Road trip to the north!

May 2013 (last weekend)

I won't go into the details of how much hassle the agency caused us. But I would like to give my honest opinion on SMB(Sarap Mag Byahe) travel agency -- they still lacked experience in organizing group tours. If the tourist spots were not worth it, I would say, their name 'SMB' is very inappropriate.

Night before Day 1:

Our plan: Get to the meeting place early so we get the most comfortable seats.

Outcome: Unfortunately, we had a biased driver. He picked up his "acquaintances" before going to the meeting place.

My opinion: Very unprofessional. It also casts a gray area on whether the van fee is really divided by the number of passengers OR by the number of passengers not related to the driver.

My suggestion: The agency should purchase a mini bus for conducting group tours to give equal space to all passengers. Vans are only good for max 8 persons(for comfort) not 13. Convoys are a waste of time--most especially during tours like ours---without prepared meals.

Day 1:

View from Quirino Bridge

Adventure zone

Quirino Bridge

Old Bridge

New Bridge

Honestly, I didn't know why we ever bothered stopping there for more than 10 minutes. It's not like they gave an educational talk on the bridge. Don't get me wrong, the view was great. I think it would've been better if the first van arrived there and took pictures for 5 minutes, then left to give way to the next van. You couldn't get a decent picture of the bridge when a large group of people spread around and take pictures.

Marsha's Delicacy

We arrived at Marsha's at 7:30am. I ordered a Vigan longganisa meal (PHP 120) for breakfast. This is inclusive of rice, sunny side up, atchara and a choice of iced tea or coffee. The meal had 3 cutie little pieces of longganisa(just like the size of your thumb). Their version of Vigan longganisa had a balanced taste--unlike others that have the vinegar dominate the flavor of the longganisa. My sister ordered a Corned beef meal. At 130PHP, this meal is affordable considering that the corned beef brand used is Palm corned beef. We left the place at approximately 8:40am. 

You'd say that 8:40 is still early right? But the original time indicated in the itinerary was--we should already be at the Baluarte ni Chavit(zoo) by 8am.

First stop: Bell Tower and Vigan Church

The location of these two is approximately 10-15 minutes away from Marsha's Delicacy. There's a registration table and a donation box before you proceed to the Bell Tower. You may want to take your picture all the way up where the bells are --but watch your step!

Second stop: Syquia Mansion

If you're not interested in the story behind the mansion, then you could just go ahead and take pictures of the whole place. But listening to the caretaker would give a whole lot of meaning to the furnitures, paintings and other objects in the house.

Third stop: Baluarte ni Chavit

Contraption for extracting sugarcane juice

There are a limited number of animals here. One thing worth doing--which we didn't know at that time--was to fall in line and have your picture taken with a tiger. You could also have a taste of the freshly--I'm not sure if this is the proper term--"pressed" sugarcane to cool you down from the summer heat. You could also take a ride on a mini cart pulled by a pony.

The drivers suggested that we go to Badoc Museum on our last day. I'm so tired and sleepy that I forgot to oppose because our last day would be Monday-and museums are closed on Mondays! >.<

This was where we ate our lunch. The food was good though. But honestly, by this time, you would just like to sleep and wait for the next destination.

Fourth stop: Marcos Mausoleum


Taking pictures was forbidden to pay respect to the late President. You only need to spend less than 5 minutes in this place.

Fifth stop: Paoay Church

Paoay Church garden

I'm always at a loss for words when it comes to old churches. The Paoay Church's facade is picture-perfect. To my surprise, the church stretched out longer than I thought.

Sixth stop: Malacanang of the North (near Paoay lake)

Outside Malacanang of the North

We weren't able to enter this house. A group of foreigners who were, I guess, doing some sort of documentary about the place had requested the cooperation of the local government to close it to public for the day.








