Filipinos | beyond toxicity

Posts Tagged ‘Filipinos

May

WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE : ESCAPE

*The gorgeous living room

*The toilet & bath that looks divine and almost sterile

*My wife & son : my love, my life.

*We’re grateful for the experience; we’ll cherish the memories!

The theme of this week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge is so apt for what we’re having now. For 3 days and 2 nights, my family and I are spending the lovely weekend over a SPONSORED luxurious staycation at EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL PENANG’s 123-square meter-CORNER SUITE. They invited me to review the newly built Victory Annexe Wing of this incredibly beautiful only-seafront view-hotel in George Town, Penang, Malaysia that boasts of heritage and timeless elegance; best, I’m experiencing everything with my family. It’s a sweet ESCAPE from our usual daily routine. It’s totally different experience that deviates us, even for a bit, from all hassles, stress and challenges of daily living in abroad. We cannot be grateful enough!

These photos are just teasers of the upcoming blog series about E&O Hotel Penang. Stay tuned!

This is my entry to WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE : ESCAPE

Dec

CHRISTMAS BREAK 2011 DAY 8 : BISPERAS NG PASKO SA ULINGAN

By docgelo 42 Comments

Our Christmas Break 2011 Blog Series includes :

En Route To Pinas
Day 2 : Ulingan, Tondo

————————–

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I was once lost but now am found. Was blind, but now I see.“

“T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear; the hour I first believed”

Even Santa Claus found time to visit the children of Ulingan.

“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.”

“The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.”

Thank you generous donors, co-volunteers and supporters of Project Pearls!

Bigay ng BreadTalk

“Yeah, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.”

“When we’ve been here ten thousand years. Bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise. Than when we’ve first begun.”

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.”

Pagpalain Nawa Tayo Ng Maykapal.

*Thank you so much PROJECT PEARLS (through the amazing photojournalist-blogger, Mr. Sidney Snoeck of the award winning blog, MY SARISARI STORE , the generous soul behind PROJECT PEARLS, Ms. Melissa Villa, and the rest of my co-volunteers) for sharing with me one of my most unforgettable experience in ULINGAN. Your unselfish efforts to help the children and their families living in Ulingan is awe-inspiring.

*For those of you who would like to contribute, donate, share, volunteer and help, kindly contact and coordinate with PROJECT PEARLS. Thank you and God bless!

*Amazing Grace, the song used in this post was written by John Newton.

Mar

PINOY ‘ATA KAMI!

By docgelo 13 Comments

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, filipino character, filipino people, filipino traits, Filipinos, japan, Pinoy, resilience

“We, Filipinos are resilient enough with adversities; we can even smile despite the fact that the city has been indundated or houses have been covered with ash fall. We are just one bunch of happy people.”

I uttered these lines or so the other day to one of our senior colleagues who heads the Medical department and hails from Pakistan when she sat with me and another friend-colleague in our university canteen while having our mid-morning snack and talked about the nature’s wrath in Japan recently. My Pinoy friend even told her that Filipinos’ smiles are even wider when there’s a TV camera flashed in front of them during typhoon and other calamity coverage. I could not agree more.

A poet once said, “A Filipino is pliant like a bamboo. Neither typhoons nor monsoons could break the Filipino spirit; like the bamboo, it sways and bends with nature’s relentless onslaughts, but it refuses to yield or die.”

Oct

BORACAY SERIES : THE BEACH FROM DAWN TO DUSK

By docgelo 30 Comments

Categories: BORACAY, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and TRAVEL
Tags: balabag boracay, beaches, best beach, best beach in asia, best beach in the philippines, best beach in the world, boat station 1 boracay, boat station 2 boracay, BORACAY, boracay beaches, boracay philippines, break, doc gelo, docgelo, Escondido, escondido hotel boracay, escondido resort boracay, family, family and living, family life, Filipinos, food blog, food blogger, foodie, island hopping, leisure, Life, most beautiful beach in the world, paraw, paraw in boracay, philippine islands, Philippine tourism, Philippines, Pinoy, resorts, resorts in the philippines, sand castles boracay, station 1 boracay, station 2 boracay, station one boracay, summer, summer break, summer fun, summer in the philippines, tourism, travel blog, travel blogger, traveling, vacation, willy's rock, willy's rock boracay

This is my 3rd post in a series.

Boracay has its unique Filipino charm. It has the glorious sunrise and the most magnificent sunset. And who can resist its turquoise crystal waters and sublime powdery sands? My family and I are missing it already

Our first morning in this island paradise was truly unforgettable. After a restful night, my wife, Tina, our 5-year-old son, Gabby and I made an effort to rise from our bed few minutes after 5AM to freshen up and hit the waters as early as 6AM.

Mother Nature has this scene to offer every sunny morning during off season at Boat Station 1…Boracay beaches is divided into three boat stations – Boat Station 1 has the finest, pristine white sands comparable to talc. As Boracay first-timers, we can’t help but to get few samples to bring home as a priceless souvenir

finest sand in my hand

Since the area isn’t as busy and is less crowded than Station 2 and 3, the hotels here are too pricey than others but with best amenities and services.

We stayed at ESCONDIDO BEACH RESORT in Station 1; since it’s not a beach front hotel, it’s budget-friendlier but nonetheless, relaxing, safe and with the warmest service too Few steps from Escondido and after crossing the main street and passing through a sidewalk in between 2 beach front hotels, we’ve an access to the waters already…

That second rectangular hole from the left served as our path to the beach.

Willy’s Rock, named after a beach front resort near it, is one of the attractions in Boat Station 1. It has impressive rock formation near the shores and a grotto of Our Lady.

It’s so amazing to see it on both high tide and low tide.

Breathtaking views of the white beach of Boracay can be best appreciated from the uppermost area of Willy’s Rock, all 360 degrees of it!

I guess anyone can enjoy Boracay at its most quiet moments during off seasons and every sunrise when most tourists and backpackers are still asleep or intoxicated with alcohol from a nightout.

Here’s another view from the top most area of Willy’s Rock …

For people like us who lives in urban areas, this rock formation is a sight to behold…

We just can’t hide the fact that we’re enjoying Willy’s Rock that morning…Wala kasing ganito sa Greenbelt o TriNoma, LOL…

I found this signage very important that I wish everyone in Boracay, tourists or not, should always take into action.

When Tina and Gabby sat on the sand and played with it, I left them for a while to take a short walk from Willy’s Rock to the northern part of Boat Station 1…

Next are my “NOT OUR HOTEL” photos…LOL…

Seriously, you might be interested and consider these beach front hotels on your visit to the island. But then again, you know now what I recommend. Sea Wind Boracay Island Resort

Sur Boracay Resort

Ambassador Hotel…

Pearl of the Pacific Boracay

Residencia Boracay

Other than those in my photos, the other notable upscale resorts in Boat Station 1 are Discovery Shores, Fridays and the newest addition to them – Shangri La Boracay If you have the budget to splurge, go ahead, by all means indulge! It’s your vacation anyway!

