A New Discovery, Magazines and Cycling...
Thanks to Sherwin, I was inspired to research on and choose an RSS Reader. I settled for Google Reader, and I love it! I was able to import my subscriptions on My Yahoo and Google Personal Page. I just can't have enough news, whether it's World News, Entertainment News, Technology News (my favorite), and Cycling News. Just last year I've made a conscious decision to read more. I really just can't have enough information! I used to live on Time Magazine (I've been a subscriber for more than 5 years already). But just last year I subscribed to Fortune and National Geographic. No regrets! I highly recommend these magazines.
The Amgen Tour of California just started and guess who won the prologue! Levi Leipheimer! Go Levi! He's still the leader after Stage 1, but the circumstances weren't good at all - he was part of a crash and the decision to grant everyone the same time was made by race officials. I'm hoping he can keep it up so Discovery will win!
Two side notes: It's really nice to see Ivan Basso racing, weird though that he was in front setting the tempo for the pelton. I'm sad that Discovery will end their sponsorship this year, but at the same time I'm can't wait for the next team sponsor.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Saturday, February 10, 2007
I have found the perfect song.
Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow
by Wideawake
I heard the news today. It came out of nowhere.
I wish I could run away, but where would I go?
Is this my destiny? Something so unfair...
What will become of me? God only knows.
And they say the road to heaven... it might lead us back through hell.
Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, we'll win this fight and bury this sorrow.
We're so alive, still holding on, not ready to die, so we LIVESTRONG.
My pride is left for dead, as my world gets shaken.
The thoughts inside my head are so hard to control.
I'm staring down the unknown, one thing for certain.
It may break my body, but never break my soul.
They say the road to heaven it might leads us back through hell, so we're holding on for more than stories to tell. Oh...
Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, we'll win this fight and bury this sorrow.
We're so alive, still holding on, not ready to die, so we LIVESTRONG.
We LIVESTRONG.
Maybe Tonight, Maybe Tomorrow
by Wideawake
I heard the news today. It came out of nowhere.
I wish I could run away, but where would I go?
Is this my destiny? Something so unfair...
What will become of me? God only knows.
And they say the road to heaven... it might lead us back through hell.
Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, we'll win this fight and bury this sorrow.
We're so alive, still holding on, not ready to die, so we LIVESTRONG.
My pride is left for dead, as my world gets shaken.
The thoughts inside my head are so hard to control.
I'm staring down the unknown, one thing for certain.
It may break my body, but never break my soul.
They say the road to heaven it might leads us back through hell, so we're holding on for more than stories to tell. Oh...
Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, we'll win this fight and bury this sorrow.
We're so alive, still holding on, not ready to die, so we LIVESTRONG.
We LIVESTRONG.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
A Year of Travel
As I've mentioned in my latest entries, 2006 was a year of travel for me. Here's a summary of all our travels:
February 22-25: Davao
March: Bae Day Trip
April 29-30: Calatagan
May 13-14: Batangas, Caliraya
May 22-25: Canyon Woods, Punta Fuego, Tagaytay (Teambuilding)
May 26-29: Bohol
June 10-12: Banahaw (Birthday!)
June 23-24: Tagaytay Sleepover, EK
June 30 - July 2: Baguio
July 15: Binan Day Trip
July 29: Subic Day Trip
August 18-21: Davao (Kadayawan!)
September 9-10: Clark (Duathlon)
September 16-17: Pagsanjan
October 7: Batangas Day Trip
October 27-29: Bolinao, Pangasinan
November 24-26: Baguio
December 1-3: La Union
December 16-18: Baguio
December 26-29: Pagudpud
I love it! More to come in 2007! We already have 3 planned - Cebu (for Sinulog) in January, Kuala Lumpur in February, and Iloilo in March. Hopefully we can also travel during Holy Week.
Send suggestions my way please! :)
As I've mentioned in my latest entries, 2006 was a year of travel for me. Here's a summary of all our travels:
February 22-25: Davao
March: Bae Day Trip
April 29-30: Calatagan
May 13-14: Batangas, Caliraya
May 22-25: Canyon Woods, Punta Fuego, Tagaytay (Teambuilding)
May 26-29: Bohol
June 10-12: Banahaw (Birthday!)
