my journey

PHI: Puerto Galera Bay

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 10:20:00 +0000

We went on board a boat that is a bit big for all of us. It is a first time to try so we opted to try it. It will be cheaper if a smaller boat is used or with a big shared boat.

It took us about 15 minutes of boat ride to reach the destination. I took a lot of photos of the scenery.

Unfortunately we have to use a smaller boat which we have to rent again to go to places where the size of the first boat we hired are not allowed to go.

Our first destination is snorkeling and this was only that first time we experienced it. Joecy and Gio was too scared to try but went fine after hard starts. The corals are nice and I was like a small kid who excitedly fed the fish while the food is in my hands.

A small cave was also part of the trip but it was disappointing to see how small it is. The giant clam is also a part of the destination but I saw nothing special in it.

They snorkeled on the other beach front.

We went back and I had a good massage afterwards. Masseuse are everywhere at White Beach and they are certified by TESDA.

PHI: White Beach Resort

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:34:00 +0000

On September 24, 2010, me and my family went out to Puerto Galera. It is our first time to go out by ourselves on a beach. The kids are excited especially when they heard that they will be playing on sands. Going there is not easy as we have to take 2 bus rides, then off to the boat. The boat going to White Sand Beach are like the ones below.

We rode the last trip so we arrived in the island a bit late that no boat is allowed in the beach front for safety purposes and are sent to Muelle (see picture below). From there, another 15 minute ride by land and we're on the front of the resorts.

We were so tired but we still went out to check what night life is during these days. Without much visitors, there were still some shows that went on. Below are some of the pictures that I took early next morning, mostly while the 3 of them were asleep. I went around and took some more until a tour guide gave me a deal on snorkeling and island hopping.

When they woke up, we just had breakfast then off we went to the other side.

PNG: Apo Community Visit

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 08:36:00 +0000

Employees of K.K.Kingston were invited attend a ceremony as the company have donated water tanks. It is very much appreciated by the community because they said that the government's last donation to their group happened many years ago. Water is a big problem and these tanks are big help. Below is a photo of the welcome sing-sing (group dance) done by the locals.

The ceremony was done in their very humble stage. There were some representatives that gave their thank you speech in their native language Pigin. After more than 3 years in PNG, I was able to understand all the things they said.

They had a gift for all of us - bilum.

A bilum is a string bag made by hand in Papua New Guinea. The bag can be made by a process known as string looping or by crocheting. Traditionally, the string used was hand-made, normally from plant materials. Now, however, many people who can afford to do so make their bilums from store bought yarn and string. - Wikipedia

My boss played Santa as he gave lollies to the kids. He knew that lollies are big issue to the kids here in PNG so he made sure he brought enough for all kids in the community.

At the back is 1 of 2 tanks that was donated by K.K.Kingston.

It was the young ladies' turn to show-off before we left. It is a bit modern compared to the other dance that I have seen not only from this community.

Below is a proof that I have been here - wearing my bilum.

PNG: Buang People Ancient Burial Area

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:49:00 +0000

While the other group were inside the cave, we made our way to the other site which is not far away from the cave. While walking Simon tells us stories of his ancestors. After some strides we reached the side of the river, very clean water flowing in it which reminded me of my childhood days when we bathe on a river as clear as this one. We had to cross the river so we had to remove my footwear for a while.

After a long down hill walk, a steep upward but short climb has to be made. Many that are not that fit to climb just stayed below and waited for us.

When we arrived I thought of the ancient rock paintings I see on TV and this is fine enough. I thought the burial are and the rock paintings will also be inside the caves. This is also my first time to see things like this so there is an adrenaline rush as we get nearer to our destination. No need for hard hats on this place.

The rock paintings and the remains were said to be radiocarbon dated and is genuinely old. Indicated in the invitation is that this practice died out when Christianity was introduced to PNG about 100 years ago.

The burial area and where the rock paintings are on a limestone cliff. Simon said that in this burial area, those that are good people's remains are placed on the higher part of the rocks.

For those who cannot climb up the steep location of the bones and paintings, there is a point where it is visible way below.

Took more picture then back down to the river and into the cave.

PNG: Wereru Cave

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:33:00 +0000

Before our journey into the unknown started, an orientation was made. Simon Banen, our tour guide, reassured us that it will be a safe journey and that the locals will take good care of us. What we needed: water and torch only. The hard hat is Mike's idea.

