Journey To Life

Welcome February 2012 - Heart's Month!

2012-02-02T21:16:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone!

I have been busy with work, running and life as a whole which left me no time to update my personal blog. I had more posts recently in my running blog - Runners Toe.

With that, I would love to share a beautiful passage from the Holy Bible about LOVE, as we celebrate the Heart's or Love month!

Love is patient and kind;
Love is not jealous or boastful;
It is not arrogant or rude.
Love does not insist on its own ways;
It is not irritable or resentful;
It does not rejoice at wrong.
But rejoices in the right.
Love bears all things,
Believes all things,
Hopes all things,
Endures all things.
Love never ends...
So Faith,
Hope,
Love abide,
These three;
But the greatest of these is
Love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

Welcome Year 2012!

2012-01-01T14:23:00.024+08:00

Last night, the Philippines and other countries in GMT+8 celebrated the New Year 2012 and bid goodbye to the old year 2011.

It is already 2 PM here and most of the people are taking some rest from the night's celebration. For us, we had a simple but bountiful Media Noche-we prepared mixed of modern and traditional foods such as Penne Spaghetti, Sweet Filipino style Macaroni Salad, Cassava Cake, Mocha Choco Cake, Leche Plan, Biko and Buko Salad. And not to forget our ever present red and white sweet wine!

Our purple-pink motif 2011 Christmas Tree

By late afternoon of December 31st, we started preparing our Media Noche which involves cooking of the Penne Spaghetti, mixing up the Buko Salad as well as the Sweet Macaroni Salad, etc.

Our simple Media Noche

And not to exclude our new lucky charm for the Year of the Dragon.

Some coins, gold choco coins, oranges and our dragon!

May all our wishes come true this New Year! May we have fruitful and blissful year and years to come!!!

Cheers everyone!!!
~

New Year Wishes by Garnett Ann Schultz

2011-12-31T23:42:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Sharing to you a great poem...
~

Photo credits to Timo Taburico

New Year Wish...
Perhaps a bit wiser,
a bit kinder, too,
a little bit braver,
a heart that's more true,
a touch of believing
I've not known before,
in joys I'm receiving
a little bit more.

A little more anxious
to reach out my hand,
despite hurt or problems
to still understand,
accepting the heartache
that life often brings,
a little more beauty
in life's simple things.

A prayer when I'm weary
as onward I trod,
a little more trusting,
believing in God,
'tis this I would wish for
within moments dear,
not a lot - just a little
this wondrous new year.

My First Zip Line Experience at Phillip's Sanctuary-23Dec2011

2011-12-24T21:33:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, December 23, 2011, our company held its annual Christmas Get Together and Team Building at Phillip's Santuary in Antipolo, Rizal.

The travel from our Head Office in Mandaluyong to Phillip's Sanctuary took almost two hours. Upon arrival, we were briefed about the place, its rules and amenities, etc. Then we were divided into ten groups for the different activities.

The activities were also grouped into different categories such as Ice Breaker Games, Lagoon Courses, Low Ropes Courses, Obstacle Courses, etc. I will be discussing more on these activities in a separate post.

After accomplishing all of the team activities, it was our free time, which can be utilized for swimming in the pool or trying the zip line!

So, I took the chance to experience my first ever Zip Line adventure. This activity was not included in our company package so we need to pay Php 100.00 for a two-way zip line. But that's okay, considering that it is way cheaper than other resorts offering zip line.

Harness okay, ready to fly!

Taken at the second, returning zip line

The fearsome part is the time you need to jump from the zip line platform. But once you're in the air and the line is running, the feeling will turn into excitement and fun. I have tried several poses like superman, and other pose while flying in the zip line. In conclusion, the experience was so great and I would love to try again in other resorts having zip line adventure!

P.S. Hopefully I can update my Zip Line photos as pics are still coming in from other camera holders during our event. Merry Christmas everyone!

Our Annual Feeding Program at Mandaluyong City on December 18, 2011

2011-12-18T17:40:00.001+08:00

Our Feeding Program Group

For the past years, our company have been conducting Feeding Program to different under privileged communities nationwide.

And this year, I was tasked to lead Group IV which consists of our department and two Metro Manila branch. We chose Purok 3, Fabella St., Barangay Mauway, Mandaluyong City to be our venue and we aimed to feed more than 200 kids.

The preparation and planning of the said event started almost two weeks ago but the most hectic part was the last two-three days leading to the D-day and of course the event day itself.

