Life of Adventure

The Hidden Canyon of Saudi Arabia

2017-06-30T03:13:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, when there still no load of work, so internet all along, I came across *Couchsurfing Riyadh blog (a group of people living in Riyadh seeking for new and badass adventure that can be experience in Saudi Arabia, and just love their newly discovered nature spot in Riyadh they called “The Hidden Canyon”, 130 kilometers from the capital city. I was intrigued by this discovery and started to search this place online. I don’t know about this place, and after reading others blog and saw some pictures of it, I decided to give it a try. Well, dear friends and readers, here are the compilation of the videos and photos I captured while we were there, a huge success to see a lot of new, exciting places.

The coordinates for the place: 23.910811, 46.939980

You can see the Hidden Canyon in this map, https://goo.gl/maps/dZYE2uWPLQU2

During our road trip going back to the city, we also went to Al Yamama resort - Largest wave pool in Riyadh.

*Couchsurfing Riyadh Group are affiliated in the apps and website called “Couchsurfing” which the main purpose is for travelers to provides a platform for members to stay as a guest at someone's home (homestay), host travelers, meet other members, or join an event, they get to stay with a local who may show them around, but always gives them a nice place to sleep, and it doesn't cost a penny. (Separate blog to follow how it works)

Conquering the Great Hidden Valley of Saudi Arabia

2016-11-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Well, this is my second time to visit Hidden Valley (after long 5 years); the first time happened way back 2011, but sad to say, I did not able to blog the experience due to less eagerness in my part and not that much interested doing written documentation since all I wanted, being gullible in a world of heat and sand, (desert as it may pertains) was to see Hidden Valley and experience different activity other than working as an expatriate. So, when my friends decided to go for a trip, I did not hesitate to say YES, I think of, with this adventure, I will be able to replenish the memories, to finally write about Hidden Valley with my own blogsite and (maybe also for all OFW here in Saudi Arabia will be able to discover that Saudi is not just what you see is what it is.)

Hidden valley (expats term) or Wadi Nissa (Arabic Name) is located west side of Riyadh; travel time to reach this destination is about an hour from Riyadh City proper. It is composed of outstanding rock mountain formations and astonishing sand dunes. The attraction to climb the peaks of each rock mountains was one of the reasons why expats visited this place. Location: click for the location GPS. More visitors flocked to the area, establishing a huge interest of trekking or mountain climbing.

Saudi Arabia is a true paradise that is just being rediscovered.

Hidden Valley have been attracting expatriates mostly OFW for over the years who are also finding themselves drained to life of being expatriates – work, work and work , those that required to get off the crushed path , and wanted to go further and find new ways to celebrate and enjoy life.

The Road-Silent Hill

Having spent our time eating breakfast, our group was eager to get to best picture before the sun heat scorch in our skin.

Hidden Valley had a wide range of Table Mountains like the picture above.Just at the beginning of the prized via this magnificent view in Hidden Valley.

In this area, which you can see the full view of Hidden Valley, is unquestionably the most significant and most noteworthy section of this magnificent site. So a panoramic view is a must. Though it might come into sight as if the Rocky Mountains are being indistinguishable, a closer look reveals that they differ in their details.

Hidden Valley boast immeasurable rock formations that brings so much life and emotions in one picture, so as a hobbyist photographer like me, I could not resist myself taking each and every step during our walk along the trail . Here are the pictures I clicked at Hidden Valley. Definitely will come back again and again.

Another Reason to Love “Ashra-Ashra Saudi Arabia”

2016-11-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

If you’ve read any of my past blog post, this article is just an update/additional post regarding my experience about this place, but this time will focus on its photography aspect.

Place: Al Haeer Park in Arabic or Ashra Ashra Park (formerly known as Kamsa Kamsa) from the word Ashra or ten as the entrance fee is Ten Riyals is located at Al Ghania, West Riyadh, an hour trip from Central Riyadh City. This is the best place to enjoy and relax. It becomes a favorite destination of our Kababayans for a family or group hangouts because of its best picnic grounds and beautiful sceneries that so unexpected in Saudi.Many finds it as a way to escape the strict way of living in the city since security in this area is not that strict like in any other place in Saudi. As soon as you enter the place,you can feel the warm welcome of all our kakabayans and the presence of "pagsasaya" like you were in the Philippines (home sweet home).You can see here once more the true smile of a Filipino and rare valuable privacy. You can read the blog here for the detailed description.

Location: Click here

Here are a bunch of Photos straight from my camera:

Arab Culture Values

2016-09-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

Personal Thoughts
To Ahmed, thank you a lot for showing us the meaning of Eid Al-Adha and for sharing this special gift. We feel privileged to be part of this wonderful tradition.

It is better to give than to receive, but in my experience last Eid Al- Adha celebration (September 13, 2016), when one of our local Saudi friend strong-willed gave part of their family sacrificial meat to us as a representation of friendship, the feeling of receiving something is way better and really rightly affects me as one person in a manner of making friends that I considered in philosophy as trusting of new people which is very important for us as an expatriate living in Saudi Arabia. So, much as I try to give back the gratitude and acknowledging what I received for this matter, I decided to write this quick blog, a blog that will tackle the meaning of this Eid al-Adha tradition, tradition that does not only a symbol of Islam but a tradition with pure heart and love. So here it is.

Portion of the sacrificial meat.

