Save our World

It has been awhile that I missed posting my blog. I was and still busy with work. Lots of things occupied my mind, thoughts, hands and body that hinder me to write my journal. 

My sales is dropping a lot while my expenses is getting higher. Building my first roof entails money, time and lots of worries. Thanks to God that my loan was granted and had my first released after all the challenges I've been through in completing the bank requirements. I hope all things will run smoothly in the coming days.

On October 15, my environmental prowess led me to a tree planting activity. We left the city past 6am. We were lost on our way to the site but soon enough we find the right way though it took a bit of our time. 

Hundreds of volunteers from different schools, companies, organizations including the military. It was a good sign that many of us are working hard to save the environment.

They said we will be trekking for three kilometers but in reality it was 11kms.uphill. I was surprised! It was a mountain climbing that was hidden in the name of tree planting. Upon reaching the peak, there were no holes anymore and no seedlings to plant on. No farming equipment for us to dig a hole. I was frustrated. I was not able to plant even a single tree. I felt my long walk was useless. I wished the organizer had some people to manage us there at the top.

To make my trip worthwhile, I decided to collect trash on my 11kms.descend. Luckily, my officemate, Ariel brought with him a garbage bag. Sad to say, lots of volunteers just throw their emptied bottled water on the trail. I don't know what they were thinking. They
volunteered to plant trees yet they made the world their garbage bin. Bringing the trashes down is not hard. I was hoping they kept it with them and dispose it in the garbage pit when they reach the barrio.

The big black garbage bag was full! 90% empty bottles and 10% wrappers of junk foods, candies and others.

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Filipinos need to be educated regarding garbage disposal to save our country, our world from disasters especially flood. A seminar or short and basic course about saving the world is a must. This is too much but it will be good to have it included in our school curriculum. It would surely help.

Let's make our world a better place to live. Throw your trash properly, not in the streets, roads, pavements,trails, beaches and parks. The garbage bin is empty, waiting for your trash!

Frog Poisoning

Dawn before the incident

After the groundbreaking of my future roof, we went to the village garden to enjoy the afternoon breeze. My sister carried one bottle of mineral water and 1000ml. Pepsi cola with plastic cups.

The garden was quite high. On our way up, my dogs enjoyed the wide space. They played, ran fast after the other and rolled on the grasses. We reached the peak, took photos and started to relax when Dane (my niece) shouted that Dawn (my youngest dog) played with a frog and suddenly foaming in her mouth. 

Frog Poisoning!

I have experienced it with Pikkles when she was still young. The frog sprayed a fluid on her face and licked it. She was foaming profusely. My instinct told me to manage the poison with sugar. She was saved and I learned a lot from it. Frogs releases a poisonous fluid as defense from the threats of their predators.

I was speeding to them and asked Dane to get a sugar but going down would take time. It might be too late. Micah, my niece said "COKE!" (actually Pepsi not Coke but I also have the mistake of saying coke often even if I'm drinking Pepsi). Luckily, we didn't consumed the cola yet. We forced to open her mouth and poured the cola immediately. Foam was not totally gone yet so we poured some again. I was so worried. I instructed my two nieces to go down to ask sugar for a dosage follow up. Eman, my four year old nephew wanted to help too so he went down with them.

I carried Dawn and rushed on my way down. My nieces went to the first house near the guard house and garden where we parked and asked for sugar. The woman was very cooperative. She experienced the same before. We forcefully open Dawn's mouth again and put sugar in her mouth few times. 

I observed her after the sugar dosage. Foaming stopped. In few minutes she was vomiting! Oh my God! We asked sugar again. The kind woman said "the poison is out from her body now". I was a little bit relieved but still worried. I decided to leave to observe and properly manage Dawn if something worst happen. 

She had no energy and was salivating on our way home. Then she fell asleep.

Upon reaching home, she was wide awake and regained energy. I am so happy. She is safe now.

I realized that it will be safer to bring sugar everytime I go out with my dogs. My sis Gaga and niece Dane suggested it too, especially when the location is green, grassy and far from home.

