FP EXPLAINER: Does the CIA Need a Country's Permission to Spy on It? | Foreign Policy

FP EXPLAINER: Does the CIA Need a Country's Permission to Spy on It? | Foreign Policy

Better Breakfast Ideas

Nutritionists tell us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. With breakfast, we are replenishing our bodies from the night before and charging them for the day ahead. How we will perform during the day is affected by what we eat in the morning. Yet, breakfast tends to be rushed and routine–more so than any other meal. Here are dozens of ideas to help you build better breakfasts.

Eggs don’t have to be boring

Wander through an egg cookbook for a skillion ideas on what you can cook with eggs. Years ago, we got a little egg cookbook from the Iowa Egg Council and have worn it to tatters. I notice that they have more cookbooks available.

Here are some of the egg dishes that we enjoy. (They’re more techniques than recipes but you’ll get the idea.)

• Scrambled eggs in all their variations. Try Spanish scrambled eggs with leftover rice, salsa, and saut’ed onions, peppers, and chilies. Or the old standby–cheddar scrambled eggs. Try adding a can of Mexi-corn to scrambled eggs. We like Chinese vegetables added to our scrambled eggs.
• Omelets in their variations. Think about the omelets on the menu at your favorite restaurant. Whatever you can do with scrambled eggs, you can do with an omelet. An omelet is a great way to showcase your favorite vegetables.

• Quiches. Think of quiches as savory pies instead of sweet pies. Check out a few recipes for ideas and then experiment with the ingredients that you like. Many quiches are loaded with cheese but they don’t have to be. Load them with your favorite veggies instead.

Here’s how to make a quiche practical for a busy morning: Make the crust and line the pie pan the night before or purchase a pie shell from the grocer. Mix the filling the night before and stick it in the refrigerator. When you get up, load the pie shell with the filling and set your quiche to bake. By the time the kids are ready for school, the quiche will be ready to come from the oven.

• French toast. French toast can be quick and easy. For variety, try different breads. We love hearty breads like multi-grain bread for French toast and fruit-filled bread like raisin bread. French toast is a great way to use up day old bread. Or try stuffed French toast. Consider this a technique and not a recipe. Load your French toast with different fruits or your favorite preserves. Try mixing nuts, raisins, or preserves into the cream cheese filling.
• Breakfast burritos. Anything that you can do with scrambled eggs, you can wrap in a tortilla. We like veggies and cheddar loaded with salsa. Try nuts, cream cheese and pineapple. The Iowa Egg Council has a recipe for Hawaiian Enchiladas you might want to try.

Consider breads for breakfast

Biscuits, scones, muffins, English muffins, bagels, pancakes, toast, and quick breads all make great breakfast fodder.

The argument is that breads take too long and are too much trouble for breakfast. They don’t have to be. Consider these alternatives:

• Toast. Try cheese or thinly sliced deli meat on toast as a quick and easy breakfast. Spread a little cream cheese on your toast and top it with a slice of fruit or jam. We like peanut butter or peanut butter and cream cheese on toast. Or try peanut butter and raisins or peanut butter and sliced bananas on toast.
• Pancakes. Pancakes are quick and easy especially if you are using a mix. The grocery store mixes tend to be made almost entirely of flour but you can bolster the mix by adding dry milk or buttermilk powder. Or you can make your own mix.
• Muffins. You don’t have to invest a lot of morning time in muffins. Consider refrigerator muffins. Mix up a batch of refrigerator muffins on Sunday evening, keep the batter in the refrigerator, and you’ll have fresh muffins for most of the week. Simply load up the muffin tins when you get up and let them bake while you herd your family through their morning routines.

Don’t forget the bread machine

What could be better than fresh bread for breakfast? Most bread machines have timers. You can program these machines to turn out perfect bread just in time for breakfast. Consider some of the fruit and nut breads for breakfast. Fresh Cranberry Nut Bread with whipped cream cheese butter or California Raisin Bread with strawberry butter sounds pretty scrumptious.

Eat what you like

Remember our college days when we thought pizza was a staple and cold pizza was the breakfast of champions? I’m not ready to go back to those days but a salad or a sandwich sounds passable in the morning. The point is, if you like it, try it for breakfast. Who said we have to classify foods into breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

Take a second look at hot cereal

Hot cereal is quick and easy and doesn’t have to be boring. Try spiking your hot cereal with dried fruit, nuts, or coconut. (Dried pineapple, coconut, and raisins is a combination we love.) You can even make it in the microwave. Mix the goodies, the cereal, and a touch of salt in a bowl. Add water and nuke it for about three minutes. Presto–instant hot cereal. (With microwaving cereal so easy, we don’t understand how the cereal conglomerates manage to sell any of those little packets.)

