Archive for February, 2011

28
Feb
11

IN THE COMPANY OF BIRDS AND BIRD LOVERS

By docgelo 16 Comments
Categories: ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
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Appreciating feathered species doesn’t happen on a daily basis.

I and my 3 fellow expats dared the unforgiving sun last Saturday as we spent our weekend afternoon at Taman Burung Pulau Pinang or Penang Bird Park in Seberang Jaya which is about 7km from Penang Bridge Toll Plaza and also 7km from Butterworth Ferry Terminal.

Although we walked several meters from the bus stop just to reach those aviaries under the Malaysian sky and despite the fact that I perspired as if there’s no tomorrow, hehe :D I definitely enjoyed it for it gave me an alternative to my usual weekend inside a coffee shop of a mall.

The story of that ugly duckling that bloomed into a beautiful swan never fails to remind me that everyone may improve for the better. Swans may have been an icon of pristine fate in the same way that colorful birds like this blue and yellow macaw can also turn a negative mood into a brighter one in an instant.

From cute little ducks…

to my first sighting of pelicans…

and storks which I always perceive as the ones that deliver babies from the clouds as cartoons would depict them…

it was not difficult to morph into a bird lover in a blink…

Pink flamingos, yellow-beaked whatever and lotsa feathered creatures…

I wish someday I can capture them in flights and in their natural habitats.

I’d like to learn how to photograph them beautifully.

Do you like birds, I mean feathered creatures? :P

———————————–o

 

27
Feb
11

GABBY WON AGAIN, 3 YEARS IN A ROW!

By docgelo 16 Comments
Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and HEADLINES
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When he was 4 years old at Nursery, he won 3rd place in their Declamation Contest in school with his poem, “For My Country.”

The feat was carried on to his Kindergarten when he was awarded 4th Place in the same annual contest with his piece, “Planting Rice.”

That was Gabby last year with his classmate, Chloie; then, a year after…

Yesterday, I had a few calls and sent SMS to my wife, Tina at lunch time but she missed them all. I forgot that she attended to our son, Gabby’s declamation contest held at one of the function rooms in Ateneo De Manila University. No, Gabby’s not enrolled in ADMU, but it has been always a venue for their preschool’s extracurricular activities including graduation rites (usually at Henry Lee Irwin Theater).

It was only few hours after that my wife answered my call then I heard the great news that Gabby won 2nd place in their declamation contest, beating few sections of Preparatory students. Congratulations, son! Ang husay mo, manang-mana! :D

We love you, Gabby! We’re so proud of you, son!

See you here in Penang in 3 weeks time! :D

PS : You may not have won first place in those contests, son, but always keep in mind that your mom and I have you as our  champion forever! WE LOVE YOU SO!

26
Feb
11

BIRTHDAYS ARE MADE OF THESE

By docgelo 18 Comments
Categories: EVENTS, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
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You know there’s a birthday party when there are…

Balloons…

Party hats…

Gifts…

Cakes…

And more cakes…

Venue dressed to the nines…

The Guests…

And of course, the celebrators!

25 February 2011, Friday, Waziria Medical Square, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.   A few months ago, the institution that we’re working at came up with an idea to gather its community at the end of each month, outside its classrooms, conference halls without any lectures and meetings and office works but to party for our colleagues who were born on each specific month.  

It was the very first time for the Faculty of Medicine to sponsor and host (I was one of the emcees) this monthly birthday celebration.  With only less than a week to plan, we prepared almost everything, rolled up our sleeves, did multitasking even the blowing of balloons for the love of  our jobs.  *bow!* :D

                                         What made this birthday party extraordinary?

How often would you see medical doctors who are educators as well from different countries unite in blowing of balloons? hehehe…

(from L-R) Dr. Mila from Myanmar, Dr. Vivian from the Philippines and Dr. Phoo also from Myanmar

How many companies celebrate their employees’ natal day all at the same time?  How many times have you spent your birthday in a foreign ground with celebrators from various walks of life, cultures, religions and colors?  How frequent can you experience a potluck party of food from different nationalities? (oops, that reminds me I forgot to capture the spread at the buffet table!)  Occasion with elements such as these doesn’t happen even on a yearly basis.

I must admit, I enjoyed it! :D

:D What’s your most memorable birthday celebration?

——————————————-o

PS : Of course, nothing beats special occasions spent with your family and loved ones. :D

23
Feb
11

CONFESSIONS OF A DIM SUM MONSTER

By docgelo 15 Comments
Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
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Admittedly, I love to eat, who doesn’t? And few of my favorites are basically Asian dishes, obviously because of my roots. Other than Filipino food, I like Japanese! Sushi, sashimi, tempura and teppanyaki which I have tasted as authentic as it gets when I was in Tokyo for 2 weeks last year. From Pinoy and Japanese gastromic delights, I also love Chinese food! Yang chow fried rice, Peking Duck, some Schezuan dishes and yes, dim sum and dumplings!

