Beng's Journey

Flores de Mayo

2012-05-28T20:19:00.002+08:00

The month of May is known for fiestas, beauty pageants and Santacruzan or Sagala. During the Sagala we were only curious of who will be the Reyna Elena and Reyna Emperatriz this time. Santaruzan includes a procession wherein we commemorate the search of the Holy Cross and the jubilant celebration for the thanksgiving. The annual Sagala on our barangay was held last Saturday, the young lasses and pretty teens wear their lovely gowns with their charming make up. I bet they offered eggs to St. Claire; the procession went on smoothly without rain showers. The beat of the bass amplifiers from the musicians were very dynamic that they brought the onlookers to the streets.

Huling Hirit

2012-05-28T20:17:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I brought the kids to Star City before the school opens on June 4. Star City opens at 2pm so we took our lunch first at Teriyaki Boy in Harbour Square and we left PJ there. We bought chicken joy for Makoy while we (Nikko and me) ordered our food in Teriyaki Boy. I ordered Kani salad and I was surprised it was served in a big bowl so I shared my chicken with Makoy and I am not surprised that he liked the chicken and ate more than half of it. It’s good we were at the Star City a few minutes before it open, we enjoyed the rides without waiting for hours on our turn. We skipped the Snow World, I convinced them that we will see it on our return with their daddy, and I want to be at the house by 7pm. Fortunately Makoy did not throw his normal tantrums, yahoo!

Skype

2012-05-28T20:14:00.001+08:00

I really have to thank Skype because we can make a video call to hubby for free! That’s a great evolution on our modern technology. Before I met Skype, we were using the free internet call of Yahoo but the connection was very slow. The last time I heard there were certain areas in Middle East wherein Yahoo internet calls are not allowed. We also enjoyed the convenience of using the Skype from our iPad but the connection was poor (ouch!) or maybe there were times that our internet provider is already congested. We both owned toshiba computers and I would say I am satisfied with my laptop though I just have to check from time to time the downloaded files that my kids used.

Tom and Jerry

2012-05-27T21:31:00.001+08:00

It's been three weeks since Peter bade us goodbye and joined his brother, sister and father back home. We missed him.... and Tom & Jerry too! He's a true blooded fanatic of Tom and Jerry (he can watch it from Monday til Sunday 24/7), I even bought him a CD because often times we have no signal from Sky Cable. He stayed with us for three weeks, fortunately Nikko and Makoy were able to "practice" their English communication with Peter because he only knew a few Tagalog words which includes "salamat po". No doubt his favorite sport is swimming, I saw his latest picture with his mom yesterday in a resort near their place. I wish he will also be inclined in musical instruments like his kuya, maybe a flute can be a good start. Always be good Peter, we miss you!

Nikko Turns 11!

2012-05-06T20:54:00.001+08:00

Happy Happy 11th Birthday to my responsible, patient and brilliant son Nikko! Thank you for having the great qualities of a good son, brother and friend to everyone. But I still got some request, I hope you'll be less "masungit" and "mahiyain" anak. Love you! Keep it up for being a good boy! Never stop dreaming.

Last Minute Shopping

2012-05-04T22:49:00.003+08:00

I enrolled my kids yesterday, I was not surprised of the increase because it was already announced during the mass on our parochial church. But this time, the tuition fee was already itemized so I was surprised with some of the charges that the parents are paying. Anyway I hope I can attend the Parents-Teachers meeting and I expect that many parents have their own violent reactions too, lol! We accompanied my sister in her last minute shopping because her flight will be this coming Sunday. While completing her shopping list I brought the kids to candy factory for thirty minutes and then they played bowling for one hour at SM City Bowling Center. Five hours of shopping was not enough to complete her items because she missed some of it, we were all tired going back and forth to the main building, annex and the Block. Oh, I forgot to offer my SM advantage card before her items were put to the barcode scanners.

Maximum Speed Limit

2012-04-27T21:51:00.000+08:00

Last February I fetched hubby from the airport and I was in a hurry because he already arrived in Terminal 1 and I was still in Buendia. I took the Macapagal road to avoid traffic because it was a Friday, I wondered why the vehicles running before I was slower and the MMDA or policemen were scattered on the side streets. Then I saw a signage of “60 Maximum Speed Limit” now that answered my question. Without a choice to do it fast, I just go with the normal flow of the traffic. The motorcycle lane was also visible and more organized compared in EDSA. I also noticed the drivers of the motorcycles were complete in gears, wondering if they also have national cycle windshields for their additional protection. After more than thirty minutes from the traffic, I saw hubby waiting in discomfort, lol!

