total of Php 11, 245 for 5 pax.

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Pilot's Flight Checklist:
1. Do you have history of High Blood Pressure?
2. Do you have any physical, bone or back injury?
3. If you are Physically and Mentally fit, you can FLY!!!
4. Do you weight between 80-250 lbs.
If not, our flight crew will abort your take off.
5. Before take off, check your helmet and eye gear for snug fit.
6. Please secure your long hair under the helmet.
7. Do not kick your legs while in flight.
Your knees must always stay in the harness.
8. Keep your hands to the sides when reaching the forest.
9. Keep body steady and no jerky movements allowed.
10. If your body moves sideways, keep your hands to the side.
11. Cameras must be strapped or stowed properly.
12. You may scream all the way to the landing zone.
13. Spread your arms in open area to lower your speed.
14. Observe our landing officer's hand signals.
15. If his arms are lowered and his head bowed, follow the order by clipping your arms to the side and lowering your head with your chin touching your chest.
16. Once you hear the impact on the first braking phase, arms to the side and head down.
17. Brace for impact by keeping your body straight until you stop.
18. Report any scrapes or injuries to the landing crew.
19. Wait in your harness until landing crew reaches you.

ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT!!!

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The above pilot's flight check list is strictly followed. Safety is really their top priority.

Zip Line Moments at Bukidnon

Zip-line in Action

The whole zip zone experience was really breathtaking. If you really love to fly like Superman, this adventure is highly recommended for you. It is really best if you try the 'all ride package' to maximize the fun and excitement at the zip zone. It's really worth it. This is the best zip-line adventure I've ever had.

The Pineapple Farm

Bukidnon is really famous of its pineapple farm. I was amazed on how the vast area of pineapple farm is maintained.

Bukidnon is also known with its cool mountain breeze and pine trees like Baguio of the South. Be sure to bring your jackets or sweaters or even umbrella since the weather here is unpredictable.

Chill Moments in Bukidnon...

Now Bukidnon is also famous for grabbing a remarkable record where Asia's Longest Dual Zip-line can be found - another Philippines pride!

This was August 2010 and now the adventure park offers other exciting activities like horseback riding trips, ATV rides, the Zorbit and a mini-boat ski ride etc.

The heart-pumping White Water Rafting at Cagayan de Oro River

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:27:00 +0000

Battling the rapids

This is the second installment of our MNL-CDO trip. After our heartfelt experience at Camiguin Island, we went back to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City by ferry and checked in at Casa Isabella.

Our day 3 has officially started when we went at the downtown CDO to meet our river tour guides for our exciting activities for the day. As they say what is Cagayan de Oro if you have not try their breath-taking adventure of White Water Rafting.

One of my friends has reserved the water rafting tour along with zipline at Great White Water Tours. I could not compare other outfitters as I have not try other services. What they are promoting is a great service including a zero-free accident by far. Their advertisement is 'Discover Pure Adrenaline'.

What an exciting and heart-pounding moment that day was for me.

Great White Water Tours Ad

Before anything else, we were oriented by one of their river guides regarding rules on how to paddle and its corresponding name like forward and the like, safety tips especially when the boat flipped and the famous 'high five' action (paddle up) and more. It is very important to follow their tips and commands or else you might get injured.

We left our things at their office. But we brought our important valuables like mobile phones and wallets at the site but they were placed in a water-proofed bag (so no worries that they could get wet) to be carried by one of our river guides (our official photographer). It is better if your group has at least one camera so renting a camera there would not be a problem since it's not that cheap to rent one in their office.

We traveled almost 30-45 minutes by land before reaching the starting (debarkation) point. We waited our guides to setup everything while we prepared for the main event. Life/floating vest has been worn and we picked up our own paddle. There were a total of three guides who will come along with us on the rafting - two have joined us in the boat while the other one was our official photographer (at the kayak).

We expected to pass 21 rapids for about 3-4 hours. Imagine that every rapid is somewhat dangerous as it could totally flip the boat especially if you get at the center of its whirlwind motion and not to mention the strong current of the water - these ideas are totally killing me. I'm not a swimmer so the idea of falling in a 17-ft deep river is really crazy. The water is not as white as expected because it's rainy season already and before that week, rain has continuously poured down. Good thing was that the sun was not that too hot for us to worry to get sunburned.

'High Five' action (at the center image)

When the main event has started, I silently prayed for guidance. It was really smooth at the start. Just like enjoying the longest paddling moment I would ever had. The river we were passing is actually the boundary between Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon province.

As we were traversing each rapid, the river guides have lots of stories to tell and mostly humorous. So I never get bored during the entire rafting experience. I thought that 3 hours was boring but once you're there battling an adrenaline rush and listening to classic Pinoy jokes, one would really feel that this entire adventure was worth remembering and enjoyable.

And then the moment of truth has come, passing rapids by rapids, my heart was beating so fast every rapid we passed. And when the first boat flip happened, my whole body was submerged into the water and I felt like I was drowning. As advised, do not do anything when you fell out of the boat nor force yourself to swim. And that's what I did, I just let myself go with the flow. After 3 seconds, I was amazed to find myself floating already at the surface. I just waited my turn for our river guide to pull me up to get up on the boat again.

Our boat flipped in action

No idle moments. Everyone was laughing the whole time. One of my friends was even wanting for more boat flips but I was one of those who refused to have more flips.

As we approached each rapid, more unique styles or actions have been applied to make our rafting more exciting. One of the times the right and left rafters would be asked to paddle in opposite direction to have a circular motion effect on the boat, then one time all rafters would move closer at the front or at the back and the most exciting one was all rafters would stand up and balance the boat. The only fear I have there was to get drowned when I fell into the water or the boat might crash a big rock or enter a water whirlwind. But the river guides were very professional in keeping us safe the whole time and in avoiding those barriers.

The final wave of Water Rafting

There were also quiet moments on the whole rafting experience. That is, when the next rapid was too far and the water was very calm. Our guides have allowed us to swim and enjoyed the non-rapid area.

When we approached the final wave, everyone has claimed that the boat to be flipped for the last time. As our river guide screamed for 'high-five', we all raised our paddle and screamed 'high-five'. And the river guides intentionally flipped the boat at their best (they're really good in doing this the whole time).

Thank God as we're safe at end of that crazy adventure. Just as everyone enjoyed it, I enjoyed it very much too.

Great White Water Tours really didn't exaggerate their promotion as I'm one of their satisfied clients. At end of this tour, everyone was really wanting for more pure adrenaline rush and fun.

For this tour along with the zipline and packed lunch and dinner, we settled Php 1999/pax and Php 1250 for the van rental. That is, a total of Php 11, 245 for 5 pax.

Camiguin Island Tour - The Paradise at the South

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:31:00 +0000

White Island

My colleagues and I were very excited when we all agreed to visit the Northern Mindanao after the Cebu Pacific Air has slashed the cost of air fare tickets. We were lucky that we were able to purchase a round-trip ticket on sale bound Manila (MNL) to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) for 4 days and 3 nights escapade.

One of my colleagues has organized our trip (she's really good in preparing this) and has sent us the final itinerary before our departure date. Only the hotel, Camiguin Island tour, zipline and water rafting tour were set for reservation. The rest of our tour has been done by 'DIY' (Do It Yourself) strategy.

Day 1

After an exciting one and a half hour, the air craft has landed at Cagayan de Oro (CDO) airport. From CDO Airport, we opted to ride in a taxi and traveled approximately 2 hours going to the Port of Balingoan. And then we boarded in a ferry (Paras Sea Cat) going to Port of Benoni, Camiguin at approximately 45 minutes.

At the terminal, we were waited by our tour guide in Camiguin Island. We rode in a multi-cab and initially headed the Villa Paraiso Hotel.

Camiguin Island Tour

After leaving our bags at the hotel, we started our official half-day tour at Camiguin Island.

Our first pit stop was at Katibawasan Falls.

At the foot of Mt. Timpoong, around five kilometers southeast of Mambajao, can be seen a 250-high feet waterfalls. This cascade is surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders.

One would be able to find peace by merely looking at the cascades that is continuously splashing and rushing down the green pool. We just enjoyed the scenery here and did not swim anymore.

Our second pit stop was at Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort.

This is one of the most popular hot springs in Camiguin. It is located six kilometers southwest of Mambajao in Esperanza, Tagdo. It has a four-tiered pool of varying depths and warmth. It is indeed a natural hot pool that could reach at around 39-40 degrees from the bowels of Mt. Hibok Hibok. This is indeed a good place for relaxation.

On our way to our next pit stop, we passed by the Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross. Only one of us has tried to go up the station of the cross since most of us were already tired. We just waited our friend at the base to complete his own adventure.

The last spot we headed, as it was becoming dusk already, was the Sunken Cemetery.

Lying 20 feet underwater in Barrio Bonbon, Catarman lies the Sunken Cemetery, the remains of a volcanic eruption. The huge cross, which was installed in the year 1872, is actually the landmark of the Sunken Cemetery which sunk during the 1871 volcanic eruption. For tourists who would love to take a closer look of the cross, there are bancas that can be rented to take you to the site of the cross.

Day 2

We continued our trip in Camiguin Island at Day 2. We started to complete the countryside tour before the Island hopping and water adventure.

Our first pit stop at Day 2 was at Sto Niño Cold Springs.

Four kilometers north uphill of Catarman proper can be found the Sto. Niño Cold Springs. This pool is measuring 25 m by 40 m and 1/2 m deep of cold spring water sprouting from its sandy deep lagoon.

After taking photos at the Cold Springs, we headed to Soda Swimming Pool.

This big swimming pool is rumored to taste like Soda. We were really curious to find out if it really does. Unfortunately, it's too early when we reached the pool and it's not yet open. So our question was left unanswered.

When you do further research about this pool, guess what, you'll find out that it tastes like a regular water only (oops! sorry if I posted a spoiler...). Its name could have been get due to its bubbly characteristic of the water.

Our next pit stop was at Catarman Church Ruins or the Ruins of the Gui-ob Church.

Located in Barangay Bonbon, 10 kilometers from the center of Catarman town, can be found the famous Church Ruins. This entailed a history that once there was a establishment that has been made a Spanish settlement in the year 1697. But due to the devastating 1871 earthquake and eruption of Mt. Vulcan, the whole town of Catarman has been wiped out. The church and hundreds of houses were crumbled into pieces when the ground rolled and broke into deep crevices where hundreds of lives were lost. Only the remains of adobe walls of the church, belfry and convent were left after that major catastrophe.

