My Dream Destination :)

Here’s to hoping that I will get to travel in Europe and my first destination will be..Paris, France. Why not? it’s a dream destination. Almost everyone wants to go there and me included. Crossing my fingers. This also serves as an inspiration to save, earn more and go forth to my target. :)


Another place is....

Another dream destination, Santorini, Greece. Now, I’m really on my day dreaming side right now. Traveling is one of the best things to know the world, to set foot and feel the environment. Blend in. It’s not that I don’t want to explore our country which is the Philippines. It’s just that, I also have this huge dream to travel across the world. 

As a person who loves to dream about exotic places, I often browse the net just to look for beautiful pictures from all over the world. But there are no other images that I love the most than those of Santorini in Greece. The air of simplicity will move you. 

Another thing is, after watching the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I fell in love with the place more. the movie adaptation of the novel written by Ann Brashares. And in that movie, Lena the Greek girl went to Santorini for her summer holiday and fell in love with a Greek boy called Kostas who was absolutely gorgeous but who cares about the boy? I was drooling at the fact that I want to see Santorini in all its glory being featured in an enjoyable movie that had become my all-time favorite movie ever.

Someday, I’ll get there. :)

Traveling Cebu - Queen of the South

I've always wanted to go to Cebu and after going to Boracay, I promised myself I will definitely go there by hook or by crook. But destiny is on my side and bless me for I managed to book a flight for two at Cebu Pacific Air PISO FARE promo. Am I that giddy when I booked it.

It was our first time in Cebu, with me is my companion Van. There are so many stories to tell with our quick visit at the queen of the south but it was truly memorable and we'll definitely come back. Cebu is like visiting Manila as well. It's like walking at the streets of Recto or Ermita. Old buildings, busy street. The only difference is that when you get to talk to them, of course they speak Cebuano. I made a mental note to myself that I have to learn their dialect.

We started out early so that we can go to different famous places at Cebu. So if you're planning to go to Cebu, here are some of the best places that we have visited:

Our first stop is Colon Street. There you can see the Colon Marker. Colon street is Philippines' oldest street by the way. It's already 446 years old! The Colon Marker is the obelisk which gives you the end or begining of the street. 

Next stop is the Cebu Heritage Monument. About walking distance from the Colon Marker. 

Off we go to the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral house, one of the oldest house in Cebu. We didn't get the chance to get inside though.





Next is Casa Gorordo. Home to the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, Juan Gorordo (1862-1934). Walking into this residence, you step back in time and get a view Filipino lifestyle in the period of between 1860 & 1920. Featuring noted paintings, museum relics, a courtyard, antique household items and furniture.





A special project of Don Ramon Aboitiz is the Casa Gorordo Museum, situated in the middle of the Parian district, one of the oldest streets/districts in Cebu. Don Ramon acquired the house in 1980 and turned it into a museum.








We instantly find Basilica Del Sto. Nino. There were a lot of people inside and outside the church. I love the structure of the church. It really made me feel like I was in Spain. 



The church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565. The church was however destroyed by fire on November 1, 1568 and was subsequently rebuilt in 1602 under the administration of Juan Albaran and was rehabilitated in 1740.


On May 1965, the church was conferred the title of Basilica Minor del Santo Niño by Cardinal Antonuitte, Papal Legate during the Fourth Centennial celebration of the Christianization of Cebu.





I'm really excited to check out Magellan's cross. One of the place that you should really visit once to get to Cebu. When we got there, I was amazed that it wasn't that big. I was expecting it to be a huge gazebo. 





A little story about Magellan's cross. When Magellan traveled from Spain to the Philippines in 1521, he brought with him in a wooden cross. This cross was planted at a place called Sugbu, now Cebu, to symbolize the colonization of the country on behalf of King Philip II of Spain.





To preserve the cross the original has been encased in an outer layer of tindalo wood, mounted on a concrete pedestal, and housed in a tile-roofed kiosk. The roof of the kiosk is adorned with a painting depicting the landing of Magellan in Cebu and the planting of the original cross on the shore.





Fort San Pedro looks exactly like Fort Santiago. he smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country. Fort San Pedro served as the hub of the Spanish settlement in the Philippines. It has a total inner area of 2,025 sq. meters, with the walls being 20 feet high and 8 feet thick. The tower stands approx 30 feet high from ground level.





Work was first started on May 8, 1565 with Miguel Lopez De Legazpi breaking the ground. After the battle of Manila Bay, Commodore George Dewey turned the fort over to the local Cebuanos. It became the American Warwick Barracks during the American Regime, and was later converted into classrooms where Cebuanos could receive a formal education.





During World War II, from 1941 to 1945, it served as fortification for Japanese soldiers. When the battle for liberation was fought, the fort served as an army camp. After 1950, Cebu Garden Club took over and fixed the inner court into a miniature garden. 





For a couple of years it also housed the Cebu City Zoo. In 1978 to August 15, 1993, it housed the offices of Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tourism Authority. At present, it is under the care and administration of the PTA and now houses the National Museum that showcases the San Diego shipwreck & Fort San Pedro diggings.





