Pilipinas : Philippines

Philippine Dragon Boat team

2011-08-06T17:12:00.000+08:00

August 5 2011 TAMPA, Florida — The Philippine Dragon Boat team won their first gold (for this season) in the World Championships at the Seddon Channel.

The team won in the men’s small-boat 1,000 meters category, and clocked a new world record of 4:57.13 minutes. Australia took the silver (5:00.09) and Hungary for bronze (5:03.71).

Even though the team lacks financial support, but inspired of fellow Filipinos the team really did a good job! Mabuhay!

Life is a continuous Hello's and Goodbye's

2011-05-21T22:54:00.003+08:00

That's all there is to this post. You'll realize it, by the events that happened in your life. And by the moments that will come. So I say, be happy for every Goodbye, because another Hello will come. But be prepared for every Hello, cause soon there will be Goodbye.

arsenio esquivel cruz

2010-12-05T01:01:00.001+08:00

for all those times you shared
for all those pains you sacrificed
for all the love you showed
and for all the care you showered

every-thing will be gone
many are forgotten
some are treasured
but a lot is missed

life is short
time has fade on you
breath is gone
heaven awaits

in His time we will all be glorious
smiles and laughter
it will all be white and green
we will all be together again

you are with them now
and we are here for one another
i guess they needed you there
as we need you here now

thank you i love you
are words not enough
i know you understand
as you always have

-12052010

Desiderata

2010-11-25T20:11:00.001+08:00

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Manigong Bagong Taon

2010-01-24T01:32:00.003+08:00

That is how we say 'Happy New Year' in the Philippines. But no matter where we are, what we are, when we are, we all wanted to be Happy. And i wish that everyone be happy in their own little or big ways,,, and share their happiness to our fellow men.

Happy 2010!!! God Bless us more! :)

Walking Store

2009-06-27T20:23:00.005+08:00

Stuck in traffic? This vendor has it all, nah not really. He sells newspaper, softdrinks in can, bottled water, flavored tea drink, candies, cigarettes, and some chips. This is a normal site in the city traffic with all the Jeepneys, taxis, trucks, buses, and private cars. They earn their living out of selling in the streets. The tower at the back is the Manila City Hall which also shows the City time. Those red circles above the windows are actually a Clock .

Thanks!

Magellan's Cross

2009-06-09T11:20:00.002+08:00

"This cross of Tindalo wood encases the original cross planted by Ferdinand Magellan on this very site on April 21 1521".. This is engraved on the sign at the bottom of the Cross. Although some historians said, that it could not possibly contain the original cross and Magellan's Cross has long been gone. The Cross brings a lot of history and influence to the Pilipinos, cause it marked the country's embrace to Christianity.

The shrine where the Cross is can be found within the compound of Basilica de Santo Niño in Cebu City.

Manjuyod White Sand Bar

2009-05-21T09:36:00.004+08:00

The Sand Bar is a 7km stretch of white sand in the middle of the sea. You can see the sand and actually walk on it during low tides; (noticed the greenish part of the water?) This is a good spot for Dolphin watching too. You can stay overnight on the huts, they have power cells to provide electricity at least for a bulb or two. The spot is owned and maintained by the local government.

marriage contract

2009-05-09T11:01:00.003+08:00

May 07 2009 marks the 4th year of my contract, my lifetime contract , our marriage contract :) Wow four years! Quatro Años! That's only a few years, but that means so much.

For a moment i thought that marriage shouldn't be a lifetime contract, that it should be renewable after 'x' number of years, that after the first term of the contract, the couple should be deciding whether to renew it or it's-the-end. Funny thought! But after the momentary lapse of sanity, i realized that -- it was in the first place decided upon, that i will live the rest of my life with my loving wife. Cheers to more years! :)

TV Stand

2009-04-02T14:48:00.000+08:00

An old TV stand, you will probably see one on old houses. This one was of my wife's aunt. She left it to us when she moved to another house. You see it has a very old varnish and couldn't blend to the yellow room, yes the room is yellow :D

So i brought a few paint, paint brush and then did the job. My wife and daughter had their strokes too. It was fun and kind of stress relief too. We were excited, not really about how it will look like, but how we painted it.

Here it is. As soon as the paint dried, my daughter threw toys and books in there. And pretty much, it blends with the room now :) The old TV stand is now a new "Toy stand"
Thanks!

Blog

2009-03-26T19:33:00.002+08:00

A couple of weeks ago i sign up for a free webhosting coz i was thinking to setup my own site. Not until Monday i tried to build a site using WordPress. It is actually another blog and i hope i can post helpful and meaningful topics there.

Well, it took me five hours to setup the blog, that is supposedly a 5-easy-steps or 5-minutes-installation. But it was worth it,, i learned and enjoy and now i have a new blog. So please come and visit http://andrewcrvz.comoj.com/blog/

For free webhosting try this http://www.000webhost.com/143636.html

Thanks!

Misamis Oriental

2009-03-23T15:20:00.005+08:00

The Nature Front of Mindanao – Misamis Oriental

Anybody who loves nature will surely love the beauty of Misamis Oriental. The province that used to be a district of Cebu and referred to as “Partido de Misamis” then and until it became one of the district of Mindanao by the 19th century.

Misamis Oriental Seaside:

Misamis Oriental is not to miss any of its festivals. Like most provinces in the Philippines, Misamis Oriental celebrates its own festive days such as the Kagay-an Festival for Cagayan de Oro during August 26, Kaliga Festival for Gingoog City in July 23, and the ever popular Hudayaka Festival.

Misamis Oriental Festival

Truly, Misamis Oriental is the one of the spots in the Philippines where nature lovers and tourists alike can enjoy again and again. A breathtaking marvelous relaxation.

Visit:
Misamis Oriental

Graduation Day

2009-03-22T16:38:00.007+08:00

March is the season of Graduation Days. In the Philippines, school usually starts on June and ends on March. Graduation day could be a Start or an End. For the graduates, this could be the End of many years of study to get their degree, but a Start to build a career on the profession they will choose. This could also be an End to the many years of friendship they built in school, but a Start to make anew.

For the parents, an End to a long wait in the hopes that their children will finally achieve what they have always wanted for them,, good Education. It is said that Education is the best gift that parents can give to their children,, nothing or nobody can take it away from them.

Be it and End or a Start, i salute each graduate for their hard work and perseverance. I wish them the best! For the parents,, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Manny Pacquiao

2009-03-06T18:48:00.005+08:00

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (30), born on December 17, 1978 is the current WBC Super Fetherweight Champion of the World and The Ring Super Featherweight Champion of the World. He is the former People's Featherweight Champion of the World (2003 - 2005), IBF Super Bantamweight Champion (2001 - 2004), former WBC Flyweight Champion (1998 - 1999). At the age of 25 he already had a record of 41-3-2 (Win-Loss-Draw) with 30 KOs. With a current record of 46-3-2 with 35 KOs.

From a poor family in General Santos, Philippines he made his way to the ring and inspired millions of his country men. He is known as the "Pambansang Kamao" [National Fist] and continues to make the Philippines proud. With a big heart in or outside the ring, Pacquiao has his foundation that helps poor family. And has always been a big supporter of the Boxing sports in the country, supporting several boxing camp.

On May 2, 2009 Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, the current Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight Champion from the UK. That is going to be a very exciting fight for both champions, and however the fight goes, they surely will not disappoint their millions of fans.

Dining Table

2009-03-01T22:31:00.005+08:00

Sleek and Slim, that is how i described the table to my wife. It looks cozy too. We bought this together and yes we agreed we had to bought it. It is very inviting as if it is saying, come join me for a meal. It will be perfect for our house, and the house will just have enough space for it. This is the first piece of furniture we bought and hopefully there will be more. Yeah there should be more, but we'll take it one at a time. We haven't moved to the house yet but we are excited to, with the table of course :) I consider this as a good investment, coz` we will be sharing a lot of time in this table, quality time! Not only it will help beautify the house but it will help build a home.

I found this tablescaping here in Blogger, and i'm sure i'll find one or two tablescaping idea that will fit our table.

Ifugao Rice Terraces

2009-02-20T22:44:00.006+08:00

The Ifugao Rice Terraces was inscribed in the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST in 1995 "because of its great beauty that expresses conquered and conserved harmony between humankind and the environment."

There are five (5) major rice terraces listed which are similar yet distinct from one another:

BANAUE. This is the most famous of all the Terraces. Banaue Rice Terraces was labeled "Eight Wonder of the World". It is the artistic center of the Ifugao carvers and the Ikat weavers.

BATAD. In Banaue, it is home to the spectacular tiered, amphitheater-shaped terraces.

MAYOYAO. In Banaue. The organic Ifugao rice "Tinawon", in red and white variety, is harvested here in abundance.

HAPAO. Its stone-walled rice terraces which date back to 650 AD is located in Hungduan. Mt. Napulawan.

KIANGAN. It is home to two famous rice terraces sites known for their size and visual impact: Nagacadan and Julungan.

