Elbi: A Home Away from Home

"Beautiful things don't ask for attention." A quote from the movie Walter Mitty by James Thurber (One of the most popular humorists of his time.) It was a frantic Monday and beautiful things do not happen when you are caught in a traffic jam, walking under the heat of the sun in Manila. As usual, Manila's full of truck, buses, taxis and private cars that people of the Philippines deal with everyday. So I thought that it will be a tough day for me. Finally, the clock hit 11:50 a.m and it is time to see the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) my friend's alma mater.

How to Get there

From Taft Avenue, Manila take the LRT going to Gil Puyat station for P15.00 only. Upon arriving at Gil Puyat station take the DLTB bus going to Sta. Cruz/Calamba Laguna. Since I bought the ticket at the DLTB station, it costs me P99.00 but you can avail the ticket for only P79.00. It was a 2 hour trip and during my travel, I enjoyed the cleanliness of the Southwoods Manila Road going to Laguna. I've heard that the Governor of Laguna imposed an ordinance on littering (a good law). I arrived at Sta. Cruz Shell station at 2:30 pm and rode a jeep going to UPLB for P7.00 only (I feel like an alumni of UPLB hihi).

UPLB Tour

My friend and I met at Maces Educational Store. She still had some errands so I accompanied her at the UPLB infirmary authorized for the physical examination, and also known as the UPLB Health Center (fare going to infirmary is P8.00). We then walked around Elbi campus, and started with UPLB's newest attraction called Nihon Koen, a Japanese inspired garden located in between the Thai Pavilion and the International house dormitory. It also symbolizes the bond of Japan and Philippines because of the academic partnership between Filipino scholars and universities of Japan. 

Our next stop is the Rizal Centenary Carillon Tower, known as the second largest non-traditional carillon tower in the Asia Pacific region because of its bells. I was actually fascinated with how the tower was built and thought of this as the unleaning tower of the Philippines (haha) why not? compared to the leaning tower of Pisa Rome. I wasn't able to climb the tower, because they banned it. Students say that it encourages suicide and may cause accidents. The movie of Angelica Panganiban entitled "White Lady", was shot here. Carla also introduced to me the Fertility tree located near the tower, where lovers play around. It has low branches which gives privacy for lovers. Upon my research, CCTV camera is now located near the tree and lights are also everywhere.

I also get to see the infamous Baker Hall named after Charles Fuller Baker, the former Dean of Agriculture of UP in the pre-war era. It is a beautiful colonial era building in the campus that wasn't burned down during World War II. My friend told me that historians knew that it was more of a wartime torment. During World War II, Baker Hall was a Japanese Internment camp where about 2,500 allied soldiers (Filipinos and Americans) suffered for 2 years. Baker Hall is considered as one of the oldest buildings in UPLB. Students hear ghost stories about this building. 

Elbi Food

I have tried UPLB's Proben (Chicken Proben or Proven) which cost P25.00. It is a popular street food in UPLB. The word came from Proventiculous of a chicken, dipped in corn starch and deep-fried served with vinegar and melon drink or "palamig" for P5.00 only. UPLB students enjoys the taste of this snack in the afternoon and has become very popular part of campus culture. 

Kim Bop Experience

We have decided to take a very sumptuous meal before going home. So my friend, together with Shiela and  Maemae took me to a Korean snack bar located at Los Banos. The place was so intimate because it can only be accommodated by 10-12 persons. The crews were also very friendly and they know how to entertain their guests. What makes the food very special is the Korean chef, who cooks the food and serves it in a Korean way. The food price was worth it, which ranges from P99.00 to P200.00 only. If you are into Korean food, you will not regret eating at Kim Bop snack bar. Their food is very delicious like Omu Rice, Beef and Tuna Kim Bop with unlimited soup and many more. The Korean Chef gave us free Yaki Mandu Egg Roll with our meal.

It is now time to part ways, I left Los Banos 6:30 pm. 

*Rode a jeep going to Calamba Laguna - P8.00
*Bus fare going to Olivarez (for Saint Rose bus station) - P20.00
*Saint Rose fare going to Alabang South station - P49.00
*Van fare from Alabang South station to Pag-Asa Cavite - P40.00

with my friend, Carla G. 

It was a 3 hour trip from Olivarez, and I arrived home safely. UPLB is not just a campus because the beauty inside of it is one of a kind, knowing that Elbi is at the foot of Maria Makiling. You can go trekking too for Mt. Makiling. The university has also played a great role in preserving our nature and I salute University of the Philippines Los Banos. A great example that "Beautiful things don't ask for attention."



