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The house where we stayed

Wednesday, April 11, 2012



It is strategically located along the National Highway, few steps to the Municipal Hall and the Catholic Church in Il Sur, San Juan, La Union. Farther across is a resort and a surfing site. It is also located near the small public market. The house with a big lawn has five rooms, 2 at the first level and 3 upstairs.

Marketing


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Holy week-end trip (April 6-9, 2012)




We had such an enjoyable week-end vacation up north though it was only on Holy Tuesday that we got to finalize where exactly to go. Thanks to Joey, my daughter Rhea’s classmate in Med School who offered their home in San Juan, La Union. The 6-hour (including stops for pees and eats) road trip was comfortable riding in a borrowed van courtesy of a friend while the rest rode in our SUV in convoy. There were no boring times because each of us brought along our gadgets. Rhea and I watched separately on our portable dvd player, Kisses with her laptop and Keren with her apple ipod nano. Even our helpers played games in their cellphones.

We left at 9:00 a.m. of Good Friday and while passing by some towns in Tarlac, we saw devotees performed extreme acts of penitence to atone for their sins. Their religious ritual involves performance of self-flagellation acts like carrying heavy wooden crosses, whipping their backs until they bleed, believing that their sacrifice would somehow grant salvation for their sins.The ritual involves believers marching for several hours under the scorching heat of the sun with their arms and legs tied while they were inflicted wounds on their backs with a blade and sometimes even have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance.

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A taste of U.S. home grown fruits

Monday, January 30, 2012


What else would you want to do, see or taste when you’re out of your native land but to experience everything rare. I feasted and treated my taste buds on fresh homegrown fruits like blackberries, blueberries, red cherries, cranberries, persimmons, grapefruits, apricots and more.


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The very first Starbucks is right here!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

THE ORIGINAL STARBUCKS



Starbucks opened its first store in 1971 in the Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. Because the Market is a historic district with design guidelines, the store retains its original look. The location that I was most excited about while vacationing in Seattle was the very first Starbucks store at Pike Place Market. As everyone knows, our family back in Manila are all Starbucks fan although the hubs prefers ???! Starbucks at the Power plant by day (Rockwell) and at Jupiter St. by the wee hours are considered our melting pots. Aside from the Space Needle and the location shootings of the movie Sleepless in Seattle, there was absolutely no way I was leaving the State without seeing the very first Starbucks store in person. It really indeed was a very special treat for me as I had always promised myself that one day when get to Seattle I would definitely visit the store that started it all.

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Travel safe

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Our family loves roadtrips and we had a lot of them during the recent summer. What I like about these trips are the booths lined along the sides which offer roadside assistance to motorists and commuters to assure their safety along the way. There are food stalls, emergency lounging areas and first aid stations too. I don’t claim though that these road support are only visible during summertime, you can see them as well anytime of the year. Roadtrips are fun if you are assured of safety along the way.

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Just a short break

Friday, August 5, 2011

Macau and Hongkong





August 6-9, 2011

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The Chance to Travel? Will you deprive them?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

When I read your column in a widely circulated tabloid through one of our helpers rushing to me and saying “Madam, madam basahin mo ito, ang kakapal daw ng mukha niyo!” (Read this Madam, it says you are all shameless and hard faced, I felt a slight of pity not for myself but for my fellow Chairmen. Of course I share the same feelings being one of them but on the contrary, I’m a little lucky since I’ve travelled numerous times and been to different places here and abroad, but how about the others? Can you not just consider this a priviledge for their hard work in their respective communities?

Why do you deprive people of their chance to travel especially those who don’t have the means? Don’t you know of the fact that travelling expands one’s horizon? How sad it is for leaders who are inexperienced about the diverse cultures of other people. Travelling broadens the mind - it gives you insight and understanding into other cultures which can only be a good thing. Seeing the world, meeting new people, learning about things you never knew existed, broadening your view of the world, bascially. Let them experience growth and real knowledge of the real world outside their nest. They have an allotted budget for this annual training and exposure though not as big as yours because you are in the top level position. Mind you, they’re also elected by a mandate of people just like you! You were also like them when you started in politics, rooted from the Barangayans. The only edge you have is that you were born from a very powerful clan with both politically and socially active parents (as well as siblings), what an easy way in. Lucky You!

