Part 2: Holy Week @ Bonifacio High Street

It's the night of the Black Saturday here in the Philippines. Traditions are not observed anymore. Throughout the holy week, my neighbors still went on with their lives - buying liquors and cigarettes from us. Yes, we run a small business. We got no choice but to sell to these people, times are tough nowadays. Again, while I'm not religious, it's kind of sad.

I covered half of the stations in my previous post, check it out if you have time!

Station 8, The Two Simons. In this station, there's a table with a lamp, pieces of paper, jars, and pencils. One can write their prayers on a piece of paper and drop them on the jar. One can read the papers in the jar and pray for those people. I didn't write anything. While I think I have many problems, a lot of people have it worst. I picked some papers, went through them and prayed for the others who deserve it. One message I can't forget was, "I wish for my husband's success in his career. I wish for the good health and blessings of my family. Hopefully, one of these days, we can finally have that wedding - not just in my dreams. I will not stop hoping."

Station 10, The Mother: Jesus Entrusts Mary to John There were pictures clipped showing mothers with their children.

Station 11 The Promise, Jesus promises Paradise to the Thief. Aside from Jesus, there were two other men crucified on either of his side, both were criminals. The other one threw him insults, the other one believed in him. He then promises paradise to the latter.

Station 13, The Cloth. My favorite station! One can write in a piece of paper about people they are thankful for. Wrote about my friends in high school and college, people I've met elsewhere, and everyone in between.

Much Love,

Part 1: Holy Week @ Bonifacio High Street.

I got the week off. Most of us do. I should have been at a bar today but I declined the offer. I am not religious but I think it's not appropriate to drink during the holy week.

I went to Bonifacio High Street the other night with a friend. For some who don't know, the place is a hot spot for celebrities that live nearby, owning the million dollar condos only them could afford. The place is also dotted with shops and restaurants that are high end. However, in additional, as it is Holy Week, there are 14 stations of the cross that people could visit and reflect on. CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE!

Fragmented reflection. I am the one on the right.

Station 1 is about Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus and his disciples prayed before the crucifixion. In this station, we each took a red bead as a souvenir. The fragmented reflection has a deep meaning, which I can't clearly write in here.

Station 2 is about the betrayal of Judas. Judas sold Jesus for a few pieces of silver, roughly about two or three months of what a common laborer would earn that time. Judas was taken in with the offer of money and his selfishness, which this station depicts - the person inside the glass tube container with piles of money in his feet.

Station 3 is the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. This is the one where the crowd was made to choose between Jesus and Jesus Barabbas. The crowd chose Jesus to be crucified - the man who performed miracles, over the guy who was a known crook. In this station, there were three telephones. When I listened, it was a conversation between a man and a woman, and how they passed judgment on an overweight woman without knowing the real story.

Station 5 is the infamous whip. The whip is suspended in mid-air, with red paint, supposedly blood, splattered about.

Station 6: Jesus is crowned with thorns. As the whipping is not enough, a crown of thorns was placed upon his head. In this station, I picked up a black cloth, which will be put into use in one of the stations ahead.

As I've mentioned, I am not a religious person. Yes, I have read the bible in two languages, from cover to cover. I like some of the teachings, I probably believe in Jesus. I don't go to church on Sundays, I don't even pray anymore - unless it's for others. I like money and I am selfish. I judge other people on how they look without knowing their story.

Visiting those stations made me more aware about myself. That's all.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Something extremely useful and the doppler effect.

Recently, I've been searching for places to go to and things to do when I finally get to be at Baguio by the end of this month. It's looking good so far for my itinerary and budget. Google Blog Search has been extremely helpful. Blogs are more helpful because the prices are out in the open and pictures are shared by the writers. You can even refine the search by choosing publishing dates, if you are looking for more accurate information.

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A panoramic shot of the pool

Blurred shot of Antipolo Skyline. I can't get a good shot. Haha

I got back from the Antipolo trip last Sunday night. I had an awesome time with my best-est friends, as well as their best friends. One breathtaking thing about Antipolo besides the cold climate that will surely take your breath away, is the breathtaking overlooking view of the city skylines from certain standpoints in Antipolo.

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Want to go that Restaurant but not quite sure of the budget? Want to explore a new dining place? Want to share your favorite restaurants or drop bombs on restaurants that suck? Live in Metro Manila? Well you better head on over to MunchPunch if you said yes to all of the above!

