Sweepin' Through The City: Walking alone at Limketkai

Taken at the underpass in Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro. "Don't go to the light!" hehe.

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A Glorious Performance (Satu Persembahan Kegemilangan)

I'm a fan of Jaclyn Victor. The video above was taken from the first Ikon ASEAN Awards. Anyway, Gemilang means 'glorious' in Malay. It's Jac's trademark song from winning the first Malaysian Idol in 2004. I tried to decipher the exact meaning of it through a free translation site but it gave me a vague meaning of the beautiful song. I asked some help from a Malay friend but he ended up laughing at me coz it's an old song and it talks about nothing but Jac's winning experience of the contest. No one sings crazy like Jaclyn Victor I haven't heard someone from Asia who sings like her. I hope she sings more English songs for the international market I bet she'll make a shot.

Vina Morales bagged the first solo Ikon ASEAN last year along with the Filipino band Kwjan for the Group Ikon ASEAN category. A clean sweep to other contenders around SEA. I'm a bit skeptical why she won the contest but anyway lets thank her for the honor she brought to the Philippines. To give credit to the first Ikon ASEAN winner, below is a video of Vina's winning performance along with stunts and exhibitions. LOL. Mahirap gawin iyan singing while dancing. Sinong hindi mananalo sa ginawa niyang tossing? Hehehe. Mas malaki pa ang braso niya kaysa sa akin. LOL.
Let's unite ASEAN!

Translate Filipino (Tagalog) to English click here.

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Coffee & Co.

My first visit at Coffee & Co. Capitol University Medical City (CUMC), the first coffee shop in a hospital in Cagayan de Oro. I was with my Bonggi-bonggi for a check up. While waiting for the doctor we had kiwi delight and fruit pie. Hmm. I should have brought the lappie to try their wi-fi connection. That's literally information technology in health care. :P

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Mga Rosas Ni Mama (Mom's Roses)

It wasn't the warmth that made me open my eyes but the morning discomfort I felt in my throat. It's 8.30 AM not my standard waking time. Dried up from last night's cold perhaps. I must have drank a little before I went to bed. An immediate relief was all I need. I swung my door open and hurried to the fridge for a drink. Mama was on her office table checking her notes for the day's itinerary and greeted good morning without looking at my grimaced out of bed look. I saw leftovers of yesterday's birthday celebration still untouched yet enticing. Food was not an option. I was hoping to find a pitcher of ice tea but I didn't. Plain water will be fine. I felt the gush of relief as I swallowed the refreshing taste of cool water from the fridge. As dry as the Taklamakan the feeling became as moist as the Orinoco. I went back to my room to check emails. I overheard mama's litany of household chores to ate Bebe, our housemaid whom I dislike when it comes to washing my favorite clothes. I guess she's on her late 30s.

Mama: Baka ma li-late ako mamaya ikaw na bahala sa bahay basta siguraduhing naka lock ang main at back door at syempre yung gate kapag naunang lumabas si kuya (me). Mga sugo ko sa'yo ha... May kanin sa rice cooker at may ulam pa sa ref pwede kang kumuha para sa pananghalian ng pamilya mo (mama talaga mas mabait pa kay Rosa Rosal). Sige aalis na ako.

Mama forgot to knock my window for her goodbye she might thought I went back to sleep. I remained inside my room quiet. No sound of percussions of Sergio Mendes' Encanto played in my playlist but only the soft bubbling of my aquarium aerator can be heard. I was totally unaware of what was going on outside. An hour after, the phone rang and I didn't dare to get out. The back door screen banged, an indication that she was on a hurry not to miss an important call. I heard her loud voice from my room and I wondered who could that be. I waited for the next screen banging, a signal that she resumes her work in the backyard. I went out. The screen was wide open and I saw Poodie wagging his tail at me. I reached him out through my foot and he laid down for his daily dose of attention.

Ate Bebe: Kuya gising kana pala! Nagluto ako ng karne nasa tupperware. At kuya may tumawag kanina na babae at engles ng engles sabi niya long distan daw parang hinahanap si manang (mom).
Me: Sino daw? (Kasabay ng pagtaas ng mga mata ko)
Ate Bebe: Di ko naitanong kasi di ako marunong mag engles sabi ko 'No. No.' Hahahaha
Me: Aaaah.
Ate: Wala akong karapatan mag engles hehehehe kasi di naman ako prepesyonal (ano daw?) tulad ni manang. (defense ni Ate) Hmmm.
Me: Ok.

