2 BEST OF 2012, A YEAR END POST

Do I have the right to publish about year-end post like other bloggers do? I understand that this blog runs underneath network of networks couple of months ago and I got only few numbers of followers and likers. As long I checked the status of this blog, it draws people around the world for some information or perhaps some of them are our beloved Filipino workers.

As second’s ticks and hours counts and day’s passes by, I know I did not imprison myself in the middle of four contracted corners. I always go out. “Travelling” and “Wandering” are two different things. In my own opinion, travelling is going to anywhere which is far from your mother place that may need to take plane rides. Wandering is going to next door provinces or simply walking around the corner.

Two Thousand and Twelve is a year where I travel most. I do not know if this is still considered as simple wandering or deemed to be already travelling.

Give me the chance the share my year-end article – thru the help of Facebook timeline, I’ll be checking out my travelogue in the past twelve months.

January:

I was again invited by TOSOC Mountaineers for Tarak Ridge in Bataan. This would be my second hike right after Mt. Batulao last 2011. I almost yield out for this assault. I quickly agreed from the invitation without getting any information about this mountain. All I know it is situated in Bataan. I never thought, this mountain is in the list of major hikes. But I’m glad I made it though I wasn’t able to reach the summit where the cheerless single tree standing fighting against the woe. And as mountaineer newbie, I’m gonna go back here whenever invitation arrives.

February:

A paradise that everyone dreaming of. Internationally acclaimed and named as 2012 Best Island in the world. It’s truly a paradise that you wanna live with. A gift of nature that you are about to share with – fine white sands, clear seawater, extreme sports, and night party. Boracay is a place to escape to relieve your stress acquired from paper works and drowning metro streets.

It was also my first time riding a plane.

March:

Company Anniversary. Employees were competing into different sports clinic. And yours truly, wearing red mask rocking on the Arena floors. We didn’t won for Cheerdance Competition.

April:

Company outing. We’ll not really the entire company. In an organization expect that there will be circle of friends especially batch mates. I never thought that we could stay in Zambales with Potipot Island as side trip for three days. Leaving work is quite hard for us since we are under 24/7 service. Seventeen people made it behind lil setback. We came there without money. Someone paid the trip then pay later. The reason was the closure of Export Bank and our money was held until a month later.

June:

Enchanted Kingdom. Honestly, it was my first time to visit the place. You might be laughing but so damn true. I don’t know but I always decline for every invitation. I like rides and extreme rides. The first time I went here wasn’t good at all. First stop was the roller coaster – the space shuttle. And couple of minutes walking around the place heavy rain fell down flooding the entire place and cause the closure of the rides. So what waiting for, go home!

July:

Birthday Bash! It is celebrated in Tagaytay with the Family. We used to visit all the places and a night stay in the Highlands. Flying like a superman for few seconds, Tagaytay Zipline can be added to the extreme sport at the Picnic Grove, plus viewing in 360° at People’s Park in the Sky – the highest place in Tagaytay.

September:

Third Ascent.   The first day of ber months, it’s been a long time since the last climb. I can’t consider myself as mountaineer. For this year, I only climb two but not bad. Mountain escape would always be great especially reaching the summit where the real definition of freedom can be found. First time also to hike under the rain, mas masaya pala walang hingal.

November:

It was the first time setting my foot in a foreign soil. My passport is no longer a display and food for mice. I learned how far we are from neighbouring countries, economically and socially stands are far driven. It’s not about comparison and to enjoy the moment while sipping all the panoramic view of the place. Exit to Macau is also quite challenging and excited.

I am looking forward for more travel in 2013 as I have schedule already for Mt. Pulag in January, Bohol in July, and Cambodia in November. On my list is to visit, Sagada, Caramoan, and Enchanted River in Mindanao hopefully before the year ends. Also, looking forward to meet my travel idols sirs and madams – namely Ivan of ivanlakwatsero.com; Chyng of chyngreyes.com; Manong Unyol of manongunyol.blogspot.com; Christian of lakadpilipinas.com; James of journeyingjames.com; Marcos of ambot-ah.com; Sir Gideon of pinoymountaineer.com and many more.

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon po sa lahat ng tumangkilik ng TheKidWanderer.

0 IN NOMINE MATRIS (IN THE NAME OF THE MOTHER)

Oscar Wilde says that there are moments when one has to choose between living one’s own life, fully, entirely, completely, or dragging out some false, shallow, degrading existence that the world in its hypocrisy demands. Life is a matter of choice; no one ensures the existence after complex decisions. But one has to choose and make a life changing decision.