I will take their advise. 

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Caffeine Temptation

Sometime in June 2009, I was diagnosed with Vertigo.

At first, I thought I was just sleepless for few nights that when I woke up I was spinning.  What I did was lie again, close my eyes and relax before standing then it's gone.

It happened few times already and I was kinda worried because its dangerous if I will have an episode while I'm driving. So I submitted myself to a doctor and have myself checked.

He said it was due to stress. He asked me if I drink coffee, tea, cola and the like. I said, not so much with cola but more on ice tea. Coffee in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon when I feel sleepy and cold in the office. He told me stop taking it all including chocolates. Caffeine will cause and trigger vertigo. I religiously took his advice. I had some meds too. And the spinning was gone. 

Now I'm taking it all again. Cola is a pleasure drink for me. I only take it when I miss it. Tea, Ice tea? Sometimes. Chocolate? Yeah sometimes too but when chocolates are available I could not help but endulge. Coffee? once, twice thrice a month, sometimes nothing at all.

Few days ago, I have read an article that coffeine enhances performance, increases power output and improves mental focus. A very positive article. Tempting but really I'm really scared to have that vertigo back. I must control myself.

How about you, are you tempted? 

Silence

Twin Squid

My dogs warm welcome after work is their usual routine. They are always excited everytime they see me as if I was away for a long time. 

The best welcome for tonight? The twin squid that was embedded in hot coal courtesy of my sister. I was so excited to savor it's white meat dipped in soy sauce with tomatoes.

Yummy!

Ref Magnet Slave

I've been collecting ref magnets from my travels. I find every design colorful, unique and cute so there were times that I bought more than one piece from one place.

My mother told me to stop buying because she don't like stuff sticking in the ref but I strongly disagree, after all we are not staying together, I'm sure she could bear it during her short visits.

A friend of mine told me once that I need to buy another refrigerator to accomodate the magnets and I was laughing with his idea.

I just love ref magnets! 

Adventure Revival

My mountain climbing buddy, Leo Palicte created a group in FB, the Sandawa Apo Mountaineering & Ecology Club HCDC Chapter. It was our climbing club in college. Many has responded after the creation. He invited us for a meeting; also a great time to reminisce our happy experiences in mountaineering, beach hopping and gimmicks. 

And yes, I attended the meeting. Nothing serious, it was all fun. Pizza was unlimited and beer was flowing. Laughter was loud for every stories that we all shared.

Most of us agreed to go to the beach or go camping, not climbing yet since some accepted they need to undergo training or exercise to be fit again.

I took photos for each of them and as a group. The waiter took picture for us but unluckily, this one is kinda blurry.

We are looking forward for the next plan..

Adios Amiga!

Dachshund - The Walking Sausage

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Despite the heat of the sun on our way to our farm, Pikkles enjoyed walking. I attempted to carry her few times but she struggled to get down so I gave her the pleasure to walk. Its a long way to get there. I was worried because she is a sausage. Pikkles have a long body and short legs. My single step would mean five to ten steps for her. But she was happy walking with us. She followed me most of the times. Sometimes she walked ahead of me, stopped and checked me if I was following her. She ran past me too and waited for me when she saw I was far from her. And she looks so cute when her tongue popped out.

My Parents, My Roots

Life change a lot as we grow older. We separate from our parents. Do our own thing. Live our own life. Face challenges without them. Total independency. But it doesn't mean that when you are in your 30's your parents are not your parents anymore. Mothers are still mothers even when their kids have families of their own.

My mother still treats me like a young girl. I'm her youngest so she treats me as her youngest.

With my busy schedule, I can't usually visit my hometown where my mama and papa still lives. But this weekend, in time for our barangay fiesta celebration I spent time with them.

And they were so happy...

My Babies 4th Birthday

I think of Youoie's birthday in advance but I missed it when it came. I was not home during his birthday. It was a saturday and it's their bathing schedule. When I came home, I was informed that he did not have his bath on August 6 in time for his birthday. I wished I was home to bath him myself.

