Swarmed

The "7oth Araw ng Dabaw" went really well and was practically safe despite the "bomb threats", what with all the 1,500 police and military personnel who were deployed and fielded to various comvergence in Davao City . Surely, it would be another one of those "safe-moments". You would see military/police officials in every corner and certain random check-ups everywhere.

The City Parade was pretty much eventful. The organizers made it like a diorama, they wanted to ensure that the Davaoenos would be educated of the Davao's rich history as well as entertained.

The weather was great(compared to last year's rainy parade), it was gloomy at first but the sky brightened up by 9am.

Since, we are nearing the election .... the organizers have warned that the parade and the rest of the highlights of the Araw ng Dabaw 2007 celebration would not be open for the politicians to campaign.

"What are you really driving at Tina? Enough ad-libs already."

But despite the warning, the festivity was swarmed with politicians and politician-wanna-be's like R.G. who actually wore his campaign red and blue shirt that shouts G_ _ _ . Just fill in the blanks. It was soooo obviousssss!!!! Really. And, there were politicians who never attended previous Davao festivals but they were there just to be seen. Sheeeeeshhhh. -_-

I'm sure Mayor Duterte was not pleased when they showed up. But, he was actually fair when he was interviewed.

"I cannot prevent anybody from greeting us, from greeting the people of Davao City," he said. "This is a free country and this is not an exclusive exercise for the city where we can bar anybody from joining the stage."

But... but... it was sooo obvious. They were there for the campaign... to show-off their faces. They had their own personal agendas as to why they would attend it.

Soo... to the next city who will have their own celebrations/festivals before the elections be prepared for a politician's smiling i-wanna-lure-you-into-voting-me face.

and isn't it quite fitting that my Quote for the Day in my sidebar is:

Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians. -Charles de Gaulle

Mushroom Book Stand

There's this blog party some of the Davao Blogger's are cooking up. It was Ara who informed me. Thank you. :)

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I'm kinda loving my days just reading some novel in my bed, dozing off, waking up and then read, doze off again, read. Ahhh. Heaven. Then, there's the coffee or the choco drink beside and some cookies to munch on.

Yesterday, I wasn't able to get inside the house right away because the Rentokill guys are around who sprayed some chemicals inside basically to kill all the bugs/termites. They do it like once every two weeks I guess.

Anyhow, there I was stranded outside the lawn and good thing I brought the book I'm currently reading which is The Charm School by Nelson Demille. It's actually good and a fast-read but at the same time a really long book(630 pages small font).

I decided to just read at the wooden swing. I was hesitant at first because I was thinking there might be snakes around it because of the leaves. Haha. There are snakes outside cause it's pretty much like a forest around here. (Before, when we just transferred we did not have any screens yet, we would see snakes inside the house even if we were on the second floor. They would be in the bathroom, rooms and the terrace. I've had my encounter myself.) Anyway, I was thankful because it was pretty windy and I'd find myself looking up at the sky and then my gaze would stray to the rustling leaves and flowers around me and then I'd sigh. What a lovely day.

I loveee windy days when I'm outside, I do cherish the sunny mornings, and the rainy days when I'm inside. Hehe.

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Awhile ago, Jona, Pearl, Renel and I dropped by V. Plaza because we were thinking the "mushroom" book stand would still be around. I called it "mushroom" because number one it has no name, number two it's like a mushroom appearing here and there and then disappearing one day which it did awhile ago. Apparently the book stand packed up and went away and I don't know when they would be back. Too bad, there were a couple of books that I wanted to buy. Anyway we ended up visiting another stall a small one compared to the "mushroom" book stand. When we left I found myself buying two Luanne Rice books. Can't help it. *sheepish smile*

Basically, I don't have anything to share right now maybe I'm just soo excited to read another part of the book I'm still reading and I can't wait to start another one. *gleee*

Have a lovely week everyone! :)

Rainy Days and Sundays

I love the weather! This weather is supposed to be for November - December. But it seems like the planet shifted or the weather shifted and now we are having a rainy January. Or was it like this last year too? A great weather for a vacation, a much needed rest. Too bad, everyone is supposed to go out under the rain and sometimes when it's raining cats and dogs you go spend your extra money for a taxi if there happens to be a taxi available.

