Happy Fiesta Davao!

Yesterday, Davao City celebrated its city fiesta in commemoration of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the city's patron saints. Too bad, I wasn't able to visit San Pedro Cathedral Parish which I am sure was flocked with lots of patronizers. To all the Dabawenyos, Happy Fiesta!:)

Filipino Foods: Still My Top Priority Anywhere I Go

Thinking ahead, let's say 10 years, I see myself sitting in a couch in my small home in NC, too tired from work and resting. I turn on the TV, watch either CNN or Fox News, and then all of a sudden head to the kitchen trying to look for food. When opening the fridge, I see cakes, ham, bacon, and other foods from the supermarket - all of which would certainly take time to cook. Provided that I am really tired, I remember how I get to live my life in the Philippines with that same situation. From a tiring work in PI, I always love to eat the famous Kare-kare with Bagoong and Sinigang Na Baboy. I certainly would like to pamper myself with great foods whenever I am tired from work. Now I am thinking if this will be possible in NC if I'd hopefully be there in the next coming years? I even thought of having a sack of rice transported via FedEx if I just can't contain myself from eating foods available in the US. I knew there are some Filipino stores out there but I exactly don't know how far their locations are. While surfing on the net today, I got hooked to a certain website that offers free easy recipes online. At least I found some Asian cuisines especially Chinese recipes that will definitely suit my liking. Definitely, I'd love to try cooking those when I'd be on my own in NC. Most importantly, I also got the idea that I can actually order Filipino foods from that website with a flat rate of $4.99 as their shipping fee. I got excited upon browsing on what they got for Filipino food lovers like me. I saw Datu Puti, some sardines, and any other canned goods. Well, I just can't miss Filipino foods. They will certainly still be a part of me anywhere I go or wherever I will be.

My World on Twitter, Now in Progress!

I really don't know what Twitter is all about. All I knew is I got an account but never get to update it until this famous thingy became the most talk about in town apart from Facebook. Logging back on Twitter, I came to familiarize it. Good thing there are some who followed me on Twitter especially my blogger friends (thank you so much!) including Senator Mar Roxas whom I followed first. Right now, most of the Twitter accounts I followed are those of Pinoy celebrities. It's also nice to be updating myself on Twitter since this has also been connected to my Facebook. Any Twitter update I have will also update my Facebook status. Funny cos nowadays, I have been hooked to these two accounts. Now I have my own Twitter world online, come follow me!:)

Painting, I Love!

I used to dislike paintings. For one, I am no good at it. When you give me crayons and any other coloring stuff, I can't make a good image out of it. When I was younger back when I was in high school, I can remember admiring someone who's good at it. I even wished I can be like her or at least get a fraction of my brother's skill in drawing and painting. I thought I'd forever dislike paintings. One time in college, we were invited to an exhibit that showcased the works of a Davao-acclaimed painter. And voila! His works were great! Paintings were even presented in a gallery somewhere. That was how I came to appreciate the great works of art done in painting. Right now, I stumbled on a great site by a famous painter named Cao Yong. I was deeply mesmerized by his creations! I got stunned by his "Voice of the East" creation where it appears like live in my eyes. I never saw such painting as great as his. No wonder he's been hailed as the Official Artist for the 2008 Olympics. Because of his great works of art, now I could say that I am rekindling my love again for painting. Whoa, painting I love!

Random Questions #5

Get totally random here: Set 1, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4, watch out for the next set!

1. Who was the last person to call you baby? *I can't remember. :)
2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? * I don't but I make sure they're placed on the side properly and will not cause any trouble to whoever comes next to me.

3. Has someone ever sang a song to you? *Yup, during birthdays. I even recalled one time I had this phone pal who played his guitar while on the phone, LOL.

4. Do you play Sudoku? * Yes, I love it!
5. If abandoned alone in the wilderness would you survive? * I don't know. Perhaps I'd be scared to death!

6. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you would do? *I hope I'd still be sane and not panicked. I want to save my documents first other than anything else.

7. Who was the last person you shared with bed? *None.
8. Why did your last relationship end? *let's just say some good things never last. Unsa daw? LOL..
9. Where was the farthest place you traveled? *Hong Kong
10. What movie do you want to see right now? *Transformers

Wanna participate? Click on here.