Our menu this year are as follows:

1. Spaghetti with mushroom in Red sauce
2. Puto
3. Saging na Lakatan
4. Pineapple juice with real tidbits
5. Selecta ice cream (courtesy of Ma'am Carina from Purchasing for getting Selecta as sponsor)

Aside from our menu, we also prepared and bought giveaways and prizes for the kids. As a contribution from our part, I brought in vitamins for kids from my wife who is working at Fabella Hospital as a Resident Doctor.

For now, I would like to share some photos during our feeding activity this morning, December 18, 2011. You can visit my FB page for more photos, or click HERE.

Preparation/Cooking time from 6AM to 10AM

Start of Program at 10:30 AM

Feeding time at 11:45AM

Lastly, I would like to express my big thanks to my groupmates and to everyone who supported and made our event possible!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Runner's Prayer

2011-12-16T23:11:00.000+08:00

Hi guys! I would like to re-share this post I have read from my Dailymile friend Reginald.

Photo credits to HoB

Thanks for the nice pic taken by Hangout Buddies (HoB) during the Michelle Estuar's FUNd Racing last November 30, 2011 at ULTRA, Pasig.

See you on the road guys!

A Very Happy Pinoy Fitness Peeps Get Together @ Marina MOA

2011-12-14T19:40:00.002+08:00

Sharing our very memorable and happy Pinoy Fitness Family Get Together last December 11, 2011. This was initially posted from my running blog, Runner's Toe.
~

December 11, 2011 - Just after the National Finals of the 35th Milo Marathon, the Pinoy Fitness peeps gathered as planned by the organizers Ms_Mars and company at the Marina Resto in the Mall of Asia for the Yuletide Party or we can also call it Get Together :-)

Roxanne, Goldy, Joyce and the PF Peeps @ Marina

We had our breakfast buffet at Php149.00 and while enjoying the food, everyone took turns in taking pictures and the usual get to know each other or chit chats to those already old acquaintances.

One of the long tables of PF Peeps :-) Photo credit to PF

The event also served as the submission time of the registration forms for the upcoming PSE Bull Run on January 8, 2011 which Pinoy Fitness will be competing as a team or a team of two- PF Mamaws and PF Baby Mamaws :-)

But the main event of the get together was the raffle time, several items were raffled off such as PF tech shirts, singlets from previous run events, vitamins, running gadgets, GC's, and two FREE race kits to the Condura Skyway Marathon 2012 courtesy of Team Alpha! Wow!!

And the lucky grand winners.... (drum beats!)

Congrats to JC and Ma'am Jackie for bagging the FREE racekit for any category at the Condura Skyway Marathon 2012! Lucky PF peeps indeed!

JC and Ma'am Jackie

The get together was also attended by our runner friends from OK OK Runners, ARC runners,Team Alpha and more whom I still need to know personally.

Our class picture, bow! Photo credit to PF

For more pics, please visit my FB page, or click HERE.

Also please click HERE for more pics courtesy of Pinoy Fitness.com.

Happy Holidays everyone! See you on the road next year!!!

QCIM3 on December 04, 2011 - My First Full Marathon Experience

2011-12-09T20:08:00.001+08:00

I would like to re-post/share my first Full Marathon (42K) experience last Quezon City International Marathon 2011, this was a post from my running blog, Runners Toe.
~

December 04, 2011 at QCIM3 - I conquered my FIRST FULL MARATHON with official finish time of 5:01:15.

I was aiming for a sub 5Hour finish for my first FM but I was short of more than a minute. I am still happy of my results, the route was very challenging with lots of elevation especially at the La Mesa Park and UP Diliman campus and not to exclude the ever famous "killer highway" Commonwealth Avenue with a deceiving elevation.

Plus the unending rain which started at around 7:30 AM, that time I was already at around Ever Gotesco Commonwealth.

This is my photo documentary of my first Full Marathon at the Quezon City International Marathon. For more pics, please visit my Facebook page or click HERE.

Before the 42k gun start. Photo credits to Grace Lao

Inside UP Diliman campus after two turns

At the La Mesa Park, uphill before U turn

After exit of La Mesa Dam

Just outside the La Mesa Dam main gate

Few seconds after crossing the Finish Line

After 5:01H running my 1st FM

With fellow marathoner Grace Lao

With the PF peepz

It was a memorable first full marathon, nice route elevations, great views of the La Mesa Park and UP Diliman and a cool rainy weather.

See you on the road guys!

UPDATES!