After our memorable countryside tour and photo shoots at the famous landmarks, we already headed to Island hopping. And of course, Camiguin Island tour will not be completed if you have not visited the famous White Island or Medan Island.

Located two kilometers from the beaches of Agohay and Yumbing. This small inhabited white sand bar is with picturesque of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan as its backdrop. The island, with a shape that differs depending on the tide is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and shell collecting.

During low tide, the island is visible and somewhat formed a 'C' shape. During high tide, the island is somewhat lost in the sea. A truly magical and extraordinary place. A paradise that one would uncover the true beauty if I would describe it.

There are no trees, vegetation and structures on the island. That means there's no cover against the heat of the sun. It is advisable to bring along whatever you have to provide shelter from the hot sun such as umbrella, headgear, sunglasses and sunblock lotion and prepare to bring food and water if you'll stay longer on this island.

There were also vendors of sea urchins but I never had the chance to taste it.

After our amazing experience at the White Island, our banca tour guide headed us to Mantigue Island.

Passing Mahinog (about 14 km south of Mambajao) by boat ride of 20 to 30 minutes, one could reach the Mantigue. This is about 4 hectares in land size and is surrounded by a gleaming white beach of powdery coral sand. The clear waters reveal the hard and soft corals and sea weeds that surround the island, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. In the center of Mantigue is a lush, green mini-forest filled with grasses and several trees and plants.

The rest of the group enjoyed snorkeling and starfish hunting under the strong rays of the sun. I opted to stay at the banca after trying to dip in a deep blue sea once :).

To complete our journey in Camiguin Island, we visited the Kebila Beach Resort where the Giant Clams Ocean Nursery was located.

One would be amazed to see different Giant Clams species and thousands of shells in this sanctuary. One would learn that in Camiguin, you would be able to see the 6 out of 9 types of Giant Clams in the whole wide world. And most of them are endangered already that's why the local community is trying to preserve it.

A short orientation is provided by the local community guide and a few rules were also laid out like no touching of the clams, taking photos without flash and the like.

Before we left the Island, we bought cheap pasalubong like lanzones fruits, Pastel etc. I would attest that the original Pastel from Camiguin is still the best.

I never dreamed that I could be able to uncover the true beauty of the Camiguin Island one day. I appreciated this place even more because the locals were very hospitable.

President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III SONA 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Below is the Full Transcript of Second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Noynoy Aquino III:

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Bise Presidente Jejomar Binay; mga dating Pangulong Fidel Valdez Ramos at Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Chief Justice Renato Corona at ang ating mga kagalang-galang na mahistrado ng Korte Suprema; mga kagalang-galang na kasapi ng diplomatic corps; mga butihing miyembro ng Kamara de Representante at ng Senado; mga Local Government officials; mga miyembro ng ating Gabinete; mga unipormadong kasapi ng militar at kapulisan; mga kapwa ko nagseserbisyo sa taumbayan;

At sa mga minamahal kong kababayan, ang aking butihing mga boss:

Humarap po ako sa inyo noong aking inagurasyon at sinabing: Walang wang-wang sa ating administrasyon. At ngayon, patuloy nating itinitigil ito. Naging hudyat at sagisag po ito ng pagbabago, hindi lamang sa kalsada, kundi pati na rin sa kaisipan sa lipunan.

Sa matagal na panahon, naging simbolo ng pang-aabuso ang wang-wang. Dati, kung makapag-counterflow ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, para bang oras lang nila ang mahalaga. Imbes na maglingkod-bayan, para bang sila ang naging hari ng bayan. Kung maka-asta ang kanilang mga padrino’t alipores, akala mo’y kung sinong maharlika kung humawi ng kalsada; walang pakialam sa mga napipilitang tumabi at napag-iiwanan. Ang mga dapat naglilingkod ang siya pang nang-aapi. Ang panlalamang matapos mangakong maglingkod—iyan po ang utak wang-wang.

Wala silang karapatang gawin ito. Ayon sa batas, tanging ang Presidente, Bise Presidente, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice, at pulis, bumbero, at ambulansya lang ang awtorisadong gumamit ng wangwang para sa kanilang mga opisyal na lakad. Kung sa trapiko nga ay di masunod ang batas, paano pa kaya sa mga bagay na mas malaki ang makukuha, tulad ng sa mga proyektong pinopondohan ng kaban ng bayan?

Kayo po ba gusto ninyong makulong ang lahat ng tiwali? Ako rin. Gusto ba ninyong matanggal ang wang-wang, hindi lamang sa kalsada, kundi sa kaisipang nagdulot ng baluktot na sistema na pagkatagal-tagal na nating pinagtiisan? Ako rin. Gusto po ba ninyong mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang lahat na umasenso? Ako rin.

Narito po ang halimbawa ng resulta ng ating kampanya kontra wang-wang sa sistema. Nitong taong ito, taumbayan na mismo ang nagsabi, nabawasan ang nagugutom sa kanila. Mula 20.5% na self-rated hunger noong Marso, bumaba na ito sa 15.1% nitong Hunyo, katumbas ng isang milyong pamilyang Pilipinong nagugutom dati, pero ngayon ay nakakakain na nang tama kada araw.

Sa larangan po ng negosyo, sino ba ang nag-akalang pitong ulit nating malalampasan ang all-time-high ng stock market? Ang dating 4,000 index na inaakalang hindi maaabot, o kung maabot man ay pansamantala lang, ngayon, pangkaraniwan nang hinihigitan.

Kung dati napako na ang bansa sa mababang credit ratings, itinaas ng Moody’s, Standard and Poors, Fitch, at Japan Credit Ratings Agency ang ating ranking, bilang pagkilala sa ating tamang paggugol ng pondo at sa malikhain nating pananalapi. Ang mataas na credit rating, magpapababa ng interes sa perang inuutang natin. Kumpara sa unang apat na buwan ng nakaraang taon, mas malaki po ng 23 billion pesos ang natipid nating interest payments mula Enero hanggang Abril ng 2011. Maaari na po nitong sagutin ang dalawang milyon at tatlongdaan libong benepisyaryo ng CCT hanggang sa katapusan ng 2011.

Paalala ko lang po, sa siyam at kalahating taon bago tayo maitalaga sa puwesto, iisang beses lang tayong nakatikim ng ratings upgrade, at anim na beses pang na-downgrade ng iba’t ibang ratings agency. Sa isang taon pa lang po natin, apat na beses na tayong nabigyan ng upgrade. Alam naman po natin na hindi madaling ma-upgrade sa panahon ngayon. Itong mga ratings agency, nabatikos na mali raw ang payo bago magkakrisis sa Amerika, kaya ngayon ay mas makunat na sila sa pagbibigay ng magandang ratings, at nakikita nga natin ito sa sunud-sunod na pag-downgrade sa ibang bansa. Pero tayo po, inupgrade pa nila. Sang-ayon silang lahat: gumanda at lalo pang gaganda ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Isang hakbang na lang po, aabot na tayo sa investment grade, at wala pong tigil ang ating economic team upang tuluyan na tayong makaarangkada.

At may mabubuting balita pa pong parating. Dahil wala nang wang-wang sa DOE, muling nabuhay ang kumpiyansa ng mga namumuhunan sa ating energy sector. Patunay dito ang isandaan at apatnapung kumpanya na nakahandang tumaya sa eksplorasyon at pagpapalakas ng ating oil at natural gas resources. Sa huling energy contracting round noong 2006, tatlumpu’t lima lang po ang nakilahok. Nitong Biyernes lamang po, nilagdaan na ang panibagong kasunduan para sa isang bagong power plant sa Luzon grid upang pagdating ng 2014, may mas mura at mas maaasahang pagmumulan ng enerhiya ang bansa.

May kumpiyansa, may pag-asa, at tinutupad po natin ang ating mga pangako. Naaalala ko nga po ang babaeng nakausap ko nang ako’y unang nagha-house-to house campaign. Ang kaniyang hinaing: “Miski sino naman ang manalo, pare-pareho lang ang kahihinatnan. Mahirap ako noong sila ay nangangampanya; mahirap ako habang nakaupo sila, at mahirap pa rin ako pag nagretiro na sila.” Sa madaling salita, ang hinaing po ng marami, “Walang pakialam ang mga pinuno namin kahapon, wala silang pakialam ngayon. Bukas, wala pa rin silang pakialam.”

Di po ba’t may katuwiran naman siya sa pagsasabi nito, dahil sa pagwawang-wang sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno? Wang-wang po ang pagbili ng helicopter sa presyong brand new, pero iyon pala ay gamit na gamit na. Wang-wang ang milyun-milyong pabuya na tinanggap ng mga opisyal ng GOCC, tulad ng sa Philippine National Construction Corporation, gayong hindi naman sila nakapaghandog ng disenteng serbisyo, at ibinaon pa sa utang ang kanilang mga ahensya. Bago sila bumaba sa puwesto, dalawandaan, tatlumpu’t dalawang milyong piso po ang inomento ng dating pamunuan ng PNCC sa kanilang sarili. 2007 pa lang po, wala na silang prangkisa; lahat ng kikitain, dapat diretso na sa pambansang gobyerno. Hindi na nga nag-abot ng kita, sinamantala pa ang puwesto. Ang bonus nila mula 2005 hanggang 2009, dinoble pa nila sa unang anim na buwan ng 2010. Ibinaon na nga po nila sa bilyun-bilyong pisong utang ang kanilang tanggapan, nasikmura pa nilang magbigay ng midnight bonus sa sarili.

Para po pigilan ang pagwang-wang sa kaban ng bayan, sinuyod at sinuri natin ang mga programa. Dalawang magkasunod na taon na po nating ipinatutupad ang zero-based budgeting, na nagsisilbing kalasag sa walang-saysay na paggastos.

Sa Laguna Lake po, magtatanggal nga ng 12 million cubic meters sa dredging, pero pagkatapos ng tatlong taon, garantisado naman itong babalik. 18.7 billion pesos ang magiging utang natin para lang maglaro ng putik. Hindi pa bayad ang utang, nag-expire na ang pakinabang. Pinigilan po natin iyan. Ang food-for-school program na bara-bara lang ang paghahanap ng benepisyaryo, at iba pang inisyatibang pinondohan ngunit walang pinatunguhan—binura na natin sa budget upang ang pera namang nalibre, ay mailaan sa mga proyektong totoong may silbi.