I'm hungry. Ano'ng ulam natin?
I found chinese luncheon meat swimming in broth. Di pa ako naka rinig ng luncheon meat o ham na sinabawan. Teka di ako magaling mag luto pero alam ko hindi sinasabawan ito. Diyos ko po tulong! No choice. Kinain ko na lang... buti na lang may banana ketchup pa sa ref. I didn't dare to taste the broth (nakakawalan ng gana talaga parang nasa fear factor ako dito).

I need to breathe in fresh air outside.
OH MY GOSH! Atehhhhhh? Anong nangyari sa rosas ni mama??!!%*@ Patay
Ate: Halaka kuya hindi diay pwede ang malathion sa Rosas may uod kasi eh?

HUHUHUHU :-(

Translate Filipino (Tagalog) to English click here

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A Gift for Grandma

Bye Koi (warped by the plastic bag)! Bye Excelsea (Foreground) and Arabica (Background) as well as the rest of the tetras (Black and Buenos Aires Tetras)! Last Sunday, 26th of October was my grandma's birthday so I gave them out to add up her tank community. The aquarium was a traditional hobby passed on from my grandparents down to their grandchildren but I alone continued the tradition, the rest of my cousins were into technology and photography. Anyway, the name Arabica and Excelsea are types of coffee beans (along with Robusta) that are currently a selection in coffee shops. Arabica has a red-orange set of eyes while Excelsea has a dull yellow. The coffee names has nothing to do with their color. I don't know why I named them that way. Koi was named after an angelfish variety which has a koi-like markings and color but usually yellow markings on the head.I don't miss them really I still have the chance to check them out nanay's home is just 3 blocks away from here I don't have to be emotional. Her tank is a home of 4 platys, which I gave months ago and a koi, I'm not a koi enthusiast so I have no idea what variety it is. :-p

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Sweepin' Through The City: While waiting at NSO IV

He went out after he noticed a camera flash from the next table. I looked at him and smiled. He looked back at his distracter straight in the eye, that marked the end of his limitless exploration around the business park. He was hesitant to smile back at me. I made the first move to release the visual contact. The convergence might scare him. Innocence. I stood up at my feet when a screaming yaya (nanny) with smudged eye make up rushed towards the little boy. Aguy! Joonatan! Lagot tayo sa mommy mo! Huhuhu. Behave sabi eh... huhuhu. Mischievous.

Translate Filipino (Tagalog) to English click here

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Sweepin' Through The City: While waiting at NSO III

After eavesdropping a conversation between a negligent yaya (nanny) and a nosy security, I finally decided to sit down the rickety high chair. I've been out under the sun looking around the frustrating barren premises of NSO Cagayan de Oro. All you see around the business park is a wide expanse of parking lot. Cement. Dirt. Dust. The scorching afternoon sun. Lucky you get a parking lot nearby the office or you get a free tan from walking 2 blocks between your car. And the rickety chair's uncomfortable to sit so I stood up not because of the inconvenience it cause but to don my shoelace. As I raised my head from stooping I noticed a little boy under the high table on his solitary play. I grabbed my cam from behind with stealth not to disturb a rare animal on action and (click)... perfect! :P Teka muna... JOONATAN (Jonathan) ikaw ba yan???

Translate Filipino (Tagalog) to English click here

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Sweepin' Through The City: While waiting at NSO II

And again, while waiting for a special someone at the National Statistics Office a girl between the ages 16 to 20 was sobbing at the corner. With the pink baby bag I think I have an idea whats with the sobbing and shrugging. The security approached her and asked what's wrong and she said, 'SIR tulong.. HUHUHUHU. Nawawala ang alaga ko Sir! Si Joonatan (Jonathan, uiii bisaya si ate)! kwan man sir 3 years old naka yilo (yellow) na T-Shirt at naka short pan (pants) HUHUHU.' Naku naku naku naku lagot si yaya (nanny)! Porbida! Abangan...

