Lawstude's Journeys

Pasacao Day Trip

2012-02-03T10:26:00.001+08:00

Naga: Oragon

2012-01-28T21:07:00.005+08:00

A Sculptural Narrative of the Heroic Bravery of the People of Naga City

"ORAGON" is a two-part visual display that captures the heroism of Naguenos by portraying two forms of bravery, with a central tapestry dividing the two juxtaposed narratives. Crafted by artist Jose Barcena, Jr., grandson of Federico Barcena who carved the monument to the 15 Bicol Martyrs at Plaza Quince Martires, it was commissioned by the City Government of Naga under the leadership of Mayor Jesse Robredo.

Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái

2012-01-23T09:24:00.001+08:00

Singapore's Buddha Tooth-Relic Temple

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is more that two thousand five hundred years older than our Roman Calendar. It never begins on January 1st, nor does it begin on the same date each year. It can begin any time between January 21st and February 18th, depending on the date of the New Moon in Aquarius. Each year is named for an animal and every twelve years this cycle begins again. The Chinese say that the animal ruling the year you were born will influence your life. In 2012, Chinese New Year begins January 23rd and will be the year of the Dragon. As the Dragon is the only mythical animal amongst the twelve, many believe that this will be a grand and magnificent year for everyone.

Naga: Of Tracks and Trains

2012-01-18T09:38:00.001+08:00

In one of our conversations during our recent food trips in Binondo, a famous blogger friend (itago natin sa pangalang Dong Ho) asked us what is the longest train ride we ever had. Most of my friends answered a whole-day train ride experience in and out of the country. I could only come-up with the Baclaran-North Avenue MRT ride.

My Top 10 Travels of 2011

2012-01-10T12:13:00.002+08:00

This is the sixth time that I will be doing a Top 10 Travel list. As I look back on my past years' list, I can't help notice that most of them are really popular tourist places. I must admit that I lean towards off-the-beaten paths and even on those more popular places, there will always be a spot where you can wander and explore sans the crowd.

Basilan joined the elite club of Calaguas (2010), Sagada (2009), Boracay (2008), Siquijor (2007) and Anilao (2006) in my Numero Uno spot. What I love about Basilan is that very few outsiders travel into this place because of what media perceived it to be. Although they have every reason to caution travelers, still, beneath the alleged dangerous exterior, Basilan has some of the most beautiful and exotic spots you can enjoy.

Dangerous Beauty

Lawstude's Journeys Turns 6

2012-01-02T23:23:00.001+08:00

Six Years of Blogging

The six most important words: I admit I made a mistake.

The five most important words: You did a good job.

The four most important words: What is your opinion?

The three most important words: If you please.

The two most important words: Thank You.

The one most important word: We.

The least important word: I

2012 - Fireworks and Some Thoughts

2012-01-01T20:55:00.001+08:00

The connection between fireworks and new year has been known since time immemorial. It is believed that the lights produced by these fireworks will illuminate the way for the whole year and the sounds they produce will drive away bad luck.

2011: A Look Back

2011-12-27T16:15:00.003+08:00

Aldous Huxley once said that your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty, his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure. Traveling is a choice, boredom is not. It's the leanest year for me travel-wise because I have decided to have "work" at the front seat. Although, I must admit that my decision has paid handsome dividends professionally, still, life's balance that I used to have suffered. And since this is a travel-blog, less travels means less stories to tell.

Little Christmas

2011-12-24T18:33:00.000+08:00

It is not how much you have... a few is enough when you share it with the people that matters. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Daruanak Island @ Pasacao

2011-12-19T18:16:00.000+08:00

When one speaks of Camsur, what comes to mind are either the Caramoan Peninsula made famous by Survivor Series or Wake Boarding at Camsur Watersports Complex. But did you know that before Caramoan or Wake Boarding, there is Pasacao which is known as the the Summer Capital of Camarines Sur.

Naga: The Porta Mariae

2011-12-11T07:41:00.025+08:00

"The rite of opening doors marks a time of elation and thanksgiving. In the history of the Church, sacred doors are opened during jubilee years to signify the bestowal of indulgence and grace. In secular history, gates and doors are monument of victory and triumph."...

...May those who behold and pass through this gate be led to the one and only Saviour, JESUS CHRIST.

Daet: Toasted Siopao, Pancit atbp.