Can you honestly differentiate a dim sum from a dumpling? Certainly, I cannot until this post (or perhaps when I blogged about them few years ago). It only proves that I haven’t started dwelling in the food that I eat the way a righteous foodie should be. (google translate : I only love to eat but too lazy to read!).

“Dim sum is a Cantonese term for a type of Chinesedish that involves small individual portions of food, usually served in a small steamer basket or on a small plate. Going for dim sum is usually known in Cantonese as going to “drink tea” (yum cha, 飲茶). (Sourced via  Wiki)


“Dumplings are cooked balls of dough.They are based on flour, potatoes, bread, or matzoh, and may include meat, fish, or sweets. They may be cooked by boiling, steaming, simmering, frying, or baking. They may have a filling, or there may be other ingredients mixed into the dough. Dumplings may be sweet or spicy. They can be eaten by themselves, in soups or stews, with gravy, or in any other way. While some dumplings resemble solid water boiled doughs, such as gnocchi, others such as wontons resemble meatballs with a thin dough covering.” (Sourced via  Wiki)

As an expat for 7 months now, I am still in the process of absorbing everything in my new ground and that includes diversity of everything. Penang celebrates the presence of its 3 predominant races -Malays, Indians and Chinese. And indubitably, with their religions and cultures, food also varies and offers quaint appeal to everyone’s taste buds.

I have been keeping my love affair with Chinese food long before I decided to work here in Penang.

And so I heard that there’s a cheap but authentically great dim sum place tucked in Butterworth called Orient Precious Restaurant, which is actually an upscale side street eatery (or in Pinas we call it, “turo-turo“) but to me and the rest of my fellows, a haven of irresistible dim sums. However, I regret the fact that I passed on the first chance to sample them for I didn’t join my colleague-friends who came in troop (15+ of them!) when they dined there last week. It was because I was waiting for a Skype conversation with my family.

Sunday came and a suggestion from my housemates was raised that I should try it and come with them. And so I did. But luck wasn’t on my side because we found out that Orient Precious Restaurant is closed every Sunday evening.

Last night (Tuesday, 22 February), we decided to go there again and finally, we’re not disappointed.

Here’s my shameless display of what I pig-out :

FIRST ROUND!

After several minutes of waiting for the second serving…

ROUND TWO!

Burp! :P

Plus, I ordered an enormous Bola-bola siopao as takeaway which I had for breakfast the next day.

Was everything worth my RM 22.60 (PhP 316.40) ?  You bet!

That scallop-dim sum in thick soup and those seafood siomai and others which I didn’t bother to ask the names, are so tasteful that it can give the Chinese-restaurant and eateries in Ongpin and Binondo Streets in Manila, or even in Hong Kong a run for their money.

We’re all ready to go but one of my friends asked me to photograph the only pet in sight that evening in that the dim sum place…

Of all living creatures, I hate to see cats in food places that serve dim sum and dumplings, don’t you? If you’re Pinoy like me and you’re familiar with that running joke associating those yummies with those furry pets, you know what I mean, hahaha!

_____________________________o

21
Feb
11

ENTICING COLORS OF GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

By docgelo 25 Comments
Categories: ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: , , , , ,

George Town or Georgetown, is the capital of the state of Penang in Malaysia. Named after Britain’s King George III, George Town is located on the north-east corner of Penang Island and has 157,743 inhabitants. The Penang metropolitan has a population 1,253,748, the third largest metropolitan in Malaysia by population.

Formerly a municipality and then a city in its own right, since 1976 George Town has been part of the municipality of Penang Island, though the area formerly governed by the city council is still commonly referred to as a city, and is also known as Tanjung (“The Cape”) in Malay and 喬治市 (Qiáozhì Shì) in Chinese.

The inner city of George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sourced from Wiki

I considered myself lucky blessed for I was given a chance to work and live in Penang, Malaysia. I and some 23 Filipino doctor-educators became expats here last July 30, 2010.

Penang is more like Manila or its nearby provinces; but the presence of 3 races -Malays, Chinese and Indians with their colors, religions, cultures fused into one city make it distinctly diverse compared to our own country.

Allow me to showcase my humble captures of Georgetown, one of UNESCO World Heritage Cities.

If you’re traveling to Penang for the first time and will not be coming from the airport which is in the Penang Island itself, here are my few travel tips to guide you on your trip.

You need to get off from a train or a bus (which comes from Kuala Lumpur or as far as Singapore or Thailand) in Penang Sentral Bus Station in Butterworth then be ready with your RM 1.20 (PhP 16.80) to pay ticket for the roundtrip ferry ride at the jetty.

This ferries take you from Penang Sentral in Butterworth to Georgetown and the rest of the Island…

I find the 12-minute ferry ride relaxing. I and my colleague-friends usually sit in the first pews in front to grasp some fresh sea breeze. Stress is somehow diminished once I ride the ferry.

Then after you get off the ferry, you need to find your way to explore Georgetown. There are few Informasi booths (Information) located at the bus terminals where you can ask directions and what Rapid Penang bus number you need to take.