Ang budget po ang pinakamalinaw na pagsasabuhay ng ating tuwid na landas. Ang aking pahiwatig sa lahat ng gusto pang ilihis tayo rito: Kung mang-aagrabyado ka lang ng mahirap, huwag ka nang magtangka. Kung sarili mo lang ang papayamanin mo, huwag ka nang magtangka. Kung hindi iyan para sa Pilipino, huwag ka nang magtangka.

Sana masabi na natin na tapos na ang utak wang-wang, pero nakikita po natin ang latak ng ganitong kaisipan na pilit bumubulahaw sa aliwalas ng ating biyahe sa tuwid na landas.

Mukhang marami rin po kasi ang nagwawang-wang sa pribadong sektor. Ayon sa BIR, mayroon tayong halos 1.7 million na self-employed at professional tax payers gaya ng mga abogado, doktor, negosyante na nagbayad lamang, sa suma total, ng 9.8 billion pesos noong 2010. 5,783 pesos lang ang ibinayad na income tax ng bawat isa sa kanila—ang ibig sabihin, kung totoo po ito, ang kabuuang kita nila ay umaabot lang ng 8,500 pesos lamang kada buwan. Mababa pa sa minimum wage.Naman.

Nakikita naman po ninyong napupunta na sa tama ang buwis ninyo, kaya wala na pong dahilan upang iwasan natin ang pagbabayad. Nananawagan po ako sa inyo: Hindi lang po gobyerno, kundi kapwa natin Pilipino ang pinagkakaitan sa hindi pagbabayad ng tamang buwis.

Pinananagot at pananagutin po natin ang wang-wang saanmang sulok ng gobyerno. Ang masakit, hanggang sa mga araw pong ito, may sumusubok pa ring makalusot. Mayroon nga pong isang distrito sa Region 4B, may proyektong gagastusan ng 300 million pesos. Kaso hanggang 50 million pesos lang ang puwedeng aprubahan ng district engineer.

Kaya naisip nilang ichop-chop ang proyekto para di lumampas sa 50 million pesos ang halaga, at di na umabot sa regional at central office ang mga papeles. Kani-kaniyang diskarte, kani-kaniyang kaharian ang nadatnan nating situwasyon sa DPWH. Sinubukan nilang ipagpatuloy ang nakasanayan na nila. Kadalasan, dahil sa lump-sum na pagbibigay ng pondo, wala nang tanung-tanong kung ano ang plano at detalye ng proyekto. Miski yata bahay ng gagamba ang ipapatayo, bibigyan ng pondo, basta may padrino.

Hindi ito pinalusot ni Secretary Babes Singson. Tinanggal na niya sa puwesto ang district engineer. Pinigilan din po ang pag-award ng proyektong ito para busisiin kung ano pang magic ang nangyari. Masusi na ring iniimbestigahan lahat ng nagkuntsabahan. Ang mga kontratistang mapatunayang nakipagsabwatan para mag-tongpats sa mga proyekto, ibablack-list natin.

Tingnan nga po ninyo ang idinulot na perhuwisyo ng pagwawang-wang sa sistema: Tuloy ang pagdusa ng mamamayang dapat nakikinabang na sa proyekto ng bayan.

Hindi lang po iyan sa region 4B nadiskubre. Ngunit natigil na po ito dahil hindi na padrino kundi tamang proseso ang naghahari sa DPWH. Hindi na puwedeng walang work program; kailangang magpakita ng pinag-isipang plano para hindi magkasalungat ang pagsasagawa ng mga proyekto. Malinis at hayag na ang bidding, at pantay na ang pagkakataon sa pagpasok ng mga kontratista.

Sa sistemang pinaiiral ngayon sa DPWH, nakatipid na tayo ng dalawa’t kalahating bilyong piso, at umaasa tayo na aabot pa sa anim hanggang pitong bilyong piso ang matitipid sa taon na ito. Ang pinakamahalaga po, nakakaasa na tayo sa mga kalsadang matino, hindi ‘yung maambunan lang ay lulundo o mabibiyak agad. Paniwala natin dati, imposibleng maitama ng DPWH ang sistema nila. Hindi lang po ito posible; sa unang taon pa lamang, ginagawa na natin ito.

Kahit po sa mga bukirin, may mga nagwawang-wang din. Bago tayo maupo noong 2010, nag-angkat ang bansa ng 2.3 million metric tons ng bigas. 1.3 million metric tons lamang ang kailangan nating angkatin, ngunit pinasobrahan pa nila ito ng isang milyon. Dahil nga sobra-sobra ang inangkat, kinailangan pa nating gumastos muli sa mga bodegang pagtatambakan lang naman ng barko-barkong bigas.

Ilang taon bang walang saysay na pinasobrahan ang bigas na inaangkat? Dahil dito, umiral ang pag-iisip na habambuhay na tayong aangkat ng bigas. Ang akala ng marami, wala na talaga tayong magagawa.

Ngunit sa loob lamang ng isang taon, pinatunayan nating mali sila. Ngayon, ang dating 1.3 million metric tons na kakulangan natin sa bigas, halos nangalahati na; 660,000 metric tons na lang po ang kailangan nating angkatin. Kahit dagdagan pa natin iyan ng panangga laban sa sakuna at gawing 860,000 metric tons—na ginagawa na nga po natin—mas mababa pa rin ito sa tinatayang taunang kakulangan na 1.3 million metric tons.

At hindi po buwenas lang ang nangyaring pag-angat ng ating rice productivity. Bunga po ito ng matinong pamamalakad: ng paggamit ng maiinam na klase ng binhi, at masusi at epektibong paggastos para sa irigasyon. Nito nga pong nakaraang taon, labing-isang libo, animnaraan at labing-isang bagong ektarya ng bukirin ang napatubigan natin. Dagdag pa iyan sa halos dalawandaan at labindalawang libong ektarya na nakumpuni o nabigyang muli ng irigasyon matapos ang panahon ng pagkakatiwangwang. Ang resulta: umangat ng 15.6% ang inani nating palay noong nakaraang taon.

Ang gusto nating mangyari: Una, hindi tayo aangkat ng hindi kailangan, para lang punan ang bulsa ng mga gustong magsariling-diskarte ng kita sa agrikultura. Ikalawa: Ayaw na nating umasa sa pag-angkat; ang isasaing ni Juan dela Cruz, dito ipupunla, dito aanihin, dito bibilhin.

Balikan din po natin ang dinatnang kalagayan ng ating mga kawal at kapulisan. Labingtatlong libong piso po ang karaniwang suweldo ng isang PO1 sa Metro Manila. Apat na libong piso daw rito ang napupunta sa upa ng bahay. Tila tama nga po na isang-katlo ng kanilang sahod diretso na sa upa. Isang-katlo pa nito, para naman sa pagkain. At ang natitirang isang-katlo, para sa kuryente, tubig, pamasahe, pampaaral sa anak, gamot sakaling may magkasakit, at iba pa. Maganda na nga po kung tumabla ang kita niya sa gastusin. Kapag naman kinapos, malamang sa five-six po sila lalapit. At kapag nagpatung-patong ang interes ng utang nila, makatanggi kaya sila sa tuksong dumelihensya?

Kaya ang ipinangako nating pabahay nitong Pebrero, ngayong Hulyo ay tinutupad na. Nakapag-abot na po tayo ng apat na libong Certificate of Entitlement to Lot Allocation sa magigiting nating kawal at pulis. Bahagi pa lang po ito ng target nating kabuuang dalawampu’t isang libo at walong daang bahay sa pagtatapos ng taong ito. Ang dating apatnalibong ibinabayad para sa upa kada buwan, ngayon, dalawandaang piso na lang, para pa sa bahay na pagmamay-ari talaga nila. Ang dating nalalagas na halaga na pambayad sa buwanang renta, maaari nang igugol para sa ibang gastusin.

Mayroon pa raw pong mahigit isang libong bahay na natitira, kaya po sa mga pulis at sundalo nating di pa nakakapagpasa ng papeles, last call na po para sa batch na ito. Pero huwag po kayong mag-alala, sa susunod na taon, lalawak pa ang ating pabahay, at hindi lang pulis at kawal sa Luzon ang makikinabang. Inihahanda na ng NHA ang lupang patatayuan sa Visayas at Mindanao, para sa susunod na taon, makapagpatayo na tayo ng mga bahay doon. Sa ating mga kawani ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology at Bureau of Fire Protection, may good news po ako: kasama na po kayo rito.

Kung seguridad na rin lang po ang ating pag-uusapan, di ba’t karugtong din nito ang ating pambansang dangal? Dati, hindi man lang natin makuhang pumalag tuwing may sisindak sa atin sa loob mismo ng ating bakuran. Malinaw ang pahiwatig natin ngayon sa buong mundo: Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas; kapag tumapak ka sa Recto Bank, para ka na ring tumapak sa Recto Avenue.

Tama nga po kaya ang kuwento tungkol sa isang stand-off noong araw? Tinapatan daw ang mga marino natin ng kanyon. Ang ginawa nila, pumutol ng puno ng niyog, pininturahan ito ng itim, saka itinutok sa kalaban. Tapos na po ang panahong iyan. Parating na ang mga capability upgrade at modernization ng mga kagamitan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Literal na pong naglalakbay sa karagatan papunta rito ang kauna-unahan nating Hamilton Class Cutter, isang mas modernong barko na magagamit natin para mabantayan ang ating mga baybayin. Maaari pa po tayong makakuha ng mga barkong tulad nito. Idadagdag iyan sa kukunin na nating mga helicopter, patrol craft, at sandata na bultong bibilhin ng AFP, PNP, at DOJ upang makakuha ng malaking diskuwento. Lahat po ito, makakamtan sa matinong pamamahala; mabibili sa tamang presyo, nang walang kailangang ipadulas kung kani-kanino.

Wala tayong balak mang-away, pero kailangan ding mabatid ng mundo na handa tayong ipagtanggol ang atin. Pinag-aaralan na rin po natin ang pag-angat ng kaso sa West Philippine Sea sa International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, upang masigurong sa mga susunod na pagkakataon ay hinahon at pagtitimpi ang maghahari tuwing may alitan sa teritoryo.

