Merry Christmas Bloggers 2013

OMG, no updates, no posts, no comments. Sorry for being so out of the loop but I cannot afford to skip greeting you a Blessed Merry Christmas to all!


 

Some of us went through a rough time and some are still recovering. But we all know that we are strong and very positive that after all of hardships, we still smile, laugh, embrace each other, continue to move forward and give thanks to the Birthday celebrant JESUS CHRIST. I am really proud of that.

 

I hope every family had a wonderful bonding this season and may continue everyday.

 

It’s now time to check your New Year’s resolution and plan for your fabulous 2014!

 

Make it big!  

HELP ‘YOLANDA’ VICTIMS


List of businesses accepting donations for ‘Yolanda’ victims

Here’s a list of organizations and businesses that accept donations on behalf of the victims of super typhoon ‘Yolanda’.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Location: NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City (at the back of CAAP)
DSWD accepts cash deposits through their Landbank of the Philippines account
The account numbers: Current-3122-1011-84 Savings-3124-0055-81
If you wish to volunteer in repacking relief goods you may call 8512681 for schedule.

The Philippine Red Cross
You may donate through SMS by texting RED and send it to 2899 for Globe and 4143 for Smart. You can donate the following denominations: Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000 and for Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

For cash deposits:

Banco De Oro
Peso: 00-453-0018647
Dollar: 10-453-0039482
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Metrobank
Peso: 151-3-041631228
Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Philippine National Bank
Peso: 3752 8350 0034
Dollar: 3752 8350 0042
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Unionbank of the Philippines
Peso: 1015 4000 0201
Dollar: 1315 4000 0090
Swift code: UBPHPHMM

For in-kind donation you may send it to Philippine Red Cross – National Headquarters in Manila. You may also contact them to arrange donation pick-up.
World Food Programme Philippines

They accept donations via credit card or Pay Pal.

Operation Walang Iwanan – Gawad Kalinga
They accept cash donations only at their Philippine Peso Current Account number-3101 0977 56 BPI EDSA Greenhills and US$ Savings Account number-3104 0162 34
* BPI EDSA Greenhills. Their swift code is BOPIPHMM

Caritas Filipinas Foundation is accepting donations online. You may visit their website at http://ushare.unionbankph.com/caritasfilipinas/

Ayala Foundation also accepts donations online. You may visit http://victoryplatform.everynation.org.ph/victorygiveviacreditcard/giveviacreditcard.aspx or http://victoryplatform.everynation.org.ph/giveviabpi/giveviabpi.aspx

Victory also accepts in-kind and cash donations. They suggest that the items that should be prioritized are instant noodles, canned goods, bottled water, biscuits, coffee, mats and blankets.

* For cash donations they have Bank of the Philippine Islands. The name of the account is Victory Christian Fellowship. The account number for savings is 0063-3205-52. If the address is needed address it to the Fort Serendra Branch, Ground Floor, Serendra, BGC, Taguig City, Philippines. The Swift code is BOPIPHMM.

Cebu Provincial Government also calls for volunteers to repack relief goods for Northern Cebu, Leyte and Bohol victims. For those who are interested you may contact Evelyn Senajon at PSWDO, Ground Floor Executive Bldg., Cebu Provincial Capitol at 254-7198 and 254-8397.

For students who wish to donate yet they do not have time to travel due to their busy schedule, some schools are accepting donations. These are the following:

University of the Philippines System
UP Office of the Student Regent are accepting donations in cash or kind.
Their drop off pointis Vinzon’s Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may contact Alex Castro at 0917-8725396 or tweet him at @uscupdiliman, Eds 0927384-1392 and Zie 0916796-5740.

Ateneo De Manila Disaster Response and Management Team
Ateneo is accepting cash donations. You may visit their website for donations.

St. Scholastica’s College also accepts donations in any form. You send your donation at 2560 Leon Guinto St. Manila. You may also deposit at BDO account number 4580-000-210 and name it after St. Scholastica’s College Manila.

De La Salle College of St. Benilde
They will conduct a “Yakap Mo Yakap Ko Benefit Concert.”The entrance fee is P300. They will accept donations during the event on November 22 at 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Mapua Institute of Technology accepts relief goods. You may send it at 333 333 Gil Puyat Avenue Makati City.
Some restaurants are also donating for the victims of Yolanda for every food purchase.

Zark’s Burger which is located at Taft near De La Salle University is donating P20 for every order of their Jawbreaker burger.

Yabu: House of Katsu will hold a “Dine for A Cause” event on November 13. All 100 percent of their profit will be donated to the affected families in the recent calamity.

Fast food chain Mc Donald’s is also accepting donations in all Manila branches until November 15.

Reference: Manila Bulletin

Baler on Foot: What Else Can You Do in Baler Aside Surfing?

If you’re not the surfing type, you fear the sea or you feel like physically not prepared for surfing, or maybe if you’re typically just not into it, visiting Baler is still a must as it can offer you other places to spend your time with.

Baler Church and Museum

Despite of its simplicity, the church is a remembrance of the Siege of Baler. From July 1, 1898 to June 2, 1899, the revolutionaries laid siege to the church manned by Spanish troops in the town. Its a battle of the Philippine revolution and concurrently the Spanish-American and the Philippine-American War.

In Baler Museum, You’ll get to discover more of Aurora’s heritage, culture and arts. Apparently it was closed when we had our visit.

Aurora Aragon Quezon House

To discover what’s behind the life of the wife of Manuel L. Quezon President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The province was named after her wife, Aurora Quezon. We were unable to spend much here but you'll get to read facts about their family here.

Ditumabo Falls.  

Located at the small village of San Luis, Aurora is a hidden wonder. It was a rough unpaved rocky road plus a 30mins walk to discover the Mother Falls also known as Ditumabo Falls. An easy and constructed trail for the visitors and we also notice a well maintained surroundings. The falls exceed my expectation as it was magnificent on its own. We immediately dipped in. The water is so refreshing. Also no entrance fee but we can give donations for the caretakers.

Lukso-lukso Islets and Diguisit Beach 

 Located at the coast of Barangay Zabali, Baler Aurora, it’s another beautiful beach to see. It's a very scenic place. Sun was on its dusk when we visit the place and that makes it more appealing. You may also notice a small man-made pool at the side and the kids are enjoying it as much as we appreciate the view.

And the Ma. Aurora Old Balete Tree

Rooted at maybe around 1604 and was there to act as a place for some local tribes for their rituals from old times. The wide tree that was almost covered by its roots are very huge that I guess 15 persons can fit inside. Some locals are there to guide other tourists to climb. No entrance fee here but we might want to give donation for the caretakers. Majority decided to climb but for me, I decided to save my energy for tomorrow.


So that's just some of the province of Aurora. Its the surfer's paradise other side of the town. So when you're done surfing, or maybe before you begin to surf, you may want to explore the town first to warm up. But then let's not skip the Surfing part of Baler in here. :)



Surfing in Baler: Got stoked while I ride the waves!


It was a planned weekend trip to celebrate the birthday of our friend. And also, we haven’t had any trip for quite a while already. The weather is unpredictable so we decided to go rain or shine. And we decided to go Surfing!

Surfer-saya! 
We surfed on the next day in Baler, the first day was spent purely on land tours and getting drunk. If only my niece was there, I have an excuse to the drinking session, however since its all a party mood and all adults trip, we partied the night before as if we do not have any plans the next day.

So here’s the surfing day. Though we are around 2hrs late from the promised surf time, we still had enough time to go surfing. I am nervous as it was my first. We were so glad that the Sun was there to welcome us, wow God is really has a good timing!
Sunblock on and I am ready to go. I do not know what to expect. All I have in mind is I do not want to get bruise and I want to learn to ride the waves. I am on it!

This is it guys kabado inside! 
After a few walks to the shore, we saw our instructors in line together with the surf boards. I immediately stand in front of the 2nd guy from the left. He introduced himself as Rommel.
Tip # 1: Listen to your instructor. Proper position will help you stand up the first try. If the basic position is hard for first timers (like me), you can try 2 other positions, “popping up” may need a lot of strength and practice.
I am relaxed with my instructor from the start but not on the surfing part. He gave me a detailed briefing and I listened carefully.

