SA YUTANG NATAW-HANG BATUON

My stony birthplace … waaahhh tama ba yang translation ko.. lol…

Yeah, kung di nyo pa alam, I’m a true blooded Siquihodnon, I was born in San Juan, Siquijor in 1972…. Waaaaaaahhhh… magkabistuhan na to…

Anyway, the first photo as you can see has Capilay Springs as the background, that’s me and my mother. On the time this photo was taken the borders of the string were still under construction.

This fresh flowing water spring lies in the heart of the town, the other side is the municipal hall, the other side sits the public market, the other side is the town gymnasium. This is where I learned to swim, my cousin would throw us in the middle of this spring and you don’t a choice but to struggle back to the ‘pang-pang’. I still remember there were palm trees planted around here, we used to drop the red fruits on the water and pick them underwater, the most number of fruits picked - win, The loser has to bring the ‘batya’ of washed clothes home … at the end of this spring just before it finally join the seawater, is where the townfolks would wash their clothes … as is washing with swimming all in one…

My relatives are all over the island… my father’s roots are actually anchored on this island. One of these days… Siquijor here I come.

Photo credits

This is now the Capilay Springs in San Juan, Siquijor. This is not my photo as I have not visited the island for years now. I borrowed it from Miguel OF THIS FORUM. Follow it to see more of the town scenes… Lovely! It just awed me to see how this place a part of my childhood has turned into what it is now.

mouse on this badge for more nostalgic marveling at Rose's blog, or better yet join us every Thursday.

GAME OF CHANCE ONLINE

There can be various opinions regarding the social, the economic and even the Biblical perspective of gambling, whatever it is gambling has already been part of human existence especially in today’s world where surplus abounds our economy, those who have more in life can spend it in leisure in places where only the rich and the famous tread.

But in today’s internet age, you don’t have to be in limo to get your chance of being rich, online gambling is paving the way to yet another level of game of chances. Want to take your chance? Visit Gambling online and we’ll see where your luck will bring you. In fact it’s the easiest to understand website, it’s a no deposit casino, have the best bonus, and security is superb. They only use the most user friendly software and have a 24/7 excellent support system for players a much needed especially for beginners.

Why not take your chance now?

TOWARDS THE SEA

One of the things that Davao is proud of is its pristine and unspoiled beaches. I just love to chill-out and relax here, it’s peaceful, and it’s quite, it’s a little heaven on this side of town.

Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm - 

it comes from becoming still - 

in order to reflect and meditate 

on our inner wisdom and receive answers. 

A peaceful heart is one that is free from worry and trouble. 

It's becoming quiet so we can look at things quietly 

so we can more clearly understand them and

thus come up with creative solutions. 

It is learning to live in the present.

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THE BENEFITS OF ONLINE BANKING

I spent two hours inside a physical bank today, I did not transact millions though I just did some clarifications with some issues regarding my bank account, but it pissed me off knowing that I have wasted much precious time for just a meager amount. For most of us, we still transact banking transactions with the physical set-up, but it is not a secret that we have a whole new option in banking.

Online banking is the best option if you want to save your day with hassles and being stressed out with long queues. Online banking still enables you to open a bank account, paperless and effortless as you just need your usual PC-internet set-up, you can view the history of your transactions, you can even pay bills in no time at all, transfer money from one account to another with no hassles of filling-up papers and specimen signatures.

But one of the most important things to remember is to secure your account online and that is to regularly check-on it and come-up with a password not susceptible to hacking. So for starters, you can visit RaboDirect Online Bank and open your new online bank account today.

UNSECURED PERSONAL LOANS

Short of funds? Well, worry no more.

Today’s world gives us handy access to the things you just imagine before. Did you know that you can now apply for Unsecured Personal Loans online? Yes, worry no more about the hassle of bringing bulky, inconvenient collaterals to your loans physical office, getting an Unsecured Loans is the most convenient way to get the funds you need as it requires no collateral, and gets approved in minutes, easy right?

Now here’s the good part, www.FirstAmerigo.com, the leader in online loans is here to let you live the life you wanted, the company further provides Installment Loans for those who can’t have enough for one time pay. In fact, they are accessible 24/7 making it the most advantageous way to get funds.