Alam ko pong magbubunga ang pag-aarugang ipinapamalas natin sa mga lingkod-bayan na nakatutok sa ating seguridad. Mantakin po ninyo: sa unang anim na buwan ng 2010, umabot sa isanlibo at sampung (1,010) kotse at motorsiklo ang nanakaw. Ikumpara po natin iyan sa apatnaraan at animnapung (460) kotse at motorsiklong nanakaw mula Enero hanggang Hunyo ng taong ito. Ang laki po ng naibawas. Malas ko lang po siguro na ‘yung isa o dalawang kaso ng carnapping ang nai-heheadline, at hindi ang pagbawas sa mga insidente nito o ang mas mataas na porsyento ng mga nanakaw na kotse na naibalik sa may-ari.

Isa pa pong halimbawa ng pagbabagong tinatamasa natin: Mayo ng 2003 nang lagdaan ang Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, pero dahil hindi sineryoso ng estado ang pagpapatupad nito, dalawampu’t siyam na indibiduwal lamang ang nahatulan sa loob ng pitong taon. Nalagpasan na po natin iyan, dahil umabot na sa tatlumpu’t isang human traffickers ang nahatulan sa ating administrasyon. Ito na po siguro ang sinasabing “sea change” ni Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ng Amerika. Dahil dito, natanggal na tayo sa Tier 2 Watchlist ng Trafficking in Persons Report nila. Kung hindi tayo natanggal sa watchlist na ito, siguradong napurnada pa ang mga grant na maaari nating makuha mula sa Millenium Challenge Corporation at iba pa.

Dumako po tayo sa trabaho. Dagdag-trabaho ang unang panata natin sa Pilipino. Ang 8% na unemployment rate noong Abril ng nakaraang taon, naibaba na sa 7.2% nitong Abril ng 2011. Tandaan po natin: moving target ang nasa hanay ng ating unemployed, dahil taun-taon ay may mga bagong graduate na naghahanap ng trabaho. Nito nga pong huling taon, nadagdag pa sa bilang nila ang libu-libong hawi boys, tagasabit ng banderitas, at iba pang mga Pilipinong kumuha ng pansamantalang kabuhayan mula sa eleksyon. Ang resulta po natin: Isang milyon at apatnaraang libong trabahong nalikha nitong nakaraang taon.

Dati, nakapako sa pangingibang-bansa ang ambisyon ng mga Pilipino. Ngayon, may pagpipilian na siyang trabaho, at hangga’t tinatapatan niya ng sipag at determinasyon ang kanyang pangangarap, tiyak na maaabot niya ito.

Malaki pa po ang puwedeng madagdag sa trabahong nalilikha sa ating bansa. Ayon pa lang po sa website nating Philjobnet, may limampung libong trabahong hindi napupunan kada buwan dahil hindi tugma ang kailangan ng mga kumpanya sa kakayahan at kaalaman ng mga naghahanap ng trabaho. Hindi po natin hahayaang masayang ang pagkakataong ito; ngayon pa lang, nagtatagpo na ang kaisipan ng DOLE, CHED, TESDA, at DEPED upang tugunan ang isyu ng job mismatch. Susuriin ang mga curriculum para maituon sa mga industriyang naghahanap ng empleyado, at gagabayan ang mga estudyante sa pagpili ng mga kursong hitik sa bakanteng trabaho.

Ngunit aanhin naman po natin ang mga numerong naghuhudyat ng pag-asenso ng iilan, kung marami pa rin ang napag-iiwanan? Ang unang hakbang: tinukoy natin ang totoong nangangailangan; namuhunan tayo sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman: ang taumbayan. Sa dalawang milyong pamilyang rehistrado sa ating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, isang milyon at animnaraang libo na ang nakakatanggap ng benepisyo nito. Sa pagpapakitang-gilas ni Secretary Dinky Soliman, tinatayang may mahigit isandaang libong pamilya ang naiaahon natin mula sa kahirapan kada buwan. Kaya naman mataas ang aking kumpiyansang makukumpleto ang 1.3 million na dagdag na pamilya, mula sa kabuuang 2.3 milyong pamilyang target na benepisyaryo ng CCT bago matapos ang taong ito. At sa compliance rate nito na hindi bababa sa 92%, milyun-milyon na rin po ang inang regular na nagpapacheck-up sa mga health center, ang mga sanggol na napabakunahan, at ang mga batang hindi hinahayaan sa labas ng paaralan.

Simula pa lang po ito, at sa ganitong kalinaw na mga resulta, umaasa ako sa suporta ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na ng lehislatura, sa mungkahi nating salinan pa ng pondo ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Inaasam po natin na bago matapos ang 2012, tatlong milyong pamilya na ang mabibigyan ng puhunan para sa kanilang kinabukasan.

Binibigyan natin ang mga maralitang pamilyang ito ng pagkakataong makaahon sa buhay, dahil ang pag-asenso nila ay pag-angat rin ng buong bansa. Sino ang tatangkilik sa mga produkto at serbisyo ng mga negosyante, kung isang kahig, isang tuka naman ang mamimili? Kapag may amang kumakapit sa patalim para may kainin ang kanyang pamilya, at siya ay nagnakaw o nangholdap, sino ba ang puwedeng mabiktima ng krimen kundi tayo rin? Kung ang mga kababayan natin ay walang maayos na pagkain o tahanan, mahina ang kalusugan at may malubhang karamdaman, hindi ba’t tayo rin ang nasa peligrong mahawa sa kanilang kapansanan?

Naglalatag po tayo ng pagbabago upang mas mapatibay ang pundasyon ng maaliwalas na bukas para sa lahat. Halimbawa, sa kalusugan: Di ba’t kapansin-pansin ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga benepisyaryo ng PhilHealth tuwing maghahalalan? Ngayon, sa pamamagitan ng National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), tiniyak natin na ang limang milyon at dalawandaang libong pamilyang Pilipino na nakikinabang sa PhilHealth ay ang talagang mga nangangailangan nito. Malawakang pag-unlad at pag-asenso ng lahat: Iyan po ang panata natin. Walang maiiwan sa tuwid na landas.

Tumungo naman po tayo sa ARMM. Ang dating sistema: Nagbabatuhan lang ng huwad na utang ng loob ang mga baluktot na kandidato. Kapag pambansang halalan, malaya ang nakaupo sa ARMM na imane-obra ang makinarya sa kaniyang rehiyon para matiyak na bokya ang boto ng mga hindi kaalyado. Kapag naman eleksyon sa ARMM at maniningil na ng utang si Mayor o Governor, ang administrasyon naman ang magpapatakbo ng makinarya para manalo ang kanilang kandidato.

Ayon nga po sa naungkat ng COA, sa opisina ng regional governor ng ARMM, mula Enero 2008 hanggang Setyembre 2009, walumpung porsyento ng mga disbursement ang napunta sa mga cash advance na wala namang maayos na paliwanag. Kung hindi nawala ang pondong ito, nakatapos na sana ang isang batang tumawid sa ghost bridge, para pumasok sa ghost school, kung saan tuturuan siya ng ghost teacher. Walang humpay na paghihirap, at walang pag-asa ng pag-asenso.

Gusto nating maranasan ng ARMM ang benepisyo ng tamang pamamahala. Kaya ang solusyon: synchronization. Dahil dito, kailangan nilang tumutok sa kani-kanilang mga kampanya; magiging mas patas ang labanan, at lalabnaw ang command votes. Salamat sa Kongreso at naipasa na ang batas na magsasabay ng halalan sa ARMM sa halalang pambansa.

At bakit po postponement ang kailangan? Sa kagustuhang makabalik sa puwesto, nakahanda ang ilan na ulitin ang nakagawian para manalo. Isipin na lang po ninyo kung pumayag tayo sa kagustuhan ng mga kontra, at itinuloy natin ang eleksyon. Wala po silang ibang gagawin sa loob ng dalawang taon kundi paghandaan ang susunod na halalan at isiksik ang kalokohan nila sa mas maigsing panahon. Habang nananatili sa pwesto ang mga utak wang-wang na opisyal, naiiwan namang nakalubog sa kumunoy ng kawalang-pagasa ang taumbayan.

Wala akong duda sa kahihinatnan ng mga repormang inilatag natin. Hindi po tayo nagbubukambibig lang; may kongkretong resulta ang ating mga paninindigan. Kapag sinabi nating tuwid na daan, may katapat itong kalsada sa Barangay Bagumbayan sa Sta. Maria, Laguna. Kapag sinabi nating malinis na pamamahala, may dadaloy na malinis na tubig sa mga liblib na lugar gaya ng nasa Barangay Poblacion, sa Ferrol, Romblon. Kapag sinabi nating liwanag ng pagbabago, titiyakin nating may liwanag na tatanglaw sa mga pamayanang dati ay nangangapa sa aandap-andap na gasera, gaya ng ginawa natin sa Barangay San Marcos, sa Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Ganito na ang nangyayari sa marami pang ibang lugar; pinipilit nating ito rin ang mangyari sa kabuuan ng Pilipinas.

Nakatutok na po ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno; nag-uugnayan at nagtutulungan sila upang maabot at mapabilis ang mga solusyon sa mga problemang kaytagal nang pinapasan ng bayan.

Di po ba’t may problema tayo sa baha, na alam naman nating dulot ng walang humpay at ilegal na pagputol ng mga puno? Ang dating solusyon: photo-op ng pagtatanim na ang tanging benepisyaryo ay nagpapapoging pulitiko. Nagtanim nga ng puno kontra-baha, pero hindi naman siniguro na mananatiling nakatayo ang mga ito pag-alis nila.

Isa sa mga solusyong pinag-aaralan ay ang gawing kapaki-pakinabang sa mga pamayanan ang pagbabantay ng puno. Bibigyan sila ng binhi ng kape at cacao para itanim at mamunga ng kabuhayan. Habang hinihintay ang ani, makakakuha sila ng stipend upang bantayan naman ang mga punong itinanim laban sa baha. Puwedeng maging benepisyaryo ng programang ito ang mga informal settlers, na ngayon ay nagkukumpulan sa siyudad. Mamumuhunan tayo sa taumbayan, habang namumuhunan din sa kalikasan.

Noon bang isang taon, inisip ninyo na kaya nating gawin ito? Sa ngayon, tinutupad na natin ang ating mga pangako. Bukas makalawa, katotohanan na ang lahat ng ito.

Marami pa pong malikhaing konsepto na inilalapit sa atin. May mosquito trap na pinapatay ang mga kiti-kiti ng lamok, na siguro naman po ay may kinalaman sa halos labing-apat na porsiyentong pagbaba ng insidente ng dengue; may hibla ng niyog na itatapon na sana, pero puwede palang murang solusyon sa mga daanang madaling mabitak; may landslide sensor na magbababala kung tumaas na ang panganib na gumuho ang lupa; may mga kagamitang magbibigay ng senyales kung malapit nang umapaw ang tubig sa mga ilog. Lahat po ito, gawa ng Pilipino.

