Modus Operandi of Salisi members in Los Baños (elbi), Laguna caught on CCTV!

There are two gay men walking around Los Baños, going inside stores, eatery, and other business establishments. This happened last June 4, 2014. Another boutique had the exact same experience from these two and was reported to the authorities last May 28, 2014. A newly opened eatery was swindled Php 2,000.00 by these two gay men. Reports show that similarities among the incidents happen around 5pm-6:30pm.

Please be warned and share this to your friends, family, facebook networks and other business owners. They are not only targeting business establishments, but they are also targeting properties of customers, students in coffee shops, and restaurants.

1. Two gay men enters the boutique and pretends to look for something:

 2. The Culprit looks in the CCTV camera to see if it is working.

 3. Culprit leans again to see if it is a CCTV camera.

 4. The two talks about their plan. They will pretend to look for something.

 5. The gay man in stripes shirt and glasses served as the look out.

 6. After distracting the sales ladies, the culprit tries to steal the sales lady's cellphone.

 7. The culprit returns it immediately then pretends to pick up the tape dispenser when the sales lady saw what he is doing.

8. What happened to other stores is the bag of the customer/owner gets stolen. In this case their next plan is to distract the cashier into giving them money. Notice the encircled hand ready with a spare money for exchange.

 9. Earlier, the culprit hands over Php 1,000 to the saleslady, pretending to pay for the items they want to purchase. Then they will change their mind, not buy anything, and ask for the money back.

Please check the encircled right hand as the culprit already has a spare Php 100 that he will exchange later.

 10. The culprit handed the Php 100.00 back to the cashier, claiming that she handed over the Php 100 pesos using the right hand and not Php 1000.00.

Notice the other gay man in stripes blocking the scene.

 11. The cashier will give the Php 1,000.00 back to culprit.

 12. The culprit takes the Php 1000.00 away.

 13. Both the culprit and the look out will leave the store.

The CULPRIT:

 The LOOK OUT:

Full blow by blow account screen capture found here.

If you have information about these two, please report here or to the nearest Brgy Hall in Los Baños, Laguna. This has already been reported (blottered).

Municipal Action Center – 049-530-2818

Batong Malake – 049-536-4349

Thank you and keep safe.

(UPDATE: A month later, this incident was featured in 24 Oras, GMA News Network)

The Cafe Ella at Los Baños Centtro

For quite some time now, we've been looking forward to the opening of Cafe Ella at Los Banos Centtro, the nearest, mall-like (for its size) building, walking distance from UPLB.

Finally last Monday, it finally opened.

Finally Found Joe's at LB

I was scheduled to meet my friend, Kat, for lunch and as usual, I don't know what really nice place to eat in. Good thing Kat suggested that we eat at Joe's in Umali.

I've been hearing about this cute little homey place called "JOE'S" somewhere in Umali Subdivision, Los Banos, near UPLB. I've been living in Los Banos since 2010 and it's only now that I had the chance to actually see and eat at Joe's.

We walked to what somewhat looked like a cute little secret place. This is Joe's.

Elbi's hub for Artists & Photographers: Gallery F Studio Cafe

Just when I thought I have seen pretty much of elbi since I came home last 2010, a new establishment comes up!

I've seen this shop at the back of the ground floor of Atrium Center (in front of the new Los Baños mall currently being constructed ) being constructed last month. My friend, who is so into discovering new places and private spaces to hang out in elbi after migrating from Baguio (famous for being The Artist Haven), wanted to check the place out but during that time it's still under construction.

So when my cousin by one weekend, we decided to check out this new place and see what's in store:

I'm a big fan of little nooks and private spaces so when I saw this couch on the corner, my first thought was " Dibs!"

It ain't called a GALLERY for nothing. I love how their walls are decorated with frame photos from their photo shoots. 

PLUS They have a STUDIO! 

What the "F"? and Why "F"?

Derived from a photography term and camera setting, Wikipedia provides the definition: 

In optics, the f-number (sometimes called focal ratio, f-ratio, f-stop, or relative aperture^[1]) of an optical system expresses the diameter of the entrance pupil in terms of the focal length of the lens; in simpler terms, the f-number is the focal length divided by the "effective" aperture diameter. It is a dimensionless number that is a quantitative measure of lens speed, an important concept inphotography. 

And since the studio's owners are majority (if not everyone) are photographers, Gallery F was first conceptualized as a Studio since there hardly any fun-concept studios (like those in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig) around Los Baños and the cafe came next so that the clients can have a place to hang out and wait while they get their photos done. It turned out that the cafe was a hit so it turned out to be 2 major services: Photography and Cafe. Gallery F wanted to see their clients bond and they want to be the place where artists, students, photographers and others can meet and collaborate. 

They also have old school camera accessories on display.

