minsan sa Hongkong

   Nakapunta na ko sa bansang Hongkong noong oktobre ng 2008, apat na taon na ang nakakalipas. Ito ang unang lugar  na napuntahan ko sa labas ng sariling bansa, kasama ang mga pamangkin, ang mama at ang pangalawa kong kapatid, sama sama naming binisita ang banyagang lugar.

   Sumakay kami ng eroplano papunta sa Manila at duon naman sumakay ulit ng eroplano papuntang Hongkong. Dalawang oras lang inabot ang biyahe. Mas mahaba pa ng apat na oras ang hinintay namin para sa boarding ng eroplano.

   Pagdating sa Hongkong, manghang mangha ako sa paliparan nila, hindi ito mukhang paliparan, para lang ito isang malaking mall. Maraming baitang, maraming kainan at maraming mga tindahan ng mamahaling damit.   Nasa paliparan ka pa lang ng Hongkong, ubos na agad ang pera mo.

   Meron kaming travel agent, noong araw na yun, babae ang nagsundo saamin. Nakalagay sa isang papel ang pangalan ng kapatid ko,sa ganung paraan namin nalaman na sila nga ang sundo namin.

   Mula sa paliparan ng Hongkong, sakay ng isang shuttle bus, hinatid kami ng travel agent sa hotel na magiging tirahan namin pang samantala, Dorset hotel ang pangalan nito. Sa biyahe ding yun binigay sa amin ang mga food vouchers para sa libreng agahan sa Mc donalds.

   Madilim na ng dumating kami sa hotel, kaya nung sunod na araw na lang nagsisimula ang tour.

Dahil hindi kasama sa binayaran ang pagkain namin sa gabing yun, kumain kami sa kalye na malapit sa hotel, night market kung tawagin. Ito'y mahabang kalye na maraming kainan at tindahan ng kung anu ano, para lang tiange dito sa amin pag fiesta. Ang pinagkaiba lang, dito tuwing fiesta lang my ganun, sa kanila gabi-gabi.

Kumain kami sa kainan na ngbebenta ng kanin at sinubukang kumain gamit ang chopstick. Buti na lang ngpagtripan namin ng kaibigan ko magchopstick sa tokyo tokyo, nagamit ko din pala. Pagkatapos kumain, naglakad lakad kami sa mga tindahan at pagkatapos bumalik na din sa hotel.

   Dalawang kwarto ang kinuha namin, ang kapatid at mga pamangkin ko sa isang kwarto, ako at ang mama ko sa kabilang kwarto naman. Unang gabi ko sa Hongkong nun, hindi makatulong ng maayos pero dinalaw din ng antok matapos mgpaikot ikot sa higaan.

             

   Nagising ako na wala sa sarili, bigla ko naalalang wala pala ako sa bahay, ito pala ang unang araw ko sa Hongkong. Maagang nagising ang mga kasama kong bata, lahat ay excited magsimula ang tour. Pagkatapos maligo at magbihis ay pumunta kami sa Mc Donalds kung saan ginamit ang food vouchers na binigay ng tour guide. Medyo ma distansya ang kainan sa hotel, pero okay lang naman dahil sight seeing na din ng mga tindahan at buhay nila dun. Hindi ganun ka busy ang lungsod, walang masyadong tao sa kalye, mabibilang mo lang ang nakakasalubong mo. Pero pagpasok namin sa Mc Donalds, nandun ang iba't ibang klase ng tao. Estudyante, bata, nanay, magoopisina at mga turistang tulad namin, busy rin pala ang parte iyon ng Hongkong. Pagkatapos kumain, agad din kaming bumalik sa hotel. Dun kasi kami susunduin ng shuttle bus na magiging sakayan namin sa unang araw ng tour. Lalakeng tour guide ang nagsundo saamin.

   Unang araw ng tour, ang schedule namin nun ay ang city tour. Linibot namin ang lugar ng Hongkong. Namangha sa taas ng mga gusali at linis ng lugar. Pareho lang ang time zone ng Pinas at Hongkong kaya hindi mahirap mag adjust dito. Ang Hongkong pala ay hindi na aapektuhan ng lindol, sa kung anong dahilan, hindi ko na maalala. Kaya pataasan na lang sila ng mga gusali.