Davao Continues To Bloom

Davao City, which is located on the southeastern part of the Philippines, continues to bloom. Investors keep on coming giving rise to new projects in the city. Even tourists never cease to visit Davao despite some hearsay that some fears to visit the place because generally, Mindanao is in chaos and Davao is one part of it. Publicities about our booming city are always mentioned on national television. I got the chance to roam around the city a few days ago. The Ayala project named as Abreeza located along J.P. Laurel Bajada, which is exactly in front of Redemptorist Church, has started building the skeletal structure of the building. I could see heavy equipment trucks going in and out of its main gate supplying the materials needed such as cement and bars. I also got sight of men wearing hard hats. Apart from the much awaited Ayala Project, Camella Homes also started building their Northpoint Condominiums, still along J.P. Laurel Bajada. I can't vividly get a sight if the construction of those condos have started since the property itself has a long entrance. I can see some workers though. Projects such as Abreeza and Northpoint Condominiums are really helpful to our booming city because these projects are huge projects. It will make Davao become more progressive in the future. By the way, I have seen the architectural design of those two mentioned projects and those are really impressive. I knew the building makers for both Abreeza and Northpoint Condos will be like Las Vegas concrete as they work on those projects until its final completion, making those impressive architectural designs a reality. Well, what can I say? Davao really rocks!

KFC Still Rocks!

I was lately minimizing my visits to fast food chains. It's been a week since I haven't gone to those. However yesterday, I did crave to get that Hot 'N Crispy Chicken of KFC for lunch. True enough, my friend Cathy and I ate out for lunch @ KFC. I didn't order just one piece. I got two! I was indeed full when we got back to our seminar yesterday. KFC is still unbeatable! KFC still rocks! KFC will always be my favorite chiken house for life!

Manila and Cavite Visit Cancelled

I was supposed to take the opportunity of attending a close friend's wedding in Cavite City in July 18, 2009. I actually had the itinerary done and part also of the said proposed travel was revisiting Manila, my country's capital city. Dang, I am just so excited to visit Manila's Ocean Park, the Trinoma Mall which was still in its skeletal structure when I was there in 2007, and of course planned of visiting the ultimate night party @ either The Fort or The Embassy. I should have also asked my friend to sponsor my hotel accommodation in one of these Accor Hotels in Manila which could have given us to up to 60% savings for its price. Well, things have just been rough lately. I am too busy at work and there's a less chance that I could avail a 5-day vacation because I still can't avail the vacation leave that I really wanted. I knew my friend would be very happy to see me on her wedding day too but I do am sure she'd understand why I can't personally be there. I already informed here about my cancelled trip and she was at first sad but somehow was able to get a picture of why I can't be there. I am just extending my best wishes to her married life with her beau.

Random Questions #4

1. What do you wear more, jeans or sweats? *jeans the most!
2. When is your birthday? *0429
3. Do you swear a lot? * not a lot though, LOL
4. Where did you get the shirt(s) you're wearing? *it's a shirt for home use.. got it from an "ukay2". just loved this North Carolina embedded prints on my shirt. so comfy to wear it!
5. Do you have any regrets? *Yes.
6. What was your first alcoholic drink? * RH at home with friends way back in college
7. Do you want something/someone you can't have? *Yes (*guilty!)
8. What color are your favorite shoes? *brown
9. Who would you like to see right now? * my friend Joy who's getting married this July.
10. Are you a social or antisocial person? *I can be both, depends on my mood.
11. Have the cops ever come by your house? *nope, not ever.
12. Ever been in love? * I don't know if I could call it as one.
13. Ever had braces? *nope.
14. Who was the first person to really break your heart? * next question please? :)
15. What do you wear to bed? * my shorts and spag top.
16. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them? *my first ever best friend was Lea from Kindergarten. We're still friends right now but haven't seen each other much. I have found some best friends as I go through with life.
17. Who was the last person to disappoint you? *somebody from the workplace
18. Do you trust people easily? * I don't.
19. Who was the first person you talked to today? *our kasambahay
20. Who was the first person to text you today? * Karissa

Thanks Chikai for this.

