NAVALAS CHURCH, GUIMARAS

Here I continue to share our road trip.  It was not actually in our plan but turned out like "Pwede ka? Let's go!" Trip-trip na naging  real trip.  Look how far the distance from Holy Family Hills to Navalas Church.  Try to imgine na trike lang ang sinakyan namin.  Keribels.  Keri lang.  Parang nagyari na 'to noong December 2009.  That time Nueva Valencia, this time Buenavista.  Keri naman ng mga ladies ang long distance travel especially Ng Bebe na youngest among us.  :-)  Sabi nga nila, kapag mahal mo ang isang tao lahat gagawin mo kahit ilang bundok pa ang aakyatin mo.  Sa akin naman, I like traveling kaya kahit gaano man kalayo talagang pupuntahan ko.  Hanggang Guimaras lang naman.  Ha-ha.

I want to share a trivia about me traveling. Before ako pupunta sa isang lugar, ini-imagine ko na siya.  Pero kadalasan yung imagination ko ay hindi angkop dun sa actual scenario.  Pero it adds to the excitement!  Mabusisi akong tao when it comes sa pagtravel, kahit daanan naappreciate ko.  On the way pa lang ini-enjoy ko na ang byahe.

The landmark sign

Every historical site sa Guimaras, may ganitong landmark sign.  Uniform lahat.  Unique no?

Entrance to Navalas church

Eat Showtime!

Redlan's angels :-)

Navalas church is the oldest catholic church in Guimaras.  It was built in 1880 to 1885.  

At last, I visited the oldest Roman Catholic church in Guimaras.

HOLY FAMILY HILLS, GUIMARAS

Aside from Balaan Bukid, there's another religious site in Guimaras located in Brgy. Tamburong, San Lorenzo.  It is called HOLY FAMILY HILLS.  It is 52-57 hectares.  It was our first destination on September 09, 2012.  I was with g Bebe, her daughter April and Micai.  It was actually another unplanned trip.  I nearly decided not to push through the said trip because of heavy rain.  But Ng Bebe was consistent to go.  Fortunately, there was no rain when we arrived in Jordan wharf.  Galing no?

We arrived in Jordan wharf almost eleven in the morning.  Nong Oca brought us to our first destination.  He told his trip stories while we were on our way.  He is a trike driver slashed tour guide.  

We reached the road crossing to Holy Family Hills just more than half an hour.

Another 5 to ten minutes to Holy Family Hills from the main road.  Here na us!

The amenities include Grotto of Holy Family, Prayer room, and life sized Station of the Cross (Seven Sorrowful & 7 Joyful Mysteries).

I think, yung pagitan of one station to another is 3 to 5 meters.  At nilibot namin lahat.

Last supper is ready!

It offers day recollection.  No entrance fee!  Donation only.  No overnight cottages available nor store to buy foods and water.  Kaya bring your own baon.

Cowboy lang kami.  We enjoyed much!  We didn't even know na merong CR kaya sa damuhan na lang kami umihi.  The ladies umihi using umbrella to hide themselves.  Ha-ha.  

pond of frogs

Dahil walang cottages, we just sat and ate our to-go-lunch on the grass with a nice view of the river below.

Picnic with Ng Bebe, April & Micai

We left the area at passed one p.m.  

My next post will be our next journey.

STRESS FREE WEEKEND

Whatta blast weekend!  We visited by our two grandsons and they are so makulet.  They are growing fast and am getting older.  Ha-ha.  Kid Andrie in gray, celebrated his birthday last Sunday.  And they shopped for some new clothes.  The good thing was the money came from their piggy banks.  May naipon pa sila keysa sa akin.  

It was also Ng Nor's birthday on the 9th of December.  My first mentor in the office.  The most sexy!  We missed her in the office.   But thanks to high technology and latest gadgets.

And this is my stress-reliever.  

IT IS SECURED

I've been working for 13 years now and all my data files are saved in the laptop.  I am working with it all the time.  Technology makes the work easier.  It really saves time.  For thirteen years of working, my files are getting bigger.  There are new programs to download.  Like the new Bureau of Internal Revenue requirements to be submitted quarterly, the Social Security System new program for submission of monthly reports.  The number of clients handled increased as well. 

