I Changed My Mind

I changed my mind about changing my mind about changing my mind.

Oh yes, I’ll be back…eventually. I’ll even pop in once in a while. Just like what I’m doing now.

It’s just that blogging means a lot to me; the hobby is almost like my child. I really just need this breather I’m taking to regroup my thoughts. Indeed, some bloggers just go through this phase wherein they lose their sense of direction and feel lonely about where fate seems to be taking them.

I surmise that what I have to do is bring the old Shari-the-blogger back (you know, prior to my blog winning in the Philippine Blog Awards last year) and be a total bitch about everything like I used to be (and so, I was called a blogging machine, heh).

But I feel as if I’ve lost my wit.

I still blog, just on Multiply. I enjoy it there so much that I’m thinking of permanently moving my “personal” blog there and leave Misteryosa to rot. However, I’m certain many will disagree, and I honestly don’t want a repeat of [a certain] someone physically assaulting my rear with a hard slap just because of [the previous entry] my decision.

Thanks to my 150 +/- feed subscribers for remaining “faithful” all this time, even if the past few months has been such a drag. Not that I’m ungrateful to the ones who unsubscribed, just net courtesy.

By the way, I also twit. A lot.

When I come back, I don’t want it to be just some kind of a minor reprieve.

The Buzz at the Ilog Maria Bee Farm

Right after our hearty breakfast and a quick tour at the Verdana Homes Mamplasan, we then drove to Silang Cavite for another wonderful treat: a visit to a bee farm.

A week before the tour, I was already excited after seeing our tour itinerary because it will be my first time to actually visit a bee farm. Yeah there were a lot of bees visiting our flower garden before when I was still in Bacolod but we don’t actually own them nor have a bee farm to produce the world’s best sweetener: honey.

So off we go to Ilog Maria Bee Farm. At first we were showed a video of how the bees produce honey and how Ilog Maria is helping the community through its business.

As what Mr Jun Magsaysay said, their honeybees are the European-type but bred in Australia. These species of honeybees, he said, are not the attacker type. So normally they wont just sting you out of their whims. They would only attack as their defense.

After the brief video presentation we then go off to the field seeing these honeybees working all day to collect nectar from flowers. I was so scared at first. Because we went to the field without any mask of prtoective clothing at all. And I can even hear some of them flying just on top of my head. But thank God, none of us got stinged.

Then Mr. Jun Magsaysay handed to us a whole sheet of honeycomb, instructing us to pus our index finger through it. Gosh what a surprise! Crystal clear honey squirted right out of the honey comb! It was sweet and superbly delicious. And I am guaranteed that it is 100% pure goodness without the chemicals or preservatives.

The Ilog Maria Bee Farm also seels bee products and byproducts in their farm. Prices are relatively cheap compared to the ones we get to buy here in the metropolis. They sell pure honey, bath soaps with honey, candles made of beeswax, royal jelly, bee propolis, shampoo, bee pollen, and a whole lot more.

And in this modern day and age, you can also order their products over the Internet the products available at their store in Silang Cavite is also available over the internet.

The trip to Ilog Maria Bee Farm in Silang, Cavite Philippines is part of our South of Manila tour organized by Verdana Homes Mamplasan for the media. Thanks to Geiser Maclang for the invite!

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

The Buzz at the Ilog Maria Bee Farm

BYAHILO strolling at the South of Manila

It was a media tour invite I should never decline. Last week, GM has sent me an invitation to join the media tour of Verdana Homes Mamplasan in Santa Rosa Laguna. The property is developed by Community Innovations of Ayala Land.

Very Early morning last week we left Manila and drove south to this quiet community. Verdana Homes is a perfect location. It has the quient ambience once can only find in provinces, but not far enough from the bustling metropolis.

The community boasts of complete facilities for the entire family. A basketball court, Badminton court, skating rink, a large clubhouse, a lap pool, and a smaller pool for the kids. There areas also that have been appointed as picnic grounds for the weekend family bonding. And for the healt buffs, there is also a jogging trail for your early morning routine.

And as what they at the Verdana Homes Maplasan say, “It’s easy to be a family here!”

Click here to learn more about the Verdana Homes Mamplasan project

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

BYAHILO strolling at the South of Manila

Manila’s cheapest Japanese buffet at Takaaki’s

Since I think it’s really criminal to spend P500 per person on a mundane lunch meal in Manila, I was so glad to stumble upon the doorsteps of Takaaki’s Restaurant at HK Sun Plaza in the reclaimed area’s Diosdado Macapagal Avenue.

At only P199, they have the cheapest Japanese lunch buffet I can find now in Manila.

Eat all you can is the key phrase here, and it depends on where you want to start. Advice number one is to skip breakfast and go to the place hungry.

