Another climb to a summit with rain. It's harder but still... "The day ended with a big SMILE on my face ^_^. What a great day spent with great people. I'm thankful for meeting another great mountaineer group."
LEGO City exhibit is now open at the SM Mall of Asia! Check out the latest LEGO City sets. The exhibit will run until September 1, 2012. LEtsGO ^____^ Check out the slides below ^____^ wooot!
Click the following link to see how will they represent the Philippines's Map
For more than half a decade now, Backdoor Ventures had been diligently promoting the arts through a grand one-of-a-kind celebration that gathers thousands of artists of different disciplines and genres all under one roof.
This July 13, 14, and 15 the 6th Backdoor Ventures Arts & Music Festival is celebrated. This festival gives a complete and total arts immersion experience.
Experience the yearly celebration of the Arts & Music industry.
Experience the 3-day feast for the mind and senses.
Art exhibits Art workshops
Talks and workshops
Clinics / demos on painting
Theater/Cultural performances, Concert Slides
Theater/Cultural performances, Concert (VIDEOS)
Musical Live Performances by some of the country's best performers representing different genres and inspirations.
Dance performances from classical ballet to modern dance.
One Man Band
Taditional Mindanao Music
Triple Fret- 3 Pilipina Classical Musician
Brigada and Hoop Nation
Miko Pepito- Magtanin ay Di Biro (A modern twist of a Pilipino folk song)
FUN METER: Arts, concert(the best Jeepney Joyride + other OPM artist, performances (modern dance, classical dance, at may magic show pa ^_^) Food trip. Longanisa Davao ^_^ + Fries overload panulak na gulaman SOLVE na hehe ^_^
4/5 FUN ^_^ day
-1 for the feeling press photographers na nanghaharang ng view ng ibang tao O_o. Matuto po tayo sanang yumuko :) Yung mga may ID na official yumuyuko gumigilid kayo pang inde official kung makaharang wagas :)
Fete de la Musique (World Music Day) 2012
June 23 to 24 , 2012 (4pm- 2am)
The most-awaited music event this year!!!
Word Music Day was first celebrated in Paris, France June 21,1982 and is now celebrated around the world. From France(1982) to China, Greece to India, Israel to Pakistan, United States (2008) to Philippines (2007). Religion nor Political stance is never an issue with music *.
From a cultural event in France held every summer solstice, the longest day of the year, to the global force it is now, the Fete has now invaded the central business district of Makati.
Let the music heal your soul ^____^ ♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
Main stage back view - (c)Kimbra McCaul
Besides the main stage, there will also be other venues hosting different kind of music. Well it's too bad you can't be in many places at once haha I wish I had the power of Multiple Man! So the most time we spent is in the Main Stage.
MAIN STAGE
Chinese Man (from France)
Chinese Man (from France)
Slides
Main Stage and Society Lounge(World, Reggae, Ska)
NOTE: more videos from me later :p
MAIN STAGE Hoopnation Fire dancing
Brigada
the drum beats... the dance...
Pepe Smith plays "Beep beep" at the 2012 Fete De La Musique main stage
(c)npalfaro Pinoy Rock legend Pepe Smith plays Balong Malalim at the 2012 Fete De La Musique Main Stage to the delight of everyone.
Fete de la Musique AROUND THE WORLD
FRANCE (mainstrem pop to jazz)
M.Pokora & Tal - Hey Ya ! - Fête de la musique 2012 - France
Fête de la Musique Tendance Live Show 22/06/12 Helmut Fritz
POPa, Proximity of the Objet Petit a, Mazurka !, live, Fête de la Musique Caen 2012
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Concert du groupe EQUINOX JAZZ pour la fête de la musique 2012
OTHER COUNTRY
2011
Some music are weird but hey weird for you might be a good music for me and vv :p. Well that's music! ♩♪♫♬♩ Missed the event this year? I almost did! Mark your calendar for next year and well you can still watch from you tube :)))
FUN METER: 8/10
Just 8 because my mountaineer friends went home earlier than I expected and I can't find Mafi O_o haha! I'm a bit tired since I have been awake since 5am O_o and yep I had a quiz in Statistics prior going to this festival. Nevertheless music=FUN ♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
I wish that there would have been more lights :) and the number of people is not that much considering this is a world wide event. Maybe there's should have been more advertisement...?