As I went back to Willy’s Rock, I noticed my family became too busy making sand patterns…

I tried making one, but I just left it with Tina and Gabby

We ate breakfast at the hotel, took showers and headed again to the beach. We walked and walked and walked from Boat Station 1 to 2 where most restaurants, establishments including ATM machines are located (I’ll post about D’mall and our eat outs next on this series).

In the afternoon, Boat station 2 has these sights to boast…

PARAW or sail boats with two outrigger canoes (or for us Pinoys, katig) predominate the shores of Boat Station 2 when winds are present every afternoon… Paraw with boat men are all for rent with price starts from PhP 600 per hour. Did we try it? No. Gabby, Tina (and I) preferred to pig out rather than to sail

Actually, my wife has vertigo making her too anxious of an attack during airplane and boat rides. So we rather dip into the water, eat, savor the wind, sand, and sun than sail or take island hopping… Island hopping which usually takes more than 4 hours going to Puka Beach and Crystal Cove and other isles near Boracay costs about PhP 1,500 and up; some offer snorkeling gears and free snacks and buffet lunch too.

Seeing all these made me realize why Boracay is considered one of the best beaches in the world. Tourism is alive regardless of season in this island.

Other than riding the paraw or sail boats, island hopping or taking glass-bottom boat rides, parasailing and scuba-diving can also be enjoyed. Most people we saw also have henna tattoos on their bodies which are so affordable from PhP 50 up and stays temporarily on the skin for 2 weeks. We never tried it for 2 reasons - we fear of paying damages when sheets at the hotel are stained and it’s not just us to have tattoos, permanent or otherwise. You can also ask and pay some women to braid your hair or get some relaxing massage by the beach or inside their facilities. Other attractions or must-do in Boracay is riding an ATV/all terrain vehicles which costs roughly thousands of pesos depending on the duration of driving. We saw some of these on the main road with the local tricycles and other vehicles. Since ATVs don’t have its own trail, driving it puts anyone to an accident-prone area especially with reckless drivers. For some, it’s part of the thrill. To each his own.

Fantastic is an understatement. Despite the commercialism, we wish Boracay could be maintained as serene and as clean as this so more local and foreign tourists can enjoy Boracay for many years.

It’s a common thing during weekends to spot marvelous sand castles along the shores and in front of those beach front hotels. Pictures may be taken for a voluntary donation of any amount. Before dusk, these sand castles are illuminated by lighted bottles.

Indeed, Boracay is such a fascinating island to explore. It’s so gorgeous that one can easily be lured and seduced by its beauty. It’s too enticing to people who long to leave the busy life even temporarily.

We’re just glad to finally enjoyed it

What’s your best memory of the beaches in Boracay?

Up next : our Boracay food trip!

Oct

PANIC SI MISTER, PANIC SI MISIS

By docgelo 18 Comments

This was the scene at Landmark Supermarket in TriNoma, Quezon City today when we did our not-so-ordinary weekly grocery shopping at around half hour past 3 in the afternoon…

I asked the cashier and the bagger who assisted us if this was the picture since morning. They told me that shoppers came in troops since last week.

Everyone was in PANIC mode or perhaps just like us, only wanted to BE PREPARED for the typhoon Pepeng. After what Tropical Storm Ondoy had done to Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces, most Pinoys have learned lessons from Nature (I hope so). We need not to be former boy or girl scouts to be always ready with everything; or to be somenone with OCD/Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to be most concerned and anxious at anything. Preparedness is the key to these calamities. Remember it wasn’t raining when Noah built his ark.

In as much as I wanted to buy tons of food stuffs, our weekly budget wouldn’t allow It’s also bad to hoard too much supplies because other people might be left with nothing. So we only had this push cart and waited for 30 minutes at the queue to the cashier.

We’ve enough supplies of candles and batteries at home so much of the items we bought were all to secure our tummies for the next few days. I wish we also have extra budget to buy relief goods for the afflicted people from the wrath of Ondoy last week. We have donated old clothes and will give more next week. I wish to join medical missions but I can’t risk my family’s security these days. I just have to be with them.

I and my wife, Tina with our 5-year-old son, Gabby join the entire nation in praying fervently that our homes will be spared by the effects of typhoon. Kaya po natin yan, basta’t sama-sama!

On the lighter side, we can’t resist but to click our cam on these miniature pumpkins…

We were delighted to see something literally cute despite the situation..

We just failed to ask how much a piece or a kilo. Nevertheless, the sight of these pumpkins was enough to make us smile, ask Gabby…

Seriously, Let’s continue reaching out… LET’S ALL UNITE in PRAYERS.

May the Good LORD bless us ALL.

Be safe.

Sep

DUSIT THANI : REVISITED

By docgelo 20 Comments

September 20, 2009 - Two days after my 33rd birthday, my wife, Tina gave me her present : a confirmed reservation for the two of us, with our son, Gabby who eats for FREE at Dusit Thani’s Family Sunday Brunch Buffet! It was our second time to experience such gastronomic adventure in 4 different themed restaurants of Dusit : Benjarong – Thai; Basix -Asian-Continental; Tosca-Italian; Umu -Japanese; Our first dining experience of such epic proportions at Dusit was only last March and can be viewed here; it was such a blast, we had so much fun!

After I have donated blood last Thursday at St. Luke’s Medical Center, as my humble charity work for my birthday, and revisited Bellini’s with my family on the day when I turned a year older, this buffet brunch is more than enough. For the moment, life cannot be better than this!

We both love Dusit; it’ll be forever memorable for the 2 of us, because 2 sections of its ballroom served as our wedding reception venue more than five years ago. And the brunch we had six months back was so remarkable that we promised ourselves that we’ll try and explore other dishes some time. We even spread the word about this Family Brunch Buffet to our colleagues and friends.

We arrived at the hotel lobby at 11AM exactly half an hour before buffet starts. After paying PhP 1450 nett per pax, the friendly staff gave our wrist bands that rendered access to those 4 fantastic restaurants in Dusit Thani. We also got a chance to roam around the Japanese garden opposite Umu while waiting…

We like those kois on the pond and that man-made waterfalls…

We shot photos of Gabby at every ‘road signs’ heading to those 4 restos which he enjoyed so much!

Though she likes Basix, my wifey chose to reserved a table for 3 at Umu for she knows that I like the ambiance of that Japanese restaurant; not to disregard the fact that I’m excited to eat Umu’s teppanyaki again!

Who can resist the beauty of Umu?

Its contemporary Japanese interiors is so inviting. With those wooden tablets in black with gold Japanese characters, and a sushi-sashimi station at the center, and a classy atmosphere, everyone is easily drawn to its charm.

After being ushered to our table by a purple-Kimono clad staff, Tina and Gabby went to Basix to get some yummies, while I walked straight to an area in Umu to get some of these…

At the Teppanyaki section, you have the freedom to choose the ingredients you’d like the chef to grill for you at his teppan – from the freshest beef cubes which I skipped; to thinly sliced veggies, bean sprouts, mushrooms, shelled tiger prawns, pink salmon and lapu-lapu…A dash of salt and pepper and other Oriental seasoning and oil, voila!