You can begin by laying out your meat and seafood on the built-in hibachi grill, while your stuff for the shabu-shabu cooks in the background…. Takaaki’s display counter has a wide selection of greens, noodles, seafood and meat.

Or have a taste of their fish and shrimp tempura. For the bargain price, they’re certainly plump

Or order the assorted sushi. The cup of fried rice is delicious with the grilled barbecue.

A cup of iced tea and a trio of desserts to cap the meal.

It is always fun to cook the meal in your own table. And I like shabu-shabu because I get to eat some greens and it looks healthy.

Eat all you can tempura, sushi, yakiniku and barbecue?? It’s the real deal! The place just opened last May 1 so this must be some kind of promotion. I thought Takaaki’s owner ran some kind of charity soup kitchen with all that food. But it’s all good!

The great Lasang Pinoy 25 round-up….

… is coming soon!

Apologies to our dear participants who made their own creative bentos. End of the round coincided with a major house move, which presently leaves me with boxes of unopened stuff and no internet connection, ugh. What could be worse for a blogger, especially a blogger who’s supposed to do a timely round-up?

But I did promise some stuff for the bento-makers and they’re here, namely a couple of Filipino cookbooks, bento box, lunch kits and my sexy friend Alma from GeiserMaclang has even donated a P1000 gift certificate from Delifrance. So it’s still fun

Here’s a summary of participants and their bento creations. It wasn’t MANY but I do believe in quality rather than quantity. Also, I realize that bento-making is not really part of the culinary mainstream..it’s more like an acquired taste for our aspiring slash busy cooks. Still, I’d like to give my kudos to the following blog friends for coming up with their entries:

Early bird Iska came up with a beautifully-laid tocino bento consisting of yummy cured pork, hard-boiled egg and vegetables.

Ryan of KainPinoy prepared something most of us just couldn’t resist: classic adobo bento with sidings of fried eggplant, tomatoes and bagoong which they brought on a sunny picnic to the La Mesa Ecopark!

Pinoy bento princess Kaoko of Kitchencow did a great feat of submitting two entries: the soy vinegar pork belly bento and an irresistible-looking adobo flakes and daing bento. Yum!

Lasang Pinoy’s resident moderator Mike Mina educates us on the origins of the fiambrera (Spanish for lunchbox) of his childhood. These are the multi-level tin lunchboxes we see in the stores up to now, and very handy too! See how Mike makes his baon more special with a tower of fiambrera goodies.

(to be continued)

Top Philippine Festivals confirm participation to the Sangyaw Festival 2008 in Tacloban City

Councilor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez, Tacloban City Council Floor Leader and wife of incumbent Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez has been visiting other cities to invite their Mayors and their City Cultural Dance Contingents to participate in the Tacloban City Fiesta celebration – the SANGYAW FESTIVAL 2008 to be held on June 29, 2008 in Tacloban City.

This is a Street Dancing competition with prizes ranging from 100,000.00 to 500,000.00 open to City Cultural Groups.

Among those who have committed to join the Festival Parade are Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña, Talisay City (Cebu) Mayor Soc Fernandez, Lapu-lapu City Mayor Art Radaza, Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, Makati City Mayor Jojo Binay, Silay City Mayor Oti Montelibano, Isabela City (Basilan) Mayor Chery Acbar, Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco and San Carlos City Mayor Bong Lacson.

Other cities with cultural contingents who will be visited by Councilor Cristina Romualdez are Iloilo, Dumaguete, Bais, Kabankalan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao and Butuan.

Under the leadership of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, the SANGYAW FESTIVAL 2008 – a revival of the Santo Niño Festival sponsored by Former Firs Lady Imelda Marcos – will hopefully put Tacloban back on the tourist map.

Although Sangyaw Festival is just in its maiden edition, its prizes are already at par with some of the country’s largest festivals.

Here’s a glimpse of what the contingents will be vying for:

Best CONTINGENT
* First Prize: P500,000.00 & Trophy
* 2nd Prize: 300,000.00 & Trophy
* 3rd Prize: 200,000.00 & Trophy

Best in CHOREOGRAPHY
First prize P30,000.00 & Trophy
Second Prize 20,000.00 & Trophy
Third Prize 10,000.00 & Trophy

Best in STREETDANCING
* First Prize P200,000.00 & Trophy
* 2nd Prize 100,000.00 & Trophy
* 3rd Prize 50,000.00 & Trophy

Best in Music
First Prize P 20,000.00 & Trophy

Best in Costume
First Prize P 50,000.00 & Trophy

This years Sangyaw Festival 2008 in Tacloban City will be held on June 29, 2008

Source http://tacloban.gov.ph/sangyaw.php

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Top Philippine Festivals confirm participation to the Sangyaw Festival 2008 in Tacloban City

Philippine Independence Day 2008 and List of other Philippine Legal and Special Holidays 2008

Since last week I have been receiving inquiries on when will Philippine Independence Day celebrations be held. A lot of people are already asking when will the Philippine Independence Day 2008 be observed. Noting that in the previous Philippine Holidays, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo keeps on changing the dates as part of holiday economics where employees were also given the chance to have a long weekend with friends and loved ones.