Race Results:

QCIM3 2011 – Race Results

Photo Links:
Quezon City International Marathon Photos – c/o Pinoy Fitness
Quezon City International Marathon Photos – c/o Philippine TeamKaripas
Quezon City International Marathon Photos – c/o Lestsky

Updates source from www.pinoyfitness.com

Countdown to my First Full Marathon at QCIM3 - December 04, 2011

2011-12-06T06:40:00.001+08:00

Re-posting from my running blog, Runners Toe, about my first FULL Marathon last Sunday, December 04, 2011 at Quezon City International Marathon.

In less than 10 hours, the gun will bang for the start of the 42K event at the Quezon City International Marathon 2011. This will be my first Full Marathon after running seven official Half Marathons since February 2011 and one Afroman Distance (32K) last November 13 at Run United 3.

It's mixed emotions now especially that I am feeling that my body wants to have colds (signs of itchy throat and slight headache since yesterday). I have been bombarding myself with Vitamin C to combat it.

Though I have tried running half marathons with colds, running 42K will be a lot different.

As a motivator, I am posting the finisher medals for both half marathon and full marathon events.

Photo courtesy of JazzRunner

Medals have the same design except that the medal with yellow ribbon has "Marathon Finisher" engraving while the Blue-Ribbon medal has "Half Marathon Finisher" engraving.

For the last time, here's the various race maps for our reference.

Last year's QCIM was my first 10K event, this year it's my first Full Marathon! I will be running under the banner of PinoyFitness.com this time.

See you on the road guys!

Re-post: Making Things Happen as a PF Community-JeepneED

2011-11-21T21:35:00.001+08:00

As a proud PF community member, I would like to share/re-post this article from the PinoyFitness.com website.

Last August 2011 when Pinoy Fitness launched the first version of the Technical Shirt aimed to support education, we decided to support JeepneED! Now after 3 months I am very proud to show you guys the Jeep that we all together funded!

The Jeep was for Sarangani and the symbolic key was just recently been turned over (Nov. 14, 2011) to Governor Migs Dominquez by Shaina Tantuico (left) and Erika Pineda (2nd left) at the flag racing ceremory at the Capitol. You can check out the full story at the Official Website of the Province of Sarangani.

Now look at how nicely the Pinoy Fitness logo was placed at the side of the Jeep! But more importantly it’s going to be a symbol how each and everyone who supported the tech shirt helped and will continually help to uplift the education of the students in Sarangani.

This Magic School Bus is equipped with 10 netbooks, 3G hub for internet connectivity, printer and scanner, projector and other basic science materials for a community of five public schools in the province!

This might not be as big as Cleaning the Pasig River or Saving the Dolphins, but it’s a start right!? As a small community we can make a small difference, imagine what we can do as we grow bigger. Hoping for everyone’s continuous support!

My Advance Birthday Gift - NB MR770 Running Shoes!

2011-11-07T11:26:00.003+08:00

Last October 20, 2011, I purchased my advance birthday gift for myself at New Balance Shangri-la Plaza Mall. And it's an NB MR770GR running shoes!

This is stability shoes because I am an overpronator. I got a 9 1/2 size so that it can give enough room for my toes, my regular shoe size is 8 1/2- 9 inches. I just still have some problem with my wide feet.

Since purchased, I have already accumulated at least 50 kilometers mileage with my new running shoes. Longest of which is during the 21K/32K LSD run organized by OK OK Runners last October 30th at the Kilometer Zero, Rizal Park to MOA and into the old walled city of Intramuros.

With the lead group. Photo credits to OK OK Runners

Photo ops time, wow! Photo credits to OK OK Runners

During that LSD, I still suffered some runner's toe injuries but I am hoping that as I use more my NB's I will get rid of that kind of toe injuries.

As also I will be using my new NB's in my upcoming 32KM run at the Run United leg 3 on November 13th, and also for my upcoming full marathon which maybe next year.

My special thanks to Roxanne for the NB gift voucher which gave me 1000 pesos discount. And to all who have supported my love for running through the years.

See you on the road guys and girls!

Our Cebu-Bohol Trip: Day 2- Bohol Countryside Tour, August 29

2011-09-25T13:00:00.002+08:00

After our lunch buffet at the Loboc River cruise, we immediately continued our countryside tour, it was already 3PM so we need to hurry.

Second stop was at the Sevilla Hanging Bridge, from Loboc River we arrived at the Hanging Bridge in around 20 minutes.