My teppanyaki plate from Umu is always a personal favorite! I just love how those fresh seafoods are grilled to perfection!

I also got goodies that were deeply fried upon request : prawn and bacon which was sooo good! and ham and cheese, eggplant on sticks.

I didn’t pass the chance to try another favorite from Umu : SUKIYAKI Look how those bowls of very tender marbled beef and stock with veggies and soft tofu are prepared…

The glass noodles were soft and thick; the soup itself was never too sweet, neither too salty… Sarap!

Unlike Sukiyaki from other Japanese restos, Umu’s version doesn’t disappoint because of its almost fatless beef. Isn’t it obvious that I really like Umu? LOL

Other delectable must-try are : (from left to right) Tamago rolls, Ika Karaage, Salad, Cold Soba…

What’s a Japanese restaurant without sushi and sashimi ?

On way to Basix, there’s a lady dressed as Thailander who played the string instrument, Khim.

Basix has this relaxed and cool ambiance…

Tina and Gabby brought to our table at Umu this plate from Basix…

I was informed by the chef at Umu’s Teppanyaki section that Ebi Tempura’s cooking was transferred to Basix. Because it’s one of Gabby’s favorites, Tina got him generous servings of those battered shrimps. It’s not the best tempura we’ve tasted but nonetheless, OK. The mussels from Basix were bordering from tasteful to bland; still we favor Circles Events Cafe of Makati Shangri la when it comes to New Zealand Mussels.

When I went to Basix, I got a slice of Roast Beef and 2 wrapped rolls of Peking Duck. Peking Duck tasted fine, but I wish they can improve the Roast Beef’s mushroom gravy into a thicker consistency and making it more flavorful.

There are tons of choices to choose from the spread at Basix; the buffet duration of 11:30 AM to 3PM is just not enough! Too many food, so little time, LOL

What makes Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch creatively unique compared to other Live-cooking / open-kitchen buffets in other hotels is that diners in Dusit can burn calories immediately after munching. How? One has to walk from the base-station of choice (for us :Umu!) to the other 3 themed restos. I view it as Dusit’s advantage rather than its opposite. Diners may take the grand winding stairs, or on our case, who were tooooo lazy to walk, take the lifts to go to the mezzanine where Benjarong and Tosca are located. At the lobby, there are interesting characters to cheer up kids and the kid-at-hearts – just like this smiley stilt-walker who’s always ready for a photo-op :D

Being a Thai hotel in Manila, it’s not surprising that Dusit Thani’s Benjarong boasts of ambiance that’s so elegant and enticing to the senses. The entrance to Benjarong has a wall adorned with ceramics that will lead you to the main dining area.

But, I guess my palate isn’t partial to Thai dishes, whether mild, or super spicy. I only like their desserts.

YAM SOM O : Pomelo Salad, and YAM PLA DOOK FOO : Crispy Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad

YAM SAI KRAWK BACON THOD : Spicy Bacon Wrapped Sausage

MEE KROB KRATHONG : Sweet and Sour Crispy Vermicelli in Pastry Cup.

My Thai plate had a bit of everything…

I like those Thai sweet treats with coconut milk and glutinous rice…

KHANOM TAKO : Sweet Water Chestnut and Coconut Cream in Pandan Cup -> sarap!

KHANOM SOD SAI : Stuffed Glutinous Flour Ball with Grated Coconut and Sugar -> yum!

KHAO NIAO MAMUANG : Ripe Mango with Sticky Rice -> I love mangoes; i like rice! Tasted like bico.

Let’s leave Benjarong and allow me to take you to TOSCA, the Italian Restaurant of Dusit Thani in Makati…

Tosca is noted for its sophistication and class… the atmosphere is made subdued and comfy by a musician who plays the piano while diners enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine…

FREE FLOWING ITALIAN SPARKLING WINES, anyone ? This is another edge of Dusit Thani’s buffet. In other hotels, rates do not include beverages, but in Dusit, you can enjoy Italian wine flavored with either Dalandan or Raspberry to your hearts content! Other drinks available are Lemongrass Juice from Benjarong, Iced Green Tea from Umu, Dalandan and Raspberry Juices from Basix all in bottomless servings! Plus the staffs are always ready with smiles, which I most like!

There are wide array of food to be cooked and prepared upon request, from pasta to pizza, to salads and more.

I so wish our stomachs are bottomless too, LOL We can only eat as much.

I asked one of the chefs in Tosca to prepare me a personal-sized pizza. As he began to knead the dough I requested all toppings available except for olives. Tina and I aren’t fanatics of olives. He politely told me to return after 5 minutes as he bakes my pizza. It was delicious; the bread alone can stand sans toppings! As I enjoyed the pizza freshly made from Tosca, I failed to savor other Italian dishes like that Turkey Breast Stuffed with raisins and sage on roasted tomato cream (photo beside pizza); it looks delicious as well.

One rule that Tina and I have learned from buffets : MAKE ROOM FOR DESSERTS !

After my wife entrusted Gabby to the very accomodating staffs of KIDS’ STATION at the lobby, Tina and I became so busy with desserts… (Gabby opted to play and watch his favorite cartoons, Spongebob rather than stuffed his tummy like his parents, LOL). We had ice cream from Tosca, as we look upon Gabby.

DESSERTS from TOSCA : DIVINE!

DESSERTS from BASIX : SUBLIME!

Care for some D-I-Y HALO-HALO or CHOCOLATE FONDUE that tastes like Hershey’s?

While Gabby became occupied with having his face painted for FREE, Tina and I sat at Basix and had blueberry and mango crepes! I had mine topped with almond flakes.

BENJARONG SWEETS : EXQUISITE…

DESSERTS from UMU : TOOTHSOME…

Half hour before 3PM, we took time to photograph Gabby with the friendly balloon-maker and the man on stilts…

It was another memorable fun day with my family. What a way to welcome my 33rd year! The buffet was only icing on the cake; I am so grateful to our good Lord for my family’s health and safety. I am just thankful for having Tina and Gabby!

We love Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch!

Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City/Tel (63-2) 867-3333 Every Sunday 11:30 AM to 3:00PM/ PhP 1450 nett for adults/PhP 725 nett for children 6 to 12 years old.

Sep

SOMETHING FOR MOTHER NATURE

By docgelo 17 Comments

My wife, Tina our son, Gabby and I have made grocery shopping once a week a part of our family bonding. We like buying our stuffs from toiletries to laundry and kitchen supplies including bottled and canned goods, fresh meat, poultry and fish from huge stores like Landmark in TriNoma, Shopwise and Rustan’s and SM Supermarket in Araneta Center all in Quezon City. As simple as it is, we really enjoy pushing carts from shelf to shelf getting our weekly needs from our favorite groceries. Convenience spells the difference between a wet and dry public market and airconditioned, mud-and-insect-free supermarkets. Sure you can’t haggle with vendors unlike in the market, but there are a lot of bargains and items on sale in groceries too.