Special Chilli Lamb Stew : dish I prepared, best suited recipe for this special gift. I'll blog the recipe on my next post

Meaning
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days until the 13th day. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year. Eid al-Adha is the latter of the two Eid holidays, the former being Eid al-Fitr. The word Eid appears once in Al-Ma'ida, the fifth sura of the Quran, with the meaning "solemn festival" and Adha means sacrifice. Eid al-Adha enjoys special significance because the Day of Sacrifice marks the climax of Hajj or Pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. This annual pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia is an obligation only for those men and women who are physically and financially able to perform it once in their lifetime.

Tradition
Feast of Sacrifice or sacrificing their best halal domestic animals (usually a cow, but can also be a camel, goat, sheep, or ram) in an act known asqurbani. This symbolizes Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son, however, at the last moment, Allah tells Ibrahim to spare the child and sacrifice something else instead. And this is what Abraham ultimately sacrificed.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is preferred to be divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbors; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter. Muslims around the world observe this event. During the celebration, Muslims are also expected to visit their kin, from their parents down to their friends.

Majestic Beauty of Saudi's Ain Heet Cave and Authentic Picnic to Remember

2016-08-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Saudi isn’t just places with parched and desolate tract characteristic, it is more than that, it is with characters - characters that can call as adventurist, and even if Saudi Arabia is a Muslim personage with a strict feature as it is compared, dressed in to thobe and abaya that signify conventional or conservative character, you’re likely to fall in love with its sparkle natural surface that is waiting to be discovered.

Heet Cave Adventure

As an RND of profession, most of my time spent researching for new food ideas and development plus the status of Saudi Arabia as conservative country, my exposure to Saudi exciting activity comes only from the internet and some friends whom I talk with, so understanding Saudi’s present adventure is such like odd and very seldom activity. That is why every time there is an opportunity to savor the real Saudi by means of adventure; I make sure this will be very memorable one, just like when we decided to go to Ain Heet Cave for an exploration; an escapade that will expose Saudi that oftentimes appears unapproachable with our new-found Saudi friend.

Ain Heet cave is an underground lake situated at the face of Mount Al Jubayl in Wadi As Sulay in a diminutive rural community called Heet in Riyadh. It is accessible through Al Kharj road and one of the easily reached caves in the vicinity of Riyadh, Saudi Arbia. The mouth of Ain Heet cave is about 20 meters wide and it narrows down to approximately 5 meters while you cave a distance of 100 meters inside. The cave is named Ain Heet where Ain means eye. Large rocks hanging encompass geological formation in the cave which rises out of the plain roughly.

Our own visit to the Ain Heet Cave rock was on a hot summer season. It was late in the afternoon, but the sun was still beating down hard. We had travelled by car with newly found friends, all a residents of Saudi Arabia.

Trekking

The approach downward was very precipitous, approximately 45 degrees inclined as I describe in my trekking stated below and not a compressed path down. You can have your own path downward whatever you may like. At first and since I’m not into trekking, I must say that the struggle is real, required to endure lot of phobia but when I started to mage to go through at the middle of the cave, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to mesmerized to the rock formation for myself. Walking through the rows of rocks, there was something I found peculiar. weird and wonderful to think that it had emerged onto this landscape, considering it is Saudi Arabia, relative to the desert and dry country. And the outlandish motionlessness of the cave itself gave it an otherworldly superiority, making it straightforward to portrait this magnificent creation of God.

During trekking, there was enough rock to allow regular footholds, but not that fixed steadily, so be very careful and analyze first before you decide each step you will make.
We decided to go on swimming at the bottom of the cave before returning back to our way out. Sadly it takes only half hour to experience this clear water that Ain heet Cave has to offer since dark fall very fast and we are afraid to get blinded by the dark since no light or electricity in the area. I also did not able to take pictures during our swimming due to my excitement to get embrace by the area. Feeling proud!!!!
Picnic

After swimming, we prepared ourselves for an Arabic ultimate party and traditional picnic offered by our local friends; we made our way towards the looming road and parked up on the vacant lot.

We prepare our foods, Filipino chicken Adobo, Spaghetti and Shawaya chicken; exquisite recipe made by our Saudi local friends which cooked for almost 4 hours to get the perfect taste and authentic flavor of the spices they used in the process, seasoning proceedings with a pinch of expertise. Happily, it looks like it's brightening up at last piece that makes everything taste nicer.
We stayed for 8 hours in the area and it was the perfect duration. With this, we did most of the interesting activities: dancing, card games, and silly conversation and friendship matters. The conversation was very lively and the food delicious as usual!

The Saudi Deserts made by the family of our Saudi friend - Chocolate Cake and a Vermicelli Sweets

Cooking Chicken Shawaya

Master Chef-Mr. Walid No.1

The Finished Product - Chicken Shawaya

Dancing 101-Arab Dance

That day I learned most important aspects which a person need while working and it was one of the most memorable and best experiences in my life. The experience that feels absolutely bounded by adventure pleasure and you may think of like there’s no stopping, life’s too short for a perfect ending.

Sharing Reasons Why I Love You

2016-07-12T01:46:00.001-07:00

For every conversation that we’ve had about our relationship, you always pointed the flaws on how I treated you. You always say that I don’t have time and that you felt neglected as we spent our relationship - a typical long distance relationship.That you always asked me to say sorry for all of this which I refused cause I believed that I did nothing wrong to you. But today, I thought and realized that you are right. So, I just want say sorry for all of this, for all the treatment you received from me, for making you not in my priority and felt less important and special. You don’t deserve to be neglected. You deserve to be respected and feel the idea of achievement and love from me. And along with this, let me say thank you….

