I was glad “Manong” taxi driver issued me a receipt.

For complaints, The LTFRB Hotline is 0921-448-777

http://www.ltfrb.gov.ph/complain.aspx?navid=1168

As suggested, we have to pass by the Rizal route in going to Laguna. Our aim was to pass by Morong and visit St. Jerome Church, a church known for its old baroque style of architecture. Truly we were impressed by its grandeur. Up and about the long and winding road of Rizal, the Sumulong Highway, we can already see the beauty of Laguna de bay. The stretch of the highway was scenic, much better than the South Luzon expressway.

Our aim was really to see Caliraya Lake, not for boating but just to take a peek on that man made lake. On our way we stopped by the Exotic Restaurant to have our lunch. We were not disappointed again, really, tips made by bloggers made our day. We were a group of five and our lunch amounted to P 1,100 including the tip. A remarkable sight in this restaurant is the presence of phytons, bear cat and birds.

Finally, we reached Caliraya Lake, actually, its going uphill at kilometer 95. A real sight to see. It was a man made lake, as source of hydroelectric power. I am sure it has a dual purpose, a source of power, and a scenic spot to see.

As one goes farther at kilometer 100, there is the NAPOCOR place and in it is the Japanese Garden. Entrance fee is P10.00 per person. If not for the blogs will not be able to know the place. It is a park, with a memorial for Japanese soldiers. Plight of stairs would lead you to the highest part of the park to see the view of Caliraya Lake. Its an ideal place to have a picnic , picture taking and camping.

I like the view of Caliraya Lake than going to Tagaytay to see Taal Lake. The road strip in Tagaytay has been so commercialized. Caliraya Lake has still the flavor of rural life. You can have a boat ride , it will cost P 1200.00 for at least 40 persons. One can stay overnight at the resorts located in the other part of the island.

PASSING BY LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA

From Caliraya Lake, our next stop would be Pagsanjan Laguna , however due to time constraints , we just headed for Los Baños to see UPOU, UP LB, Jamboree site, National Arts Center Pook ni Maria Makiling.

It was already pass 4 pm, so we just pass by UP OU, and went straight to UPLB. As one enters UPLB, there is a P 5.00 entrance fee. Before reaching the National Arts Center, you have to pass by the Boy Scout of the Philippine jamboree site, again camp entrance fee per person of P 2.00 as donation to BSP. We had the chance to see scouters putting up their tent at the campsite.

Again its going uphill, at the entrance of the national arts center, entrance fee is P30.00 per vehicle. Along the way a chapel is located in an area so serene and quiet. An Ideal place for contemplation and reflection. Different flora and fauna dominate the road going to the highest peak.

As we reached the highest part of the place is where the National Arts theater is located, again lo and behold, you can see the beauty of the lake. A marker is place near the flagpole, giving importance to the vision of former President Marcos in building this school for those who are artistically inclined.

There is a resort at the foot of the Natonal Arts Center called Pook Makiling, we were not able to see the place because its getting dark and we don’t want to get caught by the darkness in this area. It looks a little creepy with all those tall trees and quiet place.

We headed for Manila via the South Luzon expressway! This completes our travel to Laguna via the Laguna Loop and SLEX. Last summer we did a Visita Iglesia covering the other towns of Laguna, see Jeric’s post.

I thought I was done with having motion sickness at this age, only to experience it again when we went to Laguna via the Rizal route. There was no problem with the condition of the cemented and asphalted road but the curves and zigzag road really made my balance crazy. Upon reaching Sinoloan on our way to Paete Laguna, my stomach got topsy-turvy.

It was a scenic route along Sumulong Highway, some called it the Laguna loop, very few vehicles pass this route, I saw mostly cyclist (mountain bikers) and motorcycles trekking this route. The greens along the way are a welcome view and pleasing to the eyes. However, I don’t recommend this route in the evening it might be dangerous and its gonna be creepy!

Notes on Motion sickness:

Motion sickness is a form of physiologic vertigo. It is caused by repeated rhythmic stimulation of the vestibular system in a car, air or boat travel. Some will feel vertigo (feeling that you or your environment is moving or spinning.), body weakness, nausea and vomiting.

It can be suppressed by supplying visual signals that more closely match the motion signals being supplied to the vestibular system. Looking out the window and watching the environment move when experiencing motion sickness associated with car travel, provides the vestibular system with the visual sensation of motion , but reading a book provides the vestibular system with the miscue that environment is stable.

With these, it is better to look at the window than read a book while riding the car. It is much better to take over the counter medicines to help you with motion sickness. But one side effect of this drug is you will feel sleepy.

Reference:
Essentials of Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States
(Point (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins), 2002 , by Carol Mattson Porth

The 2^nd Media- Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP) were instrumental in the idea of making art appreciation be made available to people from all walks of life.

From the advertising focus of different product and brands to art appreciation is a new thrust of the OAAP. This is a welcome treat from OAAP…. a new form of visuals, showcasing other forms of art.

