Promdi Novice Traveler

Doctor Who Quits!

2008-10-30T14:53:00.010+08:00

This is sad news for Doctor Who fans like me. The tenth doctor David Tennant has confirmed that when the Doctor Who series returns in 2010 it wont be with him. The BBC confirmed that Tennant would complete the filming of four special episodes to be shown this year and early in 2010, as well as a Christmas special in 2009 and then its bye bye David Tennant.

I call Bulls**t!

“I’ve had the most brilliant, bewildering and life-changing time working on Doctor Who. I have loved every day of it. It would be very easy to cling on to the Tardis console for ever and I fear that if I don’t take a deep breath and make the decision to move on now, then I simply never will. You would be prising the Tardis key out of my cold dead hand. This show has been so special to me, but I don’t want to outstay my welcome.”

Paterson Joseph

And if early news reports are true, this guy is next in line to play the doctor. I still don't know what to think about having a black doctor. I have nothing against blacks but i have always hated it when established characters (especially in comics) gets turned into colored dudes or minority characters just for the sake of "diversity and political correctness". And it almost always doesn't work. But i hope to be proven wrong.

James Nesbitt

This guy still has my vote to be the next doctor. For those of you who don't know him, fire up your bittorrent clients and download the awesome mini-series Jekyll. I promise you that after watching his brilliant performance you will be a fan.

Bayani Again!

2008-10-28T15:26:00.001+08:00

In the spirit of Halloween here is Bayani seen again while driving

Bayani Fernando WTF?!

2008-10-26T19:09:00.007+08:00

Imagine yourself cruising along the road of one of your favorite provinces when WHAM! this eyesore greets you!

This has happened to me 3x already. When i was in Batangas, Tagaytay and Bacoor Cavite. I almost succumbed to road rage. I so wanted to ram the light posts with my car! Since when has the Metro Manila Development Authority become the Philippine Development Authority? I know we have to put up with this guy in metro manila but in the provinces?!

What galls me the most is the supposed message he was saying, "Ang mga batas ay solusyon, dapat alamin at sundin". Shouldn't he be saying this in front of a mirror? If you yourself cant follow the law, then you have no business telling others to do so!

Just imagine what would happen if this man becomes president. I shudder at the thought. Anybody out there know where we can report this abomination for early electioneering?

Chapel on the Hill

2008-10-24T18:55:00.004+08:00

Chapel on the Hill is a chapel in Batangas often overlooked due to the nearness of the more popular Caleruega chapel. This modest chapel is located inside the Center of Spirituality: Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco grounds.

The main gate of the chapel is always closed unless there is an event or an occasion, but you can get in by using the larger gate just a couple of meters to the left.

Don Bosco Gate

Saint John Bosco

These are the stairs from the Don Bosco gate going up to the chapel. Just tell the guard that you are going to the chapel as the rest of the grounds inside are off limits to visitors.

The Crucifix that will greet you atop the stairs

The Chapel on the Hill

The chapel interior may not look that impressive in these pictures, but when it is made up with decorations during weddings it is really a sight to behold.

Chapel Grounds

The Carpenter Child Jesus

The Labyrinth

After visiting the chapel you should ask the guard if you can enter the Mary Help of Christians Garden. Sometimes they will let you in but there are times when they will tell you that it is off limits. It is probably off limits when there are students having a retreat there or when there are seminarians praying at the garden.

Virgin Mary Statue

The surroundings here are cleaner and looks more properly maintained than the hill chapel grounds. It reminds me of being in Baguio with the pine trees and ifugao huts. A sign underneath the huts says that this is holy ground, so no shoes and slippers are allowed.

Chapel on the Hill

Don Bosco, Batulao, Batangas

Tel. No.: +63 2 7435614 (Manila)

Neo Chinatown Mall

2008-10-20T15:12:00.000+08:00

It is always sad to see a good idea fail. Neo Chinatown Mall was supposed to be the a premier night market comparable to the one in Hongkong. It was supposed to be open from 4pm-6am with various bazaars and food stalls to cater to all our shopping needs. But today Neo Chinatown Mall is a virtual ghost town even on the weekends.

I asked the guards at the place if they were still open at nights. They said that by 7pm almost all the shops are closed. It seems that most of the vendors have packed their goods and set up shop elsewhere because of the limited number of people who shop here

Read and Brew Coffee shop

Various chairs and tables are still available for use in the alleyways of the mall. Its like they are screaming for people to please come and use them!

One of the few remaining restaurants still operating at this mall is Bitoy's. I have yet to try their food so i don't know if its any good.

The stage where bands used to perform at night. It is curious to note that although there are no shoppers, the speakers are still churning out music at an ear shattering level.

The circle with a fountain near the parking lot. This is in front of the Xin Tian tea house, another restaurant that is still open.