The locals said the journey would be 15 minutes to go down and would take 45 minutes to go up. Actual time of going downhill was a bit more that 20 minutes as the steps are slippery - safety first!

After more than 20 minutes we made it on the entrance of the cave. I knew the time we spent walking only when I checked the time the photos were taken. There are 19 of us so we were divided into 2 groups. One group goes into the cave first then our group set out to see the Burial area and the Rock paintings first.

This is my first time to enter a cave and this is a bit dry... and dark. Just took some photos of the inside.

The helpers - some light our way and some gives a hand... or two.

The picture below is the most dangerous part. I am ahead of the pack and some just went back instead of continuing. On the lower left side is a bit deep opening.

From this end onwards, I have to hold on to my torch so I cannot make more pictures from here to the end of it. This is halfway thru the cave and at the end of the caves is a waterfall. To get there is a bit challenging. Seeing and hearing it is very rewarding.

PNG: Waterfalls

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:01:00 +0000

The first station - Waterfalls. We were the last to get there and below is a shot taken after my friend Bruce gave me some tips on driving on rough roads. I later learned that he is a veteran on off-road driving.

A 300 meter drop waterfall. Quite far from where we were but fine enough for it is my first time to see one.

My Friend Andrew with his Filipina Wife, Arlene, and two kids - James and Joshua.

Bruce and his family.

I hope to get more pictures from others that brought camera. After this site, we headed to our Main destination - Snake River Valley.

PNG: Our way to Snake Valley River

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 09:10:00 +0000

The invitation on the email is very tempting so I made sure I get a seat to this trip to Snake Valley River, still in PNG. It was holiday then - Queen's day, 15 June 2010 and our GM, Mike, made this possible.

I had to sleep half of the way as I had not sleep the night before this day but was happy to see the view when I woke up on our first stop. This place is called "Crusher" - lots of crushed rocks in here and mountains surrounds it.

Picture taking of course... I am more on the views but made some pics with me on it just proof that I went there. Taking a picture of me is Leah and in the yellow shirt is Harvey. Below is the car we used. I drove from here onwards.

Below, me (Brown shirt), Paquito and Harvey.

Below is the start of the long and winding road on the cliff of mountains.

Not far from our first stop, Mike chose to stop again for picture taking. He has a nice Nikon D700 and made good use of it.

Mike with his very nice camera in action.

This is a view at the back of the cliff.

The view is nice but Mike the best views are yet to come. Above is the view of the road ahead of us. I did not realise that I have never driven on such type of road before.

PHI: UPLB

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:43:00 +0000

Better late than never. This is the last part of pics that I have from my last stint in the Philippines. These are taken while we had sent a parcel to Calamba, Laguna from my friend here in PNG. I and my wife knew that this place would be a good place for our two kids and they had fun play here. This is University of the Philippines in Los Banos. Below is a picture of the "fertility tree" and the bell tower.

A closer look at the very famous "fertility tree". It is famous because way back then, this place doesn't h have any light around it making it very very dark at night. This scene makes it inviting for couples and... you can use your imagination for the rest of the story.
Just a pic near the bell tower.
Hope we can have other better places to go when I come home on January of 2010.

PHI: Kamayan sa Palaisdaan

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:42:00 +0000

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is one of the places that me and wife have been years ago and where we wanted to come back. We knew that the kids would like it so off we went there one day during my my short stay in the Philippines last May 2009. Gio and Jahn thought they will be bored as they can see nothing interesting when they got off the car.

They kept on complaining until they saw the main area. They got excited seeing it. Unfortunately, they cannot concetrate on eating as they wanted to go running around the place.Thanks to the see-saw and swing, we got to eat comfortably.

Thanks to the group of Chinese tourist that also ate there, we got ourselves 1 picture with the four of us in it before we went home.

PHI: Sampaloc lake

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:45:00 +0000

I had a 3-week holiday in Philippines, all happened in May. As expected, I would take pics of the places where me and my family have been. This and later blogs will be for the pics that I have taken during my stay in Philippines last May 2009.
Our place in Philippines - San Pablo City is known for its 7 lakes. One of the famous if not the most is Sampaloc lake, which before (long time ago) was a place where people of or city would stay especially on weekends with their family. After some time, establishments and eateries made of bamboo rose and the lake was taken for granted, letting water lilies grow into it.
It was covered with green floating plants and not much people go there anymore. Now, they are reviving it and not sure if they relocated the eateries but they made some improvements and people come here to relax for a while.
I am the one who wanted to see this place as I know there are lot of good sceneries to take pictures of and the kids, as expected liked the place also. They are very curious of the things they have seen in this palce. Good thing my wife, Joecy is keen on answering them.
Aside form taking pictures, I am now again doing photo editing. I am trying to regain the commands I have learned before. All these pics are edited and my editing should be better as I go along.

