An ode to the Gay Community


Father to his son, drowning him on a plastic/metal drum: Ano ka?
Son (gasping for air): Bakla po!
Father: Ano ka sabi?
Son: Bakla nga po.
Father: Ano, ano ka?
Son: Sirena, itay, SIRENA!

This joke is old. Yet, I believe, there are still people who do this until today.

I have been living all my life with the happiest friends - gays to be exact. Though one hasn't been out of his closet yet, I have a wide circle of these people. They are the most life loving, funny and true friends that I have.

Gays in the Philippines are so called "tampulan ng tukso", they are the life of the party, bordering to them being the joke itself. Many of the gays, or in a correctly political and social terms, the LGBT community, are the most creative minds I have ever met. From drama/sitcoms, to backdrops to powerpoint presentations... to changing their deepest, saddest emotions to funny jokes and antics, these people do not only deserve equality but they should have the rightmost respect and if possible, be given the highest honors on living life on the most positive way ever.

This post is inspired by the latest video by Gloc 9, a rapper who write songs about the society, politics and everything in between. Many of these gay (and happy) people are victims of domestic violence, their fathers (if not brothers) would box them, telling them to be a man. These struggles begin in their childhood and will continue on during their school years.

Lately, I noticed that these gay students would walk in a group, feeling that the road is their own runway. I love looking at them as they peg themselves as beauty queens or runway models. If I could just clap without insulting them, I would certainly do so.

I never imagined my life without these people. They are the most responsible people I have ever known. Them without their own future family, tending the family business and taking care of their old parents, they certainly win over those straight people who left their own parents in a elderly shelter or worse, forget all about them.

My outmost respect and love to all my gay friends. You may be able to relate to parts of this song, but believe me, you have been one of the greatest people in my life.



Loving the happy people,


Deng

Two more nights and we're off!

For the past few months since we purchased our seat sale tickets, we are really looking forward to this trip. Me and my two college bestfriends are embarking on our first trip together. But not only a trip, IT'S THE TRIP OF OUR LIVES, outside of our beloved country.

With hits on good hostels and misses on possible dropping of the trip because of unwanted and out-of-the-blue expenses (for the family) and the past weeks of continuous raining, we are waiting for two more nights and we will be having our Indochina trip. The planning was never easy. As we are all in the Agency sides of our industry, balancing the times between finding a good hostel or laying out a good itinerary and "true" work is never easy. We only met a couple of times (most of the time spent in chitchats and not on the trip planning itself) and worked on researching things (we're good at it, we are researchers by heart and by professions) on our individual free times.

This would definitely epitomize what we would look like in the airport. 



As the final day, of us meeting at the terminal for the flight night, arrives, I thank these two girls who have been great listeners and side commentators, more often than not, my very own supporters. They even proclaim themselves as the officers of Deng and Louie loveteam. I might be bringing the smallest bag, but I would definitely pick up your luggage for you, even more, place them as my seatmate on every tuktuk trip and bus trip. :)

We might not be taking any third class train, but hey, who knows? (Stills from the movie: Monte Carlo)


I'm not afraid of us fighting on the duration of this 9-day travel. We might be travelling on a tight budget, but being with you and finally making on the airport are the best (if not the bestest) part of it all. :D I believe this is not a common trip for girlfriends like us (a social trip to HCMC-Cambodia-Bangkok?), but we make sure we will have fun. And on trips, we should think of our name. :D
Ummm, backpacks? Nuh. 

Loving the sunset, lets do this on Boracay!


PS. Who ever will start the fight should treat the two others on an all-out dinner as we plan for the upcoming trips for next year. Is it HK-Macau or SG-KL? :)



Agitated for the trip,

Deng


Whats on my Daypack and Fitting everything In

Since I am done packing my things on my check in backpack, its time to organize the things that I will have on my carry on bag/ daypack.

Prior to this trip, I was looking for a good camera bag that would fit two of my lenses, but will still have room for my tablet. Being the oldest in the family and with bills to pay, I would never shell out Php2,000 for a bag (though many of camera enthusiasts would say that its worth it) for a camera bag. After months and months of looking and getting tired of my "free" camera bag from my boyfriend, which I fondly call the "Cory bag", it being yellow, I finally found the camera bag I was looking for.

