Treasure Find 34 -- From New World in 2012 to Win 2013

Treasure Find 34:

It's a few hours before the clock hits 12 mn and we welcome the new year.  It's the time of the year (during alone time of course) when people get to reflect on how the past year has been.

For 2012, my battle cry was New World in 2012 (from Get Even in 2011, Golden 2010, Shine in 2009 and 2008 will be Great). I can't remember though what's in my mind then but all I know is I want to conquer "new worlds" in 2012; go beyond limits and explore new grounds. It's a bold goal I guess but I'd rather do it now than wait for the time that I might be unable to do new things anymore. And hence, it shaped the year that was. And I realized "New World" can mean many things.

Treasure Find 33 -- Going OA is a lot OK!

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Yes, you read it right.  Going OA is a lot OK!  But before you get confused, it's a different OA I'm referring to.  It's not over acting but Organic Farming or Organic Agriculture!

Why did I say that?  Well for someone who is in constant search and struggle for healthy eating and hunt for our country's rarest treasures, OA is something that really opened my eyes.

Congratulations to Melandria for Winning the Pasalubong from Treasure Find 25!

First and foremost, foydi's Treasure Hunt would like to express its apology for the delay of the announcement of the winner due to some technical glitches.  But now, it can be revealed, the winner of the Pasalubong from Treasure Find 25 is Melandria Romero from Naga City!  :) 

Photo c/o Melandria's Facebook Page

Melandria won these souvenir shirts from Batanes! :)

Congratulations Melandria!  foydi's Treasure Hunt will contact you on how to get your prize!  :) 

Treasure Find 25 -- Pasalubong (and you can get some from foydi's Treasure Hunt!)

Treasure Find 32 -- There's More in Ivana's Honesty Store

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Honesty Store.  At first, it sounds strange to me.  But when I saw it on TV,  heard it on radio and read it on newspapers, it fired up my soul to pursue my life long dream of going to Batanes and search for that wonderful place. 

And when I finally made it to this heavenly place, I made sure that visiting the "legendary" Honesty Store will be part of the itinerary!  So right after my journey to Sabtang Island, we went to Radiwan, Ivana where the said store was located.  And finally, I found the Honesty Store!

The Honesty Store / Coffee Shop is owned by Ms. Elena Gabilo.  The difference of this store with the rest of the sari-sari stores in the Philippines is that the customers can buy from the store without the storekeeper / owner.  The customer just needs to serve himself, either prepare his own coffee, buy goods and put his money in a box.  In fact, he can even make a change himself.  He just needs to write down on a notebook what he bought from the store.

Treasure Find 31 -- The Brown Bag

JUST AROUND THE CORNER:

Recently, my colleagues and I have been going home from work at around 12 midnight to 1 am.  Yes, you just read it right.  In fact, call center agents have better situation than us since after their night shift, they can sleep in the morning.  But for us, we still report in the morning.  Oh well, this post is not about my blood draining work life.  

When I go home, I sometimes pass by at convenience stores to buy water or milk or anything refreshing.  That's the least I could do to treat myself.  

Treasure Find 30 -- The Quest for Deep Sleep Indulgence and The Discovery of Remington Hotel

JUST AROUND THE CORNER (JATC): 

With my job, long quality sleep / rest has already been a much desired luxury for me. In fact, I even need to plan for it. No kidding, I myself am surprised. Oh well, I guess that already is the reality I have to face each day. With lots of thought and pseudo-planning, I finally came up with a decision -- take a break and get that much needed sleep / rest. After long hours at work (often until 12 midnight!) and several weekends sacrificed, I guess I deserve a day-off on a Monday right? :)  Sometimes you just need that different environment to destress, unwind and recharge.  And it doesn't have to be far or out-of-town.  I'll check-in and sleep in a hotel right here in Manila!   