Dentist Visit

2012-04-24T22:36:00.003+08:00

My kids visited their dentist for their “early” schedule of oral prophylaxis, it is free because it’s part of my benefit in our office including our dependents. Their last visit was only four months ago but they decided to follow their dad since the next patient has not arrived yet. Nikko got scared because he heard that Makoy got an injection for his tooth extraction. Nikko needs a filling on his tooth, we had to really convince to do the procedure or else his tooth cannot be saved, after a few minutes of prodding he finally agreed. The clinic which is located in Mandarin hotel is newly renovated, but it will be more convenient if they put additional bench for the waiting area and personalized door mats that will complement the newly tiled floors.

DFA Notice

2012-04-24T22:05:00.001+08:00

I’m sorry to say this but it was really hard dealing with government offices/employees here, like politicians… full of promises. We renewed the passports of Nikko and Makoy last March 27, we were scheduled at 9:30am so as early as 8:40am we were already in the area. Actually we waited for a few minutes in Starbucks to prevent waiting outside the sun, unfortunately because of the numerous applicants that day we finished at 12:30pm. We were already hungry and there was a long line for the door to door service so I decided to just picked up the passport on the scheduled date. Off we go on April 20, 2012 at 10-11am which was the scheduled time. Unfortunately the passports were not yet delivered so they asked me to return after lunch. We took our empty stomach at Yakimix Macapagal then hubby decided to return to DFA instead before proceeding to MOA. The DFA staff told me to return on Monday instead….. that’s the time that I began to raised my voice…. The staff left for a while and said that they are already validating the passports first. I said “…niloloko mo ba ako, kanina sabi nyo bumalik ako after lunch, now (3:15pm) sasabihin nyo bumalik ako ng Monday….tapos hinahanap na?” Another senior staff on a high tone too said that the passports were only delivered in the morning, I said “where is your good customer service?” I tried to look for their Supervisor but they said he was on leave, no OIC??? Poor guard, he eats all the complaints of the applicants. If they expect delay on the passport delivery then they should not commit a ten days turn around time.

Island Vacation

2012-04-23T14:22:00.001+08:00

Things to Take With You on an Island Vacation

Heading to a secluded or not so secluded island can be an excellent way to spend a vacation. There’s nothing like being on an island to really make you feel away from your normal life obligations. To make the most of your island adventure, it pays to be prepared. Here is my fail safe list of island necessities.

Sturdy Shoes: Depending on the island locale you’re visiting, you may have opportunities to venture inland, despite the beauty of the beach. Many islands have hiking opportunities and other adventure trips that call for tennis shoes.
1-2 Nice Outfits: Jean shorts and tank tops are wonderful for the beach, but it’s nice to be able to feel a little put together when you head out for dinner or to a bar. You’re not heading to the outback, after all.
Reading Material: While I can’t fit much pleasure reading into my day-to-day life, I can devour books by the bushel. Remember there probably won’t be much reading material beyond romance novels and trade paperbacks available on the island, so pack your e-reader or any books you’ll want to read. If you’re a student, don’t forget to pack your study materials. Check out Online Universities if you’re currently considering heading back to school and want to study on the trip.
An Inflatable Pillow: Even if you’re heading to a fancy resort with private lounge chairs, it’s always nice to have a little neck support when you’re spending hours in the sun. An inflatable pillow doesn’t take much space and won’t be damaged by the sand and moisture of the beach.
Sarong/Cover Up: Sarongs and cover ups are so handy to have around, whether there’s a chill on the beach or you just want to walk around with a little more on than your bathing suit or bikini.
Flat Sheet: For lounging on the sand. Dries quickly and is easy to pack.
Packaged Foods: Depending on the part of the world you’re heading to, you might find that packaged goods are very expensive, because they all have to be shipped to the island. Consider bringing along some snacks to save on costs.
Camera: Don’t want to lose the memories!
Beach Bag: A light canvas bag is great to pack all your daily goodies to bring to the beach.
Health Insurance: Most health insurance policies don’t cover you while abroad. Consider investing in special travel insurance to cover any potential hazards. This is especially important for high school and college students on spring break. GED Online has more information if you’re considering finishing your high school diploma while you're abroad.

Sources

NYTimes (2010)
Frommers (2012)

Boracay Bikinis

2012-04-21T20:12:00.001+08:00

Though the weather was too hot, the boys did enjoy their bird watching in Boracay. And their tops and bikinis were hot too! Forget about the moss in the water, anyway everybody were satisfied to see sexy women in their two piece bikinis especially the foreigners. Can you guess if these ladies have experienced phytodren side effects. Boracay Island was literally filled with tourists especially during weekends this summer, I bet the rates next month will be a lot cheaper because May is the start of the rainy season here. Unfortunately I did not enjoy the helmet diving because the fishes are hiding and the beach is not that clean any more.