PNG: Billy Bird

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:02:00 +0000

These trees are at the back of our unit in 212 compund. In the trees is where they lurk. Fearless, they would attack us and peck us in the head when they see opportunity. I researched what they are and asked all nationals that came in the office. Douglas, an MIS personnel saw my pics and identified the suspect. They are called Billy bird. He do not only know the name but also some things about them. He narrated that they can glide well and then shift to any direction easily because of their long tails. He added that these birds attack big birds but are afraid of the small ones.
Douglas said kids call them "Ten Tricks" and it is because if you try to throw a stone at them using slingshot, they would go left, right, up the branches or other random acts to escape from the threat.
Not sure why they peck us in the head but instead of getting angry with it, I just hunted them, took pictures and made this blog.

PNG: Stops

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:05:00 +0000

We just ate at the same restaurant and then headed home as Jun have the nets for the badminton club. We still had time for stop and one of them is this one where they bought some guavas and pineapples at a very cheap price and with additional freebies.

Not far away from the first stop is Yonki again. This time in front of a lake. They also sell some food here but I forgot to takes pics of them as I loved the view. We have limited time to take pictures so I hurried taking some.

Took a closer look at the house below.

After that, off we drove off the long, winding and steep road to Lae.

PNG: Goroka: Pacific Gardens Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Last stop is the Pacific Gardens Hotel. A not so large compound but fine enough to settle in and have snack after our short stay at U.O.G. Infront of it is a carving on a tree.
A short road going to the lodging area.

Below is a view of the hotel restaurant where we had 4 pizzas including one with crocodile meat in it.

A nice place to stay at, the creek produces a very relaxing sound.

Across the mini-river is a hut and at the back is a place where you can go hiking - i didn't try it though as it was getting dark that time.

Took some pictures of the floras of course and back to the hotel afterwards.

PNG: Goroka: Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:42:00 +0000

I have shown them the first pics that I have taken and got amazed by them. I told them that their camera also has that feature and the picture above is me showing them how to make pictures with blurred background. After showing them, they got pumped up and even the kids joined them.

Below are pictures that they have taken:

Aldrin's Photos

Arlene's Photos

PNG: Goroka: U.O.G.

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:16:00 +0000

First of only 2 places where we went in Goroka is the Univerysity of Goroka. Better known as U.O.G., It is located in a hill top and the view from here is great. We were escorted by Ellias (left) who works in Goroka as Regional Sales Manager for RD Tuna Canning. Trees are tall and the kids had fun roaming around.

Inside is a chapel like building and a garden where we took lots of pic. Click here to see other pics I took from this garden.

The kids are almost bored until they saw the pics that I made and they wanted to have some like what I had. They also took pics of the carvings near the garden as they got curious of them.

Had problem telling which is Aldrin and which is the carving. Too identical, I think they tried to fool us by putting the shirt onto the carving... still unsure by this time.

PNG: Goroka: B.O.P Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:27:00 +0000

After more that 4 hours of driving, we arrived at Goroka. I didn't feel tiredness as the scenery coming here is relaxing. Not much to go to, we only needed the whole afternoon to go to all the places that is worth seeing - 2 to be exact. We lodged at Birds of Paradise Hotel which is situated in the main road of Goroka. We just rested for a while, ate at Mandarin Restaurant and then off we went to the tourists spots.

Hotel entrance from the car park area.

Below are pics in front of the Hotel.

The garden at the center of the area is not that big but I took a lot of pics on whatever good I see in there.
Years ago, I imagined myself having a garden with a tree this size.

PNG: Yonki

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:24:00 +0000

Finally, I had a chance to see other town/city after working for almost 2 years here in PNG - that is aside Lae and Port Moresby. Thanks to Aldrin and his family who visited his sister and requested to go to Goroka. There were 3 of us that were invited and we drove on our long but not boring journey.

The Guests (L to R): Yoshi, Ampi, Ceejay, Byron, (AJ) and Aldrin.

The Hosts: (Above) Jun and Arlene. (Below) Noel and me at the back performing my new addiction.

