[Project FeeTrail February 2014]: Dipping Feet in Diliman

I've been to UP Diliman before, either just passing through or went directly to an office inside the campus. I've never seen their oblation other than the internet and television of course.

So when we had an official business trip to go to UP  Diliman and meet at the Quezon Hall (building behind where the oblation is), I couldn't help but take a photo.

Also I noticed that I can take my project feet shots as there are three project feetrail shot -worthy (Top to bottom from the left):
1. The steps leading towards the oblation, when standing in front of the Quezon Hall.
2. The steps opposite site of the oblation is where they held their commencement exercises.
3. The square, glass-like floor decor on the base.

And this is just in one building alone!

There is an on going urban legend across UP campuses (among students) that you shall not take photos of yourself with the Oblation while still in your academic year or else you will not or will get delayed in graduating. I felt confident taking photos of the oblation because I already graduated, cleared and received my transcript, but just when I was about to take a quite embarrassing "selfie"with the oblation, the people we're supposed to meet already arrived.

Whew! :)

Gettin' wiggy with it!

We were were tasked by our aunt to buy a human hair wig to be shipped to UK by next week. We went to this place in Makati, called Lynelle Hair Fashion, owned by a Filipino celebrity named Jennifer Sevilla.

This place sells all kinds of wigs. Cosplayers frequent the place and gay customers as well who buys wigs for gay beauty pageant.

More on these fashion wigs after the jump!

The Stew Statements

Today, in Philippines' Time, is Kuya Stew's thirty-something birthday. And as I've been doing for the past few years, a blog post is in order. Here are the funny Stew Statements that I can recall through the years:

On getting a cheap phone and a prepaid sim card in the Philippines:

"If you want to enjoy Philippines to the fullest, this (the cellphone) is the answer!"

On designer stores in Orchard road when we were in Singapore:

"I don't want to look at Louis Vuittons! If I want to see designer shops I would have stayed in England! Let's go to the cheap, dirty ones!

On his prolonged stay in the Philippines:

"The only thing that makes me anxious besides the extension of my Visa are hairy legs."

I was so touched Kuya Stew washed my 3 year-old, never been washed Chuck Taylors. When I thanked him, he said:

"Oh that? I was using the washing machine and there's still space so I just threw them in."

On seeing I lost weight while my dad's been in a coma, admitted in the ICU:

"Cuz, I know it's not a good time to say this but, you look good. Might as well get something out of it."

On the Filipino homecoming:

"I love it here cuz! They keep killing animals for me!"

On attending one of my graduate school classes:

"I don't understand your teacher. She said you guys should be open to development but look at her body language!

On leaving me alone in the house while he will be out of town:

"I'll get you B.G. ( our relative he calls bodyguard), he will be at your disposal!"

On my decision to travel alone:

"Do it cuz! It's refereshing. It's scary but its good. You can go ahead and write in that odd blog of yours!

On smoking outside the house with one of our dog, a dachshund named Kookai, watching him:

"I like Kookai. She's so pretty. When I'm smoking outside, she just looks at me. We have an understanding. She is my favorite dog."

On keeping two male dogs running around the garden:

"You cannot have two alpha male dogs! One will always try to be the alpha. Trust me I know. When we're all here together, they know I am The Alpha!"

Thank you for walking my dog Kuya!



Stew the dog walker from The Kea Channel on Vimeo.

 Plus, you're the only one I know who looks this good on fish eye lens.

Last but not the least, on being Pinoy:

"Manny Pacquiao is my hero!"

I swear, I still have a lot of memorable quotable quotes from you. But for now, these will do.

Happy, Happy Birthday Kuya Stew!

When there's U.P., there's Isaw

The first time my bff went to UPLB, I asked her what she wanted to do, other than to hang out, she blurted out: "Isaw!"

So when it's my turn to finally tour the UP Diliman campus, we asked our friends/colleague from the UP System Information Office where can we have the famous "Isaw"before heading home to UP Los Baños. 

They said "Mang Larry's!"

We found Mang Larry's famous Isawan in front of the International Center inside the UP Diliman Campus. I went with my colleagues Paolo and Kuya Karl and the first thing that caught Kuya Karl's eye is the photo of Mang Larry!

We did not get to meet Mang Larry but you can tell how far his business went because it's the only street food stand that I encountered that has a LED signage with crawling text that you usually see in fast food chains. The street food is stored and in a glass window and is grilled in discretion. The cashier takes your order, writes your name on the order slip and calls out your name like when your coffee is ready at Starbucks.

On the right side facing the stall, there are 2 huge jars of dipping sauce stored in two separate water jugs. One is sweet, the other is chili vinegar. The best way to enjoy it is to mix the two in a plastic cup that you can get at the counter.

We only stayed there for a good 30 minutes (approximately) and I tell you, vehicles are coming in and out, and the make shift hang outs around the area already have other customers eyeing your seat. We actually spoke to some of the customers and most of them are not really UP students, but those passing by and visitors (like us) who went to Mang Larry's just to experience the famous UP Isaw. 

 Thank you Sir Kim, Ms. Timi and Ms. Arlyn (of the UPSIO) for introducing us to Mang Larry's!

Way to motivate

Last Sunday afternoon, my sister and I were on our way to a client meeting when we saw this written on the side entrance of a hotel.

It lead to a door for the entrance of what they call "Hotel Associates".

Luckily, I have my camera with me that I took a photo, until the guard assigned to the hotel told me that it is prohibited to take the photo of the writing on the wall.

Bayanihang Tianggian at UPLB

The morning after the Valentine's night out, with barely 5 hours of sleep, we went to Bayanihang Tianggian to support our friend, Frankie, who advertised and donated at the event.

Basically, Bayanihang Tianggian is where you donate your second hand, mint condition clothes, books, toys, etc. or previous gifts/unused clothes, toys, accessories, etc. and the organizers will sell it to bazaar customers.

Proceeds of the event will be given to survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

 Even gradeschoolers donated their unused toys and garments!

I was able to buy a desk organizer for Php 50.00, a 5 inch thick memo pad for Php 50.00 and a pair of scissors for Php10.00 and a scented plum colored, candle for Php 30.00.

Paully is the one who shopped the most or what I call "pang-kabuhayan showcase shopping".

I found these photos from the UP Bisok Facebook page, so I borrowed it for my blog. 

Next photo was taken by "lakas-maka-States" Frankie: 

I hope they will have another one next year as I would like to donate stuff to that I was not able to use at all. We got hungry so we passed by the UPLB Feb fair on our way to lunch. It's actually my first time to see what the Feb fair looks like at noon. In case you're wondering what the UPLB Freedom Park looked like after the very crowded February 14 event, check this out:

I was expecting tons of garbage but it looked so clean like you wouldn't imagine it this clean if you witnessed the waves of crowds who went here the night before. Good job!

UPLB VetMed's Pet Show

I spent my Valentine's day morning covering UPLB College of VetMed's Pet Show for work. It's actually my first time to attend a pet show and I'm glad my friend, Kat, came with me. 

More of the cute pets after the jump!

2014 Valentine's Week in Photos & Videos

February 11: