A morning at the Luneta

Because UST denied me entry to their jogging grounds, I was forced to go to Luneta and explore. 

Good things come to those who Love God. And today, God reminded me that when there are detours, it is for my own good. So I enjoyed Luneta and took notes about the guests I am touring over Manila and nearby provinces next month. I am forced to look hard at this part of Manila which is a part of my childhood, and which I know so little about.

I have decided to go to Luneta and have my leisurely walk. I haven't jog in a long time and I though forcing the body to run again will not do good. I want my body to gradually learn to take long distance walks and mini runs again before going for a full, non-stop, run/jog. 

I have already realized that my aunt is coming over within the month and will be staying at Hotel H20 at the Luneta Grounds err... sea. So this is the perfect time to scout around places they can visit.


The Christmas tree as seen from the Hotel/Ocean Park Entrance

Walking past Hotel H20 towards the Grandstand is the kids' playground



The playground is still there but this one is small compared to what we had back in the day.  We had high slides made of cement, the flooring of the playground is sand, we had numerous swings... Now the most number of swings are at the park at the front of the Manila Zoo.  This one is too small. Not for the tough kids during my childhood.



Hotel H20 Facade on what was formerly a concrete beach walk





The Al Fresco dining in Luneta. Opens at 5am

Balloons and kites sellers in Luneta; enticing the kids to play and moms to buy since 1960s 


(not a historical fact. This is just a joke. some historian friends might crucify me) 

"Sa may Kalabaw na lang tayo magkita" 
(Let's just meet near the buffalo)

- remembering mom talking to dad setting their rendezvous in the evening



Even when I got a little older, I once found myself telling my parents, "susunod ako sa Luneta, sa may Kalabaw ko na kayo kitain" (I'll just follow you at the Luneta, I'll meet you guys near the buffalo)

The Luneta's Kalabaw, witness to our parents' generations' Luneta dates. haha



The steps leading to the open field.



People often mistook the other statue to be a buffalo (kalabaw). It is actually a tamaraw. The Philippine Water Buffalo unique only to the Island of Mindoro. So there are times you may hear someone say:

"Sa kalabaw na tayo magkita? " (Let's meet near the buffalo)

Saang kalabaw? (Which one?)

Sa luneta? (At the Luneta)

Alin doon? (Which of those Buffaloes)

(The other one is a tamaraw)

Today is RP-Canada Friendship day, I think. So the flags of 2 countries were flown together.  

(Happy Friendship day to us our Canadian Friends ^_^ Hope I can one day visit your country and celebrate this August occasion with you guys too. ) 

Canadian and Philippine Flags. 

And we have a garden. Isn't this great Canada? 

------

On another note: 

TIP: when going to Luneta, take the Restroom at the left side of Jose Rizal. Just after the RP- Canada garden. The restroom is clean.

Well you just have to pay 5 pesos. It is worth it. That is Kuya caretaker.

Lots of monuments like this one can be seen at the Luneta. Some are donated by Foreign Governments. Lapu Lapu - that one imposing guy guarding the Philippine Map is donated by the People of South Korea

I was not able to take a picture of the big guy, so I am borrowing here a photo.



Photo borrowed from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/19948457)





TIP: Avoid the washroom here at all cost. Small and dirty. 




See this at night. They have lights and water show.



Busts of Philippine heroes line up. (That one is Graciano Lopez Jaena. A Filipino writer and propagandist during the Spanish Colonial Rule)

Care for some lovin? Massages by the blind.



Oh these! Who would forget the early morning walks we had in the 1990s with our parents. We used to sleep overnight at the Luneta whenever El Shaddai group had their anniversaries. 


I can remember the feel of my dad's hand. I remember he sometimes hold my hand while we go this way.









Gardeners keep the grass short 



See the fountain near Burgos Street? I have seen it lots of times without water and I was happy seeing it ALIVE AND WET ALL OVER today. Didn't venture near though. I am tired. I just want to go home.

Enjoy your own Luneta Trip soon.  Beyond that falls is the entrance to Intramuros.  If you have the time, get inside the good, walled, Manila of the Spanish times. 