Pinag-aaralan na rin po ng DOST at UP ang pagkakaroon ng monorail system, para tugunan ang problema sa pangmalawakang transportasyon. Sa malikhaing pag-iisip ng kapwa Pilipino, may pag-asa palang magtayo ng light rail system nang hindi hihigit sa 100 million pesos ang gagastusin kada kilometro. Sa matitipid na pondo, mas mahabang kilometro ng riles ang mailalatag at makaka-abot sa mga lugar na malayo sa sentro ng komersyo. Ang mga dating sumisiksik sa siyudad para maghanap ng trabaho, maaari nang tumira sa malayo, nang hindi pahirapan ang biyahe.

Uulitin ko po: ang mungkahing ito ay galing sa kapwa natin Pilipino, para sa Pilipinas. Naaalala po ba ninyo ang panahon kung kailan ni hindi man lang maabot ng mga pangarap natin ang ganitong mga proyekto? Ngayon, sinasabi ko sa inyo: pinapangarap natin ito, kaya natin ito, gagawin natin ito. Hindi ba tayo nagagalak, Pilipino tayong nabubuhay sa ganitong panahon?

Sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, huwag po sana nating lilimutin: masasayang lang ang lahat ng ating narating kung hindi tuluyang maiwawaksi ang kultura ng korupsyon na dinatnan natin.

Sa mga kapwa ko empleyado ng sambayanan, mula sa tuktok hanggang sa bawat sulok ng burukrasya: Di po ba’t napakarangal na ngayon ang magtrabaho sa gobyerno? Di po ba’t ngayon, sa halip na ikahiya, gusto mo pang isuot ang iyong ID kung sumasakay ka ng bus o jeep papasok sa iyong ahensya? Sasayangin po ba natin ang karangalang kaloob sa atin ng sambayanan?

Iyan din po ang aking panawagan sa ating Local Government Units. Kabilang po ako sa mga sumasang-ayon na kayo ang pinaka-nakakaalam sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan sa inyong mga lungsod at munisipyo. Makakaasa po ang ating mga LGU sa higit na kalayaan at kakayahan, kung makakaasa rin tayong gagamitin ito sa tuwid na paraan, at isasaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng buong sambayanan.

Halimbawa po, may ilang munisipyo na naisipang magbuwis sa mga transmission lines ng kuryente na dadaan sa kanilang mga pook. Magpapasok nga po ng kita sa kanilang lokal na kaban, pero kapalit nito, tataas din ang gastusin ng mas nakararaming Pilipino sa kuryente. Tiwala po akong kaya nating balansehin ang interes ng inyong mga nasasakupan sa interes ng sambayanan.

Kailangan pong manatiling magkatugma ang ating mga programa, dahil ang ikauunlad ng buong bansa ay manganganak din ng resulta sa inyong mga pook. Wakasan na po sana natin ang agendang nakatuon sa susunod na eleksyon lamang, at ang kaisipang isla-isla tayong maihihiwalay ang sariling pagsulong sa pag-unlad ng bansa.

Tayo-tayo rin po ang dapat magtulungan tungo sa kaunlaran. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa Kongreso sa pagpapasa ng mga batas ukol sa GOCC Governance, ARMM Synchronization, Lifeline Electricity Rates Extension, Joint Congressional Power Commission Extension, Children and Infants’ Mandatory Immunization, at Women Night Workers.

Noong isang taon nga po, nagpakitang-gilas ang Kongreso sa pagpasa ng budget bago matapos ang taon. Dahil dito, nasimulan agad ang mga proyekto at hindi na inabot ng tag-ulan. Bukas na bukas po, ihahain na namin sa lehislatura ang budget para sa susunod na taon. Umaasa po ako na muli kayong magpapakitang-gilas, upang tuluyan na nating mapitas ang bunga ng mga naitanim nating pagbabago.

Maganda na po ang ating nasimulan. Pero mahalaga pong maalala natin: simula pa lang ito. Marami pa tayong gagawin. Hayaan po ninyong ilatag ko sa Kongreso ang ilan sa mga batas na magpapaigting sa pagtupad ng ating panata sa bayan.

Layon nating bigyan ng kaukulang kompensasyon ang mga biktima ng Martial Law; ang pagkakaloob ng makatarungang pasahod at benepisyo para sa mga kasambahay; at ang pagpapatupad ng isang mas maayos na sistema ng pensyon para sa mga kawal. Sinusuportahan din natin ang pagpapalawak ng sakop ng scholarship na ipinagkakaloob ng DOST sa mahuhusay ngunit kapuspalad na mag-aaral; ang pagtataguyod ng pinaigting na pangkalahatang kalusugan; at ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan at sa mga pasilidad na titiyak sa kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan sa oras ng sakuna.

Kabilang din po sa ating agenda ang pagpapalakas ng BuCor, ng NBI, ng NEA, at ng PTV 4, upang sa halip na mapag-iwanan ng kaalaman at panahon, mas maayos nilang magagampanan ang kanilang pagbibigay-serbisyo sa publiko.

Hindi ko po nailagay ang lahat ng gustong magpasali ng kanilang adbokasiya dito sa SONA. Pero kumpleto po ang detalye sa budget at budget message. Sa mga interesado po, pakibasa na lang.

May mga nagsasabing pinepersonal ko raw ang paghahabol sa mga tiwali. Totoo po: Personal talaga sa akin ang paggawa ng tama, at ang pagpapanagot sa mga gumagawa ng mali—sino man sila. At hindi lamang dapat ako ang namemersonal sa usaping ito. Personal dapat ito sa ating lahat, dahil bawat Pilipino ay biktima nito.

Ang mali—gaano katagal man ito nanatili—ay mali pa rin. Hindi puwedeng “Oks lang, wala lang iyan.” Kapag kinalimutan natin ang mga ito, mangyayari lang ulit ang mga kamalian ng nakaraan. Kung hindi magbabayad ang mga nagkasala, parang tayo na rin mismo ang nag-imbita sa mga nagbabalak gumawa ng masama na umulit muli.

Ang totoo nga po, marami pang kalokohan ang nahalungkat natin. Halimbawa, sa PAGCOR: kape. Isang bilyong piso po ang ginastos ng dating pamunuan ng ahensya para sa kape; sa isandaang piso na lang po kada tasa, lalabas na nakakonsumo sila ng sampung milyong tasa. Baka po kahit ngayong iba na ang pamunuan ng PAGCOR ay dilat na dilat pa rin ang mata ng mga uminom ng kapeng ito. Hanapin nga po natin sila, at matanong: nakakatulog pa po ba kayo?

Pagpasok ng bagong Ombudsman na si dating Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, magkakaroon tayo ng tanod-bayan na hindi magiging tanod-bayad ng mga nagwawang-wang sa pamahalaan. Inaasahan ko nga po na sa taon na ito, masasampahan na ng kaso ang lahat ng nagkuntsabahan sa katiwalian, at naging sanhi ng situwasyong ating inabutan. Tapos na rin po ang panahon kung kailan nagsasampa ang gobyerno ng malalabnaw na kaso. Kapag tayo ang nagsampa, matibay ang ebidensya, malinaw ang testimonya, at siguradong walang lusot ang salarin.

Tutok tayo na ang pagkakamit ng ganap na katarungan ay hindi natatapos sa pagsasakdal kundi sa pagkukulong ng maysala. Buo ang kumpiyansa ko na tinutupad ng DOJ ang malaki nilang bahagi upang maipiit ang mga salarin, lalo na sa mga kaso ukol sa tax evasion, drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, graft and corruption, at extrajudicial killings.

Wala pong tsamba: ang tapat at mabuting pamamahala ay nanganganak ng mabuti ring resulta. Isipin po ninyo: naipatupad natin ang mga ipinangakong serbisyo ng gobyerno, at nakapaglaan pa ng sapat na pondo para sa mga proyekto nang hindi kinailangang magtaas ng buwis.

Iyan naman po talaga ang plano: siguruhin na patas ang laban; itigil ang panlalamang ng mga makapangyarihan; at tiyakin na ang dating sistema kung saan nakikinabang ang iilan ay magiging bukal ng oportunidad para sa lahat.

Tinutuldukan na po natin ang wang-wang: sa kalsada, sa gobyerno, sa kalakhang lipunan. Ito po ang manganganak ng kumpiyansa na magdadala ng negosyo; ito rin ang sisiguro na ang pondo ng taumbayan ay mapupunta sa dapat nitong kalagyan: Imprastruktura na titiyak sa tuluyang pag-angat ng ekonomiya at pagmumulan ng trabaho, at serbisyong panlipunan na sisigurong walang mapag-iiwanan. Bubukas ang marami pang pintuang pangkabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng turismo; sisiguruhing hindi magugutom ang Pilipino sa pagpapalakas ng agrikultura. Ang mga dating kinakaligtaan, bibigyang-puhunan ang kinabukasan.

Magbubunsod ito ng siklo kung saan tiyak na may pupuno sa mga nalilikhang trabaho, at may mga konsumer na lalong magpapalago sa mga negosyo.

Batid ko po na hanggang ngayon ay may kakaunti pang nagrereklamo sa ating estilo ng pamamahala. Nakita po ninyo ang aming estilo, at ang kaakibat nitong resulta. Nakita po ninyo ang estilo nila, at kung saan tayo nito dinala. Sa mga taong bukas ang mata, maliwanag kung saan ang tama.

Ngayong tayo na ang nagtitimon sa gobyerno, malinaw ang direksyong tinatahak ng ating bayan. Isang bansa kung saan ang pagkakataon ay abot-kamay; kung saan ang mga nangangailangan ay sinasaklolohan; kung saan may saysay ang bawat patak ng pawis, bawat sandali ng pagtitiis, at bawat butil ng hinagpis na dinaanan natin. Kung may gawin kang mabuti, may babalik sa iyong mabuti. At kung may gawin kang masama, tiyak na mananagot ka.

Naaalala ko nga po ang isang ginang na lumapit sa akin noong kampanya; ang babala niya, “Noy, mag-iingat ka, marami kang kinakabangga.”

Tama po ang sabi niya: Tao po akong may agam-agam din. Pero wala po akong alinlangang tumahak sa tuwid na daan: Buo ang loob ko dahil alam kong nasa likod ko kayo.

