Masas Bar - Greenbelt 2

Masas Bar
G/F Greenbelt 2,
Esperanza St.
Ayala Center
Makati City
Tel # : +632 757 4031

Cuisine : Filipino

I again had visitors because of a presentation that we have to do for our Customer. This time - 1 German and 1 Malaysian Chinese ... of course, as expected, they requested to eat in a Filipino Restaurant ... instead of taking them again to Sentro, I took them to Masas which is in Greenbelt 2 ... this is my first time to try this resto, I'm not really sure what to order so we had to depend on the recommendation of the waiter ...


Appetizer :

• Pritong Tawilis (Fried small fishes found only in Taal lake with a spiced vinegar dip) - Php 125

Main Dish :

• Kalderetang Baka (Beef Stewed in tomato sauce served with fried potato & carrots) - Php 380
• Chicken Inasal (Grilled marinated half chicken Bacolod style) - Php 299
• Laing (Taro leaves stewed in spicy coconut sauce) - Php 120

Drinks :

• Buko Juice (Coconut) - Php 85
• Coke in Can - Php 65
• several bottles of San Miguel Pale Pilsen - @ Php 65

.... Our total bill was ~ Php 1650.00 including tax and service charge ... that means around ~ Php 550 per head

Verdict ?

• Food is just okay ... nothing extra-ordinary ... I'm not sure if it's because we just didn't order the right food ... or that's really the best the restaurant has to offer
• since there was no more vacant seats inside, we had no choice but to sit outside ... we saw that there was going to be live music, so asked the waiters for a place which won't be too loud as we need to discuss some work ... unfortunately, it seems we were seated in the loudest area, they informed us earlier that it was just gonna be acoustics and the speaker near us wasn't working so it was safe to sit there ... too bad that when they started the music we were already eating, we can't change seats anymore ... that really made talking difficult ...
• Laing was suppossed to be "Chef's Recommendation", however, it just --- just!
• Will I come back again to this restaurant? ... probably as I normally have visitors once a quarter ... and they will surely ask for Filipino food! ... but I definitely won't order the same food ...

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2008

Charge!!!! ... It's almost time for the annual Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival ... This year it will be 5 July until 1 September 2008




What's exciting about Malaysia Sale :

• items are discounted up to 70%
• not just the old stocks are put on sale but even the new arrivals
• both imported and local brands can be bought at low price
• even the locals are eagerly awaiting for this yearly event

What are the popular shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur?

• Suria KLCC (Petronas Tower area) - shops are mostly high-end & designer brands like Prada, Hugo Boss, Escada, Cartier, etc ... though there are also some mid-range like Giordano, Esprit, etc ... plus there's also Isetan and Parkson's ... http://www.suriaklcc.com.my/


• Pavilion KL (Bukit Bintang) - just opened in 2007, another high-end shopping area ... http://www.pavilion-kl.com/


• Midvalley Megamall - a bit out of the City Center ... take the LRT to Bangsar and from there take the bus or take the KTM which goes direct to Midvalley ... one of the biggest shopping malls in Malaysia ... a place where you can find almost anything you need!


• Bukit Bintang area - shop till you drop! shop next to shop next to shop ... there's the low end Bukit Bintang Plaza & Sungei Wang ... the mid-range Lot 10 ... the high-end StarHill ... plus the famous electronic shop of Low Yat ...


• Berjaya Times Square (near Bukit Bintang) ... take Monorail and go down Imbi station ... there's Shopping, dining, theme park, bowling, cinemas, IMAX ...


• The Mall (near PWTC, Legend Hotel, Best Western Seri Pacific Hotel) ... one of the first malls in KL ... a bit small and old ... but one of my usual haunts since it is just located behind the condo where I lived ;)


• 1 Utama Shopping Center - located in Petaling Jaya (outside of KL), i think this is one of the biggest shopping Centers I've been to ... difficult to reach if you don't have a car ... but if you want to explore 6 retail floors with a total area of 5 million square feet, then this is the place for you!


• IKEA, Ikano, The Curve - all located next to each other ... also in Petaling Jaya ... again, difficult to go to this area if you don't have a car ...


• Sunway Pyramid (Subang Jaya area) ... not really accessible to public transportation ... however, the Egyptian-themed shopping mall complete with Lion Sphinx in the entrance, will provide you a different type of shopping experience ... there's also an ice skating rink ...


