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TRAVEL JOURNAL
by adobo@sushi
Paunang Salita: Ang sumusunod na mga liham ay naganap sa pagbisita ng
may akda sa Pilipinas. Sa mahigit na apat na taong pag-aaral sa bansang
Hapon ay muling nasilayan ang Lupang Hinirang.
Day 1: 28 Mar 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It was a tiring flight from Sapporo to Manila. The flight from HKG was
delayed for 2 hours. So I arrived in NAIA at almost 2am. I was dismayed
with Cathay Pacific for rejecting my mileage request to Hanoi. So I
have to shelve the plan altogether and go to my plan b whatever it may
be. Sayang naman mag-ipon ng mileage points tapos di naman magagamit.
Now, I am having second thoughts on using Cathay on my next flight.
They do not answer emails, and if they would call, you are on your way
to the airport. What a very good customer service!
Not much changes in MNL from what I saw since 2002. All political
banners are around. The hostage drama was over. On second thought, it
was a clever political stunt for the candidates whatever... In Japan,
one could see political posters in designated areas and these are
removed after the polls. Very admirable kind of discipline, can Pinoys
do it too?
A friend met me at the airport and we ate at the Aristocrat Restaurant.
I ordered lechon kawali yum yum yum. It is quite humid and all but I
can still tolerate it.
I can’t wait whatever will happen next.
Ja ne,
Adobo@sushi
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Day 2: 29 Mar 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
I really haven't gone out yet during the day time. I’m sure the traffic
jam will test my patience plus the terrific summer sun and the thinned
out ozone will surely bring back my native brown complexion hahahaha I
am not fond of SPF during this time. It is so sticky and I wish someone
would invent an alcohol-based skin protection, ne?
I was amused with some road signs. What I saw upon arrival was this
cute PED XING sign along Roxas Blvd and fronting the Folk Arts Theater.
It was written in black bold letters on a yellow background. For a
split second I thought it was a new street by a Chinese name, a
relative of Deng Xiao Ping or whoever. But my friend told me that it is
short for pedestrian crossing lolzzzz What a genius! And since when did
we allow abbreviated spelling to be posted on a national road? But I
think it's cool. May I suggest the City of Manila to create one for
Adobo@sushi? Waja tink? hahaha
The cars' plate numbers have changed. In 2002, it was a white against
green background plate. Now, they have this some sort of painting. It
is W series now. I can't recall what letter it was 5 years ago. Plus,
instead of Pilipinas alone, Angat Pinoy or Matatag na Pilipinas is on
the plate number.
Not so many things have changed really. A lot of e-load and auto-load
phone cards centers could be found in every corner of the Metro. Hey, I
hope they will consider that some people do not bring their cell fone
chargers or at least they forget to do so everyday. What's 20 pesos for
a 20 minute cell fone charge? Fair, right? These minute details that
make life more manageable are very much felt in Japan, so to speak.
Wow. This early morning was a treat for me. Pork BBQ is really deli.
Had a taste of siomai soup, lechon, sotanghon guisado, pritong lumpia
as of this time. I don't know. I tried to successfully loose a few
pounds before I left Sapporo thinking that I will surely re-gain it
before I leave RP again. I think that it will work out just fine.
Disappointingly, some of our streets are reminiscent of those that I
saw in Sri Lanka especially at night. Not all streets are well lit with
so many check points and armed men. We are a developing country. A long
way to go. I can’t help but admire the streets of Japan, I still have
to see pot holes on its beautifully paved streets.
Ja, mata!
Adobo@sushi
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Day 3: 30 Mar 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
I don’t know how to start today's stories. Not much happened to me
today. I went for a Pinoy hair cut and had some reflexology. It felt
great!
I had Korean lunch with some friends. Koreans are becoming ubiquitous
here. It's nice for our economy, I think. But we were not able to
finish everything we ordered. I think we didn't really know what to eat
best. Most of them were spicy but still no match with Sri Lankan foods.
Anyway, they have something like nilagang baka which I enjoyed.
I feel that 7 pesos for a Jeepney ride was a bit too much. It was 4
pesos when I left in 2002. However, the taxi flag down rate is still 30
pesos. And the drivers are still in their famous choosy behavior.
Mamili ba? And the drivers who go without their taxi meters? Oh no. Ang
galing galing. And few minutes before writing this, I was shocked when
my taxi driver almost hit a crossing cyclist. Ang puso ko!
G8 countries like Japan have professional taxi drivers. They are
disciplined, well-mannered and all. Unlike Pinoy drivers, never had I
seen one who would choose his passenger. Will it take long before we
could see these kinds in the Pearl of the Orient?
Amoy EDSA ulit. Welcome to RP. Just a few minutes outdoors made
my shirt smell. And my snot? Hey, it's black again. Hahaha!
Pinoys are really fashionable. Uso na rin talaga sa masa ang
anime-look. Kahit ang init-init ay ayaw paawat ng gel! O laban ka? And
their eyewear are like those that you will see in Elle and Vogue
fashion mags. hmmm
The AM radio programs that I have been hearing in the net for the past
few years, I could hear directly from its khz source. Wow!
I saw some celebrities on TV whom I haven't viewed for some time. I saw
Eva and Claire (ang laki ng tinanda nila), Jennifer Sevilla (with
improved look), Wilma (doesn't........ know she's ugly lolzzz but I
must say that she is hot, in her own right), and Lucy Torres (I think
her Tagalog has improved).
They say that we should not be tourists in our own country? I think
there are times that we will become one if we have unlearned things
that need to be improved.
Hanggang sa muli,
Adobo@sushi
-----------------------------------------------
Day 4: 1 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
My 4.5 years craving for Cafe Adriatico's Lola Ising's adobo was
satisfied last night. The long wait is over. The well done meat with
adobo rice and sunny-side up egg with a separate sauce, capped with a
really thick and cold ripe mango juice completed the day. Caloric
intake count was set aside for the time being. Hahaha.