Translate Filipino (Tagalog) to English click here

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Sweepin' Through The City: While waiting at NSO I

While waiting for a special someone at the National Statistics Office, I enjoyed taking pictures around out of boredom. I love the wall patterns. :P According to a friend from UK, the image is contemplating. For me it depicts being lonely. Alone.

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Volare

Released in 1989 and then re-released in 2000 by the Gipsy Kings, a French music group that popularized the Italian original. Now, you can hear it in the local radio stations here in the Philippines. Thanks to Moy Moy Palaboy. Love this song! LOL Heard this twice in Cagayan de Oro.

Volare
by Gipsy Kings

Pienso que un sueno parecido no volvera más
Y me pintaba las manos y la cara de azul
Y me improviso el viento rapido me llevo
Y me hizo ir a volar en el cielo infinito

Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassu

Y volando, volando feliz
Yo me encuentro más alto
Más alto que el sol
Y mientras que el mundo
Se aleja despacio de mi
Una musica dulce
Se ha tocada solo para mi

Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassu

Pienso que un sueno parecido no volvera más
Y me pintaba las manos y la cara de azul
Y me improviso el viento rapido me llevo
Y me hizo ir a volar en el cielo infinito

Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassu

Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassu
Pienso que un sueno parecido no volvera más
Y me pintaba las manos y la cara de azul
Y me improviso el viento rapido me llevo
Y me hizo ir a volar en el cielo infinito

Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassu

Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassu

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Adam Rendition

Hope you like it. LOL. :P

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Long! Thank you so much! :P

After 6 months of working without day-offs in Anaheim, Long, welcome home! First, I would like to thank you for this little pasalubong (gift, a new Ipod/Iphone Apple USB Adapter) I really appreciate it. I know you've been so lonely back in the states but then I would also like to thank Ate Phalyn for accompanying you around CA with her new car (aheeem). Hmm. I don't want to be mushy, well, I know you've been worried of us here after 2 of our loved ones passed away but we were much worried of you of not having you here with us during our loss. But then, everything has a purpose yet so far God has been good to us and He will remain good. You've been ravaged with a lot of bad news from here and you remained strong. That's simply fabulous. Anyway so much for that, though I never got the chance to browse your new Ipod Touch thank you kaayo! Hehe. Long abi nako magdala ka og kurtina, bedsheet og mantel hehehe kay murag unlimited jud kaayo ang supply ana hmm murag beauty products na jud ang gipangita sa ato mga auntie kay you know na the age...

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Sergio Mendes: Encanto

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Lost but now found...

My one and only oath taking souvenir which costs more than any other Starbucks Mug in the planet. Aside from its sentimental value I paid a lot (Mahal talaga huhuhu nakakabutas ng bulsa ni mama) in the registration for the ceremony and 4 long years of studying then passing the licensure exam last December 2007. Pheeww :P

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Heart Breakers Club

A collaboration of 2 talents. :P

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Flying Rods Part 3

See? Told ya... It's an insect of some sort and not extraterrestrial beings or one of Big Foot's contemporaries from the insect world. :P

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Sa Mga Mata Ng Bata (In the Eyes Of a Child)...

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Factual TV

For those of you who are fond of watching true-to-life documentaries, there's no need to go to the nearest video shop or wait for the next showing of an anticipated docu on cable TV. You just have to log into www.factualtv.com! It contains various topics from biographies to controversial issues in politics and society.

This is how FactualTV works

• The service is open to everyone. Just register and start watching. The registration takes less than a minute and gives immediate access.

• You don’t need to download any software. If it doesn’t work, you usually need to upgrade to a new version of Flash. Only takes a minute.

• All content has been properly licensed and is legal to watch.

• The content is categorized and indexed after subjects and themes.

• You can buy titles by downloading them straight to your desktop. Bought titles will be delivered "better-than-DVD-quality", soon even in HD. Available for PC users. You can buy credits via our PayPal payment module. Any currency will be automatically converted into credits for consumption at factualTV.

• You can also view most titles free of charge streaming them in "great-internet-quality". These streams will soon be supported by advertisers and sponsors. Available for PC and Mac users.

• You are able to rate and to submitt your comments on vidoes you have watched and you will also be able to share your favourite factual videos with your friends.

• Just register and start watching. Almost too easy.