During rainy seasons, I prefer to just stay at home. That's why no outdoor adventures this time. I've been reading books, making the first three chapters of my thesis, and i've been in and out of mom's office and college. And that's about it.

Thanks to all those who greeted me Happy Birthday. No plans so far. Besides, two days after would be my final defense for my thesis. So, maybe post-birthday party would do. Haha. I don't know.

To all Love Month celebrants: Ate Ghee and Tin HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I'll be posting 2 random pictures I unearthed from my picture files.




The first picture was taken two summers ago at Buda. (I hope I got the spelling right) It's from Seagull Resort. Cold weather and foggy. I'm not part of the group. Haha. I did not enroll for a summer class so I did not get to go with them.

From L-R: Evan, Norman, Renel, Avy, and Bordz.



Just wanted to post it cause it's cute.

The second picture on the left was taken at Lolengs Mountain Resort. The view of Apo, the sunset and sunrise of this place is heaven. Nice walk at the woods and a good spot for reading. Haha. Really. See that book I'm carrying? I'm the pink ladeeh.

Which reminds me, I will have a special edition of the DAVAO spots I've been to and scan all those pictures for you guys to see.

I will one day.

I just finished a book entitled Cold Sea Rising. It mentioned Philippines and Manila. Haha. Wala lang. It's quite rare to read novels and have our country mentioned. It's interesting to know what they thought of our country. This is the third fiction book that I've read that mentions Philippines. Review @ Espresso Break

Happy New Year

So, I wanted to post last January 1, 2007 but then due to a hundred unsuccesful attempts of trying to log-in I was unable to. Nyahaha. For the nth time today, I finally got to log in.

Our classes started yesterday. I have 3 subjects this term and 3 more left for me to graduate!! *Congratulate me* I'm doing the Subject THREEnity each term.

MWF - Computer Aided Accounting. Every 1-2 pm.
TTH - Thesis 1 (10-12 am) and Seminars on Technology (1-3pm)

Not bad. At least I don't have to wake up too early everyday.

I finally got to finish the COMELEC registration last Jan. 2, 2006.

It's raining cats and dogs today. (oooh.. I soo Love the weather). Since, I love it... I'm staying home. (In other words.. "skipping class") Haha. Did I mention that I love this weather when I'm snuggled up in bed and reading a book with a cup of coffee beside? Ahh.. Heaven.

Yesterday, we only have one class.. so the rest of the gang decided to watch 2 movies at home.

The gang composed ofAvy, Nessa, Renel, Pearl, and Red. Jesel, Jona and Kath just followed suit.

We watched The Devil Wears Prada and The Banquet.

And now... I'm still here in front of the PC.. doing errands (paperworks) for mom... and sending it to her business partners.

Happy new year Everyoneee... (im posting a jan. 1 2007) haha. cant help it.

Random ICST convos:

Tina: Why?
Renel: Kay greedy man xa... *explains*
Tina: Huh? (did not get the explanation)
Jesel: Greedy ba.. sa manok.
Tina: Double ha?
Kath: Whattt?
Jesel: Greedy sa manok
Kath: Manok?
Tina: Ahh,... gravy. rawrrr.

Tina: *after a korny joke*
Pearl: Tina... I thought you said... it's a new year... and no more korny jokes
Tina: Yeah... no more korny jokes... yes to super korny jokes. (Evolution is the name of the game.)

Watching Merryl Streep at the last part in her car.
Tina: What? Does she have a Multiple Personality Disorder?

Renel was locked from the outside. He kept knocking but we did not open the door. After a few minutes when the knocking stopped... we opened the door.

Jona: renel come in.
Avy: Renel.
Kath: Reneeeelll!!!
*Renel comes in with an angry face*
Jona: Uy Renel that was just a joke.
Tina: Your despidida party joke.
*Angry face still*
Renel: Give me my bag....
*uh oh we smell twable..*
Jona: That was a joke....
*everyone serious concerned face. Jesel hands out his bag.*
*Renel about to go and Jona beside the door*
Renel: Excuse me beh... Palingkuri ko. (*Excuse me. Let me sit*)
*and everyone bursted into laughter*

*noisy room while watching.. everyone talking*
Avy: Saba ra gud mo beh! (*Will you guys shut up?*)
*the room was suddenly silent*
Red: *genuinely coughs twice*
Avy: Oh naa pa diod mu ubo. (*Oh.. and then someone would cough!!!* pouts)
(Poor Red..)