I like how their menu is presented in photo graphs with cool write ups. The menu houses not only the food but other services as well (usually photography stuff)

The concept of "F" it Forward
Instead of the traditional gift certificates, you can buy your friend a drink, ask them to claim it by looking for the card that's hanging on this clip on tree (see bottom left part photo) and give it to the cashier. It comes with codes so it's being tracked down.

The counter and their lovely rest room

Gallery F's Menu: (By the way, they serve organic Coffee! )

We tried the Flicker Snicker (Php55/pc) and the Fervently velvet cake (Php90/pc). I'd say not bad! I might be biased for the chocolate part because I am a huge fan of chocolates but the velvet cake's not bad either. 


Lil bit of trivia: All their cakes are cleverly titled with words starting with F! 

Image Source

Image Source

Ms. Angie Metin, one of the owners of the cafe, informed us that they will be offering pasta dishes, nachos and sandwiches after holy week (April 2-8, 2012).

Click HERE to watch the video

Meet Gallery F's Fun Owners:

Photo courtesy of Ms. Angie Metin

Other updates an d info:

1. You can rent the whole place exclusively (for private parties, like showers, intimate celebrations etc., private theme parties, etc.)

2. There will be an up coming kiddie workshop:

3. Purpose Driven Photographers Photography workshop will also be held at Gallery F (Check their contact information below for inquiries).

4. They'll be offering WIFI too!

Gallery F Studio Cafe Contact Information:
Mobile:
+639175343213
+639228869508
+639178521897 

Operating Hours:
Tue - Sun

12:00 pm-12:00 am

My apologies for some crappy shots but you can view more photos here.

Official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/galleryfstudiocafe/info

The Antik Thrift Shop

Who would have thought that you can find hidden treasures just by walking along Lopez Avenue on your way to the bank to pay your bills? We didn't think so.


I was on my way running an errand when my eyes accidentally laid on this shop. There's no sign, no specific landmark, but just the one that is nearby a food store. Land mark does not even have relation to what this place is all about. 


This is The Antik Thrift Shop.


I've passed by Lopez Avenue, though not on an every day basis, but I've practically know the stores upon first glance. I knew I have read this place used to have a sign somewhere but now it's gone, like the place was a secret with hidden treasures inside. And yes, it was indeed a place for treasure. Antique Treasure.


Spirit of the Past, Treasure of the Future - is what says on the probably antique glass window. My eyes were busy rummaging the place, while my friend who was with me, who hates shopping by the way, suddenly had eyes that's wide with bewilderment. I had forgotten that she's an antique collector and her family is an antique and art dealer from Casa Manila. This girl knows these things and I don't. 


We were met by the nice owner of the shop, Mr. Frank Micosa. He used to work for the DZLB station of UPLB and after more than 30 plus of service he retired to do his passion: Arts and Electronics.

Meet the owner, Mr. Francisco Micosa

When I saw  how fascinating this place is, I asked Mr. Frank if I can feature his store in my blog and he agreed, so the very next day, I dragged another friend to the shop to take photos!

I was very fascinated by the old school cameras (note: the mini tripod is not for sale)

They have old plates that goes from way back, old watches, lighters, pens, wood sculptures etc.

Brass, old clocks, mini alcohol bottles that are all collector's items

I kept thinking about the Paco Amino poster, I think I have seen this at a restaurant before then my friend says: It's the one up in Pancake house restaurants! PAK! Tama!

Brass Candle holders, old school lighters, really old portrait of someone's first communion and a painting of Jesus.

The army stuff caught my fancy: These water bottles form AFP goes all the way back in 1944, and I checked at the bottom.  Some even have initials on it and the one with the black bottle cap even has the camouflage part of the uniform.

Tea set, vintage Buddha, last supper carving and old school iron that uses charcoal

Vintage soft drinks bottles, lamps, brass goblets and more.

 This Antique store was also feature in a periodico!

Antik Thrift Shop was featured in The Philippine Daily Inquirer last December 2009. Read online Article here.

I'll let you in on a little secret: Some Antique dealers from Tiendesitas and Manila gets some of the stuff they sell here. My friend was able to get a really nice deal and that usually costs around six grand. 


I cannot disclose the price but it was more than a steal. :)




For inquiries:

Francisco "Frank" Micosa
Contact Numbers: 0910-582-2833 / 049-827-2942

Mio Cucina in Los Banos

I've been hearing about Mio Cucina along Lopez Avenue and one lunch hour, I finally had the chance to experience it after raves and word of mouth.

Warning: Photo loaded entry - too lazy to write today because I've got papers due but I hope I was able to make it up to you through the photos I've taken.

Cafe La Bonne Vie

I've always been so curious of this place: Cafe La Bonne Vie. La Bonne Vie, is French for "The Good Life" and they serve good food as well. My friend Paulie already told me about this place and gave really good reviews, so this week I went there with a friend to test it out. I found out that this is actually owned by my grade school classmate, Adrienne Umali, who went to a culinary school and is now the chef of this cafe.