On a budget, this was our cart with four bags of goodies this Wednesday afternoon…

I’m not sure when did SM supermarket start this eco-friendly idea of avoiding the use of plastic bags every Wednesdays but I definitely appreciate it. Even on a once- a-week scheme, everyone is encourage to bring their green bags available at SM for PhP 35 buy-one-take-one. Each bag has printed tag line of “Save a Bag. Save the World.” It also entitles the bearer of SM Advantage (rewards) card to earn 2 points every shopping with those reusable bags. Otherwise, any customer who’ll deny its use, he/she has an option to carry his/her grocery items on carton boxes and paper bags similar to what is being practiced abroad for the longest time.

Other than those green bags from SM, we also have canvass grocery bags from Shopwise which can also be use at all Rustan’s branches.

At work, I never forget to bring my Starbucks tumbler to fill & refill it with water and I avoid using plastic cups which are not biodegradable when crushed, or will take years to decay at least.

Our little cooperation as a family to use these reusable tumblers and grocery bags and segregating garbage will contribute a lot in prolonging the life of our one and only planet. Imagine if all families in all cities within the country will learn to practice this, there will still be trees and fresh air that our children’s childern can enjoy in perpetuity.

Recycle, reduce, reuse. Be environment friendly!

Aug

PINOY ART & LRT PART 2

By docgelo 13 Comments

Categories: whatever
Tags: acrylic on canvas, art, art contest, arts, doc gelo, docgelo, Filipino, Filipino lifestyle, Filipinos, gateway mall, LRT, LRT PAINTING CONTEST, manila, metro manila, oil in canvas, painting, Philippine arts, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, quezon city, visual arts

Barely a month ago, I posted an entry about an art contest conducted by LRT Authorities that featured Filipino life inside the train that makes public transportation in some areas of Metro Manila readily accessible. View my former post here —> PINOY ART & LRT .

Unexpectedly, it was still on display; so I got a chance to view the exhibit again yesterday at the LRT Araneta Center-Cubao station as I went to Gateway mall. I’ve clicked my cam to note the titles of the masterpieces and the names of the remarkable Pinoy painters.

Take a peek at the entries and see the frame that championed the contest as you scroll down this post. Enjoy!

Daytoy Iti Biag Ko by Isagani P. Carlos, acrylic on canvas

If you’re a Filipino and you’re Catholic, you’ll surely admire how the artist of the painting below depicted our faith.

Last Trip ni Sante, Kalong Munting Bro by Godofredo F. Zapanta, Sr., oil on canvas

The next entry gave me a smile. As a father to our preschool son, I can relate to this simple art work.

Kaagapay sa paglalakbay by Dean Mark Enoza, acrylic on canvas.

It’s nice to see Araneta Coliseum, the clock tower of Manila City Hall and Rizal monument in Luneta together in one canvas. These places are reachable within 20 minutes via LRT…

Ayan na ang tren! by Marvin D. Gonzales, acrylic on canvas.

I like the use of primary colors in this abstract…

Sulong Pilipinas – Lalarga din Tayo by Patrick B. Fernandez, acrylic on canvas.

Agos Enerhiya by Joseph S. Domirez Jr., acrylic on canvas.

LRT, Kabalikat ni Juan sa Kaunlaran by Ronald L. Jeresano, acrylic on canvas.

And the painting that won GRAND PRIZE …

Sakay na rin po kyo by Mario B. Panis, oil on canvas.

Hats off to all Filipino artists! Thank you for sharing your talents. Mabuhay po kayo!

Jul

A CALL FOR PRAYER

By docgelo 6 Comments

Categories: Attitude and HEADLINES
Tags: 1986 edsa, cancer of cory aquino, corazon aquino, Cory Aquino, democracy, doc gelo, docgelo, EDSA revolution, Filipinos, freedom, People Power, Philippines, pilipinas, pinas, Pinoy, prayer for cory aquino, prayers for cory aquino, support for cory

UPDATED : I posted this entry 4 days prior to her death. Former President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino died of Cardiorespiratory Arrest secondary to Colon Cancer, Stage IV. She peacefully joins our Lord at 3:18 AM, o1 August 2009. May her soul rest in God’s embrace.

Filipinos all over the globe will forever remember your unparalleled contribution to our democracy and freedom.

I was in my 3rd grade when one of the world’s peaceful revolutions happened in EDSA back in 1986. I can still vividly recall the events how she was catapulted in power, mandated by the Filipino people as a result of longing for democracy. Needless to say, I grew up with her governance.

I do have my highest respect for Mrs. Aquino, not only as our former president who brought back FREEDOM in our country but as a person with deep FAITH beyond religion; a responsible woman who raised her kids despite of being a widow; a lady who stood by her man in one principle, and someone who stood up against a formidable dictatorship on behalf of the many.

Disregarding political issues, the more I admire her. She’s a woman of strength and humility. And now that she is battling with that dreaded condition, I don’t only sympathize with her in spirit but I emphatize as well. As a man of Medicine, I understand the pain she’s bearing. No one deserves to suffer that long and noxious. It’s best to pray for miracles, but for now I honestly hope for alleviation of her physical pain.

I am one with the many Filipinos and people across races who pray for her. It’s the least that I can do in my own gratitude for what she has done to the Philippines and to us Pinoys. May the good Lord bless her with His mercy. And may her condition bring UNITY to all of us again.

Jul

PINOY ART & LRT

By docgelo 34 Comments

Categories: whatever
Tags: art, art cpntest, art exhibit, doc gelo, Filipinos, Life, light railway transit, LRT, paintings, Philippine arts, Philippines, Pinoy, pinoy art, public transportation, visual art

If there’s one thing that I am grateful of our national government, that’s the provision of Light Railway Transit Line Two, that connects Santolan, Pasig City and Recto, Avenida in Manila in less than 25 minutes or so. I am one with the riding public.

I was happy this Monday afternoon, not only because my family and I enjoyed the 72nd anniversary promo of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at Gateway Mall (see post below), but I was in great awe when I went down the escalator of Araneta Center Cubao station as my son and I reached Gateway Mall via LRT , because we saw an exhibit of paintings at the station itself, right before the entrance to the mall.

The art works were about PINOY LIFE in LRT. And I so like the idea of putting together upcoming great Filipino artists in a contest-exhibit about the public train I ride on most days of the week.

I take LRT (line two) rides from Quezon City to Recto going to my work in Manila in less than 20 minutes. I only give 15 minute-allowance for waiting for the train to shuttle me to Manila and the same cycle I observe from Manila and back.

I’d like to show you how talented Pinoys are with these wonderful works of art about OUR LIVES inside the train.

I will appreciate comments whether or not you agree with me that these paintings are to be proud of. Thanks

I’m just apologetic to the participating artists for not noting their names and the titles of their masterpieces for we were in a rush; I took these photos in a blink.

Texting and mobile use inside LRT….

I thought this painting is so cool…astig ‘no?

I’m not in favor of those LRT trains decorated vandalized with poster-stickers that boast of the goodness of her governance in the Pinoy economy, c’mmon give me break, get real! or better get a life madame! I want this blog to be apolitical but moments like these, I get hypertensive, LOL. These thoughts are delusional! … But I like how it was depicted in this painting… irony? satire?