Seventh stop: Paoay Sand Dunes

View from Paoay Sand Dunes

Paoay Sand Dunes

At 2500php/hour for 5pax, you could ride a 4x4 truck and go sandboarding. But for us who were feeling icky since we've been on the road for the whole day, we decided to skip the sandboarding, thus reducing the fee  to 1500php/30minutes on a 4x4. I was expecting the 4x4 that closely resembles an owner type jeep. But our ride was more of a 4x4 pick up truck. Later on, we found out that the one driving was the founder of the whole activity and he was the one who taught the other drivers how to go about the dunes.


Last stop: Laoag City

Rainbow

Doing all these activities will leave you exhausted and feeling sticky from the heat. A warm bath will guarantee a good night's sleep. But this was not our last stop. Since my grandma is living near Laoag, even if it's late, we decided to drop by and give her a visit. All in all, it was an activity-filled day.

Remnants of all work-related issues

April 16, 2013

>Just when I thought I could go on a vacation this week, issues suddenly piled up at work.

>I am also scheduled to take an exam next week. Talk about p-r-e-s-s-u-r-e! Honestly, this exam does not guarantee the capability of a person. The person is either underestimated or overestimated. I know some people, they flunked exams but they do great at work. While others pass exams but are really incompetent. What irony!

>One officemate irritates me |<-----------------------------------------------------------------this-----------------------------and---------------------------------------------------------------this--------------------------------------------------------------and--------------------------------------------------------------this------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>| much. I don't think I would want to work with that person ever. He/She is the kind of person you'd just love to hate. Someone who instantly gets on your nerves even if he/she does nothing. You just feel irritated. Period.

>You just have to accept the fact that some people are not committed in doing their jobs. They're just in it for the salary.

>Some people are just plain egotist yet empty-headed.
>And some people are boringly silent---but don't you let them open their thoughts to you without being ready or you'll be really sorry.

Just like recess

April 8, 2013

Usually, I don't eat snacks. I stick to my routine --- breakfast, lunch, dinner --- no snacks. But for some reason, I really felt hungry, so I bought Quake bars vanilla  and Chiz Crispers. You might be wondering what they are, so I'm going to post pictures.

Chiz Crispers

If you are familiar with Clover Chips, this is JnJ's version. I like it's texture when you bite into it. But there's an after-taste that sets me off. It's a good thing that it's just in a small package.

Actual Chip zoomed in. 

Quake bars (vanilla)

The cream filling didn't exactly taste like vanilla but I really appreciate that there's a generous amount of it inside the bar. It's also yummy (just like what they claim). I'm a child at heart so I really appreciate these types of snacks.

Worst trip ever

March 29-31,2013

Baler, Aurora

I was excited for this trip but I didn't expect events to have happened like that. I wished for a lot of things, even the thought of going home the moment I arrived. This is what happens when you're not included in the planning team. Note to self: always have Plan B and C. Don't worry I'll spare you from my rants and give you the good parts.

Museo de Baler @ Baler Town Proper

I went to Baler with my college classmates. Since we were 9 in the group, renting a van is more affordable and hassle-free than riding a bus. The van rental was worth 7000php excluding gas and toll fees. So for the transportation, inn and food, we shelled out approximately 2500php/pax(maybe less). Since one of our classmate's relatives live here, we were spared with most of the food expenses.

Presidential car of  former President Manuel L. Quezon

March 29, 2013

From Quezon City Circle to Baler, it would take you approximately 6-7 hours. Make sure that you bring lots of food and water. Book early because hotels near the renowned beaches will usually be fully booked, especially during summer. If you're prone to motion sickness, make sure to take your meds. There are a lot of sharp curves going to Baler and if you're driver is not that skilled when it comes to abrupt turns, you're sure to have a headache and an upset stomach.

View of the Pacific Ocean @ Ermita Hill

On our first day, we went to Baler town proper, Ermita Hill, Diguisit Beach and Sabang Beach.

Diguisit Beach

Ermita Hill is where you can see the Pacific Ocean. There are several view decks where you can take pictures.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Diguisit Beach is approximately 15-20 minutes away from Ermita Hill. There are a lot of huge rocks here where you could strike a pose and feel like a model from a magazine. Our group stayed here until sunset. You will also see several mini-falls along the highway going to this beach. 