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Taking a break

Sunday, November 15, 2009

We’re Macau bound tomorrow night with my travel buddy Edna for 5 days. With her are three of her younger kids while with me is my youngest daughter Queenie and grandkid Kisses along with my cousins Laarnie and Allan. Although it’s my 3rd trip here this year, I still won’t get tired of coming back and forth. I just love the weather and the bickering lights which is somewhat like Vegas! I also enjoy the side trip shopping to Zhuhai, China which is barely about a 15 minute bus ride.

Another place which I wish to travel to is the Caribbean and would love firstly to visit the dominican republic punta cana. I heard it is a popular Caribbean vacation site with high class resort hotels and white sand beaches. It’s another great way to relax and get a break from the everyday hassles and stresses of life.

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From North to South

Tuesday, September 22, 2009





We were invited to spend the long week-end in Subic by my friend Edna and family to celebrate the birthday of her husband Steve. We were reluctant since it was also my brother-in-law’s birthday the following day but Edna’s son-in-law was so insistent to have us join them so we did. The celebrant said spending a few days in Subic is just like hittting two birds in one stone because aside from a family day (s) out, he also will have a chance to join some vehicle auctions and buy some truck accessories for their delivery vans as well.

We had the opportunity to stay at the Mega’s vacation house who actually is an aunt of Edna’s son-in-law. We really wanted to stay to go on a beach adventure and of course shop for duty-free items but we still have to attend to another family gathering in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. We left at 2:00 p.m. for a North to South long trip.

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The Chairmen's trip to HK and Shenzhen

Saturday, August 22, 2009

It was indeed an enjoyable and productive trip although I found it so tiring because everything was on schedule and we had to follow a set itinerary. You can just imagine handling a total of 109 Chairmen (some were a little "pasaway") aboard 3 buses going on different places. Thanks to the patient organizers and the tour guides from Las Palmas Travel & Tours and their counterparts in Hongkong and Shenzhen who took good care of us here and there.

One thing I truly appreciate was the abundance and over flowing food in just every restaurants we dined though the plate was just the size of a saucer. Well I didn't enjoy much of the shopping because everybody was in a hurrying mode as in mabilisan lang so would you believe that I bought a pair of rubber shoes for a nephew which were both right (parehong kanan)! which I discovered only when my nephew sent it back and told me of the defect. I requested our tour guide to have them replaced (?) as he was coming back on the 24th to be with the next batch of Chairmen.

I'm still happy that I got a chance to purchase something for myself aside from 3 denim jeans. Oh well.... My life is "Never Full" of whims and wishes.



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Off to Hongkong and Shenzhen, China

Saturday, August 15, 2009

This time the Chairmen of 6th District of Manila (109 Chairmen) are off to Hongkong and Shenzhen, China for a Non-Study Program to Hongkong and Shenzhen, China.

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I love Vegas!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Getting the experience on how it was trekking along the las vegas strip was simply unforgettable. The lights were awesome and you could really feel the excitement and thrill of anyone you meet along. I wish I can have another chance to visit Las Vegas on my future trip to the United States hopefully this coming year before my VISA expires on 2010. Oh I sooooo love Vegas!

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Dreaming of a Caribbean Vacation?

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Who would not want to go on a Caribbean vacation after hearing as well as seeing photos of how nice and relaxing the place is? Oh well, I am dreaming of spending time with my family and I’m sure the kids will enjoy frolicking on the beachside while Rey and I enjoys the serene and peaceful atmosphere which is truly relaxing. Vacation houses are not too rare to be found. While surfing for places to stay, I came across Wimco which offers St. Martin villa rentals situated right on the beach which I find a perfect getaway.

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Amazing Bohol by Chance (Part I)

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

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I had the slightest idea that my Cebu trip will bring an added treat - that is to bring me to one of my native land's amazing wonder and that is the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

Here's the story: During the first day of the Convention when we were having a break just after lunch, I came across a booth, a travel agency offering a promo tour package. I asked the lady every details and knew then that Bohol is just 2 hours away via a ferry ride.I was about to sign up but but they didn't have a scheduled trip the following day since the seminar is still ongoing. I told my friend Sheryl along with her hubs Lew who were also interested to come with me since we are all booked for Manila by Friday. We decided to go and left the following day (Thursday) at past 7:00 a.m. for Pier 4 to catch the 8:00 a.m. Super Cat ferry bound for Tagbilaran (Bohol's capital). While aboard the ferry, we noticed my brother Mer a naval servicemen who I requested to join us was busy by then arranging our trip because as you know we went by ourselves and have not availed of a tour package. Luckily he knew some service crew who referred us to the Captain's friend for our transport. When we alighted, a privately driven Hi-ace van was already waiting for us.