Floor Plan

2012-04-17T15:04:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday we went to visit the lot in Tandang Sora and let hubby see the vicinity once again. It was a peaceful and humid Sunday afternoon but I was quite surprised because there were working staff on the office and they even offered us some drinks. We were already inquiring about the house construction and hubby already suggested or share some of his ideas like putting a lanai area, an entertainment room and a study room. I hope we will receive the initial floor plan before hubby ends his vacation this week, at least we will have an idea how much will be the total contract price for the house construction and I will wait for the next plan. The kids want to have a bath tub but it will be space consuming but I might suggest space for the laboratory furnaces that we might use in the future.

Island Hopping in Boracay

2012-04-17T11:01:00.000+08:00

A visit in Boracay is never complete without an island hopping. We got a great deal of getting a big boat including the snorkeling gadgets at Three Thousand Five Hundred Pesos. It can carry eighteen persons but because of some misunderstanding the Red Coconut group got their own boat instead so we were dropped down to twelve in a group. The kids tried it and I think they did enjoy it, but I heard there were only few fishes around. I am quite surprised too because there's a man who approached us and asked for a snorkeling fee in the area at Twenty Pesos per head. I think there are more fishes in the ocean in Batangas than in Boracay, perhaps they were all disturbed by the bountiful tourists every year.

Kite Flying with Don

2012-04-16T16:01:00.000+08:00

While in Boracay Don bought a kite and had it fly it with the kids, they gave extra effort because the wind was static. No wonder Don loves to fly a kite because he's a private pilot, though he's a System Engineer by profession he owns his own plane! Being a single guy, I guess he's a very rich guy too. He and my brother in law love to play the stocks, maybe that's one reason why they can really afford to live conveniently. During our conversations I forgot to ask if aside from the stocks they have investment in silver bullion too. I hope Don enjoyed his stay here in despite the humid weather and some crowded places that we did encounter.

Mini Reunion

2012-04-16T14:21:00.000+08:00

We had a mini reunion cum dinner last Saturday at Max's Glorietta with my siblings and their families. We're almost complete except for my one sister who is in Canada now. My brother who is working in Saudi was here in on a month long vacation to attend the graduation of his son and recognition of his daughter. Hubby will only stay for two weeks because of the Boracay package. Don my sister's brother in law joined them here and they were booked in Ascott Hotel, unfortunately they cannot use their mobile phones here so they bought phones in Glorietta so they have to keep their vonage phone inside their luggage first good thing they bought Globe sim cards because we are all Globe users in the family.

Boracay 2012

2012-04-16T14:03:00.000+08:00

After five years we visited again the beautiful place of Boracay this time with my siblings, nieces, nephews and mom. I heard the island almost sink last Holy Week because of the countless tourists, good decision to sissy scheduled it after Easter Sunday. Some of the activities we did were island hopping, helmet diving and snorkeling while the rest of the group did parasailing. The weather was too hot, my two kids literally burned themselves under the sun. But at least they enjoyed playing the sand with their cousins whom they only got to see now. Next year, we're already planning to have a short vacation in Bohol but I still vote for Hong Kong or Singapore for our next trip.

Countdown

2012-04-02T20:25:00.002+08:00

Only three days to go and the Boracay troupe are almost complete. I really wish that the weather will be fine next week, occasional rains are okay but no typhoon please. Six pax will fly via Air Philippines and the bulk of twelve via Cebu Pacific. OMG, Cebu Pacific is very well known on its delayed flights I just hope that we will skip that. Well at least our foreign visitors are booked via Air Philippines, I am confident that they will never regret their flight going to Boracay. Nikko will be missing his one day class in Kumon, my nephews and niece are music literate just like their mom. Adrian and Samantha are both piano literate, I saw their piano recital via Facebook and I can almost see how proud their parents are. Yesterday I bought a new song chip for our Magic Sing and my kids had their mini concert too last night. Maybe I will bring the Magic Sing in Boracay so we can enjoy our get together especially at night. I’m not sure if Peter can already play a piano, but I know someday he can carry a tune using a Numark DJ Equipment.