My camera bag: Charmelle in Blue Green by Izzoshop


With flash

Without flash (to possibly capture real color)

Compartments


Luckily, with my mother packing skills, I am able to fit in my Tabs - my tablet and Dee - my Nikon D5100 camera with 2 kitlens, my passport and travel documents in it. Since I promise myself that I will be travelling lightly for this trip, my camera bag will also serve as my daypack, since I will be carrying Niks during the trip.

What's in my daypack (L-R): Dee with her kitlens, passport and Tabs. 


Its my third night of packing and repacking my things and yet it felt that it would never end. I still have few more things to add on my backpack, at least toiletries na lang and I am good to go. Lets see tomorrow!



Thinking about what I still need,

Deng

Whats on my Backpack and Other Mother Packer Tips

Today is the start of the countdown for my biggest trip of the year. Since I am juggling work and part-time work with the last minute buying toiletries and crossing out items on my checklist, I started packing already. While my friends have larger bags for the trip and I personally settled on backpacking, I have to pack wisely and conveniently for me.

I have been on the road, visiting places, for work. So with the travels I had, I learned how to pack wisely. I could stay for three days and two nights without a check in baggage, or merely a backpack (and that includes a pair of slippers, rubber shoes, a towel and toiletries). As my boyfriend told me: "Wow! I am in-love with a mother packer".

I have been reading loads and loads of tips how to pack lightly, it would be a big hurdle for me, since we are not on actual backpacking for a long time (where you can limit your clothes since you can wash them). So I kept a list of things I will be packing for the trip and I decided to bring the following:


- 3 2 pairs of pants. Yes, they say that jeans are not backpackers' bestfriends, but I don't have a choice. We will be temple running, big time, and tight clothes are no-no. So I settled on my trusty old jeans.



- 1 2 pairs of leggings. Sadly, this is the only pair I have. I don't want to buy another since I have to maximize what I have now. I borrowed my mom's leggings because I felt that it would be the best replacement for the "evicted" jeans. Good thing it fits!

- 1 dress and a long skirt. Though I have packed jeans, I wanted to have more choices on my outfit, so I decided to bring along my dress and my long skirt (especially for Bangkok temples) and maybe, we will need a dress along the way.

- 4 pairs of walking shorts. Saving one for Angkor Wat photoshoot.




- 9 shirts. One for each day.

- 4 pairs of sleeping shorts and tshirts. I can repeat these clothes cause I am merely sleeping with them and nobody, aside from my travelmates, will see them. Well, the hotel staff and receptionist will count.




- 1 scarf and cardigan. Simply to cover up my arms on temples and for cold nights and trips.

- sneaker, ballet flats and slippers. My trusted three items for the long walks and runs.

- small towel, just in case towels are not available in the hotels.


HOW TO PACK THEM IN A 50L BAG

Step 1. Roll all things.

Step 2. Pack them on top of one another.

End.





You have options to buy a luggage space saver bag or a travel bag organizer, just to make everything neater. Well, since I don't have these bags, I simply roll things and pack them.

To keep your dirty clothes from clean ones, you can bring ziplock bags, roll them over to keep the air out and you're good to go.

As of the moment, all I need to pack are the toiletries and I am good to go.


For more tips, you can visit SoleSisters. They give out the best tips in the world! :)


Still packing and crossing out items on her list,

Deng




Who's excited?

Finally, the planning came into an end. One whole work week to go and we are bound for our Indochina trip.

As the song goes, 'All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.", well, this sort of reflects on my status of the trip. I ready want to post an entry of what I am bringing to the trip, how it will fit on my TNF bag, yet, I am too busy to take pictures. I may be able to write a more comprehensive entry on packing since I am the only one bringing a backpack on this trip.