So I planned for that quest for deep sleep indulgence.  But since I've been nice since birth (haha), something much nicer came up!  I, together with the rest of my Bloggies Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV, Ruth Floresca of Write Breathe Live, Rod Magaru of The Rod Magaru Show, Myke Soon of Mix of Everything, Enrico Dee of Byahilo, Enzo Luna of Juan Manila, Alex Dizon of Recycle Bin of a Middle Child and John Michael Toress Bueno of Kumagcow just got an invite from Remington Hotel in Resorts World Manila to try their rooms! How could I say no to that right? So without much further ado, I gave my sweet yes and planned for that stay! :)

Treasure Find 29 -- Sabik sa Subic and the Commodore's Cup 2012 International Regatta

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

After the US military left Subic, no one knows what will happen to the place. A lot were skeptical but there are also hopeful individuals.  But now, after several years, Subic has been turned into one of our tourist and economic attractions.  

Tourism wise, it has now adventure based theme parks such as Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari and Treetop Adventure.  It has several tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants, spas and casinos.  It is one of Central Luzon's premier eco-tourism destinations, thanks to Pamulaklakin Traits, JEST Camp, Triboa Mangrove and several beach resorts, dive sites and bird watching spots.  It is also a top destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and cruise ships as it has natural deep harbor, modern passenger terminal and unique combination of tourist attractions and terminals.  And if you think you are already drowned with these attractions then try to get a life vest and hold on to your breath and Subic has a lot more to offer.  It is also a premier sports tourism destination having hosted the 23rd South East Asian Games for archery, kayaking / canoeing, sailing and triathlon; Le Tour de Filipinas; Philippine Olympic Festival, and many more.  

Treasure Find 28 -- Expedition to the World of Tubbataha

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

When I went to the picture perfect Batanes, I thought nothing can surpass nor equal that experience anymore.  But our Bayanihan Republic has a lot to offer.  The Philippines is a paradise country and each corner of the archipelago offers something unique.  And that is why we also need to be extra careful and responsible about taking care of our environment as majority of our country's attractions are gifts of nature. 

I've been a wildlife enthusiast since I was a child.   And that fascination led me to becoming more concerned about the environment.  As most of the problems encountered by the wildlife is largely because of the loss of their homes.  That same interest also made me dream of being part of National Geographic or Discovery Channel or Animal Planet and capture nature's spectacular moments myself.  But destiny led me to a new direction.  And that new direction led me to having a more pro-active work for the environment, it led me to helping out WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Philippines.

Photo by Sophia Dedace of WWF Philippines

WWF Philippines manages various conservation programs in the Philippines.  One of its most important project sites is the Tubbataha Reef which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered as the 8th best dive spot  in the world according to CNN.

Treasure Find 27 -- The Art and Science of "Letting Go"... Tokyo's Hi-Tech Toilets!

HELLO WORLD:

Warning: if you are eating, don't read this anymore or better yet, drop your food now!  :D

Food blogging is such an enjoyable activity because we savor the taste of the food we eat and share it with the rest.  But while eating is such a fun thing to do, don't you think "moving" or "letting go" is an equally refreshing experience? :D   Di ba, iba yung feeling once you let it go?   LOL :D  So shouldn't there be another niche in blogging that deals on the last part of the digestive process? :D

Well, this blog post is really not actually about pooping.  This is about my Treasure Hunt in Japan and the marvelous thing that I found.  And that is Tokyo's hi-tech toilets!  :)

Well, I know, you may ask, why the hell am I blogging about toilets!  Haha, don't click away, let me explain first.  Don't you think having a good toilet is an essential aspect in traveling?  As much as we enjoy the places we go to and eat the most delicious food in town we visit, we also need that amenity for our bathroom break that will keep us moving.  And I was fascinated to discover these hi-tech toilets!

