10 Things I am Thankful for this #Stronger2014

Ilang oras na lang 2015 na!  And at this time of the year, I can't help but look back and reflect on what happened in the last year and look forward for the next.

I could say it's been a good 2015.  During this time last year, I forged the personal battle cry of #Stronger2014.  Coming from a bloody but victorious 2013 (#Win2013), I just felt I ought to be stronger this year.  And I think I was able to accomplish that through the help of our boss up there, family, true friends and dependable colleagues.

So let me thank them one by one.

foydi's Catch 38 - Brown Christmas

Like many of you, Christmas is also the most wonderful time of the year for me.  The moment the calendar hits the 1st of September, I can't help but get excited with the coming of the holiday season. I bet you've heard many times that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season or celebration in the world as we start it at the on-set of the ber months (September 1) up to the second week of January the following year (the week of 3 Kings celebration).

But what I particularly like about our Christmas celebration is that we were able to put  local color to something that is shared by the west.  So just like US army jeeps turned into the festive Philippine jeepney, western outfits turned into elegant but cool Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya, and ceremonial feasts of saints transformed to colorful fiestas, we were able to tweak White Christmas to Brown Christmas!

Treasure Find 37 - Why I prefer HILOT than other massage treatments

I must admit, I'm a massage addict.  Well, it's probably because of the regular stress I get from work, blogging and a lot of other things.  But don't get me wrong, I know stress is part and parcel of our lives.  That's why my remedy for it is a regular massage.

Before my hilot therapy session :)

I usually have a backpain because of the laptop and all the gadgets I carry.  If you'll comment why bring it regularly as if it's the solution to the problem, then I would say it's not.  As someone who's in the digital practice, my gadgets are my tools.  So I can't leave them behind.

Treasure Find 36 - Feast Time!

Hi folks! I know I left you hanging because foydi's Treasure Hunt was in hybernation last year. There's no excuse and all I want to do now is catch up. :)

But for the curious ones, here's a snapshot of what happened last year: http://digitista.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-places-tadified-in-2013.html

Ok, let me start this post with a question given to me by a friend: "What's your biggest blessing last year, 2013?"

I immediately responded but ran out of words when I was zeroing in to my point, in to what I really want to say. In my mind, 2013 like 2012, was a roller coaster ride.  But unlike 2012 where there were fixed wins like a new job, great travels and a swan song, 2013 was a stable up and down (ironic right?!).  In 2013, I did have good travels, but so as bad ones.  I made a mark at work but it was also the first time I was strongly challenged by office politics. I made new friends but lost some as well.  Clan bond is slowly getting back but the blacksheeps are still there.  So what exactly was the biggest blessing in 2013? It couldn't be a zero!

Yes, it couldn't be a zero because I realized that my biggest blessing in 2013 is something life changing, something that really matters.  That is the FEAST. That is the Makati Feast.

Treasure Find 35 -- Cash and Coins to Welcome the New Year!

Treasure Find  35:

Another thing we do before the new year arrives is do a general cleaning of our house and our room, to as what other folks believe, make more room for the entry of financial blessings! :)

That's not my motivation though.  I just want to start 2013 year with a new, clean and fresh outlook.  So come December 29 (after 12 mn!)  and upon waking up on December 30, I cleaned and re-arranged the fixtures in my room.  It was a tiring time because I have plenty of stuffs to fix.  

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