1. For always securing our relationship and make it work for you and me no matter what happen. You’ve given so much for the sake of our relationship. You always be the person who has been there through my ups and down.

2. For every messages (hundred of messages, which I considered nonsense), this reminds me that it is worth to live in this big world.

3. For the congratulations every accomplishment I received, whether big or small.

4.For always pushing me to be a better person and become hardworking in my own craft.

5. For genuinely believing and trusting which lead me to great opportunity in life. I can do all things because you believe despite of all the flaws and weaknesses I have.

6. For being source of my incredible strength to remain standing still.

7. For every surprise, whatever and whenever.

8. For saying enough, you will give up and do whatever I want to do in our relationship, then after a while, you will write me messages as if nothing happens.

9. For always checking and asking where the hell I am and what I up into, this makes me feel important and despite the hate and love relationships that we have, you remain to be one of the coolest person and set the highest standard bar of patience.

10.For accepting me and giving me opportunity to experience love and life the way it should be and most especially,for giving me always a chance to love and to be loved by saying I love you.

Thank You and I love You Christine Almonte.

City on Fire, Al-Faisaliyah Tower

2016-07-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

To refresh our senses, to break from usual squandering things that reminded us that we are expatriate and to beat the scorching climate of Saudi Arabia, me and my co–workers here in Saudi Arabia mutually agreed to take definitive journey to the intriguing and iconic Al-Faisaliah Tower located in the heart of Riyadh last Eid Al Fitr or End of Ramadan Festival.

Here are some of the pictures I took at the top or viewing deck of Faisaliyah Tower.Enjoy!!!!

The Al Faisaliyah Center is a commercial skyscraper located in the business district of Riyadh. It is the second tallest building in Saudi Arabia after the Kingdom Center. Immediately below it an outside viewing deck; at ground level, there is a shopping center with major world brands. The Al Faisaliyah Center is about 267 meters high and consists of 44 floors. The 4 corner beams of the Al Faisaliyah center join at the top above a golden ball. The design is said to be based on that of a ballpoint pen. Inside the golden ball is a luxury revolving restaurant. There is a clear view of Saudi Arabia's other skyscraper, the Kingdom Center, from the Al Faisaliyah Center and the two buildings create a silhouetted skyline in the evening. The tower was designed by UK based architects Foster and Partners and engineers Buro Happold. It is part of an Al Faisaliyah Complex, which consists of a hotel, the tower, and two other buildings. The tower also has several restaurants like 11a and the Globe and has also a Cigar lounge at the top floor. (Wikipedia)

Art in Sunset and Sunrise

2016-07-04T09:00:00.002-07:00

My collection of Sunset and Sunrise Photos from Saudi, Oman and the Philippines.Enjoy!!!!

Stunning View of Saudi Arabia at Night

2016-07-02T14:27:00.004-07:00

Night Photography:Place: Olaya District, Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
This particular photos of Saudi Arabia adds extra interest in the contrast about Saudi thinking as a Kingdom with very conservative culture and tradition plus a desert one between the modern city and the calm environment beyond.This impressive cityscapes represents the only one of the kind exhibition of Saudi Arabia itself.

Food Excitement (Herfy Cafe and Grill)

2016-06-24T06:45:00.005-07:00

Saudi Arabia has an exceptional and increasing presence of local restaurants. And while I am likely to mostly eat Asian Food because I'm a Filipino, I do take pleasure in eating out other cuisines occasionally as well. And the fact that as I tried to get out to the comfort zone of my taste bud, the opportunity to capture the excitement of food gives much significant importance in my food experience as a whole, so once opportunity arises, I make sure I never missed the chance to embrace and hold it and will surely be back for one.

Food Photography

While I’m not a professional food photographer, I can say that it’s all about the subject matter. Focus and the light, the intensity and how it hits the food. Here are my shots of different menus offered in Herfy Café and Grill. Enjoy!!!!!

Herfy Café and Grill
Address: located at the Prince Turki Al Awwal Road, An Nakhil, Riyadh opened by Herfy Food Company, which caters and one of the largest fast food chain in Saudi Arabia.
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Herfy-Cafe-Grill-133468243426631/?_rdr
Website: http://herfyfoods.com/demo/Design/cafe/#
Camera:Sony Experia

From the Airplane

2016-06-14T14:50:00.001-07:00

As an Overseas Filipino Worker, every time I fly, I always request and make sure for a window seat to provide me enormous opportunities to take photos out of the window plane. Because as a person infatuated in capturing photos of whatever, I know that this opportunity will give me different perspective in the world of photography. So, here is my top 5 collection of pictures taken out of airplane windows. Enjoy!!!

1. Cloudy photo

From Riyadh Saudi Arabia to Philippines

2. Cloudy photo

From Philippines to Oman

3. Cloudy photo

From Damman Saudi Arabia to Philippines

4. City landscape
Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

5. Sunset

From Oman to Philippines

Memories of Minalungao

2016-06-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

This adventure happened last April 2014 during our high school batch get together in Minalungao National Park which was in the process of becoming famous in Nueva and started gaining popularity among travelers/adventure seekers that year. And today, after two years, Minalungao National Park has already developed as an eco-adventure park that offered adventure attractions and has been on the top list as tourist destination and consistent number one in the bucket list of all travel adventurer in the Central Luzon.

Minalungao National Park is located in the Municipality of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija on the foothills of the wide-ranging Sierra Madre Mountain, just under four hours away from the capital Manila. It is usually compared and usually called El Nido of Nueva Ecija because of its meters-high rock limestones formations as seen mostly in Palawan. It has a total land area of 2,018 hectares.