My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.

EvoL

It’s been awhile since I last wrote something about my adventures, and I realized that since it is love month why not try blogging about it. Love is free. You don’t need to pay for your own ride, instead you will enjoy the ride. You don’t need to buy something out of it, instead you will be fulfilled when you say that you have no regrets because you loved . It is pure and not complicated when two people understand each other.  I must say that “Life is a gamble.” because of love. And it is for everybody.

I have experienced different kinds of love and I defined it myself by its stages and ages too. This kid and young love, friendship, parent to child love and marriage love makes me define that love is forgiving, understanding, wherein people bind themselves to be good-humored, patient and joyful. It is also saying goodbye to your fondest dreams and saying hello to your nightmares.

I don't know what love really means unless my mom spanks me and tells me how bad I am (when I was a kiddo) . During my teenage years, love made me  believe that I am already in love like it is forever. A fairy tale that I thought would never end. But is it actually love? Writing this made me reminisce my college days. Back when my close friends never left me during my heartbroken days. I would have been lost without my friends love. They are the purity in my life, who have given me their shoulder to cry on. And when I need them the most, they were there. It is one of the best kinds of love in the world. I miss my friends.

Fortunately, the family is one of a kind no matter how bad I get or screw up my family still loves me. They are always there in times of my low moments in life. It is meeting real people in your family and they are free to be themselves judging you. Listening is all I have to do that makes me love my family more. The bond I have with them is unbreakable and for that, I adore my parents. Their marriage is my constant reminder that true love exist and that someone is praying for you to be with him or her forever.  It is more  important to share your own values, beliefs and knowledge in everything despite the differences. Their marriage made me believe that love is immortal despite the hurt and pain that I have been through. In every heartache that I feel, I always say that “My heart is broken, my brain is broken, everything in life is broken.” (haha) but I just woke up with a  Bible verse in my head and quote: “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” -2Corinthians 12:9; And it's love. Investing your emotions is not wrong, because love is a gamble. You live and learn. One can say that “You have a stupid heart!” but they are wrong. I guess one can have a stupid heart with your first love or true love but when you learn to love again, it is a priceless feeling knowing that you have learned something from your past experiences, because you have so much love to share. To give.  

Now that I am in final 20s love has a deeper meaning for me. When you least expect it, love comes. Time will come that someone will come into your life who will not be scared to face all the challenges with you. Someone who will be proud for who you are, with what you have been through. Someone who sees the beauty of your inner strength, wisdom and will share with you his or her dreams come true. A constant companion for the rest of our lives.

"Travel has taught me to make time for SERENDIPITY."  -Zachary Johnson

In God's perfect time. 

Travel. Explore. Learn. Live. 

Exploring Doha

When I was a kid, I have always wanted to fly high like the airplane that I always see in the sky. Everything was surreal to me when I traveled abroad. My excitement made me study the culture, food preference, religion, way of clothing and their customs as well. I also bought Arabic dictionary with translation, for me to learn their language. I guess I want to impress the Arabs since Filipinos have brilliant memory (haha).  It was September of 2008 when I left the Philippines for Doha, I was so ready and looking forward to a new beginning, meeting new nationalities and getting to know our differences. It was a 10 hour travel from Philippines to Doha, and when I arrived at Doha airport I pinched myself and believed that I am seeing a desert and feeling the hot weather. 

THE VIEW

Doha is the capital city of Qatar on the coast of Persian Gulf, and considered as the largest rapidly growing city. It has set to become one of the premier cities in the gulf. On my first week, I got to jog around the Al Corniche. It is a long seaside that curves around Doha Bay and you'll get to see the view of the Palm Tree Island and the skyscrapers. Many locals walk and jog around 5 in the afternoon for the panoramic sunset view. 

Office tower, Doha Qatar at Al Corniche

ABAYA

Doha is now an open city. However, most woman still wears abaya "cloak". It is a black wardrobe-like dress for Muslim woman, worn with hijab, a clothing such as the veil and headscarf as a symbol of modesty. The abaya covers all parts of the body, so their hands are covered as well, and I tried wearing one. Most woman that I see wearing abaya look so beautiful. They groom themselves well, put their best make up on and use super high heels to look smart in carrying their traditional wardrobe. 