Get the kids involved

Democracy doesn’t always work but letting the kids vote on breakfast foods is a good way to get support. If they have a say in those breakfast burritos, they are less likely to revolt the next morning. Try having a breakfast council on Sunday evening and planning your meals for the week.

Courtesy of:

http://www.pinoyrecipe.net/better-breakfasts-ideas/#more-508

Cityhood Laws Upheld Finally?!

Finally!

I am at Coffee days again to wind up and do a little research on my assignment. While browsing through the local dailies, the Sun Star headline struck me, "Court Upholds 16 Cities Again", according to the paper, the Supreme Court, voting 7-6 yesterday ruled with finality that the creation of 16 new cities did not violate the Constitution.

In retrospect, this is the 8th time when the Court made a ruling regarding the matter since 2008. This rouses my interest now only because it is concerns a fundamental doctrine of political law but most of all because my birth place and domicile is one of the subjects. The Supreme Court made flip flopping Decisions, first in favor of and then reversing their ruling and then reversing it again and so on and so forth. Power play at its best, defying the fundamental rules of procedure on the interest of justice, they say. I believe that this is indeed a question worth the application of the exceptions of the Rules because this involves the identity and status of the political subdivisions of the State to which attention must be focused. The well deserved attention is proper because the people should not be deprived of what is due them. The budget allocation of the government must not be left in limbo for it becomes an injustice to those who should rightfully receive them. I have seen what these local government units have spent in preparation for their newly acquired status, I have seen the organizational restructuring to abide by the law, I have seen their people wore pride for their new status, I have seen them disappointed for the reversal of the decision, happy again for the reversal of the reversal and sad again because of another reversal. I hope this should finally be the "final" final to put an end to the identity crisis of these local government units. Mabuhay ang Korte Suprema! Mabuhay ang 16 na Siyudad! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

A Lesson From A Cooking Disaster

it's about the taste not the appearance

Last night I cooked for dinner, actually it was not for a big crowd so three pieces of egg were enough. No matter how I tried I never really had mastered the art of cooking "sunny side up". I have cooked based on intuition and it turned out well but when it comes to this I always fail. :-( The outcome was a disaster because it looked more like scrambled eggs rather than the coveted sunny side up. They said it was because I put in too much oil, the frying pan was not made of teflon and the ladle I used was not the appropriate one. So I felt a little relief, it was not all my fault at all. hehe.. It was so good that the blame was shared but then again, after all these years I am committing the same mistakes. One more thing, I forgot to put on salt while it is still on the frying pan, so I made the garlic salt appear like a garnish but I think it looked great despite the fault.

Last night I learned a lesson, life is just like cooking. No matter how prepared you are, no matter how interested you are, no matter how confident you are, there are really matters that you fail to do well. Things do not come the easy way but they are learned through experiences and repeated mistakes. Through these life lessons we create a cognitive map which we can readily tap when the situation requires. Problems also abound, they are part of our existence but it is on how we face it that makes the difference. Like the disastrous egg, we can put on some condiments to remedy the taste and put on some garnish to enhance its appearance. In that way, attention will be shifted from the disaster to the other positive aspects that it can offer. How your life is depends on how you see yourself, how you see others and how you see the world. Sometimes you will even be surprised to discover unexpected blessings in the tragic situation you are into, you just have to observe keenly, listen deeply and feel compassionately. The egg according to my critics tasted good (I think they were telling the truth)and so we ate together and pondered on this new insight.

A Point on Jan-Jan

For weeks we have been hearing of the "macho dancing boy Jan-Jan" issue in Willing Willie. According to the reports and critics the 6 year old child was subjected to child abuse. It is assuring to learn that the government agencies like the DSWD and the CHR have actively looked into the case and conducted their respective investigations and extended assistance to verify the truth of the allegations. The MTRCB has also suspended the show to deter further mongers. This video is an excerpt of the 8 April 2011 airing of Willing Willie where Willie explained his side. Please watch and listen to hear both sides.