Ang chubby cheeks ko lang dito, kainis... :p
At first I am hesitant and I felt that I am too heavy to stand the surf board. First 2 attempts were not successful and he gave me another technique. He also reminded me with the correct position as he was able to identify why I missed on those attempts. He showed me how (3rd technique) and on my 3rd and 4th try. I was able to make it! Wohoo! Feeling like a pro!
Tip # 2: Always look up; not on your feet. This will keep your balance and will help you concentrate.
After several rides with lesser effort on my end, he teaches me how to paddle, OMG I am so excited as I guess I am on the next level, he do not push the surf board anymore and was now just giving me a go signal to paddle and stand up. I struggle at first but was able to do it.
Tip # 3: Learn to paddle; paddle as hard as needed, your instructor can let you know when to paddle, stop and when to get up as the timing to catch the waves needs more practice.
 Winning moment ni Rommel ng makapag paddle ako then stand up on my own. 
I do not want to brag but my coach and I are doing better than the rest. I applaud my coach for that, he really encourages me and was able to give clear directions. Hal and I compared our instructors after the surfing lesson and we know that Rommel was better that’s why I did well too. It might be that I am secretly good or maybe “Kinarir ko lang talaga” but I believe it’s also because I have a good coach too.
Tip # 4: When you’re about to fall off your board, try falling on the side of the board and not in front, try to fall not face down. Then falling means get back and try again.
He invited me to go back to Baler for more. I’m sorry as I forgot to get his number. I do not have any phone with me that time and my over excited-ness just made me forgot all about it. However I guarantee you that he is so passionate on what he was doing and will surely make your Surf trip in Baler so “Sulit”, so look for Rommel on your Baler trip please!

Nag- Apir pa kami ni Kuya (another instructor), a high-five for a good job! Yey Kilig!

Here are the rest of the surfers plus me.

Umay pics of me... 


Good job kaming lahat! - Thanks to Rony for the great shots (buti nlng di siya nag-surf :p)

We spend roughly around 2200-2400Php per pax for 2days-1night trip. Really, it’s a steal right? We stayed at Pacific Waves Inn along Sabang Beach which provides a pretty decent place despite of its affordable rate. We rented the family room for 3500, good for 12 pax. And also, I finally know what stoked means and glad to say I’m STOKED!










By the way, this is Rommel, my instructor. I wish you’ll get to remember him and look for him on your Baler trip:








One of the best weekends ever and I am sure I’ll be back for more! Let’s surf again, sige na!

What’s Keeping Me Busy?

I failed to satisfy my itchy feet for quite a while now and I'm really longing for another stress-free escape. I cannot blame the "Bed" weather too because I  know these months are really the rainy lazy months. Though I know I’ll be back soon, I am still feeling great on what’s keeping me busy these days.



1.     Wedding preparation – Yey! Although we still have plenty of time to prepare, we wanted to be hands-on and wanted to find the best team to work in our wedding. Finding wedding suppliers this early will lock the price increase for next year too. And yeah, I created a wedding blog too. 



2.     Business planning – Hal and I are working on our business plan; our passion to travel could be our sweet spot. We are also preparing for our digital printing business. Having a capital doesn’t mean you can start a business; you need a wise planning, good marketing, dedication and passion. And it’s a continuous learning. See, I’m learning a lot now. I’m looking forward on that day, business running smoothly, so our dreams will soon come true.



3.     Keeping a more balance life, Ensuring to exercise regularly while having a Sunday morning bonding with my Nanay is a great way to start my day every Sunday. Now I’m more consistent on this morning routine and more discipline. And I am hoping to add more "staying-fit" time, or maybe less rice?! :p



4.     Increasing my Net Worth, I wish it’s as easy as it sounds but yet it’s possible to achieve your financial goal as long as you know how to manage your money wisely with the I CAN attitude. Keep the attitude and always read and learn. Lucky for those who got a “better than good paying job” as you have plenty of money to manage. However, for those who earn fairly enough to save a few bucks for rainy days, it's still possible. Learn where to save your money and let it work for you. Don’t put your money into sleep. You know inflation right?! Have you heard Mutual funds, Stocks and Bonds. Yeah, I wish I could talk more about this but I’m not an expert. You can check Carlo’s blog and Lianne as they are. 