So why hold back in getting the best this world can offer when you can have it in just a click away, visit www.FirstAmerigo.com now and sign-up to get that easy loan today!

SHOTS OF FRUSTRATION

....some random shots at the Waterfront Insular Hotel lobby after braving the scorching sun wandering at the bird fair booths. See Story here.

BTW, if you plan to visit Davao, Waterfront Insular Hotel can be one of your best options. It is located along JP Laurel Avenue with telephone number 082 233 2881. Or for more information on rates, accommodation etc. you can visit this site.

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FINDING THE RIGHT CONVERSION FACILITY

When I got married in 1999, I made sure it was documented from the preparation down to the last minute of our wedding, which was the closing of the hotel door as per our video archive. But during those times, massive technology available was still the VHS type; we have quiet a stock of our wedding video still on VHS.

Unexpectedly, one of our secondary sponsors, which is now working in Australia has been Skyping me to get a copy of the video, because there were some portions there that are important and she needs it for legal purposes. But it got me a dilemma because the video was still on VHS and it needs to be converted to digital copy. There are available here locally though, but the quality is one thing I cannot entrust on them.

Gladly, there’s CQ Duplication and Multimedia based in Queensland, they’re the best conversion facility provider this industry have today. If you are living down under, you can contract their services for your conversion needs. Video to DVD – Queensland, Film to DVD – Queensland is the best name you can rely now when it comes to converting your precious memories to digital copy, they can provide you copies of whatever digital file you wanted it, this is to ensure easy and convenient viewing in your either PC or laptop.

So don’t put into waste your stocked precious VHS or betamax, now you can have it converted in no time, reliable and affordable. You can visit CQ Duplication and Multimedia now for more information and pricing.

1ST ASIAN BIRD FAIR

Yes, was held here in Davao, on Sept 24-25 at the Insular Hotel grounds here. I’ve posted two viewpoints on this subject;

on its EDUCATIONAL VALUE and

A MOM AND CHILDREN’S DISAPPOINTMENT

When I first knew this bird fair will be held in Davao, my children were delighted with excitement, they even marked the Sept. 25th x with a caption ‘saving this date for bird fair’. Ang totoo, hindi lang yung mga anak ko excited, pati na rin ako, lol.

Since Saturday mornings are spent to mama chores, they patiently waited until past 12 to finally head to Insular, kumain muna kami mahal kaya food dun, hahaha.

There were buses and buses of excursionists coming from all over Davao, but when we get to the main event area, we all got disappointed, there were only 10 live birds and the rest were photos, banners and leaflets. The kids were disappointed, pati na rin ako.  Sabi pa ng mga bata, so mom in the future there will be more of bird fairs minus the bird… I said maybe yes…

Actually the fair was primarily organized to raise awareness and conservation support from the stakeholders and that's us. There were hundreds of booth at the fair, mostly composed of Bird Clubs all over Asia, Cambodia, Burma, Hongkong, Taipei.. etc.

To know more of the importance of this bird fair and the bird itself, SEE HERE.

Feeling bored ladies at the reception

Actually, they're not part of the show, they're mainstays at the hotel.

The owl at the show

Because there were not much of birds, we watched a dance show instead

great venue to showcase bird captures

Framed exotic wild birds photos, sold as high as P2,500

Went home dissappointed

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THE WAY TO PEARLY WHITE TEETH

It is said that one of the fun ways to live longer is to smile. Smiling offers human countless health benefits, making you look younger, boost your immune system and it even lower your blood pressure.

But more than making people at the receiving end happy with your smile, you can be more confident to put on display your sweetest smile if it is paired with pearly white teeth. But this has been the dilemma for most of us, as we grow older our teeth tend to accumulate stains and would make them turn yellowish. Teeth discoloration is caused also by the foods and drinks we consume. Some of the worst include soda, tobacco, coffee, tea and berries, it is because of the “chromogenic” agents in these products.

And often we treat it by using toothpaste, but toothpastes can’t reach this far, your teeth may still be strong and healthy though, but they may not provide you the brightest and the whitest smile.