Salamat po sa mga pari at obispo na masinsinang nakikipagdiyalogo sa atin, katulad nina Cardinal Rosales at Vidal. Di naman po kami ganoong kalapit ni Cardinal Rosales, pero naniniwala akong ibinuhos niya ang lahat para mabawasan ang hindi pinagkakaunawaan ng gobyerno at simbahan. Sa paghahalal kay Archbishop Palma, tagapagtanggol ng karapatang pantao at kalikasan, lalo pong tumibay ang aking kumpiyansang ugnayan, at hindi bangayan, ang mabubuo sa pagitan ng estado at simbahan.

Salamat din po sa ating Gabinete, na walang kinikilalang panahon ng tulog o pahinga, maipatupad lang ang pambansang agenda. Special mention po ang PAGASA, na tunay na ngayong nagbibigay ng maaasahang babala.

At sa mga nasasagasaan po natin sa landas ng katapatan at integridad sa pamamahala, ito naman po ang aking masasabi: Pinili ninyo ang landas kung saan naaapi ang sambayanan. Pinili naman namin ang landas na ipagtanggol ang taumbayan. Nasa tama po kami; nasa mali kayo. Sa inyong magbabalik ng pang-aapi sa sambayan, hindi kayo magtatagumpay.

Sa lahat ng mga kasama natin sa tuwid na daan: Kayo ang lumikha ng pagkakataong baguhin ang dinatnan, at gawing mas maganda ang ipapamana natin sa susunod na salinlahi ng mga Pilipino. Kayo pong mga tsuper na pumapasada pa rin; kayong mga guro at estudyanteng pauwi pa lang mula sa klase; kayong patuloy ang paglikha ng mga obrang nagpapaalab sa apoy ng ating pagka-Pilipino; kayong mga pulis, sundalo, kaminero at bumbero; kayong mga marangal na nagtatrabaho, sa Pilipinas man, sa gitnang dagat, o sa ibang bansa; kayong mga tapat na kasama natin sa gobyerno, anumang probinsya o partido; kayong mga Pilipinong nakikinig sa akin ngayon—kayo po ang lumikha ng pagkakataong ito.

Lumikha po kayo ng gobyernong tunay na nagtatrabaho para sa inyo. May limang taon pa tayo para siguruhing hindi na tayo babalik sa dating kalagayan. Hindi tayo magpapadiskaril ngayong napakaganda na ng resulta ng ating sinimulan.

Kapag may nakita tayong butas sa sistema, huwag na po tayo magtangkang lumusot. Huwag na nating daanin sa pakiusap ang madadaan sa pagsisikap. Tama na ang unahan, tama na ang tulakan, tama na ang lamangan, dahil lahat naman po tayo ay makakarating sa minimithi nating kinabukasan.

Tapusin na po natin ang kultura ng negatibismo; iangat natin ang kapwa-Pilipino sa bawat pagkakataon. Bakit po ang iba, ang hilig maghanap ng kung anu-anong pangit sa ating bayan? At napakahirap—parang kasalanan—na magsabi ng maganda? Naalala pa po ba natin noong huling beses tayong pumuri sa kapwa Pilipino?

Itigil na po natin ang paghihilahan pababa. Ang dating industriya ng pintasan na hindi natin maitakwil, iwaksi na po natin. Tuldukan na po natin ang pagiging utak-alimango; puwede bang iangat naman natin ang magaganda nating nagawa?

Kung may nakita kang mabuti, huwag kang magdalawang-isip na purihin ito. Kapag nakita mo ang pulis sa kanto, nagtatrapik nang walang kapote sa ilalim ng ulan, lapitan mo siya at sabihing, “Salamat po.”

Kung magkasakit ka at makita mo ang nars na nag-aruga sa iyo, sa halip na magserbisyo sa dayuhan kapalit ng mas malaking suweldo, sabihin mo, “Salamat po.”

Bago ka umuwi galing eskuwela, lapitan mo ang guro mong piniling mamuhunan sa iyong kinabukasan kaysa unahin ang sariling ginhawa; sabihin mo, “Salamat po.” Sa aking guro, Salamat po Ginang Escasa.

Kung makasalubong mo ang iyong kinatawan sa kalsadang dati ay lubak-lubak, at ngayon ay puwede nang daanan nang maaliwalas, lapitan mo siya at sabihing: “Salamat po.”

Kaya po, sa sambayanang Pilipino, ang aking Boss na nagtimon sa atin tungo sa araw na ito: maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagbabagong tinatamasa natin ngayon.

Buhay na buhay na ang Pilipinas at ang Pilipino

SONA 2011 LIVE at Batasan Pambansa

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

[Delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on July 25, 2011]

Puting Buhangin in Pagbilao, Quezon

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Puting Buhangin

One of my friends has shared an idea that he has read a travel blog showcasing a White Sand Beach at Pagbilao, Quezon. I never believed it at first that there was one in Quezon Province but I was mistaken.

We were at Candelaria at that time, the day after the fiesta, when we all found our unexpected road trip at Barangay Polo just to witness and be amazed of one extraordinary place I could consider.

To Barangay Polo

It was after lunch when we headed our way to Pagbilao. When we reached the final road to White Sand Beach after approximately 1 hour, we were stopped to pay for a fee at one end. It was around P50 for the entrance and our names are requested to be logged on their notes.

The road was rough and there were no road signs to track its destination. Luckily we have seen one local who is walking down the road and we have asked for the correct path. Finally, the long road trip was over and we were able to reach it. We parked our car at the terminal. One of the locals explained that when we reach 'Puting Buhangin' (White Sand) we would be able to see an extraordinary cave called Kwebang Lampas. According to him, we could either reach this spot by boat or by trekking. We opted to trek as it's not that too late for their cut off time - 4PM. Note that you may talk to the caretaker of this beach and you can extend up to 6PM.

We have passed a small opening and lots of wild grasses and plants. We have also seen the Pagbilao Power Plant at the side (the landmark of this place).

Pagbilao Power Plant (Landmark)

The rocky road and the nearby sea

As we continued our journey, we were able to reach the golden gate (just kidding) but we were stunned as it's locked.

The Golden Gate (lol)

We tried to call once but since we did not hear any response apart from the barking dogs, we opted to find another way on the other side.

More minutes of walking in the middle of the woods until we realized that we're in the middle of nowhere. We all felt tired. We rested for a while and decided to call for a boatman somewhere by chance. We waited for a while but we weren't lucky. We never dreamed to be lost in the middle of the forest. So we just decided to go back since there's no hope of waiting for a help (luckily there were no wild animals around the woods).

In the middle of nowhere

Lucky that a few of my friends are good in directions because I'm not.

And we're back at square one - at the golden gate.. lol.. We tried yelling at the gate and after a few minutes, the barking dogs are running near the gate. A few more minutes and the caretaker has arrived. Finally, we have seen a hope. A few negotiations about the fee and the time and we were able to see the inner beauty of the place.

First step at Puting Buhangin

It's like a scene in the movie 'The Beach' that all of the new visitors are so amazed with the beauty of the beach. We could not hide our pasted smile and excitement as we headed to the so called 'Puting Buhangin'.

Puting Buhangin is also known as Lukang Beach. At the end of the white sand beach is a unique cave known as Kwebang Lampas.

It was really unexpected to see a white sand beach in Quezon. And I was stunned on how this beach has maintained its fine white sand and crystal-clear water.

View of Puting Buhangin

View of Kwebang Lampas

See the crystal-clear water

The inside of Kwebang Lampas

It was really relaxing and stress-free. Rewarding ourselves from all the hard works of getting here, we stayed for a while and enjoyed the beautiful beach of Pagbilao. It's really worth extending our vacation in Quezon Province.

Free Guides to Explore Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 06:56:00 +0000

ExplorePH has introduced Free Guides to exploring the Philippines to promote tourism. An ideal online catalogues for both local and foreign tourists who would like to view the internal beauty of the country.

Their initial online catalogue promotes a city guide to Metro Manila. But later they released a compact and accurate promotion of the best spots, amazing resources and pristine beaches of the country, Philippines. Learn about our country and its natural beauty that would truly captivate your heart and soul. Let's all uncover it.

ExplorePH tagline: Expand your knowledge about what the magnificent country has to offer.

See available guides as of this date.

1. This is their first edition - a Christmas Special Edition of Metro Manila Guide (Dec. 13 2010)

2. Their second edition is a Media Kit - Metro Manila Guide (Jan. 12, 2011)

3. Their third and latest edition is an online guide to exploring the country - Philippines (May 1, 2011)

Enjoy reading...

For timely updates, see ExplorePH.

Release Your Anger at Tacsiyapo Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:53:00 +0000

On our way back to Manila after our Ilocos Trip, my friends and I had a chance to visit the famous haven for stress relief, the Tacsiyapo Wall at Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac. A good last stop for all the travelers from the North who would want to dine first before taking on another long road trip.

Tacsiyapo Wall

It was around year 2006 that this restaurant has been opened to the public. And they've introduced many activities apart from the good food they offered. The food is comparable to Barrio Fiesta (no doubt as they are sister companies).

Isdaan Floating Restaurant - Gerona, Tarlac

One will be amazed of the unique ambiance as this is surrounded by giant structures (Balinese-inspired stone structures) of fish, monkeys, Buddhas, native tribesmen and even a dinosaur. It is indeed a theme park that can be enjoyed by families, friends and kids. One can also see statues like of late former Pres. Cory Aquino and Jaime Cardinal Sin and of guards-on-uniform, native cribs/baskets/jars, a bicycle with faucets, fish ponds where one can feed the koi fishes for free and several floating nipa huts.

Giant Buddhas

Cribs and Faucet Bicycle

Photos at Isdaan Restaurant

We reserved one nipa hut for the group and ordered from their menu. This restaurant is catering Filipino native dishes. One could have great selection from seafood, grilled meat and veggies etc. In between waiting of our food to arrive, we immediately roamed the surrounding and after eating we tried their unique activity, one of the famous activities at Isdaan Restaurant, the Tacsiyapo Wall - an extraordinary place to venting out your anger.

At the Nipa Hut

Aftermath of hunger :P

Tacsiyapo Wall and the aftermath...

Buy a P15 mug, shout 'Tacsiyapo' and smash it on the wall!... Whew! Hope your anger/stress fades a little if not totally wiped out.

Just for fun... Tacsiyapo Moments...