Click on the image to direct you to FactualTV.com

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Exclusively Dang

Dang Belated Happy Birthday! My rendition to you with Bajang hope you like it. Wish you all the best in life! Hugz xoxo. Sorry wasn't able to make it on Sunday I missed a lot of the fun you had with the rest of the batch.

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Sins of the Flesh

Rocky Road Chocolate Sundae. Sugar loading. I haven't had a spoon of ice cream or sundae for months! :P Taken at Divisoria branch while waiting for my 'school bus.'

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Boredom Episodes: Pianista

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My Family Coat of Arms

What's in a name? That's the question that compelled me to look for the meaning of my surname 8 years ago and at last I found not only the meaning but also the family coat of arms. My surname means 'An Orchard of Weeping Willows' or 'Thickets of Willows' salce or saucé means willow tree. The only thing that I can't explain are the 5 leaves on a field of gold. Hmm hope a heraldry expert can help me with this. Another historical account says that the family originally lived near willow trees. The distinguished name Salcedo is derived from the Latin word Salix, which means willow tree. I guess I'm thinking of a willow tree in our backyard I might take a look at the nearest garden supply if they got any. :P

Salcedo Coat of Arms Blazon (in Old French I guess):

D'argent a un arbre arrache de sinople, charge d'un ecusson d'or, surcharge de cinq panelles de sinople, les tiges en haut

Literal Meaning:

Silver has a tree tear off from vert, charge with an ecusson of gold, overload five panelles of vert, stems above

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Vote for Chocolate Hills of Bohol

I haven't got the chance of visiting Bohol Island ever since I was young but I've heard about its wonders particularly the one and only Chocolate Hills. This is an authentic geological wonder that nature formed during a natural phenomena that happened a thousand years ago. You can't find this anywhere in the world. The hills are obviously not chocolates but it resembles Hershey's Kisses during summer when the grass-covered hills turns brown. Estimated to be at least 1,268 individual mounds to about 1,776, these cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills are actually grass-covered limestone hills and are almost symmetrical. Right now, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol is on the number 4 spot of the New 7 Wonders of Nature with 76 other nominees. On July 2009, 21 will be chosen as the finalists of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and will go forward throughout the voting polls on 2009 until the final year in the autumn of 2010. Vote for Chocolate Hills of Bohol!

Click here to vote for the Chocolate Hills
Click here to see the live ranking of the 77 nominees

Image taken: khrissiedreamingbear.blogspot.com

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Libros... 'An dyan na sila!'

Maga libro (Books, from left to right):

• Human Anatomy 3rd Edition by Wolfe (Care of Joan xoxo hugz :-*)
• Essentials of Pathophysiology by Nowak
• Maternal & Child Health Nursing by Pilliteri (Mahina ako dito)
  
• Biology by Campbell (Sa utol ko to-My brother's)
• A photocopy of Dr. Feuer NCLEX reviewer (Care of Top Notch Review Center)
• Human Physiology 7th Edition by Vander, Sherman & Luciano's
• February 2000 and May 2002 issues of National Geographic Magazine (The Official Tranquilizer)
• Pathophysiology by Porth (Miss ko na lectures ni Dra. Rebaya)
  
• Microbiology by Tortora (Prex, Jo remember Prof. Martinez? LOL)
• Organic Chemistry by McMurry (Hmmm no comment LOL)
• Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (Tagal pa nang movie huhuhu)
• Teach Yourself: Beginner's Italian (Come Sta? Va Bene!)
• Handbook of Pediatrics 12th Edition by Lange (My mom's. I doubt it bigay to nang one of mom's med student ex's back in nursing school LOL circa 1970s I guess)
• National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) by MSA (Tsaka na yan pag naka ipon na)
• Through The Eyes Of A Child by David & Tricia Porter (Ewan bakit andito to)
• Introduction To Logic by Bachhuber S.J. (Mayds si Droopy LOL)
• Roget's Thesaurus (Pao sorry kinain ni Spany huhuhu ayan tuloy)
  

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The Quilt

Taken at my favorite part of our house... the back patio/dirty kitchen. The floor looks like a quit thanks to Nene's (my Dad) ingenuity. :D That quilt is hard and cold not recommended for cold weather hehehe.

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