I will find my way to travel back soon… How about you? What’s keeping you busy these days? 


Tropical Storm and After: How To Help

Another ‘Habagat’ from the tropical storm ‘Maring’ affected majority of the cities and provinces in the country. I know some of you may have suffered because of this another calamity. Some may have chillin and enjoying the long vacation, some are just laughing it out because we are just happy Pinoys with pure humor even we got stranded or had to walk home.  
Just  made my day!
From humorous memes found in Rappler

If you want to extend a helping hand that’s great, though a sincere PRAYER will surely do.

Sharing a list from Yahoo on where and how to help our fellow Kababayans. 

TRUE - from Rappler

Feeders Project: Bringing Happiness to Elders

Happiness is something that you will never be found. You will create it. We are in-charge to embrace the life that we have and be happy with it. I definitely agree, but how about those who live their lives on their own, old, feeling useless and just waiting so long enough for someone ABOVE to call them when they are ready. And wondering if the people from their past remembers them and give them a visit, or just a call maybe.

Sunset reminds me of life, my past and the time that flies fast in front of me. 
That was going on my mind on my way to the Feeder’s project. A project created by my kindhearted office mates who shares the same passion. I am glad that Sol invited us to join them. We save a few bucks of our salary every pay day and settled visiting the elders to give gifts and a day of happiness.

I remember how I got lost going there by myself, and I’ll never ever trust Jeepney drivers again in Pasay (no offense! I just had a very bad experience) Luckily, I still arrived safe, keeping my poise and calming myself down first. My mood changed immediately as we are about to start.

We organized games like singing and dancing, we were the one who prepared and served their lunch on that day. Everybody was happy and wanted to participate, some were already too old to join us and some were feeling young and kicking.
Lunch first before the program
Then they showcase their talents
Some gifts to share
We had few conversations and all had almost same ending, nobody can take care of them like the institution does. Actually, these elders are lucky as the facilities are very well equipped with their needs. Elevators, own rooms, decent meals everyday, entertainment room, prayer room and big space. I am thinking that they have all the materials they need; only their families are not around.
"Learn from the people who have walked the path before you… respect them. Because someday – and sooner than you could ever imagine – you’re going to be old too."
We Filipinos are used to living with our elders, we are not used to the culture of bringing elders to a nursing home like this, seeing them happy and contented makes me feel better, they are still being loved by the sister and by each other. At least they are being taken care of. But still I prefer having their last day spent to their love ones, but if you happen to know someone, living their own, no families to take care of them, on the streets, begging, no shelter and food. Maybe you can help bringing them to a nursing home like this.  So they will find a family that will love them until their last breath.

Thank you for the wonderful experience 

Little Sisters of the Poor 
                      
50B Lancaster Street, Pasay City Philippines                                                      
Contact Info:                              
Sr. Rosario                              
0939-3751362 • (02) 832-9689 • (02) 8322915        

Note: Overdue post

Northern Mindanao Escape: Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon

Another memorable experience I had down the Northern Mindanao part of the Philippines is in Dahilayan Adventure Park. Hal and I had a semi whole day date within the trip. Two of the girls already had their early flight back to Manila and the two girls left decided to stay and just rest in the hotel. Hal and I decided to maximize the remaining 1 day and headed to Bukidnon.
Fly high in Dahilayan Adventure Park!
Going to Bukidnon from CDO is easy, From Agora terminal you will find a Van terminal that will route to Camp Philips, advise the driver that you are heading to Dahilayan and they will help you find a habal habal or will drop you off where you can easily get a habal habal that will bring you to Dahilayan Adventure Park. 
The Del Monte Landmark 
I thought it will be a short ride but it was not. Good thing I was ready for a hot and rough habal-habal ride. Though you’ll surely hurt your legs and butt, the view is amazing and the road seems endless. You’ll see the Del Monte logo which serves as a landmark and you’ll pass by unique houses (not sure if the design was created on purpose) that will really catch your attention.
Loooonnnggg ride you see?!
Cute houses we saw along... :)
We tried to ask some questions to our habal habal driver but he was having a hard time speaking Tagalog though we really appreciate his effort answering our questions.  We continued our long and endless road and we noticed we’re close upon seeing pine trees on the sides and it was getting colder.