Or if you are in the mood to splurge, you may opt to ride teksi cabs which may  cost you RM 10 (PhP 140) and up on the meter, depending where you’re going. (note : I don’t recommend taking teksi cabs unless it’s past 10PM in Butterworth where Rapid Penang buses become no longer available).  It is best to enjoy Georgetown and the rest of the Island via buses and foot.

You know that you’re in Georgetown already when you see the roundabout at the Queen Victoria Clock Tower…

It is not only the cultures of the 3 predominant races in Penang that is apparent in Georgetown but also the British influence. From it’s contemporary buildings to the centuries-old ones, there’s always something you can appreciate and learn a thing or two from its history without even reading books or just before deciding to get inside a museum. Georgetown is definitely rich in everything! It’s not included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites for nothing.

Berhenti means Stop! in Bahasa Melayu…

Then if you must, you may convince yourself to ride the trishaw for RM 30 (PhP 420) per hour which can still be discounted to a lower rate depending on your talent on haggling..

I personally don’t like it for I pity those drivers who take the pedals manually and mostly in their geriatric ages..

One of the streets of Georgetown that is mostly frequented by foreigners and I mean the Americans, Europeans, Australians is Lebuh Chulia or Chulia Street…

Other laterals of Georgetown has more vivid  and vibrant colors…

An early morning walk in Georgetown is such a feast to the senses…

Believe me, there’s more of Georgetown and Pulau Pinang that’s worth any backpacker’s adventure. And did I already tell you that the gastronomic delights are almost endless in this part of Malaysia?

So, will I see you in Georgetown? *wink*

————————————————–o

20
Feb
11

BMW = BE MY WIFE!

By docgelo 14 Comments
Categories: EVENTS, ILOVEPHOTOS and MALAYSIA
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My 2 fellows at work and now, mentor & batchmate in this wonderful hobby called photography, had absolutely no idea that while we’re shooting these 2 BMW cars we found, parked opposite the facade of Plaza Gurney yesterday afternoon; I became a little nostalgic of  what my wife and I experienced 7 years ago.

I recalled neither Tina nor I had a chance to choose our wedding car since everything we availed was part of the hotel package. 

No regrets because Lady Luck was on our side during that ”big day.” 

We were told then by the banquet manager that our supposed “bridal car” broke down and was, at the last minute, replaced by the Dusit Hotel Nikko with a Lincoln stretch limousine at no extra cost!

*all photos of our wedding were taken by Ariel Javelosa (click here  to view our album).

                 

Tina asked our costurera to do a custom-made bride-and-groom gears for the 2 teddy bears we bought in the mall; the same piece of cloth from her gown was used. So the bumper of the limo did not have flowers only but those cute little ones which were also brought to the table of the cake for display.

So long for wedding stories.

What matters most is what happens after the wedding…

I’m talking about MARRIAGE.  What were you thinking? :P  

toinks!

PS : How did you find my trying-hard-captures? Nonetheless, Alfonso (my toy D7000) and I had fun clicking those shots yesterday.

18
Feb
11

I ATE FRIED DEVIL

By docgelo 10 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Comfort food means…

  • Ice cream.
  • Chocolates.
  • Pizza with lotsa cheese toppings.
  • Potato chips.
  • and the list goes on…

In stressful and manic times, I find solace in scooping a favorite flavor of ice cream or savoring a bar of dark chocolate and everything becomes OK in a heartbeat.

Last weekend, I never thought my feet will bring me again to a small restaurant in Plaza Gurney to try a snack set for the second time. Perhaps, because it took me 7 months of waiting for my craving for that warm and tasteful congee to be satisfied and this Chinese food place called, “I Love Yoo” which has a branch also at the food court of Queensbay Mall, Penang doesn’t disappoint.

Congee with scallop + Yoo tiao, chilled soya drink and Seasame peanut balls

This set of comfort food is different for it’s rich in history.

Just before eating those deeply fried bread called ‘Yoo tiaw’ by dunking it piece a by piece on the congee,poster about it on the restaurant’s wall caught my attention.

“Legend has it that the Yoo tiao is first created during the Song dynasty by two people. It was previously known as “chua kwai”, loosely translated- fried devil.

How did it all begin? It all started with a murder conspiracy.

Jealous of the dynasty’s most loyal and devoted General- Yu Fei, Grand councilor Qin Kuai and his wife plotted and schemed and murdered the General at Fengboting. This injustice attracted a massive public outcry.

At that time, there was a food vendor that sold fried foodstuff. Hearing about the wrongful death of the General, the food vendor, in his rage, immediately sculpted miniatures of two people -one to represent the Grand Councilor and the other to represent his wife –from dough. Twisting them together with their backs facing each other, he then threw the dough into the wok filled with hot oil and shouted, “Come see, Kuai, being deep fried!” “Come see, Kuai, being deep fried!”.