Our first and only stop on our trip going to Goroka is Yonki (we got hungry then.) From the picture below, a mark L 190 can be seen which meant that Lae is 190 km away from this point. We already drove more than 2 hours to get here - halfway of our journey. Getting here was not easy as we have to go thru a very steep, long and winding road.

In the site is a commemorative plaque for the opening of the Yonki dam dated 8 November 1991. Around it are flowers which I took pictures of. Below, not sure what it is but it is located on the far end of the dam.

Above, I like the view. Very quiet and still water which later flows thru the dam (below).
A view opposite of the site where we stopped.
Other view from the plaque area.
Off we go straight to Goroka after eating and taking pics.

PNG: Electrical shops

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:14:00 +0000

Here in Lae, there are 3 electrical shops where I would usually buy items for repairs or for new installations. Depending on the need, we will just go to either of these shops. First one is Niugini Electrical. This is where I go when we need stuff that are for industrial use. Motor and controllers are available in this site, aside from the aceesories that come with it. It is located in Air Corps Road. They also cater rewinding of motors and other Electrical Services.

Niugini Electrical

Also located in Air Corps Road, Esco is more of motor controls and electricals for Residential needs, they also sell some appliances.

ESCO

The last but not the least is Huon Electrical. It is part of Mainland holdings and is situated in Maiwara Street. This street is just in front of our main office. They have wide range of Residential and some industrial items.

Huon Electrical

PNG: Indian Curry

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Dec 24th, Christmas Eve, some Filipinos gathered in our place – 212 compound. We have some guests and one of them is Rahul, the Rotary Club President - Huon Gulf Chapter. That day, I cooked Filipino Style Curry, which is one of my favorite dishes. I knew he is Indian and he said he cooked curry which looks far from what I have. I like curry, and the one he cooked taste great. We talked a lot that night and also asked him how to prepare it. I remembered it for some time but later forgot as I don't have time to prepare it. I sent a text message to him and asked for the recipe again. He sent it at once; I tried and unfortunately I blew it on my first try.

Below is the unedited email of the recipe and procedure he sent for cooking his favorite dish.

Chicken approx 4 pieces chicken maryland (thigh and drumstick) cut into smallish pieces onion one large sliced ginger 1 TBs minced garlic 3/4 TBs minced pepper corns 1 tsp heaped ground
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 green chilly
vinegar 1 tsp
salt
oil

1. slice onion and fry in a wok with little oil till golden brown 2. sprinkle turmeric and salt on chicken pieces toss into pan wih onion mix stir while on high heat for about a minute.
3. Add enough water to cover chicken and let the chicken cook till water reduces
4 While the chicken is cooking mince garlic and ginger, wash and slice along lenght the chilly(remove seeds if its a hot chilly) and grind pepper.
5You'll find the the water evaporates and becomes a nice thick gravy and the chicken is more or less cooked. Now the frying begins.
6 Add pepper, the chilly ginger and garlic and fry till the ginger/garlic is cooked. You'll find the oil seperates when it's done.
Ad the vinegar about a tspful
7 You'll end up with a thick paste which just covers the chicken. Nice with plain rice

I got the texture, taste and aroma that is same as what Rahul has prepared after 3 or 4 tries. After that, I served it to my friends on two occasions already and they want me to cook in front of them so they would also know how to prepare them. Next dish?!

PNG: 8 Mile

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Some of my friends’ kids went to a short Summer Camp and I opted to go with them knowing I have nothing to do that morning. The place is called St. Joseph Tech and is situated at 8 mile here in Morobe Province, Lae. The place is not that big but looks peaceful. The facilitators that the kids have are Filipino missionaries. Not sure what they have been doing all along but I liked the scenery so I took pictures of them.

While waiting for them from a short program, I stayed outside to take pictures (I almost forgot my camera earlier that day and I rushed to the house when I realized that I don’t have it with me.)

The Chapel

First time I saw a pomelo tree...

...and found it to be quite interesting.Pictures at the back part of the area:Not sure what lives here.
Pathway to the main site.
I love taking pictures of trees.

Click here to see other pics for taken from this area.

PNG: Something New II

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:55:00 +0000

When I was on my way to work here in PNG, I brought books, audio books and my PSP to keep me from boredom. I thought those things can do the trick, but I need more afterwards as I cannot just do those things over and over. I bought a cheap guitar to add to my repertoire and worked for some time again.