    Nandun din sa gitna ng mga gusali ay ang sementeryong hindi mukhang sementeryo. Sa unang tingin para lang silang palamuti ng lungsod. Ang layo layo sa linis ang pinas!
Marami kaming pinuntahang lugar, tourist spot kung baga. Konti na lang ang naalala ko,isa na dito yung floating restaurant kung tawagin ay jumbo. Sumakay kami ng bangka at nagpaikot ikot sa ilog ng Hongkong.
Nakita ko dito ang mga bahay na nakalutang sa tubig, para silang isquater dun, nasa tubig nga lang. Duon sa parte yun ng Hongkong ko nadama na meron din palang ganun doon. Kahit anong unlad ng lugar o kahit ganu kaganda may mga taong squater din.
   Naalala ko din yung pinuntahan namin sa tabing dagat. Makikita mo ang buong Hongkong sa parteng yun. my life size picture si jackie jan dun, nagpakuha pa nga ako ng litrato at meron din coffee shop na hindi ko ma bigkas ang mga tindang tinapay.
   Pumunta din kami sa isang gawaan ng alahas. Hindi naman ako nakinig sa speaker, sobrang magha ko kasi sa mga alas na mas mahal pa sa tuition fee ko. Inisip ko din ng mga oras na yun kung ano kaya ang tuwang naidudulot ng ganung kamahal na alas. Binili kami ni mama ng pig isang pares ng hikaw. Souvenir daw.
Buong umaga lang yung city tour, Kaya bakante yung hapon namin. Pgdating sa hotel umalis din kami agad dahil kakain ng pananghalian. Dun lang din sa malapit sa hotel kami kumain, isang restaurant, kung saan nakasabit ang peking duck sa bitana. Nakalimutan ko na kung ano kinain namin, naalala ko na lang ay yung tea at yung mga isda sa aquarium na pwede mong pilian at ipaluto.
   Doon sa araw din yun namin napagisipan pumunta sa night market. Pero masyadong malayo pala, hindi kaya ni mama maglakad ng malayo dahil sa kapansanan nya. Ang resulta, naiwan sa hotel si mama kasama ang tatlong pamankin ko. Kami ng ate ko ang pumunta sa night market gabay ng isang mapang nakuha ko sa lamesa ng hotel. Dun ko rin nalaman na marunong pala ako mg basa ng mapa. Yun ang hidden talent ko!
Ang haba ng nilakad namin, pero hindi masyadong na pansin dahil sa pagtingin tingin sa mga gusaling nadadaanan. My watson, my mga kainan, my mga hotel, my mc donalds at 711 din. Maraming mamahaling boutique, tindahan ng sapatos, bag, damit at prutas, my salon at mga up and down na bus.astig! Sa hinaba haba ng linakad namin, narating din namin ang night market. Hindi pa namin napapnsin ang pagod.
Samot saring mga gamit ang Makikita mo sa night market. Ang tanda ko, tatlong  kalye yung market, ang una ay para sa mga damit, yung pangalawa ay para sa sports equipment at yung pangatlo ay para sa gadgets. Hindi na namin pinuntahan yung iba, masaya na kami sa market ng mga damit at abubot. Kalahati yata ng linakad namin papunta dun ang haba nung night market, walang katapusang lakaran.
   Maraming tourista ang nandun, iba ibang lahi. Dun din kami nakabili ng mga pang pasalubong, mga pitaka, bag, salamin, shawl at boots ng ate ko. Hindi ko na pansin na gabing gabi na pala. Kahit alas dyis na, buhay na buhay pa ang lungsod. Bukas pa ang mga tindahan, hindi nakakatakot maglakad dahil marami kang makakasalubong na mga taong laging nagmamadali. Lakad ulit kami pabalik ng hotel,mas madali yun kaysa sumakay sa taxi,baka tuluyan kaming mawala. sa ka haba haba ng lakaran nakaabot din kami sa hotel. Ngsisgawan na ang mga legs at paa ko, gustong gusto na mgpahinga.

          

   

   Pangalawang araw sa Hongkong pareho din ang systema tulad ng unang araw.  Kumain sa Mc donalds pero dun na kami sa parke sa harap ng hotel ng hintay ng shuttle bus. Dun pala kasi dapat kami mghihintay hindi sa lobby ng hotel. Dun ko napansin na tahimik ang Hongkong,walang pulubi sa kalye, walang batang nglalaro maging sa parke. My isang matanda ngbabasa ng libro at nakakatuwang tignan na bumuhat pa siya sa kinauupuan nya para itapon ang upos ng sigarilyong hawak nya. Kaya malinis ang Hongkong dahil my disiplina ang mga tao. Paano kaya nila na pagutos ang disiplina?

Nung mga oras din yun ko napansin na wala na yung mga tindahan sa kabilang kalye, parang hindi sila buhay, dahil walang bakas na ngpapakita na my market dun. Malinis.

Sa dulo ng parke ay my temple. Nakalimutan ko na din kung anong temple yun at kung bakit nandun sila. Basta tanda ko lang, bawal mag picture sa loob!

Dumating din ang bus na madadala samin sa disneyland, pangalawang araw ay ang disneyland day.