• Mines Shopping (near Serdang Station of KTM) ... another out of the way mall ... but like the Sunway Pyramid, Mines is not just simply a shopping mall but a mini-Venice complete with "canal" and "gondola" which you can ride ... don't forget to try the "water elevator", it is quite an experience!

People's Palace - Greenbelt 3

People's Palace
G/F Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel # : +632 729 2888

Cuisine : Thai


.... My colleagues including my boss from Singapore were in Manila last week ... after work at 9pm (yup, you read it right, we were working soooo late!!!), we were so very hungry ... we knew that the only place we can get food at that time is in Greenbelt ... Off we go, to People's Palace - a favorite resto of a friend ... First question we asked, what time do they close on a weekday - the waiter answered last order is at 11pm ... whew! that means that we still have time to order and enjoy the food ...


What did we order

• Starters : Prawn Spring Rolls with Chilli Sauce (PhP 290) & Prawn, Pomelo and Coconut Salad Chicken (Php 360)
• Main Course : Green Chicken Curry (php 340), Chicken Stir Fry with Holy Basil (Php 320), Morning Glory with Crispy Pork (Php 240), Pineapple Seafood Fried Rice (Php 380)
• Drinks : The People's Iced Tea (Php 110), Fresh Dalandan Juice (Php 110), Pink Lemonade Fizzy (Php 120)

... Our bill was ~ Php 2800 including taxes and service charge ... which translates to ~ Php 700 per head ...

What's good about People's Palace

• place is cozy
• toilet is sooo clean
• waiters are friendly
• food is good ... my favorite is the Green Chicken Curry ... dishes are not really spicy for a Thai resto (or is it because my tolerance for spicy food has increased with my 4 years stay in Malaysia?! )
• they have such creative names for dishes - "Morning Glory with Crispy Pork", "Son-in-laws eggs"

What can be improved

• service is quite slow
• servings are quite big ... ok if you're a group of 3 or 4 ... but too much for 2 ... how i wish there is an option for smaller servings ... a price for "small" and "large" plates ...

Dental Care Asia - Makati

I'm due for another prophylaxis but I do not know where to go. My dentist & ortho for the past 4 years is in Kuala Lumpur. How I miss Dr. Fong but obviously I cannot fly to KL just to see my dentist.

Checking our Company-accredited dentists, there are 17 of them in Makati. But where to go? ... I've tried my luck with Dra. Elaine Aurea Silva whose clinic is in Cityland Herrera Tower in Salcedo Village ... Unfortunately, the clinic didn't give a good first impression ... I had my appointment suppossedly at 10am ... they even sent me SMS to confirm ... I rushed to their clinic to meet the time ... When I reached the clinic there were 3 other patients ... I thought they were walk-in, I was very sure that I would be entertained first because I had an appointment ... 11am came, they called 1 of the 3 patients ... 12:00 - another patient ... I don't think I can wait 1 more hour for my turn ... It was already lunch time, 2 hours wait and there is still another patient before me ... If I look at the pattern, my turn would come at 2pm! ... I called the attention of the receptionist ... I asked her how come they texted me at 9am to confirm my 10am appointment, but it's already 12nn and I'm still waiting ... She then informed me that the 8am patient took longer than expected ... I told her this is not an acceptable excuse, when they schedule the appointment they should ask what procedure or treatment is to be done so that they can allot enough time before the next appointment ... An hour wait would be tolerable, but 3 hours wait is not right!

Because of this experience, I asked my colleagues which dentist they would recommend. I don't want to try my luck anymore. One of them asked me to try "Dental Care Asia" which is in the 1-Worldwide Health Clinic in Vernida Bldg Amorsolo St Legaspi Village Makati ... My appointment was at 2pm ... I arrived a good 5 minutes before the appointment ... They immediately gave me a form to fill-up, quite extensive than the usual forms, it even include medical history ... At 2pm, I was already ushered to the clinic ... so far so good .... The dentist then introduced herself, Dra Maria Rosanna Jover ... She checked the form that I filled-up and asked follow-up questions ... Then, started the Prophy ... Afterwhich, she checked my teeth ... She informed me how many fillings I will require which is 23 in total! Gosh, so many! ... She explained that maybe they were caused by my previous braces ... After scheduling the next appointment, I'm done - happy and satisfied with my treatment! :)


What I like about Dra Jover (Dental Care Asia):

• friendly
• very thorough in her treatment
• patient in checking each and every tooth
• won't force you to do your fillings in her clinic, she's even willing to share her findings with the dentist of my choice if I prefer another dentist

What I don't like about Dra Jover (Dental Care Asia):

• so far none, all thumbs up!

