The marathon started at 7 am and ended at 12 mn. After the first movie, a few was already disqualified due to some violations, presumably because most of them were not used to the rules. There were “bouncers” hired to monitor violators and to escort them out the movie house. Meals were provided. The organizers allowed them to check their mobile phones during movie breaks because there might be emergencies or something. Before the last movie was played, the organizers had them remove their jackets and made them drink one bottle of water. Maybe they didn’t expect that there would still be a lot of contestants left. As it is, 28 people were left, and the prize of Php100,000 was divided among them. Oh, did I mention, adult diapers were NOT allowed!

Thankfully, Ms. Bles N. Rosete, the branch manager was gracious and apologetic enough to entertain our complaint. She admitted that the cake was not supposed to be pulled off the stocks. She then had us choose another cake. We chose the same flavor which she then pulled out from the display stand.

Lesson learned: Read the expiration date…ALWAYS!

Then get yourself ready to explore and enjoy the wonderful places in the Philippines. To tease you up, here are my picks…

Zambales

Yes I am from Zambales, I maybe a homer here but I will tell you why it is the place to be for a nature lover.

Mt. Pinatubo was a previously dormant volcano when it blew its top last June 1991 and the devastation was catastrophic. But several years after the devastation, what remains of the mountain is a wide crater that has been a favorite activity and destination to both local and foreign tourists. See the view of the caldera from the top teeming with flora and fauna, take a dip in its crater lake or indulge yourself in a recently opened spa offering spa services and unique treatments from the mineral rich surroundings such as a volcanic mud pack, hot springs and a treatment using hot volcanic ash.

Camara Island faces the open sea and has clear blue waters and coral reef, just like Boracay but without the fanfare and commercialism. This is the closest island in the shore of Pundaquit – which is also a very nice place to enjoy the beach. Near Camara Isle is Capones Island ideal for surfing activities. The island also has a lighthouse where you’ll be able to view the open sea.

Subic Bay ranks among the best venue for extreme sports and adventure travel. It is a destination of diverse tourism activities. From the nice beaches to sports activities to forest trails to marine adventure to shopping to night life, just name it, Subic Bay has it.

Bataan

Adjacent to Zambales is Bataan – the province of heroes. It is now being developed into a prime tourist destination such as where the exclusive Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club is being developed. You can also go as well to several beaches and resorts spread throughout the peninsula where price for backpackers is reasonable.

If you are more of a history buff and want to experience the 18^th – 19^th century atmosphere in the Philippines you can go to the majestically crafted houses of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar located in Bagac.

Try also to go to Corregidor Island “The Rock” of Philippine-American resistance to the Japanese invasion of WWII where the Malinta Tunnel, vintage cannons and what remains of the fortress are to be seen.

To instill your freedom loving heritage futher, visit the National Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) in Pilar where the giant memorial cross to the fallen, a WWII museum, several dedication markers and vintage guns can be observed.

Boracay Island

One of the best destinations during the summer is Boracay Island because of its famous and world class white sand beach that stretches throughout the island’s shoreline. But there is more to offer in Boracay aside from its wonderful beaches. Through the years many establishments and entertainment facilities have sprouted in the island to give tourist plenty other activities to choose from like diving, windsurfing, banana boating, kiteboarding to name a few. You can also go partying during the vibrant nightlife; whatever music, drink or food you prefer there is always a bar or club that can cater to your preference.

Palawan

Palawan has biodiversity mostly unmatched by other Philippine islands and has an amazing untapped frontier because of the islands rich natural resources.

One example is The Underground River National Park located near its capital, Puerto Princesa.  It’s naturally majestic that it was voted in as a finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. If you are a diving enthusiast do not miss the Tubbataha Reef – an underwater sanctuary and marine natural park with some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Both the Underground River Park and Tubbataha Reef has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Coron Island in the northern part of the island can also hold its own when beauty of nature is concerned.  Lakes of serenity and cleanliness pervade the island. Aside from Coron, you can also do island hopping among the surrounding islets, or still, dive and dive for wrecks of sunken Japanese warships off the island.