This year’s Independence day celebrations will be held on JUNE 9, 2008. This is in accordance to the Presidential Proclamation 1463 which complements the Republic Act 9492 (RA 9492).

The Presidential Proclamation issued February 18, 2008 lists down the complete lists of holidays, including those that were moved. The Feast if Eidl Fitr, however, has no date set yet since this event varies based on the lunar calendar as observed by our Muslim brother. If I am not mistaken the Feast of Eidl Fit’r or the last day of the Holy Month of Ramadan has also been declared as a regular holiday, thus, double pay for those who will work on this date.

And because of this holiday economics policy, one can now plan ahead of time out of town trips. A 3 days 2 nights adventure in the island paradise of Boracay is now possible. Or a quite relaxation in Coron Palawan is no longer a dream. Or just have a long long long rest and relaxation at home.

Download the List of Philippine Holidays for 2008 here

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Philippine Independence Day 2008 and List of other Philippine Legal and Special Holidays 2008

Brief Encounters with celebrities ABS CBN’s Piolo Pascual and GMA Network Dyesebel Marian Rivera

It was a night I dare not to miss. It was the launching of Blue Water Day Spa’s newest services as well as official announce their new product endorsers. Two big starts from rival companies agreed to promote the services of Blue Water Day Spa.

It was a cocktail event as mentioned in the invitation, thus I need to dress up appropriately. Definitely no board shorts T shirts and flip flops for me.

Upon arrival at the Crowne Plaza Ortigas we were treated to a free back massage courtesy of the Spa’s friendly staff. At around 7PM, the program started with a short demo showing us how their new services works. Dinner was then served. Superbly cooked Afro-Mediterranean dishes were served. I love their couscous. But the pork loin is the best. Their vegetables were perfectly done too. Not to mention their sinfully delicious desserts.

And after everybody got filled and satisfied, the main event came: the arrival of ABS CBN star Piolo Pascual and GMA’s Dyesebel star Marian Rivera. Thank God there were no screaming fans at the venue. Everybody’s well behaved, or probably have been controlling their selves from doing embarassing acts.

After the short program we were given the chance to have a photo op with them. Of course I did fall in line too! Hehe

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Brief Encounters with celebrities ABS CBN’s Piolo Pascual and GMA Network Dyesebel Marian Rivera

World Pyro Olympics 2008 Week 2

I was recently at the second week of the World Pyro Olympics 2008. The grand fireworks display show which claims to be The Biggest Show on Earth. Is it, really?

I first blogged about the 2008 World Pyro Olympics sometime December 31, 2007 or January 1st 2008. THAT EARLY. Because the Google Gods would love to place on top of the search engine results articles that were written well ahead of scheduled events.

But Lo and Behold! For reasons we do not know, the organizers of the Pyroolympics is SM Mall of Asia (MOA), La Mancha Productions has moved the fireworks event in Manila countless times. So the interest of the people has also popped like a bubble.

So finally, here comes the merry month of May. And the Pyro Olympics in MOA has finally pushed through! Wooohoo! But wait. Aren’t the organizers aware that the month of May is also the start of the wet season in the Philippines?

So last weekend, the 2nd week of the World Pyro Olympics continued at the SM Mall of Asia, just behind the San Miguel by the Bay park.

At 5:30PM rain started to fall, and I started to worry. I remembered the opening Week of the fireworks show in Mall of Asia last May 3 was also rained. An hour later rainfall got heavier dark clouds covered the Manila skies lightning thunder became the main show.

At the strike of 7:30PM the first country, Canada started its interplay of unique colors and formations through its fireworks. The show must go on even on heavy rains. Then an hour and a half later, France made their display.

All I all, I was not really satisfied with the show. I am expecting a much better performance knowing that this is the Greatest show on Earth, as the organizers promised.

Another disappointment is that the entire back portion of the Mall of Asia has been sealed off unlike during the previous years. This means you now have to pay 150Pesos just top see this fireworks event. Last year it was only a hundred pesos.

So as expected, there was no horrendous traffic jam which stretches as far as Guadalupe in Makati City. There was no elbow-to-elbow crowd. In fact, I can even do a cartwheel on the venue without hurting another person. The crowd volume is so thin compared to last year.

I just hope that the crowd would still pick up on the remaining 3 shows. But that remains to be seen.