Wifey at the first hanging bridge

The entrance fee to the hanging bridge was Php 10.00 each. There's two hanging bridge, one going to the other side of the river (entrance), and another one going back to the road (exit).The hanging bridges are kinda freaky especially when it sways while you walk, the steps was only made up of bamboo that add up to the freaky feeling.

At the other side of the river, there are several stalls selling souvenirs and native food. We took this opportunity to buy our souvenir "pasalubong " for our friends then we resumed our tour.

Third stop was at the Tarsier Conservation Center. It was a 15-minutes ride from the hanging bridge.

The smallest primate in the world, only in the Philippines!

I observed that the conservation center was a new one, works for the pathway and other amenities was still on going. And no entrance fee yet but there are donation boxes.

No camera flash was required and touching the Tarsiers were also prohibited. But in other zoos or areas in Bohol were there are Tarsiers, I heard that they allow touching these tiny creatures.

Fourth stop was at the Bilar Man-made Forest, thousands of mahogany trees were planter in the hillside along the road going to Carmen (Chocolate Hills). We arrived there at past 4PM which make our ride from the Tarsier Conservation Center less than 10 minutes.

At the Man-made Forest in Bilar

Fifth stop was at the Simply Butterflies Sanctuary, the entrance fee was Php 30.00 per pax. But the nice part was that every visitor were given a tour guide inside the sanctuary who explains everything inside and also served as cameraman :-)

Instant camera effects? :-)

Inside the live butterflies garden

At the sanctuary, we learned the life cycle of the butterflies as well as the moths. Moths are much bigger than the butterflies but not that attractive and colorful.

I would love to share more on butterflies in a new blog post (soon).

Sixth stop was at the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol. This time it took us a 20 minutes travel to the overlooking deck. Entrance fee was Php 50.00 per pax.

The majestic Chocolate Hills

On top of the world, este chocolate hills!

The breath-taking view of the thousand Chocolate Hills was awesome! It took us a while to climb the stairs up to the top of the overlooking deck, we took every opportunity to pose for a pic with the help of our tripod.

We spent around 30 minutes for going up and down the overlooking deck that includes our pictorials. Then we are back again on the road, back to the city or to the beach of Panglao or Dimaluan? A question we kept on arguing while on the way from Carmen, Bohol.

Seventh stop was at the Batuan Ship Haus, the house was already featured to Rated K and other TV programs.

At the ship haus in Batuan, Bohol

Our eight stop was at the Dimaluan Beach, where we supposed to have our overnight stay. But unfortunately, all rooms were reserved. So we have no more option but to proceed to Tagbilaran City. We did not opt to consider Panglao beach anymore because for sure all rooms were also taken as it is more popular than Dimaluan beach.

On our way back to the city, we passed by the towns of Dauis, Baclayon and Albuquerque. In Baclayon, we supposed to also visit the Baclayon Church but due to time constraints, it was already 7PM. We decided to return the next day also to visit the Blood Compact Shrine before departing back to Cebu.

Our last and ninth stop for the day was at the Dao Diamond Hotel in Tagbilaran City. Where we stayed overnight at around Php 1,300.00 for a couple's room.

At the hotel's reception area

I will also feature Dao Diamond Hotel in my next blog post. Rest time for we will still have our Day 3 of our Cebu-Bohol Trip.

For more photos of our Day 2 of Cebu-Bohol Trip, please click HERE.

Our Cebu-Bohol Trip: Day 2-Buffet Lunch at Loboc River Cruise, August 29

2011-09-18T16:02:00.001+08:00

After our arrival at the Port of Tagbilaran City, and after buying our return tickets to Cebu at the passenger terminal, we got out of the port's vicinity to find our ride around the city and other tourist spots of Bohol.

We were greeted by excited tricycle drivers as well as van for hire drivers offering their services at different rates. We negotiated for a while, also we discuss of what to do. The tricycle drivers offered lower price at around Php 1, 800. 00 for the countryside tour, van for hire drivers counter offered the same tour at Php 2, 200.00. Considering the difference of a tricycle and an aircon van, we opted for the van at a negotiated price of Php 2, 000.00 which will cover tour to Loboc River, Sevilla Hanging Bridge, Bilar Man-made Forest, Simply Butterflies Sanctuary, Tarsier Conservation Center, Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact Shrine.

On our way to Loboc

Our contracted driver, Kuya Bernie was friendly, as a tourist guide should really be. He told us that though we arrived at past 11AM, we can still catch up the Lunch Buffet at the Loboc River Day Cruise. And really we were like flying from Tagbilaran City passing Albuquerque, Baclayon and Loay. Finally we reached our first stop, Loboc River.