A stroll along the Baywalk area is reminiscent of Boracay. Stretching
from the US Embassy to the CCP, it was a festive mood to see Pinoys
enjoy music, food and company of friends. Different music bands show
off their kind of music which caters each interested viewer. Music from
the 60s, 70s, 80s etc and the now are really a treat.
The lamp posts along Roxas Boulevard are exquisitely nice. But did the
designer of the lamps realize that they look like virus particles?
Pretty cool.
When you feel the urge to go to a comfort room, it will cost you 5
pesos to wait for your cue and use the portable toilet with the aroma
of putrefaction. I noted the proximity of these public toilets to the
restaurants. Pinoys do not seem to smell them, but I prefer to say that
they do not mind the smell at all. Sign boards saying 'Keep Manila
clean' are not few. Most public toilets in Japan are very clean, dry
and some buildings look like museums! Seldom do they smell and most
have toilet papers. But you see, I am not really comfortable with the
traditional Japanese commode. Most have western-style toilets, however.
Parking along the Baywalk area costs 30 pesos. There is also a Baywalk
ride which looks like that of Singapore. For a fee of 25 pesos, you can
enjoy the ride along the whole stretch. The car should be renamed as
Bayride instead, I think.
Every corner has this flower basket. The artificial flower is sprinkled
with artificial water. And in every spot, political posters are found.
Familiar names were seen. Bagatsing, Atienza and others which were
beyond my interest. I wonder when we will see fresh names!
There were also different kinds of Pinoy talents like these robotic
dancers who would move and dance only when you throw in coins. It was
enjoyable to see. I just wondered how they could bear the heat inside
their leather jacket costumes and heavy make up.
I also saw Manny Pacquiao's store. There was nothing that interested me, however.
Meron ding mga taong nangingisda sa Baywalk. Well, good luck na lang sa
inyo. Bet ko lang na kung hindi Coke-in-cans ang mabibingwit ninyo,
Summit bottle o plastic bag ang makukuha ninyo. hahaha
As I strode along, I was kept alert by horror stories of theft all
around which made me recall the last few weeks before I left RP in 2002
when my room was ransacked by thieves! It was truly scary.
Time with kins was something. We had lots of fun eating, singing and
laughing together. Today, another cousin came back from Kuwait. So it
was really enjoyable. Pork was the treat of the day. Roasted spare
ribs, lechon kawali, adobong baboy made headlines today. Poor pigs
lolzzzz and the diet was made un-healthier with the absence of veggies.
That was our diet. hahaha
My cousins asked whether I am taking glutathione because they had the
impression that my skin improved. I told them that I do not have budget
for that. I further suggested that they live in a more polar place to
get their complexion better naturally. Hahaha!
My Orthodontist was surprised that I didn't give him too much tasks
during my oral prophylaxis. Very little plaques and nicotine stains
since 2002. Thanks to Zact lion and dental floss. Hahaha!
The terrible heat really made me doze off. Much to my desire to leave
my kins early and find the nearest mall refuge, the intense tropical
sun and heat made me think otherwise. My skin felt so sticky. It was a
challenge indeed to go out under the sun during these summer months. I
think that my original color is back.
Maraming salamat!
Adobo@sushi
Day 5: 2 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
Much as I want to take videos in the outdoors of Greater MNL, it seems
to be a risky thing to do. Baka magripuhan pa sa gilid hahaha I hope to
capture some events when I visit out of town getaways.
Back in Japan, I could walk safely at any time of the day. There was
one time that I left my mobile phone in a public place. After one hour,
I found it at the same spot where it was supposed to be. Amazing? Dig
this. The day I arrived in Tokyo, Japan in 2002, I took the limousine
bus to Haneda Airport to go to Sapporo. One hour after arrival at the
airport, I realized that I left my reading glasses at the bus. I told
my Japanese guide about the situation, and lost hope that it won’t be
reunited with me. The kind escort called up the bus company. And oh
well, I thought that I shall receive the glasses in Sapporo, but lo and
behold! Before I took the next plane, it was returned to me without any
micro-scratches! Hmmm… I still have to see the next country with the
same degree of honesty.
Westin Philippine Plaza is now known as Sofitel. I think it was only less than one year when they changed the name.
I went to internet cafés to transfer my videos and pictures to CDs but
they charge 85 pesosesoses per CD! Wow, I could have done it in my own
PC. It was good that I could burn them for free thru my cousin's PC.
Business is business, ok fine!
Some people teach me how to reach this or that place. But I told them
that I still know my way. Not much has changed since. Really. It's like
I was just away...yesterday.
I did nothing yesterday but spend the whole day in spa. What a great
relief to foot and hand spa, body scrub and all. Naalis ang mga naipong
libag, may tama ka jan!
Gastronomic delights were: pancit canton (amoy na amoy ang calamansi),
daing na bangus (boneless siya, ok), at inihaw na talong. Tapos
isasawsaw mo sa suka na may sili na hindi dinurog. sinangag na mainit.
Green and yellow mango shake (todo sa lapot). O ano, gutom ka na ba?
Naglalaway na,
Adobo@sushi
Day 6A: 3 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It is nice to watch on teevee again Pinoy classic movies from LVN
and Sampaguita Pictures. Those were my favorites since childhood
when GMA 7 used to re-run these movies for afternoon siesta. I saw old
films of Cachupoy and Pugo to Ramon Zamora, Max Alvarado and Niño
Muhlach, the child wonder (I wonder why he didn't grow tall), to Susan
Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Nida Blanca and Gloria Romero. Also seen were
Pip, Snooky and Boy Mondragon. Natatandaan mo pa ba?