Since it's past 10:00 am we decided to have the offered buffet lunch inclusive of a 45 minute cruise along (first itinerary) the Loboc River. The fee of P300.00 per person is good enough for the sumptuous and various menu of grilled fish, vegetable salads, meat, gintaang langka, sea shells, fruits and a lot more. Just when the boat is about to leave for the cruise, we decided not to go because we were excited to go on our next stop - the Chocolate Hills itself. BTW, before my next entry I'd like to leave you with a computation of the expenses we incurred which is surprisingly fair enough.

Ferry ride (roundtrip) - P825.00 per person ($18.50)
Buffet lunch 300.00 per person ($ 7.00)
Private van (P3,500.) 875.00 per person ($19.50) divided by 4, might have been less depending upon the number of heads for about 6 hours long drives. So approximately P2,000.00 each ($45.50). Cheap di ba? For Filipinos out there, may I request you to vote here for Bohol, Mayon Volcano, Tabbata Reef and Palawan to be included among the 7 Wonders of the World. Please spare a few minutes of your time.

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Cebu, day 2

Monday, September 1, 2008

August 27, 2008

Just before the end of the first day of the convention, co-security agency owner Sheryl and long time friend in the industry together with her husband Lew, we decided to make use of the rest of the late afternoon to tour the suburbs of Cebu. I called up my brother Mer to rent for us a cab and pick us up at the Cebu International Convention Center. In our convention get up and with high heels (ouch!) we went on with the tour.

First stop was the historical Mactan Shrine where Lapu Lapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders and killing their head Ferdinand Magellan thus making Lapu Lapu the first Filipino to have repelled European Aggression. Next spot was the Magellan’s Cross Shrine, Basilica de Santo Nino, Taboan Market where we bought Cebu delicacies. The last stop was at the peak wherein you can view the whole of Cebu called - The Top at Busay, Cebu where we had dinner before we finally stopped by the Waterfront Hotel where Sheryl and Lew were billeted. The 1,200 pesos taxi rate was worth it.






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I'm Back!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Yeah I'm back from Cebu and an unexpected side trip to Bohol! I had a wonderful and enjoyable time with my brother Mer who's based in Lahug, Cebu City and who took time off from his naval duties to be my guide and traveling companion. From the airport at around 10:30 a.m. we headed to CNT for a taste of the famous yummy Cebu Lechon. We then proceeded to his home because of a much needed sleep and rest. I only had two hours sleep the previous night because of a busted airconditing unit in our room. I just had a short nap and decided to shop for pasalubongs like dangit, dried pusit, longganisa etc. at Taboan Market then dropped by Rustan's Supermarket to shop for some toiletries and had dinner at Max's Restaurant.


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Off for Cebu

Tuesday, August 26, 2008


Flying to Cebu on a 9:00 a.m. flight.

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Looking forward

Sunday, August 24, 2008

I intend to start packing up my things for Tuesday’s flight for Cebu to attend an annual security convention on the 27th and 28th at what my brother describes as the controversial Cebu International Convention Center. Aside from the usual conference attires, I have included my favorite swimsuit in my luggage. Who knows I may have the chance to go for a relaxing swim in one Cebu’s noted beaches. I really wish I can find time to visit Plantation Bay Area.

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Amazing Vegas

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Two of my friends in the U.S. have been inviting me over again for a vacation in Daly City and Seattle. They both promised to bring me back on Vegas vacations because they knew how I enjoyed the place so much. True enough, Vegas experience was one I cannot forget when I and Queenie were there for a two-month vacation a couple of years ago. Hopefully I will but will still have to save for more moolah then!

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More trips to go

Monday, March 24, 2008

After an enjoyable vacation in Boracay, we are once again set to go on a camping trip to Bataan with our church family next month and I think there are still more upcoming outings along the way until summer is over. Well, after all that is what summer is all about. In preparation, I still have to shop for camping gear to make sure outdoor activities will be fun especially for the kids.

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