I first encountered this in Hotel Shinagawa where we spent our first few days in Tokyo.  I was amused that  right after that "ceremony" I won't need a toilet paper (or water and soap), as I just needed to press a button to clean you know what. :)  It sprays water in different ways depending on how you want it!  At Hotel Sakura, our second home in Tokyo, an added option is available.  This time, it can be like sprinkle or shower or bazooka shots hahaha.  Some of my colleagues were even surprised when they tried the hi-tech toilet for the first time.  Others on the other hand joked that they stayed longer in the comfort room because they enjoyed the water splash hahaha.  Anyway, we were also able to adjust the temperature of the water.  And since we were there at winter time, the warmer of the bowl, as it touches the thighs, is very relieving.  So right after moving, you just need that tissue paper and you're done. 

Treasure Find 26 -- Surviving The Heat

JUST AROUND THE CORNER:

I know the Philippines is a tropical country and the heat during summer season is something that we expect.  But I'm sure you will agree with me that the heat right now is something that's unbearable, it's as if we are being cooked inside an oven!

Haist, actually, with my work for WWF Philippines, I candidly even said that I won't have a hard time explaining what Global Warming is!  Just imagine experiencing 35++ and 36++ temperature right here in Manila?  Goodness, this heat really will not just drive us crazy, it can actually kill us! 

Anyway, I know Filipinos are very flexible and resourceful people.  We adapt wherever we are, whatever the situation is.  And with this scourging heat, I bet many have adapted, in a way, already. 

For example, I myself treated the situation lightly, (whenever possible!) and joked at it with these pick-up lines:

Manila ka ba?  Ang hot mo kase.

But when the temperature gets hotter the next day, I said:

Manila ka din ba?  Kase, you're getting hotter and hotter each day.

And it was a surefire hit on Twitter and Facebook haha.

But more than that, while everybody go to our captivating beaches and resorts or go to a colder country at this time, some people looked for means how to get through.  

And recently, I found two things that caught my attention and really made me wanting them all the time.  

It's the back-to-back electric fan and the so-called Melona ice cream from Korea!  The former is something I would really love owning!  I know it wouldn't solve the heat but I think it can be of a little help.  And besides, don't you find the fan so cool, that's literally and figuratively speaking! :)

The back-to-back electric fan and Melona ice cream

And the Melona ice cream, goodness, it just tastes so good!  The fruitiness of the flavor just blends very right with the sweetness.  Sorry though I don't know the actual retail price as I buy from my office mate who sells it.  And I get it for only PhP30!  So move over Magnum, Melona is taking your place!  And it's much cheaper!  :)

But aside from that, when you are outside, don't forget to bring water (not bottled as it will add up to our urban waste), wear comfy clothes and sun protection (shades, umbrella, sunblock).  Well, if you don't need to go out and you can avoid it, I suggest you stay inside, and make your surrounding comfortable. 

I know this too shall pass.  We will survive the heat.  And that I guess this has been my 26th Treasure Find!  :)

But while we try to survive the heat, let's be mindful next time of what we do with the environment.  You can log on to www.wwf-org.phils to know more about environmental sustainability. 

Treasure Find 25 -- Pasalubong (and you can get some from foydi's Treasure Hunt!)

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Pasalubong (Homecoming Present).  It's in the blood, vein, heart, soul (and whatever body part you can think of) of every Filipino. So if a Pinoy came from elsewhere, abroad, or a distant province, or a nearby town, it's in his system to bring home something from that place.  

You can win these shirts!  :)

And it need not be expensive.  As what the cliche says, it's the thought that counts!  :)  So back off to those who want to ridicule Pinoys for spending (a little) despite the hard life!  :)

Treasure Find 24 -- When God Created the World, He Gave His Best in Batanes (Da Best Sa Batanes part 5)

Treasure Find 24:

Two days have been spent... everyone else is tired... but Batanes is not yet through unfolding its mystique.

And on the third day of our exploration, our experience, I could say, reached an optimum high...