Abaya

DOHA AT NIGHT

Most locals have fun at night-time because of the cool weather at Souq Waqif. It is known as the "standing market" and renowned for its traditional garments, handicrafts, spices and souvenirs. There are many restaurants where you can relax and their favorite pastime is watching football match on the big screen, screaming and ordering of seisha in restaurants or coffee shops. I have tried their seishas with flavors namely: Tufa (Apple), Saloom (tobacco), Nana (Mint), and their Double Apple seisha. They say that it is much worst than 1 pack of cigarette in one day. It is equal to three (3) packs of cigarette according to my Moroccan friends. Seisha costs QR25 to QR30, depending on what you will order served with coffee or tea with mint (leaves). The food that they serve is very different from ours. They eat Kobus bread most of the time with grilled chicken or lamb recipes with Arabic salads like Tabboulleh, Baba Ghanouj, Fattoush and Moutabal. I have observed that most of the time, they do not use spoon and fork, instead use their hands to eat. Food ranges from QR50 up.

At Souq Waqif

With Maricel and Sahllie. Done watching the football game.

Hi Mom!

Hi Dad!

Asiana Express 

Turkey Restaurant

DOHA CITY CENTER

The City Center mall is one of the prestigious malls, because of its accessibility. It is open from 10 am up to 12 midnight. The Al Corniche, Souq Waqif are some of the nearest places that you can visit after malling. Doha City Center has a lot of features specially for family bonding time during their holiday (Friday). It has Fun City for family and kids amusement, the anticipated Bowling Yard and Ice Rink. Grand cinema viewing is also available at the City Center mall from 10am to 12 midnight, but during Ramadan (holiday) it is open from 10am -5pm ; 7pm -2:30am. Most Filipinos love to walk around the malls in Doha on Sale because it is really affordable (so you have to be ready for it).

At the Doha City Center

DESERT SAFARI

The sand dune bashing in Doha topped off my adventure. I got to see the view of the desert as you hear the sand shift on your Safari ride. We had a perfect lunch and swam at the warm beach before heading back to the city. The great dunes provides an unforgettable experience in the desert using a 4 WD air-conditioned vehicles. Make sure to bring sunscreen and cameras too. Those are the places that I have visited when I was in Doha. I have heard there are newly constructed buildings for great gatherings and in preparation for the upcoming FIFA 2022 (if I'm right). ASSALAM ALAIKUM! MARHABA! 

Sand Dunes

Travel. Explore. Learn. Live. Yoga.

Our Hometown Summer Escapade

Magallanes, Sorsogon City- Our hometown is known for the abundant resource of fish drying and fishpond culture producing milkfish, prawns, tilapia and mudcrab. Magallanes is considered a coastal town. It is also known for crop production such as coconut, rice, corn, vegetable, fruits and root crops too, so I decided to take my little sister and nephew there for a summer vacation. 

How to Get There

We took an early trip by Queens bus at 5:30 in the morning. Fare from Daraga to Sorsogon City is P74/head and from Sorsogon City to Magallanes Sorsogon is P75/head. It was a 3 hour trip from Daraga, Albay before we reach our destination. The kids felt that the trip was an expedition, because of its long and winding road and the fresh air that we breathe along the way .

*Van from Daraga, Albay to Sorsogon City is P85/head

Yes! We will have fun and need more food to eat along the way.

Welcome to My Hometown

We arrived at Magallanes 11 in the morning. Our vacation house that we missed for years at Pantalan, facing the wonderful beach view and Sta. Lourdes Grotto. The kids were very hungry (and so am I) so I cooked, we ate and decided to go for a walk and swim.

4:57 am, view from our house.

Sta. Lourdes Grotto

Bucal-Bucalan Spring

We left our house and rode a tricycle going to Bucal-Bucalan Spring for P24 only (P8/head). It is famous for its spring clear water at Aguada, Magallanes. The entrance fee for adults is P10/head and for kids is only P5/head. They also offer "salbabidas" (life preservers) for P25. It was so hot that we felt the temperature of the refreshing cold Bucal-Bucalan. The water is crystal clear that my nephew can see his feet underwater. There were three (3) types of pool springs at Bucal-Bucalan, the new one was designed for kids (waist deep), but parents should watch over their children because the waters too deep at the biggest pools (more than 7ft.).

Affordable cottages are available for family getogethers and reunions.

"I can see my feet Tita." -Nephew Love

That feeling when the water's cold and it is summer.

MNHS

This was our next stop. MNHS stands for Magallanes National High School at Brgy. Centro Municipality of Magallanes. This is the famous high school in Magallanes formerly known as Magallanes School of Fisheries. I had to let my nephew and sister familiarize our hometown, for them to know the roots of our family. I was glad to know that they have enjoyed the panoramic view of mother nature at MNHS. My aunt brought us to the fish pond where cultured Tilapias and Koi's are found. She said that tourist can come and go fishing for Tilapia. You pay what you catch per kilo.