Top 10 Ladies Wishlist and must haves for Christmas 2012

I have long started to write a "100-things-to-do-and-have-before-I-die" list. But the somewhat impossibility of what I wanted based on my life situation at the time they were written gives me more frustration than inspiration. Maybe because I get so attached to things when I list them. A friend once said that it is okay to list dreams but we should also be open to surprises.  So I decided to ditch the specific list and just put dreams in general terms, always being open to God's surprises.  The effect is a more relaxed me. A girl who is open to experiences and new things Life has to offer.

So here I am writing again a list, this time it is my top 10 ladies wishlist for Christmas 2012.  I have written some list in the past and I am not expecting this list to be completed this season.  However, if I should receive anything listed here, that would be a great bonus for me. Just being able to live and breathe God's love this Christmas with family and friends, enjoying God's blessings is enough. The gifts are bonuses; spices that will make my heart flutter a little bit more. And I guess yours (or your Lady friend/s) too.

10. Zara pink blazer as sold by Styletogo Cebu



I love the pink blazer.  I think a pink blazer on white top plus pink shoes and skirt would make a head turner out of every woman who gets in their office or professional school in this.  Offered by Styletogo Cebu for Php 1,200 (See: https://www.facebook.com/styletogo.cebu?fref=ts)

9. Allura Body Contour and Slimming Center Gift Certificate

This is a personal preference for me. A Gift Certificate I can use right after the Christmas Season to get rid of the tummy fat and excess fat on the arms and legs.  A good friend, DJ Cheska San Diego, FM DJ of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) was all praises for this Slimming Center. I would like to try to them sometime soon too.



Check out Allura here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Allura-Body-Contour-and-Slimming-Center/200308279992552

8. Red Hot Shoes


(Photo taken from: http://blog.dark-warriors.net/2011/02/16/red-shoes/)

I haven't seen a pair of red hot shoes lately. I might head to the nearest mall/s soon to look for some red shoes. A pink pair would do too.  Oh those red lovely, sexy shoes.  I wonder if Parisian has a hot pair for sale.

7. Teddy Bear with Cake and Flowers

Valentine's in December. Who wouldn't love that. Sweetness to your lovey lady knows no moment.  Any day can be a love day, also Christmas.  Once a friend sent my sister 2 big teddy bears, flowers and cake delivered right on Christmas Day. It was a very twitterpatted moment.  Aww... when can I have mine?  I wish there'd be chocolates too.

(Photo taken from: http://adib-bearisdidibb.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-life-addicted-to-teddy-bear.html)

6. Makeup and brushes by Props Tools and Cosmetics

Who wouldn't want to remain beautiful and make that natural beauty shine some more on the Holidays?  Props tools and Cosmetics has it all for you. From eye color palettes, blushes, and others, one will always find good tools with Props Tools and Cosmetics. I tried their products once and I really love it.  Visit them at 

https://www.facebook.com/propstoolsandcosmetics

5. Mary Kay Timewise Package

  

I have tried Mary Kay Timewise Anti-Aging Cleanse and Moisturizer and I am happy with the results. Best of all, these are cost effective. A small amount on the skin can do wonders so you really get your money's worth.  I so want to get a miracle set soon. (Friends friends, I want this wrapped for me alright? *wink *wink) 

Photos taken from http://www.marykay.com.ph

4.  Gift Certificates for Pampering the Lady at the Salon

Whether it's hair care treatment, skin and nail care, spa, massages and other what have yous, any lady would love to be pampered any day.  Check out deal sites for good pampering deals. Remember, we feel so loved and beautiful whenever we are pampered. 

Photo taken from: http://thepromoblogger.com/sotharo-salon-and-spa-60-off-total-pampering-package/

3. Perfume

Hmm. This really depends on whether you, as giver, knows the preference of your lady friend receiver.  But if you are giving yourself one good gift this Christmas, getting a pleasant perfume is one that tops the list.  Ladies love to look good and we love to smell good as well.

I am currently using Chance by Chanel. But I would like to try on more.