Batanes is indeed a living evidence how great God is...it's God's best creation!  And let me quote once more (and use it as this blog post's title) Mandy Navasero: "When God created the world, He gave his best in Batanes."  And I couldn't agree with her more.

Stored Treasure: Juan Luna Decoded

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 19 November 2011
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/11/juan-luna-decoded.html

Let's face it.  The moment we hear the word museum, we get bored or sleepy in an instant.  'But I guess not for someone who loves History as he loves the Internet.  Okay, that's me haha.  And recently, I got an invite to be part of the Luna Walk organized by the GSIS Museum of Arts.  Without a doubt, I said yes.  I know that my knowledge on Philippine History will be enriched if I join this activity.  And I was right.

Juan Luna

But first, for those who don't know exactly who Juan Luna is, let me give you a glimpse of who he is.  Juan Luna, born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte in 1857, is an icon in Philippine history, arts and culture.  He is the first Filipino International Achiever and one of the greatest Filipino painters who have ever lived.  In celebration of the birthday of Juan Luna, on Oct. 23, GSIS organized the Luna Walk to commemorate the special occasion and remember the contributions of a great Filipino artist.  The annual Luna Walk was initiated by Prof. Eric Zerrudo in 2003.  By 2006, GSIS Museum took over, this time, it was expanded to include Bahay Nakpil, National Museum, Luna Monument, San Agustin Church, Metropolitan Museum and GSIS Museum. For this year, his student Michael Charlton "Xiao" Chua, a professor in De La Salle University, Vice President of National Historical Institute and Panelist in ABS-CBN's Bottom Line, conducted the Luna walk and lecture.

Stored Treasure: The Purple Taxi Cab

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 04 September 2011
 http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/09/purple-taxi-cab.html

While in Davao City, we saw this nice looking taxi cab.  Actually it's Misagh Bahadoran of Team Azkals who first saw this.  Then I just took a shot of the purple taxi cab as it's definitely a Scene Stealer for someone who's in Davao City for the first time!  My female colleagues at work who are obsessed with anything purple (and pink) will definitely want to ride this cab.  Paging Romsy, Ampy, Lelen, Jiejie Jane, Rach, visit Davao now girls!  =)  There are other colors as well!  =D

Stored Treasure: Yoohoo, Who Wants Crocodile Ice Cream?

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 04 September 2011
 http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/09/yoohoo-who-wants-crocodile-ice-cream.html

Right after the presscon of Team Cortal SQR - Azkals in Davao City, we took a time off and headed to Crocodile Park.  While having that afternoon siesta, Azkals' Yannick Tuason, who is also from Davao, introduced us to his brothers and friends including Chef Dino Dizon (also known as the Crocodile Chef from Davao) who owns a different kind of ice cream brand dubbed as the Sweet Spot!

Just in front of the Crocodile Park, Sweet Spot offers  luscious flavors with unique names such as Mt. Apo Coffee Crush, Mangomazing, Davao Chololoco, Purple Pleasure, Peanut Brittle, Melon Madness, Crazy Monkey Banana, and the new Dragon Fruit (which I usually encounter in FB's Cafe World and Restaurant City! hehe)  But what really caught my attention is the Durian Dynamite!  Why?  'Because that's the flavor we jokingly dubbed as the Crocodile Ice Cream!  Yes folks, Durian Dynamite, Davao's local gem is mixed with another local treasure, the egg of a crocodile!  =D  Perhaps, way back, I won't be as courageous to try new or exotic dishes but I was enlightened with what Travel Time's Susan Calo Medina said in one of her interviews.  She said, on taking exotic food, "I'll try it once.  If I like it, I'll take it again.  If not, then at least I experienced it."