Banawe Rice Terraces and Sagada

A testament to the industry and perseverance of ancient Ifugaos of the Cordillera region, the Banawe Rice Terraces were carved and developed through time as early as 2000 years ago for food production and is still in use up to our day. It is often called the 8th Wonder of the World and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Further north into the Cordilleras in Mountain Province is the town of Sagada. It is a popular destination for backpackers. Tradition of the Ifugaos can be seen there such as the hanging coffins, houses, implements and clothing. Sagada also has rice terraces, plus other points of interest like waterfalls, an underground river and caves.

Davao City

The largest city in terms of land area, Davao boasts of many points of interest.

Go to the Philippine Eagle Nature Center and take a glimpse of the coveted and nearly extinct Philippine Eagle and know all about this regal bird. Currently it is the home of 36 Philippine Eagles, ten other bird species, four mammal species, and two reptile species.

The Crocodile Farm in the heart of the city is also a must see. Take some time to visit this place and enjoy excitement, danger, or be astounded by size and ferocity of these beasts.

In a mood for hiking? You can view or reach Mt. Apo the through Davao City.

Vigan – Ilocos Sur

Vigan is a great place to visit because it makes you feel that you are living in the past. There are about 180 old structures including ancestral houses, churches, historical landmarks and public parks in Vigan; all of which have been built during the Spanish time making this the only surviving model colonial town in the Philippines.

Try traveling via horse-drawn carriages in Vigan. Learn to do pottery Iloko style. Have dinner renaissance style in one of the ancestral houses.

The place also has its share of beaches and rivers in which one can take a fresh dip after the tour.

Bohol

When someone mentions the famous Chocolate Hills, it is always identified with Bohol. But that is not only what Bohol is.

As a start, you can explore about a 100 caves in Bohol. Have a staring match with the second smallest primate in the world, the Philippine Tarsier. The white sand clear water beaches in Panglao Island are also very popular. Do also dolphin watching, island hopping and diving in Balicasag Island.

For the adventure seeker have the exhilarating ride on the longest and highest zipline in the country in Danao.

But, guys, there are lots more for you to choose from aside from my picks above. Visit Go Travel Philippines for more interesting destinations!!!

To top all that, Wandering Mom is hosting a contest where you can win Slimmers Gift Certificates worth Php1,500 of services sponsored by Go Travel Philippines. For more details, please click here. See you around!

• Vital signs: Blood pressure, Heart rate
• General: Height, Weight, Vision
• Laboratory test: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urinalysis (UA), Stool Test
• Lung exam: X-ray
• Heart exam: Electrocardiography (ECG) for 40 years old and above or as per doctor’s advise

Am not sure how the result would affect my employment but just the same, am thankful for this exam at least I have an idea on my physical fitness.

I have read so many write-ups on how to cope up with depression. I did not really give much thought or attention to it until I lost my dearest dad. Going back now to those nice articles I read, though full of assurances and comfort, all I can say is it’s easier said than done. Losing a love one in death is really painful. You don’t know who you have until he’s gone. That’s when you miss him. The suddenness of it makes it almost surreal but reality sets in. In a blink of an eye my father is no more. Sigh.

My siblings and I are trying our best to adjust, trying to cope up, trying to live a normal life as much as possible, and draw strength from each other. I guess we are getting there slowly. We prod on. Bit by bit. As a continued attempt to return to normalcy, we all return to our respective day jobs hoping somehow we could get ourselves preoccupied with so many things work related. We are trying to bury the sadness in our hearts. We are always trying to live for the future; but also caring for the present because of the love ones we still have in life. We often look back to the past selectively, letting only the happy memories to surface on our consciousness.

But you know, our mom took it the hardest, for daddy was her companion, her partner, her life. They were inseparable, bread and butter, coffee and cream, pen and paper. To ask for dad was to ask for mom. When dad died, mom felt half of her died as well. The abruptness made her deny reality; then it was replaced with anger because of the loss; then replaced with sadness and emptiness because of the longing. We, her children, are doing our best to comfort her, doing as much as we can to ease the pain of transition from her partnership to single hood. We need her to be strong…
For the sake of our family…
For the sake of our well being…
For the sake of dad’s eternal peace…

Daddy we love you so much. Deep in our hearts we will miss you terribly. Thank you for the love, the strength, and the happiness you gave us.

Time heals all wounds. True. We cannot exactly tell when and how. But time is constant and will bear with us. This might be our darkest moment as a family and we need each and everyone to be strong. With God’s love and hope of eternal life we can overcome this tragedy, and be bonded closer and at peace.