Today, I went to UST and was kind of impressed with the façade of the
Pay Hospital. It really was nice. Many things had improved including
those of the Main Bldg. There are many food chains also within the
campus. McDonald’s, KFC and others were there. Smoking is prohibited
within the campus now. The entry and exit points have changed. I
saw some familiar faces like Dr. Tincunco, Dr. Molina and others whose
names I can barely remember.
SR Thai Restaurant is still alive. I ate bagoong rice with chicken
pandan. Pati pandan leaves ay kinain ko. Kaya pala hindi matunaw sa
bibig, di pala kasama sa lafang iyon, hahaha.
Lopez Canteen, where I used to eat during college days, is still very
much alive. And all the xerox businesses are very much intact. Ang dami
na rin nilang napagtapos. During 1990, the annual matriculation fee for
my medical school was about PhP20,000. Last year, parents of medical
students had to pay between PhP75-80,000. What used to be a 400 student
graduating class has now been reduced to 270 students. What 15 years
can do? Imagine?
Ja,
Adobo@sushi
Day 6B: 3 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It is a welcome surprise that it is raining now, short as it was.
Mabuti na yan at nang mabawasan ang alikabok at mabawasan ang init sa
Kamaynilaan.
I went to The Fort last night and had a sumptuous dinner with some
friends. The shabu shabu was truly satisfying. Busog meals talaga. The
Krispy Kreme donuts are a diabetic's nightmare. You have to check your
blood sugar the morning after, ok? Sarap! This reminds me of the
Japanese desserts and other sweeties. They are not that sugary,
according to my taste buds. Theirs is a kind of me wanting more to eat.
No saccharine taste. Very fine. Perfect!
The Fort is much bigger now than it was few years back. I was told that
the Ayalas are the ones developing it. Market Market was already closed
during the time. I went there past 9 in the evening. There were many
posh restaurants and upscale condominiums are being built. It's like
extravagance in the midst of poverty. How do you like that?
After that lovely dinner, met up with other friends. We went to Makati
for some drinks and lots of eating sessions again. I like the pizza,
calamares and banana split. San Mig strong ice beer is another new
thing to me. My stomach was so stretchable that night. Pretty cool! I
had sore throat the day
after. Can't help but laugh
hearing old stories way back
from high school.
Reminiscing,
Adobo@sushi
Paunang Salita: Ang sumusunod na mga liham ay naganap sa pagbisita ng
may akda sa Pilipinas. Sa mahigit na apat na taong pag-aaral sa bansang
Hapon ay muling nasilayan ang Lupang Hinirang. Ang travel journal na
ito ay binubuo ng mga liham mula Day 1 hanggang Day 22 na sadyang
hinati sa apat na bahagi upang mayroon kayong abangan. Narito ang
ikalawang bahagi na binubuo ng Days 7-9.
Day 7: 4 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
Today is a bit cloudy. I hope that it will drizzle a bit to cool down
the Metro. Since it is Maundy Thursday, most people went out of town. I
decided to remain in MNL since I will be going out of town next week.
I’m looking forward to see Davao, Laoag and Bohol in that particular
order.
Yesterday, I had lunch at Hap Chan Restaurant. I think I didn't make a
good order. The fried chicken was oishiikunai. For dinner, the ulo-ulo
at Glorietta was a gourmet's delight. It is still located at the second
level. Ang sarap ng sinigang na ulo ng maya-maya sa miso. Dalawang rice
na nakahain sa bao ng niyog at may kasama pang Sarsi. Wow! And the
after midnight treat was tapa and liempong prito with garlic rice at
Rufo's. I even managed a second helping hahaha Niño Muhlach's Ensaymada
is still a winner. For PhP14 a piece, you could enjoy the soft, creamy
and delicious ensaymada. I also had a taste of Beard Papa out of
curiosity. I haven't tried the original from Japan. It is PhP50 per
piece.
The airconditioning system of Glorietta was not enough to cool down the
mall. I could smell Pinoys' bodies which is a bit maasim hahaha and
with the humidity, it's as if I’m inhaling water lolzzzz. I bought some
CDs. Lani Misalucha's latest CD topped my list. Some oldies from Rodel
Naval and Ric Segreto were bought and Kundiman songs as well hahaha.
There are quite a number of CDs which can be bought for PhP150 only and
the songs are good, okay?
I went to the travel agency to confirm my bookings and dropped by at
Polymedic Hospital (now VRPMC) to meet colleagues. There have been many
changes since the last time I saw the hospital. What used to be a
parking lot and residents' dormitory at the back is now a commercial
center and a nursing school. It was nice to meet people with whom I
worked with before. All the smiles were there, balitaan, balitaktakan
and all.
Even though the taxi's flag down rate has not changed, I think they
charge the passengers more per kilometer. Most of my fares do not go
lower than PhP100. However, the bus fare is the same. The bus drivers
are still the same, killer buses.
I received a sad and yet happy news few minutes ago. My friend from the
US just arrived in MNL for the wake of a relative. It has been ages
since we met and this is an opportunity to meet her.
Init na init sa Maynila,
Adobo@sushi
Day 8: 5 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It's nice to travel within the Metro during the Holy Week. No traffic
jams to speak of and it makes MNL roads big and wide. You can strut
your way in and out easily.
I spent the morning in the spa again. I had my face done to kill the
time. After which, I enjoyed double cheese burger (which tastes like
the old style Tropical Hut hamburger). Malasado siya at alam mong ayaw
paawat ng taba. Puto bumbong was another treat. Wow! Buti na lang meron
nito kahit hindi Pasko. I’m happy. As you may have noted, for somebody
like me who can’t cook, chow delights are the things that I miss most
when I’m in Japan.
I met colleagues from the previous Polymedic Hospital during my
friend's Dad's wake. Confused? So was I hahaha A sort of mini-reunion
came out of it. There were smiles and all that teeth were popping out
of everybody lolzzz. Kakahiya tuloy sa pamilya ng naulila. Picture
here, video there.