I Am Richer

2012-03-30T22:50:00.000+08:00

I am happier, I am richer. I am happier, I am richer. During my dull moments or idle time, I am continuously saying these words. Positive attracts positive so I have to stay away with negative thoughts and people too! I always want to be reminded what my angel said... "focus only on what you want and the goal you want to achieve". So I am already claiming to own this house next year! Always be thankful to God our savior, though we may not be as prayerful like the priests and nuns, continue doing goods deeds, it pays to be good. Happy Weekend! I am richer and happier!

Food Cart Business

2012-03-30T22:13:00.000+08:00

A few years back I was really eager to put up a small business, food cart business was on my mind. Some of my colleagues here at the office pooled their resources and they franchised a Squid Ball cart which they stationed in one of the stations in MRT. I was short of cash then so even I wanted to join them I will try my luck next time. I think they are four who invested but only one was the busiest among them. Their sales were good in the first few months but unfortunately it slowly went down until they closed their business. The last time I heard they already sold their franchise in a much lower price. I believe someday soon I will put up my small business office near my house and will just concentrate on it so I can finally escape from the corporate world.

New Wedding Ring

2012-03-28T22:37:00.000+08:00

Niko lost her wedding ring inside their house. They are clueless who the culprit is though they have an idea who he/she might be but it was never returned. Now she’s planning to buy a new one, I suggest that instead of buying another pair again, just duplicate the ring of her hubby to save money of course. It’s hard to buy in Binondo though it’s cheaper there’s a bigger chance that the merchant will give you a fake one. It’s safer of course buying inside the mall but the cost! I got a good buy on our wedding ring because the goldsmith is just our neighbor and the cost of gold then was a lot cheaper. I told Niko to browse the net, look for the deal of the day jewelry and she might get an idea of buying a necklace too or other design for her ring.

ESCAPE FROM SYRIA

2012-03-28T22:35:00.002+08:00

For the first time I got my first subscription with TIME magazine to avail of their free gift of three piece luggage set. Well I thought it’s as heavy duty as shown on the picture that I might use it on our Boracay vacation in April. One advantage of reading TIME is that I will be more updated in current events especially abroad. The front cover story caught my attention, “One man’s dangerous journey out of the killing fields”. I cannot imagine that there’s as chaotic as Syria, and there are still courageous media people who still went there to cover stories. I pray for the numerous helpless Syrians who had been killed by the Assad regime.

Protection of Dangerous Animals While Traveling

2012-03-22T06:22:00.001+08:00

How to Protect Against Dangerous Animals While Traveling

Traveling can be one of the most joyous experiences in life. With the help of an informative global travel blog and perhaps an agent, you could be on the way to a spectacular getaway. Whether you go abroad or across the country, exploring new territory is thrilling and opens your mind up to new things. Camping, hiking, walking trails, surfing, snorkeling, sightseeing, kayaking, and a wide host of other outdoor activities are particularly rewarding.

Still, outdoor lovers should take their travel safety seriously by paying close attention to the creatures that frequently lurk in their chosen area. Regardless of what activities you engage in, if you're planning to spend a considerable amount of time outside, be sure to think through ways to avoid being subject to an attack. Staying prepared could easily make or break your trip and cause considerable damage. While investing in travel insurance and keeping pepper spray handy are excellent moves, it never hurts to know more about what to expect. Take a look at valuable steps to help protect yourself and ward off dangerous animals.

Traveler Safety Tips to Preventing Wildlife Attacks

Bears – Camping is one of the most exhilarating pastimes for nature enthusiasts. It provides an unmatched serenity and makes for an ideal social outing for friends. However, being thrown off guard by the presence of a bear can sour the whole experience if you don't know the appropriate survival techniques. It's best to keep a few things in mind while you're getting ready for your next excursion.First, you should understand a bear's body language, as they can seem very serene and suddenly turn on you. A lowered head, clacking teeth, huffing, and laidback eyes are all signs of aggression and could mean the bear is on the brink of attack. Be sure to never lock eyes with this animal, as it this is provoking. Stand in a non-threatening way so you don't seem like you're inviting trouble. Also, you should refrain from running away and instead, back away slowly. Sometimes it helps to drop an item on the ground which may deflect attention away from you.

If the bear charges you, get in a fetal position, protecting your chest, neck, head and stomach. Stay in this state until you're certain the animal has left the scene. The best way to protect against these negative circumstances is to store your belongings properly, as bears have a keen sense of smell and usually only reveal themselves if they sniff out food.

Sharks – Few can resist a clear blue ocean. Many people plan vacations to locations that are near beaches because of the peaceful vibe, alluring scenery and the pleasant feel of the water. Surfers, snorkelers and swimmers need to take heed, though. There could be shark territory nearby.