I review restaurants in there, I go by the name of ASoprano.

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Smart is indeed sexy.

I finished watching Community Season 1 a few days ago. While the series is not a barrel of laughs, it has good writing. So overall, it's worth it, so go download and watch! They've been renewed for a third season.

I recently started on The Big Bang Theory. I do understand the scientific jargon going on but like Penny, maybe someday I can get the hang of listening to the other guys talk about subatomic particles, molecular positronium, the doppler effect, and well, a lot of other big words. It's an okay show for me, I chuckle here and there.

Use the Holy Week to reflect and spend time with your loved ones!

Much Love,

Something that smells like burnt cash and where royal flush is the ultimate killer.

"Your productivity is the reason of my interest. I like the person that you are, but I am in love with the person that you have potential to be." - Wale, in Ambitious Girl.

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A necklace that has far too many laces and a bonnet. I love the brown/copper/bronze shade! Bring on the earth colors.

A few days ago, I went shopping. I really don't go into shopping sprees, usually just a top and an additional item here and there, usually once a week. We don't have issued uniforms in school so being the big spender that I am, I constantly need new tops and accessories to go with them.

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I started watching this show because I am about to finish the brilliantly smart and witty show that only lasted for three seasons, Arrested Development. Still can't conclude anything from Community but I think I'm gonna go far with it, I love the pop culture referencing they do. They did a lot of Breakfast Clubbing in the Pilot episode.

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I have four possible trips this April. One is this upcoming weekend, in Antipolo where we will go bar hopping while looking at the beautiful major city skylines; Two is the trip to Pangasinan where we will camp and have fun in the beach. I am hoping for some sports to play - just not Volleyball because I just wasn't made for that; Three, Ilocos, where I will visit this Music Producer who I have a crush on; and Four, a trip to the summer capital of the country, Baguio, where I will explore, get cold, meet friends, and enjoy the nightlife.

These trips are sponsored by my Dad - only he doesn't know of it.

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I very sincerely think that if you have multiple blogs and you don't use some of them unless they have some kind of sentimental value (For example: a blog covering your trip to Africa and doing social work), delete them. I get confused on which to visit so I click all of them and see which one is the most active.

Save me the time so I can read your wonderful posts!

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I've been playing a lot of Poker lately - especially Hold Em. I got the money, chips, and cards for the possible trip to Antipolo tomorrow! All set for gambling!

Something you either love or hate and an out of town experience.

Drake's So Far Gone mixtape - if you're into Hiphop/Rap, listen to it. You shouldn't pass up a mixtape this great.

When I get tired of the rappers rapping about money, the cars, the fame, and "the hoes", I hit stop and listen to The Script instead. Sometimes I need a pause or a stop button from all the swagging, bragging, and partying, and get in touch with my softer side.

My favorite genre is hip-hop and rap and I am aware of the negativity surrounding it. A lot of rappers do make sense. Some of their songs don't, some of their songs do. It's a love it or hate it relationship. Either way, they will dominate the charts.

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A few days ago, I went with some schoolmates on this paradise not yet reached by industrialization and capitalism - Papaya, Nueva Ecija. It is a very long ride from the province's capital and does not attract a lot of tourists. People in there possibly only got the information by word of mouth or letting the pictures speak for its beauty. Which comes after this paragraph, without further ado. CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE! :)

There are many other photos but I picked out the best ones from a handful of pictures I took. We spent about an hour trekking out the rock formations and finally into some really dark cave with bats and blasts of cold air. Finally out in the sun, we went to the pictures shown above. It was very tiring but rewarding, especially when you actually get to be there.

Come on, Department of Tourism, promote the damn place!

How to get there:

Ride a bus to Gapan in one of the Bus Liners in Cubao. We picked Baliwag Transit (P160, if you're a student, bring your ID.) From Gapan, ride a jeep which will cost one person P23. Tell the driver to bring you to Papaya, where the cave and the water is at. I really don't know the exact name of the place, but show em some pictures and I'm sure they will know from there.

Much Love,

Updates and Philippine Elections.

I can already feel that this is one hell of a week!

