From Rizal Park to Boracay to Bohol - It’s More Fun in the Philippines!

Independence Day is a national holiday in the Philippines that means no work for our "nine-to-five" tax paying heroes.  My BFF is one of them (and I used to be one also) so I had the chance to have bonding time with her on a weekday holiday!

We went to the Mall of Asia (MOA) to register for the 36th Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations.  As usual, MOA never fails to entertain and amused me.  With my countless visits to MOA, be it a quick stop, mall strolling or jogging, I always find something interesting and exciting each visit.
This time the mall is bustling in the aura of the 114th year Philippine Independence Day celebration.

As we passed along one of the arcades, we chanced upon these two huge dioramas cum photo wall themed in two best tourist-attracting descriptions.  They are posted in Spanish era designed lamp posts (also a diorama).  Here’s sharing the subject of these diorama scenes and some quick shots.

Time Travel, More Fun in the Philippines

Travel back in time as you visit the best preserved monuments and buildings from several centuries back.  Step to the house of stones and bricks at Vigan’s heritage houses.  Have a glimpse of Rizal’s infamous life in Intramuros and Luneta Park and reminisce the day that we take pride in waving the Philippine flag at Aguinaldo’s house in Kawit.  These are just few of our historical sites that affirm our identity as Filipinos.

I’m at Rizal Park (Luneta)
  at my back is the Aguinaldo House in Kawit, Cavite

My BFF with the Spanish era designed lamp post where the diorama description is printed.  At her back is the Time Travel Diorama

Vacation in Style, More Fun in the Philippines

The Philippines is home to many fascinating tourist destinations.  From the amazing perfect cone volcano of Mayon, Boracay’s white sand beach, Visayas numerous stunning islands and diving spots, to Palawan’s exotic wildlife and to Davao’s Philippine Eagle.  Whichever you choose, vacations are always in style and more fun in the Philippines.

I’m in Boracay!

I’m with the Tarsier in Bohol!

 

A schedule of Cultural Performances around the mall is also posted.  But since this is supposed to be just a quick stop for us,  we were not able to watch the show.

It is just heart warming how Filipinos, ordinary citizen or huge organizations promote the beauty of the Philippines.  And it is really heart breaking when some people ruined it in an instant.  Just like that American who lived and worked in one of our beautiful island for three and a half years only to publish a video with his twenty negative nonsense. For all the beauty he can find in the Philippines he found his twenty negative nonsense!  Is that the thanks we got for adopting him here for three and a half years?

Anyway he is just one (nonsense) person.  I bet millions are saying that “It’s more fun in the Philippines!”

Inside The Home of General Emilio Aguinaldo–An Independence Day 2012 Special Post

The Proclamation
In the presence of a huge crowd, independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 between four and five in the afternoon in Cavite at the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo some 30 kilometers South of Manila.

Source: Wikipedia

As the Philippines celebrate its 114th Independence Day, let me give you a short tour INSIDE the house where the historical proclamation happened.  Here’s sharing some photos I took when I had the chance to visit the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo.

The Bowling Alley. The first bowling alley built in this town.

The bedrooms of the Aguinaldo daughters. 

• The first room nearest to the stair is for Cristina Aguinaldo Suntay
• The middle bedroom is for Maria Aguinalso Poblete
• The largest of the three bedroom is for Carmen Aguinaldo Melencio

They are located in the family wing.  As was the fashion in the early 20th Centrury, furnishings and accessories were a mixture of European, Chinese and Filipino styles.  The ornate Ah Tay bed in Carmen’s room was made in the 19th Century: The Philippine Art Nourveau and Art Deco furniture in Cristina’s and Maria’s rooms during the 1920’s and 30’s.

Some parts of the daughters bedroom.

General Aguinaldo’s Bedroom.

The widowed General and his second wife, Maria Agoncillo occupied this bedroom.  There are secret passages in this bedroom. The hat rack near the second floor entrance is a secret door leading to this bedroom. Behind his closet is a wide opening, it is another secret exit.  Inside the bathroom, a floor panel and a door lead to the swimming pool.

Formal Dining Room (The Grand Table)

Aguinaldo’s special guests dined on the large wooden tables during important occasions and parties.   On the ceiling is the relief map of the Philippines.  Above the window are paintings on glass portraying his wives and children (no images here)



The Family Dining Room. The Kitchen

To make a quick escape, one raised the heavy table top revealing a passageway to the underground shelter.
Conveniently beside the family dining room are the kitchen and the servant’s quarter on the mezzanine.  Iceboxes are built into the wall.