The big boats used as floating resto at Loboc River

Kuya Bernie handled the booking of our Lunch Buffet at the operator he said served best food, the Riverwatch at per pax rate of Php 300.00. Aside from the buffet budget, every person also pays an entrance fee at Php 100.00. But due to the influx of tourists, we were made to wait for almost an hour prior to boarding the assigned floating resto. At 1:30 PM, we were instructed to board, at last!

Just boarded, taken before departure

Now sailing along Loboc River, wow!

Lunch Buffet food selection. Yummy!

After loading food at the riverside food station of the operator, Riverwatch. Lunch was ready to be served at long last! Really I was so hungry, our breakfast that day was at the Cebu City port at around 6:30 AM.

My big plate, dig in!

Going back to the Loboc River Cruise terminal, we stopped to see a performance from the local people of Loboc.

Give me some goodie show :-)

I would love to share more pics here but due to limited storage of my Blogger account, please feel free to visit my FB account or click HERE.

More of our Bohol Countryside tour next post ;-)

Our Cebu-Bohol Trip: Day 2-Trip to Bohol via Fastcraft, August 29

2011-09-04T10:18:00.000+08:00

After a great and lovely wedding reception dinner at Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa of the Ouano and Nogoy Nuptial. We woke up very early the next day, August 29, 2011 to catch the fastcraft first trip to Tagbilaran City at 6AM. But unluckily, when we arrived at Pier 1, OceanJet Terminal, the 6AM trip was already fully booked! We were unable to book our tickets in advance due to our busy itinerary upon arrival in Cebu the previous day.

So we decided to try our luck at Pier 2, for the Super Cat 8:30 AM trip but also it was fully booked. Our last option was at the nearby Weesam Express which first trip is at 9AM.

Fastcraft regular fares (economy) of all the shipping companies going to Tagbilaran City are almost the same at Php 500.00 per pax, business class is a little bit higher at around Php 650.00 per pax. And the terminal fee is Php 25.00 per pax.

While waiting for our 9AM trip, we had our light breakfast at Tyke's Cafe inside the Weesam Express terminal. We ordered chorizo meal and longganisa meal, prices are reasonable at below Php 100. each order.

Breakfast at Tyke's Cafe, Weesam Express Terminal

Longganisa and Chorizo meal

After 3 hours of waiting, the fastcraft already arrived at the terminal and we boarded at past 9AM. Travel time is at average 2 hours.

Boarding time

On board Weesam Express 6

The sea travel was calm and fast, though some says that the fastest travel time to Tagbilaran City from Cebu via fastcraft is only 1 hour and 30 minutes.

More than halfway to Tagbilaran

At last Tagbilaran City, Bohol here we are!

Arrival at the Port of Tagbilaran

After our arrival at the Port of Tagbilaran, we immediately purchased our return tickets to ensure our travel back to Cebu the following day.

Our countryside tour will be shared in my next blog post. For more photos of our Cebu-Bohol Trip: Day 2, please click HERE.

Our Cebu-Bohol Trip: Day 1-Ouano and Nogoy Wedding, August 28

2011-09-02T02:04:00.000+08:00

Last week-end, we had a long holiday here in the Philippines in celebration of the National Heroes Day last August 29 (Monday) and the Eid'l Fitr or Feast of Ramadhan last August 30 (Tuesday). Few months backwards, me and wifey already filed our respective work leave because of a scheduled appointment on August 28 at Cebu City, the Church wedding of Dr. Phillip Ouano and Dra. Michelle Nogoy.

With the declared long week-end, we got our chance to have a out-of-town trip covering from Manila to Cebu, then Cebu to Bohol, Bohol to Cebu and back to Manila in less than four days time.

Our Cebu-Bohol Trip Day 1 on August 28, 2011 (Sunday) started with our early morning flight to Cebu via Cebu Pacific flight 5J 559 at 4:40 AM.

Pre-departure pic at NAIA Terminal 3

Arrival at Mactan, Cebu International Airport

Day 1, at 3PM we are at the Church Wedding of Phillip and Michelle at the Cebu Bethel Temple.

The groom, Dr. Phillip

The bride, Dra. Michelle and her parents

The newlyweds first kiss!

The wedding reception followed at the Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa, Ballroom 3 and 4. Shangri-la Mactan is an hour or less travel from Cebu City proper. My first visit to this resort was seven years ago, last September 2004. So long it has been.