I am not a Willie Revillame fan ever since but I think he has a point. What we see on TV is just fraction of the whole picture because there are unrecorded statements and unseen actions behind the camera. He should not be judged for a single act, give him the benefit of the doubt for the truth will prevail after the results of the investigation will be revealed. His charisma really captures the heart of the children and their grandparents, that is undeniable. However, I cannot still accept the arrogance which surrounds this person. It is evident in this video. Sometimes he just needs to be reminded that not because he has the money, he can say and do everything he wants at the expense of other people's feelings and self worth. For some, they would do all things to get money to support their families' sustenance but this should not be an avenue for others to abuse their rights for the sake of ratings. If people laugh at your joke, it does not mean that it is right. If people laugh even more, you should reconsider your act for it may have negative implications to the one laughed at. You have your own view, you have your own opinion, you have something to say. :-)

At Coffee Days

I am in a coffee shop, trying to finish an assignment. No other people here except the baristas, so I have the whole place for me. I was almost pissed off because I was not able to access their wi fi connection but when I was given another user name and password, I made it. During the difficult ordeal of confusion and frustration, why the log in process was long, tedious and a constant failure, plus the fact that I have rebooted my laptop for three times because of the glitch and the once in a while lost internet connection, I kept in mind what the book on mind training taught, "happiness is a habit everyone can learn". I tried to think positive things and smiled once in a while to drive away the bad vibration which according to the law of attraction will come to you and add to the problem even more. I do not want my day to end with a frown on my forehead, so do you right?....

Now I have finished the outline and the abstract and sent it through email. I had my second refill to my cup of tea and I am planning for another one, or should I just ask for a cup of water, the answer would probably be there as soon as I finish this post.hehe

The internet connection is again lost but I have to continue typing what I have in mind before they fly away and be eternally erased from my frail memory. I have been checking my skype and ym but no one is online, who do I expect?...haha...I only have officemates as contacts..my bad.haha

I am contemplating on doing something worthwhile but I have not thought of any as of the moment. Just making most of this peaceful and serene environment, except for the roaring sounds of the engines of the big trucks passing by. And so I now remember that my laptop battery is defective. It can only last for 30 minutes if unplugged so I have to always carry with me the plug and use it only whenever there will be electrical connection available. I hope I will be blessed, I hope a new battery will come in whatever way..heheh  (wish, wish, wish with crossed fingers).

My right foot has felt numb due to my sitting position, so I guess its time for me to stretch those muscles and start finding something worthwhile to do. The internet connection is back and before I end this post, I decided to ask for water. I also overheard that one of the baristas will be joining a competition tommorrow, so I wish him good luck and God bless.


9:51 pm
04/11/2011
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Just for A Thought

After the company outing yesterday, here we are back to work again. We just came from Lapu-lapu City to attend a hearing. There was no hearing really because the other counsel was not prepared of his witness, so I was just sitting there and listened to the judges open court Order. On our way back, I felt the muscular spasms around my back, arms and legs and had a short doze right at the back. I am still waiting for yesterday's pictures so that I can post them in my post yesterday. When we came back tot he office, I thought of something to write about and tadaaaan..... I thought of, what if I had an unusual job, what would it be? :-) maybe the video below will do! Enjoy! Would you like this job too?!

Island Hopping and Adventure

I have been working at the office for one year and six months and this will be the first time that we will be having a company outing, group bonding, team building and fun in the sun away from the paper and research works that we are accustomed to everyday. This kind of adventure is different and the occasion is rare so everyone is excited.

The tug boat which carried us to Maldita.

If wasn’t for the wakeup call made by Jovi I would have been late for the outing. As agreed we set off for Mactan at around 7:30 am. The group had a convoy towards the departure venue. At last we arrived at a wharf in Punta Engano at around 8 am and after a few minutes wait for some of our companions we rode in the huge motor boats that will carry us to the island destination. I found the names of the boats amusing. There was Mahinhin, Malakas, Mainit, Mabait and all other Filipino character traits and adjectives but what is more interesting is that the our ride (2 boats) were named Makulit and Maldita, yes you heard it right. I wonder why, but it does not mean anything bad, I even liked the idea because it describes the group—funny yet assertive, humorous and witty, eager but well planned.

Maldita and Makulit 

The weather was not so cooperative at first because the drizzles coldly welcomed us. Eventually Mr. Sun dominated with his might but gentle on the clouds’ hide. Everybody were seated (I was in Maldita), the anchors lifted, the engines loudly roared and slowly we moved. The boats were huge, they had a capacity of 25 persons (as written in its body) but it accommodated almost 30 including its crew. They were wide and spacious and had a lanai area where the guests can talk in the comforts of a soft chair. At the middle was a bed like area where the guests can lie down and sleep while the cool breeze caresses their cheeks. At the side were long benches where the guests can relax while leaning back and letting the waves wash all the worries that they have. The waves splashed inside the boat as we moved forward but our boat was fierce so we just enjoyed the scene while AFS took shots from his camera. The sun is not brightly out but the heat is felt like iron close to your hand.