In Nomine Matris (In the Name of the Mother), a story of a woman, a young talented woman aiming to the zenith of glory. People were helping her to reach the prominence that she was seeking for. She had her mentor, and her mother who always with her in times of ups and downs. And struggles come along on the road to her success. She fell in love to a man whom the son of her mentor. It’s not torn between her desires but she has to be in focus for the show, In Nomine Matris. Adding to her dilemma is another young man, who has feeling toward her whom the brother of her lover. Mara, a Flamenco-Filipiniana dance protégé who trapped in a topsy-turvy life changing decision. What will be the outcome of her decisions, as she was fence between her mentor who is pushing to reach to stardom and the mother imposes with lessons that she was trying not to follow. Let’s all watch on premiere night at Glorietta 4 Cinema 3, December 18, 2012.

The movie is inspired by true events in the lives of Flamenco performers in the country; the show is very close to the heart of filmmaker, Will Fredo. It’s a story of the Philippines and Spanish heritage and culture. Starring Liza Diño, Biboy Ramirez, Al Gatmaitan, introducing Ms. Tami Monsod and Ms. Clara Ramona.

In Nomine Matris is an official film entry of Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave Entry. Movie Showtimes are follows, all in Glorietta 4 Cinemas:

December 18, Tue 7:10PM Cinema 3 [Premiere Night]

December 19, Wed 7:10PM Cinema 1

December 20, Thu 9:30PM Cinema 1

December 21, Fri 12:25PM Cinema 1

December 22, Sat 2:40PM Cinema 1

See you at the cinemas!

0 FAITH IN HUMANITY HAS BEEN RESTORED. THANKING TAXI DRIVER FOR RETURNING THE PHONE

Have you been beaten by your fellow countrymen?

Foreigners say who visited the country that the Filipino is the most hospitable people in the world. Would you believe in that? It’s more than in the Philippines isn’t it? But, do you really care publicly showing your cool gadgets knowing that you are in the Philippines? With my unusual working time schedule from 3AM to 12noon and leave the house before dawn, I don’t think I am safe.

Are people naturally born good or bad? I admit I’m afraid every time I step out, particularly December sickness where most cases of snatching and theft.

It’s not safe anymore. But what happened recently is extraordinary. My nephew would like to take his vacation and stay at my place since he doesn’t have school. So I met him in MOA and rode cab back home. By mistake he fell his phone inside the cab and only noticed until we get home. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get the plate number. So we called his phone and no one bothered to answer our calls. Normally during this kinda occurrence never expect that you have your phone back. But we never lose hope and kept on calling until someone answered the call after an hour.

He said that he noticed vibrations at the back seats but he just ignored. He would like to meet us and return the phone but he was somewhere in Quezon City. So I told him to meet in Shopwise Makati around 9PM so he has the time to travel.

The cab arrived and parked nearby gas station, he let us in and told us about the vibrations coming from the phone and ignored. He was thinking of just humps since he was driving. 

“I don’t need it. It’s not worth to make me rich. I been driving for many years and returned all the losses. This is not the first time, in fact it’s the fifth time.”, the driver said.

 We owe a lot from him and he did not accept the small cash as reward. He just told us to pay the gasoline consumed en route to Makati from QC. Then he left and told us to take care of our belongings next time since all taxi drivers are not like him.

To you Mr. Reynante L. Reguya of Ira and AC Trans with plate number UVR-759. Thank you so much for your kindness and blessed heart. I hope all people like you.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

1 FOOTMARK AT HONG KONG'S OCEAN PARK

While you enjoyed the new culture and new environment, sometimes you no longer feel that days had been passed. I couldn’t believe that the last moment has just arrived. It was our last and the fourth day of our Hong Kong tour. Therefore it was ended with a visit in Ocean Park.

Before we left Manila, I was given the chance to choose either Disneyland or Ocean Park. So I chose Disneyland since we already have our own version of Ocean Park. I need to choose between the two for a reason that we were beneath of shoestring. Apparently the wheel had changed.

HOW TO GET THERE:

They say, early bird catches the worm so we left the guesthouse around 8 in the morning. We rode an MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) to Admiralty then took exit B to get to City Bus Route 629 few meters away from MTR hub. Fare was HK$10 and it took us approximately one hour travel. Although Ocean Park is not too far from Admiralty but we were stuck underneath Monday morning madness.

OPENING HOURS AND PRICES:

As early birds, we arrived in Ocean Park around 9:30am before the gate opens. Although countless people were waiting but still manageable. Ocean Park opening hours are 10am – 7pm Monday to Saturday and 930am – 7pm during Sunday and Holidays. Admission price is HK$280 for adults and HK$140 for child ages 3-11. Admission fee includes all the facilities except for skill games and coin-operated games. And since we have Ate Yolly (a Filipino caretaker) in the house,  she gave us “again” a discounted price. Our tix price is HK$255 each.

Ocean Square greeted us with out of these world sea creatures. They look so differently, an offspring of an octopus father and a butterfly mother. It is a combination of land and water animals, truly an imaginative piece of art.