The Durian Dynamite Ice Cream which we jokingly dubbed as the Crocodile Ice Cream as it uses crocodile egg as ingredient.  Sorry for the crater, Misagh tried it first!  Haha =D

Misagh Bahadoran was not as adventurous so he opted for Crazy Monkey Banana.  But we joked at him and said that the flavor he chose was mixed with monkey milk!  And everyone laughed!  =D

The rest of the flavors though do not use crocodile eggs.   While the rest are enjoying their ice creams, I asked the Sweet Spot staff why is the Durian Dynamite the only flavor using the crocodile egg.  He said that the the one with crocodile egg is a little more pricey.   All the flavors are priced at PhP 35 per scoop but the Crocodile Ice Cream is at PhP 70. Well, I guess we can assume why a crocodile is more expensive than a chicken right?  =D  Anyway, Dino Dizon said that a crocodile egg is 80% egg yolk, which means it has less cholesterol.  And hence, a crocodile egg gives more protein and energy than an ordinary egg!  So there's a premium added into it!  =)

Stored Treasure: A Courtesy Call to Davao's Monarch, the Phlippine Eagle

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 20 September 2011

http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/09/courtesy-call-to-phlippine-eagle.html

I've frequented Luzon and Visayas but even if I hate to admit it, I've never landed in Mindanao.  The planned vacations (Davao City) and even work related trips (Basilan, Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City) never pushed through, whether they were always being rerouted to another location or plainly canceled.  But this time, I made sure the plan finally pushes through.  And lucky enough, I was Mindanao bound, via Davao City!

Well, the trip was primarily for work but I tried to look for a window of opportunity to make a side trip, at least for what Davao is most famous for since I really have a very limited time.  And unfortunately, I can't also extend this time around as I have something to do immediately the day after my flight back to Manila.

After a series of radio guestings (DZMM, Bombo Radyo and RMN) and lunch at Harana, I headed to one of Davao's prides, the Philippine Eagle Center!  =)

Stored Treasure: The River Cruise to Bayanihan Spirit -- Baybay Ilog, Bye-bye Basura for the Lubao-Sasmuan River Cruise

 BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 19 June 2011
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/06/river-cruise-to-bayanihan-spirit.html

The Philippines is a country of rivers.  In fact, we have about 421 river systems spread all throughout the archipelago.  There is no doubt how the rivers have influenced  us as a people.  For example, Tagalog, the language, the people and the region, came from the word Taga-Ilog (from the river) as the provinces surrounding the region evolved with the river system.

A view at the Loboc-Sasmuan River

And from what I learned in my Asian Civilization and World History classes when I was studying, it is in river systems where great civilizations flourished -- Tigris and Euphrates Rivers for the Persian and Mesopotamian civilizations, Nile  River for the Egyptian civilization, Indus River for the  Indian civilization and Huang or Yellow River for the Chinese civilization.  This body of water provide communities with food, water for drinking, household chores and domestic animals, irrigation for farm lands, access to transportation, a venue for trade and a place for rest and recreation.  There's no doubt, rivers have been part and parcel of our lives.

Treasure Find 23 -- Journey to the "Lost" Island of Sabtang (Da Best Sa Batanes part 4)

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Batanes...blessed or cursed?  Its isolation from the rest of the country preserved its pristine beauty but at the same time somehow kept it away from progress and life's advancement. 

There's no doubt, Batanes is among the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, places on Earth.  The prehistoric violence on Earth's soil and the province's eventual geographic location molded the magnificent beauty it possesses now.  As it's away from the effects of too much modernization and the wrath of pollution, Batanes was able to keep its natural gifts and the peaceful way of life of its people.

But while they are isolated, some things are left difficult to do.  Going back and forth to Batanes is costly, on the average, one must allocate around PhP 30,000.  Sometimes, one may have the money but the goods are not available in the islands.  If the weather is not good, ships won't dare to sail or go to their place to bring the things they need.  