A wider audience for the Filipino Artist… GO GLOBAL… GO WORLD CLASS!

Here’s a glimpse of the biggest outdoor gallery in Asia.

A jeepney driver who smokes early in the morning considering they have a sign board that says

“NO SMOKING”.

I have encountered them several times already and it’s note only me who notices it. I can see other passengers covering their noses and waving the smoke away from them. They would point on the sign board then whisper with their companion.

Commuting alone, early in the morning, cleanly dressed and newly perfumed I was only left to move away from the driver and cover my nose.

I am not against with SMOKING because I know a lot how does but please…

BE CONSIDERATE…

Spare the jeepney ride!

(+) Second-Hand Smoker

Reasons are its:

T-o all ages…
A-lways fresh…
X-cellent (lol!)
I-mpressive

it’s professional…
it’s young…
gives you the latest buzz…
it’s educational…

The second Philippine Blog Awards will be held on September 21, 2008 at One Esplanade, Mall of Asia Complex. Registration will start at 5:00PM.

Good Luck to all the participants…

If not, well, you landed on the right site…

1,2,3 is a term used when you skipped on paying any public utility vehicle. Frequent victims of these are the jeepney drivers— at least for me… (Yes, sad but true…)

For two days now I have been on a jeepney with those kinds of people. How do I know it? Oh well… Its as simple as pretending that you rode on the wrong jeep, you got off then poof!!!

YOUR FARE IS AS GOOD AS FREE… or IS FREE— I may say.

“Para, Mali pala ako ng nasakyan…” one man said.

“Monumento ba ito? Ay! Para na!” another man said.

What a STYLE!!!

Then the driver would just scratch his head, grab the wheel tighter, look at the mirror and then say…

“Nakalibre ka lang eh!!!”

Just like that…

AN INSTANT FREE RIDE!

People nowadays… tsk. tsk. tsk.

God knows HUDAS not pay!!!

*photos are from here and here

Laking pasasalamat ko at hindi niya inaabot ang aking puting sapatos (bagkus ito lamang ay kanyang marurumihan dahil sa ilang sapatos na ang nadaanan ng kanyang nag-iisang basahan) ngunit kanina ay sinawimpalad ang aking sapatos (pasalamat na lamang ako at hindi ako nakaputing uniporme). Hindi lamang niya naistorbo ang aking katahimikan at pagmumuni-muni sa byahe kundi nagdulot pa siya ng isang malaking pagkainis.

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I believe everyone is aware that the LRT line 1 (even MRT) has separate boarding areas for males and females. There are visible indicators posted in each stations but still, there are guys kept on riding in the designated trains for females.

One morning while on my way to school, still wearing a sleepy head the train stopped at Blumentritt station where people are running to make it inside the train (trains usually closes immediately in this station) however, one male “unconsciously” entered the female boarding area (yes, he looked unconscious…LOL!) that is why the security guard entered inside to ask the guy to transfer to the other train. He said “Sir, Lipat lang po tayo sa kabila, sa mga babae lang po ito.” the man had no reactions. So he said again “Sir, pakibilisan lang po, masasarhan po tayo ng train…” with a fast tone. And so, without a doubt, the train buzzes and slowly closes its door. The security guard tried to wave his neon colored glove for signal but he failed. He just scratched his head and smiled.

Poor security guard, he was brought to the next station for just doing his job. Imagine what caused him for some “pretend-you-don’t-know acts”.

That scenario drove away my sleepiness for I laughed within me (Bad me…LOL!)

Then, I don’t know now what had happened next.

I can’t help but blog about my jeepney experience last Tuesday.

Since typhoon Karen showered, the whole Philippines incredibly wet that leads to the suspension of classes in ALL levels thought it ran a bit late. People loiter on the street waiting for jeepneys, fx, buses and taxis which are always full when it arrives. LRT’s jam-packed. There’s traffic and there’s flood. Plus, I am on my all-white uniform. However, this does not stop me from going to the mall. LOL! This is where the story starts:

So my friend and I planned to go to Robinson’s Ermita (Pedro Gil). Luckily, we made it there but we waited for almost an hour for a jeep that can accommodate two people. We had encountered several jeepneys but it can only accommodate one so, we let it pass. As our jeepney was traveling along Quiapo area, there was this two old lady with a child who forcefully rode the jeepney though only two seats were available so one old lady was at the center of the jeepney, bent down and trying to fit herself into the seat but there is none. So with her impatience, she just yelled “BUMABA NA YUNG MGA BABABA…” I chuckled silently and looked at my friend. Then, two ladies (around mid-twenties I think) got off the jeepney. Therefore, in the end, the old lady finally got her sit comfortably. I just said to my friend, “SANA PALA GANON NA LANG GINAWA NATIN PARA KANINA PA TAYO NAKAALIS…” Then we both laughed. I don’t know if the lady heard me, it’s just that it entertained me, despite of the heavy rain. LOL!

Just getting something positive out of a wasted situation. LOL!