Totoong masaya sa disneyland, pwedeng maging bata ulit. Unlimited rides at may mga iba't ibang klaseng palabas. My parade na maraming pilipino ang kasamang nagtutugtog ng drum o kaya ay sumasayaw. Lahat ng main disney characters ay nandun. May mga mascot, prinsesa at pirata nakakalat sa lugar. Kumain kami ng ice cream na hugis mickey mouse, sumakay sa bangka at narinig sa ibat ibang linguwahe ang kantang its a small world after all at sumakay sa train na umikot sa buong disneyland. nahahati sa tatlong parte ang disneyland, isa isa namin itong inikot, gabay ng isang mapa. Ako na expert sa map reading!

Maraming souvenir shops, marami sana akong gustong bilhin, wala nga lang akong pera. Sayang talaga, sa susunod magiipon na talaga ako.

Sa disneyland pala galing yung hugis mickey mouse na lapis ko dati, pinadala lang yun sakin ng auntie ko, color blue yun. iiyak dun ang mga taong ngkokolekta ng mickey mouse dahil sa sobrang rami at sa sobrang mahal iiyak ka na lang talaga.

Isang magandang fireworks ang nagtapos ng disneyland adventure namin, parang ang bilis lang ng araw na yun.

                   

Pangatlong araw, dating gawi, medyo na late kami ngayon dahil din siguro sa pagod. Muntik pa kami maiwan ng shuttle bus, buti na lang hinintay kami. Ocean park adventure ang pangatlong araw.

Masaya din dito, fun park kung baga. Dito ako unang nakasakay ng cable cart. Takot kung takot talaga ang naramdaman ko, mahuhulog ka kaya sa tubig pag nagkataon! Lake yata ang dinadaanan ng cable cart. Siguro tumagal din ng mga 15 minutes yung biyahe ng cable cart. At dalawang beses pa kailangan sumakay para makabalik kung san kami galing. Nahahati sa dalawang parte ang ocean park, yun ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan ko sumakay sa cable cart. Mararating mo ang kalahati sa pagsakay ng cable cart.

Sa banda yun nakalagay yung mga ferris wheel na malalaki. Yung mga rides na para lang sa taong malakas ang loob. Yung tipong aatakihin ako sa puso pag sinakayan ko, kahit wala naman talaga akong sakit sa puso. May mga darts na papanalunan mo ay malalaking stuff toys. Hindi pala maganda sa bata yun parteng yun, kaya bumalik na lang kami sa kabilang parte.

Duon sa parteng iyon ay may mga mascot at nandun din yung mga rides na pang bata talaga. Yung tipong bawal na ko sumakay kasi over age na ko.

Nanuod kami ng seal show at ng perform na clown. Naglakadlakad sa parke at bumili din ng mga souvenir na mga stuff toy sa gift shop.

Natapos din ang araw. lahat pagod at lahat naman kami masaya. Hinatid ulit kami ng shuttle bus pabalik sa hotel

 Huling gabi na namin yun. Bumili na lang ang ate ko ng pagkain sa labas at sa loob na lang din ng hotel kami kumain.  Nung sumunod na araw na ang balik namin sa pinas.

   Pang apat na umaga ko sa Hongkong, medyo late na ko gumising dahil hapon pa naman yung sundo na maghahatid sa amin sa pariparan. tinake out na lang din namin yung Mc donalds at sa hotel kinain. Naalala ko pa na naglast buy pa ako ng sandals na nakita sa boutique na malapit sa hotel. Kumain din kmi ng egg pie at uminom ng shake sa katabi ng hotel.
   Matagal pa ang hinintay namin sa lobby ng hotel pagkatapos mag checkout. Dun ko lang din na pansin na ang kainan ng hotel ay nasa seventh floor at hindi sa ground floor. Naalala ko pa nagpunta kami dun dahil walang banyo sa lobby.
   Matagal din ang hinintay namin sa airport ng Hongkong at maraming pasikot sikot pa mula sa entrance. Sumakay pa nga ata kami ng shuttle bus sa loob ng paliparan para makarating sa tamang lugar kung saan kami maghihintay. At last, boarding na din,pabalik na kami ng pinas.
   Sa pagpunta namin dito, nadagdagan nanaman ang mga gamit ko. Meron akong 2 bagong bag(ngayon ay sira na) sapatos(sira na rin), coin purse na keychain na minnie mouse(nagkakalat kalat sa bahay), salamin(gamit ko parin hangang nayon), stuff toy na dolphin(pinamana ko na sa anak ko) at mga tissue at sabon na sinira na ng bagyo.
   Hindi ko alam kung kailang ulit ako makakalabas ng bansa. Pero nagpapasalamat ako dahil Hongkong ang una kong napuntahan, masaya parang ang sarap ulit ulitin.
   Nakakalungkot na ang layo ng lugar na yun sa pinas. Pero kahit mas maunlad sila, mas malinis sila, mas disiplinado sila at kahit na may disneyland sila, masaya pa din dito sa pinas. At yun, ang isang bagay na pinagmamalaki ko, bilang isang pilipino.

