Hostage drama aftermath

You know, every day na lang, they show on TV how dangerous, violent and poor the Philippines is - all the negative points of our country. It affects me a lot because all my students know that I'm Filipino. They asked me insulting questions with some of my silly answers such as:

Student: 'Is it true kidnapping in your country is very common?'
Me: I don't think so - I haven't been kidnapped. You're in danger if you're rich though. So, don't worry. (funny huh?)

Student: 'Is it true the traffic jam is notorious?
Me: Yep, because there are loads of vehicles running on the road, especially during rush hour. (Stupid answer - at least they've learned what vehicle and rush hour are)

Student: Is it true it's not safe to travel?
Me: It's always safe if you know where you're going. (another stupid answer)

Student: Why was your President smiling when he was being interviewed over the tragic incident?
Me: I haven't the foggiest idea. I guess he has a smiling face or probably he wasn't trained to be a good actor.

Student: Is it true you treat human lives rather valueless?
Me: That's not true.

And more mind-boggling questions (haynako)

Ate Balen

Hostage drama

The hostage drama that killed eight Hong Kong tourists in Manila has been splashed in headlines across Taiwan. The Chinese people are outraged and demanding the Philippine government to launch a thorough investigation into the incident. They strongly condemn the Philippine government for being careless about human life.
I've been filled with dismay by those criticisms that Filipinos are stupid, incompetent, inadequately trained, comical, etc...As a Filipino, what can I say? This is one of the worse moments in your life when you just shut up or admit 'yes we are incompetent - that's why we never progress.' Otherwise, you just bow your head, and deny that you're a Filipino.
Truth be told, our country is so frustrating. No wonder Filipinos try their best to migrate to other countries - anywhere except the Philippines - it's really upsetting though.

Ate Balen

Community Summer Camp

CJ joining the kids summer camp - he's very enthusiastic and looking forward to our next Christian community activities.

11-11-11

Gave me this while we were out going to buy toyo...jk!

I am showing you this because I am looking for sponsors! Who's going to sponsor what? Hehe! Jk!

a house is not a home but a home is not a haws, haws that?

Home sweet home
Better than higher hotel
Home sweet home is better to be there
Home is where your memories are,
It’s where your secrets are kept.
Home is where you’re happiest,
Yet home is where you’ve wept.

Home is where your parents live,
It’s where you were raised.
Home is where you’ve been scolded most,
Yet home is where you’re praised.

Home is where you make it,
It’s where you believe the myth,

That home is when you’re happy,

Just to love the ones you’re with.

BE it ever so humble
theres no place like home
sweet home

Free as a Bird

Last Sunday was Father's Day here in Taiwan. Since CJ is spending his summer vacation with his grandma, Vincent and I are free as a bird - going wherever we want. We rather feel guilty going around without Chong, but we promised him when he comes back in less than two weeks, we'll take him somewhere farther.

Vincent and I spent overnight in the northernmost part of Taiwan called Jingshan which is famous for hot spring. We stayed in a hot spring motel - it was absolutely boiling, a delightful day though.





Sweet sweet potatoes - ala kamote Q

all you can eat

Shimen Arch
Lolo Enteng

Old street market.

Here, There, and Everywhere

Off from work, nothing to do because Gab is consistently and persistently in our room watching TV all day, and wala lang, trip lang, here I am going to show you places we have been...places you might want to visit some day with me (of course, you need to treat me!). These are just a few pictures left!

Puerto Princesa, Palawan - our first out of town trip. All expense by Osh, of course!

Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan, is a first class city in the Philippines.It is famous for its crocodile farm, underground river and numerous dive spots.

Baywalk.

Our speed boat which we had to leave behind...sad to say.

Going to Underground River

Last stop of our island hopping...just fell off the ladder of the boat with a big and painful scar so, as you can see, so badtrip.

Another island in Palawan is Coron. Apparently, this place is very beautiful but, sadly, I was not able to appreciate it much. There was a typhoon that time and most of our time was just spent in our hotel, either in the room or the rooftop/restaurant. We were able to go island hopping when the sun went up but had to cut it short when the rain started pouring again.