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

World Pyro Olympics 2008 Week 2

Baras: Guimaras’ secret beach enclave

I have been to Baras for countless time already. We usually drop by at the resort when we do our island hopping activity. Baras ia a nice quiet resort best for rest and relaxation. A perfect getaway for the tired souls living in the Metro.

Baras is a resort located in Jordan Guimaras. A province 10-15 minutes away by outrigger boat in the central Philippines. Although Baras is located on the main island of the province, Baras beach resort can only be accessed through outrigger boats and not via the national highway.

This beach resort has a nice nipa hut fan-cooled cottages. Each one is guaranteed to have a breathtaking view of the islands surrounding the resort. Our veranda is just so lovely. It could be a perfect setting for a romantic movie.

In the afternoon Kiko and I borrowed on of the manually-paddled boats and went to the nearby island. Corals reefs are just so spectacular. the are clearly visible even if i was just sittin on the boat. While Kiko really jumped off the boat to snorkel the area.
Mouth-watering Filipino dishes is served during mealtimes too. For our dinner we had a steaming hot bowl of tinolang manok. The chicken used is not the usual breed you get from your grocery stores. Baras is using only the best and flavorful native chicken which is very abundant in the provinces.

And since we are on a beach resort, it is just natural to order the freshest seafood. We had this large fish (forgot its name) whick somewhat looked like a small lapu-lapu (grouper) cooked in sweet in sour style. Thinly sliced ginger strips with onrion rings in a rich tomato sauce covering the golden fried fish.

After dinner Marcos and I had a game of 8 ball billiards while Edsil and Kiko played table tennis. Later on we just decided to play the table tennis alternately. We really had so much fun playing the game. I was so amazed at myself being able to hit balls without my me wearing eyeglasses, and under a poor lighting. Haha

And to retain the quiet and rustic atmosphere all over the beach resort, electricity is only available at the place from 5:30PM until 12 midnight.

And if you think that with all these goodness comes the price only a few can afford. THINK AGAIN. Baras Beach resort is affordable for everyone. You don’t need to scratch your pocket that hard, or make a big dent on your savings deposit just to enjoy quiet moments in Guimaras Philippines. To learn more about the various facilites or to make reservations, Go to the Baras Beach Resort website

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Baras: Guimaras’ secret beach enclave

Story

“Tell me a story.”

“A story? What kind of story?”

“Bedtime story. About yourself.”

“About myself?”

“Mhmm.”

“Hmm. Okay. I’ll tell you a story, and you tell me what part of my life this is about.”

“Okie.”

“Once upon a time, there was this boy who just got home from a land far far away. He was very jetlagged from his journey and couldn’t sleep, and he wanted to find something interesting to do or someone interesting to talk to. So he walked around the city where he lives but he couldn’t find anyone. When he went back home he switched on his computer and got online to pass time. After spending a while looking around, he came across this blog that contained so many fascinating ideas and thoughts. He liked it so much that he sent a message to the person who wrote it, asking her if she’d like to talk sometime. But this boy is a very pessimistic boy who didn’t think that she would write him back.”

“Why is he so pessimistic?”

“That’s just the way he is. Maybe you should ask him yourself.”

“Oh.”

“The person he had written wasn’t online, so he went out to get a pizza because that’s what he does on Saturday nights. When he got back home, he checked his computer to see if he got a reply. To his surprise, she had written back, saying that she wanted to talk to him as well. He got on Messenger and the hours that he spent talking to her just flew by because they were so different, but they agreed on so many things. When he went to bed, he couldn’t stop thinking about that wonderful person and how he couldn’t wait to talk to her again.”

“So what happens next? Did he ever get to talk to her again?”

“I’ll tell you the rest of the story some other time. Right now, you need to get some sleep.”

He never got around to finish telling the story. She hasn’t had any sleep yet.

Guimaras: More than just the sweet Mangoes

For many the island province of Guimaras is usually spelled M-A-N-G-O-E-S. Mangoes, Mangoes, and more sweet mangoes! It is an undeniable fact that the world’s sweetest mangoes came from this side of the planet. But other than the heart-shaped golden delight we all love, many know nothing about this place.

Probably only a handful of brave souls have explored this quaint jewel. Guimaras is like a diamond with several facets that has yet to be polished.

Our trip to Guimaras has a multi-pronged itinerary. Something that will definitely keep all of us interested. Upon arrival at the Jordan Wharf we then proceeded to the Public Market and mango Orchard to check out the sweetest produce.

We then proceeded to the Trappist Monastery. The monastery is the only of its kind in the Philippines. This is run by the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO) or more popularly known as the Trappists. They live a life of prayer and penance. That is also why you don’t get to see them most of the time. The monastery has a small souvenir shop where one can buy pasalubong like mango preserves, t-shirts prayer books or keychains.