When passers-by heard about Kuai being deep fried, they crowded around his stall and knew who those two figures represented. As they ate, they continued with the chanting and yelled out to others, “Come see, Kuai, being deep fried!”.

The Yoo tiao may come fro origins such as this, but this delicious Chinese snack lived on through the ages and can now be found everywhere in the world. There is a saying that goes, “Wherever the Chinese are, there you’d find, Yoo tiao.”

I have never been fascinated with a snack’s origin until I’ve tasted Yoo tiao.

Have you?

What’s your favorite comfort food?

Enjoy your weekend, everyone! God bless.

17
Feb
11

T’SAI SHEN TAU : 3RD & LAST PART OF A SERIES

By docgelo 12 Comments
Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, HEADLINES, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
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Who would not be enticed to enter such spectacular facade leading to a street of festivities?

It was half hour past 4 in the afternoon last Saturday when we reached Lebuh Chulia (Chulia Street) in George Town, Pulau Pinang to celebrate the diversities of 3 predominant races here in this side of Malaysia.

the Malays…

the Indians…

and the Chinese…

The year of the rabbit has officially ushered in and they have the occasion here in Penang for 15-long days of merry making, fireworks and whatnot that started last February 3 and will end today, the 17th.  Part 0f the reasons for the event was to commemorate the inclusion of George Town as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Cities (read : Penang Island is a must visit!).

 The theme for this year big event’s T’sai Shen Tau  which means The God of Prosperity has arrived…

As everyone began to trooped to this group of chinky-eyed males clad in orange, Dr. Yambao, Dr. Carlo and I positioned ourselves to capture such unique street procession called CHINGAY… 

“Chingay originated from China, and the Penang Chinese first performed Chingay during deity processions.  It is a street art where the performer balances a giant flag that ranges from 25 ft to 32 ft in height and about 60 pounds in weight.”

Every attempt to throw the bamboo pole to the air and catch and balance it on someone’s forehead was done harmoniously with the beat of the drums and cymbals played by these Chinese of younger generation…

Look at the pure reaction of amazement from these kids…

All in all, this very first photo-walk with colleague-friends, Dr. Yambao and Dr. Carlo was a day well spent. 

We witnessed unity amidst diversities in Penang. 

It was tiring but our experience remains priceless.

Indeed, the God of prosperity has arrived…

—————————————o

Read the first 2 parts of this series :

T’SAI SHEN TAU PART ONE

T’SAI SHEN TAU PART TWO

—————————————o

15
Feb
11

T’SAI SHEN TAU : 2ND OF 3 PART-SERIES

By docgelo 23 Comments
Categories: EVENTS, HEADLINES, ILOVEPHOTOS and MALAYSIA
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T’sai Shen Tau  means The God of Prosperity has arrived…

The event last weekend was part of the Chinese New Year celebration and to commemorate the inclusion of Georgetown, Penang in one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Cities.

In few cities I’ve been to –there are always a Chinese community and a Chinatown and Penang is not an exception.  Being one of the three races in this part of Malaysia (with Malays and Indians), the Chinese people are not to be disregarded. Whether in business, in schools, in malls or just about anywhere and everywhere, their presence is always felt.

On my seventh month of being an expat, it was my first time to experience Chinese New Year in Penang. The celebration stretches from February 3 to 17–or fifteen long days of fun and festivities.

Versatility is one of their strong characters.  They can be so reserved…

Or appear to be on top of the world…

Their concern to protect Mother Nature and giving importance to one’s roots were so apparent in the street tableaux…

 

back to the basics…

Even ‘lending a helping hand’ was depicted on the streets…

The Recycle-Reuse-Reduce echoed in the streets of Georgetown last weekend…

What fellow medical educators, Dr. Yambao & Dr. Carlo do for this hobby called photography...

And while my 2 companions were busy clicking their D7000, I didn’t let my chance to taste this Chinese Sharksfin soup pass… For RM 3 (PhP 42) it was thick and flavorful, enough to complete my delight.

Soon after my tummy’s warmed by that tasteful soup, I continued the experience of immersing myself to bits and pieces of Chinese lifestyle in Penang back in those early years…

There were young ladies who acted as vendors…

Sugar canes as one of their commodities…

Oriental pieces never fail to fascinate me…

Even the skies were decorated for the event.

No detail was overlooked…

Chinese decors are a real feast to the eyes…

And the vivid colors of their decors and ornaments are a reflection of their people…

Would you agree that they also have a natural thing for humor?  Check out this kid’s hair piece…

And when it drizzled, this couple didn’t mind putting on egg trays to cover their heads; how amusing!