Anyways, I have few more things to buy and I should complete them before taking pictures of them. :) For now, I am ready for the workweek. :D



Excited for the trip,

Deng

Bluroze Farms: A Place of Tranquility in the Middle of Lipa City

This is another side trip from my Batangas fieldwork in the last week of July. We wanted to initially visit The Farm in San Benito, however, we find that its entrance is too much for our few hours visit. So before we leave Manila, I researched a place where we can go to, and I came across Bluroze Farm and Wildlife in Lipa City.

Bluroze Farm and Wildlife is a tranquility place located at Brgy. Lodlod, Lipa City. It is a 8-hectare farm with lodging and events place and houses several animals.


How to get there

For those who are coming from Manila, you can take buses bound for Lipa City from the Cubao Bus Terminal. We took Partas Bus and paid about Php 140.00 for the fare. After about an hour and a half, we reached the Lipa Tollway exit.

To get to the Lipa City Proper, you will have to take jeepneys bound for Lipa (with signboards: Lipa or Lipa Proper). Fare is Php 8.00. You have two options where to get off: One near the Kapilya or Iglesia ni Cristo church near the Star Tollway or McDo across Robinson's Lipa. Either of the two terminals, you have to take a tricycle and tell them you are bound to Bluroze Farm. I recommend you to take the tricycles from the McDo terminal since there is no tricycle terminal from the Iglesia.

It is quite far from McDo and will take you about 10-15 minutes before you reach the gates of Bluroze Farms. For those who are coming from the Iglesia, it will take you about 7-10 minutes only. Fare from either way is Php 70.00.





Inside Bluroze Farms


Entrance fee in Bluroze Farm is Php 100 per head. You have choices of having one round of drink and sandwich for Php 150.00 or entrance with lunch for Php 175.00.




Ostrich Eggs for sale - Php 400.00 each

I am still thinking where would you eat when you are so engaged with the views like below.


It has different rooms - bahay kubos - with insect names, such as tutubi, bubuyog and the likes.




They also have conference and function rooms, restaurants and camping site.





Aside from lodging and accommodations, it houses different kinds of birds and other animals.





9



However, pavements are bound to the rooms only and for those who wanted to see the animals nearer, they have to walk on the grass (wet and muddy when we are there since it just rained). I hope they do something about the walkways that visitors can use to be up close with the animals.


The whole place is very serene. You can climb the tower to look at the whole place in an aerial view. You can also enjoy the lush greens while on the hammock or swings made from huge tires.





I will definitely go back to this place. I bet this will be better during the dry season. :)


You may visit Bluroze Farms and Wildlife at http://www.blurozephilippines.com.


Searching for Tranquil Places,

Deng

Ilocos trip: A Side Trip from True Work

For the past years that I have been working, I have the opportunity of visiting famous places, from way North (well, not Aparri) to down South (not Jolo either). However, this past month was different from the other month, since this time, I am not working as hard as before and I just accompanied one of Agencies when they are doing the true work.

On the middle week of July, I have the opportunity of visiting Ilocos region. Despite the heavy rains pouring on the region, I believe that it won't stop me in visiting two heritages in the region: the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte and Vigan Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur. I have to visit these two sites, no matter what. Sadly, Pagudpud does not belong on my must-see visit during the rainy season since it is hard to photograph the windmills and all.


1ST STOP: BALUARTE, VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR

Since this is a side trip, we have to manage our time well. I decided, I will be visiting Vigan for a day, since it offers more sites than Ilocos Norte. I rose up at 6:30am, got dressed and went out of Isabel Suites by 8:00am.

From Isabel Suites, we rode a tricyle to Partas Bus Terminal. They have trips to Cubao every hour and you can just ride these buses on your way to Vigan.

You will arrive in Vigan Centro in about 2 hours, and you will see Vigan Cathedral upon getting off the bus. We decided to take lunch before we proceed to Baluarte and Vigan Heritage Site.

After having lunch, we rode a tricycle from Centro to Baluarte, Chavit Singson's mini-farm located in Brgy. Tamag, Vigan City. It take you 15-20 minutes from the Centro to the gates of Baluarte. There is no admission fee when you enter Baluarte. According to the staff we talked with, this is Governor Chavit's gift to the Ilocano's.