June 23-24: Tagaytay Sleepover, EK
June 30 - July 2: Baguio
July 15: Binan Day Trip
July 29: Subic Day Trip
August 18-21: Davao (Kadayawan!)
September 9-10: Clark (Duathlon)
September 16-17: Pagsanjan
October 7: Batangas Day Trip
October 27-29: Bolinao, Pangasinan
November 24-26: Baguio
December 1-3: La Union
December 16-18: Baguio
December 26-29: Pagudpud
I love it! More to come in 2007! We already have 3 planned - Cebu (for Sinulog) in January, Kuala Lumpur in February, and Iloilo in March. Hopefully we can also travel during Holy Week.
Send suggestions my way please! :)
The Year That Was...
1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I travelled so much!!! It was crazy! But I'm really happy!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't believe in new year's resolutions. I believe in having plans for the year though. My major one, I was able to achieve - travelling. It was indeed a year of travel for me. The other one, losing weight - shit, no. I even gained weight. Damn.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Bunny!!!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
I wasn't able to go out of the country. But still, I was able to go around the Philippines, to places I've never been to before.
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
I am planning to be more conscious with my weight. I wasn't careful, and geez I got so much bigger. I would like to have the discipline to exercise - I really need this too. I should do something on the side, aside from work.
7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Lots of dates, mostly travels. I know the dates but there's too many to list down here. Best one was my birthday, 2006 June 11, because I was able to go back to one of my favorite places ever, Mt. Banahaw.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being promoted.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Well, some things I would rather not talk about.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
My gastritis came back, and I didn't feel well a lot because of stress.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I am such a shopaholic that I don't know anymore! Here are some items that I love the most - my Nine West shoes, my white Life is Good pebble t-shirt, and my Life is Good backpack. I also bought so much from Dorothy Perkins this year.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I think Fen did a great job and she really deserves to have her own categories.
13. Whose behaviour appalled you and made you depressed?
I guess the politicians will never change. I am so jaded that I really don't care anymore.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel, travel and travel! So many roadtrips and local flights! The rest went to credit card payments, mostly for Dorothy Perkins items. :)
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My travels! And Cebu Pacific sales! Hehe.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
For some reason, U2 songs.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? same, so-so
ii. thinner or fatter? FATTER (all caps!)
iii. richer or poorer? a bit richer I think
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Definitely exercising!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Shopping for things I don't get to use.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas Eve mass was in Gesu, then noche buena, then went to Binan on Christmas day for the clan lunch, then had dinner in Serye Eastwood with the Christmas gang (Sharon, Cathy, Mike O, Jovan, Lester, and Mike T), then took off for Pagudpud!
21. What was your favourite TV program?
Still the same programs, but with new additions. Project Runway was cool, then just a few days ago I started watching Prison Break. Cool show! House, though he annoys me so much, is a really good show, I think. I haven't gotten into Grey's Anatomy yet though, unlike my friends.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hmmm, how nice. I don't think I *hate* anyone right now. Such a nice feeling.
26. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read a lot this year. Come to think of it, I should read more. I'm still reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon. I think it's a really good, unique book.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The album Espresso Espresso, which we discovered through Marco. Wintersong of Sarah McLachlan which I discovered through Mike P.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted to travel a lot and boy did I get it!
29. What did you want and not get?
Losing weight. Thing is, you can't just *want* this. You have to do something about it. And I didn't. So I will, in 2007!
30. Favorite film of this year?
Oh dear, I watched a lot of movies. I really LOVED Happy Feet! A Good Year was surprisingly good too. Let me check first...
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to Mt. Banahaw. Hiked a bit, and went to the caves. Spent the night at Kinabuhayan Cafe, drank the night away with the owner who's such a cool guy!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I could have travelled to another country...
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Same-same. Problem is that I had to shop for a new wardrobe because I got fatter. And I'm still getting bigger so this really has to stop - I won't have money for another wardrobe!
34. What kept you sane?
Friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I love Wentworth Miller.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Nothing. I really dont care anymore.
37. Who did you miss?
Friends who I didn't see for a long time.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Can't think of any...