When Pikkles birthday came on August 16, I made sure to have their birthdays celebrated together. I bought burgers for them and put a candle on top of it. My treat for the whole family.

Happy Birthday Youoie & Pikkles!

A Glimpse of the Kadayawan Festival 2011

I was not around for two consecuive years of Kadayawan Festival. This is almost my third year of absence. My childhood bestfriend invited me to spend three days in Boracay but I obligely declined just to spend the festival with ABS-CBN.

Friday, August 19, ASAP rocks Abreeza Mall with Rafael Rosel, Shaina Magdayao, Bugoy, Angeline Quinto, Megan Young, Gab Valenciano and G Force.

On Saturday, August 2, I was on the street enjoying the colorful Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan.

Photographers, photo hobbyists and journalists were obliged to register and pay a certain amount to cover the event in designated places.

In the afternoon, ABS-CBN stars John Lloyd Cruz, Ron Morales and Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin loveteam, Coco Martin and Maja Salvador made the crowd stayed at SM Parking lot even when the rain poured hard.

Sunday, August 21, I missed the floral float parade and asked a photo from a friend to post for this blog.

I love the colors of Kadayawan, how about you?

Caricature (of my Sexiest Self 18inch waist)

Whoaw! In my couple of days in Prague and couple of times crossing the famous Charles bridge, I submitted myself for Caricature.

At Charles bridge, we can buy anything from earrings, paintings, bracelets, ref magnets and other souvenirs including caricature.

While my friend was looking for a framed antique watched, I went to the other side of the bridge asking how much is the caricature. I cant remember exactly if it was 350crowns (almost P900) or 450 crowns (almost P1,150).

I was so excited to have my first exaggerated self. So I posed in no time to have the artist started his work. I put my right hand on my waist, put my sunglasses on my head and there he started to draw me.

It was hard to pose like a model hahaha but it was fun though. I was afraid that I may look like Bob Marley but the artist assured me that I will not look like Marley. Or maybe I look like Angelina Jolie (in my dreams). He said that he can make me look like Marilyn Monroe for 2000francs. Its very expensive! I was laughing hard.

It was done in five minutes. I was happy to see myself with big (.....), big butt and very narrow waist.Is this 18 inch or 15 inch? Hahaha.

I said to the artist, WOW I have been dreaming of this big (....) at last I have it because of you....

Sink in Beer

I'm not a beer drinker but when I was feeling stressed with what happened on our first day in Prague (see my blog..legally robbed in Prague) I felt I wanted to sink in beer and yes we did. I didn't like the taste, its strong for me. I only consumed one small glass.

The second night, we decided to sink in beer again, AL FRESCO! We had dinner and drink near our hotel for safety reasons. Our hotel is fronting the German Embassy. Two to three minutes away is the American Embassy. So we felt so safe walking on our way back to hotel. Its a safety zone!

We tried another brand. It's a draft beer and taste better than the last night, the brand is famous in Prague. It's CERNA HORA! but I still got tipsy. One glass, Im done.

It was a celebration on our third night, I consumed 2 glasses. It's our last night. I got so tipsy but no worries we were on the safety zone of Prague!

Another beer for our first night in Gimmelwald, Switzerland. The place is a postcard! Beer taste great with a great view. It seems Im a beer drinker already. No, just for this trip..

Last beer for our last night in the swizz alps...

And another beer for our one night stay in Geneva...

Consecutively drinking for many nights just to taste the beers in Europe...

Im home now and no more beer! I must not sink again....

In Her Majesty's Secret Service, Switzerland

On our second day at Gimmelwald, we were confused to visit Schilthorn Piz Gloria or not. Its where James Bond "In Her Majesty's Service" was filmed and was released in 1969. Piz Gloria is the name of the revolving restaurant in Schilthorn, near Murren at Bernese, Oberland, Switzerland. It is claimed to be the first revolving restaurant at 9,744 feet. We were so sure that the place is amazing.