Upon entrance, you have two options in covering the 8 hectare farm and zoo - by your own feet or you can ride the free service. I highly suggest you take the service, its free anyway. Their service - a mini pony with steel calesa. I believe this will fit two persons at a time, and can transport you to the ostrich and camel side of the farm, quite far if you decided to walk. The calesa will also transport you back to the entrance where you can start the actual walk to the rest of the Baluarte. It only took about 30 minutes to cover the area. We didn't visit the top area, since the clouds are getting darker and we planned to be back to Laoag before night falls. You can buy souvenirs  inside Baluarte, from tshirts to ref magnets and keychains. before you leave the place, you can also see stalls selling souvenirs. 







Our second stop for the day is the Vigan Heritage Site or also known as the Calle Crisologo. To reach the site, tricycles await you when you exit Baluarte. You just have to tell them that you are going to Calle Crisologo.


2ND STOP: CALLE CRISOLOGO, VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR

This whole street is now vying for its spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its a must that I visit this. Calle Crisologo is a whole stretch of old Spanish houses that the City of Vigan is caring for. In this street you can find antiques, locally made souvenirs, bagnet, cornicks and a whole lot more. To fully experience the old Spanish era, it is a must that you ride the calesa while on this street. You may opt to walk again, but you must ride the calesa to your next destination, either the Vigan Cathedral or Vigan Market to buy cornicks.



Souvenir shops along Calle Crisologo

Ilocano Blankets
Calle Crisologo
Old Irons



3RD STOP: VIGAN CATHEDRAL, VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR

One of the many Baroque churches in the Ilocos, and it is the first and last place that you would see when you arrive and leave Vigan City. I must create a new album of the Baroque churches that I have visited all over Philippines, I should do that soon. Nothing fancy, except it will definitely bring you to the Spanish era, where the Prayle would do their sermons not on the altar but on elevated places in the church, with a mini-stage.


The Bell Tower, Vigan Cathedral



We were bound for Laoag by 2 in the afternoon. However, it took us about an hour before we rode the Partas bus that we will bring us back. But ordinary buses, mini-bus what locals call them, can also take you back to Laoag City. Since it was about to rain, we decided to wait for the Partas bus. After a little more than 2 hours, we arrived at the Partas Bus station (just because it rained heavily and the bus slowed down) and took a tricycle back to Isabel Suites where I was staying.



4TH STOP: PAOAY CHURCH, PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE

2nd day of free time. It was my flight day but I still decided to visit the famous Paoay Church hours before the flight. I woke up by 5am, and got on my trip by 6am. I took a tricycle from Isabel Suites to Laoag-Paoay jeep terminal near the Provincial Capitol. It took me 45 minutes, passing thru San Nicolas, Batac and Mariano Marcos University before I got off at the back of Paoay church. It was drizzling when I arrive there but I still decided to walk toward the front so I can get a good picture of one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site.

UNESCO Heritage Site: Paoay Church


Getting back, you will need to walk to the Paoay-Laoag jeepney terminal, 45 minutes more and I'm back to Laoag City. I have 1.5 hours before I get to Laoag Airport and I decided to buy more pasalubongs for my family. I met up with one of my local researchers and she accompanied me to Laoag Central Market to buy longganisa and bagnet. :) We rode the calesa back to my hotel and I'm off to the airport again. :)


REALIZATIONS

Ilocos region, well, for the cities I managed to visit, is an old place. It took me back to the Spanish era, with Calle Crisologo and the Baroque churches but managed to keep the modern period with fastfood chains everywhere. You should not miss the calesa ride when you are there. First, the calesa ride is the same as the tricycle fare (Php 11.00). Second, its environment friendly. Third, you are able to help those old manong and manang that drives the calesa.

For the past travels that I had, I always made sure that I visit not only the major attractions but also those minor ones. I have the fascinations of UNESCO sites, so I make sure I visit them.

The Sinking Bell Tower viewed from a Calesa


Now, I'm preparing for my next travel, off to INDOCHINA in two weeks!


