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Our HR Head at Work

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Singapore Central Business District (Night)

Ortigas Buildings (Along F. Ortigas Jr. Road/Emerald)

Ortigas Buildings (Along Escriva and Pearl Drives)

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My Best Manila Bay Sunset

Sir Jun Palmero Portraits

Friends Portraits

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Poly

My Sisters

Such a unique situation when all of your siblings are female. Yup. You’re right. I am the only ‘thorn’ amongst the ‘roses’ in the siblings. And to top that, I am the eldest – a responsibility of which I am truly proud of.

Next to me is my siter Elaine. She is almost 4 years younger than me. Next is Ella, almost 7 years younger than me. And the last one is the toughest of them all: Eleonor – girlie as she is fondly called by relatives and close friends – is almost 12 years younger than me. Elaine is a board passer in the nursing board examination last June 2008. Ella is still studying BS Computer Engineering at the Western Mindanao State University and Girlie is in high school at the Zamboanga City High School – West. They are currently situated in Zamboanga City and have been busy with duties in the congregation we are part of.

When you at us altogether, you would not believe that we are siblings. There aren’t much similarities among us. Hehehe. Anyway, they are fun to be with. “Snobs” – the usual impression of people who do not know them.

And since I am the eldest and the only ‘torn,’ I could make them do things for me… Bwahahahahaha! The benefits of being the eldest! Bwahahahaha!

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Sunset at Mall of Asia

Isang Araw Lang Fun Run

Please visit for more information:

http://sports37.net/

Isang Araw Lang Fun Run for FREE COLLEGE!

December 2009: A Month to be Remembered

December 2009 is a month memorable to me. First, this is the 4th Quarter International Thanksgiving of the Members of the Church of God International worldwide, and I got to celebrate this very important event with my mother, my sister next to me Elaine and my youngest sister Girly. Second, I got to be with my mother and my youngest sister during our strolls in some parts of the metro. We visited almost all major malls and parks in Metro Manila – SM Megamall, SM North, SM North-Annex, Trinoma, Rustans-Shangrila, SM Mall of Asia, Ocean Park, Luneta and part of Intramuros which is Fort Santiago. Third, I got to buy my first DSLR (Canon EOS 500D) at a reasonable price, far more cheaper than what Canon is selling here in the Philippines (directly purchased from Japan that is).

There are still many instances which I could not be able to write here that made this month soooooo important and memorable to me… and of course, the whole of November 2009 shall never be forgotten, for this was a month that is also carved in my heart… many things had happened, special things that is.

Anyway, I do hope with God’s help, we could start this modern-day calendar with a very joyous and productive one (work-related). Hehehehe… Hoping to see the new year in the Hebrew Calendar….

//

Early Morning Smog (Pollution)

I went to the office very early in the morning and was shocked to have seen a layer of dark clouds covering part of Pasig City. I thought this was just an ordinary fog however when I took a very close look at it, it was a combination of fog and vehicular smoke. These images were taken from the 21st floor of the East Tower of the Philippine Stock Exchange Center (Tektite) in Ortigas Center, facing east.

Shocking really. Very early in the morning, the the sky is already filled with polluted air. Oh what future may our children have if this shall continue to deteriorate!

Skyway, Makati City

 

 

Bonnies BBQ Grill (With Map)

I had a chance to go to Bonnies Grill after a day’s  stroll in some parts of the Metro (Metro Manila) yesterday, at around 6PM. I had ordered Bangus Sisig and a glass of pineapple juice. I had great time with the ambiance and the changing light colors it reflected by the lights on the walls. It was just unfortunate that I went there very early since one of the personnel there told me that every 8PM, a band lead by Hammilian Pavoreal sings songs to patrons. Anyway, I still have many chances to go there if God wills it. I assure you that you shall be satisfied with Bonnies BBQ Grill. Bonnies BBQ Grill is located in EDSA Central. The map below shows the location of Bonnies Grill in Greenfield, EDSA Central in Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

Cuisines: Filipino, Grill

Specialties: Boneless Chicken BBQ; Grilled Liempo; Bangus Belly Steak; Kilayin; Mama’s Morcon and Homemade Buko Sherbet

Budget: P199 & Below

Payment Method: Cash and Credit Card

Address:
Bonnie’s BBQ Grill.  Ground Level, Edsa Central Pavilion
EDSA corner Shaw Blvd. (in front of Edsa Central Water Tank)

Contact numbers:
(632) 664-3067, (63922) 866-0303

Click Image to Enlarge

Bonnies BBQ Grill Map (Cross Mark, pointed by arrow)

Here are some of the pictures I took with my Sony Ericsson w595 mobile phone:

Offline Mobile ESORIANO Blogsite

Do you want to read the most sensible blog site by the most sensible preacher of the present dispensation in your mobile phone? If your cellphones or mobile phone are capable of installing Java applications, then this is for you.  To download the JAR file of the blog site of Bro. Eli Soriano, follow the instructions below.

