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Wednesday 22 April 2009

Scotland and the lady named ; SUSAN BOYLE


You'd be forgiven for judging the book by the cover when you meet 47-year-old Susan. Having never married, sharing a flat with her cat has given her a cheeky sense of humor, and even the judges were ready to write her off, until - that is - until she began performing her rendition of 'I Dreamed a Dream' from Les Miserable s.

Not only did Susan Boyle put Scotland on the map she put Britain's Got Talent on
internet. I have never heard such a beautiful voice in all my existence in this world. I still have got to learn about this lady. She's indeed one hell of a talent!

Hail you MS. SUSAN BOYLE !!!

Monday 13 April 2009

A hidden paradise called - CANIBAD (Island Garden City of Samal)






Davao City has always astonished visitors locals and foreigners alike every time they take a visit of the places here. Just like this hmmmmm, appropriately isolated haven somewhere in Samal. I got particularly interested in visiting an unexplored place in Island Garden of Samal (IGACOS), Canibad Cove. To some who have experienced several frustrating travels before, They need to learned and convince themselves that having the right budget is just as important than tediously planning everything.

Now going back to Canibad. What are the basics.What we have to bring?

While it is true that the place is great and inviting, you should know that there are no restaurants or ample of place to buy food there. If you don’t have any idea yet what should be on your day tour survival kit. Here’s some list for you out there.

* Banig / Hammock.
* Digital Camera (Full charged), Extra Batteries.
I advise you to turn it on save battery settings mode as there is no electricity in canibad. Turn on only when needed.
* Water, water, water.
While there’s water available for washing plates and rinsing body after swimming, there’s no water for drinking.
* Shades
* Toothbrush, toothpaste
* Soap, shampoo
* Snorkling gear
* Mobile phones, full charged
* Bath towels, extra shirts, swimming shorts
* Food containers

How to get there;

Take a taxi and drop off to any resto of choice to buy foods. Have your food canisters filled with rice and viands. Take an Island City Express bus in Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park. Bus fare is 30.00 PHP.A bus rode into a barge will transfer you from Davao City to Samal Island. You get off into their terminal at Central Warehouse Club in Babak.

Several motorcycles aka habal-habal are available here and will ask you if you are going to Canibad. Travel from the terminal to Canibad will take you about 30-40 minutes and will cost you about 150.00 pesos inclusive of the nice spots you will see as you go there. Make sure sit confortably well before the travel as it will be a very long and very bumpy ride, but you'll hardly notice it anyway. I,m sure a lot of scenic spots will take your breath away.

When you’re there, ask the driver to fetch you the following day. There is because there are no available vehicles going back to the terminal.

From top, it will take 10 mins to walk down the beachfront. It would be safer to walk barefoot as it is very steep.


Other thins that you need to know

* Travel fare budget Davao City - Canibad
o 30.00 x 2 bus fare davao - bak-bak terminal
o 175.00 x 2 habal-habal/motorcycle fare terminal - canibad. Add 50.00 for fetching.
* Entrance fee is 20.00 each.
* Entrance fee for rockies part of the beach is 15.00
* Not enough rice, asked someone there to buy for you 20.00/kilo. Another 20.00 for cooking it.
* Very clean water, if you know how to swim don’t forget your snorkling gear as fishes is just few meters away you can actually see it near rockies.

Most Fascinating Tombs in the world (Part 1)

Throughout the history of human civilization, different cultures mourn and treat the dead differently. Some, like Tibetan Buddhists, have no use for burials as they dispose the dead by feeding corpses to vultures or by burning them in funeral pyres. Most cultures, however, show their respect by burying the dead, sometimes in complex and ornate tombs, crypts, and catacombs.

This article takes a look at ten of the most fascinating final resting places around the world, from the largest prehistoric burial mound in Europe to the the tombs of pharaohs to the most beautiful mausoleum in the world:




Giza Necropolis

There are more than 100 pyramids in Egypt, with the largest and most famous being the complex of pyramids in Giza Necropolis, Cairo, Egypt. This complex consists of the Great Pyramid of Giza (tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu or Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Great Sphinx statue, as well as several other smaller satellite pyramids.

Let’s take, for instance, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. When it was completed in 2560 BC, the pyramid was 481 feet (147 m) tall with each base side being 758 feet (231 m) wide. The blocks weigh about 1.5 tons each, with the internal granite blocks used as the roof of the burial chamber being about 80 tons each. The ancient Egyptians knew what they were doing: the base sides have a mean margin of error of only 2 1/3 inch (58 mm)! Needless to say, it is an amazing work of engineering.