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
You own your life. Do things that will make you happy, not because of what society dictates to us.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I travelled so much!!! It was crazy! But I'm really happy!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't believe in new year's resolutions. I believe in having plans for the year though. My major one, I was able to achieve - travelling. It was indeed a year of travel for me. The other one, losing weight - shit, no. I even gained weight. Damn.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Bunny!!!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
I wasn't able to go out of the country. But still, I was able to go around the Philippines, to places I've never been to before.
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
I am planning to be more conscious with my weight. I wasn't careful, and geez I got so much bigger. I would like to have the discipline to exercise - I really need this too. I should do something on the side, aside from work.
7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Lots of dates, mostly travels. I know the dates but there's too many to list down here. Best one was my birthday, 2006 June 11, because I was able to go back to one of my favorite places ever, Mt. Banahaw.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being promoted.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Well, some things I would rather not talk about.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
My gastritis came back, and I didn't feel well a lot because of stress.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I am such a shopaholic that I don't know anymore! Here are some items that I love the most - my Nine West shoes, my white Life is Good pebble t-shirt, and my Life is Good backpack. I also bought so much from Dorothy Perkins this year.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I think Fen did a great job and she really deserves to have her own categories.
13. Whose behaviour appalled you and made you depressed?
I guess the politicians will never change. I am so jaded that I really don't care anymore.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel, travel and travel! So many roadtrips and local flights! The rest went to credit card payments, mostly for Dorothy Perkins items. :)
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My travels! And Cebu Pacific sales! Hehe.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
For some reason, U2 songs.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? same, so-so
ii. thinner or fatter? FATTER (all caps!)
iii. richer or poorer? a bit richer I think
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Definitely exercising!
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Shopping for things I don't get to use.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas Eve mass was in Gesu, then noche buena, then went to Binan on Christmas day for the clan lunch, then had dinner in Serye Eastwood with the Christmas gang (Sharon, Cathy, Mike O, Jovan, Lester, and Mike T), then took off for Pagudpud!
21. What was your favourite TV program?
Still the same programs, but with new additions. Project Runway was cool, then just a few days ago I started watching Prison Break. Cool show! House, though he annoys me so much, is a really good show, I think. I haven't gotten into Grey's Anatomy yet though, unlike my friends.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hmmm, how nice. I don't think I *hate* anyone right now. Such a nice feeling.
26. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read a lot this year. Come to think of it, I should read more. I'm still reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon. I think it's a really good, unique book.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
The album Espresso Espresso, which we discovered through Marco. Wintersong of Sarah McLachlan which I discovered through Mike P.
28. What did you want and get?
I wanted to travel a lot and boy did I get it!
29. What did you want and not get?
Losing weight. Thing is, you can't just *want* this. You have to do something about it. And I didn't. So I will, in 2007!
30. Favorite film of this year?
Oh dear, I watched a lot of movies. I really LOVED Happy Feet! A Good Year was surprisingly good too. Let me check first...
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to Mt. Banahaw. Hiked a bit, and went to the caves. Spent the night at Kinabuhayan Cafe, drank the night away with the owner who's such a cool guy!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I could have travelled to another country...
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Same-same. Problem is that I had to shop for a new wardrobe because I got fatter. And I'm still getting bigger so this really has to stop - I won't have money for another wardrobe!
34. What kept you sane?
Friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I love Wentworth Miller.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Nothing. I really dont care anymore.
37. Who did you miss?
Friends who I didn't see for a long time.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Can't think of any...
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
You own your life. Do things that will make you happy, not because of what society dictates to us.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Baguio Part 3
DESTINATION?
We were supposed to go to Vigan for Jovan's birthday, but unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well, so I requested for a 'nearer' destination. We ended up going to Baguio again, partly because the boys wanted to bike to the "Radar" as Mike T had recommended. Again, we were the usual suspects - Jovan, me and Mike O - since no one else could go on leave on December 18 (Monday), Jovan's actual birthday. Mike O still had some leaves to use up. (Just to explain, we have 15 vacation leaves per year, and we're only allowed to carry over 7.5 to the next year. This means that we are required to use up 7.5 VL's for the year, or these will be forfeited.)
HOTEL VENIZ PART 2
We chose Hotel Veniz again since we really liked their service the last time. Unfortunately, it wasn't the same this time around. Service wasn't as good, the room we got for the first night, though more expensive, was so much smaller. The rate was for the view, I learned - something which we didn't care about. During check-out, there was mix up with the amount, so we had to explain (almost argue) with the people there.