(Photo from http://blog.tradetang.com/designs-and-fashion-involved-in-chanel-perfumes/)


2.  Samsung Galaxy SIII


Photo taken from Samsung Mobile Philippines from Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SamsungMobilePH

Everyone wants to be connected, and being connected with style is always the in thing.  I like the red SIII and I am hoping to get one soon.

1.  Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

Topping my list is the Note 10.1.  I have been looking at the Note since it was launched and released in the Philippines in September but I haven't gotten my own note 10.1.  I want to get one for use in Law school, for making blogs like this one, for reading and highlighting important notes, for video and photoblogging too for my real estate interests (Check my real estate blogs at http://sherylsollestreproperties.blogspot.com and check our facebook account  facebook.com/manilasunrealty)



Photo taken from Samsung Mobile Philippines from Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SamsungMobilePH

So there, my top 10 Ladies wish list for December 2012.  I hope I can get all this Christmas, but if not, I have the whole of 2013 to work on getting them.

Advance Merry Christmas and happy shopping!

UPDATE November 13, 2012:  I think making your wishlist really works, what you really do is pray for it.  I got word that I will be receiving the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 as a Christmas Gift from my aunt.  I will have it in 2 weeks.  Oh my, I am excited to receive more from this list. Thank you Lord for the gifts. And for friends and family who have the spirit of giving in them too.

When you give, you will receive. What have you given today to people around you?  A smile is the most unexpensive yet one of the most valuable gift you can give to someone. It doesn't hurt though to go the extra mile and give some more.

Boracay October 2012

Going to Boracay has always been a dream, yet I couldn't find the time to go. Thank Goodness for an invitation to attend a wedding with my bff, I checked out Zest Air and Cebu Pacific and got our tickets the next day upon receiving our invitation.

I initially booked the 3 of us (my bestfriend, my sister, and me) to fly via Zest Air to Kalibo and proceed to Boracay last October 27.  However, my criminal law finals got in the way so I booked a flight to Caticlan in the morning of Oct 28 to reach the wedding scheduled in the afternoon.

Here is my sister and bff's itinerary last October 27, 2012

* Manila to Kalibo via Zest Air - 3pm
* From Kalibo International Airport, my sis and my bff took a tricycle to get a van at the town plaza.  Both get dizzy aboard aircon vans so they took an ordinary van (non-aircon) with open windows. - 4pm
Note: Tricycle ride cost 80 pesos; Van ride fare 180 pesos
They reached Caticlan Jetty Port by 6pm. Terminal fee is 100 pesos. Pump boat ride: 30 pesos (for night trip)
* They reached Cagban Port by 6:10 pm and retire to Sanderswhite Resort at Station 3.  A room for 2 costs 1,200 per night.

My Itinerary

* Manila NAIA Terminal 3 to Caticlan Airport via Cebu Pacific
* Godofredo Ramos Airport to Jetty Port (75 pesos fare: Tricycle and Boat ride)
* Jetty Port to Cagban Port via pump boat
* Cagban Port, tricycle to Sanderswhite where I met with my sister and bff

From their Sanderswhite room which I found small and unworthy of the 1,200 per night cost, I found another hotel where a room is offered for the same price. Good for 3. With a big bathroom, with bath tub and best of all there is WIFI access.  ACQUITEL.  It is at station 3, near La Carmela de Boracay.  Once in La Carmela, take the street towards the beach, turn left at the alley before the Tourist Police Post. La Carmela is constructing another building so it is a bit dangerous to walk towards Acquitel at the time we went there.  But the stay is nice. The bed and the sheets comfy. And at 1,200 pesos for 3 people per night, I think I got a good deal.  There are 1 queen sized be in our room and a single bed.  There is also hot water for the shower.


Me and the Bestfriend at the Acquitel Lobby


We attended a lovely wedding at Seawind resort. Enjoyed the next day looking and eating around Boracay. We also enjoyed the beach and the clear water.