Monday, I went to take pictures of myself with the company buildings, which is in full detail on the next paragraph. After about hours under the searing heat of the sun, I went back to school to attend my Biology Laboratory class. I tinkered with the microscopes and focused the slides underneath. Here they are under the lens of the microscope:

Clockwise from top left: Mammal Jejenum, Mammal Fundic Stomach Section, Striated Muscle, and Frog Columnar Epithelial Section. I don't know what their functions are, they just look interesting and I wanna share them with you. LOL!

Tuesday, I was asked to present the company profiles of a private multinational company (I chose Accenture) and a government financial institution (Bureau of Treasury) which I successfully did. I'm starting to really love presenting more and more. After the presentation, I already desired to give another go again. I also took a photo of the Manila Cathedral.

Manila Cathedral at Intramuros, Manila.

I love being busy. I love what I'm studying. Do you, right now?

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This segment is about the Philippine Elections on May 2010. **IT'S OKAY TO NOT READ THIS PART IF YOU CAN'T RELATE. :)

I am not a registered voter and I'm starting to really regret it. They said they ran out of registration papers, even in Comelec. That's the stupidest thing ever, don't you agree?

If I was registered, I would choose Dick Gordon as my President and Binay as Vice President.

Why not Noynoy? Cos I think he's not very charismatic, I don't see him leading the country effectively. I don't see him as President. He doesn't have a strong personality. What's good about him is that we are confident he won't do corruption and he's a very kind man. But people, don't vote because of the 'People Power' mania. You gotta consider.

Why not Manny Villar? He is very charismatic and has a strong personality, he's fit for a President. But then there's the C5 issue and the sudden emergence of his money. I think he's got some sort of a hidden agenda, don't you think? But I am very curious to know if he can really end poverty. I think he's got the capacity to do so. He's got the most effective campaign for presidency too.

Dick Gordon for President!

Why Gordon and Binay? They have already done what others are still promising. They don't even have big issues too. Both are very fit for running the country.

Vote wisely, Pilipinas. Wag yung pabasta-basta lang. Para sa kapakanan ng bansa natin ito. Wag nating ibase sa popularidad kundi sa kakayanan. Wag tayong magsawang umasa na babangon ang Pilipinas. Kung mahal mo ang Pilipinas, makialam na at magsalita.

Ikaw, sino ang iboboto mo at bakit?

Much Love,

HalfCrazy

Tagaytay Chronicles 4

Like I said in my previous post, this is the last installment of the Tagaytay Chronicles. Maybe the next time you happen to stop by the Philippines, Tagaytay would be at the top of your 'places to visit', eh? Cos I've been posting about it for a week now! This is what I like blogging, I can promote my country's Tourism!

When Tagaytay is mentioned, Picnic Grove comes next into mind. The Picnic Grove is a very popular place for all ages. They have horseback riding (I think their horses don't really run! A little bit of walking only!), a fine view of Taal Lake and Volcano, Cable Car, Cottages, and Zip line. Unfortunately, it seems like they are not taking good care of the place. The grass used to be green.

We walked around for a bit and decided to try Zip lining. This isn't the first time I've tried it, I love being on air! Too bad, we don't have a picture of it as the camera needs to be put away before crossing the line. It was fun cos I get to cross the line in a moderate speed and see the fog below, I was up in the air for about hundreds of feet!

I wanted to try it again but the people operating the Zip Line activity are over pricing. So before you go Zip lining, ask around first and haggle.

At night, we decided to go back to One Destination (a spot which boasts a number of Restaurants boasting a view of the Taal) again. We went to Mile Hi, they sport a vintage aura and American Food. Food was mediocre. The whole time we were there, Motown is usually played, along with a couple of older and popular songs. I love it! Pictures are a bit blurry.

Marilyn Monroe is like the prominent Hollywood Star figure in here. There's also James Dean, Charlie Chaplin, and Humphrey Bogart.

We then went to sleep after eating. The next morning, our last day at Tagaytay, we went to the popular Bag of Beans for Breakfast.

Upon entering Bag of Beans, you descent here.

They have birds in cages and a parrot greeting everyone "Ugly!" I thought it was not very funny so I poked his cage hard a few times so he learns his lesson. LOL.
This is where we had Breakfast!I ordered this. I love the sausages and the Cheese Omelet!