HIGHLIGHT
I wasn't feeling 100% okay so I just let the boys do their bike ride while I watched the Tour de France in the hotel room. The highlight of the trip for me was the strawberry juice first discovered during Baguio Part 2. It was so funny because I took a photo of the juice and sent it to the girls, and everyone reacted! When you're in Baguio, it's a must that you go to Strawberries and Ice Cream at The Filling Station. The strawberry juice there is unlike anything you've ever tasted in any juice place here in Manila. Strawberries, sugar, and ice. That's it. YUMMY!
DESTINATION?
We were supposed to go to Vigan for Jovan's birthday, but unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well, so I requested for a 'nearer' destination. We ended up going to Baguio again, partly because the boys wanted to bike to the "Radar" as Mike T had recommended. Again, we were the usual suspects - Jovan, me and Mike O - since no one else could go on leave on December 18 (Monday), Jovan's actual birthday. Mike O still had some leaves to use up. (Just to explain, we have 15 vacation leaves per year, and we're only allowed to carry over 7.5 to the next year. This means that we are required to use up 7.5 VL's for the year, or these will be forfeited.)
HOTEL VENIZ PART 2
We chose Hotel Veniz again since we really liked their service the last time. Unfortunately, it wasn't the same this time around. Service wasn't as good, the room we got for the first night, though more expensive, was so much smaller. The rate was for the view, I learned - something which we didn't care about. During check-out, there was mix up with the amount, so we had to explain (almost argue) with the people there.
HIGHLIGHT
I wasn't feeling 100% okay so I just let the boys do their bike ride while I watched the Tour de France in the hotel room. The highlight of the trip for me was the strawberry juice first discovered during Baguio Part 2. It was so funny because I took a photo of the juice and sent it to the girls, and everyone reacted! When you're in Baguio, it's a must that you go to Strawberries and Ice Cream at The Filling Station. The strawberry juice there is unlike anything you've ever tasted in any juice place here in Manila. Strawberries, sugar, and ice. That's it. YUMMY!
Monday, December 11, 2006
A Good Year
I was hesitant to watch this movie because I heard it got a lot of bad reviews. But hey, any movie about France, I'd like to see. So after a long day walking around Mall of Asia, Mike, Jovan and I trooped back to Powerplant to watch A Good Year. Surprisingly, we all liked it! I guess it helped that there were some references to Lance Armstrong, whom we really admire.
The movie was good - I liked the cinematography, the choice of music, the story - but I felt that there was something wrong. After the movie, I concluded that it was Rusell Crowe. The whole movie, I saw Rusell Crowe the actor, not Max (the lead character). He was trying hard to be funny. It wasn't natural.
Nevertheless, it's a movie I would recommend to you guys. Not a waste of money (unlike Borat!!!) If you have time, I suggest that you see this movie. Very light, perfect for the holidays.
I was hesitant to watch this movie because I heard it got a lot of bad reviews. But hey, any movie about France, I'd like to see. So after a long day walking around Mall of Asia, Mike, Jovan and I trooped back to Powerplant to watch A Good Year. Surprisingly, we all liked it! I guess it helped that there were some references to Lance Armstrong, whom we really admire.
The movie was good - I liked the cinematography, the choice of music, the story - but I felt that there was something wrong. After the movie, I concluded that it was Rusell Crowe. The whole movie, I saw Rusell Crowe the actor, not Max (the lead character). He was trying hard to be funny. It wasn't natural.
Nevertheless, it's a movie I would recommend to you guys. Not a waste of money (unlike Borat!!!) If you have time, I suggest that you see this movie. Very light, perfect for the holidays.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Bolinao, Pangasinan
The usual suspects went to Bolinao, Pangasinan last October 27-29. The original intent was to go to Hundred Islands, but when we got there, it didn't appeal to us, so we skipped the island hopping. We just took some pictures, watched the sun rise, and then headed for Bolinao, which was an hour away. How did we find out about Bolinao? Of course, through the ever-reliable Lonely Planet.