1. Click this link ESORIANO Jar Blogsite
2. Now, click the download button found in the page.
3. Wait for about 10 seconds (a timer is shown to indicate the remaining seconds left).
4. If you see the CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS FILE, click it and wait for the download prompt.
5. Save the JAR file elsewhere in your computer.
6. Plug your mobile phones to your computer and have the JAR file downloaded to your phone.
7. Install the JAR file, and wait until it finishes installing.
8. The offline ESORIANO Blogsite is now ready to be read.

You might want to share this file to anyone (brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues, office mates…).

Porque – By Maldita band

I came in early in the office a while ago in the 21st floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange East Tower in Ortigas Center and took my breakfast at the 4th floor. When I came back to my office cubicle, people there let me listen a Chavacano song which was sang by a Zamboangueno band from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, also in Zamboanga City. Here is a video of the song, and I hope you take time to listen to it. I also included the lyrics of the song. I worked out on the English transliteration of the song. I just did hope that the idea/thought of the song was never lost. Comment on the transliteration if you must. I’d be happy to correct them. Thanks.

VIDEO AND LYRICS (with English translation) BELOW

Porque (Why) was the first single released by Zamboanga City’s local band, Maldita with Demz and Francel on vocals, and Whey on acoustic guitar (rhythms). Other members are as follows: RB (lead guitarist), James (bass guitarist), Mad (Drums) and Jesser (Keyboardist). Video Courtesy of MAD MEDIA WORKS

PORQUE (Why)
by Maldita

Solo-solo na mi cuarto (Alone in my room)
Hende ta puede durmi (I could not sleep)
Bira-bira na cabeza (In my mind it keeps coming back)
El dolor yo ya sinti (The pain that I felt)

REFRAIN
Porque pa contigo yo ya quiere? (Why was it that I liked (or loved) you?)
Como bula lang tu ya perde (Like bubble you disappeared)

CHORUS
Porque contigo yo ya escogi? (Why was it that I chose you? )
Ahora mi corazon ta sufri (Now, my heart suffers)
Bien simple lang yo ta pidi (What I ask for is too simple)
Era sinti tu el cosa yo ya sinti (That you feel how I felt)

Ta pidi milagro bira’l tiempo (I ask for a miracle to turn back the time)
El mali hace derecho (For this mistake to be corrected)
Na di mio rezo ta pidi yo (In my prayer I ask)
Era olvida yo contigo (That I forget you)

Todo-todo yo ya dale (I have given everything)
Ahora ta arrepenti (Now, I am regretting)
Sobra-sobra el dolencia (Too much pain)
Tormento para vivi (It is difficult to go on (or to live))

Repeat Refrain and Chorus

BRIDGE
No tu distorba (Never bother me)
Y no atraca kay baka (Or even come near me)
palmadia yo contigo (I might be able to slap you in the face)
Nunca accepta (Never accept)
Si tu ay bira por dolor ya sinti (For if you come back, it is pain I feel)

Porque contigo yo ya escogi? (Why was it that I chose you? )
Ahora mi corazon ta sufri (Now, my heart suffers)
Bien simple lang yo ta pidi (What I ask for is too simple)
Era sinti tu el cosa yo ya sinti (That you feel how I felt)

Repeat Chorus

Ooohh..
Porque contigo yo ya escogi? (Why was it that I chose you? )
Ahora mi corazon ta sufri…(Now, my heart suffers)

While by Myself

This is me when I get to a place and think of things in my life…alone. Somehow being alone seems as if you are away of those things that bother you. Sometimes, being with myself alone releases all the stresses in me. I get to think of some things deeply and try to somehow meditate in a place where there are almost no one in sight. Whew… the relief.

See. That is me when I am alone by myself…

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills. I only see them in books, the Internet and other reading materials. And yesterday, I got to see these beautifully shaped hills with my own eyes. We went to Sagbayan Peak first to have views of the group of hills, then headed to Carmen (where some famous chocolate hills pictures are taken). The shots below are pictures of these hills which I took myself on top of another hill. Here they are:

Aerial View of Taal Volcano

We were headed to Bohol Island, part of the Bohol Province in the Visayas region for an official business trip. As the Philippine Airline took off from Terminal II of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, Philippines, I was lucky to have a view of the Taal Volcano from air without much cloud to cover the “smallest volcano” in the world. I never doubted to take shots of the said volcano. Images below are the the pictures of Taal Volcano, minutes after the plane took off the terminal in NAIA 2.

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Twilight Romantic Lines

I just watched the movie Twilight, and I was anticipating a horror one. To my shock, the theme was revolving on love… between a normal human and a vampire who vowed not to kill any human and instead hunt animals for food. The lines below are some of the conversations/dialogues/lines of the main characters Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.

“I love you. It’s a poor excuse for what I’m doing, but it’s still true.” -Edward Cullen

“I’ll be back soon, you won’t have time to miss me. Look after my heart–Ive left
it with you.” -Edward Cullen

“If I could dream at all, it would be about you.” -Edward Cullen

“You are my life. You’re the only thing it would hurt me to lose.” -Edward Cullen

“You are utterly indecent — no one should look so tempting, it’s not fair.” -Edward Cullen

“It’s like you’ve taken half my self away with you.” -Edward Cullen

“Could you believe that, despite everything I’ve put you through, I love you, too?” -Edward Cullen

“Yes, you are the reason. The reason I’m here–alive.” -Bella Swan

Edward: “I told you I’m not going anywhere. Don’t be afraid. As long as it makes you happy, I’ll be here.”
Bella: “You’re talking about forever, you know.”