Lastly, we went to Taoist Temple. This place is so serene. I really enjoyed going here. Preserving the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher, the Temple offers a nice break from the hustle and bustle of down town Cebu. 





There are some 81 steps representing the 81 chapters of the Taoism scriptures. On reaching the top you can light joss sticks and have your fortune read. (Note! on a hot and humid day the 81 steps to the top feel like 181, so just take it slowly).








In my opinion one of the best places I have visited here is the Taoist Temple. I fully recommend you visit this place and explore what it has to offer.





Of course, Cebu will never be complete without trying their famous Cebuchon! :) definitely mouth-watering! :) I love its crunchiness and the taste, superb! :)


Indeed, Cebu is a remarkable place. 
Aside from the historical places, I am truly amazed at how they take pride on our 
very own Filipino culture. 


Till we meet again Cebu! :)

How to get to Bantayan Island - The Secluded Paradise

We have booked our Cebu flight last May since Cebu Pacific Air is having their PISO FARE promo at that time and yes, it was really hard to book a flight when they a piso fare promo. Why? no matter how many times you refreshed your browser, even if you have already picked the date that you wanted, most of the time, it will get sold even though seconds ago it was not yet. But fortunately, I was able to booked a flight for 2 to Cebu for the month of October. :) 

The Date: Departure from Manila - October 19, 2011 6:30 p.m.

Me and my companion, Van went to NAIA terminal 3 around 5 p.m. we waited there even though our flight got delayed for about 45 minutes or so. I was really excited since this is another amazing adventure that I am embarking on. I promised myself that I will be traveling more. I want to explore. Enjoy the best of life. Step by step. 

We arrived at Cebu around 9 in the evening, we went straight to Sugbutel since we already planned out where we should stay, Sugbutel offers cheap accommodations although when we got there it was already jam packed. It was getting late, since our plan was to get to Bantayan Island as early as possible so that we can enjoy the island more. We decided to go straight to North Terminal (jeep fare is P7.50), even though Van, my companion knows how to speak Bisaya, we were still having a hard time talking to Cebuanos. Most of the time we got lost and we ended up walking but I don't mind it though for as long as we're safe. It's part of the adventure right?:) 

We ate noodles (P15.00 cooked) at the terminal and waited. Waited. At long last, at around 2:30 a.m we rode the bus going to Hagnaya Port (Bus fare is P130.00). Thankfully, it was breaking dawn :) We didn't get to experience the dust and hotness of the ride since we only ride an ordinary bus. Still, when we got to Hagnaya port, we both looked so tired and sleepy as if we came from a battle. We waited for the ferry that will take us to Bantayan Island. The ferry will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. only (The fare is P170.00). An hour later, we arrived at Bantayan Island. We were welcomed by the pristine beach and crystal clear water of Bantayan Island. What a relief, I said to myself. The tiring trip was definitely worth it after seeing the Island. It was picturesque. We then meet Kuya Toto who became our tourist guide all throughout our wonderful journey at Bantayan Island. 

We stayed at Beach Placid Resort for our overnight stay, where we paid P600.00 (Electric fan only). The airconditioned rooms were already fully booked. I must say that even though we only get to stay at the said room, it was still a nice, worth it room. Clean, with bathroom and we really just need a place where we can leave our things safely. We also rented a habal habal for P350.00 24 hours. We used it while we stroll around the island. Our island hopping is about P900. 

Bantayan Island’s appeal to me were beyond than the white beaches that surrounded it. Honestly speaking, I love Bantayan Island more than Boracay. Why is that? We all know how popular Boracay is, during summertime where it is really the peak season for tourists and vacationers to go there, you don't get to enjoy the beach that much. It's commercially jam packed.Plus, I would rather enjoy the serenity of the beach than go partying and bar hopping at Boracay. But nevertheless, I still love Boracay too.  I loved how small the island is that you could go around the barrio just by walking. A short habal-habal ride would then take you to other towns. There’s not much to do in Bantayan Island, but the quietness, the serenity does something to you. It’s so inviting you don’t want to leave the island anymore. I even fantasized myself living at the island where simplicity is the key to a serene life. We stayed there for 2 days and 1 night. 

Virgin Island

We also went to Virgin Island which also looks like Puka Beach at Boracay but I love Virgin Island more since it was so quiet there. We were the only guest when we went there! we get to walk around, goof around and sleep. This is definitely one of the best beaches the country has to offer.

Kota Beach Park

Sugar Beach Resort

The next day we went to Mangrove Park. We also went to Sugar Beach Resort, they also have cheap accommodations plus they also have the best sea lining. White beach at it's best. They have a lot of cottages as well. We also went to Kota Beach Resort, nice beach front. PAG ASA even put a station there to monitor the weather in the Visayas area. 

Bantayan Island is definitely something to consider if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and seeking for some relaxation and peace. I’d definitely come back to this island, no doubt about it. We didn't get around on visiting Malapascua Island and Ogtong Cave. 

PHILIPPINE PRO STARCRAFT II LEAGUE IS COMING!

The much awaited IPL 4 Qualifiers for the South-East Asian (SEA) region will be hosted on November 7 to 8, 2011, by the Philippie Pro Starcraft II League Invitational at the Glorietta Activity Centre in Makati.