And at this point you need now some intervention to get that pearly white teeth you wanted, and as a practice we use teeth whitening agents, and if you want quick and effective results, here I recommend you get Crest Supreme Professional Whitestrips online, it is 80% more effective tooth whitening than regular Crest Whitestrips available on your store shelf, 14% longer upper strips and 18% longer lower strips, it has 84 Supreme Whitestrips per box (42 upper strips and 42 lower strips) good for a three week supply, it has the strongest concentration available on any Crest Whitestrips.

Crest Whitestrips Supreme is not available in your stores, you can only purchase it online, so why not buy your DIY Whitening kit today, and having those pearly white teeth is just as easy as …

Step 1: PEEL

Step 2: APPLY

So, I suggest you get yourself a kit now and share to us your story to achieving your whiter, brighter and sparkling teeth.

THE WEDDING PICTURE

I can’t believe it’s another week, ang bilis ng panahon, feeling ko di pa ako nakapaghilamos Huwebes na uli ….

I can’t believe it either I’ve survived a 10-year marriage, 10 years with three children. Thing about this marriage is that I don’t cry over fights with my husband, in fact in those 10 years we really don’t have any major, major fight. I cry over the people around him, especially with issues involving my MIL. Grrrr…..

If I were Venus Raj I could probably answer the question well thrown to her during the Miss U pageant;

What is one big mistake that you did in your life? And what did you do to make it right?

Answer:
Good evening Las Vegas! I think the greatest mistake I made in my life was to decide to live in my MILs house, it robbed me of my natural abilities to make a home, and what did I do to make it right? None yet, because in the Philippines, culturally, it is a demeaning idea for someone, especially for younger people to leave their parents alone … Call me a sufferer for a cause, but there are other people involve and I don’t want them to get hurt and that’s my children. If only I could turn back time, then that would be the time, I can make it right. Thank you very much.

PS. I know pride kills, but this my only way to survive around here... please don't judge the writer .... the writer is the judge. This is her blog... she writes whatever she wants to write.....ahahahahah!

Haisst…. I’m getting emo… mouse on the Nostalgia badge above for more nostalgic marveling.

Genetically Modified Salmon, Anyone?

I was watching this channel online and this news report just awed me, I think this alteration in no different from manipulating the genetic make-up of the chicken, the soya, the corn, the whatever the scientists can think of playing God.

It just worries me, the scientists, the proponents will not tell you straight in your face that if you will eat this you will die, maybe not now but soonest … but what if these people junks this stuff here or let us say in a more economically sound way, exports this stuff to the Philippines, come-on we have lots of those Salmon in our grocery store’s frozen section, and if it joins with those, who knows where's the GM Salmon here, waaaahh, it’s my favorite. Maybe I can take pre-caution because half of my grocery time is spent reading labels, but what if it disguised as holy Salmon. Haist, given the security lax in this country, (sorry about this, I'm supposed to write good things about my country) and note this kindda thing is not this country’s priority, I won’t get shocked knowing it landed on my plate one of these days…

Watch this….. And see what you have to say…

NEED TRAFFIC?

Need Traffic? Yeah, bloggers most coveted word, but oftentimes this is easier said than done. But did you know that you can soar your blog traffic high not by mere paid advertising schemes but through the search engines, social media and even video sharing sites? This factor means so much for bloggers, imagine parading your site or blog on the first lines of the search engines result, it’s a dream come true for every blogger.

And how are we going to do that? Well, Traffic Voodoo a genius behind this traffic schema has come up with an updated version which is the Traffic Voodoo 2.0, it is coming out late this September and they promised getting you free traffic and will eventually turn those into staggering moolah. If you are blogger and keen about Search Engine Optimization and want your traffic figures in lower digits? Then this is the answer to your prayers, so why not try Traffic Voodoo 2.0 now and we’ll see how far your blog can soar and turn that traffic into money. Check out Traffic Voodoo 2.0 now.

BLUE SIGHTS

Some random early morning sights captured during our trip the other week at Paradise Island resort at Samal Island, Davao City.

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PERSONALIZED 2011 CALENDARS

Time has flown so fast, so fast that I did not even notice we’re now on the ‘ber’ months, roughly two months more and it’s another celebration of the Christmas season, days more and it’s another year.

More than the ordinary people waiting for this season to come, it’s also the merriest part of year for business people to take advantage of the peoples spending, buying of gifts for the loved ones, preparing table delights for the family and all of those things.