Sabang Beach

Our last stop is the famous Sabang Beach. This is where you can catch the waves. Too bad we went here late in the afternoon. We only spent approximately 20-30 minutes at this beach. Too bad we didn't have surf boards. I would've loved to try surfing. If you don't have a surf board, just do what we did. Ride the waves by floating OR you could also rent a board. If you're not a skilled swimmer, do be careful since you might be taken by the waves. 

March 30, 2013

We woke up early so that we would have ample time to enjoy at Dinadiawan Beach before noon--when the sun is at its hottest.

Dinadiawan Beach is approximately an hour away from where we stayed. Again, take your anti-emetics because you would traverse mountains and this would automatically involve zigzag roads. Ready your cameras since the ride will offer you majestic views of the ocean.

View along the highway

Cottages at Dinadiawan Beach

The original plan was, we stay 1 night at LeDan Inn and Resort, then we stay at Dinadiawan Beach for the second night. I don't understand why this plan changed. But we ended up staying at the same inn for the whole duration of our trip. And so, I thought that we're going to sleep at a cute little house or at a cute little cottage. We stayed at the cottage for the day(left part of the picture).

Dinadiawan Beach is a strip of white sand beach but may not be as white as that of Boracay. Nonetheless, it offered a nice backdrop for photographs. The part of the beach where we stayed were filled with corals so we walked a bit more to reach the sandy part.

Dinadiawan Beach

Our stay at this beach was the major highlight of our trip -- or so I thought.

March 31, 2013

Our inn is also near the beach. So I woke up in time for the beautiful sunrise. As a bonus, you could also see the foggy Sierra Madre Mountain Range from afar. It's also Easter Sunday!

The last part of our trip is the Caunayan Falls. It is also approximately an hour away from the Baler town proper. No need for meds here since there would only be rough roads. Before going there, we ate lunch and bought souvenirs at the pasalubong center.  The entrance fee to the falls is approximately 100-200php/pax. We only had 3 hours to stay at the place before heading home. I really wished we spent more time at this place. There are other places we didn't get to see, so maybe I'll come back here next year.

Caunayan Falls

You may be wondering why this blog entry is entitled as such since Baler is a beautiful place. But I wouldn't get into the details, so enjoy the entry :)

Cheese overload @ Sandwicheese

March 13, 2013

Part of their brochure

 This is the last day of our office mate in this project so as dictated by office tradition, we had our lunch out. We were planning on going to this place a month ago, but it never pushed through ---until now.

The Place.

Sandwicheese is a cozy little place beside Banapple (Katipunan Ave.) Don't be surprised if you see Banapple products because this is also owned by the same people. I initially thought that they serve cheese sauce as condiments---like ketchup and mustard---so much for wishful thinking. Ha!

Our Orders.

As usual, I'm not a sandwich person so I ordered a sandwich that I think would last me until dinner. I ordered their Drippin' Roast Beef Sandwicheese (160php) - corn meal bun, roast beef, caramelized onions, cheese spread, topped with mozzarella and cheese sauce. Our officemate offered to pay for our drinks and 2 sides. I ordered Banapple's brewed iced tea *sorry I forgot to take note of the price and they ordered the Cheese boulders (cheese with jalapeño-approx. 50-65php) and Skin-on fries (approx. 50-65php)*sorry I also forgot to take note of their prices---maybe because I didn't pay for them ^_^ ---so technically for me, they're free :)

The Size and Taste.

First came the cheese boulders. 6-7 pcs. cheesy jalapeño balls(fairly priced). It was nice, though I expected the cheese to be made up of the chewy type of mozzarella. I personally think that it lacked something. Maybe a little saltiness from the cheese and more jalapeño. Maybe a dip would also help.

Next that came in was the Skin-on fries. These are jumbo-cut fries with the skin on--obviously. It came with a garlic dip (I'm not sure if it was mayo or cream cheese, but I'm sure of the garlic.) For me, the fries was better eaten as it is.