Adventures in China

I learned quite a few things in China. Our first stop was Beijing and then Shanghai.

Beijing is the conservative and ancient city unlike Shanghai which is the exact opposite.

Weather: The first thing you would notice when you step down from the plane is the weather.

Beijing is way cooler than Shanghai. Beijing is dry, windy, and sunny and the weather when you are outside is untolerable. In Shanghai, it’s wet(rainy) and cloudy and a ray of sunshine would bring a delight to your face.

Tour Guide: Most of the tourists have tour guides here. It’s the next thing you would notice.

*Miss Vicki fooling around while Mr. Hao gave us a few tricks.*

Our Beijing tour guide Miss Vicki, was jolly and very efficient. Good services. She made our stay in Beijing fun. She was not a bore, and she made us interact with her as well. She is very flexible and cater for everybody’s wants.

Our Shanghai tour guide Miss Sammi, was ok. She smiles and answers your question but not as efficient as Vicki.

Common thing in our tour guides: Nice clothes. You can make them sing(and the same song). Both are trying hard to give us jokes. Both are single and looking for a boyfriend. Haha.

Buildings: The bus has a wide window, enough for you to take pictures and get a full view of the places you are passing.

*A Beijing building*


*Another Beijing building*

Shanghai is much developed compared to Beijing. It’s buildings are higher than in Beijing. Shanghai has a lot of well-known hotels.


*Taken outside Shanghai Airport*

Food: We arrived during lunch time in both cities. So, before we proceed to the hotel we ate our lunch at a local restaurant.

Shanghai-nese food is much sweeter than what is served in Beijing. Still the same though, too oily. -_- The signal for the lauriat-style to end is the watermelon. It is the last to be served. Peking duck was not new to me. Davao has a Chinese restaurant that serves Peking duck but lately it ran out of supply due to the bird flu. But still the way they serve the duck is different. They also serve pigeon in Beijing and goose in Shanghai.

The part I like there was the breakfast buffet. Less Chinese food. Haha.

I like the interior of their restaurants. They have a man-made falls or whatever in display that would attract customers. It’s nice. Every restaurant has a different façade and interior. Some restaurants has a performance every night as well.

*Shanghai: While we were having dinner they performed different kind of dances and one of them is tinikling and they are encouraging the diners to participate as well*

*We were supposed to have pictures with some Chinese girls in costumes.. but they're asking us for money if we're to have our pictures taken with them.*

So guys beware of those picture taking... because you might be asked for some money.

Nights: Shanghai Nights

They said Shanghai is the Eastern Paris. The city is well-lighted during night time. They spend millions for the lights the tour guide says. (I wish they could spend it for the people in China who has no living/home. Specially during winter days. It’s awfully cold and freezing outside.)

Shanghai night life is pretty much active. They have a lot of bars/karaoke/mah-jong places. There are more foreigners and business people in Shanghai. Teenagers go to bars, the not-so-much teen goes to karaoke and the old ones in mah-jong places.

Shopping: I have to say shopping in Philippines is way better than shopping in China!! They have 3 different qualities. Class A, Class B and Class C.

Vicki: Class C may be cheap and you can bargain at a much cheaper price but it's rubbish. Really really rubbish.

Vicki: I will take you to a shopping place.... but I'm warning you. The prices should be bargained 70% off. Example if the price is 100 just pay it for 30.

And asking for the bargain is really stressful.. SUPER! They have crazy prices!!!!! and its not easy to bargain with them because they SHOUT! Gosh!!! It would make you want to go back to Philippines and buy from there. Usual convos in bargaining.

Pinay: How much is this?

Chinese: *takes her calculator out and types the price* 350

Pinay: Oh... so expensive... *types out her price 105 *

Chinese: Oh.. no no..*face angry* *types out 330* That is already cheapah.

Pinay: No.. that's too expensive... *sticks to 105*

Chinese: Oh ok ok.. *types 180* that's cheap. Very cheap lady.