Westminster Abbey

The gothic church Westminster Abbey in London, United Kingdom was established by Benedictine monks in the tenth century (and rebuilt in the 13th century by King Henry III) - since then it has evolved into both the coronation church for English royalty and the final resting place of monarchs.

Though at first Westminster Abbey was the burial place of kings, aristocrats, and monks, it soon became the tomb-of-choice (if there is such a thing) for the who’s who in England. Poets and writers like Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Rudyard Kipling, and Alfred Tennyson; as well as scientists like Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Ernest Rutherford were all interred there.


Tana Toraja

The Toraja people in Sulawesi, Indonesia, have what is probably the most complex funeral ritual in the world. When someone dies, the funeral is attended by a lot of people and can last for days! But that’s not the strange part - this is: the funeral ceremony is often held weeks, months, or even years after the death (to give the family of the deceased time to raise enough money for expenses).

Torajans can wait that long because they believe that death is not a sudden event but instead a gradual process towards the afterlife (if you’re wondering about the smell - the dead body is embalmed within the first few days of death, then stored in a secret place until the funeral ceremony).

After much partying (including the slaughter of one or several water buffaloes), the dead is buried in a stone cave carved out of a rocky cliff. A wood-carved effigy called tau tau, carved with the likeness of the dead person is then placed in the balcony of the tomb to represent the dead and watch over their remains.




Newgrange

The burial mound of Newgrange in County Meath, Ireland is definitely one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in the world. Build between 3300 BC - 2900 BC, it is the also the world’s oldest surviving building (it’s older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt).

Newgrange is impressive: the circular mound is 250 feet (76 m) across and 40 feet (12 m) high. It covers an entire acre (4046 m²). A long tunnel under the mound leads to a high-domed burial chamber, a corbelled vault with ceilings made of huge, interlocking stone slabs.

The entrance to Newgrange is marked with a huge curbstone that is elaborately carved with "megalithic art," which includes spiral and concentric arc motifs chipped into the stone with flint tools.

The trouble with soaring so high and seeing everything ... is seeing nothing.


Soaring where
the currents take her,
seeing everything,
observing everyone,
breathing the air
of adventure
and excitement?
Is she a mother?
Circling to protect
her nest,
her children,
scavenge for food,
and would give her
life
to protect her young?
Or is she
a traveler,
a loner?
Ruling the
expanse of blue,
the endless skies
as her kingdom,
doing what she pleases,
but fated to live
alone, with no mate?
With no one
to share her life,
her empty happiness?

That,
I feel,
is worse
than being grounded.

A poverty striken life at Sampaloc ,Manila - ARNEL PINEDA (Journey Band)






I happen to encounter a very inspiring article about Arnel Pineda and about the place where he grew up, I also took the liberty of researching pics of the place where he spent most of his childhood. Please read on;

A well-known Filipino lead vocalist of the band Journey confesses that he was once addicted to drugs. Arnel Pineda gave a warning to the youth against the use of prohibited drugs. Exclusive on patrol - Chief Correspondent, Korina Sanchez.

He was an unknown singer then who is now suddenly being mobbed in America as the lead vocalist of the popular Journey band. He is Arnel Pineda, born and raised in Sampaloc (in Manila) and grew up in poverty.

Arnel: Rusmon and I washed jeepneys, then slept in Luneta (a park in Manila).

Korina: How often did you sleep in Luneta?

Arnel: Maybe, I did that once a week…there were times then that I didn’t eat for 3 days.

He admitted that when he despaired for not reaching his dreams, he tried using prohibited drugs, liked it, and became addicted.

Arnel: …to the point that I would have...I wished that I was dead …

For Arnel’s family, especially to his wife Cherry, that was the most miserable thing that happened to their life, “When he gets drunk, he cries… so I asked him, “What is the problem?” And then I found out he was using drugs.”

Arnel lost his mother early in his life when she died of a lung problem. He said that it was his mother who saved him before he totally became wasted in drugs. “I think my mother was there all the time. Every time I thought I was almost dying and gave up hope in my life, I felt she whispered to me and asked, “Why are you doing this?””

