Conquering Mount Pinatubo 2012

I am now a mountaineer! Conquering Mount Pinatubo wasn't an easy task. The road weren't  smooth and we have to cross a river now and again. The hike up Mount Pinatubo was a daunting task for a first timer trekkers, but it was all worth it since I was rewarded with a majestic view of jade blue waters in its craters.

Waiting for the transportation that will take us to Capas, Tarlac

Breakfast at McDo-Tarlac

Photo op with a 4x4 Jeep

crossing the river

rough roads

Finally!

Jade Blue Water

Discovering Manila 2012

As a kid, Manila always held a fascination for me. When I was in grade school you were considered a celebrity if you step foot in Manila. I have the privilege to go to Manila every summer since I was growing up, save for the time when mom enrolled me in summer class. Since, starting this blog, I plan to discover Manila once again through an adult eyes. And to think I've been here since 2006!

Here are some of the landmarks that worth visiting!

Rizal Monument

Taichi

Lapu-Lapu Monument

Kilometer Zero

Fort Santiago

Manila Zoo

Discovering Quiapo 2012

Referred to as the "Old Downtown Manila", Quiapo was considered to be one of the most notorious district of Manila.

I visited Quiapo with my sister and find to my surprise that it was full of hidden treasures. Here you can find the Ocampo Pagoda, the Golden Mosque, and the Bahay ni Nakpil. 

San Sebastian Church

The All-Steel Church in the Philippines

Ocampo Pagoda

You will find numerous statues surrounding Ocampo Pagoda

The Golden Mosque

Muslim Town

Bahay ni Nakpil

Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Chuch)

Mount Pinatubo Adventure 2012

Mount Pinatubo is one of the active volcano found in the province of Zambales. Mount Pinatubo was my first attempt with mountain climbing.

One of my office-mates found the deals off the internet. When she invited me, I grabbed the opportunity. Nine of us were planning to conquer Mt. Pintaubo on October 27, 2012. Since all of us were first timers, we were scrambling for information on what to bring and to wear. 

Below are the itinerary for Mt. Pinatubo Tours:

02:30AM    Registration at Cubao, Quezon City
03:00AM    Depart for Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac
05:00AM    Arrival at Sta. Juliana Capas, Tarlac
06:00AM    Depart for Mt. Pinatubo
                    Journey across Crow Valley begins
07:00AM    Starts of trekking
10:00AM    First sighting of Mt. Pinatubo
                    SWIMMING TIME!
12:00PM    Lunch
02:00PM    Trek back down the mountain
04:30PM    Arrival at Crow Valley
05:30PM    Arrival at Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac
06:30PM    Journey back to Manila
08:30PM    Arrival in Manila

They also gave us the lists on what to bring and wear. 

The total fee per person is P2,095

transportation    –     P750

DOT fee             –     P400

tour                     –     P945

We don't avail breakfast meal because we thought the breakfast was included in the package. However, we will bring our own baon both for lunch and breakfast.              

Planning for a Do-It-Yourself Walk Tours

I love to travel. I've been looking through the internet for some tips on what to see in Manila. Finally, I was able to finalized my itinerary meticulously going over the notes and advices that I gathered to make it worthwhile.

I've been here in Manila for more than five years and I've yet to discover its hidden treasures. The trip to Intramuros, Fort Santiago and Rizal Park were my first DIY tour and I intend to do it again, this time with my trusted camera. (I plan on buying a DLSR in the future but I'll settle for a Lumix for now). 

The first place that I would like to explore is Quiapo, Which I will be doing this weekend with my sister. Wishing us a happy and fun exploration.

My Plan for Quiapo WalkExploration

And They're Off

After 2 years of wearing braces, I finally have them removed. Two years ago, I have a bad case of crooked teeth on the lower portion of my mouth. According to my dentists (take not the plural dentist, I've been to numerous dentist, it’s good to ask for second opinion and have a wide knowledge about dental braces), I have a narrow jaw that’s why my teeth overlapped each other. So, I talk to mama about it, and she made me a deal that I’ll be the one to pay for my braces.

The first few weeks of wearing braces were horrendous (I have to use superlatives here!). I barely eat anything. The only things that pass through my mouth were porridge and soup. Because of these liquid diets, I eventually lose some weight. It also increases my tolerance for pain due to maintenance and repair.

Eventually, I got used to the contraption. Slowly, I began to eat everything  The downside of having braces is that whenever I smile, my lips keep get stuck in one of those metal thingy which is embarrassing. Good thing no one has seen it or so I thought. Every time I visit my dentist I would always ask the same question over and over again, “can my braces be removed now?”, “when can we removed my braces?”,  good thing my dentist was patient and explained to me that my teeth weren't okay yet. When she did, I jump with joy and relief.

Although, I still need to wear retainers for a year or more. It wouldn't be much of a hassle. The only maintenance that I need to follow would be a yearly check-up of my teeth. I don’t need to go to the dentist every month, which is a relief. And that’s put a wide smile in my face sans the crooked teeth.

Me with braces

Me with perfect teeth

Retainers

Outrageous Kids Rooms

Below are the pictures of kids room taken from yahoo:

cool-kids-rooms.com

The babies in this nursery might be a little too young to not only enjoy their very own carousel, but even know what it is.

Sharing a room doesn't seem quite so bad with this space. (decorativehomeinterior.com)

Who says you can't bring the tree-house inside? (flowerchild.com)

I don't really mind this modern room that can easily see a teenager through college. (freshome.com)

Gold accents, fur, and silk drapes? When it comes to over-the-top, this room struck out (hgtv.com)

"Classy but affordable" 

This castle room incorporates a recessed built-in bed, faux-finished walls, top bunk, and slide, allowing this young knight to sleep like a king! 

Not quite as over-the-top, but dramatic window treatments and over-sized furniture create a playful space for a lucky little girl. 

I'm loving the open, airy space of this gender neutral room that can serve not only as a nursery but future kids room for baby. (houseofturquoise.com)

houzz.com

interiorarcade,com

This Southwestern playroom stays true to a Native American style with the use of warm colors and a built-in teepee.

luxuo.com

nabuzz.com

These over-the-top decorations and accents just seem a bit impractical for a kids space.

This nursery combines elegance and luxury, but is just a little too over-the-top for those that can appreciate a down-to-earth design. (rppkids.com)

sldinteriordesign.blogspot.com

"Your chariot awaits you!" Can't help but wonder if this little girl has seen Disneyland yet.

sweetdreambed.com

used-car-sale.com

Extravagant, but a space I actually wouldn't mind calling my own.

www.totsnob.com

Serving as not only a conversational piece, but creative storage space, the over-the-top ferris wheel seems almost practical. (creativehouseidea.com)

Thatched roof, bamboo posts, and a hidden cave can make any little one's dreams come to life.  

Fairy princess seems to be the theme of this little girl's room that features a lily-pad bed with built-in storage space. 

Featuring a jungle-themed bed, here's a room that could make nighttime an adventure for a lucky boy or girl. 

A child can easily outgrow this tudor-style bed, but it does have style.  (sweetdreambed.com)

freshome.com

cool-kids-rooms.com