During visit to my friend, I had a taste of pancit ng taga Malabon. Ang
sarap at meron pang nakabudbod na chicharon. I also had puto, brownies,
Coke classic (na siguradong mas mura kaysa Coke ng mga Hapon) at ang
bagong sikat na si Boy Bawang. Yes, si Boy Bawang ang bagong pride na
cornick ng Pilipinas. May buu-buo pang bawang, okay? Masarap na
ka-partner ng Coke. At nagkaroon na rin ito ng award. Panalo! Check
your armpits the morning after hahaha.
Something new to me are these call center agents. There was a time that
I was traveling along Makati past midnight and in every corner were so
many yuppies, I thought there were rallies. They said that these are
call center agents on night shift, ne? And I was told that there are
many centers which teach Koreans the English language. Nice business
but how long will it last? When they learn the language, they would not
need our services further.
Amoy Boy Bawang na,
Adobo@sushi
Day 9: 6 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
No traffic congestion, way to go around the metropolis. How I wish that
the flow of traffic could be like this every day. Plus, it is not so
warm and humid for the past few days. Great.
I learned that YMCA Makati has closed since a year ago. When I passed
by the area, there was a demolition sign board posted in the gates. How
sad! The folks who swim there every morning must be very, very sad.
According to my sister who swims there too, the oldies had some sort of
a farewell party. I empathize with them.
I didn't go out on Good Friday since no malls were open. I had late
lunch at the Next Door Restaurant. It was lechon macau. I like the
black Chinese sauce seasoning. I also visited the nearby Shakey's Pizza
and had the old style bunch of lunch. And for dinner it was topping
again with pork chop. I wonder what these will do with my blood chem
hahaha. Last week, I remember having Chickenjoy from Jollibee. Sarap ba?
I went to San Agustin Church with a friend after which we proceeded to
the Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate. The pancit canton was not really a
winner. But I was made happy by the bibingka and puto bumbong. Although
I’m not a bibingka fan, I liked this one because of its sweet and salty
taste. Meron pang kasamang maalat na itlog.
I did not join the 3 hours walk to Antipolo. It will surely sore my ankles.
Mata ne,
Adobo@sushi
Day 10: 7 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
Because the Firipin Peso is strong, the foreign exchange is in the
vicinity of JPY10,000=PhP4,800~ not good for the yen. I think the
prices of most commodities had increased by at least 20%. An economist
might say that that is really the trend of money everywhere. That the
value of money today will be smaller the following year.
It was nice to have met friends from Mindoro. It seems that a lot of
things had developed from the area. Cheers! The KFC dinner was
fantastic. Hey, Selecta ice cream has new 3-in-1 flavor. We had
ube-strawberry-chocolate. Paborito ko yung ube.
After the visit and on my way home, I was appalled with what I saw near
Nagtahan Bridge. I think I saw blood. There were many armed military
men putting this yellow ribbon across the area. The taxi driver slowed
down a bit to get a better view. There was one man, I think he had just
died. Very fresh blood. Of course, so many uzis were around trying to
see what happened. I resisted the temptation to document the event
because of poor lighting lolzzzz It was past 9pm the time. Well, these
things seem to be an everyday affair in the Pearl of the Orient. Abunai
desuyo.
I went to Bed. This bar along Nakpil Street is like the Giraffe of
Makati. Nice place and sounds. People are partying during Holy Week.
Entrance fee of PhP300 includes one drink. PhP100 for each subsequent
local drink. I think during the entire period, many people would only
have one drink. hahaha Perhaps I changed in this department because I
only lasted for an hour or so. Or maybe I didn't know any soul there.
I dropped by at Café Adriatico because I craved for something to eat. I
enjoyed Vigan longganiza. I even had another helping of garlic rice.
Ang sarap isawsaw sa suka. Tapos meron pang malapot na ripe mango
shake. When I order for this, I request that it be really thick. I was
given a free tsokolate eh in celebration of Café Adriatico's 28th year.
Wow! And they still serve the best foods in Malate, that's something. I
seldom order for this cocoa drink because it is too strong for me. This
time, I like it better.
I think I overheard 3 yuppies, one of them was a call center agent.
They were discussing about the country's current political and economic
situations. The call center agent believes that RP has a bright future
ahead and is only headed on the wrong direction. He is determined to
make it here. His friends laughed at him. Amen.
Gambatte ne,
Adobo@sushi
Day 11: 8 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
I saw Arleen on teevee. She is Aga's sister. What happened to that
pretty face? Is she sick or problematic? She has blossomed into a full
blown giant. Her face is all puffed up to the neck region. And her
coca-cola figure is now a tumbler. I can't imagine what she does in the
kitchen.
I went to Power Plant today and met a classmate during Micro days. This
place is not new to me since this has been established before I left in
2002. What is new is that the bars on the 4th level where I used to
watch the Q&A and Jaya perform live has been transformed to a book
store which is now called Fully-Booked. Cute name indeed!
Hey, I had a taste of balut. I can't remember how much it cost before,
but the other night it was PhP10. Maliit lang yung puti niya kaya
panalo. I can only take 2 in one sitting. So I ate one. Binudburan ko
ng konting asin. Medyo nasamid ng konti dahil magaspang iyon. I had
spaghetti with meat balls at Rockwell. The papaya shake which was made
thick-er is not something I will order again.
Hanggang sa muli,
Adobo@sushi
Day 12: 9 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
Emergencies can be scheduled. It happened to me last night when my
dental retainer was fractured. I had to go back to my Orthodontist the
following day to have it fixed and get a new set. It's good that it
happened while I’m here for these things will surely cost me a fortune
in Sapporo.
I was relieved that I bought my wrist watch in Sapporo instead of RP.