Neo Chinatown Mall

Bradco Avenue corner Diosdado Macapagal Blvd,

Parañaque City

My 90's Mix tape

2008-10-17T13:41:00.004+08:00

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

For no real reason except that i find this cassette tape skin cool, im posting a sample of the songs i was listening to during the 90's. Feel free to chime in on what your songs were.

Island Spa

2008-10-12T17:03:00.007+08:00

Although not a newbie when it comes to spas, the Island Spa at Island Cove has almost always been below my spa radar. Probably due to the proximity of the place to where i live. You often tend to overlook places that are near home.

But with nothing to do on a Saturday afternoon i finally decided to give Island Spa a try. The entrance to the spa is not really very impressive. But there is ample parking space which is a big plus for me.

As most spas are, the place looks alot better inside. The reception and waiting place area atmosphere is so relaxing that personally i wouldn't mind lounging a bit here.

Lounge

I chose the Couple's Massage Package B which was basically a combination shiatsu/swedish massage for 2 with your choice of oil.

There are 5 essential oils to choose from. Eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint. The other two i cant seem to remember.

The couples room is basically 2 adjoining single rooms separated by curtains. Not that impressive but it was OK.

Single Room

The attendant kept telling me that picture taking was not allowed inside the spa. I really don't know why, it was not like there were other guests that we could have disturbed while taking pictures. We had the place to our own that day. With the attendant constantly by my side all the way to the showers and sauna i wasn't able to take pictures there.

The showers were not bad but the water coming from the shower is a bit weak and slow. The sauna is decent but they really need a ladle with a long handle. The one they are using is like a big coffee cup and my hand was almost scalded while pouring over the heated stones.

The massage was also OK but i have had better. It would have been even better if the masseuses with no clients at the adjoining room had kept their voices down. Their conversations were very distracting.

Foot Spa Area. Looks better when dimly lit

Facial Room

Island Spa Medica Inc.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

(046) 434-0988 / 434-7778

0917-505-6280

Open Daily 10am-10pm

Special thanks to the guards at Island Cove for helping me with my flat tire when we went out of the spa. i wasn't about to waste all that spa relaxation i got by changing tires! Hehehe!

The Shee-sha Experience

2008-10-08T18:25:00.002+08:00

Going to the "despedida" of a former classmate has given me the perfect opportunity to try Shee-sha smoking. I have always wanted to try this.

Shee-sha or shisha is a single or multi hose water pipe with a glass base used for smoking flavored tobacco.

For only P275 you can try different flavors like White or Black Grape, Apple, Strawberry, Mint and Orange.

We chose a combination of Mint and White grapes. If you are a smoker you will probably find this a bit too mild for your taste. But you will be puffing for more than an hour if you try to smoke this alone. So either share it with some friends or set aside about an hour and a half to finish the shee-sha.

Too bad you cant smoke at the second floor due to lack of ventilation.

Shawarma Snack Center

485B R. Salas Street, Ermita,

Manila, , PHILIPPINES

Don't Be Misinformed by CFC

2008-09-30T11:49:00.004+08:00

This ad was run at the Sept. 30 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and is basically another misrepresentation by the Couples for Christ Foundation of what the real purpose and meaning of the HOUSE BILL NO. 5043 is. The title ironically says it all DON'T BE MISINFORMED!

The ad gives you 7 test questions answerable by yes or no that are "supposed" to tell you whether you should agree with the bill or not. It also mentions parts and sections of the bill you should read with regards to the question.

Please read the entire bill and decide for yourselves what is really good for the impoverished section of our community. Don't let published half-truths sway your opinion. i know its a bit of a long read but it is really an enlightening read.

Full text of House Bill No. 5043 (Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008)

and please sign the online petition to pass the bill

http://www.petitiononline.com/rhan2008/petition.html

Petition Ad run at the same day and same newspaper as the CFC ad

Wii Outdoor Irony

2008-09-17T09:25:00.004+08:00

"Outdoor" challenge?

I still remember when a kid's "outdoor challenge" meant looking for an old tin can then removing your spartan or dragon slippers to play "tumbang preso" barefoot, or going bike racing at your nearest subdivision on your bmx bike, or better yet playing water tag at the beach or local pool.

Funny yet sad at the same time

Skrull Ship Crashes at Ali Mall

2008-09-11T23:28:00.004+08:00

I am sorry.

First it was an image of President GMA outing herself as a skrull. Now famous Filipino comic book artist Leinil Francis Yu has given us another fun easter egg. That of a skrull ship crashing at the parking lot of Ali Mall Cubao.

This is all part of the Marvel Secret Invasion mini-series/event. Check out issue#5 for the Arroyo pic and issue#6 for the Ali Mall crash.

Secret Invasion #6 cover

A Rainy Day at the La Mesa Ecopark

2008-09-10T22:00:00.005+08:00

With nothing to do on a cloudy Monday afternoon, we decided to visit the La Mesa Ecopark to have some nature tripping fun. For a measly P50/person you can stay at the park for the whole day. For first time visitors i recommend that you ride the electric car first for the free tour. This way you can see all the places and attractions that are inside the park without breaking a sweat, because i can tell you that this park is huge!