Memories of Minalungao

I just happened to find photos from our get-together trip in Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija two years ago which brought my memories of Nueva Ecija to the surface again.

That is why one of my favorite’s things about taking photographs is the ability to relive your experiences through the photos.

It’s such a majestic place, I manage to fall in love with Minalungao even only I spent a day with it. I will definitely return to Minalungao and fall in love with it all over again.

Traditional Iftar Experience

2016-06-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Here in Saudi Arabia, YOLO or You Only Live Once mindset should be an expatriate precedence or should always be held in reserve in his/her mind, simply because activities here were very limited due to the rules and set of laws need to follow. So to keep in mind YOLO, me and my friends went to Muslim Center to experience traditional Iftar wherein all Muslims will gather in one specific place usually Mosque or Islamic Center before their first prayer to break their fast. People will sit side by side along with the food provided by the Center which consists of Dates, Chicken Shawaya, Fruit Juice and Laban.

Traditional Iftar is the way that most of Muslim celebrates the special part of Holy Month.

The Place
Batha Islamic Center - one of the busiest and famous place here in Riyadh for all Filipinos as well as other expatriates.

The Foods

Each food has its own important significance as follows:

Dates Fruit: By tradition during Ramadan, dates are eaten at the start of Iftar to symbolize the breaking of the fast or first food to get ahead of in one's lips. It is one of the main food sources in the Middle East country like Saudi Arabia and its existence recorded thousand years ago.

Chicken Shawaya: Is also a traditional part of the Iftar feast. Entire chicken is hollowed out and stuffed with different spices such as ginger, black pepper, chilli powder and masala spice then roasted for perfection.

Fruit Juices and Laban: Traditional popular drinks serve in Iftar is called laban – a buttermilk-style drink which strengthen the digestive system.

The people

My First Ramadan Iftar

2016-06-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Holy Month of Ramadan is here, a point in time for millions of Muslim from around the world observes fast from sunrise to sunset, meaning no foods and drinks are consumed. The fast is wished for to convey the truthful closer to God to implement in self-control and to put into practice selflessness. But aside from fasting, Ramadan serves for personal reflection as well as engaging in anything that is poorly-natured and excessive.Ramadan serves as a time of worship and self-direction towards God and family.

During Ramadan, two main meals were provided, the Suhoor, which is serve before dawn, and Iftar, which is serve after sunset, and at the end of the Ramadan month, Muslims celebrate the Festival of Fast-Breaking, called Eid al-Fitr.

As an expatriate here in Saudi Arabia, I was able to celebrate the Iftar with our Muslim brothers in the company I work with.

The Place

Herfy Cafe and Grill which features international chill-out cafe, quick service, and sports bar.

The foods - local and international cuisines complete with all groups : meat, bread,milk, cereal,vegetables and fruits.

The people - people I considered my family and worth cherished with.

My Top 10 Best Food In Saudi

2016-05-18T14:02:00.001-07:00

Since I have limited photos in my portfolio due to photography regulations here in Saudi Arabia is very strict and really enforced by authority, I just have decided to share pictures of the top best food I ate here in Saudi Arabia so far. Enjoy!!!!!

1.Roasted Sheep Spare Ribs

For my first dish, Roasted Sheep Spare Ribs.Restaurant serve this dish is located in Batha, Riyadh,-a place where all Filipinos gathered every Friday for shopping and relaxation. Roasted sheep spare ribs cost only 12 riyals per plate serve with rice and lots of white onion and gerger leaves.This is very famous among Filipinos and other nationalities due to its affordable price. And for the longest time I was not able to eat here, the taste was very exactly the same as my first time, nothing has changed.

2.Cusina's Bulalo
Bulalo is something I don’t have a chance to eat very often, so when we ordered this dish- there was no holding us back. One of the best bulalo in town.Just wow!!!!!Serve in Batha's 2 year old Filipino Restaurant called Cusina Bar and Restaurant,

3. Shawaya House's Chicken Shawaya
Because of its affordable price , only cost 7 riyals per plate serve with rice,the Shawaya House is by far the most popular shawaya restaurant in Saudi Arabia, you can see one in every corner of Saudi Arabia. They serve variety of dishes like pasta, chicken and lamb BBQ and some desert as well..

4. Redan's Chicken Shawaya
Compared to Shawaya House, Redan's chicken shawaya excels in texture but no significant difference in terms of taste and price.

5. Paratha Bread in Tomato and Beans Sauce
A typical breakfast meal here in Saudi Arabia, you should and be prepared to eat this kind of dish no matter what. A bean sauce with curry and tomato with hard boiled egg plus paratha - perfect combination. Saudi is not complete if you will not able to taste this two Indian partners in crime. The taste that India emphasizes, the hot and sour .You can feel different kinds of spices combined perfectly to soothe your sense of taste.

6. Roasted Chicken ala Saudia by Intercontinenal Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is the home of roasted chicken. Different kinds and different flavors, name it, Saudi Arabia have it. The Roasted Chicken below tagged as Roasted Chicken ala Saudia served at Intercontinental Hotel, Riyadh seems to focus on the mild one which I like very very much.

7.Orange and Strawberry Friuts with Orange-Caramel Cake
Really good quality caramel cake and really juicy sweet oranges and strawberry are the key to making this sweet treat.