Stored Treasure: Wowed by the Carabaos! -- The Pulilan Carabao Festival

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 21 May 2011

http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/05/wowed-by-carabaos-pulilan-carabao.html

In my quest to chronicle every Philippine treasure that I can possibly see,  I started being pro-active in personally checking out the wonderful things that our country has to offer.  May 15 is such a fantastic date as many things are happening all through out the Philippines.  Last year, I was able to experience the unique Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon.  But this year, the May 15 event I chose to witness is the Pulilan Carabao Festival (which is just two towns away from my ancestor's place)!  =)

Stored Treasure: The Return to Luneta

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 15 May 2011
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/05/return-to-luneta.html

In my blog post The Lion, The Trip and The Photos – The Chronicles of Singapura, I made a personal commitment then that I will definitely "see" again and have my photo taken at our country's national landmark Luneta Park. The reason for this is the realization that I always had my photo taken at the official landmark of every place I visit but I’ve never done this in our country’s very own Luneta Park.

When I say "see" that means to actually take a deeper look, appreciate and experience our very own tourist spot.  Well I for one somehow overlooked Luneta.  I actually studied at a university in Intramuros which is just beside the park and worked at a company based in UN Avenue, which is also beside Luneta. And I must admit, I took for granted my geographic advantage.  I actually just walked through Luneta Park to cross from one street to another end.   (Well that of course is beside the numerous visits my family had when I was a toddler which my mom told me but I can't recall).

Stored Treasure: Finding the last craftsman of pastillas de leche wrapper of Bulacan

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 21 April 2011
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2011/04/finding-last-craftsman-of-pastillas-de.html

I started my blog in the week of February 22 to 25, 2010 and today, I have just written my 100th story / blog post.   And I wanted the 100th to be a special one.  As such, for the 100th story of Tatak Digitista, under the Bayanihan Republic section, I especially picked this one and and actually conducted field research and interviews to complete the story.

Nanay Luz Ocampo, considered the last craftsman of pastillas de leche wrapper of Bulacan

When new found friends or colleagues always learn that my family is from Malolos, Bulacan, they usually ask a request from me to bring and let them taste Bulacan's native delicacies like inipit, kakanin, ensaymadang Malolos and... pastillas.  I usually tell them the story about pastillas de leche and the lola (grandmother) who makes well crafted pastillas wrapper (also called pabalat), considered to be the last of her kind.  The promise I give my friends is, once I found this lola, I will surely bring the said delicacy as pasalubong (pasalubong is a Filipino tradition where one brings gifts, tokens or delicacies from the place he visited or came from).  Oh my, what have I gotten myself into?  =)

Stored Treasure: A taste of healthier life in Bohol Bee Farm

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Stored Treasure / 05 June 2010

http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/06/taste-of-healthier-life-at-bohol-bee.html

When I was coordinating for our Bohol trip, I asked Vicki Pastoriza of Camp Cebu where else to go in Bohol aside from Chocolate Hills, Alona Beach, Loboc and Tarsier Sanctuary. And in an instant, she said Bohol Bee Farm in Panglao!  I got curious and interested about the place since it has never been in the province's tourism map so I guessed the bee farm must really be something new and nice to explore.  I informed everyone coming to the trip about it and I guess all of them got excited too!

Treasure Find 22: Four Blessings and A Smile -- Our Visita Iglesia in Bulacandia

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Every Holy Week, our family and relatives have a tradition -- Pabasa (day long chanting of Jesus Christ's story), Walk to Kapitangan and sometimes Prusisyon (procession of biblical images).  That's why it's a NO NO for me to go elsewhere at that time of the year since our family have a yearly Lenten practice and a reunion as well.  How can I let go of such wonderful tradition and bonding time right?  Anyway, while planning for this year's Holy Week activities, my Tita Elvie and I thought of something different this time around.  And that gave birth to the idea of a day long, Bulacan-wide Visita Iglesia!

Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition done every Holy Week to pray and remember Christ's life, death and resurrection.  This is just like the Stations of the Cross where people stop and pray every station (there are 14 stations) that represents a stage in the Passion of the Christ.  In Visita Iglesia on the other hand, each church represents a station.  