Sulpa Island

At around 10 am we came to our first stop, Sulpa Island. The island is located a few kilometers from the shores of Mactan. It is an islet actually, uninhabited but maintained and owned by a corporation. It is not well developed but had cottages and white sands. It charges an entrance fee of 100 pesos per head but we stayed at the portion where no fees were collected so we got the chance to stay at the island for free. We arrived while the water is still low so we were able to swim from the boat to the islet, some of course rode the rubber boat. I was one of the first from the group to set foot on the islet. I made a turn around the islet and surveyed its entire structure. It looked mysterious from afar because of the shape and formation created by the lime stones. However, upon a closer view, it’s just plainly ordinary maybe because stones and seaweeds even sea urchins abound the surrounding. Nevertheless, I enjoyed snorkeling around. The stones and some corrals were alive and full of green seaweeds. The colorful fishes swim next to you while walking, just be careful not to step on the pointed parts of the stones underneath. We started to unload the things and some set up the grill. We swam, kayaked, swam, and kayaked. We drank, talked, drank and talked. As the water rose, so did our digestive tracts. So at around 11 am we feasted on the roasted pig and other food. We were so full and continued stretching our muscles by swimming even more. I got cramps on both legs because of the cold water in an attempt to save a child. I am glad we were saved by the [person in the (jun)] rubber boat before everything was too late. We really enjoyed soaking in the clear and cold waters. When we got to the boat, I started to feel the burning sensation in my face and arms, sunburn is underway for sure but that is nothing compared to the fun and experience we had.

Talima is such an adventure!

At past 1pm we decided to leave the islet because the water rose higher. The waves became rougher this time. We stopped by Barangay San Vicente in Olango Island to see a property. Together with the big bosses we rode the rubber boat to get closer to the island but we didn’t find the one we were looking for. We decided to proceed to the next stop, Talima Adventure and Water Park in Barangay Talima still in Olango Island. I was amazed by what I saw, they were able to set up a state of the art adventure paradise. The entrance fee is 100 pesos and additional fees for the other adventure rides and games. The main attractions that they offer are their inflatable aqua adventure facilities—the aquaglide which is around 20 feet high is a giant aqua slide where you get the chance to slide from the top to the waters and get the splash of your life. I was hesitant at first because I was worried my aching legs might hurt again while I will be on the water but then again I tried because the opportunity comes only once and I do not want to miss it this time. I tried it for once though because of the pain in my legs. They also have a huge aqua trampoline where you can jump and bounce as high as you want while you look up at the vast sky. I jump as high as I can, calculating and balancing so that I can stand still when I reach down but due to tiredness I retired and lied down on the giant trampoline while the kids jumped over me. Finally the rockit, a four seater round improvised version of a see-saw, was very enjoyable. It has straps all over where you can hold while you seat on each corner and try to move, turn and bounce as fast and as strong as you can. The effect is like riding a see-saw but with a twist because four people instead of two do it, while you go round and round with the water if you fall down. The fun part of the experience was when the rope tied to the rockit was cut and we were slowly brought by the strong currents away from the adventure area. Thanks to the timely rescue, all were well. After about 30 minutes, we left off the island bringing forth the smiles and thanks of the personnel of the adventure park. I commend them for the incomparable hospitality and accommodation.

Some of the legal people after the island experience

Before finally docking at the wharf, we passed by Barangay Malingin in Mactan to see a strip of land subject of one of the cases handled by the office. It was indeed promising and so I thought it would be worth the fight. We docked past 3pm bringing with us exuding smiles, fun memories and stronger bonds despite the exhaustion that we had. We took pictures for the last time (we were not able to take so much pictures while on the islands because the waves were big). Smile. Say cheese. Click!

P.S.: I lost my sunglasses, let it just be my offer to the undines for the accommodation.

7:30 pm

04/10/2011

Adsum


Some of the Talima photos courtesy of:

http://ceburoadtrip.com/talima-adventure-and-water-park/

http://philippinetravelnotes.blogspot.com/2010/05/talima-adventure-and-water-park.html

A Lesson from Disappointment

The excitement we felt last night was clouded by the disappointment which welcomed us this morning. We were supposed to join the Dilaab Foundation's Fun Run scheduled 5am this morning. We prepared for the event. We bought the singlet, we jogged the night before to condition our bodies, we set our alarm clocks way ahead of the assembly time but then again, we failed to attend the run. 

Actually I was able to wake up at around 4am, so did the others but because it was so early we were complacent to extend a little of our sleep and surprisingly, to my dismay I woke up at 5:30 am. We were supposed to be at the venue by 5am because the run will start at 5:30 but here we are sleeping comfortably in our beds while the run already started. It was a disappointment indeed. And since it is a declared holiday, no office, no work, we slumbered till afternoon and literally did nothing at all.