Aside from important data and files stored on my laptop, I also saved my files of photos and favorite music.  I can scan the photos and listen to the music anytime, anywhere.  I can say my laptop is my greatest possession.  Until one day, I can’t open the laptop anymore.  I was kinda panic then.  I don’t know what to do.  I was like, Oh boy, my important files!  I was thankful because it was repaired.  The next thing I did was to back up and recover my files.  I see to it to safeguard my data and files and copied it on CDs and DVDs.  I burned everything.  I made sure to burn dvd and cd with Power2Go 8.  Now, my valuable data and important files are secured.  

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME (AGAIN)

Hello Pasko!  It's Christmas :-)  Time runs so fast, days passing by unnoticed.   I've been busy (as always).  I have no time to roam around the city or going out of town anymore.  I even regret (for the first time) to have this kind of career full of complications and non stop work deadlines all year round.

Oh well, party party!    

NEW PLACE & NEW LOVE

In a short period of one month and a half, there were a lot of not so good things happened around me.  I don't want to elaborate it one by one.  I remain to be positive and be patient.  Everything, good or bad happens for a reason.  That's it!

It's hard to move out from the place we used to live for about ten years.  Before the day of our transfer, nagkaroon ng sunog sa likod bahay.  Three houses were totally burnt.  For the first time, I experienced na magpanic.  'Yung moment na hindi mo alam kung ano uunahin mo to save.  I secured my bag tapos yung mga documents then mga damit.  Yung ibang gamit hinayaan na.   I experienced the feeling to let go of things.   Yung material na mga bagay mabibili mo naman as long as buhay mo.  Kapag buhay ka at patuloy na kumakayod, ma-acquire mo ulit yng mga material na bagay.  Buti na lang nakaligpit yung sister ko ng ibang gamit namin prior noong gabi na nangyari ang sunog.

We decided to move out to a better place.  Pero as of now, hindi pa totally naayos yung mga gamit namin.  Nakaktuwa nga kasi one night I fell asleep tapos yung sister ko had a chance to use the internet.  Without her knowing na the clock I was 3 hours late, surf lng siya ng surf.  Nang maamoy niya ang lutong pandesal sa neighborhood na bakeshop, she just realized umaga na pala at 4 am.

Talking of something new, I have a new love.  (Parang kinilig bigla.)  This new love makes me going home early.  (Nakakatuwang isipin.  Choz!)

Sa pag ayos ng mga gamit, I found my yarn collection.

And I remembered one of our high school art projects.  This is it!  Pang stress-reliever ang peg.

MY TOP TEN PRIORITIES TO ACHIEVE THIS OCTOBER

It's almost a month.  I missed  you guys!  Inuman tayo, Octoberfest na!

Here's my top ten goals to achieve for October 2012

1.  Go to work on time.
2.  Prioritize work deadlines and be productive.
3.  Minimize internet-browsing.
4.  Continue the healthy diet.
5.  Communicate with family and old true friends.
6.  Have enough sleep.
7.  Have time for Him.
8.  Monitor the in and out of money.
9.  Have self-discipline and self-determination.
10. Always appreciate kindness, count the blessings and aim for the success.

THE ILOILO ESPLANADE

Saranggani Representative Manny "Pacman" Paquiao and Senator Franklin Drilon together with the local government officials of Iloilo inaugurated the Iloilo Esplanade last, Saturday, August 18, 2012.  It is the project of the latter that started its development since 2011.  The 1.2 kilometer esplanade is a recreational place for walking and jogging.  There is also aerobic activity during early in the morning and late afternoon hours.  The esplanade was designed by the international renowned architect Paulo Alcazaren who developed the Singapore wharf and it's where the name was inspired at the same time.

As one of those curious people, I visited the Iloilo's newest park yesterday.  Cleanliness is properly observed and maintained.  There are local policemen roaming around to secure the safety of the visitors.  I hope there are some public toilets to build.

I found a coffee shop under the bridge.  It is a relaxing place to watch the sunset at the same time.

Iloilo esplanade is a new place for fitness-conscious individuals.  Aside from viewing decks, there will be food stalls and floating restaurants that will standout soon.

