Archive for the ‘travel’ Category

Island Hopping in Alaminos

Comments: OffAugust 1st, 2010 by bluedreamer

Sorry for not updating this site lately, I’ve been very busy with my work and with the recently held “Out of town team building” organized by our company. Yes! it is team building and we are going out of town which only means that we will be out from the office for a day. The outing was compulsory and everybody must attend it so i have no choice. Even though i don’t like going out in such far places and even though i hate to travel, i have no choice but to follow the rules.

Anyway, i grab the opportunity to enjoy my one day vacation despite the fact that i know that there are tons of workloads pending on my office. To make this story short, we went to Alaminos City Pangasinan to visit the wonderful “Hundred Islands”

The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 square kilometres (4,557 acres). They are believed to be about two million years old. Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island. The islands are actually ancient corals that extend well inland, in an area previously comprising the seabed of an ancient sea. Lowering sea levels have exposed them to the surface and the peculiar “mushroom”-like shapes of some of the islands have been caused by the eroding action of the ocean waves. (according to Wikipedia)

Here i took some photos.

Hope you like it!

oh now i wish everyday is a team building day haha

Have a great day Everyone!

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Posted in travel

Tips For Safety Biking

Comments: OffJuly 5th, 2010 by bluedreamer

Remember what i discussed about effective Cycling. Now here’s another post about biking. Today, i will be sharing 10 safety tip for biking.

☺Be sure the bike’s seat is st the right height and securely fastened.
☺The bell or warning signal is to be used only to tell others of your approach.
☺It  is not advisable to carry a passenger on the back of your bicycle. This overloads your bike; it is not well balanced and it may trip over easily.
☺It is courteous not to drive too fast. Riding at a brisk speed, a rider may knock down or bump into a commuter or bystander.
☺It is safe to keep to the right and to turn at corners slowly.
☺Respect the rights of pedestrians, especially if biking on sidewalk is permitted.
☺Always give pedestrians the right of way .
☺It is not good and safe to hook your bicycle onto another bicycle or any vehicle in motion.
☺Obey traffic lights, traffice signs and road markings.
☺Provide a good refelctor behind your bicycle so it can be seen well at night

    So there you have it. There’s nothing wrong in trying these tips. Have a great day and Happy Cycling.

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    My Marikina Experience Part 1

    Comments: OffJune 30th, 2010 by bluedreamer

    Will P500 will make you feel Rich?

    Well some might say it is very impossible because these days, if you go to a mall, your P500 will just cover a fast food lunch and maybe a T-shirt (if it’s on sale). If you got a date and you only have 500 in your wallet, then forget about it.

    That is why i do not go to mall if i only have 500 to spend. What i do is i head for Marikina. Why? Two reasons.

    One, when it’s not chest-deep in flood waters, Marikina is quite the charming place, blending a quaint, small town atmosphere with patches of modern, urban lifestyle.

    Two, It also allows me to travel by bicycle, which immediately cuts my expenses at least a hundred bucks, that would other wise have gone to gas.

    Marikina Presents itself as a “bike-friendly” city because of the network of bike lanes that run through its main thoroughfares . I am not really sold on the idea of bike lanes, however because bike lanes per se don’t make you any safer. When biking on one, it is too easy to be lulled  into a false sense of security, until someone opens a car door in your face or some jeepney brakes suddenly in front of you to let a passenger on or off.

    Bike lanes are just another way of marginalizing bike riders. At best, they give you a legal leg to stand on if, God forbid, something does happen to you while riding one. Better learn how to safely navigate traffic on  a bike.

    here, i found a video of a not so effective cycling.

    Will Post more about my Marikina Experience in my next entries

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    Time to move on!