Avoiding shark-infested waters and researching various harmful and innocuous species is vital. Again, it's important to watch body language. Sometimes sharks tread slowly and gently through waters, going about their own business, but if you notice sudden jerks or swift movements, it's time to head back to land where you're safe.

Try not to swim or surf at dawn or during the night, as this is typically feeding time for these creatures. Also, remember to wear dark swimwear. Anything that's too bright can be attractive to sharks and easily provoke them to strike. Don't make loud splashes or make too much noise which can draw the wrong attention. Carrying a weapon, such as a spear, will ward off danger as well. Most importantly, never go into the water with open or fresh wounds, as sharks are strongly attracted to the smell of blood.

Snakes – Hiking is another favorite for energetic nature lovers. There's plenty of famous and anonymous trails within the United States, as well as abroad, for hikers to openly enjoy on their own time. Driving through and exploring deserts is also a passion for many travelers which can lead to a wealth of good memories. However, beware of poisonous snakes in these areas, as they pose serious health threats and can even be deadly if a medical assistant isn't nearby or can't be reached in a timely fashion.

As with sharks, it's a good idea to get familiar with the types of species that exist, especially in the area you'll be traveling to. Not all snakes are poisonous, so it's important to be able to identify the ones that are by their appearance and habitats. After you're clear about what to look out for, plan your route accordingly and try your best to stick to the initial plan to avoid unnecessary run-ins.

Your choice of clothing is probably the most significant part of your hike when it comes to prevention snake attacks. Try wearing specialized snake boots, knee-high socks and long pants that you can tuck into your footwear. You should also bring along a walking stick that you can use to clear your path and defend yourself. If you need to find a camping site, you should pick open ground and remember to shake out your sleeping bag every night.

Mosquitoes – Some people don't understand the potential long-term damage that a mosquito can do. If you're traveling near swamps or damp regions, it's important to protect yourself against mosquito bites, as these insects often carry disease. The main priority is looking into the purchase of a strong bug repellent. Mosquitoes are also drawn to any kind of bodily smell and while it's difficult to be completely scent-free, you should refrain from wearing perfume or cologne and shampoos with strong fragrances.

Mountain Lions – Mountain lion attacks are becoming more common every year. If you're venturing into these animals' territory soon, you should apply a few precautions to remain safe. First, you should always hike or do a tour with a group as opposed to going alone. A large number of people can cause mountain lions to moving in another direction and if anyone is still attacked, there'll be enough people around to save the mauled victim.

Mountain lions generally roam areas at dawn or dusk, so you shouldn't pick these times to explore. In the event that you run into one, don't play dead but talk loudly to raise awareness about the issue throughout the location. Never run, as this is a sure way to get attacked. Instead, raise your arms high to appear larger which often startles these animals and scares them away.

Sources

Peacemaker Pepper Spray (2006)
NatureSkills (2011)

Banco De Oro

2012-03-20T20:03:00.002+08:00

BDO is one of the stable banks in the Philippines, mall branches are opened even on weekends so we can have the luxury of time in paying our bills, utilities, etc. At long last, their internet banking is now more accessible unlike before. A few years ago we opened our account in Obando branch but after awhile I decided to terminate it because I have to go on a vacation leave whenever I have important transactions that I cannot ask my helper to do it for me. I am also not satisfied with the tellers, they are too slow but thanks to the branch manager for her assistance. She really did her best in winning me back by offering an insurance policy which was somehow patterned in what I read from Wholesaleinsurance.net.

Zoobic Safari

2012-03-15T22:24:00.000+08:00

Two years ago we visited Ocean Adventure in Subic and I super really enjoyed it. We were also supposed to try the Zoobic Safari but it was raining cats and dogs so we failed to see the 25 hectare amusement park with exotic animals inside. Though I'm a little bit scared, I still want to try reaching out with the different harmless animals inside. Maybe I should include this in our itinerary next month after our Boracay trip, I'm sure the kids will truly enjoy this one of a kind experience. But it's a big question mark if we have the guts to enter the Tiger Safari and conquer our fear to see up close the tiger. I better start preparing the "things to bring" on our summer escapade next month, of course I should not forget the sun block, maybe I can use in the beach the blankets from yoga mats at yogaaccessories.com.

Possible Dream

2012-03-06T22:11:00.000+08:00

Note: On this site will rise our soon to be dream house.Wow, my kids are really engrossed to have our own house. We had a tripping in one of the residential area in Quezon City last Sunday, unlike the previous properties that we visited, they loved this place. This is a possible dream, and now we are religiously playing the lotto, LOL! Do angels dream? Yes, my boys do.