It's too bad that I was not able to take really good pictures with this place because I was not planning to blog it. I just took photos with my camera phone, so pardon me for the low res pictures.

I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I love that it's so cozy and private and so relaxing even though it is located along Lopez Avenue. I suggest that you try it.

Mt. Makiling's Mudspring

Warning: Photo heavy entry.

What do you usually do for Holy Week? While people in Manila are off to provinces for the whole week of R&R,  people (and even tourists) in Los Baños, Laguna usually go up in Mt. Makiling for their Holy Week penitensya.

What exactly is Holy Week? Wikipedia defined it as:

Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomas Sancta or Hebdomas Maior, "Greater Week"; Greek: Ἁγία καὶ Μεγάλη Ἑβδομάς, Hagia kai Megale Hebdomas) in Christianity is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter. It includes the religious holidays of Palm Sunday,Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) and Good Friday, and lasts from Palm Sunday (or in the Eastern, Lazarus Saturday) until, but not including, Easter Sunday, as Easter Sunday is the first day of the new season of The Great Fifty Days. It commemorates the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Canonical gospels.

I have been to Mudsprings and Peak 2 ( highest peak of Mt. Makiling hiking trail) during my grade school years. We used to camp in Makiling Rainforest Park together with our family friends. For a change, this year ( or what seemed to be my first holy week after not observing it for six straight years) my high school friends and I decided to "hike" Mudspring for Maundy Thursday.

What exactly is "Mudspring"? Laguna Travel Guide defines it as:

The Mud Springs has been popularly but erroneously known as the crater of Mt Makiling. The Mud Springs site is actually one of the mud pots left in the mountain. "A mud pot is a type of hot spring that is formed when due to volcanic heat, sulfuric acid breaks down surrounding rocks into clay. The clay mixes with water to form mud that is very hot (80 C), sulfurous (50mg/L), very acidic (2ph) and varying in consistency and color."

We're supposed to meet at 6am in UP Main Library where we can park the cars properly and reach Mud Spring before lunch, but since some of our friends are running early morning errands and coming straight from Manila, we were able to leave at 7:30am.

By the time that we arrived, we have to listen to an orientation, assign a team leader, get the orientation stubs and trail map.

There is an entrance fee of Php5.00 each visitor that must be paid, they check your bags as well for any life-threatening apparatus.

Rules:

1. Follow entry requirements.
2. Observe access hours.
3. Use established hiking trails.
4. Camp in designated campsites.
5. Obey garbage in, garbage out rule.
6. Leave what you find.
7. Beware of obnoxious plants and animals.
8. Respect wildlife.
9. Prevent forest fire.
10. Stop vandalism.
11.  Be considerate of the other visitors, and
12. Familiarize the guide map.

Hikers

Los Baños Update Monthly Newspaper

Wow! Los Baños now have this:

The monthly community newspaper. Pic taken from my camera phone.

According to those who gave this to me, after the elections ( I am assuming it's the recent elections) this started circulating around, and it's for free. Nice one right? If anyone from Los Baños is reading this, I suggest you get a copy and see things for yourself.

I heard someone reading this say:

"Pictures and updates from our Mayor is all over in this paper, but he's not regularly seen in the Municipal's office where he should be..."

Then during a discussion weeks ago in one subject in my grad school class:

"The reason Los Baños is not as good as before ( When Mayor, now Laguna Vice-Governor, Caesar Perez) is because we no longer have a 'Mayor'. A lot of people have been saying that he's not really in Los Baños."

Two different persons. One (almost) same thought.

I know it sounds so hypocrite of me, since I've only been really living back in Los Baños again for a year, but I do miss our old Mayor, Caesar Perez. Not because he is our family friend, but because he is the only politician I've seen (with my own eyes during the random weekends that I come home for the past years) that is very hands on and acts as the actual traffic enforcer and is not usually chauffeured around. Before, people are even afraid to "jaywalk" and spit on the street, but now, people just do their own thing as long as they don't get caught. 

One of the many reasons why many people and (migrants) have grown to love Los Baños community is, not only due to it's laid back lifestyle, because it feels a lot safer than the chaotic city. 

We need someone like Vice Governor Caesar Perez back in our Los Baños community. He's not the best Brgy.Captain (Los Baños has ever had) for nothing. Especially now since the issue on peace and order is becoming alarming. 

Traffic in Los Baños: Sign of Progress, Problem or Progressing Problem?

Back in 2007, when I was still living in the city, I was told by my highschool friend that I'd be surprised that our beloved Los Baños enforces strict traffic rules, no spitting and no jaywalking and the citizens have grown to be disciplined. So when I came home last year, I was surprised that one of the major complaints is the traffic in our so-called progressive municipality.


So in my attempt to really check what's going on, I used "Photo Voice" (Thanks Faye Abalos for the inspiration) to let the photos speak for themselves... oh well, I just couldn't really resist including captions. 

Build up starts at 5pm