Stored Treasure: A Taste of Singapore's Cultural Mixes

 HELLO WORLD:

Stored Treasure / 25 December 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/12/taste-of-singapores-cultural-mixes.html

Explore Singapore - Day 6 and 7

Okay, I know this post, the last of my Explore Singapore series, is long overdue, but please bear with me, and let me conclude it the right way.  =)

Anyway, this post will narrate my last exploits (Days 6 and 7) in the Lion City: Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza, Sri Mariamman temple, Chinatown and Laupasat.

My cousin Rose and I met at the MRT station in Clementi and headed for the first location in our itinerary - Orchard Road. Well, I heard this is just like our very own Ayala Center or Makati Central Business District but I guess it's still worth seeing.  I'm a fan of cosmopolitan cityscapes anyway! =)

Jandy I initially planned to go to Lucky Plaza  (the mall in Orchard Road where Filipinos go to during their day-off) on a Sunday but we ran out of time.  But I will not let my week pass without seeing it so my cousin Rosey again became my tour guide here.  And of course, you have to forgive me, I can't not have my photo taken at the facade of this mall! =D (feeling OFW!)  And when we went inside, although it's not Sunday, the mall is still very Filipino - the people, the food, the stores, the remittance centers etc.  I guess this is a haven for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who miss home. 

Stored Treasure: Boys' Toys -- ooops, and Girls' too!

HELLO WORLD:

Stored Treasure / 15 November 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/11/boys-toys-ooops-and-girls-too-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 6, Part 1

We've always been used to museums that house archaeological artifacts, dioramas and other historical finds, that help keep and enrich a specific cultural heritage.  So when I first heard about the MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys) Museum of Toys in Singapore, I immediately got curious and excited!  Well, that's because I am both passionately serious about history and playfully child like on toy collection! =)

 
And in the Day 6 of my Explore Singapore mission, my cousin Rose (we actually used to call her Osang when she was a kid hehe), was my guide for the day since Jandy has to go to work that time.  We then explored the rest of the spots that were left in my target list, one of which, of course, is the MINT Museum of Toys.

Stored Treasure: The Lion, The Treat and The Photos -- The Chronicles of Singapura

HELLO WORLD:

Stored Treasure / 12 November 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/11/lion-treat-and-photos-explore-singapore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 5, Part 3

Everytime I visit a country or a province in the Philippines, I always see to it that I have a shot and a photo with the place's landmark or where its known for as backdrop.  So my Explore Singapore wouldn't be complete without a photo with the Merlion!

Right after touring Asia in 3 hours (via the Asian Civilizations Museum), we crossed the bridge, took snapshots of the vicinity and the interesting people walking the place. 

"Stop the wedding!"  Is the girl trying to stop the wedding?  =)

Stored Treasure: Around Asia in 3 Hours!

HELLO WORLD:

Stored Treasure / 10 November 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/11/around-asia-in-3-hours-tour-of-asian.html

Explore Singapore - Day 5, Part 2

Multi-armed Quan-Am, 18th Century or later, North Vietnam.  Mahayana Buddhism was brought to Vietnam from China during the early 1st millennium CE, and by the 2nd century CE, Hanoi had become an important center for Buddhism.

I think I have previous posts declaring my passion for history, specifically on ancient civilizations.  I cannot pin point the actual reason but perhaps it may have started with my fascination on stories that dissect the essence of every race or the backdrop of temples, castles and other architectural wonders sans modern technology; or perhaps it's because of the influence by the popular media I grew up with and eventually embraced (e.g. Indiana Jones, The Adventures of Tintin, The National Geographic etc.); or perhaps it's brought up by my thirst for our people's authentic identity through my quest for pre-colonial literature, artifacts and historical data.  And with that, the Asian Civilizations Museum can't be in the list in my Explore Singapore mission.  And here it is, my Around Asia tour in 3 Hours! =)

Stored Treasure: The Mark of Jurong Bird Park

HELLO WORLD:

Stored Treasure / 30 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/mark-of-jurong-bird-park-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 5, Part 1

It's my Day 5 in Singapore and still my sched is pretty packed with exciting activities and places to check out!