The wedding Set up ta Seawind Resort



The Sand at Station 1

We had some coffee in the evenings when we are there, some beer the night before we leave. All in all it was quite an experience. Jonah's milkshake is the bomb. There are lots of things we failed to try, like bananaboat or the helmet diving. But we will definitely go back to try more of what Boracay has to offer.  For now we are satisfied having enjoyed the beach and the water, and having witnessed a lovely wedding in Boracay. 

What Iam raving about Boracay: 

White BEACH!

Clear water 

Sandbar in the mornings

Jonah's milkshake

What I am not feeling so good about:

Commodities cost more than that in Manila 

TIP: When looking for breakfast, check out the eatery at the D'Talipapa, they are open 24 hours a day and they serve good food. Breakfast starts at 85 pesos.  

On Separation of Church and State

I have been reading in law school about the separation of church and state. And in my opinion, it is a healthy separation.  The Church to be busy to its religious, moral, concerns while the State to be busy on its own affairs like public affairs, foreign affairs, tax affairs and the like.

In our taxation class, my professor once asked why is the State exempting the Church from taxation of its real estate and other activities related to religious purposes.  The answer is because the Church provides services which the State cannot undertake on its own -- that of the molding of the society into God fearing, moral individuals imbued with values that ultimately benefit of the State.  The functions of the two institutions, could be separate, but, as I take it, they are complementary and for the ultimate benefit of the individual. Of the person.  For after all, aren't the two institutions created for the purpose of benefitting man?  His government to serve and protect him, and his religion to teach him morals to separate him from the beast?

The recent development wherein a Congressman from the Party-list group Kabataan proposes that religious ceremonies and images should be banned from government offices can be taken 2 ways : that it could encourage other religions to exercise their religious rights OR to ban all religious practices altogether.  I think the bill could, if passed in to law, have the latter effect. With respect to this, I agree with Cris Beltan's opinion on the Philippine Star with respect to the issue. Read it here.

Here are my thoughts on the matter of Separation of Church and state as I related it to a friend.

If the state should regard the church as a separate entity, walang issue. ang ginagawa ng church na pamemressure kung meron man ay ginagawa rin ng lobbyist group, ng tobacco companies, ni tony boy cojuanco

Kung sabihin man ng simbahan na idedeklara niyang erehe at pilibustero ang isang congresista, eh ano ngayon

May separation. yun nga lang, parang nahihighlight kasi malaking bloke ng populasyon ang mga Katoliko

Ang Iglesia ni Kristo, may block voting (ibig bang sabihin noon nakikialam din sila? Hindi dahil bumoboto sila at karapatan nila na bumoto ayon sa gusto nila. Kung may sanction man yun ng Iglesia o wala, wala tayong pakialam. Boto nila yoon eh)

Pero hindi sila (ang Katoliko, ang INC's) ang gobyerno.

pero pwedeng makialam yung mga tao (in general, regardless of religion), kasi ang tao ay gobyerno. at ang tao rin ang bumubuo sa relihiyon.

Sabi ng kaibigan ko, religion and faith are good pero iba na kapag pinapakialam na ng heirarchy ang machinery na dapat applicable sa lahat which is the government.

As for me, religion and faith are good. But what are those if you cannot practice it?  Parang pagsasabi ng I love you, pero absentee partner ka naman.  They don't want organized religion to call the attention of the government in matters that the Church thinks will violate Man and his Morals that is why they want to stop people from practicing their faith..

How are you to separate Church and State? Simple, it is written in the Constitution that the State should not favor any religious domination.  Has the State filed a single law favoring the establishment of religion, favoring any religion?  NO.

Does the law and the constitution guarantee freedom of expression and the freedom to practice religion?  YES.

Just a thought, if the State cannot pass laws favoring the creation or favoring a particular religion, then it shouldn't also have the right to prevent people from getting into, practicing, or praying through our religion.

(Note: This blog is about Life is a Series of Destinations.  I acknowledge, through this blog, that life is also a Spiritual Journey. I am writing this with the ultimate thought and the realization that I am also to depart from this body, this life, and I am undertaking this Spiritual Journey here on earth in preparation for the Life at the other side. I Believe in, Jesus Name)

Firing at the Manila Target Shooting Range 6/9/2012

Thank God for deal websites like Ensogo.ph and I was able to buy a membership at the Manila Target Shooting range (see their facebook page click here).  For 750 pesos, I got a 1 year membership with MSR and a free first 50 rounds, gun rental, and instructor.