Pinay: No... never mind.. *tries to go away*

Chinese: Wait lady! How much you want?

Pinay: 105

Chinese: That is a crazy price lady! You must be kidding!!!

Pinay: Im not kidding.. Im serious. *walks away* (you can call this the WALKAWAY TRICK)

And then in a few minutes... the chinese lady would run after you with your item in a cellophane already.. and giving you your price.

NOTE: Never ever try to bargain if you are not sure you will buy it, because they might *smack* you with their bag. Believe me... one incident like that happened. So, if you try to bargain...... be sure you will really buy it.

If you are just looking, they would grab you and force you to buy. *gah* what a terrible shopping experience. You would appreciate Pinay's who sell in Divisoria/168 better. Really. Those Chinese might be cussing you in their language for all you know.

But of course there are some who seem pretty fine. Just laugh and dont forget to smile when you try to bargain.. there might be other Chinese who are pretty much nice. But they are just the 5% of the lot.

CLOTHES:

Since, it was the winter season their clothes are mostly for WINTER. Checking out their winter clothes/boots/gloves/hats/scarves... you would want winter to be in the Philippines too. I absolutely love their winter apparrel.. as in!!! Imagine, all those cute boots... those gloves. *sigh*

We did not get to buy some of their clothes since.... the ones in display are for winter and pretty heavy!!! Too bad.

FACTORIES:

In Beijing we visited the Jade factory. Real Jade is pretty much expensive. They have nice designs. Prices are fixed here. No bargains.

*taken outside the royal pharmacy*

We also visited a very popular herbal medicine factory and also their royal pharmacy which goes back to the Ming dynasty. Amazing huh? :)

In Shanghai we visited the Pearl factory. Fresh water cultured pearls. Not so exciting, since we have our very own South Sea pearls. :) Although, I liked their Pearl Lotion. It is so nice.

We also visited the Silk factory. We bought the silk quilt (wala sa pinas eh) and it is sooo comfy. :) Just the quilt would be enough, you can buy any cover (cotton/wool/silk) of your choice when you get back to the Philippines.

Temples and Gardens:

*This one is the frozen lake. You can see people are trying to walk through the frozen lake. Just look closely. They said, this was the setting of King and I. I am not sure. :)*

Beijing has a lot of temples and gardens. Since, it is pretty much old-fashioned. And mostly people in Beijing still stick to their old customs/values and preserving the ancient structures.

Great Wall of China(Beijing):

So yeah, this is the number one spot. I finally saw it's wonder. Haha. Wonder ba talaga? Hehe.

There are different parts of the great wall.. and I am not sure what part we visited. I did not actually went to the top... it was freeeeeziinnng.. and the steps are too steep..... it's a bit hard to go down.

*The DXN TSI Qualifiers w/ the DXN staff. Wooo Go Philippines!*

Forbidden City(Beijing):

I thought it would be exciting to visit it.... but then since the fact it is not forbidden anymore and pretty much open to tourists made it less exciting. The history itself is a good story. Beijing has a lot of stories about Emperor, Empress and the concubines.

Chinese people are fond of rock formations. Every temple/garden you go... you see rock formations everywhere and with different meanings. :)

Disneyland China(Beijing):

This was supposed to be their Disneyland. It was unfinished because the owner got bankrupt.

Olympic Stadium for 2008(Beijing):

Everybody knows that the Olympics this 2008 will be held in Beijing. Everybody in China is preparing for it. They have different souvenir items ready even if it is just 2006.

Panda Zoo(BEijing):

I did not get any decent pictures of the cutieee pandas. *gah* All were too dark. They were inside and the lighting was not that good. It was a bit dim... so the pictures are dark. One is supposed to be staying outside but I guess the weather is a bit toooo cold for them. They said during summer the pandas have a cable tv to entertain them. And since they are too preoccupied with the tv they would not even look at the tourists. Nyahaha. :)

Mausoleum of Mao Tse Tung(Beijing):

This is where the body of Mao Tse-Tung lay. Mao Tse-Tung wants to be cremated... I wonder why he wasn't. Ala-Marcos style. Once inside, you are not allowed to stare at Chairman Mao's body... but you need to move on. Cameras are not allowed inside.

