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