The couple's first dance

The cutting of the wedding cake

The couple's prosperity dance

Congratulations to Dr. Phillip and Dra. Michelle Ouano! Best wishes and may God Bless you always!

For more wedding pictures, please visit my FB account or click HERE.

Cowboys & Aliens Special Movie Screening by Nuffnang & Pizza Hut!

2011-08-11T00:01:00.002+08:00

I just got home from the Cowboys and Aliens special movie at Gateway Mall Cinema 3 courtesy of Nuffnang Philippines and Pizza Hut. It was an awesome and belly heavy event with the evening started with buffet food after registration which was served by no less than by the great people from Pizza Hut!

At the Registration/Buffet Area

My Pizza Hut Buffet Plate

After the buffet, I got some time taking pictures around the event area before we were allowed to enter the Cinema 3 for the program and screening proper. That I met my fellow Nuffnangers Lhan and his wifey Mhay also Jezia and her father.

Blogger couples Lhan and Mhay Matias

Blogger Jezia and her father

It was a HOT and happy entrance with the Pizza Hut people doing some ala strikers style with banners and placards. Inside the cinema, a short program was conducted and then all of us were given the chance to try and prove the new Pizza Hut promotion which is the HOT on the DOT!

The Pizza Hut people

HOT on the DOT!

Our test of the HOT on the DOT!

Thank you Nuffnang and Pizza Hut for the wonderful movie screening!

For more event pictures, please click HERE.

Special thanks to Mhay for mentioning my blog, you can visit her blog at Blessed Mhay.Com.

Until next time guys!

Being a Nuffnang Blogger is the Hottest Thing Since I Learned to Blog!

2011-08-04T00:31:00.001+08:00

I started blogging way back during the days of the social networking pioneer Friendster, but then I stopped and only returned to regular blogging February of last year.

More than a year of blogging now but again I only became a full time Nuffnanger early this year. Being a Nuffnang blogger or Nuffnanger is the HOTTEST THING since I learned to blog!

Why? Because being a Nuffnang blogger, I am challenged to be a better blogger, to be more active in my blogging activities as well as to the blogging community.

It is HOT to be a Nuffnanger with all those blogger's gatherings, movie screenings and parties among others. It is HOT to be of more friends and acquaintances through Nuffnang!

My hat's off and all gratitude to Nuffnang for being a haven to us bloggers, maybe it be full-time or part-time. And what's more hot if you join Nuffnang and Pizza Hut with their new offer PIZZAS ON THE DOT!

Love it! As a long time Pizza Hut fanatic, I am sure this new offering will add more frenzy to the competitive market of pizzas nowadays!

Pizza Hut now offers Hot on the Dot Pizza deliveries: 30 minutes AND hot (as indicated by the thermally activated sticker you place on the pizza box upon receiving your pizza) or your pizza is FREE!

DIAL 911-11-11 if you want your pizzas Hot on the Dot!

UE College of Law Quality Circle for 2nd Semester 2010-2011

2011-07-14T22:19:00.000+08:00

The University of East College of Law Quality Circle for the second semester of school year 2010-2011 has been released and posted at the College Bulletin Board. And I am happy as well as thankful that my name was still there, for the second time around :-)

The previous semester was one kind of a whirlwind to me, I enrolled 5 subjects which was equivalent to 15 units despite of financial troubles, workloads, life burdens and so on. With God's grace, I was able to finish the semester. And the reward followed. Thank you God!

Congrats to everyone in the list!

Socratic Method - Law School Learning

2011-07-03T10:01:00.001+08:00

It's again first semester of a new school year, 2011-2012. My second year at the University of the East Law School, but still taking up more first year subjects because I am just taking several units per semester.

Working and at the same time studying is a great deal and to add up the complexities of life responsibilities and pressures. But these things indeed make my journey to life worthwhile.

Lastly, I am sharing below the excerpts of my online research on Socratic Method by the Greek philosopher Socrates. This method of learning is widely used in most if not all Law schools.

~

Socratic method

Main article: Socratic method

Perhaps his most important contribution to Western thought is his dialectic method of inquiry, known as the Socratic method or method of "elenchus", which he largely applied to the examination of key moral concepts such as the Good and Justice. It was first described by Plato in the Socratic Dialogues. To solve a problem, it would be broken down into a series of questions, the answers to which gradually distill the answer a person would seek. The influence of this approach is most strongly felt today in the use of the scientific method, in which hypothesis is the first stage. The development and practice of this method is one of Socrates' most enduring contributions, and is a key factor in earning his mantle as the father of political philosophy, ethics or moral philosophy, and as a figurehead of all the central themes in Western philosophy.