And the bill rang, turnstiles were rolling in deep, people stomps their feet – a sign that the gate has just opened. I grabbed the theme map and schedules of the shows then quickly swipe my ticket. Ocean Park is divided into two major parks, the Waterfront and the Summit. The Waterfront is majority for the kids, minor rides and Lowland Gardens while the Summit is where the deathifying rides and marine world.

Walking forward from the main entrance is the Aqua City Lagoon where a wide-ranging Dancing Fountains in the middle that truly spectacular during the night with colourful lightings and the groove of music. On the sides is the UFO like Grand Aquarium, Giant Panda Habitat, and Amazing Asian Animals.

But what we excited the most is too see the Giant Pandas. Male Panda named An An and female called Jia Jia. They’re big as mine and cute as mine. It was feeding time so lucky us to see how greedy they are. They were just seating over the bermuda while showing their big bellies and busy chewing the bamboo leaves. We spent couple of minutes watching their activities. 

  

Their place is cold compared to other animal attractions, maybe Pandas lives in freezing ambience. While watching, I roamed around and saw this Red Panda. The first word came out from my mouth was Musang. It appears to be but Musang (“Civet” in English) is completely different from Red Panda. 

After spending couple of minutes watching these huggable Pandas, we decided to visit the Summit. We no longer spent our time at the waterfront since our second preference is to experience the deathtifying and thrilling rides. There are two ways to get to the summit from Lowland (Waterfront) either Cable Car or Ocean Express Tram. We took the Cable car to see some of the panoramic views of the bays and the surrounding islands as part of South China Sea. Aside from that it is also an opportunity to see how wide the Ocean Park is. Another 360° view from the top of the mountain.

The Cable Car is 1.5 kilometre from Waterfront to Summit and it takes 15 minutes ride. Each cabin has a room of 6 people. However the queue wasn’t too heavy so we acquired the cabin just the two of us back and forth. No awkward feeling, I can do whatever I want unlike our Ngong Ping experience.

And who would be able to refuse this kinda landscape. You have all the panoramic background –  the bay, the yacht, the island, and the calm sea water. 

As the cable car approaching to the summit terminus, a yellow-red chuckled ride becomes visible. It’s a Hair Raiser that will truly knock your intestines out. I admit I love intense rides just like our own Space Shuttle but this is one is very dreadful. I dunno how many rounds we had but it’s a great experience. Ocean Park adventure is not complete without riding this Hair Raiser. I must say!

To take our dizziness off courtesy of scatter-brained ride, we visited the rainforest. I saw the different rainforest species. There different type of birds tweeting their shoutouts, biggest spider ever, yellow and red foot tortoise, green iguana and many more species. Showing on the photos are the Green Tree Python that normally be found in Asian countries and the smallest Monkey – the “Pygmy Marmoset”. I haven’t seen our Philippine Tarsier yet so I don’t know which is the smallest. But in category of smallest monkey in the world, it remains a toss-up between the Philippine Tarsier or Pygmy Marmoset.

Pygmy Marmoset, as small as Yakult bottle.

Green Tree Pythin, I like the way he rolled his body. Perfect!

As the time arrived for the next show, we then hurriedly going to Ocean Theatre. Please don’t forget to get your maps on the entrance. We entered the theatre and a lot of people were excited for the Dolphin and Sea Lion show. We were drained under the direct sun light and couple of minutes later; we were wowed by the Dolphins. It seems like a live theatre act with the talented Dolphins.

Sea Lions as well never left behind. They welcome guests with their aerobics bodies while clapping their hands. Look at this one, I don't think I can do this.

After the show, we filled our hunger. We supposed to eat at McDonalds but unfortunately another long queue was served so we better consumed our Pringles, Chocolates and a bottle of water. Good thing we brought them. Now if you’re asking me if it’s allowed to bring foods and drinks. I really don’t know. All I know they never check our bags.

Next was heading to another ride. We visited the second longest outdoor escalator in the world. It stretched over 225m, from Marine World down to Adventure Land. Then another brain-wracking ride courtesy of Raging River, Space Wheel, The Dragon and more. 

The second longest outdoor escalator in the world.

Once again, I feel like lightheaded and fainted. So we proceed to a cold place of the Sea Jelly. Featuring the different sizes and species of sea jellies. Also comes in different colours courtesy of lighting effect from a clear-see-through jelly fish.  

Afterwards we decided to leave the Summit to visit the Grand Aquarium. At the same time I feel like super hungry. After touching down the Waterfront from another cable car ride we went straight to the state-of-the-art aquatic attractions. There were queues but not very long so I still have the patience.

At this point, camera flash is strictly prohibited.

There are plenty of aquariums inside with fishes classified according to their sizes. When you are inside, it seems like you belong to the sea world. The Aquarium will quickly bring you to the depth of the ocean and witness the living species in the darkness of seas. I think the biggest species I have ever seen in the world’s largest acrylic dome is the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray that glides above your head. 