8.Lugaw
Lugawan- a street food stall that produces seriously glorious rice porridge can be found in every corner of Batha, run by Filipino expat of course , this dish serve with toasted garlic, chilli flakes, pepper, calamansi and onion leeks.The flavor was pretty good as you can expect from most lugawan street food stalls in the Philippines – it was nice and with a good garlicky flavor.

9.Indonesian Spring Roll
1 riyal per piece, this is a good shot ,Indonesian version of the spring roll, a version of which you can buy in some Asian bakala across the Kingdom. Instead of using meat as a filling , Indonesian Spring Roll uses pansit bihon with selection of vegetables which i find very creative.
Bakala means small grocery store in arabic.

10.Deep Fried Quail Saute in Soysauce with Potatoes and Carrots
For my last dish,assure that you can't find anywhere in Saudi Arabia. the best quail recipe by my one and only roommate, the deep fried quails saute in soysauce with diced potato and carrots.The taste will remind you of province like ambiance wherein you and your family shared cooked good food in one table.

What I do as Food Scientist?

2016-05-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

I’ve been in different food manufacturing that commerce with different kinds of foods, including fresh and packaged for about 7 years as a Food Technologist/Scientist, very rarely or little known, Food Technologist exist and required in one food establishment, but people usually don’t have an idea or don’t know what food technology work is, much worse don’t know food technology at all. And I know, some of Food Technologist out there will speak about the experience that people perceive Food Technologist as a person with great cooking skills or the idea of "with immense capabilities of serving foods in a most fancy way", especially during gatherings where all they want from you is to show your ability how to cook. But honestly, I can’t really blame them, cause, as come to passed to me when I decided to take up Food Technology course before, my insight about food technology is also completely equivalent to them.

Anyway, this article is inspired by my love for my job and the people who have been asking me all the time about what I do in my work. I don’t claim to be connoisseurs and I know that I have a long way to go as a Food Technologist, but I hope I can give you an idea about what is really behind the word Food Technology/Science.

For general term Food Technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe, nutritious and wholesome food while Food Technologists applies this scientific and engineering principles in the production process and development. They make sure food products are produced completely in safety, lawfully and are of in very good quality.

Here are some of the cool jobs of Food Technologist. And to those who think cooking is what Food Technologist do, read and think again. Sound more of very technical but believe me, Food Technology is the way makes the food we eat safe and nutritious one.

1. Product Research and Development - develops new and improved methods and systems for food processing, production, quality control, packaging and distribution. Research and development Officer involves in developing the manufacturing processes and recipes of food products and may work on existing and newly discovered ingredients to invent new recipes and concepts and conducts basic research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful.

2. Food Microbiology- uses microbiology principles to study the underlying process and deterioration of foods.Microbiologist research micro-organisms in food, study food poisoning and spoilage, focus on how microbes harm food and observe how the processing and packaging of food products affects food preservation over time. Microbiologist deals with pathogenic and non- pathogenic microorganism that may present in food products.

3. Food Science Analysis(same as Quality Control)-uses chemistry to analyze food content to determine levels of each composition and study the properties of this composition such as proteins, fats, starches, and carbohydrates, as well as micro components such as additives and flavorings to determine how each works in a food system. Food Analyst compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.

4. Quality Assurance- responsible for ensuring that food products meet standards set by both their companies and regulatory authorities. Quality Assurance Officer develops and reviews quality and safety policies and manage audits by third-party inspectors. They plan systematic activities implemented in a quality system so that quality requirements for a product or service will be fulfilled. Quality Assurance Officer work more of documentation in the quality system.

5. Quality Hygiene and Sanitation-overall in charge in the design in sanitation and hygiene’s system and implement an appropriate hygiene and sanitation awareness promotion activities in line.

6. Quality Document Control- the most important person in Quality Management System (QMS).They control and retrieve documents, such as SOP's, work instructions, and the like. Quality Document Controller maintains internal and external documents,

Eid Al-Fitr (Event Photography)

2016-05-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

Since Ramadan is approaching way too fast and another Eid Al-Fitr celebration will take place, instead of adventure post, I thought to blog about my first ever official event photography works happened last year during our company Eid Al-Fitr celebration or festival of breaking of the fast - an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan.

Story

Our production manager asks me if I’m willing to be the official photographer of the event. So as out of excitement and since I always be delighted and happy whenever one gives credit for my hobby-photography. I quickly said without hesitation “yes of course, it’s my pleasure to be with”.

The Event

Because anything can happen anytime. Due to some circumstances, I was not able to attend the party on time, I arrived at the event late and already on the last part, but trust me, there’s a reason behind but I don’t want to talk to this blog. So as to make the story short, as my job is to be ready to click the shutter and as my philosophy states that no matter what there’s no reason you can’t stop doing your passion, with my camera, I started to set up the settings and shoot a lot.

Here are the pictures:

Expat in Oman (Part 2)

2016-04-27T00:29:00.005-07:00

This is a continuation of my post about my final look back experience during my 1 year stay in Oman, you can read part 1 here.

3. Sohar Beach, again and again, with my two brothers
Day off and luckily, my two best buddies in Oman were also don’t have work, so, we decided to go to Sohar Beach again and again and again cause you’ll never run out of things to do and see in Sohar Beach.hehe!!!

As an expatriate, it is always very healthy and important to have friends whom you able to talk once in a while, going out to eat and spending time to know each other better, after all, friendship is what makes who you are as a person.