More info on Dental Care Asia :

• Address : Ground Floor, Unit C, Vernida I Building, Amorsolo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229
• Tel/Fax # : +632 892 0938
• Cell # : +63 917 532 8445 / +63 917 884 8855
• E-mail : rgjoverdmd@1-worldwidehealth.com
  
  
  

where to find Dental Care Asia (click to enlarge map)

ProActiv Solution - Acne Treatment

Endorsed by Jessica Simpson, Vanessa Williams, Serena Williams, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, P.Diddy, etc ...


3 Step-System

• Step 1 : Renewing Cleanser
• Step 2 : Revitalizing Toner
• Step 3 : Repairing Lotion
• +++ Step : Refining Mask

For the description of each go to http://www.proactiv.com/

How effective?

Pimples have always been my problem. I have tried several ointments & creams already from benzac, oxy, clinique, garnier, body shop, etc, etc ... but unfortunately, none of these seem to work ... some could dry the pimples after weeks, but before one dries up, another pimple will come out ... i've been hankering for the "flawless" skin for years already ...

I've seen the Proactiv commercials in TV ... but i wasn't totally convinced of its effectiveness even though it was endorsed by several well known hollywood artists ... until a guy colleague in Malaysia told me that Proactiv provided him a miracle for his pimples ... I was unable to believe that years before, he had several pimples ... Proactiv definitely cleared his skin ... so off I go to the nearest "TV Shopping" outlet in The Mall in KL ... got the 60-day set for RM 200 (~ PhP 2600) which includes the Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, Repairing Loting and a free Refining Mask ... after weeks of using it, I've noticed a difference ... my skin is indeed clearer ... Now, with daily use of Proactiv & monthly facial treatments - my skin is better than before! Honest!!!

My Facial Skin Care Routine

• ProActiv 1-2-3 in the evening
• moisturizer (I use the L'oreal Pure Zone Anti-Imperfection Moisturizer) in the morning. The ProActiv solution tends to dry up the skin. Moisturizer is a must.
• Eye Cream morning & evening (I use Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum) ... dryness of the skin is readily reflected in the eye area
• For pimples : small dab of ProActiv Refining Mask to the pimple before bed and rinse in the morning

Where to buy ProActiv in the Philippines

ProActiv is sold at Watson's. Price is Php 2,495 for the 30-day kit and Php 3,995 for the 60-day kit ... It is really expensive here in the Philippines ... the 60 day kit is only ~ Php 2600 in Kuala Lumpur ... to save money, i hoard at least 2 sets every time I go to KL! ;) ... I always make it a point to drop by the TV Shopping outlets either in Berjaya Times Square or Midvalley Megamall (unfortunately, they closed their outlet in The Mall) ...

Sunday Mass in Ayala Center

When I got a place to live within the Ayala Center, first thing I looked for is a place where I can go to Mass. I know there was a Chapel in Greenbelt but I don't have an idea on what time they have the Service. It took me quite a while to search for it ... I had to call lots of friends and relatives before I got the info I need ... I'm sharing it with you in case you are also looking for this info :

Greenbelt Chapel (Sto. Nino de Paz)
Tel # : +632 729 8173 / 8174
Website : http://www.greenbelt-chapel.org/
Sunday Mass : 7:15 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 NN, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Anticipated Mass (Saturday) : 4:30PM and 6:00PM

Another options is to go to Rustan's Makati. They celebrate Sunday Mass at 12:30pm on the 5th Floor. I discovered this accidentally when I had an appointment in Belo Med at 1pm and was pleasantly surprised that they also have the Sunday Service.

---Addendum---
I've just read in the Internet (http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/content/market_cs_amenities.asp) that there is also a Sunday Mass in Glorietta (Ayala Mall Lower Level) every Sunday at 10:30am.

Bukit Tinggi - Malaysia

A lot of people have been to Kuala Lumpur but didn't know that there is another "must visit" destination aside from the very popular Genting Highlands. Know which one? ... Bukit Tinggi!

I fell in love with Bukit Tinggi the first time I went here. It reminded me very much of my stay in Europe. Bukit Tinggi is a replica of a French Village ... yup, it's like a little Europe in Asia! amazing!!!