Because of drugs, Arnel almost lost everything. “It was my wife who saved me…it was my birthday and we were having fun. I was high on drugs; I was high on alcohol. While Cherry was upstairs, she was packing her bag. When I went up, she told me she was leaving and will have to leave me behind. And that woke me up…”

At this time, news about use of prohibited drugs are all over and Arnel has a message to the drug users, “Drugs…it will never do you any good. It will destroy your life, it will destroy your dream, it will destroy your hopes, it will destroy your family. Bottom line, STAY AWAY, REALLY STAY AWAY FROM IT." - Korina Sanchez, Patrol ng Pilipino.

T2; A Maricel Soriano movie- filmed at the enchanted island of SAMAR






EXHAUSTION and stress will not thwart the high level of enthusiasm of Diamond Star Maricel Soriano in filming her new horror movie "T-2" under Star Cinema.

Maricel shared that it's been a long time since she did a horror film, which is why she is so much fueled to give her best in every scene.

"I am so happy with this film. The concept is so unique. I love what I am doing and every scene makes me elated and amazed!" she said.

Maricel said her taping days are getting more and more stressful, yet she is so inspired to work and look forward to her next shooting schedule. "Minsan talaga naluluha na ako sa pagod pero masaya ako sa movie kaya kahit anong pagod kinakaya ko talaga."

"Alam mo pag matutulog ako, walang biro, magbilang ka ng 'one, two, three, tulog ako... pag-gising ko hindi ako gumalaw. Pero pag-nakatulog na ako parang wala lang trabaho na ulit, kuwentuhan na, masaya talaga," she shared.

Reunion with Direk Chito

Aside from eagerness to do another horror movie, another thing that drives Maricel in executing her role impeccably is her reunion with Chito Roño, one of her favorite film directors.

"'Yung style ni Direk Chito nang-gugulat yan bigla ka nalang magugulat. Ang ganda-ganda, nasho-shock kaming lahat. Ang galing niya talaga. Pag-nagbebriefing kami nun Diyos ko nakanganga talaga ako," the multi-awarded actress related.

Maricel's relationship with Direk Chito transcends beyond work. Their friendship makes it easier for them to work in one project together as they create a cozy working place.

"Marami nga siyang (Direk Chito) ginagawa. Nung minsan ginanyan (surprise) na naman niya ako 'bakit ba kailangan mo akong gulatin ng ganyan!' Tawa siya nang tawa muntik na siyang maihi sa kakatawa sa akin. Ang hilig niya akong paglaruan. Pang-motivate niya sa akin tawa siya ng tawa," she said.

"Mahusay siya talaga at tsaka hindi predictable yun mga eksena niya dito sa 'T-2'," the Diamond Star said.

"T-2" which means "Tenement-2" is a story of a young child (Mica dela Cruz) who lost her parents. She then meets Claire (Maricel), who is a woman who is falling out of love with her husband (Derek Ramsay).

Claire works in a travel agency until a certain incident changes her life and be tasked of mission for the society.

"Horror ito with a heart," Maricel said describing her film but then refused to elaborate further as they are not yet allowed to reveal much about their movie.

"Hindi ko masyadong makuwento ng todo dahil magi-give away and even if I tell you it's so different when you watch it because of the execution. Supposed to be the script is very simple but the execution is fantastic!" she related.

Maricel disclosed that they already finished about 50 percent of the film which they shot in various places across Luzon.

When asked if she had a creepy experience while shooting, she said: "Wala pa naman but the way you execute the scene kikilabutan ka. Alam mo dumating pa nga ako sa kilabot na naiiyak ako, sa takot. Kasi kapag sinilip mo sa monitor eerie yung eksena."

"T-2" will be the fifth movie of Maricel with Direk Chito. The last four films that they did were "Minsan lang kitang Iibigin," "Separada," "Dahas," and "Nasaan ang Puso."

Certified Kapamilya

Maricel is part of the 15 years of success of ABS-CBN's film arm Star Cinema.

She made a string of successful movies with Star Cinema and had proven to be a loyal Kapamilya as she formally extended her loyalty in her mother network after signing the contract for "T-2" movie.

Although her contract with ABS-CBN or Star Cinema has no exclusivity, she continuously showing gratitude to the network that honed her acting skills.

"Siyemre nakakatuwa, dahil hindi nila (Star Cinema) ako nakakalimutan. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako palagi sa opportunidad na ibinibigay nila na makagawa ulit ng makabuluhang pelikula para sa mga manonood," Maricel said with a big smile on her face.