I haven't visited anywhere in the past few days. My being tired would warrant me to just go home every after work and get some rest and sleep. Don't worry, I will just keep you updated of my whereabouts as soon as I can be found anywhere, teehee!:)

Random Questions #3

1. The way to win your heart? *sweetness, wit, and humor!:)
2. What did you do last night? *visited the wake of our relative then had dinner @ Boyd's with girlfriends
3. Do you have the same name as one of your relatives? *No. I got a very unique name.
4. Are you looking for a boyfriend/girlfriend? *Uhm, just waiting hahaha!
5. One song that's meaningful to you? * My inspirational song: Prayer for Generosity by Bukas Palad Ministry
6. Do you twirl or scoop your spaghetti? *twirl
7. Do you drink milk straight from the carton?* yes when I am gulping on a regular sized fresh milk
8. How long is your hair? *below shoulder length
9. Do you like Batman? *Not so.
10. Who was the last person who told you they loved you?*my friend E over Facebook
11. Addicted to anything? *Yes, I am addicted to Facebook games!
12. What were you last listening to in the car? *None.
13. Do you like anyone now? Yup!
14. When was the last time you sang out loud? *The other night while I was on duty. I was trying to sing along with the music over the radio despite my having a hoarse voice!
15. What did you have for breakfast? *Oatmeal
16. Is your birthday on a holiday? *Nope.
17. What instant messaging service do you use? *YM
18. Can you cook? *Yes, a trying-hard one.
19. Did you have a nap today? *Yes while deleting more than 2oo messages from my sun phone
20. What was the reason you got in trouble last? *I was too offended.

Interested? Get totally randomed by Chikai by clicking here.

Pigging Out @ Boyd's

Last night after visiting the wake of my deceased relative @ Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes, I headed right away to Boyd's Pizza House along Obrero, Davao City which is near the Autoshop vicinity. It was actually my first time to visit Boyd's. I got there past 8:00PM and found my friends waiting for me. We ordered Isaac's Pasta, a certain Meaty Jeff Pizza (not really sure about the name) in a single/solo size with 6 slices on it, Garlic Stick Bread and an iced-tea for me. Isaac's Pasta came first with our Garlic Stick Bread. The pasta tastes great! I love the sauce in it! It even matches with the Garlic Stick Bread we had. After a short while, our pizza came in. The hot sauce on top of it personally satisfied my palate. We left Boyd's with already-filled stomachs. I did have a good dinner last night (burp,burp,burp!).

Try checkin' on these pics:

The "yummy" garlic sticks

our pizza choice for the night
A view of Isaac's Pasta

Another view of Isaac's Pasta.. yummy isn't it? :)

Breakfast @ McDonald's-Damosa

Photo Credits: naxju @ Photobucket

After work this morning, I and my friends DD and MCG decided to have our breakfast @ McDonald's-Damosa Branch in Lanang. It was actually MCG's first time to visit the place. We hit the road after work past 8:30AM. We both had Chicken Fillet Meal for breakfast. We spent a few time just chatting while enjoying the good ambiance @ McDonald's - Damosa. DD was so amazed with the whole Damosa Gateway itself as it was her first time to visit the place.

Gloomy and Rainy Days In Davao

Davao City is experiencing rainy days once again. Rain started to pour early this week. It is not a continuous downpour though but it seems like it is raining every night. During the day, a gloomy weather wakes you up just like the weather we have right now and lasts until in the afternoon. Just as everyone retires to bed, the rain starts to pour. Whenever it rains so hard, I can't help but think of the city streets in the downtown area. There are some floody streets especially in Bajada and Obrero. I had my share of experiences being stranded or being caught in a traffic jam since vehicles can't just move fast because of street floods. Long before, I used to notice piled up garbage who can no longer be accommodated by garbage cans. I am glad that the city government did a great effort to provide as many garbage cans as possible for people to throw their garbage on. I knew how these garbage can clog on to drainage canals that could sometimes be the reason why there are floody streets around. Thank God, I haven't seen any pests flocking on garbage cans! A pest control committee must have been enforced just like the Austin Pest Control in the United States. Apart from some street floods in the city, I still love rainy days!