This one shows social equality, that LRT is a public means of transpo for ‘all walks’ of life.

Sadly, courtesy and chivalry are two inapparent practices inside LRT….

This purse contains some bills and of course that LRT automated ticket…

Just like the artist who painted this, I also wonder how our great ancestors would have used this transpo during their era if LRT trains have existed decades ago… Or care to wear those Filipiniana costumes inside those trains especially during RUSH HOURS? LOL

Thoughts of our National Hero about the topic…

I like this abstract or pop-artish interpretation of life inside that train… vivid, vibrant colors can be equated to our different views, opinions about life, and our lives per se.

A maritime student courting a student nurse from FEU…

Train to MASAGANANG BUKAS —-> where to?

May

KUSANG-LOOB

By docgelo 7 Comments

Categories: Attitude and HEADLINES
Tags: ako mismo, akomismo, campaign, Filipinos, initiative, manila, optimism, Philippines, pinas, Pinoy, positivism, tv commercial, worthy cause

I’m all for anything PINOY especially if it champions OPTIMISM or anything POSITIVE like having INITIATIVE, ENTHUSIASM, DETERMINATION, EXCELLENCE, PERSEVERANCE, HOPE…

Just like this new organization AKOMISMO which I think is very apolitical (I hope) UNLIKE those TV campaign ads of presidentiables… The message is so clear and apparent : it calls for personal commitment to do something good for our own. And if you’re true blooded RESPONSIBLE PINOY, this should sink into your deepest neurons.

Wataryuweytingpor? Click the TVC and see for yourself…

I proudly joined AKOMISMO and had my personal PLEDGE to do something GOOD. It’s for a worthy cause.

Spread the word and join the crusade.

Plus the dog tags are really nice! eyeWANT!

Apr

SOMETHING’S WRONG HERE…

By docgelo 3 Comments

Categories: Attitude and HEADLINES
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, energy saving, Filipinos, government, holy week, lamp post, Life, manila, mendiola, mendiola street, meralco, philippine governement, Philippines, Pinoy, scene, spot the difference

CAN YOU SPOT WHAT’S WRONG WITH THESE PHOTOS I PERSONALLY TOOK?

HINT # 1 :
THESE WERE TAKEN IN MENDIOLA STREET, MANILA,
FEW METERS AWAY FROM THE MALACAñANG PALACE….

HINT # 2 :
THESE WERE TAKEN IN MENDIOLA STREET, MANILA AT EXACTLY EIGHT IN THE MORNING,
08 April 2009, Holy Wednesday….

STILL CLUELESS ?

C’MMON, EVEN BLIND MEN WILL AGREE THAT IT’S HIGH TIME TO TURN OFF
THOSE PRETTY LAMP POSTS WHEN SUN SHINES ITS BRIGHTEST, RIGHT?
IS THIS A PART OF OUR NATIONAL ENERGY SAVING PROGRAM, MAAM / SIR ?
EXCUSE ME PO!

Mar

WHERE SKY CITY TOWER IS

By docgelo 7 Comments

Categories: TRAVEL
Tags: airports, auckland, bendar seri begawan, brisbane, brunei, brunei tourist spots, city of sails, doc gelo, family, Filipinos, kelly tarlton's, Life, lifestyle, manila, new zealand, northshore, Philippines, Pinoy, royal regalia museum, tourism, TRAVEL, vacation

Summer time always brings back memories of our trip to
Auckland, New Zealand exactly 4 years ago.

I, Tina and our then 4-month old son Gabby arrived in the City of Sails 2 weeks after my parents flew there for a sponsored vacation by our relatives (who all transferred to Melbourne, Australia after living in Auckland, NZ for more than a decade). The main reason why we didn’t fly there together : I got Varicella (read: chickenpox). Yeah, right, I’m so late bloomer. I only got infected with that vesicle-causing virus at my 29th year. Luckily, those lesions errupted 4 days after my Oath taking as licensed physician then.
I remember vividly how I was received by my nieces there. The eldest daughter of my first cousin greeted me, “Hi, Spotty!” Ouch! After 2 weeks of healing, the scars on my face were still apparent but thank God I was not quarantined in any airport stop-overs we had.

My wife Tina & Gabby aboard Royal Brunei Airlines to Auckland, New Zealand

We were advised by my cousin to get a flight to Auckland via Royal Brunei Airlines. By being obedient, we got a chance to stay over night in a hotel (included in the flight package) & toured Bendar Seri Begawan, the city capital of Brunei Darussalam the next day.

inside the Royal Regalia Museum, Bendar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

the Sultan's chariot used in parades is in display at the Royal Regalia Museum

Brunei was enticing! With all of its greens around the city, the abundance of gold in the mosques, & the calmness of the city at dawn, we were drawn to the experience.

Considered as one of the grandest monuments to Islam in the whole region, the magnificent Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and Yang Dipertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

With our “sometimes-jologs- lifestyle”, who would have thought that we’d been to THE EMPIRE HOTEL in Brunei already, one of the grandest hotels in the globe. It was part of the half-day city tour that we availed from another hotel where we stayed during our 1st stop over.
(read : JOLOGS as defined in wikipilipinas as “pathetically cheap & corny sometimes equated to baduy, OUCH!!! definitely NOT us!, well, sometimes, lol)

main LOBBY of the EMPIRE HOTEL, Brunei

inside EMPIRE HOTEL, BRUNEI

From Manila, it took us more or less 3 hours to get to Brunei. We had an overnigt stay in Brunei Hotel & had half day city tour the next morning. At around 2PM, we were brought to the airport & boarded Royal Brunei airlines again to Auckland via Brisbane, Australia. It took us around 7 hours to land to Brisbane from Brunei for a 2 hour-stop over.

another airport stop-over : BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

Then after a brief aircraft transfer from Brisbane Airport, we flew another couple of hours to our main destination for our 7-week vacation : AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
We officially arrived in the City of Sails minutes past 3 in the morning.
I can still recall the less than 12 degrees celsius morning breeze we experienced on our first step to the land of the kiwis. We were fetched by our parents & relatives and few hours after, we hit the road for some sight seeing and toured the downtown like we didn’t have jet lags…

FIRST DAY: “walang sinayang na sandali-citytour!…”
translation : “As-if-there’s no tomorrow city tour!…”

the blooms at WINTER GARDEN PARK, Auckland, NZ

forget the jet lag, hello wintergarden park!

After seeing the WINTER GARDEN PARK, we ate breakfast “pinoy style” with “baon” in our vans and headed straight to AUCKLAND MUSEUM for a quick grasp of the MAORI CULTURE…

as if we had adequate sleep...

inside a MARAE at the AUCKLAND MUSEUM

With no clues whether they eat live people or whatever, we posed beside MAORIS inside the Auckland Museum. Their attitude towards tourists was warmer than the weather.

the natives of NZ : the MAORIS ! cool, eh?

photo-op with a lady MAORI inside Auckland Museum

DOWNTOWN AUCKLAND …

QUEENS ROAD, Auckland, NZ

kodak moments before crossing a street, lol

near the FULLERS FERRY station

HALF MOON BAY…

smile muna before boarding FULLERS FERRY

We tried going to downtown aboard the FULLERS FERRY from HALF MOON BAY..

crossing HALF MOON BAY to DOWNTOWN AUCKLAND IN STYLE!