That's what the aim of this unique wall. If you are bursting to anger/rage, try to buying one of their breakable items they sell (plates, mugs, glasses, vases and even a TV) and throw it on the wall. You should feel any relief once done it. I've tried it just to make the feel of throwing something for fun not really due to anger at that time (lol). I was surprised that there's a TV on their selling items for P1500 (at that time). I'm curious if anybody has gone here as crazy as Bushwhackers and throw that TV on the wall (lol).

'Tacsiyapo' is a Kapampangan term of 'Bwiset' (English translation is 'Shame on you!'). The wall has many printed shoutouts containing common reasons of why a typical Filipino can be bursting to angry. Most short descriptions are names of general people or relatives, negative Filipino traits and attitude and common Filipino mistakes.

There are other activities at Isdaan Restaurant. Apart from Tacsiyapo Wall, they also have the following:

Ungoy-Ungoyan - try to surviving the spitting and urinating monkeys and stay dry until the end of game and be rewarded by a kilo of free fish cooked the way winner wants.
San Kilo Bridge - cross a long concrete bridge laden with sea shells as hurdles while one is carrying a pail of water and be rewarded by a kilo of free fish cooked the way the winner wants.

We never have tried any of these as we need to prepare to heading our long drive back to Manila. But I could say this place is a Must-try!

P.S. After our trip at the North, we exited at Tarlac, turned left going to Tarlac City proper and Hacienda Luisita then went right on MacArthur Highway and continued until we reached Gerona. There we ended at Isdaan Floating Restaurant (which is on the left side).

MetroDeal Voucher - Chewy Junior's Box of 12 Cream Puffs

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sun, 01 May 2011 16:45:00 +0000

I came across to one of the group buying sites to check on the new promos. And my attention was caught by MetroDeal with its promo at Chewy Junior. My sweet tooth has struck me to purchase a voucher worth P200 for a box of 12 Heavenly Cream Puffs (original price is P439).

MetroDeal Voucher - 12 Cream Puffs from Chewy Junior at P200 only

It's been a month when I re-posted all Famous Group Buying Sites in the Philippines and here I will tell you that I'm satisfied with my initial tests. I always want to tell myself that these sites are no scam...

There are three branches already of Chewy Junior in the Philippines. One is at the 2nd floor, Trinoma Mall, Quezon City (the first Chewy Junior branch in the Philippines), the second branch is at the 3rd floor, Greenbelt 3, Makati City and the latest branch is at SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay City. What I visited was at the Makati Branch.

Chewy Junior Stall at Greenbelt 3, Makati City

I never called the hotline to confirm my voucher redemption nor ask for reservations. I just went straight to the branch and redeemed it. And after 5 minutes, the box of 12 cream puffs is on my hand already.

Chewy Junior is showcasing an extraordinary cream puffs. It's not typical because it's crispy on the outside while chewy on the inside. They're donut sized topped with different kinds of sweet treats called puffs and the inside is composed of cream filling be it vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter or coffee. Once tasted it, you would really find out the difference among other cream puffs you know.

Chewy Junior has started in Singapore and is widely spreading across Southeast Asian countries. Good thing it's here in our country already and I got a chance to taste it.

Its box would give you friendly instructions on how to eat. Try not to follow it and you'll get messy with the cream inside!

Chewy Junior's Box of 12 Cream Puffs

Chewy Junior (Philippines) offers the following Flavors:
1. Chocolate Almond Crunch
2. Chocolate Madness
3. Cookies and Cream
4. Peanut butter crunch
5. Coffee raisin crunch
6. Almond Sweetheart
7. Chewy Ensaymada
8. Blueberry Cream Cheese
9. Strawberry Cream Cheese
10. Apple Cream Cheese
11. Apple Delight
12. Cheese Lover
13. Sugar Pop Crunch
14. Chewy Original

Prices:
• Single Cream Puff - P45.00
• Box of 3 - P119.00
• Box of 6 - P229.00
• Box of 12 - P439.00

I only have the chance to taste its 3 flavors (have to share the others with my room mates and restrict myself in eating too much sweets). From the three flavors - Chocolate Almond Crunch, Chewy Ensaymada and Blueberry Cream Cheese, I love the Chewy Ensaymada flavor. Its taste is heaven! Try it and you'll not regret it.

This is my first time in tasting these sweet desserts and I could say I have no regrets in purchasing the voucher.

Memoirs of Ilocos Region Adventure - Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Day 2

Before heading to our real day 2 journey, we took photos of the nearby views as our place was nearby farm, mountains and sea.

A few steps to a quiet sea

Pre-Day 2 Journey at the North

Good that we have a friend who is a local of this town, we won't have any problem in directions and hitting the good spots to visit.

This day our first spot to be visited was at Bangui, Ilocos Norte. In Bangui Bay, we were able to see the Bangui Windmills. This is considered the first 'Wind Farm' in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and is the biggest in Southeast Asia. Each wind turbine is capable of producing electricity, an alternative source of energy indeed.

Bangui Windmills at Bangui, Ilocos Norte

Tourists are allowed to swim in Bangui Bay but the only problem is that there are no cottages here nor public toilets so you might want to think that first before drowning yourself to water.

Enjoying the views at Bangui Wind Farm

So as to catch up with all our planned tours for the day, we headed to our next spot after a few minutes and that was at Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The famous national historical landmark can be seen here, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (also known as Burgos Lighthouse).

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse at Burgos, Ilocos Norte

This 65-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower can be seen as far away as Pasuquin town in the South and Bangui on the East on a clear day. It is not the tallest lighthouses in the Philippines but considered to be the most prominent structure in the vicinity.

It's lunch time when we headed here so we were not able to enter the peak of the lighthouse. But we enjoyed the moments of taking pictures and we even spotted some Kablog (one of GMA 7 shows at that time) stars at this landmark who were also busy taking good shots for their show.

At the base of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse peak

The Lighthouse Models :)

With Kablog stars - Lucky Mercado and Andrea Torres

After our heavy lunch, we headed to our next destination, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Lying in Barangay Balaoi (close to Bantay Abot) is the Kabigan Falls. The Falls is about 1.5 km from the national highway or a 30-minute walk.

Long walk to Kabigan Falls

The name is derived from the word 'kaibigan' (friend) or 'magkaibigan' (friendship) showcasing its lovely views where you could see the green farmland, vegetation and streams, water buffalo, rice paddies and more along the way.

There's an entrance fee of 20 pesos here. A fun trekking was somewhat expected. Good thing was that we're wearing shorts and we didn't have problems in crossing several small streams. Finally, we were able to see the heart of this road trip - the falls. It was so relaxing to see the waterfall. Swimming is allowed here and we've seen many teenagers enjoying the cold and crystal clear water.

Photos at Kabigan Falls

After a long walk from Kabigan Falls, you will come across a stall selling a sweet dessert, Halo-halo. Time to reward oneself and be refreshed before our next journey. This stall is also showcasing native bags. You might want to buy souvenir bags as well (sorry I can't remember the actual price).

On our way to our next spot, we couldn't help but to stop at the Patapat Bridge, the bridge that connects Ilocos and Cagayan. The place is very scenic. I never knew then that you could see Taiwan Coastline from there (at least now I know).

View of Patapat Bridge

Before we headed to the White Beach, we stopped at Paraiso-ni-Anton (Anton's Paradise). The cool waters of the mountain stream are reputed to have miraculous healing properties (try them and see for yourself). Many people stop here to take a sip of these waters and others fill up containers to take home (just like what we did).

At Paraiso-ni-Anton

And finally, the moment of truth. Our summer getaway would never be completed without the water fun at the Pagudpud. Pagudpud is well-known of its prestine white sand beaches that is comparable to other world class Philippine destinations. It lies on Bangui Bay, about 60 km. north of Laoag (Capital City of Ilocos Norte).

Pagudpud here we come

One of the white beaches in Pagudpud

Fun at the White Beach

The main beach attractions in Pagudpud are the Saud Beach and the Maira-Ira Point with its famous Blue Lagoon. No doubt that while walking to one of these points, you'll immediately feel the sting of the sun and the refreshingly cool water even under the mid-day sun.

Bantay Abot Cave

Bantay Abot Cave is just a few minutes away from the Blue Lagoon. This cave is more of a mountain with a hole. Strong waves would greet you as well as the fascinating view of the sea and the islands therein. A good place indeed though not a good fit for swimming.

The beautiful White Beach at the North

White Beach Memories

Before the sky has darkened, our day-2 trip has concluded. It was undeniably fun! I never dream that I could be able to reach the farthest geographical point from Manila without leaving the island of Luzon. If you're really longing for a comparatively perfect charms to visit, try Pagudpud.

Memoirs of Ilocos Region Adventure - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 05:52:00 +0000

Day 1

It was April 2009 when my ISSPI colleagues and I planned for Ilocos trip. This was our first out of the town trip. Though the group was not complete, this didn't stop us in pursuing this extraordinary trip. I'd say this is an extraordinary coz this is not of my usual trips at that time (thinking the distance from Manila to Ilocos Region).

Two of our friends have organized this trip. One of them is a local of Ilocos Norte so the problem with our accommodation would not be a problem when we reach the North. And the other has organized our transportation mode where the van has been rented from a relative.

It was early Saturday when we headed the way to start our long road trip. Most of the times everyone was busy chatting to each other. They don't know the word 'idle' I guess. It took us about 9 to 10 hours to reach the South of Ilocos Region - locos Sur. And our first stop was at Candon, Ilocos Sur - specifically at Mc Do :).

Candon City, Ilocos Sur

We’re not that in a hurry to continue our joy ride so we relaxed there at the moment to eat and to feel the Ilocos air. After a while, our exciting adventure has started.

Amidst the freaky heat of the sun, our van’s aircon has malfunction. We immediately searched a repair shop and along the way, we were able to spot one.

While waiting for the van's air con to be fixed

Few of times that most of us were really uneasy about the long time spending here at the repair shop. But after a few hours, we were finally escaped at that. Who is the jinx? I don't know! (lol)

Vigan on the map

Finally, we reached our first official destination, Vigan City.

Vigan is the capital city of Ilocos Sur where you can see precious remnants of old Spanish architecture throughout the center of the city. I had a privilege to see the Old Vigan Colonial Houses (ancentral houses) which were built mostly by rich Chinese traders. And these great big houses are made of thick brick walls and plastering with red clay.