But of all the events of this season I love the handing out of gifts part, although my theme for this year is frugality, I’m thinking of worthwhile alternative. How about giving a personalized 2011 calendars? Say a family’s photo on the pages of the calendar isn’t that cool, personalized yet classy and inexpensive alternative to bulky, heavy and individualized wrapped ones. So long, I need to look for a site that offers 2011 promotional calendars.

THINK ORGANIC BRANDS

A friend of mine introduced this product to me several months ago, it’s an organic insect repellant lotion which keeps mosquitoes, flies and even ants away, this product has a special blend of premium-grade virgin coconut oil, citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus essences. I’ve used it since then as a safest alternative to chemically-based insect repellant lotion that is commercially available. With this dengue virus carrying mosquitoes just around the corner I think every mom should think about the safety of their children.

I actually bought 10 bottles of these during the Mindanao Trade Expo here in Davao. But more than its potency as an insect repellant, I think the manufacturer should think more than the effectiveness of this product, if they want to compete with those that have positioned in the market, they should think about branding design, packaging and advertisement which I think obviously lacks.

I prefer this product more than any other insect repellant in the market; I anticipate the chance that they will be available on the grocery shelves soon.

DATING ASIANS

One of the most exhilarating experiences or social activities every human should experience in its existence in this world is to engage into dating. Blame it to Charles Darwin on his theory on natural selection, dating I think is the first step to the continuity of human society; I believe that dating is essential in assessing each ones suitability as a partner in engaging into an intimate relationship.

From its austere beginnings dating in today’s society is relaxed and unrestrained, gone were the physical and cultural boundaries, intermarriages has been the trend at the onset of the 20th century. Today, dating even has jumped unto the bandwagon of technological advances; given our fast paced life, traditional dating has taken a back seat, meeting someone is just a click away.

The internet provides the most convenient way to look for someone to date, Like Asian Singles; it’s a web matchmaking dating system that provides avenue where you can Meet Asians to date. If you are an Asian single and wants to meet someone in South Africa of same interests and background, forget about physical barriers Asian dating is as easy as clicking the mouse away. So if you’re still on the limbo of which dating site to visit, end it with Asian Singles is a must see site, signing up is free and they have thousands of profile ready for browsing. Good Luck and praying you’ll end up with someone … matched perfectly.

UNDER DAVAO’S CIRRUS SKY

If you have not gone to Davao City lately, this is the scene from where I stood on Sunday last week … to my right the only tallest in that area … The Marco Polo Davao

To my left is the newest addition to the sprawling hotels in this city, The Pinnacle Inns and Suites along Sta. Avenue.

Didn’t I tell you I’m proudest to be living in the;

LARGEST CITY OF THE WORLD

have breathe the  CLEANEST AIR IN THE WORLD-

MEMBER OF THE CLEAN CITIES COALITION - 2005

MOST CULTURE-FRIENDLY CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES -2009

ONE OF THE 20 MOST LIVABLE CITIES IN ASIA – 1996-1999

THE PHILIPPINES’ MOST LIVABLE CITY - 2003

TOP DESTINATION OF THE YEAR - 1997

CLEANEST AND GREENEST HIGHLY-URBANIZED CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES – 2001-2003

CLEANEST AND GREENEST CITY IN 1999

MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY IN THE PHILIPPINES -1999

MOST COMPETITIVE CITY TO DO BUSINESS IN THE PHILIPPINES - 2002

MOST GENDER RESPONSIVE LGU IN THE PHILIPPINES - 2004

HALL OF FAME, BEST PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL IN THE PHILIPPINES – 1999-2002

MOST OUTSTANDING LGU: Regional Literacy Awards and 2nd Place in the 2005 National Literacy Awards

REGIONAL GREEN BANNER AWARDEE - 2004

TOP GOVERNMENT WITHOLDING AGENT

TOP TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE PHILIPPINES - 1997

Davao City was chosen “Destination of the Year” by the Kalakbay Awards in 1997.

MOST OUTSTANDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND IN ASIA PACIFIC REGION - 2005

MOST OUTSTANDING KBP CHAPTER IN THE PHILIPPINES - 2004

To mention a few why you need to make Davao City your next destination.