2011-12-05T09:54:00.002+08:00

When one speaks of Bicol Foods, one word comes to mind - SPICY. This region is known for Bicol Express, Pinangat and Laing. I have already featured these hot and delectable dishes here. Daet in Camarines Sur is no exception to Bicol's love affair with peppers. In fact, one of their more popular fastfood, Graceland, features a value meal with Bicol Express on it. But this post is not about those spicy foods, in fact, it is more of the opposite because a couple of photos shown here were Daet's very-own delectable treat, the Toasted Siopao (shown above) and Pasalubong pieces of Tarts, Brownies and Macaroons.

The Finger

2011-12-01T05:07:00.001+08:00

Hope it is not the middle one. Guess where this is?

Lawstude versus Work

2011-11-27T10:31:00.001+08:00

Traveling is such a rare occurrence for me this year and in those few instances that I got to go out of the Metro, majority of them are even work-related. But I am not complaining. I have made my choice. So, if there is a chance that I could combine my work and my passion in a trip, then I would certainly exploit that chance to the hilt.

Is The Right To Travel Absolute?

2011-11-20T21:09:00.000+08:00

From the express provisions of the law, there are only three cases where a person is not allowed to travel; these are in the interest of national security, public safety or public health.

“The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law. – Art III ,Sec 6 Philippine Constitution”

Thus, a leader of a terrorist group may be restrained from leaving or entering a country in the interest of national security. Health officers may also restrict access to contaminated areas and also quarantine those already exposed to the disease sought to be contained. Where there is threat of a volcanic eruption, for example, residents in the affected area may be forced to evacuate and prevented from returning until the danger is over.

Smells Like Christmas Spirit

2011-11-17T00:00:00.001+08:00

Isla Capones de Zambales

2011-11-11T15:36:00.002+08:00

Take away the colors and what have you got? Throw in the film grains and what remain? Feels like the seventees, you may say, but that precisely is what you may feel in Isla Capones de Zambales. Your basically devoid of anything - electricity, fast food, malls or anything like that - just like the golden old times.

Jazzin' D' Urban Lake

2011-11-05T23:30:00.004+08:00

Man-made lakes are common in the Philippines. Famous ones include the Burnham Lake in Baguio and Caliraya Lake in Quezon. And since there is an unmistakable love affair between man and water, these lakes are usually the main attraction in a place where man frequently go such as in a park or a resort. So, it is no wonder that corporate real estate developers include artificial lakes as part of their community.

Souls

2011-11-01T11:28:00.003+08:00

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Nothing Sour @ Sampaloc Lake

2011-10-25T09:53:00.007+08:00

Sampaloc Lake is one of the seven volcanic lakes that give San Pablo the monicker of "City of Seven Lakes". This lake is closest to the City centre and the most accessible of them all. Located off Schetelig Avenue, it has a paved trail around the edge that you can walk in one hour.

Batanes Unusual

2011-10-17T14:50:00.005+08:00

Join multi-awarded travel-photographers Ferdz of Ironwulf.Net and Oggie of Lagalog.Com in this highly-recommended photography-tutorial in one of the best place in the Country. Be awed by the natural rugged beauty of Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat Islands - collectively known as Batanes while learning the basics of photography.

For more details check out backpackphotography.net.

Tara Na! Adams Tayo!

2011-10-09T15:34:00.007+08:00

When one speaks of Ilocos, what comes to mind are century-old churches, lovely beaches and ancient houses. So when I told my friends that I will go to Ilocos to trek mountains and chase waterfalls, they asked "Did you say Ilocos?"

Carabao Island's Seascape

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000+08:00

I often wonder why my post on Carabao Island in Romblon is my most popular one. I could guess lots of reasons but these may still not be enough. The place is bucolic and charming at the same time and provides one of the best seascape views in the area. Let me just re-share these shots which I have taken in one of the island's highest peak, Tagaytay Combot, where you will have an amazing view of the sea and the adjoining islands of Boracay, Panay, Tablas and other islands and islets of Aklan and Romblon Provinces. Combination of fertile greens, blue sea, bright sky and fading hues of the islands make this spot on earth a real close to heaven experience.

Catching Sunrise at Lover's Peak

2011-09-26T22:31:00.005+08:00

I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. Call me crazy but I wouldn't miss a chance seeing a sea of clouds enveloping on a scenic mountainscape as the earliest glimpse of light peaks out from the horizons.

7 Links Project

2011-09-19T11:30:00.009+08:00

Ian of Going Places tagged/nominated me for the 7 links project about a month ago. I know, this is long overdue but as the famous adage goes, it's better late than never. So here's my list.

My Most Beautiful Post

Beauty is relative and this is probably one of the hardest choices among the categories here but I just can't get enough of Calaguas Island so I considered my Mahabang Buhangin @ Calaguas Island as my most beautiful post. Tell me what a good beach should be and this beach will definitely exceed your expectation.