From Trappist, we then drove further down south to Barangay Dolores in Nueva Valencia in a place known as Guisi Point. A lot has been written about this place. But I must say, you need to hike this area to really appreciate its beauty. Guisi Point is known for its centuries-old lightouse, ruins and the breathtaking view of the unspoiled Guisi Beach. The road leading to the lighhouse is uphill and muddy. But every drop of sweat is worth it. Once you got to the lighthouse area you would feel that you don’t want to go back anymore.

Guisi may have a breathtaking beach, but the crowd is all in Alubihod Beach. Alubihod has a more upscale accommodation and restaurant where one can have lunch. People also use Alubihod as a jump off point when going to another island. Our stay in Alubihod is only brief as we only had our lunch here.

From Alubihod, we were picked up by a speed boat for an adventure of a lifetime: Island Hopping Guimaras style. Highlights of our trip were our visit to the Sea Turtle Sanctuary. It is really amazing to see an Olive Ridley in the flesh! This species has already been marked as endangered.

Our adventure continued by visiting one of the caves. Our boat has literally entered it and you can actually hear the sound of the bats.

And just before sunset we arrived in our resort where only the three of us were the guest. We were literally the owners of the island at that time! Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? With this adventure, I can say that Guimaras is just more than just sweet mangoes waiting to be explored.

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Guimaras: More than just the sweet Mangoes

Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins in Guimaras

I first learned about Guisi Ruins and Lighthouse from Marc of Explore Iloilo. Since then I keep of bugging him to include this in our itinerary when I get to Guimaras. And finally, Last April 27, 2008, it was my first time to set foot in Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins in Barangay Dolores, in the town of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

The trip from Jordan Wharf to Guisi Lighthouse took almost 45 minutes to an hour. But the view leading to the place is spectacular. Vast plantations of mangoes can be seen either from the left or right of the highway. And since it was raining when we went to Guimaras, the unpaved road leading to the Guisi Lighthouse and ruins got muddy and walking uphill became some sort of a challenge without letting these pesky mud stick to your sandals.

But who would have thought that at the end of this unpaved and muddy is a gem befitting of the title National Cultural Treasure.

The Guisi Point Lighthouse was built during the 18th century to guide passing ships cruising along the Guimaras Strait. The original lighthouse tower is now full of rust that it might just collapse anytime from now. There is even a sign below the structure not to climb because of the imminent danger.

The second light facility was built just a few meters away from the rusty tower. And I suspect that the second tower was also built during the Spanish Era. Notice the directions placed on top of the lamp. It has N SE O. It stands for Norte, Sur, Este, Oeste. The four primary directions written in Spanish.

The third lighthouse is built somewhere in between the first and the second lighthouse. The third tower is painted white is in active and working condition. It is build beside the ruins of Guisi.

Aside from the lighthouse and ruins in Guisi, another pride of this place is its unspoilt beach. Not much of beachcombers here as compared to the popular Guimaras Beach site in Alubihod. And the view of the beach from the Lighthouse and Ruins is simply breathtaking.

Paradise Found!

The Philippine Department of Tourism is actually planning develop Guisi and build a view deck there by next year. Hopefully this plan would push through so that Guisi would further be campaigned as a new tourist destination.

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins in Guimaras

MAKATI CITY GRAND PARADE ON MAY 9 TO SHOWCASE FAMOUS PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS

The Makati Grand Parade on Ayala Avenue this Friday, May 9, will be a virtual sensory feast resembling the acclaimed Rio Carnival in Brazil, as it will showcase various festivals, including the world-famous Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, and floats creatively designed to depict this year’s parade theme, “International Festival.”

This year’s parade promises to be the most spectacular in years with delegations from Makati’s sister cities and municipalities all over the country for the first time coming to join contingents from the city government, participating private companies and the barangays.

Mayor Jejomar C. Binay said the city government is proud to welcome delegates of the19 sister localities of Makati from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that have confirmed their participation in the Grand Parade, which is a major highlight of the month-long revelry leading to the city’s 338th Foundation Day on June 1.

“We are so proud to have our sister cities and municipalities joining us in the 338th Araw ng Makati celebration. Their presence is sure to add meaning, color and spice to our grand parade, transforming it into a splendid showcase of unique Filipino cultural traditions admired all over the world,” Binay said.

The mayor said major attractions include the performers of Tribu Paghidaet of Iloilo City, Dinagyang 2008 champion and second place, streetdancing category, in the recently concluded Aliwan Festival, and the Calesa float of Laoag City.

The Dinagyang Festival, now on its 40th year, is recognized as a world-class festival, while the Calesa is Laoag City’s most enduring traditional mode of transport.