End of story. Hope you guys enjoyed. Me, I'm tired, I think I'm going to bed in a bit, classes just started.

Much Love,
HalfCrazy

Tagaytay Chronicles 3

On my previous post, I sort of complained about Tagaytay's non-existent nightlife. Now, it's the second day of our Tagaytay Trip (As some of you might know, we stayed in tagaytay for 3 days and 2 nights!

The next day, we went to Giligan's Island Restaurant and Bar in Summit Ridge for Lunch. Or maybe for err, pigging out.

The Chicken skin tastes amazing and the insides.. well, they taste like all the other chickens, haha! But I still recommend this dish!

Yum! Roast Beef with Mushrooms and Mashed Potatoes! The sauce tastes really great and I can't say no to anything potatoes. It doesn't taste too special but it's not bad either. Food for only two people. We only managed to eat half of the chicken and Roast Beef, and left a quarter of rice. What a waste ordering a lot and not finishing it! Everything is worth it for the price (Like P600-P700)!

After that, we went to shop for souvenirs. We visited La Trobada in Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. Not only is La Trobada a souvenir shop but it's a Restaurant too and has their own specialty of Paella. Its ambiance is very homey, antique, and boasts a fine view of the Taal Lake and Volcano.

Another view from La Trobada.

Too bad we ate already else we would have tried it here! Nice place, don't you think?

A word of advice though, don't shop for souvenirs in La Trobada as they are a little bit more costly. Try the stalls at Picnic Grove or in Olivarez Plaza. You get the same quality but for a lower price.

Up next is Picnic Grove and more food! The next post would be the final installment of the Tagaytay Chronicles then it's back to the boring updates on my life.

Much Love,
HalfCrazy

Tagaytay Chronicles 2

If you look at my previous post, I told you guys a bit about how to get to Tagaytay, about the place that we stayed in, and showed you guys the breathtaking view of the Taal Volcano. When you get a chance to visit the Philippines, make sure to stop by Tagaytay, Cavite. Not much pollution, unlike here in Manila!

So getting on with the program, after "Ooh-ing!" and "Ahh-ing!" over the marvelous landscape, we heard our stomach growling so we decided to look for a place to eat.

We chose Carlo's Pizza as it offers a great view of the scenery and is much acclaimed by travelers. I'm glad we ate here cos their menu is affordable and their food very delicious.

Milano Pizza, perfect for 2 people. We only managed to eat 5. The remaining slices we asked to take out.

Boyfriend ordered this. I was like, "We already ordered Milano Pizza, why do you want a dish that still has Pizza in it?" He replied he just wanted lots of Pizzas. In the end we didn't finish the 9" pizza we ordered anyway!

I ordered Spaghetti with Chicken Fingers and Garlic Bread. Everything tasted amazing, I'm really craving for it right now.

After eating, we're all set to try out Tagaytay's nightlife. We talked about going to View Site (a place with a live band and Videoke and also offers a nice view of Taal) or some bar and get a little bit tipsy. It was only about 5PM so we decided to roam a little more around. It's nice to walk around Tagaytay as pollution is pretty much non-existent.

Beautiful houses are abundant in Tagaytay, especially those in the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway. The owners are probably from Metro Manila as the place looks so empty! Of course we can't get in so I took a couple of shots from outside LOL. Sorry for those obstacles, can't be helped!

So while walking some more, we ended up on Summit Ridge. There's a nice hotel beside it and a couple of Restaurants inside. We decided to hang around for a bit and buy some souvenirs.

On the way home, we saw this beautiful Sunset.

We went back to the Apartelle, watched Black Dynamite which was damn funny and waited for the clock to strike 10PM. By 10PM, we got out, looked for View Site but it was closed. We then went back to One Destination (place with lots of Restaurants) and Olivarez (like their 'capital'), to see if some bars are open.

Much to our dismay, Tagaytay's nightlife, if you can call it that, is only until 11PM. Where are all the party people in Tagaytay! That's probably the only thing missing from this place. But somehow, it's kind of good. They're aiming for Tourism more, I guess.

And oh, there are very few Jeepneys that can take you from one place to another when the clock hits 10PM. It's like there's a curfew and everyone should be home immediately! I feel very safe in Tagaytay, though.

So we just went home and saved the party spirit when we get back to Manila.

Much Love,
HalfCrazy