In the kitchen, eight different recipes were prepared at the same time.  The largest gatherings were held for the annual Independence Day celebration every June 12.  Veterans of the Revolution, from Luzon to Mindanao, flocked to the Aguinaldo mansion.



The Sala

It is adorned with symbols of the revolution. The walls are decorated with photographs of Aguinaldo and American presidents and paintings relating to the General’s life during the revolution.




A ceiling wood relief depicts a sun with eight rays and an inscription at the center that says “Agosto 30, 1896, Ley Marcial Contra las Provincias de.”



Bomb Shelter

At first, this concrete shelter was a short well that had an underground tunnel leading to the church.  Soon, the well was cemented and turned into a mere shelter because strangers would go to the well and enter Aguinaldo’s house.



Kris and knives given by the datu, father of Princess Tarhata to Gen. Aguinaldo during the revolution.

And here’s some more…




I intentionally did not include in this post the outer part of the house because I remember that I commonly see them in other blog posts.  What I shared here are the ones that are less mentioned from other posts about the Aguinaldo House.

Also, I did not make any improvements on the photos.  I don't believe in camera tricks, photo shops and the likes when it comes to this kind of story.  They steal the reality of the scenes.  The "dim atmosphere"  in these photos are real.  They are exactly how they look when you enter the Aguinaldo Home.  Mysterious isn't it?

There is so much history in the Aguinaldo House and it's impossible to cover them in a single post.  I hope I could share more to you in the future.

The Aguinaldo House in Kawit Cavite is one of the most visited and well-preserved historical landmark in the Philippines.  It is under the management of the National Historical Institute.  It is open to public from Tuesdays to Sundays except holidays, between 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

Sunday Quote and Photograph: Summer is Gone

Soon t’will be a memory,

these lazy days so hot and free

Mother nature has the rule,

and kids are soon back in school.

Summer dust that winds did blow,

hasten Autumn’s amber glow…

Summer’s gone… where did it go…

Source: Polyvore.com

Location: Guimaras Island

Winners! 10 Sunglasses from Firmoo Optical Store for Giveaway

Congratulations to these ten (10) lucky winners from my fist ever giveaway!  Each of them will receive a pair of sunglasses of their choice from this selection from Firmoo.com. I’m posting here a screenshot of the Rafflecopter result.



I’ve already sent notices to your respective email addresses that you encoded in the Rafflecopter.  So for those who are not yet responding I need to hear from you ASAP.  If there’s one thing that I wish to see in the coming days in your blogs is a photo of you wearing your prizes – that would be an awesome sight!

I would also like to thank all those who joined and supported my first ever giveaway.  Anything that is FIRST IS EXCITING BUT STRESSFUL.  Thank God I am gifted with the kindest batch of participants and the most awesome bunch of blogger friends.  All of you helped me ease out from this first hosting.  If I could just make everybody win.

Allow me to especially mention and thank these blogger friends:

• Gracie – I know that joining giveaway is not your style plus the PC problem and all. BUT you made a post in your blog to promote my hosting without the desire to win.  I’m speechless my friend.
• Virgo – I know that you are too lazy with this kind of stuff but you joined to support my first hosting.  I am really happy to find a blogger friend and a running buddy in one!
• Mhie – I’ll just give you a wink sis “alam mo na yun”
• Rona – we are just simply lucky to have someone like you in the blogosphere.   I need not ask from you my dear – you instantly offered support.  Hats off to you sis on how you treat your fellow blogger. You are truly amazing.

And of course I would like to thank my awesome sponsor Firmoo.com!  Thank you for the trust and confidence you extended to my young blog.  You have been wonderful from the very start.  You deserve the success that you are having right now and I wish you further success in all your business endeavors.

To everybody,

Photo Credits: Google images

Go Kart at SM Mall of Asia Amusement Complex

I’m doing my usual morning run at the SM Mall of Asia bay side when I spotted this area.  It kind of caught me by surprise seeing this area as colorful and lively because I remember during my last run, this area is used to be surrounded with iron sheets coverings, the same thing when there’s something being constructed inside the coverings.  And then I remembered that I had a short break from my morning run.  It seems like this activity is launched while I was on short break from my morning run.  

As usual, every time I see something new that looks exciting, I am excited to share the info to you all.  So for those who are into cars and driving, this one’s for you! “Go Kart” !



It is located along the breakwaters of Manila Bay at the SM Mall of Asia Amusement Complex just right after the The Giant Ferris Wheel/The MOA Eye. 

Locational Photo

The fee and basic rules

Fun and Safety Rules are properly posted in the area but to give you some advance info on what to wear and the likes, here’s some heads up.