I never played a game of badminton before coming to PNG. Even though one of my co-workers already told me to bring a racket for such game before coming here, I just ignored his request as I do not like the sound of it. I have tried to do other stuff to keep me busy but I still ended up playing the game.

Now here I am, doing my best to be better in this game. I have been practicing and has listened to my unofficial coaches and made progress thru their criticisms and advice. After just months of playing it, I have overcome the stage of beginner and into the next level already. More practice, research and listening from the better ones and I will probably be one of the best Filipino players… at least her in Lae.

PNG: Something New I

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:01:00 +0000

Coming here in PNG, I made research on what to expect in this place. I thought that I will be living in a hut… really. Looking at pictures of places here in Lae, I knew that I will be staying more in the house and will be reading and playing. I also thought then that I will be learning new things with all the time I will be spending alone.

One of the things that I learned is to cook. I never cooked much before, only frying, but I had to as buying cooked food is expensive. When I realized that it would cost me a lot, I told Joecy to tell me how to cook some dishes and she sent them to me right away thru email the next day. I printed them out when I received it and bought the ingredients on the same day. My first dishes were Sinigang (Pork in sour soup), Adobo (Philippine favorite; pork in soy sauce and vinegar) and Tinola (Chicken with soup). I tried adobo first as it is the one without much ingredients.

With all 3 dishes I cooked, it did not taste as I expected them to be at first, but thru practice and patience I can cook fine now. My favorite dishes are Chicken Curry (Filipino style) and Braised beef which some of my friends love to eat.

PNG: Sportsfest '08

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:21:00 +0000

On 23 February 07, the company had a Sports Fest which was held in Coronation college. My team is called Plastic Kings as we were still part of Plastics at that time (we are already separated and now a Maintenance Department.) I played a bit of basketball and did coaching most of the time.

For the Volleyball and in basketball, it is a mix of women and men as we don't have much time and players to complete teams. Their favorite games of course are Rugby and Soccer. Most of the nationals (locals) had fun then and so are Filipinos.

I hurried up going home that day and did not manage to finish the whole event because I haven’t cooked my dishes for my birthday celebration. It was scheduled in parallel to my 30th birthday.

PNG: Jun's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:02:00 +0000

Celerino Tolosa Jr. a.k.a. Jun is one of the good friends I have here in Lae and he just celebrated his 3?th birthday this 05 Jan. 09. He had his feast on the Saturday of that week, some friends made it and some did not due to some unavoidable circumstances.

I am the first one on the house on the day of celebration and I grilled all the barbecues that have been marinated by Wen, myself and Joel.

Many people came but a bit late and we are hungry then. It is worth the wait as the late comers brought a cake for Jun.

Making a wish before candle blowing. Genes and his camera. I should get some of his pics to be added here also.Cocoy also taking picture, still Genes' camera. The youngest guest Jun had... Azyla, With Ate Edna and Tina.
Most K.K.Kingston Filipino employees are present, Billy is in Philippines.

Alice with Azyla.(L to R) Hanzel, Nilo, Joel and Me.
Wen is with his family but Ate Mel and Ela did not stay much.
The ladies taking pics, later Joel (right) helped them.

(L to R) Tina, Cocoy and Ate Edna. Smile!

The birthday boy with Mark and Roberto. This picture is taken via Smile shutter, thanks to Mark for clicking it.
The celebration went fine and and we had lunch at Jun's house the next day.

PNG: Sand Painting

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:41:00 +0000

Kelly Brinas is our housekeeper in K.K.Kingston. He is a good man and I heard some wise words from him.

In PNG, they have 21 provinces and he is from Wabag Enga province. He started this sand painting since 1989. He usually sand paint traditional clothes, cultures, birds, Ping and other animals. Just sands and glue, I think the rest is talent as it doesn’t look easy to do.

Sands: He usually collects all the colored stones from the riverside and smash those stones with a ballpoint hammer to make dusts out of it. Then he gets the strainer to strain those dust on the A4 paper and I pour it to a clear bottle to see the real colors.

Glue: He would usually go to the bush to find a tree with glue in the trunks. He uses his bush knife and cut 2 or 3 on that trunk and put the glue in a 5 liter container.

Below is a sample of the sand painting. He loves making them but cannot find market for it. I thought of helping him and putting some of his works in this blog. His A4 size painting would cost about K100 and this is an A3 size.