Intramuros Tour, Sunset , Sampaguita ice cream and special ube ensaymada
Here's a peek of what you will see in the slides later ^_^
Finally before our school starts again, I have the chance to see the sunset in Fort Santiago. ^_^
Fort Santiago Flora
Well @ Fort Santiago bamboo garden
The adventure begins... ^_^
Out first stop is to go to Ilustrado restaurant we went here just to try the sampaguita ice cream (Philippines national flower-mostly used in creating flower necklace for the Saints). We also tried the Illustrado Ube the weird thing is the price is 50 pesos if takeout, 100 peso if dinein O_o. Ohhh well other restaurant are doing this also. Ilustrado Location
Why try the sampaguita ice cream? I'm so sure you will be one of the special people on Earth that will be able to try it. ;p You should also try the ube ensaymada,
This time I was planning to take the route from General Luna to Fort Santiago (South->West->North) but to our surprise that route is close. The route that we took is from Baluarte de San Andres (South->East->North), the usual route that I take.
Passing through Puerta Real, Revellin de Real de Bagumbayan, Baluarte de San Andres, Revellin de Recoletos, Baluarte de Dila O, Mapua, Lyceum, Puerta del Parian, Revellin del Parian, Baluarte de san Gabriel, Puerta Isabel II, Aduana, and finally we reached Fort Santiago.
Intramuros Slides
Fort Santiago Slides
TIP: Try to stay beyond 6pm until the guard reminded you that Fort Santiago is open until 6pm only. Depending on the month of the year sunset can be as early as 530 or as late as 630.
TIPS:
1. Check the sunset time via timeanddate.com
2. Before you start the tour you should have printed the map and the information regarding each Baluarte's and Puerta's.
3. Wear a comfortable clothing, bring a cap, bottle of water, and snacks.
4. Start around 3pm/4pm so that you will avoid too much exposure to the Sun.
5. Beware of scammers/beggars. Only go with the legal one.
6. If you are going to rent a calesa(horse-drawn carriages) the rent is by hour. SO even youa re inside the church they will charge you. Last time we tried the calesa we were charge 3000Peso(70 dollars)
7. You can also get a tour guide Tour Guide (900 or less) for a different/lively/emotional view of Intramuros Carlos Celdran. Please ask the Fort Bonifacio Visitors Center for other options. This includes a 15minutes ride in a calesa.
8. One day is not enough for Intramuros, This is my fourth time and I still haven't seen all.
How to go to Intramuros
Get around: You have the options of touring by walking, calesa (horse-drawn carriages) or padyak (bicycle).
What you can do/see in Intramuros
1. Walls
2. Gates
3. Churches
4. Restaurants
5. Plazas, monuments, and public buildings
What you can do/see in Fort Santiago
1. History (dungeons,prisons,ruins, museums,)
2. Photography
3. Picnic area/playground
4. Watch the sunset ^_^
5. Souvenir, restaurant
The day ended as I see the sun sets in one of the most historical place in the Philippines. This is while we are eating the ube ensaymada :) sarap!
FUN METER: 4/5 the other route are inaccessible... nevertless it's a FUN DAY ^_^
Chowking, FEM I Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271339 / +632-5272903, [19]. 7 AM to 10 PM. Chinese dishes with a Filipino twist. Branch store of a major fast-food chain.edit
Greenwich, Ground Floor, FEM II Bldg, Andres Soriano (Aduana), ☎ +632-5271682 / +632-5220331, [20]. Fast-food-style pizza and pasta. Look elsewhere for authentic Italian cuisine, but it's a decent enough place if all you're after is a quick, tasty, reasonably priced meal.edit
Jollibee, Andres Soriano (Aduana) cor. Muralla, ☎ +632-5270489 / +632-5270505, [21]. M-F 6AM-8:30PM, 7AM-7PM weekends. Typical fast-food joint: burgers, fries, fried chicken and so on. Branch store of the country's largest homegrown fast-food chain.edit
Mid-range
Andria's Taste, Chamber 8, Puerta Isabel II, Muralla (in front of the Letran dormitory), ☎ +632-5366427 (andriastaste@gmail.com), [22]. Serves an assortment of popular dishes, including roast chicken and chicken sisig.edit
Bistro Marinero, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Santa Potenciana (near San AgustÃn), ☎ +632-5272261 / +632-5278461 loc. 367 or 373(casa.marinero@nykfil.com.ph, fax: +632-5272234 / +632-5272264), [23]. The menu features a mix of Western and local dishes. Special "payday" buffets, combo meals, etc.edit
