0 MAKATI: THE 2011 SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS AND SOUNDS AT THE AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENS

Entering the –ber months is obviously the start of the yuletide season. This is the most awaited worldwide celebration where people are preparing for this coveted event. We, Filipinos have the best yuletide festivity, as far as I know. Starting from the month of September, we are geared up decorating our home from customary lanterns and Christmas trees. Even public areas around metropolis are also getting ready to put in intense Christmas lightings in artistic decors.

While Christmas is fast approaching, part of our tradition, we do not forget as well the November madness. Halloween celebrations are everywhere – from corporate offices, to shopping Malls where boutiques furnishings in different creepy themes. This kind of celebration is being done right before the first day of November as it is reserved for our departed loved ones.

Following to this event is Christmas season.

Living in Makati Area has a hustle bustle lifestyle. True enough where the huge firms mostly reside. Thanks to have this Ayala Triangle Gardens that recommend the ideal spot to relax from topsy-turvy atmosphere. It is built to put distance from pester and getting in touch momentarily with the nature.

Since Christmas is closer, this place will surely draw another jam-pack audience. Last year’s Symphony of Lights and Sounds was really spectacular. It was an extraordinary display of lights twinkled in harmony to famous Christmas carols. I’m not sure if it is an annual event since the previous one withdrew attention nationwide. As I remembered the symphony shows three times daily with thirty (30) minutes interval and runs twenty (20) minutes per show. Photo above is one of my best shots while the show is running. I also got a chance to run a video with the inclusion of lights and sounds showcasing the stunning presentation. You may refer to youtube videos for better resolution. 

Living the expectation, the management will definitely give us another year of amazing presentation. I tried to check for hint of this year’s presentation and unfortunately it remained secret, Ayala Avenue has this ongoing Christmas decors on a white motif. Let’s all wait what kinda surprise should we expect.

5 PHOTOGRAPHY 101: THE BASICS

An office colleague invited us to join Photography 101 hosted by UP Diliman next month. A workshop teaches basic photography skills. I agreed quickly while seat is still available.

The price was also cut or same price for two heads. I dunno anything about photography; I don’t even consider myself as a photographer, just a practitioner. All my shots posted on this blog and uploaded on my facebook were self-taught. So I think ‘tis the first step to learn how to operate a digital camera. Though I browsed sometimes but the spectrum is too small for possible questions. I assumed Mister Google cannot respond the entire query unless you got patience to read forums. Thanks to Christian Sangoyo of Lakad Pilipinas for giving a heads up about basic shooting. I only hope that at the end of this workshop I would learn the principles and achieving proper exposure, correct aperture and composition, natural and artificial lighting.

Meanwhile in Boracay few months ago where panoramic and magnificent landscapes can be found, I can’t help capturing this nature given scenes. Everywhere else is charming to the eyes. So I took a photo with I-do-not-know-AV-TV-aperture settings. Through the power of self appreciation I found my piece superb. Or I maybe have this unique eye that appreciates self work. Please check the sample shots.

Well, I know this isn’t enough. I could revamp this innate talent on me with proper learning thru joining workshops. Someday somehow you wouldn’t like to hear my name in the world of photography because I will be yer best competitor. (Nagbubuhat lang po nag bangko, agree na lang! ☺). 

0 SAINTS PETER AND JOHN PARISH OF MALABON

I am being nailed inside the four corners of my station. It’s a usual routine for nocturnal people which contradicts a normal life. But why choose to this kinda life if there are better options outside? I know it will be an endless discussion, either income-wise or in a sense of fulfilment. So I chose to handle two things at the same time – work and pleasure.

Work during the weekdays and winding down during the weekends. Today, since I had a business to do in Malabon where I lived during school days; I came to decide to revisit one of my favourite churches. You might wonder why I used the word “favourite”, alright please don’t get me wrong. I know it is all depends on how you handle yourself in the middle of collection but I am after the ambience and solemnity.

Saints Peter and John seized my attention the first time I visited the place. It has two gates that open, seemingly welcoming devotees during Sundays. Going inside, the Church has a unique structural design with two stairs facing each other, meeting at the center. Upon reaching the top, a wooden door stands still, awaiting to reveal a fascinating  interior. The stairs are designed identical to what we normally witness in royal celebrations where the princes and princesses greet their visitors with grace and elegance.

Sombreness around the church is drastically felt. Churches literally the quiet place in anywhere but you opt to choose where you can focus your desires and prayers. Thus I know where to go if I want some peace. 

So this is SPJ, unluckily the church is closed the time I visited and opens at 6 PM that I could no longer wait due to small time frame. I should revisit this place to showcase the panoramic view inside. I judged this as a golden minster where pigment sets all over the place.

The church was my companion in my ups and down specially during college days. I went here on every examination and when I asked for a lil favours. ‘tis church also witnessed my incomplete Miza de Gallos.

If you wish to visit this place, you may call their office at  (632) 361 9924 or visit their website for mass schedules and inquiries.

Saints Peter and John Parish

#34 Orange Road, Potrero Malabon City 1475

(632) 361 - 9924

0 STOP AT STOOPS, AN ILOCOS BAGNET

I’m always looking for the best dine where the mouth-watering food served. Bunch of bistros in town offer the best food experience but some are a lil pricey. So I somewhat embrace suggestions from a friend or colleague. I have a preference on street foods rather than eating on unknown – newly heard – foreign – restaurants. Though I admit that their foods are really appetizing and no sign of an invisible dirt. But being a simple Pinoy, I always choose Lutong Bahay.

Being Batang Gala, eating is my talent. Therefore I always had this bear-body. No wonder. I just love food. I tried controlling myself eating too much but no change at all. Resolutions from previous years had passed but here again; nothing happen. I’m getting bigger so I’ll gotta go instead with the flow.

Last Saturday we had this badminton tourney. And after the game we decided to eat somewhere in Malugay for a heavy lunch. We want heart-pumping meal from an over workout game. Stoops Bagnet Ilocos is the place to be. So I let my partner order for us; and I was just waiting outside to get a table. 

While waiting for the food, I noticed that they have their special condiments; specialty of Ilocos. I was excited for the food so I could taste their special Sukang Ilocos and Bagoong Ilocos. During the first visit my partner ordered Bagnet and Spicy Bagnet plus TBA ( Taloong, Bagoong, Alamang). I love spicy foods btw. I can’t eat without anghang-piling on my tongue. So I grabbed Bagoong Ilocos to taste and boom there was a punch inside; made from a boneless bangus. 

The food never failed me, it respects my food preference. Crispiness and juiciness from the pork cubes plus the Alamang complimented to it. It only costs P95.00 and additional P2.00 for Spicy Bagnet. It is affordable for a pleasure lunch and no wonder I’m gonna go back some other time since it is close to my place. It is enough evidence the picture below that I ate almost everything. Nyahaha. 

Stoops Bagnet Ilocos
The Zone
7224 Malugay St cor Buendia Ave
Bel-Air, Makati
(0932) 154-7881