The same model was USD158 cheaper in Sapporo than RP. So, not all
things in Japan are expensive, agree?
This is the last day of the looooooooong holidays. So tomorrow, back to
the usual life for most people.... except me. The traffic jams and
extreme sauna-like heat of the city are back. Well, at least we get tan
for free.
Today's forex is lower. It was JPY10,000 = PhP3,970~ I am not happy hahaha
Davao trip was re-scheduled 2 days later so I had to re-sked some things also. And I am looking forward to meet friends.
I had Lucban longganisa and buden today. The scarlet-colored sauce is
truly a feast to my taste buds. The cassava cake is a bit different
now. I think it has lesser cheese and is less sweet but it is still
soft and delicious. I love these foods from Quezon Province. I was told
that there is Baguio longganisa? I wonder how it tastes. It must be
something to discover.
Another exciting food that I longed is palabok. Yes, Santa Ana's famous
Aling Belen's palabok is now in limited supply. It is good that
Mickie's has the same taste. I’m happy about it. Aling Belen could
retire anytime hahaha
I went back to the Aristocrat Restaurant with kins and then strolled
along the Baywalk. I think I had too much food for the day. It's okay
perhaps. I better enjoy till they last.
Burrrp,
Adobo@sushi
Day 14: 10 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
Yes. No number 13.
Although I have been sleeping for 4 hours a day since arrival, sleeping
at 3 in the morning and waking up at 7 from phone calls, I don't know
how I could manage to keep awake.
Today, I subscribed to TIME magazine for my sister to keep her abreast
with the latest in international events. I always believe that reading
will keep one's knowledge updated and the neurons in good condition.
I met some of my doctor friends from medical school and I am happy that
everyone is not only busy with their private clinical practice but also
to other things that interest them. After a short catching ups,
reminiscences, referrals and all, the dialogue went to politics,
finances, spirituality and what have you? I learned many things from
them and I hope that this will be the start of more active exchanges of
ideas to keep us bonded together. Hey, the internet is just a finger
away, okay? Gow!
Cheers!
gino510
Day 15: 11 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It was an exciting day. I met friends from high school during lunch
time, and fellow komadronas during dinner time. Although we keep in
touch through SMS and emails, nothing beats seeing them in the flesh.
My sked became quite toxic in squeezing time to meet people. The looong
holidays prevented me from seeing them and I understand that it is
their family time.
Few hours from now, I’ll be going to Davao and then proceed to Laoag
and Bohol. I shall be back to Manila by the third week. I’m excited to
see these places for the first time. Can't wait what's in store for me.
I watched favorite noon time shows yesterday. It was nice to see Eat
Bulaga and Wowowieee. The old gags still amuse me. At least meron akong
baong mga bagong jokes hahaha I hope that YouTube would allow the whole
show to be uploaded lolzzz
Since it is election fever, I had a chance to assess one voter during a
bus ride along EDSA. There was this young boy giving away Migs Zubiri's
fans. Every passenger grabbed at least one. I asked the lady beside me
if she will vote for him. Without batting an eyelash, she said ‘OO,
naman, gwapo kasi.’ There you have it.
Ang buhay nga naman,
gino510
Day 16A: 12 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
The flight from Manila to Davao was delayed for a little over an hour.
The plane left at 6am. The domestic airport in Manila was full of
people. I was surprised with how the ticketing personnel did their job.
They do not explain the details of the flight, like tell which gate to
enter. Or maybe I just got used with how the Japanese did it. They are
so complete in giving instructions.
I was a bit dismayed in the security because I had to go back all the
way to the check-in counter for a dozen or so of disposable camera
batteries. The ground personnel made a sort of McGyver style in
securing my bag with the use of packaging tape.
I saw Senator Mar Roxas along the way. No body guards, he was just
another passenger waiting for his cue to enter. I forgot the urge to
document the moment hahaha
I was so sleepy during the waiting time and flight so that when I woke
up we were about to land in Davao International Airport. The airport is
impressively new and clean. No congestion and the people smell clean.
We were fetched by a friend of a friend to the hotel.
Going outside, the streets are wide and clean too. With more than one
million inhabitants, we didn't encounter traffic jams, yet. They have
their unique Jeepneys. I saw Isuzu type of PUJs.
We had binagoongan and pinakbet for brunch. I slept for 3 hours later
to regain my lost sleeping times. My brains have to recover also.
We'll be fetched again later to see more of this place.
Ja ne,
gino510
Day 16B: 12 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
We were fetched up by a friend's friend for dinner in their rest house.
I was hungry during the 1hr 10mins ride to the bundoks. I don't know
the altitude but my ear pressure constantly changed like during ascent
and descent in an airplane.
The road was well paved and the air was a bit chilly. We were served
the following cardiac arrest delights: pritong baboy (masarap yung
sawsawan), grilled tuna and kinilaw (may halong pipino, suka, bawang,
garlic etc). Coca-Cola and red wine were present.
The rest house was very regal and you can see the city atop the
mountain. I can last here for 2-3 hours only. They do not have Internet
hahaha Maraming kuliglig at alitaptap na maririnig. The red wine kept
me from the chilly wind. The place is so green it would be a shame to
throw off cigarette butts everywhere.
Davaoenos speak Visaya which, to my ears, sound like combined Cebuano and Ilonggo. The younger generation speak Tagalog.
On the way back to the city, I was so sleepy that I didn't realize that
we were in front of the hotel's lobby. We felt some need to eat again
so off we went to a nearby Mercury Drug for something to eat. I ate
hopiang mungo (the classic type and the diced kind), fish crackers, ube
and chocolate ice cream. Hey, Nestlé-Magnolia ice cream is now simply
known as Nestlé ice cream. Goodbye Magnolia.
I was knocked down in bed right after. At least I had 7 hours of sleep.