We arrived in Bolinao at around 7:30AM. After referring to our favorite book, we chose El Pescador, which thankfully accepted our early check in. Took a nap, had breakfast, then took a longer nap and woke up at around 2PM. We went around and looked for a resort to stay in to watch the sunset, and had halo-halo. After sunset, we went back to our room and rested. For dinner, we went to "Short Time", a small canteen-type restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet, which served really good and affordable home-cooked food.
Here are some pictures from that trip:
Watching the sunrise.
Beautiful Sunset
The usual suspects went to Bolinao, Pangasinan last October 27-29. The original intent was to go to Hundred Islands, but when we got there, it didn't appeal to us, so we skipped the island hopping. We just took some pictures, watched the sun rise, and then headed for Bolinao, which was an hour away. How did we find out about Bolinao? Of course, through the ever-reliable Lonely Planet.
We arrived in Bolinao at around 7:30AM. After referring to our favorite book, we chose El Pescador, which thankfully accepted our early check in. Took a nap, had breakfast, then took a longer nap and woke up at around 2PM. We went around and looked for a resort to stay in to watch the sunset, and had halo-halo. After sunset, we went back to our room and rested. For dinner, we went to "Short Time", a small canteen-type restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet, which served really good and affordable home-cooked food.
Here are some pictures from that trip:
Watching the sunrise.
Beautiful Sunset
La Union
Went to La Union for the 3 day weekend. We were supposed to go to Pagudpud, but we were only sure about the weather on Friday, we chose La Union instead. We went to Bauang, which is the town right before San Fernando. Of course we referred to our ever reliable Lonely Planet, which, I'm sad to say, failed us this time. For accomodations, we checked out Bali Hai and Coconut Grove Beach Resorts, two of the listed resorts. Since the resorts were beside each other, we checked out another one, Cabana. Since we were divided (the boys were okay with Cabana but I wasn't), we checked out the next place, which was Villa Estrella! And it was 'perfect'! The room was okay, the bathroom was big (old yes, but clean), and we got a corporate discount! We ended up paying P1,500+ per night and for 3 people, that's P500 per night. Not bad at all. It was not listed in our beloved Lonely Planet book, but I've accepted the fact that it won't be able to list down ALL options.
The weekend was about exploring a new place, and watching Tour de France. Jovan ordered the 1999 - 2005 set (Yes Vic! 28 hours of Tour de France glory!). In between gimmicks, we would watch the videos - we ended up watching until 1999-2002. We explored the places mentioned in Lonely Planet - the most notable of which was Freedom Park. To see the whole city, we had to climb more than 100 steps (I can still feel the pain in my legs until now, hehe). It was beautiful! We had lunch at Mandarin, and merienda in Cafe Esperanza, both suggested also by Lonely Planet. I'm telling you, P1,400, that book is a steal!
Here are some photos:
Went to La Union for the 3 day weekend. We were supposed to go to Pagudpud, but we were only sure about the weather on Friday, we chose La Union instead. We went to Bauang, which is the town right before San Fernando. Of course we referred to our ever reliable Lonely Planet, which, I'm sad to say, failed us this time. For accomodations, we checked out Bali Hai and Coconut Grove Beach Resorts, two of the listed resorts. Since the resorts were beside each other, we checked out another one, Cabana. Since we were divided (the boys were okay with Cabana but I wasn't), we checked out the next place, which was Villa Estrella! And it was 'perfect'! The room was okay, the bathroom was big (old yes, but clean), and we got a corporate discount! We ended up paying P1,500+ per night and for 3 people, that's P500 per night. Not bad at all. It was not listed in our beloved Lonely Planet book, but I've accepted the fact that it won't be able to list down ALL options.
The weekend was about exploring a new place, and watching Tour de France. Jovan ordered the 1999 - 2005 set (Yes Vic! 28 hours of Tour de France glory!). In between gimmicks, we would watch the videos - we ended up watching until 1999-2002. We explored the places mentioned in Lonely Planet - the most notable of which was Freedom Park. To see the whole city, we had to climb more than 100 steps (I can still feel the pain in my legs until now, hehe). It was beautiful! We had lunch at Mandarin, and merienda in Cafe Esperanza, both suggested also by Lonely Planet. I'm telling you, P1,400, that book is a steal!
Here are some photos:
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