“I won’t let anything hurt you–not even yourself. I won’t let go of you once, I promise.” -Edward Cullen

Edward: “Do I dazzle you?”
Bella: “Frequently.”

“You are the most important thing to me now. The most important thing to me ever.” -Edward Cullen

“It was impossible… to stop. Impossible. But I did. I must love you.” -Edward Cullen

“You already know how I feel, of course. I’m here… which, roughly translated, means I would rather die than stay away from you.” -Bella Swan

“Mostly I dream about being with you forever.” -Bella Swan

Bella: “Look, I love you more than everything else in the world combined. Isn’t that enough?”
Edward: “Yes, it is enough. Enough for forever.”

I will review the movie again and find some lines which were overlooked from the primary screening (whoa! screening? wow!)

Brush and Shutter Art Exhibit

Mr. Public Service, Kuya Daniel Razon will be showcasing 56 paintings on canvas by Tala Gallery artists, from the original photography works of Mr. Public Service and four more other paintings on different concepts. The gallery will be opened to the public on September 28-30, 2009 at Tala Gallery, 100 Scout de Guia Street, Kamuning Quezon City. Proceeds of the said exhibit shall be for the free college education of the La Verdad Christian College (LVCC) scholars.

The map below shall location of Tala Gallery. Click the image below to show a bigger image of the map. The orange lane in the map is EDSA, yellow lanes are some major roads and white lanes are smaller streets in Kamuning area.

Kamuning area map (click image to enlarge)

I together with Ms. Ebon, went to Tala Gallery on the 2nd day of public viewing. There weren’t much people there, only us and the caretakers. I took some shots, and place them here in this album: Brush and Shutter Gallery. It is in Facebook. Feel free to visit that gallery.

(From Brush and Shutter Multiply Site) Among the distinguished Filipino painters who shared their skills for free are: Roy Urap, Henry Cabrales, Yatar Bulos, Marlon See, CJ Tanedo, Gerry Joquico, Howard Jao and Tyago Almario. According to them, this serves as their contribution to Kuya Daniel’s encouraging social campaign, Isang Araw Lang (Just One Day), where countless community groups and organizations have been moved to do the good they can to others even for just one day.

Candy Manzano, Operations Manager of the Tala Gallery, said in an interview that the event is sure to be another successful exhibit of Kuya Daniel as there are some clients who have already reserved paintings. His last photo exhibit, Looking Beyond, in February of this year has outsold his In My Eyes in 2007. Proceeds of both exhibits went to the various daily public services of Kuya Daniel, as shown on Good Morning, Kuya! on UNTV 37. (Source)

Rain or Shine: To Him We Worship

Apalit, Pampanga Philippines – Typhoon “Ondoy” has ravaged the majority of Luzon Island with its strong winds and heavy rains. The downpour continuously started last Friday, September 25, until early Sunday in Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines and caused bottlenecks and heavy traffic jams on major expressways in Luzon.

However, this did not stop the Members of the Church of God International, popularly known to the public as the Ang Dating Daan, to head to the Ang Dating Daan International Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga to hear the pure and untarnished words of GOD in the Bible through His chosen messenger in this present dispensation, Bro. Eliseo F. Soriano or Bro. Eli for short.

Bro. Daniel S. Razon, the Vice-Presiding Minister of the Congregation (also popularly known as Mr. Public Service, who heads the UNTV 37 station) delivered the first part of the texto (topic) for that day. It was also unexpected that Bro. Daniel Razon would be gracing the thanksgiving since it was known that he was abroad to help Bro. Eli spread the Words of God in the Bible and that many shall be baptized to the folds of the truth, of God.

The second part of the topic was preached by Bro. Eli, giving deeper details to the texto. As expected, the whole congregation once again felt so much happiness to see unfold before their eyes the new aspects of truth of God in the Bible which were never or shall never be heard from any pastors.

The brethren who were celebrators for the thanksgiving offered songs of praises to God whom the congregation is worshipping.  Celebrators in the said thanksgiving include the West and North districts of Metro Manila, local and international thanks-givers and the newly baptized brethren both here and abroad.

Immediately after the celebration of thanksgiving, the presiding minister of MCGI Bro. Eli Soriano had given instructions to prepare food, clothing, blankets and bedsheets for the brethren. Songs of praises were given by the members who stayed for the night. That instance was as if the International Thanksgiving to our God had already commenced. The singing and dancing were led by the Teatro Kristiano and the Music Ministry Core. Though in the midst of calamity, the Church of God International (even after the regular celebration of Thanksgivings) were not stopped in singing songs of praises and dancing dances of joys for the Lord God whom we adore and worship.