The streets were geared for the occasion from afternoon…

to sun down…

“Nothing and no one can destroy the Chinese people. They are relentless survivors.” -Pearl Buck

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

————————————–o

13
Feb
11

T’SAI SHEN TAU : 1ST OF 3 PART-SERIES

By docgelo 25 Comments
Categories: EVENTS, MALAYSIA and ILOVEPHOTOS
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

12 February 2011. Saturday.   One of my housemate-colleagues and I left our penthouse in Butterworth, Penang at around 8:30 in the morning.  We rode the Rapid Penang bus to Jetty for about 10 minutes where we met one of our senior fellow medical educators who happens to be our inspiration, mentor and our driving force to pursue this hobby called photography.:D

At the jetty, we hopped on the ferry for that 12 minute ride and reached Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. We went to the camera shop where they bought their Nikon D7000 (I got mine 7 days ago from a different store) and took our quick bites for lunch after.

Our first plan was to go to Penang Hill and spend the day for photoshoot. But just before getting in another bus, I took the initiative to inquire from the dispatcher if the renovations in the funicular in that site were already done. The answer was negative so we decided to go take another route – Penang Butterfly farm.

But soon enough after we learned that Penang Butterfly farm’s entrance fee for adults doesn’t fit our budget (read : the 3 of us have Nikon D7000 but remain considerate of our pockets), we just took photos of some flying living things outside that park (which I will post in the succeeding parts of this series) and left after few hours.

Yet I enormously enjoyed the day despite the looong joy ride and dozing off episodes inside the bus. And what saved our day was my suggestion to go to Lebuh Chulia (Chulia Street) in Georgetown (near Jetty) where a cultural celebration was about to unfold.

Fortunately, I got a free Penang tourism magazine from the rack at the entrace of Butterfly Farm, browsed and learned about T’sai Shen Tau event.

T’SAI SHEN TAU  means

The God of Prosperity has arrived.

The iN Penang tourism magazine excerpts :

“Just as “Jingle Bells filled the air during Yuletide, the sound of  drums and cymbals and the tune, T’sai Shen Tau (The God of Prosperity has arrived) takes over the Chinese community gears up for the fifteen day-long Chinese New Year celebration.

On the 12 February, the CNY & Cultural Heritage Celebration organized by the Clan Association Youth Committee is not to be missed. The event is initiated by the Penang Clan Council and the State Government to Celebrate  Georgetown’s UNESCO listing as a World Heritage City.  From 3:30PM to midnight, there will be a series of cultural events that showcase Chinese history, culture and arts. Huge crowds are expected to throng the enclave comprising Chulia Street, Armenian Street, Soo Hong Lane, Ah Qyee Street, Acheen Street, Cannon Street, Kampong Kolan and Jalan Kapitang Keling.”

Hence, we arrived in Chulia Street at past 4 in the afternoon and witnessed a  burst of diversity.  Remember, Penang is composed of 3 major races –(in no particular order)

Malays, Indians and Chinese…

Three races. 

Three colors. 

Three tongues.

One City.

One Nation.

Here are some of my captures from the streets and cultural shows that motivated me more to learn the skill and appreciate the hobby.

FYI, Most, if not all Indian women here in Penang wear their Sari proudly on a daily basis.

“The wise man belongs to all  countries, for the home of a great soul is the whole world.”  –Democritus

 

 

 

to be continued….

 ———————————————-o

10
Feb
11

BAGITONG LITRATISTA

By docgelo 23 Comments
Categories: ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and WORK
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It has been 5 days since I had my very first DSLR -a Nikon D7000 and I am guilty of not spending time to learn its modes and functions, haven’t completed reading its manual yet, nor finished browsing tips and write ups on online forum for newbie on photography.

If only there’s a training-workshop here in Penang for beginners on this hobby, I’ll be first to enlist my name; I so wish to attend. For now, the cliche ‘practice makes perfect’ serves as my driving force.

Today, I brought Alfonso with me at work and here are the things we captured…

I  clipped Gabby’s ID photos on one of the schedules in front of my work desk.

Here’s one of the lecture rooms in the medical university-college where we work.

Some of the school’s Anatomical Models used in teaching…

Skeleton not in the closet…

Anatomic models take 2…

Babies in utero…

DOC ANNA, of the blog Centromeredaw and one of my bubbliest Pinoy colleagues never ran out of poses for the cam… We enjoyed this impromptu shoot, hahaha :D

I had fun clicking Alfonso and capturing my colleagues’ smile on frame.

Here’s Doc Ted on very early morning Skype…

Fun never ends even on black and white…Doc Beeboo, who’s one of my professors in Biochemistry back 1997 in Med School, now my colleague and Doc Carlo, one of my housemate-colleagues and batchmates in Medicine…

Doc Beeboo and Doc Anna’s kulitan moments…

Doc Roy and by now, you know her, DOC ANNA.

My colleague-friends are versatile models; they can shift moods in a heart beat!

Isa kang modelo, Anna Liza! jejeje :P

My other Pinoy colleague-friends trooped and smiled ears to ears…

(from L-R) Doc Beeboo, Doc Anna, Doc Genny, Doc Brenda, Doc Roy of the 23 Pinoy MD-lecturers in this side of Penang…

(L-R) Doc Brenda, Doc Anna, Doc Naomi, Doc Roy and Doc Genny…

…they’re few of the best exports from Pinas!