MNHS Pond

Welcome to MNHS! 

My dream pond. (hihihi)

After dropping by MNHS, we headed for Binisitahan del Norte on foot where mangroves are visible. It is already a developed area headed by the honorable Mayor Augusto Tito Mella Ragragio. Mt. Mayon was peeping on me too while we were watching the sunset. The area was more like a desert (during low tide) because of its calmness and you feel connected to mother earth.  

@Binisitahan Norte, Magallanes Sorsogon City

The best view, Mt. Mayon peeping.

Desert Pinas!

The Beach, Aguada

The best view to end a relaxing day. Sunset at Binisitahan Norte.

Our last stop is what I call "Boraguada"! It is not that famous for tourist because Magallanes is known for the white beach called Parola Island. 

Locals call it Parola because of the lighthouse on top of it. Like Parola Island, even kids who are about 2ft. tall can have a good view under the sea of Aguada. My nephew and sister enjoyed searching for sea shells, stones with different forms and old coral reefs that might hurt your feet so I recommend you to wear your slippers on. We swam there for free because it is not well-known to tourist. 

Let's go to the beach! Clear water.

Perfect picture @Aguada, Magallanes Sorsogon City.

Okay tita! 

It was a great summer holy week! Indeed, we savored the moment that we're far away from the city. To top it all we ended up burned to a crisp. We traveled back to Albay after the holy week tired but happy.

Pamilya Dulom.

My kababayans in Magallanes Sorsogon are very hospitable and fun to be with. Added a photo of Parola Island (grabbed at google) as one of the tourist attractions in Magallanes Sorsogon. A great place for beach bummers. 

Parola Island, there are cottages for rent already.

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.

Fun Tagaytay

My friend and I decided to leave Makati early for Tagaytay, which is known for its iconic view of Taal Volcano in the middle of the lake. We have planned to unwind there, because it is the most accessible weekend getaway in Manila. Much has been written about Tagaytay, and it was an inviting place for working girls like us from the city because of its atmosphere that would shake off the stress in our body. 

The beauty of Taal Volcano captivated my heart.

Upon arriving at Tagaytay, we felt energized by the cool sun kissed breeze. It was a 3 hour, 56 kilometer bus ride from Chino Roces which only costs 180 pesos. The Picnic Grove entrance fee is only 50 pesos per head. Since it was a weekend, the Tagaytay Zipline rate costs P200/head (one-way), and P300/head (for round trip zipline), which comes with a (1) souvenir photo. We took the two-way zipride and enjoyed the height of 300 ft., length of 250 meters with a speed of 60 km per hour. 

All smiles after the zipride. Beating the heat.

After our Zipride, we took a walk along Tagaytay Picnic Grove Eco-Trail overlooking the cottage areas facing the majestic Taal lake and Taal volcano. Surrounded by trees, the Picnic Grove eco-trail will take you into another place that will make you forget that work week is approaching. Finally, we got tired of strolling around under the heat of the sun, so we decided to eat at Koorah-Koorah Restaurant situated inside the Picnic Grove. We ordered Bulalo for P285 (one order), 4 cups of rice, and Lechon Kawali for P95 only. To top it all, we added fresh Buko Juice to quench our thirst. It ain't obvious how hungry we were.

"People who love to eat are the best people." -Julia Child

We left Tagaytay Picnic Grove and headed to Tagaytay Sky Ranch known as the mini-leisure park, where the Sky Eye is located. Entrance fee is P100/head. It is currently the tallest Ferris Wheel in the Philippines at 207 ft., with 32 gondolas beating the MOA Eye (Mall Of Asia). Only 4 persons can be accomodated in the gondola for P150/head, but it will be worth it. The Sky Ranch includes kiosks and rides for children to enjoy and have Sky fun. Riding it will give you a bird's eye view of Taal lake and Taal Volcano.  

The Sky Eye at Sky Ranch.

With my bestbud, Jhandy Granadillos.

Inside Tagaytay Picnic Grove - Fish Spa.

We love the weather. My roomie and I felt like staying but we need to leave for our last stop, their Starbucks branch in Tagaytay. Besides the usual ambiance, the service was also excellent like their pastries and coffee. Starbucks Tagaytay has a modern feel, and their setting is so comfortable for family and friends to enjoy. The place has a big parking space, but the road is a bit steep. Alas! It was a great trip. I suggest you to get an early trip, so you can still visit other places in Tagaytay. 

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.