She commended Star Cinema's long years in making blockbuster and exceptional movies.

With her contract renewal, Maricel meanwhile said she will now carefully choose the projects she will be doing and consider her interest first. Projects that will inspire her are on top of her list.

"It's an honor to work with Star Cinema. I enjoy working with them for several years now and for me all movies that I did with them were all memorable," she said.

Aside from "T-2" Maricel shared that she already finished taping her upcoming television series "Susan Roces Collections: Florinda" which is also a horror project.

Sunday 12 April 2009

CRAZY EAST WINGERS...





MHC-EAST WING - This is my unit in one of the tertiary hospital's here in Davao. This unit actually caters to pre and post operative cardiovascular surgeries and other clean cardiac cases.

Stress and pressures may probably be usual in every work place but we surely know how to have fun. And fun that is, despite our hectic schedules as super nurses on our areas we make it sure we don't forget to show that we are human nurses, not the robot ones; like those that US brags as their advancement in the field of medical technology.

And how academic can we become.... just see it for your self. check the pics!

jejejeje...

EVIBE' - one of Davao's G-mik spot!



EVIBE- used to be a a place for the ballroom enthusiast, which is why I was surprised when a friend of mine invited me to go there. What in the world are we going to do in the middle of a ballroom dance floor???

But when we entered the bar, it turned out that it's no longer a ballroom bar for people who usually have high concentrations of low density lipoproteins in their systems... jejejeje.. highly academic!

Nice sounds; mixture of upbeat r n b, great crowd, cool fixture and very very cold redhorses! Great combo huh'... The place is by far one of the nicest here in Davao to shrug off some stress, and pressure stains from work and from the work other than what you regularly do in the offices... jejeje.

So I happpen to have a very good time with my good and very wonderful friends. Stucked up massive doses of beer in my belly, taken some peanuts (very good for the uric acid..)and getting sober for the whole night. But was I having fun?

I certainly had.

Saturday 11 April 2009

QUESTION - Where is Mount Calvary?




Since the lenten season is already over and all of us have had retreats and soul searching, I'd like to think that most of us has become a better person. While I was thinking of the whole celebration of the lenten, one thing strucked on my mind. Where in the globe is MOUNT CALVARY?

A gospel song refers to a hill called Mount Calvary, but the Gospels never say, "Mount Calvary." Some Bible versions translate the place where Jesus was crucified to be the Aramaic word Golgotha, meaning the Place of the Skull. Others translate it as the Latin word Calvary. Luke 23:33 says, "And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left" (NKJV).

Jesus was crucified on Mount Calvary. According to John 19:20, it was near Jerusalem. Hebrews 13:11-13 (based on Leviticus 16:27) explained that, while the animal's blood was sprinkled in the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, most of the animal was burned outside the camp. Jesus likewise was crucified outside the city in a maelstrom of activities over a six-hour period, with everything focused on Him.

Calvary (originally known as "Golgotha" meaning: "place of the skull") is the English-language name given to the hill on which Jesus was crucified. The word “Calvary” comes into the English Bible only from the King James Version (Luke 23:33). The hill is described as being outside Jerusalem, but its actual location is still debated. The Roman Empire typically crucified criminals along roadways so that they would be widely seen by the population to deter criminal behavior. The crucifixion hill by Jerusalem was known in Latin as Calvariae Locus, in Greek as Κρανιου Τοπος (Kraniou Topos) and Gûlgaltâ in Aramaic. While all of these terms mean "place of [the] skull," it is not clear whether they refer to a hill containing a pile of skulls, or to a geographic feature resembling a skull.

Now, where exactly was that???

My brother's pup is a lot more goodlooking than he is... blleeehh!




This is the most handsome prince I had ever laid my eyes on - Prince Roth Sake. (ehem.. that's my brother's dog)The other picture is my bro. He's been in US for I don't know how many years already and obviously a lot of happening have been going on in as far as his travel is concern,yeah I know this guy he can't stay put in one place only. He is by the true essence of the word a true blooded, itchy-footed homo sapien.

Actually he worked first in New England, I think the place was North Hampshire, nyaah not really certain of that though.But, for some mysterious reasons he transferred to US (after he had all the exams passed ofcourse!) Now he's in Ohio, Cleaveland working as a theater nurse in one of the hospitals there.

Why am I writing this? Well, he's actually promised to send me one of his mobile phones and there isn't any sign of it yet! Grrrrrr....