top ten places I want to visit

Like everybody else, I dream of visitng other countries.
Here are the top ten places I'm dying to visit =)

(1) Santorini, Greece

Fantastic, fabulous Santorini deserves all the superlatives. Even the most jaded traveller succumbs to the awesome drama of this surreal landscape, relic of what was probably the biggest eruption in recorded history. That you share the experience with hordes of other visitors is inevitable. Embrace it all.

The caldera and its vast curtain wall of multicoloured cliffs is truly awesome. If you want to experience the full dramatic impact it’s worth arriving by a slower ferry with open decks, rather than by enclosed catamaran or hydrofoil.
Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets. The village of Oia on the northern tip of the island is a hugely popular sunset viewing site because there is an uninterrupted view of the sun as it finally sinks below the horizon. From farther south down the caldera edge, the last of the setting sun can be obscured by the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia. Take your pick, however. You can enjoy most of the sunset from almost anywhere along the rim of the caldera, especially if you want to avoid the sometimes feverish crush at Oia.
The main port, Athinios, stands on a cramped shelf of land at the base of Sphinxlike cliffs and is a scene of marvellous chaos that always seems to work itself out when ferries arrive. Buses (and taxis) meet all ferries and then cart passengers through an ever-rising series of S-bends to the capital, Fira, which fringes the edge of the cliffs like a snowy cornice.

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I once read a novel and somehow, the character lives there. I was enchanted by how wonderful Greece was describe in that book. I want to see all those ancient buildings and watch the sunset. To see the moon and swim in one of those beaches. It seems that Greece is a very romantic country.

(2) Rio de Janerio, Brazil

At once both a cinematic cityscape and a grimy urban front line, Rio de Janeiro, known as the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), is nothing if not exhilarating. Flanked by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. Tack on one of the sexiest populations on the planet and you have an intoxicating tropical cocktail that leaves visitors punch-drunk on paradise.

With the seductive sounds of samba as their rallying cry, Rio’s residents, known as cariocas, have perfected the art of living well. From the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the tops of scenic outlooks of Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar to the dance halls, bars and open-air cafes that proliferate the city, cariocas live for the moment without a care in the world. This idea of paradise has enchanted visitors for centuries, and there are dozens of ways to be seduced. You can surf great breaks off Prainha, hike through Tijuca’s rainforests, sail across Guanabára, dance the night away in Lapa or just people-watch on Ipanema Beach.

While Rio has its share of serious problems, there are plenty of residents – expats included – who wouldn’t dream of relocating. It’s no coincidence Christo himself sits arms outstretched across the city, either.

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Like Greece, I met this city in one of the novels I read. Since then, I was crazy about this place with all those beaches and street parties and galleries to visit. 

(3) Milan, city of Italy

At first glance, Milan (Milano) can appear like one of the models gracing its catwalks: great bone structure (in the shape of historic and striking new architecture), extravagant taste and no obvious soul. But Milan’s style and, yes, substance, are more than skin deep.

Milan is the engine room of the country’s economy and home of its stock exchange, yet it isn’t driven by tourism. Treasures that survived WWII’s extensive damage include its elaborate cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, La Scala opera house and Castello Sforzesco. What really sets Milan apart, though, is its creative streak

Armani, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Gucci and many more took off on Milan’s runways. Fashionistas make a pilgrimage here to shop at the designers’ flagship stores in the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quad). Boutiques stocking emerging labels, and chic concept shops also line the city’s streets, while discount outlets selling samples, seconds and last season’s cast-offs are a bargain-hunter’s Holy Grail. Milan is also the world capital of furniture and homewares (the beanbag is a Milanese brainchild), and a hub for risk-taking contemporary art. By night there’s an avant-garde theatre scene, a fabulous aperitivi scene (extended ‘happy hour’ with platters of bar food laid on) and hip, hot clubs.The city is at its hottest – weather-wise – in August, when locals take holidays, and many places close; though it can provide a tranquil alternative to the crowded coast.

Fashion and finance aside, Milan’s other religion is, of course, calcio (football). The city is home to both AC Milan and Inter, two of Italy’s top teams, and passionate crowds pack San Siro stadium on Sunday in season.

The city also harbours some lesser-known attractions such as the Navigli’s canal-side cafés and old-fashioned gelaterie (ice-cream shops) and the funky design district of Isola.

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I was influence by one of the Filipino movie titled Milan itself. That's basically the reason why I wanted to visit this place. 

