The best Halo-Halo in Pagsanjan, Laguna? Go to Aling Taleng's!

Along Mabini Street in Pagsanjan, Laguna lies another branch of the really "popular halo-halo in Pagsanjan" called "Aling Taleng's Halo-halo".

After running some errands in Lumban, Laguna we decided to try the "talked about" Halo-halo, that according to people who actually tried it, did not use sugar as sweetener but used  "kundol or gondol" instead or Wintermelon, according to Wikipedia.

UPLB's 94th Loyalty Day Parade and CEAT's 100th year

It’s my second time to attend UPLB’s 94th Loyalty Day, this time as the official photographer for our college. Last year, I was one of theparticipants in the street chant(?) dance (?) cheer(?).

Also last year, I saw Frankie before the parade, and had a quick catch up before going back to our respective groups. This year, I was not able to see Frankie, but was able to see Aya and we had quick two-minute-secret-pointing-of-who’s-who before we head off to our teams. So quick, that I was not able to take a photo of us together.

Anyway, as I’ve mentioned, I’m covering the event for our college so I took photos of our college, before, during and after the parade.

So ladies, gents and becks, here’s The College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology celebrating it’s 100th year!

Pre-parade: Quick Practice of the Cheer with students 

The CEAT Centennial Fun Run

This is probably the earliest call time for the job that I've had in years. I was the official photographer of the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT) and I was at UPLB Baker Hall at 4 in the morning to witness and document the Fun Run set up.

I don't really jog, nor run, I just do a little brisk walk, but obviously, if you know me I haven't been  trying to get in shape and sweating it out because sleep has been more appealing to me lately. This is the first time I get to witness an actual Fun Run event, not as a runner/participant, but as a photographer. 

The expression "Double Rainbow"

I was on my way home and saw this from our office staircase. I just couldn't resist taking a photo.

Yes, I was fascinated but I was not as fascinated by the person behind this:

I don't know about double rainbows, but when I googled it, I didn't know it was a meme!

Did you watch/listen to the person taking it? Then I googled some more and saw this:

Now I know where Urban Dictionary got it's definition.

Who misses the OLD ELBI?

I miss the old elbi. I've been living back in elbi for two years and a few months and sometimes I still can't help but miss the old elbi.

I miss walking along Grove without having to worry.

I miss being in Umali Subdivision without having to fear for my life.

I actually miss elbi having called as sanctuary. It has been home to many and even those who's not from elbi but have studied in UPLB have chosen LB, or Los Baños, to be their second home. It's laid back feel and the feel of security is so addicting that the universe may actually have to peel you off from your seat just so you can get out of this community.

I actually miss the time when there are no spits on the street because our former Mayor was so strict, the rules were strictly implemented, crime rates were amazingly low, people were actually disciplined. In fact, he (our former mayor) does the monitoring of the traffic flow himself and most of the time, does his own driving. He surely knows how to walk the talk. 

Last Friday, the people have spoken and rallied. The photo above have shown the people's sentiments. They say, if you did not vote last election, they you don't have the right to complain.

For for those who did vote, like me, whatever choice we have made out of curiosity, let's charge it to experience and make up for it this time.

This time, LET US VOTE INTELLIGENTLY.

After all, we owe it to elbi.

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 14 - The dreaded "What's Next?"

Source

[Sen. Miriam] introduced herself to me a long time ago—I think I was 13 or 14 years old—she came up to me and said “You’re Heart Evangelista, right? Hi, my name is Miriam Defensor-Santago. I have one question for you: With all your success right now, what are you going to do next?” – In her own words: Heart Evangelista

Right after I passed my comprehensive exam I was also asked:

After you finish your Masters, what are you going to do next?

I really dread the question.I thought by late twenties I got my life completely figured out, I was wrong. Especially someone like me who's not born out of a cookie cutter.

I amazed at some people who seems to have everything figured out. While some meet some one and fall in love during college, go through twenties together, be with each other for a decade or so, get hitched, have a baby and start a family, I have realized early on that I am different. I want something else.

I could have finished my masters and graduated this semester, but no. I am taking my sweet time trying to figure everything out. I've been reading some blogs of those in their early twenties to 25, they've been going through the exact same dilemma that I had when I turned 25. I mean, 25 is supposed to be the time you're ready for the next step, at 25 I was able to live alone, have a fabulous career, declare independence and live on my own in a 1BR apartment. Everything that I have imagined to be living sort-of Carrie Bradshaw like from Sex and the City, I was able to do that. But then, by the time I reached 26, I was confronted with a question: What's Next?

What's Next? I don't know.

I wish I could share wisdom but I really do not know. I'm facing my late twenties and I am just acting out on inspired thoughts with hope and positivity. While others around me have started settling down, I just try my best not to mess my life up by making intelligent choices and informed decisions.

Honestly, so far, it's been working out for me.

Project FEETrail [September 2012]: Barefoot on carpets

I have this "thing" for "whatever feels good on my feet" that's why I, until now, I sleep with a special pillow with my feet on it. When I was young, I sleep with the mosquito net under my feet. I love anything that feels good and ticklish on my feet. Carpets are no exception.

This was taken when I was left all alone in the auditorium before the Rappler event that we participated weeks ago.

I was feeling sick this day and I decided to take my shoes off and walk barefoot in the auditorium.

Oh yes. I do embarrassing things when I'm alone and no, I did not do the Oppa Gangnam Style.

The Nigerian Barbie-Ken Wedding

Once upon a long time, I fell in love with cultural themed weddings. So crazy, in love that my best friend and I went to an Authentic Indian store and tried on the most expensive silver gray sari complete with all the bead works. The nice saleslady showed me how it was worn and my supportive bff, smiling, told me, that if I am really set to marry "this" guy, she would sponsor that Authentic Indian Sari that costs Php10,000. That's for the sari alone.

Now, the real question actually is, whether I am in it for this guy for the long haul. 

Years later, I am now sober from being madly in love in a different place,  but I still have the penchant for cultural themed weddings.  

I found these online today and I am very much impressed with the concept, design and photography that I just had to share it with you.