Photo Credits: Rui Palha @ Flickr

Random Questions #2

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PHONE? Gray (smart phone) and black (sun phone)
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TOMORROW? eat, blog, play online, work!
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU GOT DRUNK? Just last week with colleagues @ C5-Torres
ARE YOU EASY TO GET ALONG WITH? Yes.
WHAT MOVIE DO YOU WANT TO SEE RIGHT NOW? "that Sandra Bullock new film!
WHAT'S THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? 'cant remember anymore
WHO'S BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP? WHEN? My Dad's, on the 29th this month
DO YOU THINK ANNA NICOLE SMITH KILLED HERSELF? got no idea.
DISNEYLAND OR SIX FLAGS? Pwede both? :)
HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT? 3
WHERE DO YOU USUALLY WATCH MOVIES? Gaisano Mall/NCCC Mall
FAVORITE TV PROGRAM RIGHT NOW? None so far.
HAVE YOU EVER SMOKED? Nope, I hate even the smell of it!
ARE YOU JUDGMENTAL? No.
WHAT DO YOU HEAR AT THIS VERY MOMENT? music from my bro's room
WERE YOU A NERD IN 5TH GRADE? I think so.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON TV? Not yet. Perhaps soon hahaha!
DO YOU HAVE PLANS FOR THE SUMMER? Summer here is already done.
ARE YOU A FAN OF BASKETBALL? I used to.
HAVE YOU EVER LIED TO A FRIEND? Are white lies accepted?:)
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WENT OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS? Last week @ C5.

Thanks Chikai for this. :)

Breakfast @ Mandarin Tea Garden - Bajada, Davao

After a sleepless duty shift this morning, colleagues and I decided to eat breakfast at Mandarin Tea Garden along Bajada, Davao City. Honestly, I was pretty craving for their Chicken Chopsuey Rice Topping which exactly were the first few words that went out of my mouth the moment the waiter took our orders. Colleagues had the same order - Mandarin's Special Siopao with siomai. The waiting time took a bit longer as expected which was understandable because we were the first customers they got. It was a sigh of relief when we finally had those foods served. My eyes feasted on Mandarin's Special Siopao which I later realized I should also have ordered one, teehee. ;) We fully satisfied our palate despite the foods being served hot! I enjoyed my meal along with a Tropical Fruit Salad as my desert.

By the way, if you would like to pay a visit Mandarin Tea Garden, branches are at Bajada (fronting SSS), Duterte Street (fronting Gaisano Citimall), Ilustre Street, Guerrero Street, Rizal Street, and also located in big malls in the city.

Jollibee- Buhangin Branch

Jollibee-Buhangin has been serving the public for almost a month now. It is accessibly located along Buhagin road which is only a walking distance from two famous Buhangin subdivisions namely Ladislawa Garden and San Pedro villages. The location is really at the heart of Buhangin proper where people can easily drop off either coming from the city proper or still going to the city. It is only approxiately 5-10 minutes away from the Davao International Airport too! I have visited the said Jollibee outlet twice already and I loved this huge place. If I am not mistaken, this outlet is also being designed to cater on big parties and events which is highly anticipated because of the large area that they have. A big parking space and a drive thru pavement makes this Jollibee outlet tick to its consumers too!

Random Questions #1

1. WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST CLASSMATE IN COLLEGE?
** AdDU: Joy and Remedie ; Brokenshire College: Malena
2. WHAT WERE YOU DOING 10 MINUTES AGO?
** surfing on Chikai's Random Questions trying to find #1 in it.. ;)
3. IF YOU WERE A COLOR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
** Blue
4. MTV, Channel V or MYX?
** MTV
5. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT?
** Buy a car!
6. WHAT DISNEY MOVIE CAN YOU WATCH OVER AND OVER?
** Enchanted with Mr. Patrick Dempsey on the movie!
7. FOOD YOU'RE CRAVING FOR RIGHT THIS MINUTE?
** green mangoes dipped in soy sauce and sugar ;)
8. CAFFEINATED DRINK YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
** Coffee
10. WHERE'S THE BEST PLACE TO EAT ICE CREAM?
** @ home with the family
11 . WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU PUT IN YOUR GROCERY CART?
** Meat Products
12. RADIO STATION YOU FREQUENTLY LISTEN TO?
** 93.1 Crossover
13. WHERE DO YOU USUALLY HANG OUT?
** Torres/videoke houses
14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?
** Nursing ;)
15. IF YOU WERE TO CHANGE CAREERS, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT IT TO BE?
** I want to be a doctor without having much difficulty in medical school hahaha!