... Plus, since it lies some 2,500 feet above sea level, it is definitely cooler here than KL City.


Entrance Fee :

What to do in Bukit Tinggi?

• Take a walk in Colmar Tropicale ... As I said, it's a little Europe! You can see castle-like structures with matching street performances and outdoor dining. You can imagine yourself people watching while drinking coffee in France!




• Go up the Viewing Tower ... a bit of a climb but upon reaching the top will provide a perfect view of Colmare Tropicale (oh by the way, there is also an elevator for lazy folks! hehehe)



• Japanese Village ... there's Japanese Tea House where you can have an hour long authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony conducted by Kimono clad ladies



• Botanical Garden ... lush greenery with beautiful flowers and plants (even strawberry!)



• There's also a Rabbit Park where you can cuddle, feed and play with the furry Rabbits


• If you are still up to more activities, you can do horse riding and archery.

From one attraction to another it is about 10 minutes drive. But there is free shuttle for the following routes :
Colmar Tropicale - Rabbit Park - Golf Club
Colmar Tropicale - Japanese Village

The frequency during weekdays is every hour; weekends & public holidays is every half hour.


How to go to Bukit Tinggi?
Bukit Tinggi is just an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur City. If you do not have a car, you can always take the shuttle service provided by Berjaya. (Tel # : +60 3 2117 8399)

* Daily Shuttle Service From Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur
Departure Time: 9.30 a.m. & 2.30 p.m.

* Daily Shuttle Service From Bukit Tinggi
Departure Time: 12.00 p.m. & 4.30 p.m.

* Shuttle Rates :
~ RM 30.00 Per Person - For One Way (Adult/Child)
~ RM 55.00 Per Person - For Two Ways (Adult/Child)


Where to stay in Bukit Tinggi?
(http://www.berjayahills.com/where.php)

• Colmar Tropicale
• Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club
• Japanese Village

... More pictures

Excellent Service Gloria Jean's GB3

Last Sunday, I went to 12 noon Mass in Greenbelt Chapel. Midway through the Mass, I suddenly felt dizzy. Perhaps it was the heat, or maybe because I was standing the whole time, or maybe I was just hungry ... since I was alone, I decided to leave the Church and find a place where I can sit --- preferably a place with aircon (it was really super hot that day) ...

I almost went inside Via Mare but saw there was a lot of people inside. I wanted a place where I could immediately sit and where I would be given attention in case I pass out.

I found myself in Gloria Jean's (Greenbelt 3) ... Thankfully, there were only few patrons inside. I immediately went to the counter to buy a cold drink and a roast beef sandwich. I was still feeling woozy so I asked the girl in the counter if I can already sit down and could she just bring my change and food. She was kind enough to accommodate me.

At last, I could sit! ... The staff of Gloria Jean's were very nice ... They probably saw that I was not really feeling well so they asked me if I wanted to have some medicines, they could get one for me if needed.

Aside from providing consumers with a wide range of specialty coffee, tea and other beverages, Gloria Jean's provides excellent service!

Kudos to the staff of Gloria Jean's! and thank you very much!

Sentro 1771 - Greenbelt 3

Sentro 1771, Greenbelt 3
2/L Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel # : +632 757 3940

Whenever we have visitors from other countries, they'd often ask us to bring them to a Filipino restaurant. So where do we normally bring them - Gerry's Grill, Dencios, Cabalen, Kamayan, Barrio Fiesta ... But one time we found this resto in Greenbelt 3 which serves "modern" Filipino dishes. They are not the traditional Filipino food we know. I, myself, was curious to taste their food when I saw the menu ... I think I have visited this resto for more than 5 times already!

What have I already tasted from their menu :

• Corned Beef in Tamarind Soup (PhP 340) : yup you read it right! Imagine, Sinigang na Corned Beef?! I think I was able to finally convince myself to try it on my 3rd visit to this resto. I was hesitating because I cannot imagine how it would taste. I was afraid that I would just waste hundred pesos on something which I cannot eat ... But okay, my colleagues from Singapore finally convinced me! ... The verdict? it was okay, nothing really fantastic, but it is really different!