Visit http://www.ifugao.gov.ph/

Victoria Ville Antipolo City

2009-02-19T11:01:00.006+08:00

Antipolo City is the home for the famous Antipolo Cathedral (home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage [Nuestra Senora De la Paz Y Buen Viaje]), Hinulugang Taktak Falls, Boso-Boso Church (ruined during the WWII), Suman Manga at Kasoy, and some Night spots overlooking Manila. I never thought I will live in Antipolo, when I was younger my family used to visit the Antipolo Cathedral to pay homage to the Our Lady of Peace. And so why Antipolo? Because the Lady gave me one of her daughter, and is now my very loving wife :)

The house is nothing fancy, not big, but cute (hehe), but it's "something"... And definitely will be our home.

Panagbenga Festival Baguio City

2009-02-11T12:36:00.005+08:00

February is the month of Panagbenga or "A Season of Blooming" or "Flower Festival" for Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Every year [since 1995] it is celebrated through a month-long festivities that showcase, well, generally flowers. There will be floral float parades, landscaping, concerts, band shows, native street dancing among other activities and of course flowers everywhere!

The Panagbenga is visited by tourists, local and foreign , and has been drawing more visitors each year. Especially this 2009 as the city celebrates its Centennial Year. So if you like flowers like a bee, come and see Baguio every February.

Thanks for reading!

Crazy people thinks impossible is possible II

2009-02-05T15:08:00.005+08:00

Last night i visited my sick cousin and see how she is doing. I think she has gotten worse. She looked thinner and can not eat too well. And I think i should save you from the details.

But not everything has gone worse, her family was able to find a sponsor to let her into operation at the Philippine Heart Center. The sponsor is a priest, whom her brother, my cousin too (obviously), served for as a Sacristan or Lay Minister. So last night as well, they confined her to the Heart Center. I haven't got the details of the operation or procedure, when how where what, but i hope and pray to hear great news soon, I am not too crazy after all.

Thanks for reading.

Related post:

Crazy People Thinks Impossible Is Possible

Twitter: What are you doing?

2009-02-02T19:39:00.005+08:00

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers, and people on the web, to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

Just like myspace, multiply,friendster,facebook, Twitter is a social networking that allows its connected users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets) real-time. Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, SMS, RSS, or through other application such as Facebook.

I have tried and used Twitter for just a couple of days and it seems really interesting. You can find and add people (who are also members of Twitter) which lets you "follow" them. You can then read their updates as they post it. It is fun, and just like blogging you can post whatever interests you, but basically answering the question: What are you doing?

Crazy people thinks impossible is possible

2009-01-28T11:06:00.004+08:00

I got an email from my brother telling me that one of our cousin is severely ill and needs an operation. Her name is Florabel Cruz and her heart is failing. And so my brother thought of an idea to open a bank account for her and ask donation through email. I told him go ahead since you have a good intention, and i will think of something else I can do to help. I created a Donate Button from Paypal, and i found out that it also creates a link directly to Paypal site, and so i sent him that as well, just right before writing this post.

I think what we're doing here is a long shot, way too long, but this line from my brother's email struck me "Crazy people thinks impossible is possible". You know the times when you got nothing, nobody, you tell yourself you've gone crazy. Then you realized you have to get out of that situation and make a plan, do the plan. And hope everything will work out.

Shy as I am, i let whoever read this post help me on our plan. God bless!

Here is the link and the button, I put the button on the bottom of this page as well. Thanks in advance. Thanks for reading.

Donate

Taal Volcano : A sight of Tagaytay

2009-01-20T02:52:00.014+08:00

Last Sunday August 18 2009, we went to Tagaytay to celebrate the 36th Wedding Anniversary of my Mom and Dad (In-law). The whole family was there, from the eldest of all five sisters (yes all of them are girls) down to the youngest grandson, in the car seat. It was an all day family fun bonding. And I can say a time off from the jammed city to a nice cold fresh windy place to relax and unwind.

First stop. The "Palace in the Sky". Oh yes there was a palace built there about 20 years ago, but sad to say all you can see now are ruins of it. Along side the Palace you will see this big statue of Jesus Christ over looking the horizon,as if saying "I am watching over you".

Second stop. The Souvenir Shop. Well, there are several items you can pick from the market, nice and really cheap. Seeing my daughter so excited to pick something for herself, priceless!!! hehe

Thanks for reading .. :)

Philippines Trivia

2009-01-13T11:00:00.009+08:00

- The exotic Jeepney is a post-war creation inspired by the GI jeeps that the American soldiers brought to the country in the 1940s. Enterprising Filipinos salvaged the surplus engines and came out unique vehicles of art.

- The world’s longest underground river system accessible to man can be found at the St. Paul National Park in the province of Palawan.

- The highest mountain in the Philippines is Mt. Apo, a dormant volcano found in Mindanao, at 2,954 meters (9,689 feet). Mt. Pulog in Luzon is the second highest at 2,928 meters (9604 feet).