Till my next photoshoot, hahaha! :D  

——————————————————O

 

09
Feb
11

WATZUP, DOC?

By docgelo 7 Comments
Categories: Attitude, BOOBTUBE, MALAYSIA and WORK
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We’re only half way through the week but I felt I have done so much of both unimportant and essential things.  I have been quite preoccupied with several things that were good enough to slightly diminished my boredom and homesickness.   

Work has been busier lately with the incoming lectures in Anatomy-Physiology; coupled with its Laboratory or Practicals and Tutorials for PreMed; an almost endless everyday-meetings with my colleagues and bosses but I am not complaining. Despite of the paper works and powerpoint presentations that go with it, I am grateful for so many things the past weeks and could not entertain to think any negative thoughts.

There’s still that nightly Skype with Tina and Gabby, regular preparation of my baon (cooked foods + fruits) to work, ironing my work wear, washing laundry and dishes –things that an expat do on a daily basis. Nakakapagod din minsan! Talaga naman!

But who would not be excited if you know you’ll be reunited with your family in 38 days and counting?  Just last night, I took out my credit card (again!) and purchased airfare tickets via online reservations at Cebu Pacific (MLA-KUL) and Air Asia (KUL-PEN) for Tina and Gabby. 

They’ll be coming over with 20 kg of luggage each on March 19. Yeeha! They’ll be here with me in Penang for at least we (Tina and I) have contracts with our employers. (FYI, Tina nailed a 1-year renewable contract with Penang Adventist Hospital during her 2-week December break here but she still has to wait for the release of her Malaysian Nursing Council Registration before she can start exploring the Operating Room).

Remember, AMANDA ,my violin?  We’ve started playing music together for the very first time as I’ve started my weekly beginners’ class with her. Ang saya, during the one-hour session, I’ve relived my rondalia days when I was in Grade 4 playing banduria with my schoolmates.

And tomorrow, I’ll bring my other toy baby,  ALFONSO to work to try to capture some scenes and whatnot. I still have to exert efforts in reading its manual, online forum on photography and ask anyone who cares to share their expert opinion about getting started on DSLR photography to a newbie like me.

I’m in love with my camera and violin.

I have started watching a TV series of a psycho killer named DEXTER via downloaded episodes online copied directly to my external drive from my colleague-friends. They’re at Season 5 already, I just started with Season 3 Episode 1 this afternoon and to think that there are 12 episodes per season, there are more to catch up with them.

At this early, I am thinking things like transferring to a new condo for rent at the Island on or before August –this means, I and Tina have to be ready with at least RM3000 (xPhP 14) for the 2 months advance, 1 month deposit plus budget for things to buy like the basics of urban living.  And then there’s Gabby’s education here.  I’m planning with Tina’s approval, to enrol him first to piano lessons (Gabby prefers it than violin) on April then scout with them an  appropriate school for our kid. I think we can enlist him on or before January intake here; at least we have the resources by that time; I hope. *crossed fingers*

I also have other financial and family problems that are not supposed to be discussed publicly. Oops, did I just mention it?

I try not to dwell on problems that I cannot handle alone. I’d better be busy with something more fun and productive.

I still wish to spend a whole day sleeping in my bed, thinking of nothing. I am so weak to do it!

And you?

How’s life treating you lately, if  I may ask?

—————————————-o

07
Feb
11

TAKIPSILIM

By docgelo 21 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and MALAYSIA
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

And so immiediately after I arrived from work this Monday afternoon, my new toy  baby,  Alfonso (read : my very first DSLR which I only got last Saturday) and I started making fun moments at  the back of our condo where the baywalk promenade is.  I brought him and admired the glorious sunset in Butterworth and had my very first MANUAL mode shots.   

Here are they in the raw. All taken at around 7PM (dusk falls in Butterowrth at 8PM, FYI). Comments and constructive criticisms are most welcome; just be sweet OK? :D

Like any other beginner, I am a work in progress. 

Like a child who has started to learn how to walk, I know I’ll get by gradually.

It’ll take time to grasp the craft but what’s important now is that I have already taken the very first step. :P

06
Feb
11

ALFONSO

By docgelo 29 Comments
Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, HEADLINES and MALAYSIA
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Although I felt short of our 4-day paid holiday here in Penang to celebrate Chinese New Year, simply because there are more places to explore and things to do,  I am still thankful for all the blessings – big and small.

The coming days will be more fruitful, I know. 

You remember, my violin, Amanda, right?

Beginning this Wednesday at 6:30pm to 7:30pm and every Wednesday thereafter, I and some 3 colleague-friends will learn the basics of violin in a Chinese Music School in Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth.

Then, learning new things never stops.

Just last Saturday at Jalan Penang, Georgetown, I was accompanied by one of our friendliest senior-colleagues who’s into photography since I was 2 years old and a housemate-colleague who, like me, wants to learn and enjoy DSLR photography, to scout for a good buy of a camera. 