To illustrate the use of the Socratic method; a series of questions are posed to help a person or group to determine their underlying beliefs and the extent of their knowledge. The Socratic method is a negative method of hypothesis elimination, in that better hypotheses are found by steadily identifying and eliminating those that lead to contradictions. It was designed to force one to examine one's own beliefs and the validity of such beliefs. In fact, Socrates once said, "I know you won't believe me, but the highest form of Human Excellence is to question oneself and others."^[17]

An alternative interpretation of the dialectic is that is a method for direct perception of the Form of the Good. Philosopher Karl Popper describes the dialectic as "the art of intellectual intuition, of visualising the divine originals, the Forms or Ideas, of unveiling the Great Mystery behind the common man's everyday world of appearances."^[18] In a similar vein French philosopher Pierre Hadot suggests that the dialogues are a type of spiritual exercise. "Furthermore," writes Hadot, "in Plato's view, every dialectical exercise, precisely because it is an exercise of pure thought, subject to the demands of the Logos, turns the soul away from the sensible world, and allows it to convert itself towards the Good."^[19]

Bust of Socrates at the Vatican Museum

~Article source: wikipedia.org

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Screening at Shang Cineplex

2011-06-30T06:23:00.002+08:00

Last night, June 29, 2011, the movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon opened at cinemas nationwide. And we were lucky enough to have a FREE movie screening at Shangri-la Cineplex courtesy of Nuffnang Philippines and PLDT myDSL!

I would love to share our photos during the awesome event but my storage capacity here at Blogger has been used up.

For now, you can visit my Runner's Toe FB Page for event photos or click HERE.

Thank you Nuffnang and PLDT myDSL!

~POST TO BE UPDATED

With my favorite autobot Bumblebee!

Bloggers Lhan Matias and wifey

Photowall shot with my wifey

More pics uploaded in my FB account :-)

Five of Asia's Most Overlooked Cities

2011-06-25T20:35:00.004+08:00

Sometimes the best times are hard away from the tourist trails. Here are 5 lesser-visited Asian cities that provide just as much culture and fun as their more famous alternatives.

Kagoshima, Japan

If you're so well traveled in Japan that you can tick off Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido, how about paying the quaint Kagoshima down south a visit?

With its balmy seaside breezes and mild sunshine, Kagoshima can pass for Naples on a summer day. No visit to Kagoshima is complete without a ferry ride to the massive stratovolcano Sakurajima, one of the most famous volcanoes in the country. And before you leave, be sure to sample Kagoshima's famous tonkatsu, a pork dish that is not breaded and deep fried as you'd expect from other parts of the country, but delicately caramelized.

Chengdu, China

Most foreign backpackers in China will be no stranger to Chengdu, a popular stopping point for travelers intending to journey up to Tibet. What many tourists fail to notice, however, is that Chengdu is worth much more than a one-night stopover.

Unlike other cities in this booming country, Chengdu possesses a laid-back vibe -- so much so that the Chinese have voted it the country's fourth most livable city. Locals are generally friendly and you're likely to bump into many like-minded tourists itchy for adventure and conversation.

Much of the local scene takes place at the sprawling People's Park, where the city's residents engage in their favorite pastimes throughout the day, be it tai chi, sipping tea by the lake, playing majong in the open or dancing. Entry to important archeological dig Jinsha Excavation Site may be steep at 80 RMB, but the huge number of artifacts there is well worth the ticket. At night, explore the bustling wine-and-dine area of Jinli Ancient Street for some after-dark action.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Taiwan is not just all about Taipei. Kaohsiung, the island's second-biggest city, is quickly outgrowing its reputation as an industrial and commercial hub to become a fascinating tourist destination in its own right.

Despite the wealth of historical buildings and the untouched forests in this sprawling city, for years Kaohsiung has been something of an underdog on the tourist circuit due to the city's reliance on industry, which polluted the city's waterways and air. But not any more. Recent efforts to clean up the city are finally reaping results: the romantically named Love River used to reek of sewage but is now the city's tourism focal point. A visit to Kaohsiung is incomplete without a sail on the river at night on a barge, with outdoor cafes and beautifully lit historical sights flanking the river on both sides.

Another great way to take in the city is to attend the annual Lantern Festival, a dizzying parade of fireworks, live concerts, lanterns and lip-smacking street food. The Lantern Festival is usually held in the middle of the Chinese New Year.