Last February, the school, where my sons were enrolled, celebrated their foundation day. My sons were among the performers so I filed for half day leave from work to watch them. However, my eldest got sick he was not able to perform what he has been practicing for weeks. My last minute decision was to let my youngest son attend their event accompanied by his nanny while I was left with my eldest because he was having a high fever at that time. My youngest didn’t mind at all that I am not going with him, he even told his brother to be well so they can play when he gets back.

I am a bit of a stage mom so I instructed my nanny to take video and pictures. She did, though not as I expected, but its okay. Watching the video clips and looking at the pictures, I could say the kids had fun.

“Cancer is a double-edged sword. It is the worst thing that can happen, but in another aspect, it’s a good thing. My life has been forever changed for the better because of it.

I received my cancer diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma on November  21, 2005. My first and only child had been born only three and a half months prior. No one ever expects such a terrible diagnosis, much less when celebrating the most joyous time of your life. I had a choice then: do I curse God and wallow in self-pity or do I face this diagnosis head on and wear the rose-colored glasses I have been known for my entire life? With a new baby girl in my world, I decided to fight for my life and choose to find the good in my situation.

I was referred to one of the leading mesothelioma doctors and realized that I could beat this thing. I vowed then that I wanted to help others who were diagnosed with this cancer and to give them the hope that is so easy to lose.

Upon learning I was to have surgery to remove the tumor on Groundhog Day in 2006, I nicknamed the tumor Punxsutawney Phil. My family and I renamed Groundhog Day in honor of the occasion, Lungleavin Day, as this was the day my lung was removed. Now, every year on the first weekend in February, we celebrate Lungleavin Day with a party in celebration of life, conquering fear, and of seeing the good that can come out of a bad situation. We celebrate hope.

If it were not for this cancer, I would not know so many of the wonderful people I met through my battle with mesothelioma. They are amazing people, some of the strongest, toughest and most passionate people I have ever met. They are committed to bringing awareness about a disease that most people never hear about, except in the occasional television commercial. I now call every wife, husband, son ,and daughter “friend” who has been affected by mesothelioma. I know them because of my own battle with cancer, and my life is richer for it.

My life has been given purpose. I want to continue to do what I can to give hope to those who need it.”

They say you should not miss dining at a sutukil when you get a chance to go to Cebu. Fortunately for us we happened to visit the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City and there are a couple of sutukils around the area so I thought that this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce this gastronomic experience to my husband. It is hubby’s first time to dine at a sutukil. He loves seafood.  The irony is he has a sensitive stomach and since our flight back home was few hours away, I was careful in choosing his lunch.

Grilled Rabbitfish or Spinefoot (Sinugbang Samaral)

Grilled Spider Shell (Sinugbang Saang)

Clam and Shrimp Soup (Tinolang Tulya at Hipon)

Though we live in an area where fresh seafood are abundant and relatively cheap, but us having to pick the seafood of our choice from a wide variety of selection; having them cook to our preferences with local flavor and technique; and then enjoy our meal in the scenic Mactan Bay thriving with mangrove and wildlife is a delightful experience. My hubby particularly enjoyed the grilled Saang (spider shell) dipped in “pinakurat” vinegar with spices.

So if you happen to be in Cebu, try having the Sutukil experience.

With Bondi Band Wicking Headband, as I used it during work out, I could say they are true to their words…no slip, no drip!

Not just on work outs, I also use it whenever I feel like wearing headband in the office or at home.

Bondi Band products are unisex. They are 100% American Made and perfect to be worn on their own or under other hats, helmets, and visors. With the use of stretchy, breathable material, it can fit virtually every head size and shape.

They have these Lycra headbands that comes in different cool designs and great for every day use. In warm weather, their “No Slip, No Drip” moisture Wicking headbands are great to wick away sweat, keep hair back and ear buds in ears. In colder weather, they are great to keep your ears warm. They also offer customized products if you want.

What makes Bondi Band more interesting is that they donate 10% of pretax profits to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Aren’t they great?! To know more about their products, please visit their website at www.bondiband.com.

And because I’m loving my Solid Purple Wicking Headband so much, I’ll be giving away one in Solid Baby Pink color on my Loving Summer Giveaway so watch out for it beautiful people!

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