We apologize for failing to attend the fun run. This would have been our first time since we were in Cebu but I guess our first time will come some other time. This is a good occasion for us to learn and realize to accept the reality that sometimes we miss what we have aspired, waited and prepared for, but instead of giving up we should learn to accept and embrace that fact. Let us not succumb to the problems confronting us in the present, instead use these problems to face the future.

Company outing tomorrow. I should wake up early. I cannot afford to miss this one.hehehe...gudnyt

A Video the Meat Industry Does Not Want You to See

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Coffee Experience

I do not know what topic to write so I decided to write about the first thing that I will see today and tadadan….when I opened my office drawer I saw my coffee and now while sipping a cup of it, I will be writing about my coffee experience. I have switched from one coffee to another to find the right taste, the right effects and the right blend suited for me. There was a brand which made me palpitate. There was one which caused diarrhea. There was one which made me sleep. There is another which does not taste like coffee at all. Of all the coffees that I have tried, I found Jimm’s coffee perfect for me. I have been using either the 5-in-1 or the 7-in-1 coffee mixes for more than a year and counting.

Weekend Escape Part 2

A jump to sooth the tired feet.

On the Way to the Zoo

As promised, here is the second installment of our weekend escape. After eating our snacks we decided to leave the Temple but it was still 3pm, the sun is up and our energies are on full bars, suddenly I remembered that the Cebu Zoo is located nearby. Without wasting any time, I inquired with the security guard of its location, he told us to “take a little walk down the 5^th street and then ask the guard on duty in that area for further direction.” With excitement we walked fast, up the long, wide and winding road where huge and serene fortresses surround. Thanks to the lady who gave us the direction, she saved us from going into the dead end that we were heading. Despite the long and laborious walk and the challenging hunt we still managed to smile, have fun and of course take pictures.

The gate to the Paradise

The Cebu City Zoo

At last we have reached the final curve and were in front of the Cebu Zoo gate, it was around 4pm. The Zoo opens from 8 am up to 5 pm everyday. It has around 15 employees including the new manager who is very dedicated to the cause of improving the Zoo as well as facilities. I have personally met him two years ago during my first visit. Indeed he is full of eagerness and optimism. I want my companions to experience the union with nature and maximize the time to learn more about the place where we are residing—Cebu City.

Take Note of the Rules

The word “zoo” is a short term for zoological garden, a place where animals are kept in enclosures which as much as possible imitate their natural habitat. It is both for educational and conservation purposes and such endeavor requires a considerable financial funding to sustain the feeding and maintenance needs of the animals and the place. I commend the City government for supporting this project. During my first visit, the place was in its initial recovery stage under the new management. Today improvements are visible—more animals are present, more spaces were already used and more people are visiting.

One Step, One Leap

The Long Trek

The excitement began when we stepped our feet inside the zoo’s gate and paid the entrance fee. The entrance fee is worth 10 pesos for children below 12 years old and 25 pesos for children above 12 and adults. Come on join us as we trek around the Cebu Zoo. (Special thanks to Kuya Ellie Ardiente who served as our tour guide in the duration of the visit). Like all places that we go, we were greeted by a big signage of the zoo’s Rules and Regulations—this is a constant reminder that as visitors we must respect the animals and everything inside the vicinity and keep an active duty to observe responsibility in our actions towards the living and the non living things. 

rubbing elbows with the serpents

Bottle feeding the baby milo (wild cat)

I also observed a festive mood in the place, the walls were filled with murals, banners from excursionists were displayed in a particular area and of course the animals sing greetings of welcome and joy. We had the chance to hold and feed some baby wild cats or locally known a milo. We had the opportunity to hold and caress snakes, took pictures with an owl (and so I remembered Hedwig) and took mighty poses with a hawk or banog in local term. We saw monkeys, feed the deer, looked into the eyes of an angry serpent eating eagle, tried to talk to the parrots, entertained by the talking mynas, heard the melodious chirping of different kinds of birds and fowls, amazed by the swimming fish in unison and a lot more unexplainable experience which the words in any alphabet cannot describe.

A pose with the mighty birds (not angry birds..hehe)

Picture taking with Mariano the Croc

Mariano the Crocodile

Highlighting the trek is the once in a lifetime (it was the second for me. hehe) chance to hold a live, 60-year old crocodile named Mariano. Crocodiles are known to be ferocious carnivores and for that we fear them the most. However, according to Kuya Ellie, Mariano is trained and friendly to people. We took our time to observe, of course with hesitation and fear, took pictures and touched the thick skin of the croc. We bade our goodbyes and proceeded to take a farther trek down to see another group of crocodiles which according to our guide are the complete opposite of Mariano--wild, flesh hungry and brutal.