    Comments: OffJune 24th, 2010 by bluedreamer

    It’s been a tough week for me and my family after losing my beloved Grandma. We are all stress out and feel so much depressed. A close friend of ours advised us to go out of town to ease the pain and forget what happened to my Grandma. I’ve been a Grandma’s boy ever since and I grew up with her, that is why it is really hard for me to accept everything. She was staying in our house that is why it is pretty hard for me to forget the pain. This makes me realized that my friend is right. I have to move on and forget everything. I think it would be great if we go somewhere else, far from home. I’m sure this will makes me feel a bit better. It would also be great if we will have an exciting Branson vacation and enjoy the wonderful ambiance that it offers. I have to look forward to the better side and think that my grandma is now happy on where she is right now.

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    Posted in family, travel

    I am an Optimistic!

    Comments: 0May 15th, 2010 by bluedreamer

    Supposedly, i will post this last night but since i went to bed so early, i failed to update this blog. I tried answering some cool question from blogthings.

    Here’s the result of my Paris Test


    You Are Optimistic


    Some people may consider you to be too hyper, but you can’t help it. You love life.

    You are a naturally curious person. You are truly interested in how the world works.

    You value relationships, but they aren’t always your first priority. You are often too busy for some friends.

    Expression and art recharge you. You feel best when you are able to make something.

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    Green Life in Paris (Part 2)

    Comments: 0March 21st, 2010 by bluedreamer

    Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 27 million tourists visiting per year.  It houses the most popular historical museums, theaters, libraries and structures. It has a very rich culture, and it is the home of many world-renowned chefs and restaurants.

    This is the continuation of my recent post Green Life in Paris (Part 1). As i’ve said, my Parisian cousin and i had an argument discussing which place is greener – Paris or Philippines. One of the interesting information that my cousin shared to me would be the “Park” thing. The parks in Paris are free and recreational according to him. People can be seen eating meals, hanging out at the parks and playing Frisbee and badminton. They even have ping pong tables and tennis courts. However, they have a peculiar attitude toward grass. In most parks, the grass is fenced off. there are a lot of fountains, which are not restricted. Children usually sail toy boats in them. They also have puppet theaters and playgrounds.

    Parisians also have inexpensive and simple garbage containers everywhere. Other than that, there are people cleaning the sidewalks and gutters. Most of the garbage bags are only a few steps apart. So there won’t be any excuse to litter. Even though the streets in Paris are narrow, they can’t be seen covered with parked vehicles. On weekends, there are districts that are close to cars so that the restaurants can extend out on the streets. This setup makes a perfect setting for a good weekend relaxation and fun. Parisian do value their heritage. Instead of knocking down old buildings to build a new one, they upgrade these old ones and turn them into something more modern. Thjis saves a lot of money and also gives the place a feel of rich history. Other than that, it would definitely reduce the chemical wastes and garbage materials that are brought upon by construction.

    So, i guess after you have read the two part post about Paris, you will also think that Parisian have a greener lifestyle than us. Living a greener lifestyle doesn’t that hard at all. It only takes a great deal of determination and love for the environment.

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    Posted in Environment, Uncategorized, travel

    Green Life in Paris (Part 1)

    Comments: 0March 21st, 2010 by bluedreamer

    I thought Paris is only known for being such a romantic place because of its famous Eiffel Tower and the cinematic view it could bring. Last night, i opened my YM and i caught my cousin online. He is now residing in Paris with his parents. We’re not actually that close because during our younger years, we always argue in so many things, as if we’re doing some debate. Last night, i didn’t expect that we will have a long argumentation comparing Philippines to Paris. According to him Parisians has greener lifestyle than Filipinos. Unlike before, this argumentation is something with sense. In the end, believe it or not, he won. He told me a lot of good things about Paris and why Paris locals have Green Lifestyle. The term “Green” I’m referring here is something to deal with the nature or environment and not the pervert thing. Now, here’s the  reason why i give up in our discussion. We try to lead a greener lifestyle by making changes and following rules. But in Paris, France, the Parisians naturally live a low-carbon and greener lifestyle. People in Paris eat foods from their own farmlands. This minimize the carbon emission from the transportation as well as the hazard in eating processed foods. The specialties in every region in France are wll known across the globe.