4. Food Tripping (top 3)
First on the list, foodtrip in Sohar through Hancook Korean Restaurant, (for photos of food related in this topic, click here.)
Hancook Korean Restaurant serve authentic Korean food. It is located near in our place not a less than 1 km away from our villa, it is the only restaurant in Sohar serving Korean food-the food which is very hard to find in our area because restaurant in Sohar are mostly Lebanese and Indian style . Eventhough it was considered as Korean ,I must say that it was perfectly Filipino -friendly restaurant. They serve plain rice as much as we like it to be, which was very good and excellent..so, bring them on!

Second: Al Khater Restaurant
If you’re looking for chicken shawaya with different side dishes like kebabs, fries , and plus a selection of pizza and diffrent kinds of pasta , all of which are very good and extremely tasty with a kick of different spices, Al Khater Restaurant won’t let your taste buds down.

It is located right along Lulu Sohar Supermarket next to Centerpoint and opposite the highway Alraffah Hospital. Al Khater Restaurant is one of the better Arab /Middle Eastern restaurant in town. Here’s what my friends and I ate on our most visit here.

Third:Cake Gallery in Safeer Mall Sohar
The ambiance of the place was so great and very excellent,decorated with fancy colored paints and superb interior design.When you started to slurp the hot chocolate they serve, you’re reminded just how incredibly delicious and soothing the feeling is, and the macaroons,just simply the best .
Probably one of the coffee shop in Sohar.

5. Anywhere, whenever and everywhere (First Time Visitor)

Wadi -is the Arabic and Hebrew term traditionally referring to a valley. In some instances, it may refer to a dry (ephemeral) riverbed that contains water only during times of heavy rain or simply an intermittent stream.

Muscat City Center- located on Sultan Quaboos Road and the biggest shopping mall in Oman (3 hours away from our accommodation)

Sohar Cinema - the one and only cinema theater in Sohar Oman.

And that's it, my journey and final look back about Sultanate of Oman, a small country with great places to visit and wonderful people.

One final point: To the people I’ve met along the way, those were the days; As another journey and exploration need to begin, all will sure remain in my thoughts and in my heart for the rest of my life, until next time. Thank you for all the memories.

Expat in Oman (Part 1)

2016-04-26T00:15:00.001-07:00

For one enthusiastic expatriate, Oman offers a wide gamut of experiences. So I thought, since now I have blogger account which i need to update regularly, let me write some of the things I am lucky to experience during my 1 year stay in Oman, this would be a good final look back.

1. Walking and running through endless desert or simply strolling around the area, may describe as definitive walkathon adventure

Day off , no work, and being desperate to take at least different momentum from usual squandering around the four corners of our room, we decided to spend the day exploring Sohar for us able to totally break any kind of responsibility we can get from our work, so quickly packed up our bag and start morning jogging.

As we run through our itineraries, we didn’t know where steps to take next, since our first time to stroll the place and we were all newbie in Oman. We only had about a feeling of confidence, so we ran straight through the roads thinking nothing.

Snack time, Arlan, whats in your bag..haha

Sohar Archeological Site

picture!!!picture!!!!

2. Beach and Beach and Beach
Guess what, our accommodation was conveniently located to different beaches of Oman and who doesn’t need a beach escape within easy reach, well, no one.So,if we have spare time ,we did not take it for granted to spend it on the beach
Sohar Beach (Falaj Area) with the whole Pinoy gang.

Sohar Beach Falaj provides us easy beautiful surrounding attractions and quiet coastal location as well as traditional feelings of Omani culture since the place is not yet commercialized with any establishment.

3. Sohar Beach (Falaj Area) again

With my co-QC department , we were night shift duty and went straight to the beach to spend the morning after work in beach way, to be positively useful and fun,

Our resident photographer.

4. Sohar Beach (Sohar Area)

This time, with the whole Quality Department gang.Venturing to the beach with my co workers was something we do often for the sake of getting out of the house and exploring the beauty of Oman.

After awhile we got restless, luckily we had great luck finding a space to rest after swimming and trolling around the beach. We had a little time to relax, or a time to sleep..haha.

Ready to go..
As the wind picked up and the time approaching fast, we packed up and headed home.

Exploring United Arab Emirates, Dubai

2016-04-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

I’ve spent my ramadan vacation last year in one of the most beautiful city in the world, Dubai. Here's the list of all the places I visited during my trip.

1. The Burj Al Arab (Arabic: برج العرب‎‎)

The Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is a hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the third tallest hotel in the world; however, 39% of its total height is made up of non-occupiable space. Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) from Jumeirah beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.(Wikipedia)

It has a helipad near the roof at a height of 210 m (689 ft) above ground.

2. Atlantis (Arabic: اتلانتيس)

Is a UAE hotel resort located at the apex of the Palm Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates. It was the first resort to be built on the island and is themed on the myth of but includes distinct Arabian elements.(Wikipedia)

3. The Tallest Block of Dubai Marina (Arabic: مرسى دبي)

The tallest block is located on the western side of Dubai Marina, the block is also known as the tallest block of super tall skyscrapers in the world because it contains some of the world's tallest residential towers, including Princess Tower, which is the tallest residential buildings in the world completed in 2012. The high rise buildings, are mainly clustered into a block, with the majority of the skyscrapers ranges between 250 meters (820 ft) to 300 meters (984 ft), which includes Infinity Tower, Ocean Heights, Marina Pinnacle, Sulafa Tower, Al Seef Tower, Le Rêve, Marina Crown and few are taller than 350 meters (1,148 ft) meters and 400 meters (1,312 ft), which includes Elite Residence, 23 Marina, Princess Tower, Marina 101, Marina 106, Damac Heights, The Marina Torch, and a super tall Pentominium, which rises to 516 meters (1,693 ft) meters, if completed it will become world’s tallest residential building surpassing Princess Tower.(Wikipedia)