(4) Venice, Italy

From the look of it, you'd think Venice spent all its time primping. Bask in the glory of Grand Canal palaces, but make no mistake: this city's a powerhouse. You may have heard that Venice is an engineering marvel, with marble churches built atop ancient posts driven deep into the barene (mud banks) – but the truth is that this city is built on sheer nerve. Reasonable people might blanch at water approaching their doorsteps and flee at the first sign of acqua alta (high tide). But reason can’t compare to Venetian resolve. Instead of bailing out, Venetians have flooded the world with voluptuous Venetian-red paintings and wines, music, Marco Polo spice-route flavours, and bohemian-chic fashion. And they’re not done yet.

With the world’s most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre, you’d think the city would take it easy, maybe rest on its laurels. But Venice refuses to retire from the inspiration business. In narrow calli (alleyways), you’ll glimpse artisans hammering out shoes crested like lagoon birds, cooks whipping up four-star dishes on single-burner hotplates, and musicians lugging 18th-century cellos to riveting baroque concerts played with punk-rock bravado. As you can see, all those 19th-century Romantics got it wrong. Venice is not destined for genteel decay. Billionaire benefactors and cutting-edge biennales are filling up those ancient palazzi (palaces) with restored masterpieces and eyebrow-raising contemporary art and architecture, and back-alley galleries and artisan showrooms are springing up in their shadows. Your timing couldn’t be better: the people who made walking on water look easy are already well into their next act.

But don’t go expecting to have the city to yourself. Even in the foot-stomping chill of January, Venice has its admirers. The upside is that you’ll keep fascinating company here. More accessible than ever and surprisingly affordable given its singularity, Venice remains a self-selecting city: it takes a certain imagination to forgo the convenience of cars and highways for slow boats and crooked calli. Sculptors, harpsichordists, sushi chefs and dreamers passing as accountants might end up bumping elbows over heaping plates of risotto di seppie (squid risotto) along scuffed wooden tables in authentic osterie (pub-restaurants). Judging by the crowd, you might think the Art Biennale must be happening – but no, that’s just an average Wednesday night in Venice.

Venice is best when caught between acts, after the day trippers rush off to beat afternoon traffic, and before cruise ships dump dazed newcomers off in Piazza San Marco with three hours to see all of Venice before lunch. Those visitors may never get to see Venice in its precious downtime, when gondoliers warm up their vocal chords with scorching espresso on their way to work, and mosaic artisans converge at the bar for tesserae shoptalk over a spritz (prosecco-based drink).

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Who doesn't want to visit one of the worlds romantic place?

(5) Paris, France

Once just a village that settled on the "Ile de la Cite" (City Island) on the confluence of the Seine's two branches, Paris has vastly expanded over the centuries, taking the surrounding villages under its wing and making them its own. Nowadays the City of Light—a name Paris earned during the age of the Enlightenment—is made up of several arrondissements or districts, numbered from 1 to 20 and logically ordered with the 1st in the center and the others following in a clockwise spiral. The differences are vast and varied between the districts, both in terms of the populations and attractions, which together make up the multifaceted city we know and love.

(6) London, England

Noisy, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and frenetic energy. The capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, it is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of a little over 8 million — although the figure of 14 million for the city's metropolitan area more accurately reflects its size and importance. Considered one of two of the world's leading "global cities", London remains an international capital of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade.

(7) Africa Safari

Africa’s not always an easy place to travel in. It can be frustrating and challenging at times. Hardships and logistical disasters can happen. But don’t believe everything you see on TV: Africa’s not a hell hole full of civil war, plague, famine and violent crime. It’s a fantastic, enlightening, surprising and intriguing continent. Try it once, and we guarantee you’ll dream about coming back for the rest of your life.

(8) India

India bristles with an eclectic melange of ethnic groups; an intoxicating cultural cocktail for the traveller. With such astonishing diversity, you will be taken on a journey that will linger in your mind long after you’ve left her shores.

(9) Singapore

Ditch the image of Singapore as a dull, sterile Utopia – scratch the surface and you’ll discover a strange brew of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cultures, a rich social stew that’s anything but boring. Sure, the graffiti-free trains run on time, traffic jams are nonexistent and everyone looks clean-cut and wholesome, but who needs pollution, poverty and chaos?

Singapore’s mouthwatering food is the number one drawcard. Pull up a pew at a hawker centre, crack open a Tiger beer and immerse yourself in a munificent range of Asian delights; heavy on the flavour, light on the wallet. Want to splurge? Singapore delivers Southeast Asia’s best shopping and innovative, stylish restaurants, plus a swathe of top-notch hotels. Top of the tree is Raffles, a timeless symbol of colonial opulence.