And on top of it all, here lived the greatest blogger of all time – and that would be me .. hahahaha! Joke Only!

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DREAMING OF VANCOUVER

This family on this side of town has accomplished three fourths of its family project for this year; I’ve kept back a little from those spendings and hope to spend it at the end of the year for some travel adventures as what we usually do. We hacked traveling from our family schedule this year since we spent quiet a sum for our boys room renovation last summer, but I’m determined we need to get out of here and go someplace fun and awesome.

First thought was Vancouver, but seeing our finances seems like two of my family members has to sacrifice and stay, but I was met with protests from my kids they don’t want the youngest to be left out, so we need to execute Plan B and that is local traveling. Need to figure out in this next two months, where in this country.

Anyway, just sharing some thoughts, if you also wish to travel to Vancouver there is this Trent Jordan Vancouver that can help you tour around, they’ve been in this business for quiet sometime and has intense knowledge of the ins and outs of Vancouver, the where, the what, the why, the how and the when can immediately be answered if you’ll contract their service.

Tata, thanks for dropping by on this side of town.

HALF-SAD, HALF HAPPY

After years of waiting and preparing for her migration to America, my bestest of friends here in Davao is finally leaving for the land of milk and honey. We had send-off party the other night and had some sobbing session as well. Actually her parents are in America already but they’re living in Nevada, since they’ve just retired they’re also moving to Los Angeles to be with their daughter and live in the same roof, I wonder if they have contacted San Diego movers already to haul their packages.

Anyway, I’m half sad, half happy for her, sad because goodbyes are never happy, although I know she will just be skype away, it would be different having to pull someone anytime of the day. Happy, because finally her petition just came out and she’s now a plane away to her dreams. Go, girl, you can make it there; don’t forget to send me back chocos and Chiccos.

Thanks everyone for dropping by on this side of town.

BUY GOLD BULLION

Using coins as a form of monetary exchange has a history as rich as the people who use it. During the heyday, using gold coins has been an ordinary practice, but as this metal became scarce and rare, gold coins are now made into bullion and are legally traded in commodity market primarily meant for collection and investment purposes and obviously not meant for circulation.

Today, this precious gold bullion is collected not only for their numismatic value, but others see it as a ‘hedge’ or an investment made in order to diminish the hazard of adverse price movements in terms of financial security against inflation.

There are various entities now that are legally sanctioned by the government where you can buy gold bullion, so start investing today, you can start browsing where to buy bullion now and you’re on your way to your financial security.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY .......

.... for those who run out of wits ... like me, lol.

As youngsters they may seem like arch enemies at times, but as they grow older the ties that bind become as strong as the love between them. Siya Nawa!

Random photos of my two kiddos at Liea's school.

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Wordless Wednesday

WATCH TV ONLINE

When my children went to big school, we also have revised our home culture, lesser meat and more veggies, sleeping early, wholesome movies, we even cut off our cable TV connection to avoid drenching hours on TV, but I’m no scrooge mom, I sometimes allow them to Watch TV Shows Online. I’m even awed by this site I’ve discovered lately, imagine pooling all the shows virtually on this planet into one website… It’s awesome you should check out their site. Here’s the video of how you can watch all the shows aired in practically all televisions on Earth. Watch this.

DOLPHIN COMMITS SUICIDE

This post is rated PG.

As usual I did my weekend grocery shopping in this favorite mall of mine here, Gmall Davao. I love it here since parking is sheltered, accessible rain or shine, although I still worry about some incidents of ‘bukas kotse’, I make it sure not to leave valuables inside the car so burglars will not be enticed to yank on my car.

I was in luck I was found a parking near the ledge, I love it somewhere in this area security wise, since the natural light see through the cars glass and the guards can see it from afar. When I got out and checked around, I was stunned at first seeing this blue something on the wall hanging, I thought really it was somebody from afar, but when I zoomed my camera, it’s this dolphin that committed suicide, lol.

I asked the roaming guard what’s that thing about and he said, it’s from the toy department, it was accidentally soaked by a janitor’s pail full of water and they hang it there to dry up.

Haisst, so glad it wasn’t a homo, or I’ll really shout to death.

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