REMINISCING THE HAPPY MOMENT IN TATLONG PULO

It was in 2009 that I started traveling alone or I just invited one or two friends to be with me after I separated with my last partner for more than 2 years.  It was the same year that I started falling in love not with another person but the beauty of Guimaras itself.  Since then, I visit the neighboring island from time to time.

I enjoyed being single but not alone or lonely.  I have set of friends of course!  I felt guilty though because I was not able to be with them all the time when I was in a special relationship.  2009 was the year of making friendship up and enjoying my singleness.  Oh yeah!

I spent my Christmas day 2009 with Socsy and Albert.  We went to Tatlong Pulo in Guimaras. The government owned island was recommended by our tour guide Richard.

There are so much activities to enjoy in the island.  We stayed just a half day but it was fun!

1.  There's a lighthouse.
2.  We enjoyed sunbathing and swimming.
3.  Had bonding in an open-cottage.
4.  We tried rock climbing.
5.  The locals are friendly by nature.
6.  We watched the white sand storming.
7.  We enjoyed the clear water collecting sea shells.
8.  We went island hopping and boating too!

I missed the place especially this time that I am just at home resting on weekends.  The photos make me smile and remember the happy moments in Tatlong Pulo.  I missed Socsy and Albert as well!

THE THORN AND THE ROSES

The internet connection took me so long to update my blog.  Blame it to Globe tattoo!  Its connection err service sucks!  It has very slow connection during peak hours, almost 20 of 24 hours.  It only has speed connection at dawn time.  Do I need to wake up that early?  Oh well, I need to go to work as early as I can to avoid salary deductions (insert wink or sad face).

I've been in the company for 13 years now.  Yeah, do I have to call myself as one of the loyal employees.  Maybe yes.  Actually, I didn't like the nature of my work but I used to it already.  The salary is just enough.  What makes me stay and love more is the relationship between employees.  My co-employees treat me so well.  We help each other not only in work related problems but also in personal needs.  Kasi, sa isang company dapat may pakikisama and that's what I learned from my co-workers.

Some of them left for the change of career or live for good but I can't forget them. I missed their presence but I have their good thoughts still.  I missed my Sir as well.  They helped me to grow and to learn new things everyday.

You are part of the happy moments in my life...

MY TOP 5 RESTAURANTS IN ILOILO CITY

Hello Friends, welcome to Iloilo City- the City of Love.  The home of the sweetest people.  

I am so obsessed with the new photo application online- Muzy.com.  I started making my own photo collection using this application.  I transformed my original photos into a unique photobox, photo collage, picmonkey or 3 in 1 combination.

Here, I created a unique photo collection of my top 5 restaurants in Iloilo City.  

Mooon Cafe

  My best friend, Marigold recommended this Mexican-inspired restaurant and I became one of the regular customers of Robinsons branch then.  However, they closed it and focused in the main branch which is located at Paseo de Iloilo & SM Southpoint, Mandurriao.  Moon steak is my most favorite.

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/moooncafeiloilo
Telephone:  333-2358 ; 509-5530

BOURBON STREET GRILL AND BAR

It is an American inspired bistro located at Smallville Strip, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.  American BBQ ribs is the all time favorite.  And I love their Signature square pizza.  They serve lunch & dinner.  It opens until midnight from Sunday to Tuesday and until 4am during Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Website:  http://www.bourbonstreet.com.ph
Telephone:  033-3203028

DULGIES DESSERTS & CAFE

My bestfriend Harry is the one who introduced Dulgies to me.  He loves pasta and I love cakes.  Dulgies serves both.  And we both love the Club sandwiches and pastries!  Dulgies is located at Lasallete Bldg., Valeria Street, Iloilo City.

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/maepido
Telephone:  (033) 338-37-01

PERRI TODD'S 

Perri Todd's is well known for its big all-American burger!  They have two branches, the one near our office at Commission Civil Jaro and the other one near Jaro Plaza but only the latter is available for deliveries.

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/perritodd
Telephone:  (033) 5083730- Commission Civil branch
                   (033) 5082598- Jaro Plaza

AFRIQUE'S GOURMET

Afriques both have pasta and pizza and steaks in addition.  They have four branches around Iloilo City. I can say I have an Italian appetite so I can't type more.  I am craving now for both- Afriques special and Puttanesca.