4. Dubai Zoo (Arabic: ‎حديقة حيوان دبي)

Is a 1.5-kilometer (0.93 mi) located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was originally built in 1967 by a Dubai resident when H. H. Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum, the late Ruler of Dubai, permitted Otto J. Bulart to build a zoo on a two hectare plot in Jumeirah. It is still the oldest zoo in the Arabian Peninsula. It was considered a Dubai landmark in the late 1960s as it indicated the "town's end".(Wikipedia)

5. Dubai Museum (Arabic: متحف دبي‎)

Is the main museum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in the Al Fahidi Fort built in 1787 and is the oldest existing building in Dubai. The museum was opened by the ruler of Dubai in 1971, with the aim of presenting the traditional way of life in the Emirate of Dubai. When entering, one can see the fort constructed and the various displays that go along with it. From the fort, there is a path to the galleries, which display the general culture of the land, especially in the 1800s. It includes local antiquities as well as artifacts from African and Asian countries that traded with Dubai. It also includes several dioramas showing life in the emirate before the advent of oil, in addition to artifacts from recent discoveries as old as 3000 BC.(Wikipedia)

6. Burj Khalifa (Arabic: برج خليفة‎, Arabic for "Khalifa Tower")

Pronounced English /ˈbɜːrdʒ kəˈliːfə/), known as Burj Dubai before its inauguration, is a mega tall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest structure in the world, standing at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).(Wikipedia)

Muttrah Oman

2016-04-21T07:30:00.001-07:00

The Sultanate of Oman is a country in Southwest Asia, on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west and Yemen in the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea in the south and east, and the Gulf of Oman in the northeast. The country also contains Madha, an enclave enclosed by the United Arab Emirates, and Musandam, an exclave also separated by Emirati territory. (Wikipedia) One of its most famous landmarks is the Muttrah District – Oman’s old but well sealed market centre. Many people especially expatriate whose primary concern is to take a break from their busy schedule and foreigners who are in travel visits Mutrrah District. In my case, visiting Muttraq Corniche was not planned at all, really not that touristy purpose travel type because originally, me and my friend were only visiting one of our former colleague who live and work in Muscat to get in touch with, and since his place is just 30 minutes drive away from Muttrah, we decided not to go back to Sohar that day and spent the night in his house, so after leisury walk around City Muscat Center and take our dinner, we went to his villa and retired early to be able visit Mutrrah in the next day with full energy.

Start of adventure
As we get too much sleep, we were up almost 6AM, maybe because of exhaustion from last day travel from Sohar to Muscat,so due to limited time, we did not able to take our breakfast in the villa since we will meet our boss before 7 am to accompany us to Muttrah with his Indian friend who volunteer to provide us with a ride, so packed in record time, we were able to got a taxi down by 7 AM and met him at 8 AM.

First Stop: Sultan Quaboos Grand Mosque
We were nearing our destination, before entering our way to Muttrah, we first stopped at Sultan Quaboos Grand Mosque, this mosques penned in 2001 and the only mosque in Oman open to non-Muslims and one of the largest in the Gulf, with room for an estimated 20,000 worshippers in the two prayer halls and surrounding courtyard. The mosque itself sits within a walled compound with a minaret at each corner, plus a fifth, larger minaret halfway along the northern wall

Second Stop: Muttrah District Proper

Muttrah, (Arabic: مطرح‎) administratively a district, is located in the Muscat province of Oman. Before the discovery of oil, Muttrah was the center of commerce in Oman (Muscat). It is still a center of commerce as one of the largest sea ports of the region is located there. Other landmarks include Souq Muttrah, a traditional bazaar and Sour Al-Lawatiah, a small community of houses surrounded by an old wall. To the south lies Muscat District (wikipedia)

Marina Bandar Al Rowdha –it is located on Sidab Street (in Sidab) between the Al Bustan Palace and the Sultan’s Palace,

Third Stop: Al Alam Palace

The palace has a history of over 200 years, built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed the 7th direct grandfather of the current Sultan. The existing palace, which has a facade of gold and blue, was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972. Visitors are not allowed inside the palace, despite the fact that His Majesty normally lives elsewhere in Oman, but it remains a popular area to walk next to and take photos. Al Alam Palace is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali Forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The Palace is used for official functions and receiving distinguished visitors and in January 2012, the Sultan received Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands at Al Alam Palace during her state visit to Oman .(Wikipedia)

playing while shooting

Fourth Stop: Muttrah Corniche and Souq

Later afternoon , we were dropped off by our Indian friend at Muttrah Corniche because he has an important meeting to attend to, by then, we began to walked all over the places and continue to stroll along the souq for the souvenir items.

Muttrah Souq is a popular tourist attraction in Muttrah District, probably the most popular souq in the country

Port Sultan Qaboos harbour with the third largest super yacht Al Said owned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman

Wall climbing or rock climbing, same same..hehe .still struggling to get to the top

Finally, I'm on the top of the world

view of Mutrrah Corniche from the top

don't know his name, he just want me to take picture of him, portrait photography!!!