To join the parade are the following sister cities and municipalities of Makati: Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; Batangas City; Dumarao, Capiz; Gen. Trias, Cavite; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Sigay, Ilocos Sur; Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; Palo, Leyte; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Binmaley, Pangasinan; Rosales, Pangasinan; Gumaca, Quezon; Concepcion, Romblon; Sta. Maria, Romblon; Can-Avid, Samar; Zumarraga, Samar; Sorsogon City; Surigao City; and Iloilo City.

Other floats will be coming from Makati-based companies, including M. Lhuillier, Rockwell Center, Ayala Land, Inc., Insular Life Assurance Co., and Jollibee Food Corp., as well as from the Makati Gender and Development Council, and the six barangay clusters.

Other participants in the parade include the Makati Cycling Federation, Tribu Carlota with Groove Manila, and Makati-based companies such as Multinational Bancorporation and Amalgamated Development Corp., Metrobank, Loyola Plans, Cocolife, National Life Insurance Co., Rufino Pacific Tower/VAR Buildings, Inc., Pacific Star, Philamlife Tower, Social Security System, Megaworld Corp., Association of Makati Industries

The event will also feature clowns and mimes, bands, Higantes, unicyclists, stilt walkers, and other street dancers and performers, including Makati Caracol 2008 winners and Mananayaw ng Makati.

The city’s major partners in this event are Ayala Land, Rockwell Land, and the Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA), with the support of Jollibee Corporation.

Meanwhile, traffic on Ayala Avenue will be rerouted starting 11 am on May 9, Friday, to give way to the parade.

The city’s Department of Public Safety is advising motorists to take the following alternate routes:

Buses – to and from EDSA: take Gil Puyat Avenue; to and from Manila/Pasay: take Gil Puyat Avenue, left Tordesillas, take Zuellig Loop. Jeepneys – from JP Rizal: from Makati Avenue, left Paseo de Roxas, left Gil Puyat Avenue; Ayala/Washington: right Amorsolo, take covered canal, left A. Arnaiz, left EDSA. Return Route: Take Arnaiz Avenue, right Amorsolo, left VA Rufino (Herrera), right Washington; Ayala/Mantrade: right Dela Rosa, right Makati Avenue, right Arnaiz Avenue; Amorsolo/Crispa: right Amorsolo, left Dela Rosa, right Adelantado.

Light private vehicles coming to and from EDSA are advised to take Gil Puyat Avenue; to and from Manila/Pasay: take Gil Puyat Avenue, left Tordesillas, take Zuellig loop; From Ayala Avenue/Gil Puyat to Legaspi Village: right turn Ayala Avenue, right turn Amorsolo St., right turn covered canal to Arnaiz Avenue; From Ayala Avenue/Gil Puyat to Salcedo Village: take Gil Puyat Avenue, right turn Tordesillas St.; From EDSA/Ayala Avenue to Legaspi Village: take EDSA, right turn Arnaiz Avenue, right turn Paseo de Roxas; From EDSA/Ayala Avenue to Salcedo Village: take Ayala Avenue, right turn Apartment ridge, left turn Paseo de Roxas, right turn Villar St.

Source http://www.makati.gov.ph/portal/news/view_news.jsp?news_id=1904

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

MAKATI CITY GRAND PARADE ON MAY 9 TO SHOWCASE FAMOUS PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS

BYAHILO enjoying the world’s best mangoes in Guimaras

The April 26-27 trip was supposed to be reserved for the Silay-Talisay Tour, Panaad Festival in Bacolod and the Yagyag Festival in Sibulan Oriental Negros. But changes happened, so I have to scrap my trip to Sibulan and replace with with an island hopping escapade in Guimaras.

Mangoes as far as the eye can see

I didn’t have any qualms about changing the plan since I also love to visit Guimaras again. The last time I went there was in 2005. And that was before the MV Solar 1 Guimaras Oil Spill incident. So I really do not know how gloomy or damaged it was during those dark times.

But when I returned there, everything seems normal. As if nothing happened. You wont even get to hear people say the word “disaster” or “tragedy.”

Everything’s back to normal, really. The beaches have already been cleaned. The mangroves now start to grow again in marshlands and tourists return to Guimaras.

But when I say Guimaras, the first thing that comes into my mind is the golden fruit the bore golden riches in the province, the mangoes. Guimaras mangoes are said to be one of the world’s sweetest. As what my friend Kiko said, the Guimaras Mangoes are the only one of its kind that has passed the USDA Regulations for Fruitflies.

As a matter of fact, no one is allowed to bring in fresh mangoes to Guimaras. You can, of course, buy and much as you want, but you can never bring any mangoes coming from other place.

Mangoes coming from the province of Guimaras are of the highest quality. Most of the time, they are exported to other countries like in Australia and United States.