• Sizzling Tofu (PhP 185) : Diced tofu in a special soy dressing served on a sizzling plate


• Fried Kesong Puti (PhP 190) : Organic native white cheese, coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. Drizzled with sweet chili guava sauce and served with garlic dip

Fried Kesong Puti

• Green Mango Salad (PhP 165) : Green mangoes, tomatoes, onions, turnips, salted egg, topped with sweet and spicy chilis


• Okra & Garlic Chives (PhP 140) : Sauteed quickly in garlic and butter. Simple yet very tasty


• Boneless Crispy Trotter (PhP 390) : Deboned Crispy Pata


• Rated GG (PhP 185) : This is a great discovery! Galunggong fillets fired in garlic oil and topped with browned garlic


• Spinach & Glass Noodles (PhP 170) : Quickly stir-fried bright green spinach and vermicelli rice noodles

My absolute favorites :

• Fried Kesong Puti
• Boneless Crispy Trotter

What I don't like about this resto :

• their service is really sloooooooooooowwwwwwwww

Mezza Luna - Serendra

Mezza Luna
11th Street G/F Serendra Commercial Complex Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Metro Manila

Email : mezzaluna.mnl@gmail.com
Phone Number: +632 856-0718/ 856-0697

Menu Served : French / Italian


What I ordered :

Starters :
My Garden Greens --- PhP 390
Mesclun, Portabello Mushroom, Mango, Tomato, Quail Egg and Parmesan Bread Stick tossed in your choice of dressing - citrus cilatro yogurt, balsamic, currant truffly

Main Course :
Australian Tenderloin Rossini --- ~ PhP 780
200-gram steak served with truffle mashed potato, seared foie gras and spinach

Drinks :
Strawberry Juice --- PhP 150
Lemon Iced Tea --- PhP 65


What made my visit to Mezzaluna memorable :

• service was superb ... they don't rush you to order ... after serving the drinks, they wouldn't immediately ask you to order the main course ... they'd give you time to really study the menu ... but they are just on the corner, on stand-by in case you are ready to order ... they'd suggest what's best like for the "My Garden Greens", they suggested to go for the balsamic dressing, and indeed it was real good!
• 10% discount. they mentioned that this is because they were introducing a new menu
• PhP 100 voucher which we can claim on our next visit

Tayo na sa Antipolo!

TAYO NA SA ANTIPOLO
AT DOON MALIGO TAYO
SA BATIS NA KUNG TAWAGIN
AY HI.. HI.. HINULUGANG TAKTAK
AT DOON TAYO KUMAIN
NG MANGGA, SUMAN, KASOY AT BALIMBING
KAYA'T MAGMADALI KA
AT TAYO'Y TUTULOY NA SA ANTIPOLO

Who haven't heard of this song? It's about my beloved Antipolo, a town in the Province of Rizal.

Why is Antipolo famous?

• Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Senora dela Paz Y Buen Viaje) : thousands of devotees, especially those who intends to travel, flock to Antipolo to pay homage to its famous Mother. The whole month of May is considered the Town's fiesta. The eve of April 30 marks the start with an "Alay Lakad" --- a yearly trek wherein the Marian devotees travel on foot from Quiapo to Antipolo to commemorate the transfer of the miraculous image of the Our Lady from Quiapo Church to the Antipolo Cathedral after the liberation of the country from the Japanese invasion .... I remember when we were still teen-agers, we really wanted to join the Alay Lakad but we don't know how since we already live in Antipolo. So what do we do?! we travel first to Junction or Robinson's Galleria or Quiapo Church (depending on how far we think we can walk), then walk all the way home to Antipolo. Weird, isn't it? :)

• Hinulugang Taktak : located at Taktak Road. Its legendary origin dates back to the 15th century when legend has it that the waterfalls was where the townsfolk threw the large bell that caused undue disturbance whenever it was rung at Angelus. Its sound was so loud that the people could not endure it. They demanded that the local priest get rid of the bell. Thus "Hinulugang Taktak", meaning the place where the bell was dropped ... Today, this place has picnic cottages, a swimming pool, artificial paths, and steps to view the waterfalls ... I've only been to this famous waterfalls once. It's sad that some people have abused it. A few years ago, the government tried to restore its beauty. They are still a long way from restoring it to its former grandeur. It's still my dream that someday, the Hinulugang Taktak will return to what it was before. Who knows it might become one of the wonders of the world!

• Boso-Boso Church : The Church is a remnant of a centuries-old church which was destroyed during the Second World War. It stands amidst old stones, wild vines, and plants.