Limp yet authoritative Boggard

Boggard The Siberian Tiger

The path was hilly and steep, on the way we saw monkeys, rabbits, porcupines and other snakes. We started to make a long and painstaking descent. On a stop, we met Boggard, an eight-year old Siberian Tiger which came from India. I have observed that he had lost weight since our first encounter, our guide explained that it was due to the cutting of his meal supply from 40 kilos to 20 kilos of raw meat. So I realized that even animals were affected by the global crisis. He was snob at first, as if telling us to go and stop disturbing his slumber but we persisted. As if disturbed by our guffaw, he let out his loud growl as he stood tall with confidence and authority. Except for the limping right hind leg, he looks healthy and manages to display an aura of combined fear with admiration. I have also observed that his cage is now bigger which is good so that he will be able to move more freely inside. We took pictures and said our goodbyes to our friendly Siberian tiger.

The long trail

Descent to the Crocodile Cage

We continued our descent and walked for about 10 minutes in a trail leading towards the vicious crocodiles. On the way, you can observe the green surrounding nearby, the tall dipterocarps shading the path with their wide foliage, the climbing vines and the relaxing yet creepy sounds of insects typical of late afternoon in the provinces.

Forget about the 

We were welcomed by two barking dogs, which made me back off from the lead. I noticed a sign which said “Forget about the Dog. Beware of Owner” illustrated with a gun pointed towards the reader, I gained confidence and continued leading the trail. Indeed the dogs did nothing, they were even of people. They ran fast as we approached closer to the crocodiles’ cage. The cage is shaped like a huge ship elevated more than 2 meters above the ground level so that its hollow interior holds the water and the strong crocs in. We walked around perimeter of the wall boulders with the slight fear of possible accidental fall (God forbids!) and took pictures too. Special thanks again to Kuya Ellie for the assistance and the stories too.

Experiencing Paradise in an Unexpected Way

As we ascended back to the main entrance, the group made realizations. We thanked each other for the unplanned visit to the Cebu Zoo where we were able to witness the beauty of nature and the potential of the institution to preserve the habitat of these flora and fauna. This place is best for children so that at an early age they will be able to have a glimpse of the animals that they only see in books and have a fresh appreciation of the importance that these creatures offer. This is also a good place to bond with family and friends. With just a meager entrance fee, you will have to experience paradise in an unexpected way. A short motorcycle (habal-habal) ride for 20 pesos per person brought us back to the highway where we realized that we are now back to the busy city, the escape was over and our tired body wants to relax the Boggard way. J

2: 04 pm

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Weekend Escape Part 1

Sunday is the only day that we truly experience rest after six days of working, so we decided to escape, have fun and explore what Cebu City offers.

A familiar Chinese sight

The Plan B

We planned to go to Papa Kitz at Lilo-an but the plan did not push through because of the tight budget and the limited number (from the original 7, only 4 of us were left). We did not want to stay at the house the whole day and bore ourselves out by sleazing and doing the usual weekend routine of watching movies, eating, doing the laundry and so on. Alas a brilliant idea popped up our mind, plan B is to visit the Taoist Temple. This is also a dream come true for Elvie who has been longing to visit the temple to remove the “loser” branded at her. Correct me if I am wrong, we are still strangers in our own places, in our own communities and in our own country. Yes, this will be her first time to be there, so come join us in celebrating this momentous event.

The Dragons

Taoism in the Queen City of the South

Taoism is a philosophy but it is widely recognized as a religion. It follows the teachings of Lao Tze which emphasize compassion, moderation and humility in order to find the Tao or the Path towards attaining harmony with the Universe and ultimately with its source. Taoism is predominant in China and in other parts of Eastern Asia and due to trading and migration, the philosophy or should I say the religion has permeated into our social realm. In Cebu, The Taoist Temple located at Beverly Hills Subdivision is famous because it is open to worshippers, non-worshippers and tourists alike. It is strategically located atop the hill where a picturesque view of the City and the entire subdivision below is visible.

"No taking of pictures", the sign said

The Ritual

Lucky us because the temple was newly painted so we were able to witness the vibrant colors vis-à-vis the shining sun which created the ambiance of ancient Chinese civilization we are only familiar of in books and literature. Believers visit the temple for guidance in huge decisions to be undertaken or to settle confusion relative to things haunting them. You are free to pray and ask for God’s guidance. If you want to ask questions, you can do the ritual by first washing your hands. The washing of hands symbolizes purity of self and of intention. Then you light a joss stick and pray to God by telling Him everything that is bothering you. Pick up the kidney bean shaped wood with its flat surface facing each other, move it and shake it around while praying and ask God if you can ask your question. Drop it slowly on the floor and when it shows its round and flat surface it means yes and you can proceed to ask your question following the same procedure. If it shows both its round surface it means maybe and you can try to drop it again. If it shows both its flat surface it means no and you should return on some other day because God is not ready to answer your questions. Taking of pictures is not allowed inside the altar so try to visit the temple to experience this ritual. But always remember that this is sacrosanct not just a mere game or tourist attraction.