Enjoying the perks of work,

Deng

Unboxing Pavizio X1: Getting more than what you pay for

This entry have been long overdue. I promised I will be writing an entry on this, however, due to my tight schedule of trips and office work, here it goes.

In early July, I was able to buy a new addition to my electronic family, to wrap up my birthday month. I have written a teaser entry about it, since I need to use it on its full capacity to be able to write a more comprehensive review.


UNBOXING THE TABLET
One of the best features for me about this tablet is that it doesn't have its front buttons, one that can be found in the front panel that serves as back buttons on Ipads and Samsung Tablets. On a landscape screen mode, you will see two buttons on top of it, one for the volume and another for the power button, that also serve as the lock button. Back panel comes in two colors - black and white, similar to Galaxy Tab. However, there is no difference on the specifications despite the color.

Back panel

NOTE: All the following walk through on placements of buttons are on landscape mode.

Its basic features are its 0.3 MP camera on the upper right hand corner. the power indicator light can be found below the camera lens. Blue light suggests its powered on and turns red when its near its depleting when you are charging the device.

Front panel


 On the side, you will see the charger, USB and earphone jacks, as well as slots for SD card.
Buttons, Ports and Jacks

With Charger, Earphones and USB connected





STARTING UP
Turning on the tablet takes about a little less than a minute. However, if you are using the pattern security log-in feature, it may need several seconds more to react on your fingertips.

On the lower right of the screen, you will see basic icons such as the clock, battery, wifi notifications, system updates, downloads and external device connectors. On the lower left of the bar, you can see three major buttons: back, home and current running programs. Three dots appear beside the running programs icon for program's basic options (i.e on web browser - back, refresh and forward icons), depending on what program you're currently using.

Home Screen

Running apps - Home Screen

You will see you home screen, similar to the desktop and laptop screens that we are used to. This contains the shortcut icons for the main program that you use. On the upper right, you have the menu buttons that brings you the list of applications/ programs you have installed in your tablet.

Menu screen


PERSONALIZING YOUR TABLET

HOME SCREEN
Your home screen "houses" icons of the programs you want to easily access without clicking the menu icon. From the menu screen, you can drag an icon to the home screen and create its shortcut. You can eventually organize home screen icons - on placements by a long push of the icon, until a grid comes out and you can put them wherever you like them on the home screen. You can also organize all games shortcut by selecting one and dragging them on another game icon. Similarly, a remove button will be displayed in case you want to remove some of the home shortcut icons.

To make your device reflect yoru personality, you can as well personalize your home screen wallpaper. However, because it runs on Android ICS, menu screen remains black.


APPLICATIONS/ PROGRAMS
Because the device runs on Android, you expect that you;ll have Google Market where you can find loads of free and paid application. As of the moment, I have an ebook reader, 4 games from Google Market, an office application (for Documents, PDF, Powerpoint and Excel files I review and make) and web browser.


BATTERY AND CHARGING
I don't really expect much on the battery of the device, since it only costs a little over Php 5,000.00. However, when I am using it with an ebook reader, web browser and 2 games running, it gave me a good 5 hours of usage (all running, but I'm not using them all at the same time). When on standby, it gives me almost 48 hours.

I feel that when I am using the tablet, and it is charging, it will take about 3 hours before it is fully charged. When its off, on the other hand, it will only take 1 to 1.5 hours before its full. So, I make sure I turn off the device when I am charging it.


THE VERDICT
For almost 2 months of using the device, I can say it has served its main purpose for me. I no longer bring my laptop with me, since I can create, edit and review documents on my tablet. I can also be online and be able to read ebooks.
But because I have low expectations on the device because of its price, I felt that it gives more than what I paid for it. I can play Temple Run on the device (its has gyro capabilities, you can swing it left to right too, like other devices) and read ebooks. However, there are times that it has its lag moments, keyboard sometimes appears slow when you use the address bar on the web browser or it is not responsive to your touch.

Now, its up to you if you want to buy the product, but come to think of it, if browsing and reading materials are all you want to do, then, Pavizio X1 is good for you.



Self proclaimed gadget freak and techie,

Deng