Daegu, South Korea

Neon-lit metropolises Seoul and Pusan may overshadow the quiet South Korean city of Daegu, but the latter deserves its own place in the spotlight.

For many Korean domestic travelers, Daegu's reputation for its sweet juicy apples and beautiful women is enough to warrant a visit. The city is also drawing visitors for its thriving traditional Asian medicine market. Check out the Yangnyeongsi herbal medicine market if you fancy bringing home some herbal curios back home.

With its textiles and clothing manufacturing industries going strong, the city is also positioning itself as a fashion hub in the Asia region in recent years. To see for yourself just how successful this rebranding has been, check out Daegu's central shopping district, Yasigolmok.

Sagada, Philippines

The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines are practically a national symbol, synonymous with the Chocolate Hills and ube ice cream. But apart from the rice terraces there is little to see and do at Banaue.

Enter Sagada, a quiet town deep in the Mountain Province. The rice terraces at Sagada may be smaller than those of Banaue but is still photogenic and, better yet, there's plenty to do around town to keep you occupied for a day or two. Sagada's hanging coffins (coffins with mummified bodies hanging in a cave) leave quite an impression, while adrenalin junkies won't want to pass up the opportunity to hike at the Bomod-Ok falls or venture into the town's eerily beautiful caves.

*Article source: http://ph.travel.yahoo.com

Stranded for Four Hours, Brings back Ondoy

2011-06-24T06:14:00.002+08:00

Last night, classes was suspended even at the University of the East College of Law due to heavy rains brought by the Tropical Storm Falcon.

But the suspension of classes came too late, at 6PM the main thoroughfares are already flooded and there are heavy traffic build-up everywhere.

And to add up, jeepneys are no longer plying to our area, so I decided to take another route by riding a bus. It took me more than an hour to get a ride because all buses and other PUJ's are already filled up to the brim!

Alas! at past 7PM I was able to ride at standing only status but the traffic situation along Recto Avenue going to Legarda-Nagtahan area is already non-moving.

Thanks to the TV on board of the bus and my boredom during the long 3 hours trip was somehow lessened. After one hour of standing only, I was able to take a seat because most passengers are already walking due to non-moving traffic along Legarda Street.

At long last, we reached the Nagtahan Flyover at 10PM. The usual 20-30 minutes ride to our area in Santol, Quezon City took me more than four hours. This reminded me again of the wrath of Typhoon Ondoy. That typhoon made me stranded at the LRT V. Mapa station until 3AM due to more than 10 feet high flood at the Ramon Magsaysay Avenue.

Still, I thank God for I was able to go home safely and without the need to walk through the flooded streets.

Thank you to our GM, Sir Erwin Lacson!

2011-06-20T11:14:00.000+08:00

This posting is kinda late because the events happened more than a month ago, but as a sign of heartfelt gratitude to our General Manager, Sir Erwin Lacson who just resigned last week, I would like to share his birthday treat last month to us with some of the company managers.

First stop, at Shakeys Pizza, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City on May 12, 2011. The exact birthdate of Sir Erwin.

Second stop, at Piadina Italian Passion Food, Robinsons Galleria on May 31, 2011.

Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to Sir Erwin for not just being so generous, but for believing in my capabilities and for giving me a good break.

Thank you and God Bless!

PLDT myDSL's Internet to Sawa TRANSFORMS my Internet Experience from 3Mbps to 5Mbps

2011-06-15T23:33:00.018+08:00

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And with 5Mbps internet speed, you can not ask for more but more time to have internet, more downloads, more streaming, more playing online.

PLDT myDSL's speed boost up to 5Mbps will literally make our lives online just a second click away, so convenient, no lag time, no long wait.

I have been blogging since last year 2010, but I just started being active in the Nuffnang community this year 2011. My transformation from a regular blogger to a Nuffnanger made my blogging life more enjoyable and challenging.

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Raymund's Birthday Treat at Shabu Shabu SM North

2011-06-12T19:32:00.001+08:00

I just got home from the meet-up and birthday treat of my High School barkada and Church wedding Bestman, Raymund at Shabu Shabu, The Block SM North EDSA.

I do not normally go to Chinese or Korean restaurants so it was my first time to have a Shabu Shabu lunch, it was a memorable Birthday treat indeed!

And additional dessert at Starbucks Coffee in Shoppes,Victoria Plaza, Timog Avenue.

The birthday celebrant at near right

Thank you and Happy Birthday bro Raymund!!! God Bless!