For free deliveries with minimum of 300 php just call:

Valeria branch:  509-60-92
Smallville:  509-49-00
Jaro:  509-28-11
Robinson:  336-34-21


Gutom na ba kayo?

ONLINE DISCOVERIES

I love this mashup of Payphone and Call Me Maybe so much.  It's my latest mobile ringing tone.



And I become an instant fan of Daniel Padilla after I heard him singing.  Pagsubok is my top favorite in his single album.  I also like his version of Grow Old With You.

Muzy.com is one of the coolest website I discovered lately.  I enjoy making unique photo styles on this site.  PicMonkey, Photobox and Photo collage are my top three muzy applications.

I found this unique gift item at www.quirksph.com.  There are more unique gift items available on the said local site.

TOP TEN SUNRISE/SUNSET PHOTOS TO REMEMBER

If there's an opportunity, I take photos of sunrise and sunset wherever I go.  Each photo served as a remembrance of the place, the people and the good memories.

1.  This sunrise photo was taken @ Alubihod Beach in Guimaras island.  It was during my 2009 birthday treat with some of my best high school buddies, one of my college close friends- Socsy and my office mates.

2. Summer sunset in the province.  It reminds me of my childhood days as a hamlet kid.

3.  I pass the Iloilo river on the way to the office during morning rush.

4.  The sunset in Bat-os, Concepcion, Iloilo during our stay last May 2011.  It's one of the most memorable vacations I've ever had. 

5.  Watching sunset in Guisi Lighthouse & beach resort.  Guimaras island is my runaway place.

6.  Sunrise in October.  I remember my late father with this photo.  It was taken a month after his death last year 2011.

7.  I am an early riser wherever I stay for the first time.  I always love to witness the sun as it arises. This sunrise shot was taken at Villa Teresita Resthauz & Bamboo Resort in Maasin, Iloilo.  

8.  Last holy week, Albert and I went to the northern part of Iloilo to spend the Holy week there for the first time.  We then met our other friend Edgar.  We stayed at CRCI resort in Banate, Iloilo.  And this was a sunrise shot.

9.  Rumagangrang beach in Guimaras is the most favorite beach of my Avatar prod & friends.  In this place, we renew our friendship every year.  It was last year I went with them and I love the place since then. We called it the vampire hideout.  Of course we are the vampires.  :-)  It is because every time we stay there, we are awake until dawn.  See the sunrise?

10.  This sunrise photo was taken in Molo plaza.  I was waited my friends for our trip in San Joaquin.  The old man on the picture was actually the one that caught my attention.  At that moment I asked myself, Do I look like him when I am already old and go to church every Sunday morning too?

FOOD TRIP

Most of the people are curious about what's the newly opened resto around the metro.  My friends and I love to bond and talk about the latest update of our lives and of course the curiosity about the atmosphere is there.  We belong :-)

Aside from the usual food chains like Jollibee, KFC, Mc Donalds, Pizzahut, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, Goldilocks, Mr Donut what else?  Iloilo City has  its own variety of local restaurants like Mang Inasal and more.  By the way, I like the Jolly spaghetti, Krushers and spaghetti plus the fries of KFC.  I just like the fries of MC DO.  Palabok of Red Ribbon plus the cinnamon and the cake.  And not to mention, I really love pizza!  I don't need to mention again the pizza houses.

I like the moon steak of Moon Cafe

The chicken bbq of Green Mango

When it comes to seafoods, we usually dine along the seaside in Villa beach.

There's Coffeebreak to chill at.

I love the cake for dessert of Book Latte

The carbonara of Afriques

The Bourbon's baby back ribs and variety of appetizers

The club sandwich of Dulgies

The big grilled burger of Perri Todds

And at night time, there are lots of bars along Diversion Road .  Cheers!

But wherever I go, at the end of the night, I don't forget to go back home.  And I still miss the lutong bahay.

My all time favorite "aloy" fish.

The sinabawang isda.

The yummy native chicken adobo.

The green mango with bagoong.

The nilagang sweet kamote

And what I miss most is meal prepared by my sister everytime I am home alone.

The fact is I am not good in kitchen department.