The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbesscuba diving sites in the world Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best. Osh dived in to see the said warship but, as I have said, it was raining hard then that the water is not clear.

A view from our hotel rooftop. We planned to go there but, as I have said, it was raining hard. The hotel staff said it would be difficult climbing.

The famous cross of Coron. Only Osh was able to go there. You had to climb a so-many step stair. I just went halfway and Osh left me! What the heck!? It was dark already when he came back to where I was. I was so pissed off, the place was scary...animal sounds everywhere, people come and go...and my phone was in his bag which, of course, was with him.


Kayangan Lake...said to be the cleanest lake. Crystal clear!

There are more beautiful islands in Palawan and one of them is the El Nido which we are still yet to visit. You can join us if you want. Heheh!

We also went to visit Puerto Galera on a Valentine's Day, I guess 2009, though it was just over night. We stayed at Tamaraw Beach but went "over the bakod" to the White Beach, which was jampacked with people, to eat.

Early morning breakfast before returning home.


Of course, when you are talking beaches, there is always Boracay! We went there with Osh's friends and sister.

cheesy!

Grotto de Boracay. Apparently, it is all covered by water during high tide so we went there early morning to get a look at it.

Osh is peeing! Joke!

Goodbye Boracay!

Hello Bohol!

We went to Bohol January of this year. We stayed at Osh's friend's relative's house, so we saved a little than when we stayed in a hotel. Our last night there, the boys (of course, except Osh) together with the relative had a night out, so Osh and I stayed in a hotel in Tagbilaran City.

Ate Marlen, this is where we were supposed to go when you came here! But, anyway, there is always next time!

Going up to see the famous Chocolate Hills!

Apparently, the hills are brown and more beautiful in summer.

Being afraid of heights, I just sat there while the rest are enjoying the place!

Loboc River cruise where you will eat on a boat with music on the background. We came late so when every one else was enjoying the scene and taking pictures, we were busy eating!

The Hanging Bridge. Again, afraid of heights, I had to grip the rope handle!

Tarsier and me with my big pimple on the nose!! We had to make sure we turned off the flashes of our cameras on taking photos. Surely, we would not want to stress out these little creatures with very big brown eyes and lead them to suicide!

I am afraid this one already committed suicide because.... Haynaku, Osh!

The biggest python in captivity ever known. Named after its captor, Prony. The caretaker of this python is so ingay...as if she is the one the tourists are going there for and she reminds me of Nanay Dionisia (Pacquiao)!

The Blood Compact. It was very near the house we stayed in...and we just went there for a very short time for picture taking lang as we were heading to the airport back home.

Sunset at the Bohol Bee Farm. The farm was already closed, so we just went down and see the beautiful sunset!

At the Hinagdanan Cave. Our tourist guide told us this water is said to be infested because of the bats' pee....just after these two went to dip!

Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa
Osh's friend's, Paul, relatives took us here for brunch before heading back home to Manila. It is very beautiful, relaxing, and very, very expensive. This is where I planned to book us in, Ate Marlen, at your expense, of course! Hehe!

Lastly (as of now! =)), Corregidor! Osh mom treated us there. Actually, I was just a sabit! It was nice with a little tour through history, if only the day was not that hot...super hot!

At the Japanese cemetery.

There are other tour groups there and one is a group of Japanese. When they are coming, our tourist guide jokingly would say like, "tara na andyan na ang mga hapon!"
Basically, all you will see here are batteries of warfares!

Ghost hunting at the Malinta Tunnel. A part of this tour is your guide asks you to turn off your flashlights to experience the complete darkness the American soldiers experienced then when the Japanese bombed the tunnel and asks you to walk through. While you are walking, you will feel as if the tunnel is getting narrower and narrower, though of course it is not. That experience was spoiled because of this "stupid tour mate" who just kept on taking pictures and of course lighting the camera flash. Total darkness nga eh noh! We thought maybe he was scared, that is why he resorted to that stupid act!

Until next time!