THERE WERE SINGING OF SONGS OF PRAISES AND WORDS OF THANKS TO GOD – EVEN IN THE MIDST OF THE EYE OF THE STORM.

The Members of the Church of God International shall always be giving thanks and praises to the One whom praises and thanks should be rightfully and spiritually rendered. The members shall always be hopeful and thankful, RAIN OR SHINE. And nothing shall stop them from doing so, till the day of redemption comes, and even beyond it.

Sunday morning around 5:30am, the Sun made its presence felt for a couple of minutes. The floods in some parts of the region have  subsided, and rain has stopped for the meantime. This picture was taken in Apalit Pampanga, Philippines.

Ortigas Center Business District Map

The second most important business district next to Makati Central Business District is the Ortigas Center. I have been monitoring the search strings being typed by surfers that somehow lead them to my site. In my previous post, I placed the map of the Makati Central Business District. Since there were many search strings for Ortigas Center, I decided to place a map of it as well, included its adjacent locations.

Below is a high-resolution image of the map of Ortigas Center Business District (1908 pixels X 2088 pixels). Please feel free to click the map to enlarge it.

CLICK THIS MAP TO ENLARGE (Resolution: 1908 X 2088 pixels, 200 DPI)

Ortigas Center Business District
Click map above to enlarge

Ortigas Center is bounded by EDSA at the west, Shaw Boulevard at the south, Ortigas Avenue at the North and Meralco Avenue at the East. It is home to many shopping malls and business establishments, as well as restaurant and bars. Ortigas Center is located at the boundary of Pasig City, Mandaluyong City, and Quezon City. It is governed by Ortigas Center Association, Inc.

I did hope I was able to help again some surfers about Ortigas Center, and how to go to different establishments located there. If there shall be inquiries that this post is unable to address, please have a comment at the bottom of this post. I am very much delighted to be of help.

Manila Bay Dusk

I always wanted to take a photo of the sunset via Manila Bay perfectly. I mean I need to see the sun set before my eyes on the horizon and capture that moment. Whenever there are instances I feel that the day would be great and that clouds will not be filling up the horizon part where the sun sets, I would take time to go to MOA (Mall of Asia, Pasay City Philippines) and wait for the right time to take photos of the moment. However, never in my time that I was able to take the “perfect sunset.”

But I shall never let down my guard and continue to estimate if the following days shall be good to me to allow me to take the sunset without these clouds covering the horizon. Eeeeeshz!

For the meantime, here are the shots I took:

Images from the Past – My Mother

I was able to find a picture of my mother way back circa 1980s. Since then, I kept this picture inside my wallet. I decided to have it photographed and placed here in the Internet. The picture is shown below, with a zoomed copy of it focusing on my mother.

She shall be shocked when she sees this! Hahaha!

Have a nice day!

Green – digicam macroshot

I am fond of taking pictures of plants, especially now that  I learned about macro shots using my Canon digicam. This is not yet an SLR. But it takes great photos. The first plant was taken inside our yard in Zamboanga City when I went back there for a one-week vacation, and the second one (grass) was taken in Apalit, Pampanga. Here are the shots:

The Sun behind the Clouds

There were times when I see the Sun behind the clouds, and that I would want to capture it. And so, in one of these times, I captured the Sun so timid behind the clouds.

Isang Araw Lang Album

YConCon – The Sequel: Isang Araw Lang!

The Araneta Coliseum was jam-packed on last Monday’s (August 17 2009 7PM) concert dubbed as YConCon (Youth Concert Convention) – The Sequel – Isang Araw lang! Various music Philippine bands participated that shook the venue. Breadcrumbs gave the first number, to be followed by the Play band. The following are the renowned Philippine bands played and sang their respective songs:

1.  Shamrock

Shamrock

2. Hammilan and Ms. Coney Yanga

Hammilan doing solo

Hammilan and Ms. Coney duet

Hammilan with Ms. Coney duet

3. Itchyworms

Itchyworms’ turn

4. Nina

Nina sings ‘Love Moves…”

5. Sugarfree

Sugarfree doing their thing

6. Pupils

Ely ignites the crowd

Pupils on a number

Ely sings Alapaap

Bro. Eli gave a short message on why this concert was being held, the core reason why this concert was conceptualized and made possible with the help of the Lord. The proceeds of the the said event will go to the scholarships of deserving students who were carefully screened for FREE tuition fees, FREE uniforms, FREE books, FREE school materials…and even FREE meal at the La Verdad College.

Bro. Eli addresses the crowd in YConCon

Then after that, the only Kuya who is also known as Mr. Public Service, Kuya Daniel Razon gave his number and the crowd went yelling with great joy! Kuya Daniel Razon sang his carrier single of the album, Isang Araw Lang. The album received award that it is already nearing Platinum award in terms of the number of albums sold, isang araw lang (in just one day).

Any idea how many went to the concert? Well, just look at the images below.

Well, there goes it. If there shall be a sequel to this sequel (is there such a term?) I hope to see you there… ISANG ARAW LANG.

Thanks be to GOD.