It was a delight to eat champorado for breakfast, longganisa, daing na
bangus, pritong itlog and sinangag. We'll go out today and see the city.
Sarap talaga!
gino510
Day 17: 13 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
This is the last day in Davao. Yesterday, we went to Paradise Island
which is 6 minutess away from the main land. This cute resort is very
clean and the sand is white although not as pure as in Boracay. The
sands are constantly kept moist by the waiters. I enjoyed halu-halo in
front of the beach.
Davao is clean. Smokers know where to smoke. I feel more secure walking
around the city of Davao than the streets of MM. The people are also
friendly and it feels safer to ask your way around the city. There are
also many non-smoking taxis. It's a bit strange that Jeepney drivers
still charge PhP7 for journeys that exceed 4 kilometers.
We had great lunch in a place called Iron Horse. Ang sarap ng mga
pagkain dito sa murang halagang PhP89 lamang. The grilled panga ng tuna
was a winner, kilawin, and laing. For dessert, I binged on minatamis na
saging saba, sinukmani, and palitaw. Truly a diabetic's gourmet!
The Mandayaw durian ice cream swept off my feet. I could still smell it when I burped 6 hours later. Wow!
What I find quite odd is that in Japan, I could hear the borborygmi of
my tummy at any time of the day. I could even hear the tic tac of my
clock. But here in RP, I do not hear them. I also notice that we put to
high volume our radios.
I'll be leaving Davao in 1 hour after which, I’ll take the night bus trip going to Laoag.
Itte kimasu,
gino510
Day 18: 15 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It was south to north trip for me yesterday. From Davao, I headed
straight to Laoag, Ilocos Norte via Manila. I was so exhausted during
the entire night bus trip that I slept during the 9 hours trip. As I
expected, the Fariñas bus left 30 minutes later than scheduled, which
is the same as the delayed flights of Cebu Pacific. Along the way, I
ate balut and hopiang mungo during the 30 minutes stop over in
Pangasinan.
I arrived at 7am and was fetched by my friend in the bus station. After
freshening up a bit, we headed for the church and had a McDonald's
breakfast nearby. The road to Ilocos and the province itself is
impressively clean. Like Davao, it is safe to stroll along. Now, it
makes me think that Manila is in a sad state of affairs. Ngek!
On the way to Pagudpud, I saw places of interest like the light house
in Burgos area and the windmills that supply electricity to some parts
of Ilocos. The more than 100 kilometers highway by the mountains is
well paved. I just wonder if we could instead create tunnels that would
traverse under these mountains so that we won’t have to cut trees. I
think that that would be more eco-friendly.
The food here is really fantastic. After the opening salvo of
McDonald's longganisa, we went to Pagudpud which is a bit less than 2
hours drive from Laoag. Wow, the foods were fabulous. Pinakbet was a
run away winner. It was laced with bagnet and I truly marveled its
taste. The Ilocano's pork adobo and sinigang were good too. I also
enjoyed the traditional halu-halo. The ingredients are much simpler
unlike the commercial ones available in Chow King or other food chains.
No complicated taste, just the home grown halu-halo that we know since
childhood. And I enjoyed it in the sea side while watching fishermen
doing their nets. It felt so nice to eat by the beach. hmmmm You bet
I’m back to my native brown skin. For dinner, I enjoyed Ilocano
pinakbet once more (minus the kalabasa), bagnet, pokpok (seeweeds with
tomatoes), and lakatan saging. I was told that they have haba titi. I
wonder what it is? I'm interested to know hahaha
We watched Mel and Joey after the dinner and they featured the pizza
pinakbet in my friend's restaurant. I'm excited to have a taste while
I'm here.
Ittadakimasu,
gino510
Day 19: 16 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
I visited Batac where the remains of ex-Prexy Marcos, in his full
regalia, lies. I learned that his body has been waxed and the famous
air-conditioning units are nothing but the usual a/c units that we see.
But the 24-hours maintenance since 1989 would be too much to be borne
by whomever. I’m not sure of the material of his barong, but I could
see that it is well maintained save for the very minute dirt that I
saw. I think it would have been wiser if they molded his face in clay,
just like how the French saved a copy of Louis Pasteur’s face.
The old house now turned into a museum is very big and the capiz shells
are still complete. I saw various memoirs of the late Prez like his
cars' plate numbers, the newspaper when he topped the bar exams until
he became a lowly public official, to his being the President. His
diary of his current thoughts during the last hours of his regime is
shown for public viewing.
Since it was Monday when I visited, the hall where they show case more
of his photos was closed for cleaning, so I wasn't able to see much.
Not many Pinoys went there. I heard one group of young visitors
commenting and comparing the current administration.
Nothing new in terms of what i ate. It was a replay of pinakbet, pork
adobo (dry type) and Royal tru-orange this time. Halu-halo for dessert.
I look forward for the exotic pizzas. Will go to Vigan tomorrow and
leave for Manila. Next destination, Bohol!
Tid bits: Surf's Lumeng has 2 children now. The twin's of Aga and
Charlene are now talents of Jollibee. Ang Cute ng Ina Mo starring Ai-Ai
is now showing lolzzzz
Pagoda Philippines sa byahe,
gino510
Day 20: 17 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
This is my last day in Ilocos Norte. Today I went to Vigan, Ilocos Sur
and Paoay, Ilocos Norte. But right now, I am in Batac, Ilocos Norte
again. Don't be confused because these areas are not so far. If I am
not mistaken, Vigan is only one hour away drive from Laoag. On the way
to Vigan, I saw big houses of politicos and very influential families
like the Marcoses, Fariñas, et al.
Vigan is simply amazing. The Spanish influence is still present in
Crisologo Street. This side of the country is a world heritage, I was
told. The old houses remain although some are with touch of modernity.