We made the mistake of climbing the flower terraces first and boy was it tiring! The view of the La Mesa dam was disappointing since it was gated and fenced. You can barely see it. But the view of the park from above made that climb worth it.

The La Mesa Dam

Neptune Pond

Amphitheater

You can pitch a tent at the amphitheater where camping is allowed. This place is the only lighted area in the park at night.

I know that were not supposed to pick the flowers but i just couldn't help it. Sorry! :)

Fitness trail for the fit and young. How i miss those fit and carefree days of yore. Hahaha! Too bad im not fit and only young at heart.

Go Girl!

Bikes can be rented for P50-80/hr. But since it was slightly raining and the biking area was a little muddy, nobody was renting that day.

Fishing Wharf

You can rent a fishing rod for P20 for the whole day and pay P80/kg of the fish that you catch. You can grill the fish inside the park if you're inclined to do that.

It seems that you have to pay the Pool Entrance fee if you want see the pool, even if youre not going to take a swim. Too bad.

Orchidarium

Water Lilies

Watch out for those metal railings, you might get a bit of a surprise when you look at them closely. Slimy snails alert!

Souvenir Shop

Special thanks to all the people at the briefing area and at the First Aid station for being so helpful and polite. Good job guys. Keep it up!

One last smile before we leave the ecopark

Sakay Na!

La Mesa Ecopark

East Fairview, Quezon City

(02) 430-4051 / (02) 430-5207 (telefax)

Entrance: Php 50.00

Discounts available for senior citizens and QC residents/student

Website: http://www.lamesaecopark.com/

Ultra Realistic Paper Crafts

2008-09-09T11:02:00.007+08:00

Who says that Yamaha only offers bikes and musical instruments? These ultra-realistic paper crafts can be downloaded here. If you have lots of time to spare and is ultra-patient unlike me, then you should go try this.

Sumatran Orangutan

Giant Panda

Grevy's Zebra

Japanese Golden Eagle

Hyacinth Macaw

Paradizoo Fun Misadventure

2008-09-06T22:58:00.036+08:00

After parking near the gate of paradizoo where only about 3-4 cars can be accommodated, we asked the guard where we were supposed to pay the entrance fee. The ticket office was not near the entrance but was located inside the zoo besides the restrooms! I paid the tickets and asked for a golf cart to rent. after waiting for about 5 minutes i was informed that they have run out of gas for their golf carts!

Which turned out to be a blessing in disguise since we were offered to ride a karitela instead which was to be pulled by a white carabao. Make that a very muddy white carabao!

Now is when the fun starts! Together with a tour guide we were ready to see all the animals that paradizoo had to offer. Starting with the famous Voltes Five! A five legged bull! Right out of Xavier's school of gifted mutant animals.

Ponies!

Camel

Sheep

Alpaca

Dog?!?

After passing Perpetual Park which is a pet cemetery, we stopped at the honey bee farm and butterfly garden for a short lecture on how bees produce wax and honey.

Bees!

Butterfly Garden without any butterflies

Then it was time to ride the karitela again. Vegetable and flower gardens surrounded the road we were on. Who knew that seeing vegetables coupled with the sound of the carabaos hooves on the road could produce such a relaxing effect.

Smile!

Vegetable Gardens

We made another stopover at paradizoo cafe where we saw a stone/wood block. Legend has it that this was dug up at a church and nobody could tell whether it was made out of wood or stone. Too bad the guide couldn't tell us more about this story.

The Infinity Pond of Positivism from Afar

Not so Positive when Near

Ducks!

After the karitela ride we decided to walk to the places where the karitela wasn't able to go. Chesca had fun feeding the baby sheep. Then it was off to the pigs! Seeing the pigs was a wonderful experience for Chesca but the smell was so overpowering that she threw up. Throwing up yet at the same time giggling with joy at seeing the pigs!

Paradizoo
Km. 63 Panungyan, Mendez Cavite
Tel
(02) 898-3695; 895-7142; 899-9824
Txt
0917-8351111
Fax
(02) 899-9829

Entrance: Php 99.oo

Golf Cart/Karitela rental: Php 150.oo

Website: http://www.paradizoo.com/

ROAM magazine

2008-09-04T16:42:00.001+08:00

While browsing at my local bookstore or more accurately at my local booksale, a magazine caught my eye.

For an aspiring and novice traveller/blogger like me this mag is a godsend.
Ideas of where to travel in and around the metro can be found inside this magazine. From Luneta to Pateros to Cubao.

This is a welcome addition to my monthly fix of magazines which includes Men's Health, Playboy, FHM, and Playground.

Just Go ROAM Premiere Issue
Php 150