//

Zamboanga City Hall

The construction of this Hispanic building started in 1905 and was completed in 1907 by the Federal Government of the United States for the American Governors of the area, which included Leonard O. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W. Hoyt, and John Pershing of World War I fame. Today it serves as the City Hall of Zamboanga, where the City Mayor holds office. It is located right at the heart of Zamboanga City. (Source: Wow Philippines).

Zamboanga City Historical Marker

Zamboanga City Hall

Zamboanga City Hall with yellow ribbon (in honor of the late President Aquino)

The Offical Seal of the City of Zamboanga

Zamboanga City Hall Siren Tower

Zamboanga City Hall Extension (at left side of the original city hall)

The Main Entrance to City Hall

Plaza Rizal (Rizal Park) in front of Zamboanga City Hall

Plaza Rizal (Rizal Park) in front of Zamboanga City Hall

These are some of the scenery of the City Hall of Zamboanga City. Also, around the City Hall and near it, there are still many edifices that were built during the American and Spanish Era. I only had no time to take them all, maybe if I shall be back again in this wonderful city, by then, I would have taken some of the places that were really part of history that shaped this City.

At Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City with Dante and Elmar

I came back to mi ciudad de Zamboanga to have my one-week vacation in this wonderful city of mine, also called now as Asia’s Latin City. Dante and Elmar fetched me in Upper Calarian at the main opening going to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Logistics Command (AFPLC) of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom). Then at the city proper, we passed by the Zamboanga City Hall, built during the American era.

Then, we headed straight to Fort Pilar, a fortress that guarded Zamboanga City from the invading groups of people from different waves.

Historical marker

Main entrance to Fort Pilar

We entered the gate and left my identification card to the guard assigned for that day and went inside the fort. The picture below shows the inside of Fort Pilar:

Center of the fort

Cells inside the fort

Inner walls of the fort, under restoration

We were escorted by a guard that guards the place, and gave us special passes to go to the upper level of the fortress. There, I took some shots with us in it. Hehehehe. I just love to see historical places.

Well well, more images of this historical site, and not us. Hahahahaha.

One of the corners of the fortress

Old lamp at the west side of the fortress

Fort Pilar Shrine, Eastern side of the Fortress

Fort Pilar upper cells facing west

We again went down from the upper level to the lower ground.

Inner center of Fort Pilar with lamp post

A plant making its way for a new beginning inside the fortress

Well, here we go again. Pose for posterity – hahaha.

We decided to go out of Fort Pilar and went to Pasonanca park. But before we left, I took shots of the walls that guarded this fortress for hundred of years since it has been built until now.

Western Corner of Fort Pilar

West wall of For Pilar

West wall 0f Fort Pilar with metal fences

We also visited the museum inside. But then, we were told not to take pictures inside. (ssshhh…. I got a whole bunch of pictures inside! hihihihi). This fortress, Fort Pilar protected the city from bandits, rebels and invaders that would want to conquer this piece of beautiful pensinsula. It shall be the symbol of the strength of the city, for many years to come, as was in the past.

At Fort Santiago, Manila with My Friend Sir Ruben

We went to one of the government agencies in Intramuros area and visited that agency for something we have been doing for months now. After having stayed for awhile, Sir Ruben invited me to have a walk inside Intramuros of which I accepted right away. I took some shots but was not satisfied with it – there were many students! Then we decided to went back to his car and rode to Fort Santiago of which he also invited me to go there.

Sir Ruben, at the Fort Santiago Park, Fort Santiago, Manila

Me, at the Plaza Arma Park, Fort Santiago, Manila

Once there, we got tickets so that we may enter the Fort Santiago Park first. Adults – 75.00, children – 50.00. The park was neat and clean – and green.

Upon entering the park, you shall see this!

Fort Santiago Park, showing the domes of the Manila Cathedral

You will also see inside the park some of the canons used in World War I, and some of the Japanese bombs that were not able to detonate during the war. Wanna see these big toys? Here they are below:

Big stuff, huh!

Be careful with these toys!

Then, after having seen the park, we proceeded to the main entrance to Fort Santiago. I remember our fort there in Zamboanga City upon seeing this one. Almost its architecture and shape are identical to Fort del Pilar in mi ciudad de Zamboanga. The images below show the main entrance to the fort itself:

Entrance to Fort Santiago

Once you enter the main gate, you will be petrified by the park that is within the walls of Fort Santiago. This place is called PLAZA ARMAS. Here are the images of the main plaza of the fort:

We then went to Rizal shrine. This is a place where in some things of Jose Rizal were kept. Sir Ruben and I went inside and viewed the thinigs Rizal used during when he was still alive.

Marker to the Shrine

Painting of the Death of the National Hero, entrance of the Shrine

Me of course, with the painting.

After the main entrance we went inside a room which contains the things Rizal used, the first publications of the Novels, the original copy of the the novels, his calling cards and many more. Take a look at these images I took inside the room:

Some of the things Rizal used on display

An original copy of the El Filibuetrismo

An original copy of the Noli Me Tangere

Noli Me Tangere first publication

Moving inside the house, we reached the cell where our national hero was detained before we was taken to Bagumbayan (now Luneta). Here he wrote a letter that was placed inside a lamp for her mother. The images below is a marker of the historical place, and the actual place itself where he was detained before his execution.