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - that's where I will be... hopefully.




I have long been waiting for the decision of the hospital where I applied in Abu Dhabi for my trasfer in their institution as a nurse. I know it definitely wont be easy to leave some important persons here in the Philipppines but I guess that's just how life works. You win some, you lose some.

I have so many apprehensions really as to my decision of going out of the country for a greener pasture but then again if you'll try to weigh things out I know this decision will really help me a lot in terms of improving the kind of living we are having today.

A friend of my brother is actually working in United Arab Emirates already. And based on feed backs I think it's worth the risk. I happen to grab some of his pix and guess what, I realized that the place could be a great travel destination. Check the pix! Have Fun!

ISLA RETA - too good to stay at the back...




I once had the chance to make some spooky adventure in one of the many resorts in IGACOS (Island Garden City of Samal, that is..)

The resort I was talking about wass Isla Reta Resort. This resort is actually located at Talikud island. Talikud is a Cebuano term of the “back”, it is so because Talikud island can be seen at the back of Samal island.

There are quite a few restaurants to choose from on this resort so you will never get bored with the dining options. However, it is advisable that you bring your own food. The price is around 50% more than the city rates, maybe because people have no other place to get the food in the area. You can have bountiful lunch at the provided tables with your family and friends.

You can also enjoy strolling to the rocky portion of the island, it has more coral and fish compared to other public areas. With your snorkeling gear, you can witness the young coral and the various marine life living there. Sea urchins present on the beach might spoiled your fun, just keep your feet away from them.

The seashore of Isla Reta beach resort holds a potent lure for the sun bathers. You can either sleep on tent, on small huts, or in a hammock hang in between the trees for relaxing afternoon siesta.

The Isla Reta is behind a small village, still, there are regular trips for tourists and travelers up to 3pm. It only takes a ten-minute boat ride to reach Samal Island, plus it takes around 30 to 45 minutes trip to Talikud island.

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE- soaring on his majestic length

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE CONNECTING PEOPLE








Built over the narrow San Juanico strait, the San Juanico Bridge–which is 2.16 kilometers long–still holds the record as the longest bridge in the Philippines.

The bridge connects Tacloban City on the Leyte side and the town of Sta. Rita on the Samar side. It crosses the San Juanico strait, reportedly the world’s narrowest since it’s only two kilometers wide at its most narrow point.

Constructed in 1973 during the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, the bridge is supported by 43 spans that rise 41 meters above the sea.

A panoramic view of the bridge can be found here.
The views from the bridge are fantastic and include the islets near the bridge as well as the strait’s thousand whirlpools.

The 34-year-old steel structure is just 10 minutes away from the Tacloban City center. It is accessible by jeepney, bus, motorcycle, or private vehicle.

There are daily flights from Manila to Tacloban City. From Cebu, the best way to get to Tacloban would be to ride on a fast boat, such as the Supercat fast craft, to Ormoc City and then take a van for hire from Ormoc to Tacloban, which is about two to three hours away.

The vans for hire are parked at the Ormoc City pier. Van fare was only 110 pesos during our visit in April 2006.

Friday 10 April 2009

THIRD BIGGEST MALL in the WORLD is Philippines' biggest and... I've been there!








I came across an article talking about our biggest mall here in the Philipppines, I somehow felt proud of ourselves being able to come up with the third biggest mall all over the globe. Wanna learn more? Read on

The Philippines’ largest shopping mall and the third biggest mall in the world is the SM Mall of Asia, an endeavor of Philippine tourism. It is next to the Golden Resources Mall and the South Dongguan Mall which are both in China in terms of gross floor size.This was opened on May 21, 2006. It is owned and operated by SM Prime Holdings, under the management of Henry Sy. He is regarded as one of the richest men in Asia.

The SM Mall of Asia is made up of four establishments interconnected by walkpaths: the Main Mall, Entertainment Mall, and the North and South Carpark Buildings. One of its pecular features is the 20-seater tram to make it easier for shoppers to move and around. The priority of the management is to make sure shoppers and tourist will not get confused or lost within the mall.
There will be two concierge desks: one in the Main Mall and another in the Entertainment Mall.

The Main Mall includes shopping and dining establishments, the food court.

The North Parking building includes the SM Hypermarket, a spacious office space and more dining areas while the South Parking building houses the SM Department store and half of the 5,000 parking spaces.