The Mangifera Indica fruit while it is still hanging on the tree is well taken care of just like an infant. It is individually wrapped in old newspapers and magazines so that it will not be infested by insects or be eaten by fruit bats. Careful handpicking of the fruit is also done to avoid scratching the skin which could make or break its market value. Those large golden hearty fruit which bore no scratch screams for premium price but of course, the sweetness which the Guimaras mangoes is known for, is always guaranteed.

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

BYAHILO enjoying the world’s best mangoes in Guimaras

Aliwan fiesta 2008: Covering the event rain or shine

Covering Aliwan Fiesta is an adventure in itself. I arrived early at the Quirino Grandstand at around thirty minutes past noon. The sweltering heat of the midday sun is just so unbearable. Upon arriving at the assembly area, I hurried myself to the cafeteria right in front of the Manila Ocean Park for a quick cold refreshment. I had a glassful of icy cold ripe mango shake. Minutes later Nina arrived and she too ordered mango shake.

After finishing our cold drinks, we then headed towards the area where the gigantic floats are parked. We took shots and awed at how creative these people in creating their masterpieces.

Who could’ve thought that corn leaves, mung beans, and garlic can be transformed into a calesa. While coconut leaves where magically made into a large peacock.

Of course Boohbooh wasn’t just left behind. He was with me all throughout the day. I have to make sure he too has photos with the floats and the festival dancers.

And minutes before 4PM, the scheduled start of the Aliwan Fiesta Streetdance competition, heavy rains poured down as if there’s no tomorrow. Luckily, Nina and I were already inside the cab during the heavy downpour.

We arrived at star city at around fifteen minutes past four in the afternoon. And all crowd we all packed at the Star City area. The food stalls are packed too. So Nina and I decided to just pay the 60-Pesos entrance fee at the Star City amusement center just to avoid the chaos outside and to find some place where we could eat. After our heavy snacks when then bought some more foodies that we could much later during the event.

But going to the pressbox is a challenge. The area where the dancers will be performing and the area reserved for the press is flooded with water. We need to wade through inches of flood water just to get inside the reserved area.

And what’s even more irritating is that almost half of the people inside the pressbox are not even there to cover the event. Most of them are just kibitzers or in plain and simple Filipino, usisero. If they wanted to watch the event, they should’ve gone to the bleachers allocated for the general public.

Nina left early like after the performance of the fifth group, while I stayed the whole night with some friends. We had dinner at the Harbour Square then went back to the Aliw Theater for the announcement of the winners.

It was a tiring Saturday afternoon of May 3. Got tanned by the noontime sun then got drenched in the rain in the afternoon. But I still enjoyed covering events like this. Until next year!

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Aliwan fiesta 2008: Covering the event rain or shine

E-jeepneys become legal & get government go-signal, for the cause of climate-friendly cities

Am a car owner who also happens to be a big fan of commuting, specifically using overhead LRT/MRT trains to reach North to South of Manila, and vice versa, in a jiffy. I find jeepneys obtrusive and a nuisance, although I could tolerate the airconditioned ones in Makati and the environment-friendly e-jeepneys, which I have written about in this blog a number of times already.

Now comes the latest news from Greenpeace: the transportation department has officially classified e-jeepneys as public vehicles and will now be allowed to operate in major thoroughfares.

Green Renewable Independent Power Producer, which is working with Greenpeace in the e-jeepney project welcomed the move,” especially at a time when skyrocketing diesel and fossil fuel prices have considerably decreased the income of jeepney drivers.”

“The DOTC’s go-signal also means that we can now proceed with scaling up E-Jeepney fleets in various host cities, giving the Philippines the opportunity to leapfrog into climate-friendly
sustainable transport,” said GRIPP Chairperson Athena Ballesteros.

Here’s the Greenpeace backgrounder on -ejeeps:

” The E-Jeepneys were launched last July 4, 2007 in Makati City, as part
of a larger initiative called the Climate Friendly Cities Project. The
project demonstrates how cities can help mitigate the problem of climate
change through implementing measures that would avoid the use of climate
change-inducing fossil fuels. Through the project, a fleet of
electric-powered jeepneys will derive energy from biodegradable wastes
from the city’s wet markets, food establishments and households, thereby
helping mitigate climate change even as it addresses urban problems such
as air pollution and solid waste, while providing enhanced incomes to
the jeepney drivers. The project is sponsored in part by the Dutch Doen
Foundation and is currently supported by Makati, Baguio and Puerto
Princesa Cities.”

Greenpeace and GRIPP are now calling on the national
government to institute large-scale climate change solutions such as
phasing out coal-fired power plants, and the immediate passage of a
strong renewable energy legislation.

What say you Mayor Fred Lim, Mayor Nene Aguilar, Mayor Marides Fernando and the rest of ‘em high-performing metro mayors?!

This blog supports environment-friendly initiatives…just don’t let me go vegetarian soon

Aliwan Fiesta 2008 Video

Here’s some videos from the recently-concluded Aliwan Fiesta 2008 held May 3, 2008 at the Aliw theater, Manila Philippines.