Thanks Chikai. :)

Tintin Bersola-Babao Is Pregnant Again ;)

Photo Credits: http://img389.imageshack.us/i/showbis5bq3.jpg/

It has been confirmed that Christine "Tintin" Bersola-Babao, the loving wife of Julius Babao, is pregnant again with their second baby. Julius and Tintin's first baby, Antonia or fondly called as "Anya" is already four years old.

By the way, I better get going since I still have to find for a rustic furniture online.

News Credits: yahoo entertainment news

New Template!

At long last I have modified my blog template again! :) Thanks to Ipietoon.com who unselfishly shared various templates to choose from. The maker these templates is such a talented and a creative individual. Thanks again Ipietoon for the credits in my blogs' templates!:)

Great Davao Houses

Acquiring an own house is so tempting these days especially here in Davao. We got a lot of wonderful subdivisions and villages and there are still wondrous housing loans from big names in the housing industry such as Robinson Homes and Camella Homes. I am just wondering how much are their mortgage rates in case a housing loan can be availed.

GEP National Convention '09

My dad is a member of the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines. Recently, a 3-day National Convention is held here in Davao City (which I am proud of) specifically at the Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang. The said convention started last June 4, 2009 and will only be up until today.

Vehicle Repair

I am not much into cars personally because I don't own one for now and I even don't know how to drive. However, when our own vehicle got into trouble four months ago after an accident, everything had to be repaired. My dad had to place the vehicle in an auto shop for how many days so all that needs to be repaired will be taken care off. I can't forget how much money my dad spent to be able to repair everything. I heard my dad and the auto mechanic talked about diesel fuel pump which is needed in our vehicle. True enough after some major repairs, the vehicle still looks as good as new and is functioning well.

Facebook Leaves Blogging Unattended

I still am always online but I never had blog updates lately. Honestly, Facebook did eat up much of my time. I have gone addicted with the games and surveys they have. When I got to examine my three blogs, I came to notice that I haven't updated lately. I even failed to submit tasks anymore. Blog earnings? It has gone down too! But now that am checking my blogs again, I just hope I can update it from time to time when I can.

My Worst Plumbing Experience

I thought I knew how to address every concern in the house. When our TV's reception had gone worst, I managed to put up an antenna on it. When our washing machine's performance had gone so bad, I dismantled some parts, found some coins and dirt, and managed to clean it myself without getting extra help. I can even placed a malfunctioning bulb up in the ceiling. However, I failed in my plumbing stint. There was one time exactly moments before observing Earth Hour a few months ago, our faucet had a trouble. It was actually me who broke it. I accidentally closed it so tight to the extent that the plastic handle became torn into pieces. Since it is a faucet and is dependent on the handle which had become broken, the water continuously poured. Economically, continuous water flow signified a waste of money on my part. At first I did not seek a plumber's help. I allowed someone to get hold of the flowing water which is too hard to do while I checked on the pipes outside. Seeing another faucet that connects to the one broken, I tried so hard to close it so the flowing water inside the house would stop. Unfortunately, I failed. That's the time I sought the help of a plumber. He maneuvered everything until it became fixed. I felt sorry for myself. Thinking far ahead, I now got an idea how I'd contact a Raleigh Plumber in case I will encounter plumbing problems in NC.

Texas 'Em Poker

I have been logging on Facebook most of the time. I thought I'd only get addicted with Farm Town and Restaurant City. Now, I found myself addicted with yet another most played game at Facebook which is he Texas 'Em Poker. Funny cos I got to log in with my poker friend C and we're so glad that we're able to play together. Now I have more than 300K chips. Can't take my hands off playing for this game! ;)