The sun set and grew dark, so for us, it is time to get the bag up and prepare for our trip back to our accommodation. All in all, the tour was amazing; we loved every minute of it

Outdoor Portrait (Oman)

2016-04-19T23:07:00.002-07:00

The series of portrait photographs that I'm going to blog this time is way back last 1 year and half, where I still work in Sultanate of Oman, since all of my roommates had no work or day off, we decided to do a walkathon to the nearest beach in our place, as one of my roommates said it was a very nice place, within walking distance from our villa and the fact that we want to have at least have a break from our usual sleeping and squandering all time in our accommodation.

Photos taken towards the trail to the beach from our campsite, easy trail in my opinion since it's not that rocky and only requires less energy.
I could see a tropical country minus the camel of course. hehe.
After approximately 3 hours of walking, we reached our destination. The place was so nice and very quiet. Rustic environment feels you like you’re on your home country and not in a dry dessert you can imagine when Middle East place was talking about. It’s a great place to do series of photography while exploring the beauty of Oman. So, out of my control, I decided it was time to shoot portrait photographs of my roommates, and they agree. A little rest and we started to shoot like a professional model and photographer relationship scenario.
Photography:
Outside Portrait photography is a subject matter that I really don't regard as, believe or look myself good at, but because there is something inside my soul that I want to do this subject and the feeling as well "that you will shoot outside with your model and coach them what to do, the metering, all the stuffs in regards with the setting of your camera just like a level of a professional photographer out there, how cool is that ha..,”I still able to deal with this portrait outside photography once in a while . Moreover, I think every photographer wants to shoot professional images even if you are just a hobbyist one.
Theme: billboard like photos, I told them to act like you were endorsing a brand of t- shirt, sun glass, pants or anything they can think of. Result below:

Model like face projection? Nice one!!!!!

After billboard theme, I ask them for a jump shot and fighting concept , just like characters in a movie or anime fighting for their life.

Can’t remember how many times we perfect this shot, but for sure,the result was very satisfying.

After all countless of photos and hours we spent shooting , we decided to go back in our campsite. All in all, the travel experience was relaxing and very fulfilling, our mind open to the possibility of having a great time.

Just shoot me !!!!

2016-04-15T13:53:00.004-07:00

I'd like to share my photography works that actually means more to me, thought I’d share them here.
So,here it is,my collection of photos through the year.
(Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Sultanate of Oman and Philippines.)
Landscape
This was my favorite subject and I’d considered most attractive part of nature photography.Somewhat makes me feel relaxed and blessed whenever i saw one on the spot and even in the internet and magazines.There was always something about you can't explain,of waiting for the right moment for each shot.

The famous cluster of buildings in Jumairah Dubai

Oman during nighttime.

Shot in Oman during heavy dust storm, this works somewhat feature in Times of Oman for their weather news section.How cool and proud it was.

Hidden Valley located in Saudi Arabia

Herfy Villa, Saudi Arabia back in 2012 after heavy rain.
Sunsets
As sunsets,the key I used was experiment.I used manual mode with different exposures (aperture and shutter speeds) and focal lengths until I'm sure it’s all over.

Oman

Sunset in Saudi Arabia

Golden sunset in the Province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Sunset in Oman

Water droplets
The first time I saw a water droplets image, i said to myself, wow!!!Is there a magic tricks behind this? How did he do that? Really love the waves and the colors that surround each drop, two words came into my mind, amazing and epic. From then,as a beginner photographer or may i say hobbyist,it change the way i see what photography is and always looking forward to create a good one.

Patience is a virtue,literally.Taking lots of lots of picture to get what you want in your images.You have to have a so called good timing.I used Manual mode with lowest setting of ISO and flash.

Night Photography
What i like in night photography is that it will makes you become a creative thinker.
Thinking outside the box by using factors to fulfill what you want in your work,the light post,traffic lights,building lights,blurring night lights and many may more more.

Just always set your camera on a sturdy tripod.Set the ISO to 100(lowest) because as the ISO increases, the digital noise in a file also increases.Use the camera’s self-timer to take the photo. That will prevent blurry pictures caused by camera shake when you press the shutter release button.

Black and White - Portrait
Actually,I really like urban landscape in terms of black and white photography but since security here in my place is so strict, Im afraid to try goofing around to take pictures.Police patrol all around the corner,hate interrogation or worst scenario police station. Anyway,lets go with the main topic,Black and white, maybe some of us think of a black and white as time travelling to the past,in my case,more of a drama or emotion when black and white is involve in one image.The one that the photographer trying to build.Compared to colorful photos, Black and white needs some inspiration to understand with or worth more than a million words
In Black and White photography you should close attention to composition, lighting, perspective and of course the context

Colored - Portrait

Color coordination also play an important role in shooting portrait photography.Here are some of my collection of colored portrait photography, i used to take photos of my nieces when they try to visit our place.

Macro photography

Is the art of taking close-up pictures that reveal details which can’t be seen with the naked eye. For example, while we can see the fly on the wall, our eyes aren’t equipped to make out the fine details of the hairs on it’s face. This is where macro photography comes in. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the very small, which goes largely unnoticed by us as we hurriedly shuffle through our day.

Macro Shots exhibits more than what we imagine.Take a look of my snaps.

Animal Photography

When taking photographs of animals, i must say that you have to have to prepare yourself with a lot of patience since you will deal to struggle with their irregular motion or activities.Very seldom you will be able to capture its nature and amusing pose, but when you do, it is very very fulfilling.

Portrait (Sultanate of OMAN)

2016-04-04T02:14:00.001-07:00

Portrait style photography, images taken during my stay in Sultanate of Oman

Random Pictures

2016-04-02T10:25:00.004-07:00