Of course, it’s not all about shopping, eating and G&Ts on the veranda. Work up a sweat with outdoor activities – walking, cycling and water sports – or check out the contemporary arts scene, thriving under the government’s promotion of Singapore as an arts hub. If you want a break from the urban confines, the centre of the island has sparkling reservoirs and leafy tracts of forest where all you’ll hear is monkeys clattering through the boughs.

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 Since I was in college, i really wanted to live here. I really don't know why. I just fell in love with it, with no reason at all!.

(10) Macau

Macau is a city with two faces. On the one hand, the fortresses, churches and food of its former colonial master Portugal speak to a uniquely Mediterranean style on the China coast. On the other, Macau is the self-styled Las Vegas of the East.

And while that comparison might sound overblown, it’s not. During the past few years charismatic-but-sleepy little Macau has experienced the sort of boom usually associated with cities like Shànghǎi. But rather than skyscrapers and office towers, the construction here is all about Vegas-style mega-casinos and hotels. The reason, of course, is that casinos are legal in Macau, while in China and nearby Hong Kong they’re not. It’s a big market…

There is, however, much more to Macau than gambling. The peninsula and the islands of Coloane and Taipa constitute a colourful palette of pastels and ordered greenery. The Portuguese influence is everywhere: cobbled back streets, baroque churches, stone fortresses, Art Deco buildings and restful parks and gardens. It’s a unique fusion of East and West that has been recognised by Unesco, which in 2005 named 30 buildings and squares collectively as the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. There are also several world-class museums.

Especially if you’ve been in China for a while you’ll also find there is a distinctly different feel to Macau. While about 95% of residents are Chinese, the remainder is mostly made up of Portuguese and Macanese (people with mixed Portuguese, Chinese and/or African blood). It’s this fusion of Mediterranean and Asian peoples, lifestyles, temperaments and food – oh, the food – that makes Macau so much fun.

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 I didn't reach this place when we went to Hongkong. We exceeded the maximum group capacity. So, the other tourist went there and my group stayed in the city of Hongkong.

information is gathered from www.lonelyplanet.com

Krispy Kreme

I first encounter this name while re-reading a novel few months ago. The two of the main character was talking about it. I was curious and search the internet about it. Then I learned that Krispy Kreme is a doughnut.

Few months had pass and I forget about the Krispy Kreme, until one day, a friend of mine told me excitedly that Carlos Roberto Cafe is selling a Krispy Kreme. I was dumb founded and ask the wittiest question, "what is that?" (Yeah around of applause for me).
And he start explaining that it is a doughnut and cost like 70-80 pesos in the said cafe.
Curiosity strikes again, I told my hubby about it and we both planned that we will visit the cafe some other time.

So days past and my dad went to Manila and when he was back, guess what he brought us? Two boxes of Krispy Kreme!

Krispy Kreme is not like the ordinary Philippine doughnuts. It is not that sweet and it is not covered with confectioner sugar, not like the usual doughnut here. Even the chocolates are not too sweet. I could consume one box without having tonsillitis.

Now I know why my friend was so enthusiastic knowing that Krispy Kreme is already available here and that reminds me of the novel I once read.

Good thing Krispy Kremes is not abundant here. I don’t want to indulge myself with it. I believe too much of good thing is not good at all. I'm happy knowing how good it taste and I am contented to know that I’m looking forward to taste it again.

white spagetti

One fact about me, I am not born a cook, I don’t even know how to fry an egg. To tell you the truth, my 12yrs old niece is a better cook than me. Young as she is, she can cook spaghetti pretty well, while me at this age of 25 I’m still focusing on not burning my omelet.

I grew up as the youngest of the family, all I do before was to eat and play and wash the dishes, so cooking was never part of my everyday routine. In my college years and for 5years of being alone, I lived in takeout foods.

So believe me when I say this carbonara recipe is a savor. It saved my 25th birthday 8 months ago. I have no one to rely on, so I search the web and with little courage, I cook the first pasta in my life. With this recipe I felt like cooking is my hidden talent. (I'm still hoping for that).

I’m sharing this recipe with you; maybe it'll save your little party like it did to me.

CREAMY CARBONARA

Ingredients:

- 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup (preferably Campbell)

- 250ml All purpose cream(Nestle)

- 200 grams sweet ham, in squares

- 200 grams bacon, shredded

- spinach fettucine (400mg)

- 1 garlic

- dashed of pepper

- dashed of nutmeg

- olive oil

- parmesan cheese

Procedures:

(1) prepare pasta

(2) fry bacon until brown and not too crispy

(3) saute garlic with olive oil. Add ham and bacon

(4) Add 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup with 2 cans of water

(5) Add the cream as well

(6) season with nutmeg and pepper

(7) serve the sauce and noodles top with bacon bits

**credits to the original author of this

brainy baby cd

This is an effective learning tool for my daughter. My best friend advices me to buy one of those cd and let my daughter watch it from time to time.