Then we went to the second floor to see more of the hero’s things he used when he was still alive in Europe. These things are inside a room called, Silid ng Nalalabi (The Reliquary Room). Here are the pictures I took:

Then, we went outside of the house going to the dungeons, originally containment rooms for artillery and gunpowder. However, because of its close distance to the Pasig River, the dungeons are made into prison cells of the Spaniards.

I went to a part of the fort which was dedicated to the 600 plus Filipinos who were found dead by the Japanese. The historical marker tells us that there were Filipinos who died here in the hands of the Japnese invaders.This be the site:

I also took a picture of the place just below the site described above:

I had a look of the Plaza Armas park and took some shots, showing the back portion of Rizal’s statue and part of the dome of the Manila cathedral at the background facing exit.

After having visited some of the sites found in the fort, we headed to the exit (entrance of the fort). As we move towards exit, I noticed marked footprints on the concrete walkway inside the park (inside Fort Santiago which is Plaza Armas). I learned later on that these are the footprints of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, while he was being escorted to Luneta for execution. Here are the images of the footprints:

We went outside of the main Fort Santiago and straight ahead to the Fort Santiago park at the main entrance.Part of the center of the main Fort Santiago Park

One of the domes of the Manila Cathedral

Portion of the main Fort Santiago Park

Exit to the main Fort Santiago park, showing Palacio del Gobernador at far background

Fort Santiago is such a historical place where you will learn more about our National Hero, Jose Rizal, and all things that he used during when he was still alive, in the final hours of his life before he was executed at Luneta. I recommend, especially children, to visit this site. You shall feel an aura of having drawn back to the past and experience having in a  place where our national hero stayed before his death.

Fort Santiago. Such a nice place to visit, such a nice place to learn of the past.

Ayala, Half-Mast for Cory

Sunday, August 2. I went to Ayala to buy pasalubong for my parents and  sisters in Zamboanga City. I passed by the Philippine Stock Exchange plaza in Makati City along Ayala Avenue – a day after the death of former President Corazon C. Aquino. The flag at the plaza was in half-mast, and at the background of the flag pole is a yellow banner dedicated to the late president:

While walking along Ayala Avenue going to go to Greenbelt, The Landmark and Glorieta, I noticed that the street was filled with yellow ribbons tied to metal railings along the avenue. This was in remembrance of the late President.

A day after, there were a massive gathering along Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas intersection for the late president. Her remains was transfered from La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral near the Palacio de Gobernador in Intramuros.

The fate of the dead is already in the hands of the God.

A Letter by President Marcos: On Aquino

While I was looking around the memorabilia house of the late president, I found pieces of documents which were handwritten by President Ferdinand Marcos himself. It was written on March 21, 1986 after his ousting as President of the Republic of the Philippines . He was referring to Mrs. Aquino then. Also, a newspaper in the United States published  some of the statements of the late president. The documents I took pictures of are the actual handwritten documents of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Here they are, together with the transcript:

The transcript of the letter is below in case you were not able to read some of the handwritten words of the late president:

Dictatorship!

Now the black foul deed is out.

Absolute power—not just decree making power—but ABSOLUTE UNLIMITED POWER was after all the final objective.

This was the ultimate sordid plan after all.

Blacken Marcos. Destroy him with propaganda. Even having won the elections push him out from the beginning with charges of hidden wealth and massive fraud.

Falsehoods and fabrications to immobilize him from using the military power under him.

Simple scenario enough.

Then drive him out or kidnap him from Malacañang Palace, the seat of power.

Hidden wealth, torture, insurgency.

Thrive after grabbing power to steal both government and private wealth.

So today the unabated looting of both public and private wealth, each one pointing to the other as the culprit.

Looting by the rich and powerful. Looting by men in uniform. Looting by hoodlums. Looting by the poor.

For the dictator who is no less a looter protects her kind.

The dictator is in full control and the dictator has unsatiated appetite not only for private vengeance but for sheer viciousness and masochism–inflicting pain on others to soothe her poor troubled mind and conscience.

Cry my beloved people. So easily and quickly did we lose the freedom, justice and dignity or self respect for which so many millions of our lives had been sacrificed.

Now we must war again against the monster who imposes slavery anew.

Death, yes—perhaps.

Slavery—never—

I cry for my people and country.

I was able to find part of the newspaper that referred to this letter. This is shown below:

Batac and Paoay: Places to Visit

I had fun really the previous day since I already did what were supposed to be done on that day. I woke up very early today at my hotel and readied for the things to be finished, if there were. I sent a text message to my boss if there were still things to be done. He just told me to send the report. Nothing more. My friend here in Laoag told me that  he would be fetching me from my hotel along P. Paterno street. Our first stop: BATAC CITY. My friend is from this place and he knows where he would be taking me. We headed straight ahead to Batac City, passing the Gilbert bridge.