Ofcourse we found time to give THANKS for blessings HE continuously showers us!

HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL, PARNELL, Auckland, NZ

another view of the cathedral in PARNELL

I honestly admit that like most people out there, I too, expected that NEW ZEALAND was only a country of cows and sheep but boy, I was all wrong!!! AUCKLAND is more urbanized than MAKATI City here, at par with Hong Kong and probably New York City. The very modern lifestyle in Auckland is due to the british influence of course.

MALLING was always a part of our Auckland experience. There was WESTFIELD MALL where we munched NZD 7 each per combo meal of chinese food and BOTANY MALL which was only a 5-minute bus ride from TE IRIRANGI Street, where we stayed for almost 2 months…

BOTANY MALL, Auckland, NZ

However, just like most provinces up north here in the Philippines, the night life in Auckland ends at around 5 in the afternoon. Yes, you read that right, every establishments including malls close an hour before 6PM. Thursdays were exception. Malls were open until 9PM latest.

Inspite of the urban lifestyle one can enjoy in Auckland, MOTHER NATURE was still at HER BEST!
We went to AUCKLAND BOTANICAL GARDEN one weekend where entrance fees were FREE!
At least we also experienced where Prime Minister Helen Clark put the taxpayers’ fees into use.

roses were bigger than we could imagine

the stroller that rolled Gabby from Manila-Brunei-Brisbane-Auckland and back!

Gabby with those ducks and other feathered creatures at Auckland Botanical Park

No, we haven't been to Japan yet, but this shot was taken also in Auckland Botanical Park

had some father-and-son bonding...

We boarded another ferry ride and went to WAIHEKE ISLAND, where vineyards and wineries served as tourist attractions. It was a whole day in the island, and we rode buses to explore it, but sadly we got lost! We just found ourselves enjoying pizza at an italian resto in the island before hitting the ferries again back to Auckland.

lost in WAIHEKE!

Our cousins also drove us to NORTHSHORE, a northern part of Auckland where ships and ferries dock from wherever. This shot was taken at PUPUKE LAKE
(yes, you read that right again! If you’re pinoy, you got what I mean)

coolest below 10 degrees celsius

si doc tambay sa northshore!

We also enjoyed KELLY TARLTON’S OCEAN ADVENTURE
where we appreciated seacreatures from piranhas to stingrays and sharks to adorable penguins !!!

monster-fish piranhas at our backdrop

Kelly Tarlton's Ocean Park

SEVEN WEEKS and we headed back to Manila
but never missed to take a shot of SKY CITY TOWER,
the landmark of the City of Sails….
We went to its lobby but did not go up to the main restaurant and viewing deck
at its top… At least we have reasons to go back some other time… SIGH…*-*

taken at Victoria Market, Downtown Auckland with SKY CITY TOWER at the background

Mar

DUSIT THANI’S BRUNCH : A FEAST FOR FAMILIES

By docgelo 10 Comments

Foreword : There’s a huge gap between gluttony and food enthusiasm.
It’s best to treat oneself to anything that is never a daily routine.

It was like an amazing race to four awesome buffet stations.
I am still into it until this post.
It was such an experience.

After dining at Circles Events Cafe buffet at Shangri-la Makati last February, this morning we headed to Makati to try the much talked about Family Sunday Brunch Buffet at Dusit Thani Hotel.

My 4-year-old son Gabby at the lobby of Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati

Tina & I miss Dusit Hotel. Our wedding reception was held there when it was still Dusit Hotel Nikko five years ago; we had it in its two of three grand ballrooms along with our more or less 200 guests. And so when I introduced Tina to the lunch buffet that the newly renovated Dusit offers every Sunday, she also became excited to go back and see changes that transformed Dusit Hotel Nikko into Dusit Thani now. We hopped blogs to blogs to read feedbacks and comments of diners who already tried it, we viewed photos taken from the four participating high-end restos before we push through with our gastronomic want.

These are the four participating restaurants in the Dusit Thani Family Sunday Brunch…

dusit

The cost of this digestive feast of epic proprotion is PhP 1450 nett inclusive of access to Umu, a japanese restaurant, Basix a Continental-Asian resto, Benjarong – thai and Tosca – Italian. Children 5 years old and below get to eat for FREE. And kids above 6 years of age get to have 50% discount. What makes it different from other EAT-ALL-YOU-WANT and OPEN-KITCHEN hotel dining is that in Dusit, it’s also DRINK-ALL-YOU-CAN complete with not only teas, juices but also wines!!! How good can it get? Plus, kids once fed and full already can be left SAFELY by enjoying parents at Dusit’s KID’S ZONE where they can watch cartoons, have face painting, coloring activities, play-dough and other arty crafts. The brunch buffet starts at 11:30AM until 3PM, enough for you to go through the four buffet stations either using the grand spiral staircase or the lift going from the lobby to the mezzanine where the other two restos (Benjarong and Tosca) are located. These things are well-thought of by the management, I guess, to cater to the Filipino Family bonding moments.

After paying at the cashier near the entrance to the lobby, the diners get to have these wristbands as passes to the four participating restos.

All for the glory of digestive feast and family bonding.

Directions to the restos are provided to diners by these road signs… clever huh!

question is : Where would you go first ?

Since we google the web first for info about this dining extravaganza, we decided to make UMU, the japanese restaurant as our dining “base” and had a table for three reserved under my name the night before our brunch.

follow our leader : To UMU !

I so like the interiors of UMU. In fact I was speechless when we entered it until we were guided to our table. It’s far different from the usual japanese-oriental restos. There are japanese caligraphies written on black tablets glued on the walls. The upholsteries of seats are in bright colors to blend with UMU’s cozy atmosphere overlooking Dusit’s jap garden.

UMU

Here’s a closer look at those really cool jap wooden panels…isn’t it a beauty?

can someone translate?

Tina, Gabby and I were seated in a table across this japanese roll station…

care for some maki and sushi? i want !

FOODIES : like father like son

my lovely wife Tina to whom I share my life & my food enthusiasm.

First plates of the first couple of this blog :

Tina

what

I started with jap soup : SUKIYAKI = yummy!

Gabby started with desserts immediately, why not?

Those sweet treats came from this station :

sweets for sweet

Waiters at Umu offered glasses of iced cold green teas for reshrements before I and Gabby walked few steps from our table to Umu’s TEPPANYAKI station.

manong, puro seafoods pls! =)

After choosing few pieces of tiger prawns, salmon, lapu-lapu and mung bean sprouts, i transferred my plate to the chef on the teppan.

TEPPAN = flat iron grill

my teppanyaki, sigh.

Tina

Other japanese yummies in Umu :

tamago rolls, shrimp cakes,tofu steak, kani sticks, mashed potato.

ebi tempura : a bit salty for us.