Meet my new toy baby, next to Amanda, third to Gabby, here’s Alfonso…  

Reading its manual and gradually going thru the basics is like learning how to read when I was 6. 

I’m extremely excited to acquire the skills, little by little.  I know it’ll be more than fun because when I showed Alfonso for the very first time to Tina and Gabby over skype, my son had his hands clapping with smiles from ear to ear. 

He cheered like, “Yehey, may camera na kami!  Wow, ang ganda!”

Those moments are the things you cannot buy; they’re absolutely priceless!

I hope with Amanda and Alfonso, my homesickness and boredom will diminish soon.

Thank God for all this bliss.  :D

————————————————–o

PS : Amanda and Alfonso are the names we (Tina and I) have in mind if and when we’ll have future kids next to Antonio Gabriel.

The 2 photos above were the first shots from Alfonso using automatic mode. I will try my best to learn how to operate him manually and all the modes he has… I wish you’ll see improvements soon.

04
Feb
11

4 BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND A DAM IN 1 DAY

By docgelo 20 Comments
Categories: MALAYSIA, TRAVEL, WISH LIST and WORK
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There’s no perfect day to visit Buddhist temples but on Chinese New Year. Why?

  • “Let the smoke from the burning incense cleanse away the old bad luck.
  • Let Budda and Quan Yin Bodhisattva bless you with the new good luck.
  • Let your heart open for new friends and happiness.
  • Let yourself meet the people, whom you care, and wish them “A Happy New Year.”
  • Let the beauty of the new blossoms in the garden of the temple color your new year.
  • Let the fresh sense of the Spring flower carry you to paradise.” (Sourced from here).

    • And so we did.  Together with 8 Pinoy colleague-friends, we trooped to the island via rented van and paid these wonderful places at Pulau Pinang a visit.

    First stop : SNAKE TEMPLE

    “Built in 1850, the Snake Temple also known as the Temple of Azure Cloud is dedicated to Chor Soo Kong, a priest who was believed to have extraordinary healing powers. However, according to local folklore, a religious man offered the venomous pit vipers shelter from danger and since then, they have stayed in safety of the temple.“

    It isn’t called Snake Temple without those creatures I feared the most. (Now, you know my phobia!). Believe me, other than the small Snake Farm beside the temple, they’re scattered at few plants and branches!  

     Kiapo or water cabbage (where the name of Quiapo in Manila was rooted from) never fails to catch my attention. I don’t know, it’s only green and seems to be ordinary to some but everytime I see one, the sight makes me smile.  

    Another object of my fascination are these candles in Buddhist temples; mostly we’ve seen were pineapple and lotus-shaped ones. 

     

    It was almost high noon when we left Snake Temple and moved on to our next destination…

    We took our lunch before asceding to the next temple; most of us came with baon (homecooked foods) from Kare-Kare complete with sweet and spicy bagoong, Pita with tomato salsa, Glass noodles with mushrooms, ponkan and some slices of apples. We also ordered Roast Pork rice toppings from the restaurant that made the meal complete.  After our hearty lunch, we began walking the streets toward Kek Lok Si Temple. Enroute, we bought few things we fancied…

    Iced Sugar Cane juice.  Note how Malaysians serve takeaway beverages (in plastic with tie and straw)…

    Then one of my senior colleagues spotted a nice and affordable hat with the name of the country we’re serving. The four of us (Dr. Carlo’s not in photo) bought each of different colors lah!

    Second stop :  KEK LOK SI TEMPLE

    If you’re from Pinas and have been to its Summer Capital, then you’re familiar with Mines View Park.  Remember those stalls that sell all kinds of souvenirs from key chains to T-shirts and others, that’s the same scene you’ll see as you go up from the street to the main Kek Lok Si Temple itself.  Useful tip : Hold on to your wallets, heads up for a great chance of shopping!

    After passing those venue for haggling, this sight of tranquility welcomed us.

    Set amidst the lush greens of the mountain, the temple looks spectacular!

    “Kek Lok Si Temple means, “Temple of Supreme Bliss”. Construction began in 1890, with the completion of its seven-storey handcrafted “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” in 1930.  The pagoda is considered one of Penang’s most beautiful architectural wonders with its Chinese octagonal base, Thai middle tier and a Burmese crown. A 30.2  Kuan Yin bronze statue was completed in 2002.”

    It was indeed a blissful experience at least for me who was awed by the beauty of this temple…

    Those were WISHING RIBBONS available at RM1 (PhP 14) each. I bought 5 and hang it on the tree for offering…

    I chose Everlasting Relationship in Marriage, Success in Career (of course, what am I here in Penang for?)

    ……Health, Safety for Entire Family

    and of course, how could I forget the classic, World Peace, FTW! :P

    (Seriously, Egypt’s current unrest and all disputes elsewhere should be settled, so help us God!)