Road signs, pointing to our first stop: BATAC

We reached Batac in less than 45 minutes and headed to the ancestral homes of the Marcos here in Batac City. I took shots of the house, which were maintained by the caretaker. The shots are below:

There were vendors I saw at the side of the house. I took a look at it and they sell somewhat a strange delicacy. They call it tupig (but this kind of tupig is inside a bamboo shoot).  A group of 3 bamboo shoots with tupig inside costs P100.00 or just roughly below $2.00. I bought 3 for pasalubong for awaiting friends at work and boardmates. Here are the pictures:

Tupig inside bamboo shoots

Tupig vendors beside the ancestral home of the Marcoses

Some of the adjacent houses there (which still belong to the Marcoses) contain some of the memorabilia of the late President. However, it was already not allowed to take a shot of the “preserved body.”  I went inside and took a look of the glass coffin. Then after 10 minutes, I went out and went inside some of the rooms that contain the things owned by the late President. Here are the shots:

Table name plate, chair and table of President Ferdinand Marcos

Me, with the table name plate, chair, and table of President Marcos

Plate numbers (1 as Philippine President and 3 as Senate President)

Plate numbers (8 as Representative and 7 as Senator)

Mallet, Books and name tablets of the late President

Portrait of former President Ferdinand Marcos

Portrait of former First Lady Imelda Marcos

American flag and big portrait of the late President

PAOAY. After having visited the ancestral homes and museum which contains the preserved body of the late President, We headed right away to Paoay, which is also famous for the one called Paoay Church. The pictures below are the images I took on that site. Here they are:

Historical Marker of the religious edifice

Paoay Church tower

Paoay Church tower

Paoay Church tower

Paoay Church tower

Front of the Paoay Church

Front of the Paoay Church

These are the bricks common to all Spanish churches and fortresses in the Philippines. For hundred of years, they withstood the climate and war.

Such a wonderful experience I had here in Ilocos Norte. The province is not that well-developed. But the scenes are breath-taking and the people here are hospitable and friendly. Without fear, I was able to stroll around places in the City proper in Laoag. You hear people speak a very unique language. Similarly with Baguio City, Laoag City has these clean streets, not to mention the ever colorful old mode of trasport, the calesa.

I shall never forget my adventure here in Ilocos Norte. I was only here for 3 days, and yet I have enjoyed much. I even memorized where to go, and what to ride in goinf places here. Until then, AGYAMANAK, ILOCOS NORTE!

A Stroll to Remember: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

I arrived here at Laoag City via the Philippine Airlines yesterday, July 27, 2009 at around 6:40PM from  Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City, Metro Manila for an official business with an agency here in this City. It was a bit raining in Metro Manila when I left, and was a fair weather here in Laoag City when I arrived.

Laoag International Airport

Then I asked for an assistance from the Philippine Tourism Authority help desk at the airport to help me find a place to stay until Wednesday night. The lady assisted me and I decided to stay at the Palazzo de Laoag Hotel along A. Paterno street here in Laoag City. We passed by the bridge, which is the sole connection from airport to the town proper. The bridge is shown below:

Gilbert Bridge, Ilocos Norte

The next day, after having done my work, I rested for a bit and then when I woke up at around 5PM, I decided to have a stroll at the city proper. From the hotel where I was staying, I took a tricycle (one of the common transport modes here in the city), and took me to the Provincial Capitol of the Ilocos Norte province.

Riding a tricycle going to the Capitol

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

From the provincial capitol edifice, I walked to nearby places and took some shots. Here they are:

The Sinking Bell tower of Laoag

A Park in Laoag City and the Sinking Bell tower

Monument at a park, facing the Ilocos Norte Capitol edifice

Marcos Hall of Justice, Laoag City

Laoag City Hall, Laoag City

A Shrine at the park in front of the Capitol, Laoag City dedicated to King Alfonso XII of Spain

Part of the Park going showing road going to the Gilbert bridge

Part of the park showing the Capitol at the background

I observed something when I was looking at places while strolling at the city proper, something like I saw in Baguio. Laoag City and Baguio City has this similarity – not the cold weather since Laoag is somewhat hot. The streets in Laoag are neat and clean, even those eskinitas! This is one thing I saw in Baguio City and Laoag City. Here are the evidences:

There. See? These streets are clean! so neat. I will till try to take photos of the common streets here, even those with sidewalk vendors. But you know what really made my day? Guess what => Lots of las calesas con los caballos!! Wahh! I like watching calesas really. I took several shots of these colorful mode of transport around the city proper. See these pictures below:

Wow! Una calesa con un caballo en la calle de ciudad de Laoag!

Really amazing. I have not seen such many calesas going to and fro a street!

A calesa after another calesa. Wow!

Laoag City, though not yet modern, really amazes me. I will still have more shots of this lovely City. Have a great day ahead.

Isang Araw Lang at PICC, Pasay City

It was an opportunity  last night to have seen the ISANG ARAW LANG The Movie, a digital film directed by no other than Mr. Public Service himself, Kuya Daniel Razon through Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International Incorporated, the media entity that holds and manages the Public Service Channel, UNTV 37.