Since I am a good friend, I followed her advice and bought a cheap copy of the said cd. I usually let her watch it every afternoon when I am around.

She started watching it few months before she turned one year old. And I was startled when suddenly she can sing ABC along with the cd and eventually identify the letters all by her self. She was one, nearly two, when she learned her alphabet. As the day goes on, she can sing 'twinkle twinkle', she can count numbers and identify it as well, followed by shapes and colors.

For a busy mom like me, I was really worried that I don't have time to teach her the basics. But luckily brainy baby exist and help me a lot.

Now she's turning three and she got bored with brainy baby already. She still watches it from time to time but not always, like she used to. She watches Disney junior more often.

I was really thankful for the inventor of this cd's, it really helped me a lot and as a mom, I advice my friends with toddler to try it as well.

It is really effortless but it will make a big difference.

tattoo

I wanted to have a tattoo way back when I was still in college. Both of my elder sisters have their own tattoos. The eldest had a Tasmanian devil on her upper back, while the second had a dolphin on her lower back. I really don't envy them; I just knew someday I’m going to have mine as well.

Last May, my eldest sister went home for a vacation, and then she decided to cover her old tattoo with a new one. So the Tasmanian was long gone now, it became a bird already.

And due to my husband fascination, I finally had my tattoo on my upper back, left shoulder. It's suppose to be a butterfly alone. But the artist twisted the original image and put small flowers around it. The butterfly became butterflies.

The pain was tolerable though, laboring and giving birth to a baby is more painful. I have a low tolerance for pain, but I made it through the end. It was 1 and a half hour of pure pain with pleasure, I’ll admit.

Butterfly, you might be wondering why. Actually, I really don’t know it myself. I just like butterfly way back then. They’re small and fragile but they add colors to this world. Butterflies remind me of those fairies that I admired when I was a child, those fairies that only exist in the realms of my imagination.

They say butterflies don’t know the color of their wings. But human eyes know how beautiful it is. We really don't know the goodness inside us but I believe other knows it, better than we do. Just like butterflies.

Feast day of Mama Mary

Yesterday was the feast day of Mama Mary, my own town celebrated it.

It was our tradition to celebrate it, but my family doesn't have a fancy meal like it used to.

Before, there are always a lot of people in our house
I remember having a lot of playmate then, my mom’s visitor usually brings their children with them. A faces I still remember, but their names are already forgotten.

I remember having my childhood best friend with me, I remember sneaking cupcakes and eating a lot of quail eggs. Me and my best friend used to go to a carnival and ride the Ferris wheel. We used to walked around the street vendors and admire the things they're selling.

I remember bringing my high school classmates with me and we'll eat lunch at our home.

I remember going home alone from college and a lot of visitors are there.

I remember my high school best friend visiting me with her son and her hubby.

I remember introducing my hubby to my family three years ago.

I remember meeting my in-laws two years ago.

A lot of things to remember, a lot of things happened then.

Now, we only celebrate it with close family. Now it’s just a simple meal and a little celebratory drink, just enough to celebrate mama Mary’s birthday and to share a happy feast.

tiger cake

My mom turned 50 last July 15. My dad gave her the newest model of Samsung galaxy. My elder sister took care of buying accessories for it. My youngest sister and my niece went to the mall and search for their own little surprise. So I end up thinking for that perfect gift.

My mom already had everything she wanted, a whole set of wardrobe, the newest cell phone model and she can buy a whole bunch of accessories for herself. So what's the perfect gift for her?

Then it suddenly occurred to me, a cake. What is a birthday without a cake right?

Since my mom see herself like a tiger (ferocious and tough), I search the web for a tiger motive cake. Lucky for me, the baker was great she made me a perfect replica of the tiger cake.

We ended up the dinner with a tiger cake for a desert. The cake was long gone now, but I know it made the day quite special.

my silver year surprise

    I am 25 years old now and I never thought it will be a significant year for me. It didn’t even occur to me to celebrate my silver year. But this year was significant in its own way.

   I was the youngest of almost happy family. I live my life the way it is.  But mind you, I never really felt like I was the youngest. I have a niece and nephew whose living with us, so technically I felt like a big sister not an aunt. My daughter is already two years old and that was also a part of it. Technically speaking, I’m only youngest by birth status.

   

  But few days before my 25th birthday there was news that turns everything into a joke. It was not actually a big surprise because my mom knew it from the very beginning. I had a step sister from my father side, she was living somewhere in Dumaguete that time. I was really not sure how to react, I didn't felt pain and I didn’t even felt angry. Believe me I always felt angry. Anger is part of who I am and it suddenly defines me. But not that time, it only left me in daze for a moment.  I had a few days to accept reality, before I finally see it.