We seated in front of this largest aquarium, took some rest from our tremendous rides experience. Then going back home, I was very hungry that time.

Ocean Park is the best theme park housing all the attractions, from small species to the biggest ones. Ocean Park is not just for the kids and the oldies but also for the adults where extreme rides situated on the top of the mountain.

The reason why we changed our minds to choose Ocean Park than the Disneyland because of the rides. Although Disney is Enchanting and Magical but Ocean Park offers the best attractions and rides wise. However there’s still a reason why going back to Hong Kong.

Of course.

The Magical World of DISNEYLAND! 

3 HONG KONG: NIGHT WALK IN MONGKOK

The second day of our Hong Kong tour is simply a side trip to Macau. Initially, Lantau Island and Macau would be for second and third respectively. But we lost our itinerary. So we got no choice but to create one on the spot. Although no problem since we already sorted the entire plan among the places to visit. Only differs is prior to the schedule day.

I am no longer wasting my space about what happened in Macau, but I’ll surely back to this gambling city for more exploration and appreciation. But for now I will share the best prize the night after our horrific side trip.

Hong Kong is merely twenty-four-seven city, and market doors are open extensively whether night or day. And captivating the night is more than siesta. Night market is just for the people who love fiesta foods and in thirst for cheaper tees and gadgets. The prize I’m talking about is night food trips and Mong Kok is the best host for the cravings. This place sketched with array of food stalls, small shops, and markets.

Mong Kok is the best place for your desire. Every street is characterized depending on what you want or what ya need. It has “Ladie’s Street” obviously for our beloved ladies, you got “Sai Yeung Choi Street” for electronic products and if you want something to bumper your sleeping lazy nuts then red-light district is best for you, just look for “Portland Street”.

And right across the streets and nearby blocks are popular shopping plaza. Just beware on your breath and prepare your legs to roam around this dense area and it will surely crack your prowess.

So how to get there?! It is just seven minutes ride from Tsim Sha Tsui to Mong Kok, and you gonna pass three stations only on the same red line. And by the way please click this MTR JPlanner if you got hard time transferring station to another stations. This will surely help you. That website will give you all the information – your journey time and fare info. For navigation simply click [1] Clear Result to start anew [2] Enter your Starting Point and Destination on space provided then the system itself will load the data for your travel information.

It was his birthday so regardless of what happened earlier that day; we still tried to shelter his special day and eliminate the unnecessary. First, we had dinner at Café de Coral [I think we have this one in Quezon City] although not an aristocratic resto but better compared to our daily McDonalds and KFC meals. Café de Coral offers variety of Chinese delicacies with seafood and Angus beef as favourable flavour. And while waiting for our order I took a photo fromt their food menu and the exterior until an order taker woman yelling pointing at me. I didn't know its prohibited, I just turned my camera off and say sorry.. Anyway i don't understand what she said but I got it.

The Birthday Boy!

Cafe de Coral food menu..i deleted all the photos except this one.

Afterwards we conquered the place and look for gadgets, perfumes, branded clothes, etc and I know we’re not buying just for pleasure and of course price comparison. I know it’s a failure when you convert things but for first timers, please carry your patience. 

I can compare Mong Kok to Baclaran, or Plaza Miranda or I guess Divisoria, imagine plenty of people going to nowhere directions. The area is diverged in hard techno music from every corner of the street, and each block is jumbled with entertainment. There were people singing, there were bands in heavy metals that will split your ears in high decibels, there were like Taguro that will let people punch his blacktop abdomen and pay after fist shred into pieces. And look at this man, showcasing his unique Pinoy Got Talent like talent; I think it would be better if he’s riding a monocycle. What ya think? 

  

Dont sick with Ms. Sasa, she is everywhere.

We just kept on strolling around the area going end to end then change direction then back to wherever we started. Until I saw this sign, haha! Berde ba talaga ang ilog?

We spent our night in Mong Kok and tasted most of their authentic street food. My favourite is “Eggette” also known as egg waffle, egg puff, gai daan jai or bubble waffle, this is obviously made of eggs and additional ingredients like milk, flour and sugar. Eggette is popular in Macau and Hong Kong and it looks like round pancakes or waffles. For HK$10 per piece and it has I think 24 egg puffs is enough already to fill your appetite. Then the counterpart of “pambara” is “panulak” so we seek out for something that will satisfy our thirst. Gong Cha would be the perfect match for HK$12 only. 

Amoy pagkain na ba kayo..lets do the rubabadabango. Haha.

A quick shot with my Gong Cha!

Overall our second day wasn’t totally roofed with hatred and failure sentiments. What happened in Macau has been swap over with food trips. At least I’m glad that we’re back in Hong Kong and spent our day in a combination of negative and positive settings.