Then we asked the waiter at Umu to reserve the table for us and promised to come back from other stations after 15 minutes. As we went out of Umu, we found several things happening at the lobby. We made Gabby pose beside a pretty woman dressed in Thai playing good music with her Khim. We also saw 2 staffs geared in carnival attires : a man standing on stilts and a woman doing some balloon arts.

the beautiful lady dressed in thai was playing the string instrument, KHIM

Gabby is tall for a four-year-old kid but his height is no best than this man

photo-op with the balloon maker

2nd pit stop : Benjarong, Dusit Thani

Benjarong is at the mezzanine floor of Dusit Thani. One can take the grand spiral staircase or just the lift. The buffet spread of Bejarong is at the mezzanine lobby. I got myself some Thai delicacies and a glass of iced cold LEMONGRASS JUICE which I like!

the entrance to Benjarong

inside Benjarong

We’re saving some more stomach-space for food from the other stations so we passed on the Pad Thai and curries and Thai soups but there are lots of them than you can imagine. A few more steps and cocktail tables and we saw Tosca, the Italian resto.

follow the leader to the next pit stop.

At Tosca, the very first buffet spread you’ll see has these sweet desserts…

resistance is futile!

A closer look at one of those : a cheesecake with dark chocolate…

never to miss this cheesecake.

Tina admired the taste of those little white cups with fruit toppings for what’s inside : FLAN.

one shot is not enough

chocolate mud pie topped with vanilla ice cream from Tosca

want some cold cuts or bread?

freshly baked pizza as you request at the lobby of Tosca

Italian food goes well ofcourse with wine. Best about this, it

a little bit of everything : Mimosa and RasVery wines and flan from Tosca, a mocha sweet treat and rice-based pudding and a glass of lemongrass juice from Benjarong.

certainly not the least : Basix !

What’s in store for the buffet diners at Basix :

appetizers from Basix

for seafood lover : a sight you can

Tina missed out to take photo of the baked Lapu-lapu that was also offered at the carving station of Basix

roast beef, anyone?

Can’t have enough of desserts? Here’s more :

sweets from Basix

Tina opted to try hot sweet crepe. Her choice : Blueberry, Strawberry & Mangoes.

want some crepes?

After cooking for few minutes, we’re back in our table at Umu to enjoy the food we got from Basix.

mallows & grapes dipped in chocolate fountain, cheesecake and berries & mangoes crepe

my plate from Basix : Singaporean Chili crab, Seafood curry, Carbonara, Ham & Potato salad

more smiles for the cam, taken at Umu.

Gabby was so excited to play at Kid Zone. So we endorsed him there while we headed for few more food hunting… While at the Mezzanine and enjoying Tosca and/or Benjarong, one can see how the little ones are doing at the Kid Zone where parents like us can leave their children to play, watch cartoons, have some face painting, do some art crafts like do-it-yourself colorful sand art in a bottle and photo frame to bring home as giveaways. What more can you ask for? The kids can be left safely under supervision of trained staff after the parent(s) signed info/instruction sheet. It was so professional of the staff to call me on my mobile 2x after i missed the first to inform me to fetch Gabby by 2:30PM.

kids are guaranteed safe in Dusit Thani

My wife Tina & our son Gabby with the carnival people of Dusit Thani

We left before 3PM and I must say it was an overwhelming experience to revisit Dusit Thani with such gastronomic pleasure.
Two thumbs up for it!
Sigh.

DUSIT THANI MANILA
Ayala Center, Makati City

eyeREALLYloveDusit =)
already missing UMU now…

Feb

VEINTE TRES

By docgelo 1 Comment

Categories: EVENTS, HEADLINES and whatever
Tags: 1986 People Power, Cory Aquino, EDSA, EDSA 1 EDSA, EDSA anniversary, Filipinos, governance, Life, People Power, People Power Revolution, Philippine government, Philippines, Pinoy, politics

It has been 23 years since the world witnessed the efforts of Filipinos that exceeded great expectations.
I was only 9 years old then when resistance to power was demonstrated by nonviolent revolution in a national highway known as EDSA. I can vividly recall how we received the news from our place in Pasig, that EDSA was already filled with millions of people longing to embrace democracy & change.

These moments were really glorious… It made us all proud to be Pinoys.

edsa_revolution_pic1

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But more than 2 decades after,
everything has evolved.
For the better?
LOL !!!
Now that’s a JOKE!

Where have all the flowers gone?

I think all of those kodak moments was put to waste.

Where are we heading next?
Uncertainties make me so sick, really.
I despise politics in my country.
Give me reasons to embrace it.

Feb

BLUE WHALE !

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: restaurants, birthdays, manila, party, birthday, family, fun, Pinoy, Life, family bonding, foodie, Philippines, Tiendesitas, Ortigas Ave, Pasig, fun ranch, frontera verde, blue whale, pasig city, foods, kiddie, kids, blue whale grill, Filipinos

Nope, this is neither the biggest marine mammal nor something about the ocean but a restaurant and a party place at Fun Ranch, in Frontera Verde, Ortigas Ave, Pasig City. Fun Ranch is a place where everything is for kids and kids-at-heart. We’ve been to Fun Ranch before but haven’t explored its entirety. One of the restaurants within Fun Ranch is Blue Whale Grill. Beside Blue Whale is Ark Avilon where we enjoyed having close encounter with zoo animals before.

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My son Gabby and my niece KC…

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We experienced dining at Blue Whale last Sunday, February 08 when we attended a family friend/colleague’s son’s 1st birthday party. Kevin, the celebrator, was in a BEE costume since it’s his 1st BEE-DAY (B-day, get it?!) His parents and family members wore the same hues – black and yellow.
Balloons and giveaways were also of the same shade. And it was cute!

The party was awesome. It featured kiddie games, acrobatic and magic acts, face-painting, carts of bottomless iced teas, cotton candy and different flavors of ice cream that served as “appetizers” to the main entrees. Just before lunch time, we were asked to queue in the buffet; one on the 1st level of Blue Whale & another at its second floor. Party yummies included ebi tempura, calamares, chicken teriyaki, burger steak and ofcourse, spaghetti.

We chose to bring our plates outside the restaurant and tried dining at floating huts (again!) this time not on bamboo stilts but on plastic drums in a man-made mini-lake complete with water lilies. And on its other side were bumper boats to ride & enjoy. How cool was that?!