Due to the newly found partnership with the IGN Pro League , a world class tournament with over $100,000 in prize pool and features the best players in the West,  the Philippine Pro Starcraft II League has been announced as the official qualifying tournament for the IPL 4 in the SEA region. With foreign professional players like oGsMC, oGsInCa, WeMadeFox.Moon, WeMadeFox.Lynn, WeMadeFox.Soccer, and Thorzain participating, one can be sure that epic games will be played.

Top players invited from the Philippines and across the world will be vying it out for $3,500 and an invitation to participate in the IPL 4 Live Event, you can be sure that everyone participating is going to be well practiced and ready to show what they are worth!

Our Vision: The Philippine Pro StarCraft II Leauge is a Philippine based Organization focused on building a bridge between the SEA region and the rest of the world; globalizing eSports along the way, as well as discovering the untapped Philippine talent and promoting the Philippines as tourist destination in the process. 

Our Mission: To be the premiere E-Sports event organizing body in the Philippines; aimed at improving the gaming community by providing tournaments where deserving players can experience top-level competition at its finest. 

Big Thanks to NVIDIA, COUGAR, WESTERN DIGITAL, PALIT, CHIMEI, and EMAXX for making this happen, the best hardware for E-Sports.

For more information, check us out at www.PPSL.tv and www.TEAMAZK.com and contact us at info@TeamAZK.co.cc

Noypistuff's First Blogversary Giveaway

In celebration of the first anniversary of Noypistuff as what it is now, a brand new touchscreen phone (a Samsung Champ) and five (5) P300 cellphone prepaid cards will be given away to lucky Noypistuff readers.

To earn an entry to the raffle, simply "like" both the Noypistuff and Webhost-choice fan pages on  Facebook. Be sure to like both the pages to earn 1 entry.


You can also earn additional entries by doing the following (optional): 


1. Write about this giveaway on your blog. (+3 entries)
2. Follow Noypistuff on Twitter. (+1 entry)
3. Tweet the link of this post. (+1 entry) (Here's the link: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/10/noypistuff-first-blogversary-giveaway.html)
4. Like "Music in My Religion" on Facebook. (+1 entry)
5. Post the link to this post on your Facebook wall. (+1 entry) (Here's the link again: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/10/noypistuff-first-blogversary-giveaway.html)
6. Like Noypistuff's Google Plus One button at the right sidebar of their page (+1 entry) (Please go to the HOME PAGE  and click on the Google Plus One button at the right side bar just below the search box.)
7. Follow Noypistuff on Google Friend Connect (+1 entry)


To make your entry(ies) be counted please fill-up this form found in this site:
http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/10/noypistuff-first-blogversary-giveaway.html

This giveaway is open to all Noypistuff readers from all over the world provided that you have a valid Philippine address to which the prize can be shipped to or a valid Philippine cellphone number for the prepaid card prize. This will run from October 15 until November 30, 2011.

There will be one (1) winner of Samsung Champ and five (5) winners of P300 prepaid card of choice. Winners will be announced 1-2 weeks after the end of the giveaway.

Check out Noypistuff's Blog at:

http://noypistuff.blogspot.com

Hot stuff for every Noypi! :)

Freeway Art National Artist Collector's Series Presents: Vicente Manansala

Si Vicente Manansala ay isang alagad ng sining sa larangan ng pagpipinta sa Pilipinas. Naturuan siya ni Fernando Amorsolo. Kabilang sa kanyang mga gawa Market Scene (1975), Fruit Vendor, Anak-laot. Ipinanganak sa Macabebe,Pampanga (Enero 22, 1910 - Agosto 22, 1981).

Some of his amazing works:

Jeepneys

Luksong-Taga

Crucifixion

Vicente Manansala is now featured on Freeway Art National Artist Collector's Series!

For more details, check out this sites:

Freeway website: www.freeway.net.ph
Facebook: facebook.com/Freeway/Online
Twitter: twitter.com/FreewayOnline

Don't forget! Pls help get #FreewayxManansala to trend on twitter! They'll give away Blackberry 3G on Faceboook EARLIER! Ü

Be on the lookout for the latest trends and hot spots in the metro! :)

Don't be left behind :)

WIN 2 FAB TRAVEL ENVELOPES!

Travel Envelopes from Wandering Mom :)


Get yourself organized with a fab Travel Envelope when you travel! And when you’re not, you can use this as your wallet to keep your money in place. Fab Manila is sponsoring two Travel Envelopes, red and black. First winner to be picked will get the red one and the next gets the black one.

This fab Travel Envelope features:

Faux Leather with Black & White checkered lining

Magnetic lock closure

Multiple pockets inside

Zippered pocket at the back

8.75″ in L

5″ in H

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This contest runs from October 7 and ends on November 7.

This blog contest is open to Philippine residents only. However, International bloggers may also join provided they have a Philippine address.

For more details, check out the contest site of Wandering Mom:

http://www.wanderingmom.info/2011/10/win-2-fab-travel-envelopes/

Join now! Good luck! :)