Coco Bango Cafe and Restaurant, Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) cor. Urdaneta (attached to the White Knight Hotel), ☎ +632-5266181, [24]. Offers Asian and Western fare.edit
Max's Restaurant, 283 Cabildo, ☎ +632-5270532 to 33 (fax: +632-5270533), [25]. Part of a nationwide chain of popular family restaurants, Max's specialises in fried chicken (not the cheap fast-food variety!) and other Filipino favourites.edit
Ristorante delle Mitre, CBCP Building, 470 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (near San AgustÃn), ☎ +632-5595220. Features simple, hearty Filipino meals inspired by the favourite dishes of the country's bishops and clergy. The culinary team is supervised by a nun who formerly served as a cook to a prominent local cardinal, and the walls are decorated with portraits and mementos of senior clerics - perfectly in keeping with the sacred atmosphere of the San AgustÃn area.edit
Splurge
9 Spoons, 9th Floor, The Bayleaf Intramuros, Muralla cor. Victoria (inside the Bayleaf hotel building), ☎ +632-3185000, [26]. 6AM-1030PM.Contemporary interiors, access to a roof deck and splendid views. The restaurant serves both international dishes and local specialities. Buffet breakfast daily, buffet lunch on weekdays.edit
Barbara's, Plaza San Luis, General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (right across the street from San AgustÃn), ☎ +632-5273893 / +632-5274086, [27].Housed in a Spanish colonial-style building a stone's throw from San AgustÃn Church, this centrally located restaurant serves traditional Filipino and Hispanic fare in an old-style setting.edit
Ilustrado, 744 General Luna (Calle Real del Palacio) (within the El Amanecer compound, a few blocks down the street from San AgustÃn), ☎ +632-5273674 (reservations@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph), [28]. Mainly Filipino-Spanish cuisine: rellenong bangus (stuffed milkfish), paella, and other traditional dishes. Fine dining in the heart of the walled city.
Starbucks, 15-A Puerta Isabel II, Muralla cor. Magallanes (near Puerta de Isabel II), ☎ +632-5274282, [30]. No matter where you go, you can't escape Starbucks. Sits not far from the historic Puerta de Isabel II, the last gate built in Intramuros. source (http://wikitravel.org/en/Manila/Intramuros)
LEGO supports the campaign "It's more fun in the Philippines" of Department of Tourism. From June 1 to June 16 you can see the 32 x 20 ft. Philippine map built with LEGO bricksat The Block, SM North Edsa.
This includes tourist destination from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From Luneta, Vigan, to Coron and El Nido Palawan, Boracay etc. (★^O^★)
Check out the slides below ^_^ Enjoy ^___^
They also have a side event where kids from 4-14 years old can build their own Lego. I repeat 4-14 years old only :p sorry for the kids at heart (＾▽＾)
A lego fan? visit and like the face book pages below
Go to Genesis Bus Station at Cubao along New York Street. Check the schedule at Genesis Transport website but when we went on this trip the schedule is not followed. The first trip is not 3am, but there's an 12 midnight departure. I suggest you go there by 11pm just like what we did. Tell the conductor if you are a student there's a big discount for this.
It took us 7 hours to get from Manila to Baler Central Terminal but don't forget to peek at the window ^_^ there are lots of good scenes to see ^_^
All photos below are taken while inside a bus O_o and it still looks so great
Arrival
We then ride a trike going to Surfer Girls Lodge since prior going there other hotels are full already. I suggest that you book 2 weeks ahead to reserve for a room, specially when it's summer. The moment you arrive take some photos on the beach immediately so you won't miss the chance the take some morning beach photos ^_^
Late Breakfast/ Early Lunch :p
Bay's Inn
To save time we had a brunch at Bay's Inn. But there's a backfire! As much as possible don't dine in this restaurant VERY VERY VERY SLOW SERVICE.
Ginataang Pako(Fern) with Shrimp
I ordered ginataang pako with shrimp since it's the only new think I see in the menu. Pako is a fern, yikes I'm a lefaf eater now haha!
Surfing
Surfing is easier than I though (IT's NOT! haha!) but with the right balancing skill your good to go hehe!... In Sabang Beach I think it will be easier since even though you can't swim you can still surf since you can still stand faraway since the beach has a long shore. Good news for people who can't swim ^_^. and yeah every 1minutes there's a wave! haha!
