Spending a Sunday Afternoon in UP Diliman

Once in a while you need to take a break from stress and unwind. And the way I unwind is not going to the beach, road trip out of town. Those I need some planning and budgeting to do. The best unwind moments often times come from simple walks at the park or watching the sunset. It doesn't have to be that expensive.

I once tried going to UP Diliman on a Sunday afternoon. Never been to UP on Sunday; often times those were weekdays. 

The streets UP Diliman on a Sunday has transformed into a huge park. People were jogging, biking and even skating. At the sunken garden, frisbee and soccer are into action. It was also a nice place to have a picnic.

It was such a relaxing day. Just sitting and watching people pass by enjoying a clear and sunny Sunday afternoon..

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A Walk Within the Streets of Binondo

Binondo is the "Chinatown" district in Manila. It became the center of commerce during the American occupation.

Located across the Pasig River from Intramuros, Binondo has typified a small Chinese town, and is referred to as the local "China Town". The district is the centre of commerce and trade for all types of businesses run by Filipino-Chinese merchants. Given the historic reach of Chinese trading in the Pacific, Binondo was already a hub of Chinese commerce before the first Spanish colonisers arrived in 1521.

My first photowalk in Binondo was during the Chinese New Year celebration a year ago. It was a quick one and never got to taste any dish in the area.

 

  

Luckily, I was invited to take part of Western Digital's photowalk in Binondo. It's not just any photowalk but also we got to taste some of Chinatown's authentic Chinese cuisine. I got to meet Rolly Magpayo (a professional travel photographer), famous travel bloggers/writers - Enrico Dee (byahilo.com) and Melo Villareal (outoftownblog.com).

Professional photographer Rolly Magpayo providing tips on how to shoot for travel.

And not to forget the participants got try WD's cloud technology via WD My Cloud EX4. WD My Cloud EX4 is a storage device directly connected to a WD MyCloud account that you can access anytime, anywhere via Wi-Fi. Just download WD MyCloud app via Google Play or iTunes.

Smartphones plus WD MyCloud technology

Now back to our photowalk..

Backpacking in Binondo (photo courtesy of WD)

There were a lot of first time experiences during the event. First time to eat frog legs (and they do taste like chicken).. First time to eat a couple more of Chinese food like their chicharon, bamboo shells and oyster cake (to think that I don't eat oysters).

Oyster cake

Frog legs

More food...

Capturing moments via smartphones was the main goal of the photowalk. Then upload them directly to WD MyCloud app. Photos stored real time.. It was as easy as 1, 2, 3..

A street in Binondo..

"Morning papers"

Even Miko has her moment :P

Thank you to Western Digital and its organizers for the fun-filled adventure.

Happy faces (photo courtesy of WD)

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Bucket List: Mt. Pulag's Sea of Clouds

It took me quite a while to be able to said 'YES' to the several invites given by scouting colleagues in high school. And finally, I did it! I was able to climb and reach the summit of the highest mountain in Luzon - MT. PULAG.

Few days before the climb, me and two of my former colleagues went to Rover Expedition's hangout for the pre-climb orientation. It was the first for all three of us to climb Mt. Pulag. An orientation won't do any harm. 

A pre-climb orientation discusses (1) what to bring; (2) what to expect; (3) precautions; and (4) if there are questions about the climb, better ask them during the meeting.. Also, that's your chance to meet the people joining the adventure.

Tents won't be a problem, the expedition got it secured. And I was confident that we were in good hands. I've camped out with the guys since high school. All that we had to worry about were our personal necessities like jackets/extra clothing, torch, sleeping bag, medications (if needed), snacks, water and of course, a camera. Who wouldn't want to capture every breathtaking moment going to the summit.

An itinerary was created, not to make the adventure like a field trip, but served as a guide. It was made sure that there is nothing to hurry during the trek.

Day 1
3:00 AM ETA for Baguio ( Breakfast)
4:30 AM ETD for DENR (jeep)
7:00 AM ETA DENR (Briefing)
10:00 AM ETD for Babadak (ranger stn.)
11:30 AM ETA/ Early Lunch Ranger Station
12nn: ETA Start Trek
3:30 PM ETA Camp 2 Grass Land/Pitch Tents
6:30pm Dinner
7:30 PM Socials
11:00 PM Lights Out

Day 2
2:00 AM Wakeup call (time for summit)
3:00 AM Trek for summit
5:30 AM ETA Summit Sunrise Viewing
7:00 AM Return to campsite
8:00 AM ETA Campsite EAT Breakfast
9:00 AM Break Camp
10:00 AM Start Trek (to ranger stn.)
12:00 NN ETA Ranger Station Lunch/Wash up Area
1:30 PM ETD Ranger to DENR
2:30 PM ETA RANGER/Wash up Area
3:30 PM ETD RANGER to Baguio
5:00 PM ETA Baguio
5:15 pm ETA Baguio – Manila (Dinner along the way)
11:00pm ETA manila

from my IG account..

Majority of the group when to Baguio earlier and ours followed  Saturday evening, February 8. We arrived in Baguio around 2:30am; met the other group somewhere along Session Road and off we go to Benguet. It was 3-hour road trip to Bokod, Benguet. First time climbers underwent orientation at the DENR office. Afterwards, we proceeded to the ranger station and start trek to Mt. Pulag.

group photo before the trek..

Finally! Campsite...

learning to put up tents..

another group photo after settling at our campsite..

It was I guess my longest night ever.. Woke up I think 3x because of the chilling cold. It was definitely cold! Could still feel it even though I had three layers of clothing worn (including 2 jackets).

2:30am: everyone was already awake. Prepared ourselves for an early trek to the summit. It was still dark when we reached the summit but the view was BREATHTAKING! Few minutes later, the sun rises and oh what a view indeed.. 

SEA OF CLOUDS!!!

We started our decent back to campsite, ate breakfast and fixed our things. We arrived Baguio around 10pm and bound back to Manila by 12:30am.

Bucket list solved but I still want another trip back to Mt. Pulag. When will it be? No definite date yet but it be soon... 

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More Than Watching Fireworks at SM Mall of Asia

The 5th Philippine Pyromusical Competition just had its third week with France and Japan showcasing their fireworks display. 

more photos..

The event display spectacle of lights and colors where the night sky and sea meet as staged by the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts. Annually held at the SM Mall of Asia. Audience get to be wowed by the dazzling display of fireworks every Saturday. 

Not only do mall goers enjoy the fireworks, there are still a couple of things to enjoy by the bay area. While waiting for the competition to start, fun things are in-store like the MOA Eye, kiddies rides for the kids or simply enjoy the view by the bay as the sun sets.

Are you a Viber user?

Viber, as one of this year's sponsors, has a simple treat for those who are going to watch the pyromusical. First 100 Viber users with Gold tickets that register at their booth will have a seat in the designated area.

The 5th Philippine Pyromusical Competition will continue until March 22nd. Get your tickets at any SM Ticketnet outlets or at designated booths before the show.

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