TRACK REGULATIONS

1. Must be 4 1/2 tall to drive the Karts.
2. Helmets must be worn at all times.  Seatbelt must be properly fastened while on board the Kart.
3. Guests must keep both hands on the wheel at all times..  Arms, legs and feet are to remain inside the Kart.
4. Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied up with clips or rubber bands.
5. All loose clothing must be secured.  No open-toed footwear is allowed.
6. No smoking in Karts and loading bay area.
7. Guest under the influence of alcohol or narcotics are not allowed to take the ride.
8. NO BUMPING, NO SPINNING OUT, and NO CUTTING OFF
9. Stay in Kart at all times while on track.
10. If for any reason the Kart shuts down while on the track, you MUST REMAIN IN THE KART and raise your hand.

TRACK RULES and FLAGS

1. Get a ticket at the cashier’s booth
2. Go to the Loading Bay. Get your designated Kart and put on your seat belt.
3. Ride Assistant will help you start the engine and wait until the green flag is shown and then go to the race track.
4. Checkered flags will be shown as indicator to your final lap.
5. After the last lap slow down and proceed to the loading bay area, remain in the Kart and wait for the final instructions from the Ride Assistant.

The Karts

The Track

So, do you think experiencing this one is like going to the real Indianapolis? Don’t forget to share your experience here once you tried!

Sunday Quotes and Photograph: Surprise!

Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us

~ Boris Pasternak ~

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy

~ Karl Von Clausewitz ~

 

First there was a tweet question.  Then I gave a “funny tweet reply”.  Followed by few more tweet questions and answers.  Before I can seriously believe everything, some dollars are in my PayPal account! Whoaaaa! This is the most pleasant surprise in my whole blogging life!

If you want to know the full story, go check out Gracie Goes Gaga!  Blogger friend Gracie loves giving surprises, who knows you might get one too! But don’t forget to greet Gracie a HAPPY 1st BLOG ANNIVERSARY!

THANK YOU Gracie!  You really surprised me! HAPPY 1st Blog Anniversary too!  I wish you more fruitful, enjoyable and successful blogging life!

And I wish you well my friend.  You are one among the people who makes my blogging life more enjoyable!

Hastily Prepared Birthday Dinner

Dead tired as we are, we had our recovery nap after our very exhausting out of town run with a fixed plan of spending hubby’s birthday by dining out. However we woke up in the late afternoon with messages from our crazy lovable good old friends telling they are dropping by at dinner.  Counting my unstoppable friends, they are fifteen! Yay fifteen!

I pulled out my "near to vegetable body state" from the couch and stared intently at the fridge.  Scanning its content to what I can come up, plus mentally scanning restaurant menus choosing what we can grab from the nearby ones.  By the time I'm putting on my apron and  pulling the wok, I already have in mind what my remaining strength can muster that will please my self-invited (LOL) friends.

My smiling hubby patted me in the back telling that it’s time to use my special talent of coming up with “good tasting but quickly prepared food”.  I’d like to believe that this is one reason why  my lovable friends kept coming back on circumstances like this (LOL).  But it is somehow true.  Because these friends of mine in spite that you present them with home delivery such as pizza and the likes, they will still be asking like, “Didn’t you cook ____ that we ate on ____’s birthday"?”.  And each of them has their own favorite from my personal recipe I tell yah.

C’mon take a look at this hastily prepared food and tell me what you think!

Power food is badly needed over here so let’s start carbo loading with:

 Yang Chow Rice. Fried rice with chopped eggs, hot dogs, carrots, chorizo
(cooked by my talented young son :)

Noodles: Miki Bihon in Sea Foods (ordered from a nearby Chinese Restaurant)

Lechon Manok by Chooks To Go

Menudo Giniling topped with Raisins (my cooking), and
Lechon Kawali from Andoks

Boneless Bangus topped with Togue, and
Sarsiadong Tilapia (both my cooking)

The fishes are special request by the birthday boy who’s a huge fish eater.  The boneless bangus is “due to insistent friends demand”.

Desert: Chocolate Mousse – The birthday boy’s cake and his favorite flavor

If you noticed there wasn’t a photograph of the arranged dinner table.  Because there wasn’t one LOL.   We just put everything that is ready to eat and anybody can just grab a plate, sit anywhere, eat and talk a lot while we watched  the heavy downpour outside.  It was raining heavily and it powered more our appetite.  Good thing we didn’t go out for dinner because we were planning to dine in a restaurant by the bay.  It would be very disappointing to be caught up in that heavy rain.

Friends are real blessings in life and I thank God for them and for the blessed and healthy life for hubby.