   Few days after the news, she went to visit us to meet my father. She was not like the person I pictured in my mind, it was relieved and disappointment both washed over me. I guess, I just expected too much.

   She looked fragile and she's smaller than a typical seventeen years old, my 12 years old niece is even bigger.  How could I feel hatred to someone who is so fragile?

  Me and my big sister toured here around the place. My dad shopped her around and she met her new dentist. It was only three days when she visited us, few days before she finally say goodbye to high school. Maybe meeting my dad was her greatest graduation gift.

   Now, she's spending college here, in one of the best school in this place. Her life suddenly changes, so was ours. She is part of the family now and our small family suddenly felt so big.

  

   Not everyone had a life like those in the movies but my life felt like a movie. It seems too late for us to know about her. But when I look back to my life and if I suddenly knew her when I was younger, maybe things will be different. I know how I would react; there is always a rebel inside me. But now, having a daughter to think about, the issue doesn't seem so huge.

   Maybe growing up made me see things better or maybe I'm gaining my own wisdom (I hope so). I felt lonely when I think about that incident but I’m still proud that my dad accepted the responsibility even though it is 17 years too late. See, happy ending do exist and she was my silver year surprise.

night out

   I was once a part of the crowd called “party people’ but every since I gave birth to my daughter, I never had the time to party like I used to. Now, every single night out is a privilege to me. It still reminds me how to be young and happy.

   Last Wednesday, I had the time to spend a night with my friends. I had a great night; I hope my friends enjoyed it as much as I did.It was good to have a night with my friends; I can talk about my qualms, my hope and my pride. I hope that they do understand because when I turn tipsy, I really blabber non stop. Having friends to hear me out was one of the best things in life.

   But no matter how I miss those night outs, those drink till you drop and those party till dawn I have to admit that my time is up. I have more responsibility now. I just grew up ahead of my friends and sometimes it is better this way.

   I tell you, I miss being single and free but cuddling in bed with my daughter is still the best moments in my life. I enjoy night outs and girl bonding time, but mother and daughter time is still priceless to me. After all my little daughter will refuse cuddles when the time comes,better grab lots if it now.

my little beauty secret

   Being a mom made me thrifty with everything, especially with those things that are not that important anymore.  But no matter how I wanted to be thrifty, there still some things that I just can't put aside. Like a body massage, hot oil, foot spa and stuff like that. These things I called a 'woman thing' are somewhat  unavoidable. But spending time in a salon makes me anxious, because it's quite expensive. I feel guilty after and wish I just saved up the money for my daughter’s behalf.

   But searching the internet often, gives me an idea on how to be able to save money. So, I engage myself to some homemade stuff. It's really easy, and it saves me more money. Now I can still enjoy beauty in not a very expensive way ;)

Hereare some of the homemade stuff I use regularly.

HOMEMADE HAIR SPA

Combine mayonnaise and vinegar.

Apply on your hair and leave on for an hour.

These conditioners will make you feel as if you just had a shampoo blowout at a salon!

Some people say putting an egg works better. But those two agents work perfectly fine with me. These suit me very well, since I have my hair colored and according to my resource, ( I just can't remember if its something I read on magazine or internet) these stuff is better for colored hair. And believe me when I say, I love the way it works.

HOMEMADE FOOT SPA

Soak feet in lemon, rock salt and warm water for at least fifteen minutes

Massage feet (optional)

Exfoliate using foot scrub or just soap and scrub your feet with lo-fa /brush

*at dry and put some foot lotion.

I usually do it by night and I recommend that you use petroleum jelly instead of lotion. Cover your feet with socks at least overnight and feel the difference.

HOMEMADE FACIAL:

Wash your face with water and facial foam.

Steam in five minutes

Scrub your face with facial scrub and rinse

Moisturize it with your favorite moisturizer

I usually skip the second one. I'm fine with just the three steps.

   

BANANA FACIAL CREAM

You will need:

Ripe Banana

Mash 1/4 banana until very creamy. 

Spread all over your face and leave for 15-20 minutes

rinsing off with warm water followed by a dash of cold water. 

Then gently pat dry.

This recipe is for supple skin as well as maintaining the skin’s natural glow. Banana is also wonderful as an anti-wrinkle treatment. I haven't tried this though, but I’m planning to try it. I'm just too stubborn to grab myself some of those bananas

These are some of my little beauty secrets I’m sharing with you guys. I hope it works with you just like it works with me. It saves me money more than half of what I spend in the salon.

Enjoy!

***credits to the original owner of the photos