Capture the Shadows

Tourist Attraction

Speaking of tourist attraction, the Temple is open to visitors especially students on excursion, that is why the place is full of signboards reminding the visitors to keep their silence and pay respect to the house of worship. For those who want to bring some food and eat their snacks above the Hill overlooking the beautiful scenery, they have an available place with big umbrellas where the visitors may sit, relax, drink and eat. Just keep in mind to throw your trash on the trash bins provided. I think every inch of the temple is great for picture taking so keep your batteries full so that you won’t miss anything. And one more thing, this is a good venue for stretching those muscles because you have to walk up the steep hill and stairs to go up and then go down on the same path again. If you want to experience, peace, tranquility and meditation within the busy City, visit the Taoist Temple where fun and spirituality are merged into one.

The place where we ate our snacks

P.S.: the unexpected Cebu Zoo experience will be posted as Part 2 of this Weekend Escape.

8:56 am

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“Ukay-Ukay" at the Carbon Market

The Carbon Market

We wanted to take a short walk but we walked far through a labyrinth of wonder filled with different characters. I am referring to the dusk scenario at the famous Carbon Market of Cebu City where you can find almost all stuffs at a huge, huge, huge BARGAIN—native food items, preserved food items, plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, different sizes of fishes, meat, fresh and beautifully picked flowers, plastic wares, hard wares, sets of furniture, live animals, used clothing and shoes, even the apothecaries too and a whole lot more if you have the patience to walk through it, race and compete with other buyers who wanted to get the best bargain ever. And of course, you have to deal with and survive the heat, the thirst, the smell, the smoke and sometimes the snatchers—so better be prepared, vigilant and alert.

Front view of the Carbon Market

The Price is Right

Good for us, we went to Carbon Market at around 6pm so the scorching heat of the sun is eliminated from the challenge. Like all Saturday nights in public markets, you will be greeted with the bellow of sellers advertising their goods and beckoning posts of the low prices they offer. Our target is the “ukay-ukay.” We wanted to buy used shoes but we did not forego the thought of buying other things that we may find interesting…hehehe…so we searched from stall to stall. One stall sells pants of various sizes and prizes, another one sells t-shirts and blouses, others shorts, leggings and jackets all tagged at a range of 10 pesos to 20 pesos and higher. But depending on your convincing power and appeal and of course patience you can really bring the price right to the brink where there becomes a thin demarcation between buying and asking for it.

All displays are worth 10 pesos

The “Ukay-Ukay”

 “Ukay-ukay” or in slang “UK” is derived from the Filipino “halukay” or “ukay” in Visayan which is used to describe the scenario in the market where the used clothing, shoes, apparels and accessories are all mixed up in one big and long display area and the buyers dig and search for the item that they find best. It is comparable to a quest for the best among the thousands of goods on pile. Thus, perseverance, a good eye, a quick hand and a relentless bargaining are some of the must haves if you want to venture into this endeavor. As far as I know, these goods are sent as donations from foreign countries, as a result these goods do not pay the customs duties, thus they sell cheap. However, I wonder if they were really donations they should be distributed to the intended beneficiaries or else it defeats the exemption. Anyway that is beside the point (I will research on that), I am losing track of the fun. “Ukay-ukay” is a good way to find quality and branded clothing, shoes and home items (of course do not forget to wash them well), it can also be a good business opportunity for those who want to engage in business of buying and selling.

Dig up for the treasure

The Precious Find

After a few minutes of arduous search, we found a single stall which at that time sells used shoes. Without any hesitation and delay, we grabbed on the displays as if wild animals protecting their territories. I did not let go of my first find while I was looking for another one, better one, and cheaper one. It’s good to be assured of at least one of your choice before another buyer gets hold of it and pays for it—that is when you lose your lifetime opportunity forever. From an initial price of 350 pesos I was able to bargain 100 pesos and paid 250 pesos for a pair of running shoes. My companion was even luckier because from 180 pesos she paid only 100 pesos for her pair. After paying for them, we still strolled around and eyed for some interesting stuffs. The precious find is worth the hardship, I should say.