As I walked along the cobbled-stone streets, I could imagine Doña
Victorina and Ibarra in their costumes. Did I see Sisa pass by? hahaha
Only calesas are allowed to pass by in this street. The place is clean,
and if you were a smoker, ashtrays can be found in every corner to
throw cigarette butts.
I saw the ABS-CBN crew of the TV sitcom Let's Go! while they were
preparing for their shooting. Although I did not see the stars, because
I think I was early, I saw their director Edgar Mortiz. I have footage
of him in my cam but I could not upload them yet because I did not
bring my gadgets with me now. Photos and videos to follow.
I also went to Chavit Singson's Baluarte were I had a free short pony
ride. hahaha Kind of weird but the 9 year old pony driver tried to
persuade me to pose beside Chavit's submarine. I thought it was awkward
to do so hahaha A submarine? What good would it do to me? lolzzzz In
this zoo, I saw swans, ostriches, tigers, monkeys of all sorts,
reptiles, butterflies. It is not a big zoo as you may think. I think it
is more of a personal collection made public and the entrance is free!
For breakfast, and I know you are waiting for this, I enjoyed bangus
sisig of Jollibee. I felt a bit hungry touring Vigan. I savored Max's
halu-halo. The Vigan branch of this restaurant serves Vigan longganisa,
dinuydoy and the famous bagnet. For lunch, I went to Herencia Café in
Paoay were they serve the pinakbet pizza. This pizza is really unique.
It is filled with mozzarella cheese, the usual ingredients like okra,
sitao, and talong were there. Pinakbet talaga! I ate it with rice
hahaha I also relished the bagnet. I almost forgot my name with its
crunchy feel. Dinuguan was another winner. The food presentations were
also outstanding. My soup was tinolang manok. hmmmm What a very hearty
meal!
A few snap shots of the famous Paoay Church right across the restaurant
completed my day. Later when I get back to Laoag, I shall prepare for
tonight's journey back to Manila.
Onaka ga ippai,
gino510
Day 21A: 20 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It is my last day in Bohol. The Internet service in the beach club is
available only during office hours. Bohol is perfect if you're looking
for peace and away from the noise of the city. It was good that I met a
friend who is working here and kept me company during my first day.
There are no native delicacies to speak of but the peanut kisses are
famous. I visited the chocolate hills, the tarsiers and the oldest
church in Bohol, the Baclayon Church. I also enjoyed the floating
restaurant in Loboc and was impressed with the song and dance number of
the kids.
In contrast to Boracay, the sands here are not as fine, the coastline
is not as long but the serenity is fantastic. You could finish a book
in one visit. I enjoyed time by walking along the beach and i believe
that sun block did not work at all hahaha
Like Davao and Ilocos, it is nice to walk around here. Very peaceful
and people are nice. I cannot remember the details of what happened
since day 1.
Will go back to Manila 7 hours from now.
Mata ne,
gino510
Day 21B: 20 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
I was impressed with the man-made forest here. The vast 3,000 hectares
of land that was commenced in the 1960’s is now a haven of many trees
and animals. Can we do it in the Greater Manila area?
I learned that there was this one foreigner who placed a tarsier inside
a coconut shell on her way out of Bohol, and was subsequently caught at
the airport. I think the treatment for smuggling endangered species
should not be different as possession of illegal or illicit drugs.
Draconian! Agree?
Cesar Montano seems to be a winning senatorial bet here for he is a
native of this land. ‘Muro-Ami’ was filmed in Bohol as well as other
hotties like ‘Close To You’ among others. I like both movies.
The glass-bottom boating is also an attraction. Like that in Boracay,
you could see the creatures under the clear blue waters. I did not join
the dolphin watching. I was still sleeping at 5:30 am. Ang aga kaya?
hahaha
The Internet connection here is quite a challenge. Although the speed
is fast at 100 mbps, it is a good thing that I brought with me all the
necessary gadgets for photo and video uploading, and it takes time to
upload them. The Internet fee is prohibitive at PhP200 per hour.
I am waiting for the car service to take me to the airport. So here I
am, uploading some highlights for Bohol. The full length videos will be
processed in Sapporo and will be shown at your favorite blog spot hahaha
Nakakatuwa rin ang local dialects dito. It is not unusual to hear
‘naglibog ako’ and ‘kadyot lang’. I do not know what they mean but they
surely amuse me. Lolzzzz
Wakarimasen ne,
gino510
Day 22: 23 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
This is my final day in RP. I finished packing up and the final
candidates of the abubots to bring will only be decided few minutes
upon departure.
Dried mangoes top the list of the heavy weights because it is the most
requested omiyage among my Japanese colleagues. I prefer for myself the
real mango, the shake, the cake, and the juice.
Thanks to Goldilock's for inventing their Pinoydeli series. I’m
bringing dinuguan, lechon paksiw and laing. I have to consume them
before their expiration date. I am also bringing pastillas and all
those sweeties.... for myself hahaha Dried mangoes na lang sa kanila
noh? I just ate hamonado ensaymada and egg pie from Goldilock's for
breakfast. Sarap! Of course, the delicacies and souvenir items of
Davao, Ilocos and Bohol will reach Sapporo, too!
Yesterday, I had dinner with college friends at Max's Restaurant.
Masarap pa rin ang manok nila lalo na kapag may Jufran catsup. And then
I had lechon macau for midnight snack (?) hahaha Iba't ibang luto ng
baboy tapos cholesterol pa rin ang kinahitnan? lolzzzz
I also visited for a Batangas yesterday. In Batangas, some things were
changed while others remained. I enjoyed home-made halu-halo, 12 pesos
lang. Taho (10 pesos), fish balls (50 centavos each) and hopiang baboy
were enjoyed once in a while. I think I ate almost everything that I
wanted except for tokwa't baboy. How come that that gastronome did not
cross my path? hahaha
Going back to this Nestlé-Magnolia thingy, I saw Magnolia ice cream at
Cash and Carry. Magnolia in its old company logo. How nice that some
good things remained. C&C is being renovated but the grocery and px
stores sections are still open for business. Makati cinema square is
closed.