Sinulog Festival of Cebu City - Grand Prize Winner

Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City - First Runner up

Sinulog Festival of Carmen, Cebu - Second Runner up

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Aliwan Fiesta 2008 Video

Aliwan Fiesta 2008 winners surprises and disappointments

The Aliwan Fiesta streetdance competiton is finally over. But the talk is obviously not yet over. People still love to discuss highlights and the lowlights of the Philippine’s Grandest Fiesta.

Here are some photos from the recently concluded Alilwan Fiesta 2008:

Three-in-a-row Grand Prize Winner, The Lumad Basakanon group of Cebu Sinulog Festival -

I was kind of surprised whrn they were announced as the winner. The routine is very predictable. The had alsmot the same dance choreography just like in 2006 and 2007. Comstume has some kind of similarity too. The only difference I see this year are the green bananas. They were fishermen last year and coconut harverts in 2006. Hopefully they would try to infuse innovations next year. I love their executions though.

First runner-up Tribu Paghidaet of Dinagyang Festival Iloilo City

While checking the Youtube video sometime last week, I was doubting if Dinagyang could ever pull a surprise win. The rehearsal video was lousy. They’re not synchronized. Not a good team to be declared an Aliwan Champion. But their May 3 performance at the Alliw theater proved me wrong. Pin-sharp accuracy and synchronization is their big gun. Perfect routine. The costume change is I guess unique only to this group. No ther festival I belive, has ever done this in Aliwan. They were the most-applauded group in the 24-team Aliwan Fiesta dance showdown.

2nd Runner up - Sinulog Festival of Carmen Cebu

I have heard about Carmen last January when some camps accused them of copying the concept and costume of Lumad Basakanon who was declared the Free Interpretation Category Champion of the Sinulog Festival. Carmen became the bridesmade to Lumad Basakanon.

Their costume indeed has some similarities to the ones used by LUmab Basakanon, especially the brown skin-tone tights printed with tatoo patterns. Anyway, I don’t have any complains on their choreography. I love it. They were actually my choice ti be the first runner-up. My third runner up choice was Buyogan Festival of Abuyog Lete.

My biggest disappointment - Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos Leyte

I have seen them in Aliwan Fiesta 2007. I have also seen their routine during Sinulog Festival through Youtube. Their Costume during Sinulog 2008, whiwch they also used last May3 is the same. Their routine last sinulog was better than what they had last Aliwan Fiesta 2007. So I am only expecting nothing but an outstanding number from them. But Lo and behlod. They failed miserably. Thye moment I saw their routine, I was already sure that they wont land in the top 3.

Biggest killjoy - The heavy downpour

Just minutes before 4PM May 3, rains started to pour all over Metro Manila. Leaving all the dancers wet, make up and body paints washed from their faces and bodies. While Photographers were scampering for shelter. The hour-long rain has flooded the area where the dancers whould be performing in front of the Aliw Theater. Not to mention the pressbox. I need to wade through a two-inch deep (that’s just an estimate) of flooded water just to get inside the are reserved for press.

Right after the competition, I reviewed my noted and made my own Top 10. I am not sure if am just lucky or what, but 9 out of my 10 top made it. Included in my top 10 which didn’t made it was the Meguyaya Festival. The 10th spot on the winners list was gotten by Disposorio Singkaban Festival of Hagonoy Bulacan.

More photos soon!

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Aliwan Fiesta 2008 winners surprises and disappointments

Aliwan Fiesta 2008 list of winners

The Aliwan Fiesta 2008 is finally over. Rained poured so hard just minutes before the parade started, thus prompting the organizers to delay the streetdance competition. Anyway, here’s the list of the winners of the Aliwan Fiesta 2008 Streetdance Competition and Float Contest.

FLOAT COMPETITON

Runners-up
-Kalilintad Festival of Mamasapano Shariff Kabunsuan
- Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City
- Guinakit of Parang Shariff Kabunsuan
- Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City
- Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City
-Singkaban Festival of Hagonoy Bulacan

3rd Place: Sinulog Festival of Cebu City
2nd Place: Boling Boling Festival of Catanauan, Quezon
GRAND PRIZE : Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag City

STREETDANCE COMPETITION

Runners-up

- Kadayawan Festival of Davao City
- Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag City
- Halad Festival of Midsayap, North Cotabato
- Singkaban Festival of Hagonoy Bulacan
- Buyugan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte
- Saad Festival of Leganes, Iloilo
- Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos Leyte

3rd Place: Sinulog Festival, Carmen Cebu
2nd Place: Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Lumad Basakanon, Sinulog Festival of Cebu City

To all the dancers, Congratulations!

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Aliwan Fiesta 2008 list of winners