- Philippine National Hero and writer Jose Rizal could read and write at age 2. He grew up to speak more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French, and Chinese. What were his last words? "Consummatum est!" ("It is done!")

- The largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark, locally known as Butanding, regularly swims to the Philippine waters.

- Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province, serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), which are considered as the largest fish in the world. Locally known as "Butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May. They travel across the oceans but nowhere else have they been sighted in a larger group than in the waters of Sorsogon. They measure between 18 to 35 feet in length and weigh about 20 tons.

- The world’s shortest and lightest freshwater fish is the Dwarf Pygmy Goby (Pandaka Pygmaea), a colorless and nearly transparent species found in the streams and lakes of Luzon. Males have an average length of 8.7 mm. and weigh 4-5 mg.

- Of the 500 known coral species in the world, 488 are found in the Philippines.

- Of the eight known species of giant clams in the world, seven are found in the Philippines.

- The Basilica of San Sebastian is the only steel church in Asia and was the second building to be made out of steel, next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

- The largest bell in Asia hangs at the belfry of the 221-year old Panay Church. It is 7 feet in diameter and 7 feet in height, and weighs 10.4 tons. Its tolling can be heard as far as 8 km. away. It was casted from 70 sacks of coins donated by the townspeople as a manifestation of faith and thanksgiving.

- The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is Asia's premier and the world's second oldest professional league.

- World's Smallest Hoofed Mammal - South of Palawan, lies the Balabac Island, home of the world's smallest hoofed mammal - the Philippine mouse deer. Locally known as Pilandok (Tragalus nigricans), this ruminant stands only about 40 centimeters at the shoulder level.

- The Philippine Eagle is the 2nd largest bird on the planet (next to the American Condor).

I will try to give more details of each, hopefully soon. But i hope this gives you a picture of what the Philippines have.

Boracay (Bora)

2009-01-10T11:16:00.014+08:00

Boracay is located in one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines; the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations during the summer season.

Boracay was Voted by Yahoo as one of the best beaches in the world.

Here are some pics i googled from the net, i don't have mine... yet.

I,ve never been to the island (pity me!) but i hope one summer time i can be there. Oh maybe not even summer , just as long as i get there!! Hope you can come and visit "Bora" too. See you there!

2009

2009-01-05T00:37:00.008+08:00

Another year has passed but another year has just begun. I hope that this year I will be a better person than I was the previous years of my life. In the many aspects of my life; family, faith, health, career, social, financial,etc.. I will strive to be better. And I wish that 2009 will be a better year for everyone, in the sense that what is good for an individual, will be good for all.

Happiest New Year!!!

Jose Rizal

2008-12-28T19:01:00.005+08:00

Dr. José P. Rizal (José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda) (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) The Philippines' national hero.

Jose Rizal the hero that he was, wrote several books that became his peaceful means for institutional and political reforms. Some of the great books that he wrote were “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”.

Today, many young Filipinos still believe and live in the teachings and beliefs of Rizal. Their advocacy to change the government and country to become better is the foundation of what they are fighting for. After all it was Rizal who said,, “Ang Kabataan ang Pagasa ng Bayan”. (The Youth is the hope of the Country.)

RA No. 1425 prescribes the teaching of the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal for all school, colleges and universities.

Rizal was executed in Luneta Park or Rizal Park, what was then Bagumbayan. The anniversary of Rizal's death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday called “Rizal Day” every December 30th.

Pasko

2008-12-25T21:44:00.001+08:00

Pasko or “Christmas” is probably the most important and joyous celebration of the year for Filipinos. Ti's the season where everybody is nice, forgiving,kind and extravagantly generous to family and friends ,and people around them. Pasko is celebrated on December 25 as a belief that Jesus Christ was born of Mary on this during day on a cold winter night at Bethlehem.

Today as we celebrate our Chistmas at home, I am very happy seeing my daughter opening all her presents , and the smile and happiness I see on her face is worth all the sacrifices and hardships I had the entire year.

Most of us hope that it is Pasko everyday, and I believe that we can make it happen if we truly believe and live the true meaning of Christmas, that Chist was sent to us to deliver us from sins so that we maybe in one with each other and one with the Lord.

Maligayang Pasko!! Happy Birthday Jesus!

"1st Time"

2007-06-17T16:44:00.001+08:00

No much idea how this thing goes. Was introduced to me by a friend and he said this is where I can post anything i have in mind, helps relieve stress, communicate with friends, relatives, and anyone on the web, and can even make me MONEY!!!. All sounds good to me, so here I am starting to learn and to enjoy. I will try to make this as part of my life, and be a part of someone else' life. Could be you? Or him? Or her? Just as I said, could be anyone.