• Pinagmisahan Hill : also known as "The White Cross" and "Via Dolorosa". Especially famous during the Lenten Season. It features life-size Stations of the Cross.

• Mystical Cave : Located at Puting Bato, Brgy. San Luis. There are 205 steps to reach the opening. There are natural rock formations- stalactites and stalagmites of religious icons such as Trinity, Calvary, Holy Spirit, Bell and Madonna and Child. The 8th-floors deep cave attracts not just adventurers and cave lovers, but also education institutions who wants to learn more about stalagmites and stalactites ... I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't been to this place yet. I've been to Batu Caves in Malaysia but not yet to Mystical Cave which is just in my hometown. Writing this blog made me realize that I better schedule a trip here soon ...

• Mangga (Mango), Suman (Sticky Rice), Kasoy (Cashew Nuts) : A festival was born from these Antipolo products --- it is called SuMaKa Festival. This is celebrated every 1st of May. When people found out that I'm from Antipolo, they can't help themselves but ask "dala ka naman ng kasoy" (can you please bring Cashew Nuts?) .... The Cashew Nuts have also evolved. There are now different flavors like Adobo, which my colleagues from Malaysia love very much!

• Overlooking View : along Sumulong Highway one can have a splendid view of Metro Manila. Restaurants and Bars have been built to better enjoy the view .... During New Year's Eve, seeeeveeeeraaaaal years ago, we would go to Overlooking (or OL as we fondly calls it) and enjoy the fireworks of the metropolis. Every second a fire cracker would light the sky. It was indeed a sight to behold! .... Or at night, on the way home from Cubao, we would often stop and enjoy the lights of the metropolis. They look like little stars! ... Unfortunately, with the worsening pollution, it is not as pretty anymore as before! *sigh*

Where to Stay in Antipolo? Hotels & Resorts ...

• Cristina Villas : Taktak Road Antipolo City. Tel # 632 697 4521. Email - cristinavillas@yahoo.com


• Loreland (DOT accredited) : Colaique, Sitio Ibabaw, Barangay San Roque Antipolo City. Tel # +632 696 0101 to 03 ... http://loreland.com.ph/


• Callos Spa Resort (DOT accredited) : Colaique Antipolo City. Tel # +632 650 7889 / +632 696 5405 ... http://callosparesort.com/spa/


• Overlook Resort & Conference Center : 2/F, J&F Building, Marcos Highway, Masinag, Antipolo City. Tel # +632 696 0054 / +632 696 0240 ... http://www.overlookresortel.com/


• Marabella Palace Resort : Colaique, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City . Tel # +632 695 1760 /+632 696 5422


• Seven Suites Hotel Observatory : Hollywood Hills Subd Sumulong Highway Antipolo City. Tel # +632 682 0330 /+632 682 2076 ... http://www.sevensuites.net/


• Bosay Resort : Near Galang/Roco Farm Marigman Road, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City. Tel # +632 639 2943 / +632 695 1807 ... http://www.bosayresort.com/

... A little bit of history : How Antipolo got its name?

The original statue of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage was carved and blessed in Acapulco, Mexico. From there the new Governor General of the Philippines took it to Manila in 1626 aboard the El Almirante, where it was placed in the Jesuit church of San Ignacio. Upon the governor's death, the Jesuits became the custodians of the statue. It was then taken to Santa Cruz by the new pastor of that region. According to tradition, the statue disappeared at least twice from the church, and each time was found in the branches of a tipulo (breadfruit) tree. A church was built near the site and the tree was cut down and made into a pedestal for "The Brown Virgin." The name tipulo prefixed by the Tagalog article "ang" (the) forms the name "Antipolo."

MICROSOFT International Lottery - A Hoax

I got this e-mail from a certain Mr. Peter Cokas (petersmicrosoft15@gmail.com). It says that I won USD 500,000. Of course, this got me excited! But I know that it sounds too good to be true. I then surfed the net to see if this is a Hoax. And indeed it is! ... It turned out that once these guys got hold of your personal information, they would ask you to deposit a certain amount in their account so that you can claim your prize ... afterwhich, you won't hear from them again.

... We should really be careful about internet scams .... Always remember that if it's too good to be true, it definitely is not true!