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BLUE WHALE @ FUN RANCH
Frontera Verde, Ortigas Ave, Pasig City
(63-2) 706-3029

http://funranch.com.ph

Feb

OUR ISLAND COVE ADVENTURE

By docgelo 8 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and TRAVEL
Tags: animals, bakasyon, bakasyonista, breakfast, buffet, buffet breakfast, butterfly, Cavite, Digman, Digman halo-halo, Eastwood, Eastwood City, family, family blog, family bonding, farm, Filipino, Filipinos, food, food blog, foodie, Gilbert Remulla, good food, halo-halo, Island Cove, Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park, Kawit, leisure, leisure park, Life, manila, merienda, monkey, nature, ostrich. ostrich egg, parks, Philippines, Pinoy, recreation, recreation facilities, relax, relaxation, resort, resort in the philippines, resorts in asia, sam milby, sandosenang halo, siopao, Something Fishy, summer, summer adventure, summer escapades, summer trip, swimming pool, tigers, tourism, TRAVEL, travel blog, traveling, travelling, vacation, vacation place, zoo

It’s natural for mothers to constantly make efforts for family bonding. And my mom is no exception. She usually schedules trips, eat-outs or anything for us to do or to go somewhere and enjoy. On the same month of last year, she booked a hotel accomodation for 3 days and scheduled a trip to Baguio for us to experience Panagbenga Flower festival. This year, we agreed to go to Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite; a small town of about an hour drive from Manila (less the traffic). My parents went there 2 weeks ago to celebrate the anniversary of their elopement. We saw their photos taken from their overnight stay and did not expect that our whole family will be there 2 weeks after.

Last Saturday, February 07, we were fetched before 5AM to catch the buffet breakfast at Something Fishy at Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City. The buffet breakfast is offered from 12MN to 10AM daily at PhP 114 pax exclusive of drinks; reasonable price for a wide variety of breakfast yummies. It’s a favorite not only of families but most employees usually call center agents around the area. Something fishy’s buffet breakfast includes arroz caldo, mami, sausages, mini pancakes, beef tapa, boiled and fried rice, fried scrambled eggs, palabok (local pasta with rice-based sauce), pancit canton (chinese noodle), tinapang bangus (smoked dried milkfish), adobong manok, kakanin (rice cakes) like bibingka, biko or some call it sinok-mani, and maja and others.

As we were escorted by the staff to our reserved seats for 11 adults and 4 kids, my brother’s fiancee’s eyes quickly spotted Sam Milby as he dines with his friends. And before he went out of the resto, my mom, as candid as always did not miss the chance and asked for a souvenir shot from Sam with my son Gabby and niece Kelly who are frequent viewers of his teleseryes. One of Sam’s friends was nice to volunteer to take the picture for them.

mommy-3461

After Eastwood City we headed straight to Kawit, Cavite where Island Cove is located. It’s a leisure park stretched in a 36-hectare island with swimming pools, animal land that includes an aviary, a butterfly house, a monkey & aligator farm, recreational facilities for badminton, volleyball, basketball, tennis, billiards and even a gym. It also has function rooms, bars where concerts are held, a spa, playground for kids, and a 96-room hotel other than the 17 cottages where one can relax. I also found out recently from a broadsheet article that the managing director of this tourism spot is the TV celebrity & former Congressman Gilbert Remulla. No wonder Island Cove is apparently well maintained to be a place where one can commune with nature.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness & availability of facilities; never expect to find electric sockets even in cottages & huts to plug in mobile phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets. Island Cove is also a wi-fi area so I got to check my e-mails and did some updates on my social networks. My favorite part of Island Cove is the Fishing Village where we had our lunch in a hut on stilts, enjoyed the sea breeze, while being serenaded by roving local string band and singers. Those dining and resting areas on huts on stilts are the best part of Island Cove where one can feast on Filipino food and get to breathe fresh air and think of nothing but enjoy nature. It’s really a relaxing sanctuary. I really appreciate that I had a chance to forget my worries at least for a day when we were there. You have to experience it, or at least, enjoy first my photos here…

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I tried feeding the ostrich myself with leaves I found on the ground…just for a photo-op of a kid-at-heart

ostritch

Ostrich remains to be the biggest flightless bird and probably with the biggest avian egg as well…

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My 4-year-old son Gabby & his 7-year-old cousin KC : who’s taller err, longer than crocs & ostrich ?

And here’s the ultimate gateway to relaxing dining experience : the entrance to the Fishing Village…

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That’s our hut #20 on stilts ….

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What’s a Fishing Village without trying to catch something to grill or fry; but luck was not on our side…

Gabby with his Lolo Ben (my dad) did some fishing…

Three generations of fishermen-wannabe…

Staff of Fishing Village doing the fish bait made from flour & water as a substitute to an actual fish feeds…

Another sight to behold : Fishing Village’s menu…

Here’s a peek at what we had for a family feast…

Post-prandial smiles… perfect kodak moments (LOL !)

My son, nephew and nieces enjoyed the swimming pools with clean and impressive facilities of Oceania Water Park within Island Cove. Swimming or not, one has to pay the entrance fee of PHP250 which includes the entrance to animal land and aviary etc.

Proof that amenities & facilities are available in Island Cove…

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We left Island Cove at around 4PM and decided to take merienda at Digman in Bacoor, Cavite on the way back to Manila. Digman Halo-halo with sandosenang halo originated in Cavite before they branched out to SM malls nationwide.

Nov

A DAY IN SERENDRA & BONIFACIO HIGH STREET

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: Ayala, Ayala Malls, bonding, Bonifacio High Street, Dad's Ultimate Buffet, family, Filipinos, food, foodie, Life, Makati, manila, Philippines, Pinoy, Serendra, Starbucks, Starbucks coffee, Taguig

We love Ayala Malls. Since the day Tina and I started dating about eight years ago, Glorietta has been our favorite. Tina admittedly, was never frequent goer to malls in Makati before she met me. Then came Gabby who also made Glorietta, Greenbelt and TriNoma his play and stroll places. He has been enjoying Timezone arcades and Starbucks frappuccinos in those malls since he learned to walk. I realized that I accidentally made my family mall-rats like me. Going to a mall has been an outlet for me to recharged and relax after a week-long work or during times of hassles. What I like most about these Ayala malls beside being family-oriented environment is that they are eco-friendly too. Having trees and gardens in between their posh establishments made them unique at least here in Manila. I have been to most of them including the one in Alabang and in Cebu but never to Bonifacio High Street and Serendra until a day before Tina turned 32.

We had our lunch first at our favorite Dad’s, Saisaki, Kamayan’s Ultimate buffet in Glorietta. Take a look at my first plate, it’ll make you salivate…

I started heavily with assorted seafood kebab in pesto sauce, ham and lengua from Dad’s and tamago rolls and some yakisoba from Saisaki.. then ebi tempura and plate after plates, we heartily satisfied our gastronomic cravings.

Then we went window-shopping at Rustan’s, took a peak at the good-buys for the holidays, ofcourse we took pictures too for we are photo-addicts.

And we decided to finally go to Bonifacio High Street and Serendra to see and experience the current ”it” place that people talk about. It was like Botany mall in Auckland, New Zealand where we used to stroll and enjoy for few weeks 3 years ago when we were there for a vacation. Boni High Street and Serendra are not only made of food shops and boutiques but an expensive community in the middle of Taguig where few years back was just a vast land of cogon grass. Though most shops are of high-end, it’s a great place to have a morning or an afternoon stroll, where one can walk a dog, window-shop, or spend a good dinner.

If my familiarity with some things serves me right, I think this emerald sculptured fountain in Serendra across Boni High Street is without a doubt one of Orlina’s glass masterpieces.

Then our mall-hopping won’t be complete without a cup of coffee and frappuccino from Starbucks. We had it at 3rd floor of Fullybooked before ending our day with a smile.

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