    Inside Kek Lok Si Temple, I saw this Happy Buddha that I’d like to buy; but asking for discount inside the shrine wasn’t allowed for proceeds go to the temple itself. It charmed me extremely that I wish when I get the chance to bring Gabby and Tina here when they arrive in Penang on late March, it’s still available.

    Some more scenes from Kek Lok Si Temple…

    photo taken by our senior-colleague, the insipiring (yeeha!) Dr. Yambao via his D7000.

    The visit to the two temples led us to another two more. If you’ve been following my adventures in Penang, you know that I’ve been to Thai and Burmese Buddhist Temples in Burma Road, Georgetown already August last year. 

    The stunning facade of Thai Buddhist Temple…

     

    where one of biggest images of the Reclining or Sleeping Buddha is enshrined..

    Immediately across the road, you’ll find Burmese Buddhist Temple…

    where one of the tallest standing Buddha statues is venerated…

    “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”-Buddha.

    Then we met our foreign colleagues at the Burmese temple, they were also enjoying the holiday of course.

    Photo taken by the amazing, Dr. Manuel Yambao!

    But just after Kek Lok Si Temple and prior to going to Thai and Burmese Temples, we requested our Indian driver to take us to Air Itam uphill the Kek Lok Si Temple…

    Photo-op by the dam taken by Dr. Yambao with his D7000…(I’m inspired to get one and be under his tutelage!)

    Taken using Dr. Yambao's D7000...

     It was where we experienced breathtaking view of Ayer Itam Dam…

    Without a doubt, God’s presence was felt as we appreciated Mother Nature’s simplicity…

    The place is SURREAL! It’s absolutely perfect if you want to escape from the stressful life even for a heart beat. It’s a great place to lay down on the grass under the shade of a tree and do nothing but breathe.

    One of my friend-housemates gave in to the place’s temptation to doze off…

    Our last stop was at Fort Cornwallis located just before the Jetty port in Georgetown, Penang…

    We decided not to enter this walled battery of Georgetown anymore.  I’m sure, with due respect to Penang’s history, our Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila and Corregidor Island in between Cavite and Bataan are far better. And so we just sat and had lazy moments watching the crows at the baywalk in front of the fort.

    Did I had fun?

    You bet.

    To my fellow colleague-friends, Drs. Yambao, Beeboo, Naomi (and her Ole), Carlo, Dante (and his Laine) and Roy, thank you!  Sa uulitn, ha! :D

    The celebration of CNY here in Penang isn’t over yet.  More things to enjoy over the weekend…

    I’ll try to chase dancing lions and dragons tomorrow…

    ————————————-o

    02
    Feb
    11

    WEDNESDAY NIGHT MARKET

    By docgelo 22 Comments
    Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Sadly, I left Manila to work abroad without experiencing Weekend Markets in Salcedo and Legazpi Villages in Makati, Lung Center in Quezon City, Ortigas and even the recently established Mercato Centrale in The Fort (I was planning to pay it a visit last December but I found out that it was closed during the week I was in Manila and only reopened last January 8 when I was already back in Penang).

    Nonetheless, I have the  luxury of time to go to public markets here in Butterworth particularly every weekends and even on Wednesday.

    A street in between Taman Bagan Jermal and Jalan Raja Uda becomes alive every Wednesday night. Starting at 6PM, kiosks of varied merchandise and products from fruits,veggies, food stuffs, poultry products, seafoods, even clothes and whatever you can imagine are being sold there in its lowest prices.

    Here’s the street scene when we went there last week…(photos were taken at 6PM; sun goes down in Penang at around 8PM)

    Look at the, pardon my lack of term, baby eggplants…aren’t they cute for words?  Pang-torta? :P

    My colleagues… scrutinizing the fruits and veggies…

    Chinese here called our usual taho less tapioca or sago, Too Foo Far in brown sugar syrup; sarap!  They sell it for RM1 (PhP 14) at the Wednesday Night Market but in food court in Queensbay Mall, they have it for RM 3.20 (PhP 44.80).

    Si Manong nag-iihaw ng Chicken Satay…

    More stuffs to grill or fry, you like?

    Seafoods galore!  Imagine a plate of prawns (not in photo) cost only RM 5 (PhP 70) and you can cook it as buttered with garlic or sinigang if you have sinigang with gabi mix  from Pinas!

    Ito pa!…pili na… (parang nasa Divisoria or Balintawak lang…)

    Tonight, I went straight at the penthouse and passed on the Wednesday Night Market.  Perhaps, next week after our very first beginners’ class for violin at 6:30-7:30PM, we’ll drop by here to grab some stuffs to cook and some ready to bite yummies.

    Are you fond of going to the markets?

    If you’re an expat/OFW like me, despite some people view market-shopping as a thing more apt for ladies, you’ll be forced to go to and buy something for your own survival.

    BTW, Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone! Tomorrow marks our 4-day holiday here in Penang for CNY celebration; Thank God for paid holidays!  I’ll join my colleagues and friends in exploring some parts of the island.

    yeehaa! :D

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