    According to my cousin, most of them would rather walk to their destination than ride a vehicle. And if ever they do ride, they usually ride bikes. All kinds of people go to school, work, or anywhere with their bikes. Amazing isn’t. If only us, Filipinos, can change our lifestyle and means of transportation. Bikes in Paris even have their own street lane. many low-cost rental bikes and bicycle stations are scattered through out the city. Not only is it cheap but it is also a faster mode of transportation rather than riding a car in jam-packed street, just like what we have here in Philippines. And definitely, rising a bike is a good exercise as well.

    Since we’re talking about transportation, another great thing to know about Parisian lifestyle is that, Parisians have small cars. Compare to our country, where you can see a lot of gigantic air-con buses and mini buses too. The small cars in Paris have a lot of advantages. They can fit on narrow streets and they won’t be hassle to park. It definitely causes less traffic on the road. However, even thoug cars are small they have the same advantages as a normal-sized car. These cars may not be specifically made to operate on alternative energy or fuel but their size contributes to fewer problems on the road.

    That’s all for now, i will tell the rest of our discussion and what makes me think that Paris has greener lifestyle than  ours.

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    Posted in Environment, family and friends, travel

    Farmville Adventure Part 1

    Comments: 0March 2nd, 2010 by bluedreamer

    I joined my dad yesterday to visit my Uncle. We went to our province and meet our cousins. It’s been a long time since the last time we went there. My Uncle James is a farmer and he manage a lot of farm animals, poultry and livestock. I really enjoyed my trip to my Uncle’s farm especially the part where my cousins tour me in their place to meet all the animals. I found out that aside from poultry and livestock animals, they have lovely animals which can be found mostly in Zoos. They have turtles and parrots and more! And because this is a rare opportunity, i didn’t miss a chance to take some photos.

    This is one of my Uncle’s poultry animals. This is a hen. They are the one who lay eggs. According to my Uncle, hens can naturally live for more than 6 years! Unlike broiler chicken who take less than six weeks after they have reached their slaughter size.

    Now, here’s an imported-breed pig. Usually, pig has a pinkish color but this one has a fussy dark brown hair. It’s almost like a wild boar. I wonder how the taste differ from the usual pig. This pig is probably the cleanliest pig i have ever seen. Usually pigs’ habitat are muddy places  but look at the cage of this one, there’s no sign of mud isn’t?

    Anyways, i enjoy our trip so much. It seems that i saw an actual FarmVille (a popular facebook game). I will tell the rest of the stories of this exciting farm trip including a little drama about the slaughtered sheep.

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    Raising Poultry

    Comments: 12October 19th, 2009 by bluedreamer

    Managing a Poultry business is not an easy task! This is what I’ve learned after we visited my Uncle’s farm in our province in Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte. I really had so much fun playing with my neice and nephews, so as my cousins.

    The Province of Ilocos Norte specializes in some agricultural products like rice, corn, garlic, root crops, legumes, tobacco and other fruits and vegetables. The province is also known for their Tilapia Industries. My Uncle is currently raising poultry like chickens, ducks and other livestocks like cow, sheep and pigs.

    Among all these poultry animals, raising chickens is the most interesting. Most farmers keep chickens primarily as source of food, consuming both meat and eggs.

    Here, i took a picture of one of their chicken.

    manok ni blue by you.

    I’ve learned that not all chickens are laying eggs. Chickens that are farmed for eggs are called “hens” while chickens farmed for meats are called “broiler chickens”. Sad to say, the life span of these poor broiler chickens typically take less than six weeks after thay have reached their slaughter size. Luckily, egg laying hens will naturally live for more than 6 years!( Thanks God)

    Moving forward, chicken eggs are incubated until they hatch after 21 days. My uncle is using an improvise incubator, placing  incandescent bulbs inside the cage.

    Nearly all parts of the chicken can be used for food and the meat can be cooked in many different ways. I love chicken dishes like “Chicken Adobo” (a popular filipino dish), chicken curry, grilled chicken and more!

    These chicken dishes are perfect to match up with some Ilocos yummy delicacies like chichacorn and Bibingka (rice cakes).

    I will share it all in my next post.

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    Posted in family and friends, food, products, travel