And finally we reached the Dahilayan Adventure Park. I’m quite exhausted and the cold temperature is just perfect for me to relax. But before that, we had to try the zipline first.

Dahilayan Adventure Park Entrance
Ready for the Big - Zip!
Their shuttle will bring you to the launch point of your longest dual zipline ride experience. It’s 840M ride, 4700 feet above sea level, with speed of up to 90 kph and was said the longest in Asia.

At first I was worried with my safety but I am really satisfied on how the staff assists us and guide us properly. It’s thrilling but tolerable actually, really a great experience.


Safety first :)
Drop off point - Bitin!
The only thing that leads us there is to try the longest zipline and that’s it, all for experience. After the awe-inspiring ride, we just unwind for a while and appreciate the surroundings. And of course, picture taking. 


We realized the ride was longer that our stay in Dahilayan
One of a kind date! Worth the ride!

I wish I could show more pictures but we are quite tired to explore more of the area. We just waited Kuya to fetch us and we headed back to CDO. It was quick but memorable trip.

For thrill-seekers, I suggest you get to try all the ziplines here for fun and experience.
There are also other amenities available here such as wall climbing, rope courses, Horseback riding and ATV. You can also stay here overnight and so you can maximize your trip and avail complete package which is better if you prefer to experience all the rides.

For me, I am just glad to try the longest Zipline in Asia. Though I quite expect a bit over here, I thought it was scary but it was not. Surely you’ll enjoy especially for first timers. 

Dahilayan Adventure Park
Site: http://www.dahilayanadventurepark.com
Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines


Northern Mindanao Escape: Wet and Wild in Cagayan De Oro River

Wet and Wild in Cagayan De Oro!
One thing that convinced us to visit Cagayan De Oro is to try White River Rafting. I have this river rafting on the back of my mind whenever I hear CDO. We had Kagay team to assist us with the trip.


The Cagayan De Oro River separates Bukidnon Province, Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro City. From CDO town proper, you need around 45-60mins ride to the jump off point. Only few kilometres from the long river stretch are fit for this adventure, but it will take you hours to finish. Basic will give you around 25 rapids up to class 5. You have an option to choose, Beginner, Advance and Extreme. They also mentioned rafting at night but I guess that’s for the daredevil.


They fetch us from our hotel all geared up, we just brought extra clothes. Be prepared to get wet and exhausted.


We didn't thought our lecturer will be our guide that day :)
As we arrived the jump off point, we had a quick briefing of our do’s and don’ts. Better to listen and follow the guidelines for your own safety, and if they know that your team are equipped with the extremes, they will bring more fun to your ride. And so we begin!

First rapid - easy!
And more rapids to come
Listening carefully - we are focus you know :p
A quick turn to get closer to the falls, fit to drink - yes!
And here we go again! 
Tired yet asking for more - look at Kuya he's enjoying too! 
Oh no! 5 forward paddle... 1...2...3
High five! 
And when the rapids calm down, we can go down for a while for a quick dip
And after the calm river, here we go again...
Feeling professionals... 
Heavy paddle needed, full force!
A view from afar...
Another dip, yes...
Some more twist...
And more...
Another high five! 
And last high five before we leave...
And so here we are in the finals...
Till we meet again our great rafters:) Thanks for the fun trip :) 
And that ends our extreme ride. Sorry for the picture overload. :) After the ride, we washed up and packed up. Hal and I visited their office to get our pictures first and we get to meet the others from Kagay team. 

Surely the trip was fun and full of adventure, we didn't fail to choose Kagay to be our partner in our extreme, exciting, pure adrenaline adventure. Definitely one thing that you surely do not want to miss when you visit CDO. 

KAGAY Whitewater Rafting
http://www.kagaycagayandeororafting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kagay.whitewaterrafting
0917.712.2323 / dankaamino@yahoo.com