The payment is 350 for one hour! not bad it includes an instructor already ^_^
I want to comeback to this beach again ^_^.
The Beach
Even though the waves are strong, you can still swim, but you have to be careful there are surfers.
Coconut boy- I think he will bring it to his mom/dad and ill brag that he got a coconut
My foot steps
Ditumabo Falls
Location: Barangay Zabali, Baler
Hike + swimming + photo walk. Definitely A MUST VISIT
Ditumabo Falls is Located in San Luis, slightly inland from Baler. It is accessible via trike (Php800- but you can bargain it for Php500) if they don't agree find another trike. 500 peso is the total rent for going to falls, Ermita Hills, and (Church, Baler Museum,and back to your lodge) and if time permits wherever you want to go.
It involves some trekking but the trekking itself is a treat already. From the mini falls, to the river, the flora and butterflies and random insects you will see.
Getting There: Take a tricycle from Baler town proper to the river outlet south of Sabang Beach. From there, one can walk to the site.
Travel Time: Five minutes by tricycle, approximately 35 minutes' walk to the foot of the hill and 15 minutes' trek uphill. source
Can you see the natural "water fountain" on this photo?
The water is insanely CLEAR!
FUN at Ditumabo Falls
Macy actually had a cramp then it become a wacky shot? haha!
Ermita Hill and the Tromba de Marina event
In December of 1735, a huge tidal wave washed away the entire town of Baler. Thousands of lives were lost except for 7 families who climbed to the top of Ermita Hill and were saved from the wrath of the tsunami. Now these statues serves as a symbol of those who have survived the tragic disaster, and is located at the bottom of the hill. source
Overlooking view of the dark blue coast of (Casiguran) Baler Bay the nearby barrios, and the fishing port. During the 17th century there was an event that the locals of Baler went up Ermita Hill to take refuge during a Now it's a great park, but you have to take a long walk upstairs to go there. Don't worry it's not that long.
Aside from its magnificent landscape, Ermita Hill is known as a sacred haven for religious activities by devotees of the Miraculous Mother Mary, of whom a life-size statue is situated in a grotto on top of the hill. Under the Spanish rule, a Watchtower was built to guard the town against possible attackers. Governor Bella Angara-Castillo (then a Congresswoman) appropriated funding for the prevention of erosion of the hillside and its beautification. source
Star Gazing + Night beach fun
Kinda SPOOKY O_o
My BEST profile ever me the beach and Milky Way
Ghost shot O_o
Booze + Monopoly Game + Card Games
Aurora Quezon's House + Manual Quezon Car + Paintings + Memorabilias
Manuel L. Quezon Presidential Car
Baler Church
The structure is an old church with a simple facade. Here, the last Spanish garrison of four officers and 50 men was besieged by Filipino insurgents from June 27, 1898 to July 2, 1899. This was the last pocket of resistance of the Spanish Armed Forces to surrender to American troops. This is also where the La Campana de Baler, an ancient bell, was used and later stored as a relic.
Street Food
There's a bbq stand near the church they have the kwekkwek (quail's egg, my fave food on Earth!), chicken feet, isaw (chicken intestines) BUT THEN I saw a weird one, a chick in a stick O_o (taste like baby chicken). Today lets celebrate I finally tasted isaw O_o
Is the foot step supposed to be a part of the history? of just part of the marketing strategy
For 150 pesos only it's definitely worth it. I even suggest having dinner and lunch here! The viands are really good. Unlimited drinks is also included ^_^. The viands are good from the chicken that taste like Jolibee! to the more sophisticated Spanish viand called callos, other Pinoy and non-Pinoy viands ,to the soups, pako (a local delicacy is available also) which cost me 120 pesos in another restaurant.
I had a great Time with the V Gang ^_^ :p Amazing people to be with, wonderful place and an experience I will never forget thanks guys ^_^
last photo shoot. or is it? :p
this is the last set of group photo before going gome. This deserves a slide haha ^______^
GOING BACK
Ride a trike going to Central Terminal. You have 2 options a bus ride directly to Manila, if you missed it you can ride a Van(Php 200)going to Cabanatuan then ride a bus going to Manila (Php)196
FUN METER Hikinh + Ditumabo Falls + Ermita Hill + Street Food trip + Baler Museum and Church +Gerry Shan's buffet + booze & monopoly game + star gazing + night beach + SURFING + Great people =
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