When I left in 2002, 5 and 10 peso bills were used. But now, I hardly
saw them in bills. They are all in coins. I did not see 1, 5 and 10
centavos either.
It was a bit awful that in cable channel they show gross rape scene. I
do not know the title of the movie but I saw John Regala raping Kris
Aquino and killing her younger sister. I was not sensitive to these
issues before but when I saw it this time, I had goose-flesh. I thought
that the concerned administrative bodies were doing their job?
Occasional afternoon showers occur in Manila and Bohol. I think that the summer season will end soon.
Altogether, it was an enjoyable and blood-curdling trip and I don’t think I gained weight. Yehey!
Too little time, too many people and places that I wanted to see. Maybe
I could meet them in my next journey whenever or wherever it may be. As
I said, the Internet is just a finger tip away.
Sayonara,
adobo@sushi
Day 14: 10 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
Yes. No number 13.
Although I have been sleeping for 4 hours a day since arrival, sleeping
at 3 in the morning and waking up at 7 from phone calls, I don't know
how I could manage to keep awake.
Today, I subscribed to TIME magazine for my sister to keep her abreast
with the latest in international events. I always believe that reading
will keep one's knowledge updated and the neurons in good condition.
I met some of my doctor friends from medical school and I am happy that
everyone is not only busy with their private clinical practice but also
to other things that interest them. After a short catching ups,
reminiscences, referrals and all, the dialogue went to politics,
finances, spirituality and what have you? I learned many things from
them and I hope that this will be the start of more active exchanges of
ideas to keep us bonded together. Hey, the internet is just a finger
away, okay? Gow!
Cheers!
adobo@sushi
Day 15: 11 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
It was an exciting day. I met friends from high school during lunch
time, and fellow komadronas during dinner time. Although we keep in
touch through SMS and emails, nothing beats seeing them in the flesh.
My sked became quite toxic in squeezing time to meet people. The looong
holidays prevented me from seeing them and I understand that it is
their family time.
Few hours from now, I’ll be going to Davao and then proceed to Laoag
and Bohol. I shall be back to Manila by the third week. I’m excited to
see these places for the first time. Can't wait what's in store for me.
I watched favorite noon time shows yesterday. It was nice to see Eat
Bulaga and Wowoweee. The old gags still amuse me. At least meron akong
baong mga bagong jokes hahaha I hope that YouTube would allow the whole
show to be uploaded lolzzz
Since it is election fever, I had a chance to assess one voter during a
bus ride along EDSA. There was this young boy giving away Migs Zubiri's
fans. Every passenger grabbed at least one. I asked the lady beside me
if she will vote for him. Without batting an eyelash, she said ‘OO,
naman, gwapo kasi.’ There you have it.
Ang buhay nga naman,
adobo@sushi
Day 16A: 12 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
The flight from Manila to Davao was delayed for a little over an hour.
The plane left at 6am. The domestic airport in Manila was full of
people. I was surprised with how the ticketing personnel did their job.
They do not explain the details of the flight, like tell which gate to
enter. Or maybe I just got used with how the Japanese did it. They are
so complete in giving instructions.
I was a bit dismayed in the security because I had to go back all the
way to the check-in counter for a dozen or so of disposable camera
batteries. The ground personnel made a sort of McGyver style in
securing my bag with the use of packaging tape.
I saw Senator Mar Roxas along the way. No bodyguards, he was just
another passenger waiting for his cue to enter. I forgot the urge to
document the moment hahaha
I was so sleepy during the waiting time and flight so that when I woke
up we were about to land in Davao International Airport. The airport is
impressively new and clean. No congestion and the people smell clean.
We were fetched by a friend of a friend to the hotel.
Going outside, the streets are wide and clean too. With more than one
million inhabitants, we didn't encounter traffic jams, yet. They have
their unique Jeepneys. I saw Isuzu type of PUJs.
We had binagoongan and pinakbet for brunch. I slept for 3 hours later
to regain my lost sleeping times. My brains have to recover also.
We'll be fetched again later to see more of this place.
Ja ne,
adobo@sushi
Day 16B: 12 Apr 2007
Dear Jeepney Press,
We were fetched up by a friend's friend for dinner in their rest house.
I was hungry during the 1hr 10mins ride to the bundoks. I don't know
the altitude but my ear pressure constantly changed like during ascent
and descent in an airplane.
The road was well paved and the air was a bit chilly. We were served
the following cardiac arrest delights: pritong baboy (masarap yung
sawsawan), grilled tuna and kinilaw (may halong pipino, suka, bawang,
garlic etc). Coca-Cola and red wine were present.
The rest house was very regal and you can see the city atop the
mountain. I can last here for 2-3 hours only. They do not have Internet
hahaha Maraming kuliglig
at alitaptap na maririnig. The red wine kept me from the chilly wind.
The place is so green it would be a shame to throw off cigarette butts
everywhere.
Davaoenos speak Visaya which, to my ears, sound like combined Cebuano and Ilonggo. The younger generation speak Tagalog.
On the way back to the city, I was so sleepy that I didn't realize that
we were in front of the hotel's lobby. We felt some need to eat again
so off we went to a nearby Mercury Drug for something to eat. I ate
hopiang mungo (the classic type and the diced kind), fish crackers, ube
and chocolate ice cream. Hey, Nestlé-Magnolia ice cream is now simply
known as Nestlé ice cream. Goodbye Magnolia.
I was knocked down in bed right after. At least I had 7 hours of sleep.
It was a delight to eat champorado for breakfast, longganisa, daing na
bangus, pritong itlog and sinangag. We'll go out today and see the city.
Sarap talaga!
adobo@sushi
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