misstinapie

I'm currently taking language lessons and you could say I could use some help in the memory department. So when, as usual PB's newsletter informed me of an upcoming free mini workshop with Eran Katz, I couldn't resist in not going. I went there and bought his book "Where did Noah park the ark?" and was able to read  a handful of pages before he came. He's not condescending at all, that he almost introduced himself instead of the host. I loved his accent, that even though he speaks almost perfect (he stammered a few times) English, the accent was clearly there. He is also funny too, and knows how to keep the crowd interested. As I've said I already read a few pages and you will know he is just repeating on what he just wrote. I'm not saying it's a bad thing of course. It just shows his consistency. He also taught us a few tricks on memorizing lists (I was doing it wrong when I read it but thank God for the demo) but not on numbers. He...

The church I'm in has this 'tradition' of shaking hands at the end before we go separate ways. Usually we chat a little as we shake hands, greet, etc. Today I shook the hands of a church mate who was a mother but not quite. The daughter who goes with her was adopted, she and her husband's final resort of having a baby. She wasn't like the first mom I shook hands with who I greeted gleefully a happy mother's day. With her case I was in an awkward position I don't know how to address. I don't know what to say, I don't know if she saw the panic in my eyes.  I've had a boss and this new boss on separate companies that was not as well blessed with kids. Both of them are really able financially but none of them were ever successful. If this is an 'omen' for my own fertility, I hope not. But realistically speaking, my chances are huge since my mom is the only one of the 3 children in the 'first' lolo who bore kids.  I also knew ...

Author’s Note: Click on the names to direct you to either a blog or a photo album. I’ve tried compressing the entire trip like this so you can have the chance to create your IT easier :-D Earlier this year I promised to not let the Holy Week pass without travelling out of town since I reasoned I need the break from work. I consulted this to my father and we ended up deciding to go to Ilocos. I was stoked because it's one of the places I always dream to go to. I’m not much of a history buff but I do appreciate old structures and nature which Ilocos offers in abundance.  I started making calls last February and none of the hotels in Vigan was available. We ended up renting the only hotel that didn’t cost that much and can accommodate 4 people. Same thing happened in booking a room for Laoag. Officemate learned about this and you know what she told me? She reserved as early as December! Guess I’m still lucky getting rooms in the first place. It’s even risky since I can’t r...

From the name itself, it's White Rock and it was not disappointing. We were there on the a time when the sun has already risen and what do you know, It's as a huge lump of powder is right before your eyes. Tip: Going there before the sun is up has many benefits. For one, the trek to the actual formation can take a really long time and the heat can really make anyone quit.  The ride to the formation is quite long, may I tell you. It was so far that you can at a point wonder if you really are going anywhere. There is just one path but you can't help but imagine the worst of things, like being lost for example. One of my most favorite photo. Looks somewhere else does it? When you arrive at the area, you will not see anything special at all. You still have to to trek down and walk a really really long path of marsh (it will remind you of LOTR marsh I promise) that if you went there when it's a bit dark, bring your own flash light with you. No one likes stepping on something...

A stop that can be easily missed, the lighthouse is situated on a top of a hill (or so I think). You need to have your car traverse all the way up there, which makes it a good idea to have your car on the trip. On the way down we saw a tourist bus and since they road was narrow and a bit dangerous (so many turns) they may have to resort to other means of getting up. At the top we were surprised to see a small group of friends already parked there. But as you can see, I think it's obvious, that being there early means you get to take absolutely people free photos unlike when everyone is walking to and fro.  The steps toward the lighthouse is a bit dangerous as well, I wonder if it has experienced renovation at all, but some parts are really hard to step on.  The actual lighthouse is closed for public and left on it's own. Not sure if there are hidden secrets but I do hope that the lighthouse be restored to it's former glory.  Tip: Keep a very close eye on  your kids. ...

One of the popular attractions in the Ilocos region are the Bangui Windmills. Who knew that power generating structures could ever be an attraction to tourists? Obviously the windmills are located on the Ilocos shores. My dad was skeptical on how would the propellers would ever wind but yeah it does, even for a bit. On the area they also sell the ever popular windmill keychains, and if you're lucky you can find a lighthouse carving too! Not sure if anyone can really enjoy a full dip on the water but being the scaredy cat as I am, I didn't. Besides the waves are something to be reckon with. Don't come too near if you don't know how to swim like I am. I also liked the fine sand. Yes, it's black but somehow the feel on the feet feels like walking on scattered fine salt. I just hate how it sticks to the corners of the feet though One cool idea I could share is that the stretch of the windmills are so long (I think we saw) there at least 3 entrances travelling further no...

I didn't have any idea where to eat today before the seminar so I decided to visit Glorietta's foodcourt yet again. I see there are a few differences now (I haven't been here for a long time) and one of those that catched my eye was Kim N Chi. For one I loved their display of realistically created plastic food. What's amazing is they serve you what you see on the display. After placing an order I was given a flat black disc which I've no idea what for. They did add instructions so newbies, for as long as one can read of course, will eventually understand. I waited for a while and surely it vibrated and flashed informing me that my food is ready. I surrendered the disc and out came a platter of seafood and omelette enticingly placed on top of the rice. For a moment there I thought was a huge thick omelette. They served it with a thin soup and I added a bottle of mineral water. The rice is just too much for me I guess (I'm dieting or so I believe) and the amount o...