From Gimmelwald, we took the cablecar to Murren. We shopped some food and drinks using their market bag. Enjoyed the view at the same time. Murren is kinda touristy. We decided not to go up to Schilthorn because its expensive, it's 85 francs/4,780 in peso back and forth. We can trek from Murren but we have no time anymore. Its our last day and it requires 4hours to reach the peak and 4 hours going down.

We took a train to Allmendhubel.

Just when we stepped out of the train, I was not in control, I took lots of photos. The place is breathtaking! Spectacular!

A nice restaurant stood there.

We sat on the bench, feel the mountain breeze, enjoy the views some more, appreciate God's creation and took more photos.

There we saw the Schilthorn peak and dreamed of it.

Schilthorn is near yet so far.
In our minds we will be back to climb the mountain. We just dont know when.

We left Allmendhubel and walked through their flower trail.

Wild flowers of different variety made the trail so lovable to walk. Photos, photos, photos...

We descended through the north face trail. I never knew that it was the North face trail until my friend told me. I cant believe it! We were on the north face trail! using a market bag not a backpack! Hahaha...

We passed another quiet village just below Schilthorn. What a place to live, so peaceful...

It was a long walk but easy trail. We passed an avalanche zone but sans snow because its summer. We saw an avalanche protection for the first time that are constructed with three legged wood that anchors downhill. They are installed in the parts of potential paths of avalanche to retard the snow to slide and prevent destruction of human life, animals and properties.

I was enjoying our trek at the same time learning. How blessed I am to visit the place. This part of the universe is still ecologically balanced, flocks of birds are flying, butterflies are sucking nectars, animals eat grass healthily, trees are green and air is fresh to breath.

As we descended lower and lower, we realized we were at Murren again.

As we continued trekking, we arrived at Gimmelwald contented but wishing for more days to stay but we have to leave the next day...

It was another day in paradise so I say.

One day will be back to witness the location of  "In Her Majesty's Service", Schiltorn....

Gimmelwald, Switzerland - one of God's Landscape

Gimmelwald Switzerland! I never knew this place before until three months ago my friend introduced me to this majestic place. It was a very brilliant idea. After all the research where to go in Switzerland we picked Gimmelwald. I saw great photos at the internet but I thought that the photos are just mere reflections of the place.

We arrived Geneva past 11pm and rested at City Hostel Geneva. Hostel is nice, clean and just five minutes walk from the train station. How I love Geneva! Train service is very efficient and its absolutely free ride from the airport. You just get a free pass at the machine before going out from the airport.

The next day, we were scheduled to visit Gimmelwald for two nights. Fare is quite high from Geneva, it's 75 francs one way or 4,250 in peso. Its three hours travel. Three trains, one bus and one cablecar.
1. Train from Geneva to Bern
2. transferred to another train from Bern to Interlaken
3. transferred another train again from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrannen
4. then bus from Lauterbrannen to Stechelberg
5. Then last is cable car from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald.

Upon arriving at Lauterbrunnen, I was almost in panic to get photos. The place is picturesque! But we have to ride the bus before missing it.

At Stechelberg, Im not in control already. The place is spectacular!

But we have to keep moving to catch the cable car on the way up to Gimmelwald.

At last, we were on Gimmelwald! Its 4,485 feet high.

Oh my God! The place is breathtaking! I never thought that the place looks so good. I felt like it was a heaven on earth. I was really tired but the place was too good to be missed. So we jumped immediately after checking in. It was cold and we were on our jackets to keep us warm. I love it! The mountains in snow caps brings peace in me.

The quietness of the village is very invigorating. All the people there must have a restful sleep Im sure. I think they dont know about insomnia! It doesnt exist there. War doesnt exist there too.

My eyes were feasting on the houses built on the mountain. I love the rustic designs.

The flowers are everywhere, in the garden, in front of their homes, hanging in their windows, in their front yard, in their door, in the road....it's really everywhere. I love flowers a lot, it brings joy in me. It's absolutely a gift from God.

The long road took us to the forest. On our way back, we took the opposite way. It was a bit higher portion of the village. The more we go up, the more it gets better and more beautiful!

I must describe this place as:

GOD's LANDSCAPE!

We dozed off for our next day adventure.