When my order came, I was literally stumped. "How am I supposed to eat this???" The bread length is the typical length of a hotdog bun, but it was filled up with the roast beef and the caramelized onion that I'm suddenly thinking of ways how to fit the sandwich inside my mini mouth. >.<   Since I'm the only girl in the group, I decided to drop being the girly girl and temporarily forget the word 'Poise'. *good thing we were the only diners then ^_^

From the pictures available in the internet, I initially thought that they placed cheddar cheese on top of the sandwich, to my surprise, it was good 'ol mozzarella. I would've liked it better if it was melted. :) The beef was juicy though some pieces are a bit on the tough side. I'm honestly expecting a different roast beef taste, but as some would say, "don't expect". I didn't get much flavor from the caramelized onions but I did appreciate the cheese spread they put in the bread. 

Banapple's brewed iced tea is one of those likable iced teas. :)

The Verdict

Overall, even though there are few minor setbacks, it was a good lunch. And even though, it's just sandwich, it was a heavy meal. I would love to go back and try the Hickory Shredded Pork Sandwicheese and maybe buy a jar of their cheese spreads.

*There was one thing in that place that got me thinking...I wondered why there was a jar of Fita biscuits beside the counter. It was neither offered nor served while waiting. I didn't bother asking the cashier.

*Sorry no pictures

To vote or Not to vote

Several electoral campaigns have started to come out a few months ago. TV ads, jingles, issues about the candidates, and posters are everywhere. And here I am, still clueless on who to vote for in the next elections.

Here's my opinion on the whole elections:
(I think I have a few countrymen with this view) => My vote will be wasted. If I vote, the available candidates are relatives of the current politicians. If I don't vote, the candidates who "gain" the favor of more voters wins the election.

I think that there should be a law indicating that a candidate could only spend a maximum of Php50k for campaigns. This includes the amount given by their sponsors. That way, even if all candidates will spend all of the money to buy the votes of the people, this will still not guarantee their seat in the government.

Another problem is that their platforms are not comprehensive. All they do is to make sure their faces are all over the place -- be it on the newspaper, television, posters, or other campaign materials.

Criterias for being a candidate should be stricter.
One, they should not be related to anyone in office for their term.
Two, the candidates should at least be a college graduate. And they should have an above-average GPA.
Three, they should also have a clean record. No traffic violations, no criminal records, no bad reputation. A genuinely honest-to-goodness citizen of the Philippines.
Four, there should be some sort of practical examination for these candidates to prove their competency for the position and their psychological stability.
Five, lifestyle checks should be conducted and their net worth should be broadcasted to the whole country even before they take office. Then, after 6 mos. in office and every subsequent year, the same checks will be conducted and they should be investigated once abnormalities occur.
Six, they should be actively participating in outreach programs/charities, or any activity that would prove that they are genuinely running for public service for at least 15 years.
Seven,  they should not own a company/corporation just to avoid conflicts of interest when it comes to creating a law.

So why couldn't at least some in this ideal list be implemented when it comes to elections but are necessary when finding a regular day job???  Regular job interviews require you to be a college graduate and before you get employed, you take an exam and then you are interviewed. They also require your NBI records and all sorts of legal documents.

Another frustrating fact is that most of these candidates' platforms target the alleviation of poverty. I've lived for 20 years but hey, nothing's happening. So why do the taxes of the hardworking masses go to the poor who depend on the government when they themselves don't do anything to improve their social situation? Why can't these politicians target the improvement of rural areas to prevent migration to urban areas?

So you see, it's hard to make a decision. If I vote, my vote gets wasted. If I don't vote, same thing happens.

Side note: (totally not related to elections) Why do government official/employees have transport services? Why can't they commute like any other normal citizen? So they could experience first-hand the situation of their countrymen.

Spending Spree

I'm not the typical gal who splurges on make-up, shoes, clothes, and bags. 

I'm the kind of girl who spends most of her income not on the latest gadgets, but on food trips and adventure trips. From my blog posts, you would notice that I have been actively spending on food. I guess this year of the snake is not a thrift year but a spending year for the year of the ox like me. I still have places to go for the first half of the year. Next major stop: Baler!! Yay! So watch out for my post :)