I was able to compare that only Crisologo Street has the famous brick-paved (thought the whole city of Vigan has this). There, we tried to ride in horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) and be amazed of the whole city and its numerous stories.

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Nearby Vigan City is a small town called Bantay. There, I got a glimpse of the famous Belltower (left), that is perched on top of the hill, and Bantay Church (right), one of the old churches which was built during the Spanish period.

Hidden Garden at Vigan

We also stopped at Hidden Garden in Vigan City where you could see beautiful flowers and lovely plants. I'm not a flower and plant lover but I'm loving that place.

Our next stop was at Burnay Wares of RG Pottery in Vigan City also. A few of my friends have enjoyed trying to mimic the works of the local (great job guys!).

Burnay Wares of RG Pottery at Vigan

After our fun calesa ride, we headed to Baluarte. It is one of the attractions in Vigan City and is owned by Mr. Chavit Singson (famous politician and Governor of Ilocos Sur). It's considered as the famous Zoo of the North. This place is open to the public and admission is free.

Baluarte at Vigan

The highlight of this place is that you can freely interact and take photos with different animals like camels, ostriches, deer, parrots, orangutan and a lot more. There's also a mini horse that pulls a small carriage that can accommodate up to 4 persons including the caballero.

After our short trip at Vigan, another exciting moments have captured us when the van's aircon has malfunction again. We really do not want to think it's a bad day for all of us but at least we were able to reach the North though after 12 to 13 hours. Thank God that we could rest for a while in a beautiful home after our weary experience.

The Online Bidding World

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:38:00 +0000

There are a lot of Online Bidding Sites nowadays. The number keeps on growing like those group buying websites. What are with these sites that most of the people are hooked?

There are a number of reasons that each people would tell you but in my opinion, general people are looking for other possibilities to acquire such items in a cheaper price or for free if at all possible. We are all dying to browse the inner soul of the internet just to find the site that could provide that category. I think this is the reason why online bidding sites are so popular now that no one can tell if all online bidding sites are true or not due to the promising benefits and savings you could get.

There are a number of bidding sites that I could say they are scam but there are also legitimate bidding sites. You really cannot tell which one falls in which category unless you try it for yourself.

I never knew that in my entire life I would be able to try and be hooked with a few of these sites. I've landed with different bidding sites but I could only name a few that I spent most of my time and money and these are and .

The thrill of outbidding the other bidders in a particular item for bid is one of the factors that interest me. Though at one end of your thoughts, you would sometimes doubt if all bidders are real human or not (just thinking out loud), the fun of throwing your bid credits in an item aiming to win it has given me enough reasons to hang on these sites for a time.

Most of these sites are promoting the latest products or trends in technology like mobile phones, gaming consoles, cameras, laptops, tablets and other cool gadgets and not to mention bid credits that you could bid at a cheaper price. Registration among these sites are absolutely for free. Of course, if a site asks for a registration fee is certainly a scam. Beware of that! After you registered your email address, some of sites will ask you to verify your email address and will ask you to update your profile. There you would need to add your contact number and address. Normally, there are free bid credits upon registration. For referrals you could offer their website and let them register and purchase bid credits would give you free bid credits as well. Bid credit is the monetary unit in Bidding sites world. When you are out of bid credit, you could not bid in any item. That is the time when the real money would be involved. Purchasing these credits is done online. So please be aware that during these transactions, you are providing your payment card information and your virtual money online. So if you are really not that confident in purchasing online, please do not try it.

Should you have enough bid credits, you could bid for a specific item a site is offering. I can't name any techniques in bidding an item and winning the whole bid as there are different approaches you could possibly try. The motivation that you could give yourself is if you really want a specific item, make sure you have enough bid credits to outbid several bidders. Every time a bidder added a bid credit on the item, the cost of the item will increase (depends on the fixed amount added per bid of the bidding site). The timer will start the count down and if it reaches zero where no one has tried outbidding then the item is won by the last bidder.

Some may think that it's easy to win in the bidding world but no it's really hard. You gotta need to invest time, patience and money. You need to be smart as well in spending your money. Because you might end up spending too much without getting any item in return if you just throw bid credits on all items and not focusing on what you really want. I would say that if you focus in one item only, there's a great chance of winning it. The only problem there is that all of the bidders are thinking the same strategy as well. So good luck if you want to try these bidding sites for yourself.

Though I've spent a lot of money on these sites, I was fortunate enough to win items and received it for free. Thanks to Bidzinga as I won a $100 Visa Gift Card and an IPOD Nano (6th gen) with approximately $20 each only (great savings indeed).

There's no harm in trying! We all do take risks for sometimes. The most important is we learn from our own experiences.

Holy Fun at Puerto Galera

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 04:19:00 +0000

One lazy day has led me and my friends to decide to spend our Holy Week vacation in Puerto Galera last year (Apr 2010). Holy Week is coming near again (2 weeks from now) and it makes me think to go back to this place again :) I'm a Roman Catholic, no question with that. But the fact of thinking of a break for sometimes is really once in a lifetime due to time constraints. Not hidden to many, we all do experience stress from work, work and work on top always. And one way for me to overcome it and to avoid a burnout state is exploring the beach. Don't know why, that even I don't know how to swim, the aura of beach would make me pacified. I find peace whenever I'm in an island surrounded by a body of water.

Puerto Galera has been famous to local travelers because of the White Beach experience, numerous pocket beaches, many snorkeling and Scuba diving spots and not to mention the bars, restaurants and night life. It is located in the province of Oriental Mindoro. It has also been listed by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World, and is the only bay in the Philippines to be listed there.

Among the famous beaches in Puerto Galera are Sabang Beach and White Beach, which have an active nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants. Both beaches also have an array of first-class and economy class accommodations. According to research, Sabang Beach is the main destination for foreign tourists, while White Beach remains popular with local travelers. And being one of the local travelers, I'd prefer the White Beach.

There's no airport (or direct flights) at Puerto Galera so you have to travel by road then ferry. I heard that you can travel by seaplane but I won't recommend it if you are watching your budget. We traveled by bus from Manila to Batangas Port for 2.5 to 3 hours. Then you need to ride in a ferry to reach the White Beach. Just be careful when you are heading the ferry (local tourists are tagging this as RORO) as there are two separate destinations - Sabang Beach and White Beach. You need to follow the instructions of the guide or else you'll end in different destination. I remembered that there were 3 windows we headed to pay for the tickets and other monetary requirements (don't know the policy why they need to go on separate windows) but we are glad that one of the guides who approached us in Batangas port has instructed as very well. A not so expensive tip has been given to this guide for his courtesy. After 30 minutes to 1 hour travel in water, we were able to catch the entire face of the White Beach. And I would say it's awesome! (don't want to compare it with other White Beaches as each beaches has their own unique features).

We arrived at the White Beach roughly at about 9:30AM. Along the way, you'll be faced with lots of hotel promoters of the White Beach. We actually have a reservation to one of the hotels at the White Beach but due to the bulk of both local and foreign tourists at that day, our reservation didn't push thru. We needed to wait until 11AM until one of the rooms was vacated. (I won't recommend you to reserve if that's gonna be the case during peak season)

I didn't enjoy much of the food here but you can try something different to spice up your taste buds. There are no ATMs near here so you have to prepare a cash budget should you want to go to this island. Make sure you watch your budget because most of the stuffs are pricey.

But overall, I like the view very much. Snorkeling is also fun and even boat riding. There are lots of passersby who will ask you to avail of their tour package including Snorkeling and going to other hot spots. I would just recommend you to be wiser in choosing the cheaper package. (And just be ready to the itchy effect after soaking your whole body during Snorkeling fun as it stays longer than expected :P)

I felt so excited too in experiencing the sunset and nightlife at Puerto Galera. I'd say t'was unpredictable. Cool! :)

A not so part of our tour here is heading to Tamaraw Falls. I'd say I won't recommend you to travel at Tamaraw Falls. But since it's part of the package we availed, we just headed to try this once in a lifetime. The reason I say it so is because this destination is too far from the White Beach. We just traveled by a tricycle and we felt so wasted that we thought this destination could cover that feeling but we regretted it. It's really not worth paying for. (But I'll not stop you if you'll still want to try to go here :P )

Ignoring the experience at Tamaraw Falls, I would still recommend this beach. With its enormous beauty and the fun it can bring, I would definitely consider going back to Puerto Galera.

Famous Group Buying Sites

noreply@blogger.com (Red) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:50:00 +0000

I've to repost this one for personal reference as I have a hard time checking out all existing Group Buying Sites.

I'm so overwhelmed with all the discounts these sites are offering. And they are so popular nowadays because people are inclined to canvass cheaper price on goods and services unless of course you are rich and you need not worry about the price of it. But for general people per se, it's a great option to buy in.

Group Buying Sites are websites that offer products and services at a significantly low price. It can go from 30% discount to as much as 100% discount! Yeah it happens! There’s a catch though. The deal will only be activated if there are minimum number of people buying the promo.

Group Buying Sites work with retailers promising them more customers/clients in exchange for discounts.

So, how does a Group Buying Site work?

Browse through available promos/deals.

Choose the one you like and confirm purchase by clicking on the “BUY” link.

Pay through any of the options listed by the group buying site. Most of them offer PayPal, bank deposits and credit card payments.

Confirmation will be sent via email or the site itself.

You can print voucher through the email they sent you or under your account page in the site.

Bring the voucher with you when claiming with establishment.

Enjoy your discount!

The following are the insights of one blogger regarding her top 5 group buying sites.

Deal Grocer – I think I’ve spent the most in Deal Grocer. Their deals are just top-notch! I wish though that they could give bigger discounts. Like right now, they offer deals for travel but all are for 30-40% discount only.

Ensogo – I really love the many deals they offer. Case in point, I bought 17 vouchers from them so far .

Cash Cash Pinoy – Very similar to Ensogo, they offer a lot of deals. I believe they got the biggest break when they offered 45% discount for the Sofitel Spiral Buffet.

Buyanihan – this was the 1st group buying site that I discovered. I wish they offer more ALL-in travel promos. I’m still contemplating on their Boracay promo but it doesn’t come with round trip flight.

Beeconomic – I love the unique deals that they offer. I got to try out Pole Dancing due to their 50% promo before hahaha!

List of group buying sites is listed below. Should I missed one or for additional, please feel free to add comments.

Group Buying Sites with deals available in the Philippines (click image to go to their site):

Disclaimer: Most of the contents came from a blogger and only a few personal comments have been added. This is only reposted for personal use.