NOTE: Do not buy the flowers they sell to honor Chairman Mao. You know why? Because, they are just recycling it. All the flowers are identical. And once it is inside.... they can recycle to use it for tomorrow. Wow.. pretty cunning huh? :P

Tiananmen Square(Beijing):

*Behind is the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao*

This one is just near the Mausoleum of Mao Tse Tung. Here you can take pictures all you want.

Kung Fu Show (Beijing):

They say it's one of the best show. (but I like the Lion King Live Show in Disneyland HK better hehe) -_- You can even have your pictures taken with the actors/actress outside.. before and after the show.

I did not have mine taken with them... because there were soooooooo mannyyyy people. Foreign people. Big people. British and Americans alike. Haha. -_-

Yu Garden(Shanghai):

*A picture with the shy lioness*

The Yu Garden in Shanghai. Near this garden is a temple-turned-flea-market. The bargain thingy here is much better compared to Beijing. -_- A bit better... but still...

Nan Jing Road(Shanghai):

This is the shopping haven of the people in Shanghai or so they say. A few minutes walk in our hotel. Well lighted as well. :) Nice place to hang out.

Huang Pu River Cruise(Shanghai):

This is a nice river cruise. :) You'd see Shanghai at it's best! Yay. Well lighted... with all the prominent structures.... *sigh* It was soo nice. :)

Kids:

I love to watch the little Chinese kids. -_- They look so cuteee with their winter clothes.. and it's not hard to make them smile. They smileeee sooo genuinely from the heart it would make you want to cry. SOooo cuteeeee.

*That kid made me teary-eyed... hayyyy. I would never forget that lil kid's smile. It wass just so different from the smiles of other kids. -_-*

Language:

Not everybody knows how to speak English. Hard to communicate with them. But there was one kid who showed us the way to Pearl Market... and it was quite astonishing to hear him speak in straight English.

Random Pics

*The Czar and Czarina of da Philippines*

*That guy is so funny. After the picture taking he would gesture to look at your camera... maybe to check how he looks like in the picture. hehe*

*Sunset in Beijing. Outside the Royal Pharmacy and near the Tiananmen Square.*

I almost did not get any chance to take the Sunset in Shanghai. And *good heavens* when we were about to board the plane for Shanghai-Manila... I was able to see the sun setting in Shanghai and capture it. Weeeee.

*Sunset in Shanghai*

That's all for now.. Picture overload na ata eh. -_-

All in all... it was a fun filled trip.. although there were certain times... it was not that good because.. my parent's oppressor is around. Read this for more info.

Sunny days and Rainy Nights

The heat is on. -_- It's soo sunny...but the heat is quite unbearable nowadays. Oh well, that's the sun.. we can't stop it from shining... i'll just enjoy basking under it until it lasts. Which reminds me of the song from Barney....

"Oh Mr. Sun Sun, Mr. Golden Sun.. please shine down on me... Oh Mr. Sun Sun, Mr. Golden Sun hiding behind the tree..."

My review for The Loop can be found here. I'm still checking out on what book to read next.

I just fixed Giovanne's blog layout, and I'm glad he liked it. Try visiting his blog... and he is still a first timer. So bear with him. :)

I watched an episode of CSI I downloaded months back. I dont have the time to watch.. and fortunately... awhile ago.. i tried watching one. It was about a Doctor and a Nurse. Very gory. Eekie. -_-

I will be leaving you with a long Grissom-lecture:

Grissom: Sad, isn't it doc? Guys like us. Couple of middle aged men who have allowed their work to consume their lives. The only time when we touch other people was when we were wearing our latex gloves. We wake up one day and we realise for 50 years, we are not really living at all. But then all of a sudden, we get a second chance. Somebody, young and beautiful shows up, somebody we could care about. She offers us a new life with her, but we have a big decision to make right? Because we have to risk everything we've worked for in order to have her. I couldn't do it, but you did. You risked it all, and she shared you a wonderful life, didn't she? But then she took it away, and gave it to somebody else, and you were lost. You took her life.. and you killed them both... and now you have nothing.

Doctor: I'm still here

Grissom: Are you?