The voucher should expire today June 12, so I decided to go to the range with Kuya Ryan, my law school buddy who also bought a voucher, and my bestfriend, Diana Roselle last Saturday (June 9).

We head off to the Shooting range by 3pm.  It was sunny and hot.  But that did not dampen our enthusiasm for our first experience to fire.



Kuya Ryan and Diana before we went in the office.

There were other first time shooters when we got in. The sound of guns being fired sent me chills. I got excited and afraid at the same time.  But knowing that it is a gun club and people there know guns, I relaxed in the thought that professionals handle the shooters.

We waited to fire for about 2 hours after signing some membership forms and waivers.  Shooting is a dangerous sport, it seems to me when I read the forms, I almost gave up the idea that I was shooting that day.  But since we have spent time going there, there is no way I am not going to try to shoot.

We were informed also by our very cordial instructor for the day, Kuya Jimmy, that they get around 200 shooters a day. Some workers from the surrounding offices de-stress themselves during lunch breaks firing at the MSR range.  It is not surprising, he said, that there are people like us who get in and wait for an hour or more to shoot.



Kuya Ryan reading the papers while we wait for our turn



My bestfriend who is a nervous wreck but still can smile while waiting to fire



Me at the MSR lobby.  The shooters can be viewed through the glass behind me.

The MSR offers shooting gear, from vests, to holsters ( if I am not mistaken), to protective eye wear, to ear plugs.  For shooters and gun club members, they can use the eye protector and ear plugs for free too.  Water is being sold there too at 10 pesos per bottle.  Comfort room is also available.  I guess it would be better for them too to offer sandwiches and coffee to club members while they are waiting, with fee of course.  But it seems that MSR is too small for this. Perhaps a vending machine for coffee and other drinks would do.


Kuya Ryan shoot first with Cal. 45. Don't know the make. Hahaha =D Perhaps as we progress as shooters, hopefully, we get to know more about guns and ammo.



I shoot next. The feeling is awesome. The first time I fired, my grip was loose that I felt the gun fly. =D I was holding a Cal.40.  I rested in between rounds since my arms grew tired.  Oh I need exercise.



That's my bestfriend, the last one to shoot.  Kuya Jimmy, MSR's shooting staff, thought us how to handle the gun.  Since I had a marksmanship session at the UP Diliman firing range a year ago, it was easy for me to understand what Kuya Jimmy was telling us.

At this point, all we focus on is firing. No techinicalities, nothing about the guns, just the experience of shooting.

In the middle of my shots, I can hear myself swearing with excitement as I hit my bulls eye thrice in a row.  I even bit my lip while shooting. I guess this is how i like it. I LIKE IT SO MUCH.

Since the range is indoors, you can expect the smoke to build up after firing 250 rounds.  We asked Kuya Jimmy if there are any outdoor range for MSR members. He said they are working on an outdoor range at Tagaytay near Splendido where we could fire long arms, rifles, and even AK-47s.  But the membership is a bit higher than MSR Pasay.

Membership with MSR Pasay is 2,500.  A member gets free gun rental, gear use and free instructor.  Members are entitled to one free guest.  Free entrance for guests plus 561 pesos for 50 rounds and 1 target board.

I will still check with MSR when we get back how much do we have to pay for the bullets as members who bought the vouchers. I read that we are entitled to 50% off the price of the bullets.  Would love to fire a hundred rounds next time we go back there.



Kuya Ryan after shooting with a .45



Us Girls after shooting with a .40 =D With Kuya Jimmy of MSR as our instructor for the day.

We were grinning from ear to ear after firing. We have conquered our initial fear when we get in the range. We have fired for the first time and we are looking for more opportunities to get back in the range. We super enjoyed the experience.

Thank you Ensogo.ph and Manila Target Shooting Range for the awesome experience. We will definitely go back there soon.

.
Diana's first time to shoot video. =D