Run for the right fit

The Reminder

As a final word, this is what I observed, more valuable finds can be found during the opening of the new arrivals but you can avail of more bargains at the closing time because the vendors will have to give in so they can sell more before they close. You can visit the “ukay-ukay” at Carbon Market at any time of the day, preferably on a Saturday night or on a Sunday early morning because most of the stocks at this time are new but just be wary of the other buyers who might eye the same item as you like. One final reminder, please wear face mask because you will never want to bring home colds and cough. We never did that so now we are developing colds and sneeze once in a while, the price of the bargain. Despite that, the fun and the experience will be priceless.

9:55 am

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(photo courtesy of fiscaplyder and minglanilla cebu blog site)

The 4-D Experience

Yesterday was a full day for me -- full breakfast courtesy of Bibbo hotdog, full blown written exam in legal forms, full gastronomic satisfaction for lunch at Spice Fusion, a table-full sumptuous dinner at STK (courtesy of Madam, Happy Birthday!) and a full blast of fun watching the 4-D film at Crown Regency.

Dinner courtesy of the birthday girl Jenny

The Best Plan is to Have No Plan At All

Four dimensional or 4-D in short is 3-D with a twist of real life hedonic sensitivity of the scenes. It is an innovation from the 3-D technology which brings movie and entertainment viewing more interesting, fun and worthwhile. As far as I know only Crown Regency and SM offers this technological experience in Cebu so I thought to make most of the opportunity while we are here. It was past 10pm when we left off from dinner and to make most of the time celebrating Madam’s birthday and at the same time to tour her mother (Nanay Zarda) around Cebu, I excitedly suggested that we go see the view of the City from the top of the tallest building in Cebu—Crown Regency.  According to the famous statement of National Geographic, “the best plan is not to have a plan at all.” Indeed, watching the 4-D film was not part of the plan but we had no regret because we were rewarded with yet another memorable experience. The fun it brought is commensurate with its cost. Watching 4-D is best done with a group of friends or with the whole family. A single flick costs 150 pesos, two short films cost 250 pesos and three films costs 350 pesos. There is really no boring moment in the whole fifteen-minute duration of each show, you need not even need a box of popcorn or a can of cola because you will be carried away by each act as if you were present and part of the scene. It is active watching at the least, participatory entertainment at its best.

This way to the mini theater

Museum of Horror

Despite the vehement opposition from the ever afraid Abegail who was trembling even before the show started, the majority prevailed and thus we watched “The Museum of Horror”. We were led into a mini theatre where 4-D glasses were distributed upon entering the wide and colourful door. The room could accommodate 25 people I suppose. I chose to sit on the front row to be close to the screen and satiate my curiousness, Abegail, Elvie and Jovelyn followed while Nay Zarda, Jenny and Felven were seated behind us. The ambiance was similar to the movie theatres that we are familiar of, except for the smaller size. The chairs looked ordinary but then it eventually revealed its mystery. The chairs vibrate and move as the scenes require, so the fun and excitement was brought to a higher level. The plot of the short film was similar to the movie “Night at the Museum.” It was a fifteen-minute animated film about a newly hired security guard whose task is to watch over a Museum which contains various displays such as the military and war, airplanes, dinosaurs, mummies and skeletons as well as ancient warriors and pandas. On his first night of roving, he noticed something weird about his surroundings. The mummies and the skeletons moved and chased the security guard even on the smallest of passageways. Thanks to his former military training he was able to outrun the living dead. He ran into the room with Pandas and so he suffered pain in the hands of the robust bears. And so when he managed to escape, he landed on the gallery of the dinosaurs who again chased him with all their speed and might. There also was war between the military and the ancient warriors, an exhibition of airplane and pterodactyls flying in the air, and a throng of rats ready to attack. It indeed with a twist, he discovered that it was just a dream but not only a simple dream, it was surreal, a fictitious reality.

Inside the theater

Incomparable Experience

Though the story ended with the protagonist’s death, it was effective in its task of entertaining us. I say so because I felt it and it was the same response that was elicited from my companions and the other groups present. We screamed and covered our faces together when the arrows and the bamboo slits filled the air and are about to hit us. We lifted our feet when we felt something beneath moving during the attack made by the throng of rats and we reacted on the splash of water made by the stumping dinosaur. We did not want to rise when the show ended but the curtain has to close and we have to take our well-deserved rest after the long tiring day. We wanted to keep the 4-D glasses as a souvenir but the attendant asked for them. Then we realized that sometimes we do not need physical objects as souvenirs but the time and the experience together is more than enough. Thanks for the fun, thanks for the memory, thanks for the company.

Be captivated by the surreal

4/3/2011

10:56 pm

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(This happened on March 20, 2011 and was supposed to be posted on the 21^st, however, due to the maniana habit, I completed it just tonight. J)