----- A COPY OF THE HOAX E-MAIL (beware!!!) -----

THE DESK OF MICROSOFT INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT.LONDON OFFICE UNITED KINGDOM.
TELEPHONE NUMBER +447031816708

We are delighted to inform you of your prize release from the MICROSOFT International Lottery programmer, which is fully based on an electronic selection of e-mail addresses. Your e-mail address was attached to those Winning Number:
________________________________________
(1) Winning numbers:..............990-11-815-37-10-83
(2) Email ticket N0....................901-0148-790-691
(3) Lotto Batch N0.......................13/FFP/LDL/037
(4) File REF N0..........................MELI-T/17-F044262312
(5) SECURITY CODE: ..............901-0148-790-691 ________________________________________

You are number 5,which consequently won the lottery in the second category. You have been approved a sum of US$500, 000. 00 ((FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS)). All participant were selected through a computer balloting system drawn from Nine hundred thousand E-mail addresses from Canada, Australia, United States, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Oceania as part of our international promotions program which is conducted annually.
Fill the form and send it to the claiming agent with the under listed information as soon as possible: Contact the claiming agent officer through his E-mail address as soon as possible for the immediate release of your winnings funds:
CONTACT AGENT: DR.CLIFF DAVID
Email: http://jp.f40.mail.yahoo.co.jp/ym/Compose?To=dr.cliffdavid@gmail.com
_________________________________________
1. NAME IN FULL:................................
2. ADDRESS:.....................................
3. NATIONALITY: ................................
4. AGE:.........................................
5. OCCUPATION:..................................
6. PHONE:...................................
7. COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE .....................
(8)Winning numbers:..........990-11-815-37-10-83
(9) Email ticket N0.........901-0148-790-691
(10) Lotto Batch N0. ……13/FFP/LDL/037
(11) File REF N0.………MELI-T/17-F044262312
(12) SECURITY CODE:............901-0148-790-691
_________________________________________

for security reasons, we advice all winners to keep this information confidential from the public until your claim is processed and your prize been released to you. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and unwarranted taking advantage of this programmer by non-participant or unofficial personnel.
__________________________________________
Once again, on behalf of all our staff, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Sincerely,
MR. PETER COKAS
LOTTERY COORDINATOR.

N.B:
1. All claims are nullified after 20 working days from today.
2. Your WINNING NUMBERS must be in all your mails when you are contacting the claiming officer.
3. Do inform the claiming officer of any change of names or addresses.
*************************************************

Philippine Passport Renewal

My passport was expiring June 2008. I had it renewed as early as January so that I wouldn't have any problems at all when I travel. One of the questions I asked myself was whether to go for the new Machine Readable Passports or to still go for the old green ones.

After evaluating the pros & cons, I went ahead and applied for the new Machine Readable Passports. As always, I never go directly to DFA for my passport renewal. I do not want to queue all day in DFA. As with my previous renewals, I used the service of Pilipinas Teleserv Inc (http://www.passport.com.ph). Of course, it is much more expensive than going direct, but the shorter queue allotted to Pilipinas Teleserv customers makes it really worth it!

If you go to the Pilipinas Teleserv website, you need to fill-up the following :

Once you have defined the date for pick-up, a representative from 2Go will pick-up the requirements for renewal. You have to pay Php 1300.

Requirements for the Renewal (for Green Passport bearers) :

• Personal Appearance is required.
• Present passport and photocopy of pages 1,2,3 (amendment) inside and back cover.
• The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.
• For illegitimate minor, personal appearance of mother is required.
• Three (3) colored photos of the applicant taken against a royal blue background & no shadow. Applicant should be in decent attire with collar & sleeves and in dark-colored shirt. Photo must be studio taken & of good quality, and must have been taken within the last six (6) months. Photo size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm. Facial image size: About 3cm-tip of head to chin. Ears should be visible. Wearing of accessories, colored contact lenses or eyeglasses, with name/name board are not allowed. DFA has the right to reject photos that do not comply with specifications and international standards.

On the date you specified for personal appearance, you have to go to DFA and look for the 2Go booth. There will a special lane - a much shorter queue - for your thumbprint. After only a few minutes, you're done and can already go home. I did my appearance on a Saturday (DFA is open half day during Saturday). I believe I was only inside the DFA campus maximum of 30 minutes. It was definitely worth the PhP 1300 I paid!

Delivery of the new Passport is normally 14 days after the personal appearance.

In case you need to follow-up, you may use their online "Check Status"

... Or Alternatively, you can call their hotline 737-1000. They can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.