The 4PM batch and the 7PM batch of movie playing at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City was both flocked by many and were satisfied by the movie itself. It was filled with comedy, drama and action, all put into a movie. It is highly recommended for all ages to watch this particular digital film especially for children since there are lessons to be learned here that were based from the Bible. Also, Kuya Daniel’s advices and certain dialogues came from the Bible. The personality you see in Kuya in the movie is really him in real life. The delivery of the dialogues were natural, and one shall not feel boredom while watching the movie, instead burst into laughter in most of the scenes.

PICC Main Hall

I was lucky to have the seat at the center of the big screen at the PICC, eye level to the screen. I got the gold ticket which was several elevated from the main floor at the center. The seat I got was for me the perfect seat at the convention center. Lucky me, I got there earlier. Hihihihihi.

I never actually realized how many there were until the movie ended and everyone flocked outside the main hall. I saw the flood of people who had watched the movie. Upon going outside the hall, I saw the many lines of people awaiting for their turn to watch the movie! I was really shocked to have seen these many people excited to see the movie. I told myself that they shall not regret having to be in a very long line, as I was when I entered PICC. Once inside and once the movie starts, the fun begins and it was as if it shall never end even after having watched the movie.

People after having watched the Isang Araw Lang the Movie, 4PM batch

People awaiting for their turn to watch the movie, 7PM batch

I shall not tell the story here. bleh. There are many surprises if you watch the movie. Hehehehe.

Good thing Bro. Wilson was there. At least I had company in going home… but before having gone home, we took pictures of ourselves at PICC. Unfortunately, because of the flood of people at the convention center, I was not able to even have a shot of Kuya himself. Huhuhu. hehehehe.

Really, this film is of good quality: morally and spiritually. A good movie to be watched. I recommended that everyone watch this movie.

Pasyal with Rommel

I was supposed to accompany Meng (or Rommel), a co-boardmate in one of the boarding houses in Bangkal, Makati City, to Pier 2 (Zaragoza Gate) since he was supposed to be designated as one of the programmers (C#.Net) for one  shipping lines in the north harbor area. Luckily, his new assignment was canceled and thus he was retained to his main office in Legazpi Village, Makati City. Since we were supposed to go to the City of Manila I persuaded him to go with me strolling in Makati Central Business District. This was also an idea for me to show him the streets in the district. We rode on a jeepney and took off at Buendia (Gil Puyat Avenue). A few steps walking, my eyes already caught (again) RCBC Tower and the GT Tower along Ayala Avenue, and took some shots from Buendia. The pictures below were the shots I took:

Then we turned right upon reaching Ayala Avenue, and took shots of ourselves along Ayala Avenue:

Again I could not help it when I see GT Tower International. I took a shot of it from below again along Ayala Avenue still:

Since we were already at the Ayala Avenue and the fact that it was Sunday and there were only a few people walking along the street (and few vehicles on the road too) we took shots of ourselves with the buildings at the background. The pictures are as follows below:

I again took shots of the locations including the buildings that stand along the avenue. Here are the shots below:

After our Ayala Avenue strolls, we headed to Makati Avenue via Paseo de Roxas and Valero and there, took shots of the place:

After reaching the intersection of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, I took shots of Ayala Avenue to the direction of Paseo de Roxas-Ayala Avenue intersection and Ayala Avenue to the direction of Makati Avenue-Ayala Avenue intersection. Here are the shots:

Then, I took shots of the Manila Peninsula Hotel (Manila Pen):

We then headed to Glorieta Park 4, where rested for quite a time. While there, of course i took shots of the place and us too! Here are the images I took:

There. I actually still have more shots. It’s just that they are too many to upload in this site. Hahahaha. I will be placing those pictures that include me and Rommel on my Facebook account. see you there!

Makati Central Business District Map

I monitor my blog stat almost every hour of every day to see how many are visiting my site with different search strings or texts that somehow gears Internet users towards my site. While reviewing these search strings or texts, I found out that not a few surfers use the terms “Makati,” “Makati City,” “Makati City Map,” “Makati Map,” “Makati Central Business District,” and “Makati CBD.” So I decided to put a map of the country’s business capital, for those who want to know the major streets and landmarks of this central business district in Makati. The image below, is the map of the Makati CBD, showing the adjacent villages and barangays (click the image to enlarge the map):

CLICK THIS MAP TO ENLARGE (Resolution: 3827 X 1995 pixels, 200 DPI)

Makati Central Business District
(showing adjacent villages and barangays – click to enlarge)

The Makati Central Business District is bounded by Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia) to the north, Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to the east, Chino Roses Avenue (Pasong Tamo) to the west and Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road) to the south. I included the adjacent villages and barangays that bound the central business district. The district is also considered as the Business Capital of the Philippines and contains most main offices of the major companies in the Philippines.

I do hope that this map shall be of help to those who might want to plan going to the country’s business capital, either to find work or for fun. Major landmarks have already been incorporated into the map for ease of searching places.

The map was created with Google Maps (http://maps.google.com).