First in the in the itinerary is the third in Singapore's wildlife triad, the Jurong Bird Park!  And since it's my friend Jandy's birthday that day, his entrance fee in the facility is totally free!  =)  We arrived at the park at around 11 am and we were lucky to catch on the time the Birds n Buddies show!

Stored Treasure: Singapore by Night

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Stored Treasure / 29 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/singapore-by-night-explore-singapore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 4, Part 2

Singapore by Night may first ring the thought of bars, beers and party animals but this post talks about another kind of commune and creatures of the night.  =)  This is about Singapore's famous attraction Night Safari and its animals that wander in the dark and gather under the moonlight.  Well, it's quite similar sans the loud music, alcoholic drinks and people who gets helplessly drunk at night. =)

When I heard there was a plan of having a trip to Singapore, the first thing I thought of not missing is the Night Safari.  Well, the primary considerations for the trip then were the opening of Sentosa and Universal Studios, but for me, Night Safari shouldn't be out of the list.

After that tiring but fulfilling walk at the Singapore Zoo (and after having that big meal in KFC!), we headed to the Night Safari.  And what welcomed us is the fascinating Thumbuakar Performance featuring fire-eating, acrobatic and roaring stunts!

Stored Treasure: The Wild Side of Singapore

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Stored Treasure / 23 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/wild-side-of-singapore-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 4

We've always known Singapore for its tall buildings, cosmopolitan cityscape and urban lifestyle. 'But have you seen the city's wild side?  Wait, wait, don't get me wrong.  This time, am not being figurative.  And being literal is a good thing this time around hehe.  When I said wild side, I didn't mean about the dirty secrets of the city I fell in love with.  The wild side I'm talking about is Singapore's wildlife triad, the 3 Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) parks - the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park. And this post focuses on my trip to the Singapore Zoo!  =)

The other tiger of Singapore, the white tigers in Singapore Zoo =)

Stored Treasure: More of Singapore

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Stored Treasure / 19 October 2010

Explore Singapore - Day 3

The Tiger of Asia =).  This is what I got in Saint James Power Station - Singapore's Tiger Beer. =)

Day 3 - We were scheduled for a City tour from 9 am to 12 noon but since we will be checking out at 1 PM, Neil, Henry and I decided to cancel the tour and cherish our last hours at the hotel hehe. 

So right after breakfast, I went back to bed and had a luxurious sleep, Neil took a swim, and Henry, I think, strolled the malls.

Stored Treasure: The Hunt for Good Dinner

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Stored Treasure / 15 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/hunt-for-good-dinner-explore-singapore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 2, Part 2

We arrived at Pan Pacific Hotel from Universal Studios at around 7 PM.  So right after freshening up, we started thinking what a good dinner will be.  Well, of course, we didn't join the Night Safari so we need to compensate the evening with something equal or better.  And, the verdict, we decided to go to Chinatown to hunt for a good dinner (instead of Bugis)!

Stored Treasure: Fan and Fun in Universal Studios

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Stored Treasure / 13 October 2010
http://digitista.blogspot.com/2010/10/fan-fun-in-universal-studios-explore.html

Explore Singapore - Day 2, Part 1

Hong Kong and Singapore have been rivals in economy, in regional operations location, and in tourism.  So when Hong Kong got Disneyland a few years ago, I just thought HK got the upper hand. =) 'But Singapore did not take this sitting down and fought back big time with the opening of Universal Studios early this year!  =)  And as always, it's us, customers who benefit from this healthy competition. =)

At last, Universal Studios! =)

The world is in my hands!

So after touring HK Disneyland in 2008, it's SG Universal Studios this time around!