Balut The Slapsoil Wanderer

30th of October I think I have mentioned several times that I am not a spooky or a skittish person. Prankster will just waste their time playing pranks on me because there would be no satisfying reaction that will come out of my annoying face.  To perfectly described it “Basag and trip mo pag ako ang tinakot mo”. ha ha.  Probably this is the reason why I came out with My 10 Halloween-Related Wish List post. I don’t easily get scared. But this does not mean that I don’t have scary experiences.  I have a lot actually and most of them are strange and un-explainable. Most friends told me that those things usually happens to people that does not get scared easily.  Hmn.. if this is true it’s not quite fair! Let me share to you one particular story that happened during one of my road trips in the area of Quezon and Laguna with my “adventurista” friends.   This happened when we explored the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna.  It was right after we visited three very old chur

26th of October It’s 3AM on a Sunday and I am awake.  I am supposed to be sleeping tight by this time.  You know it’s Sunday and there’s no work, no pre-scheduled plans, no socialization commitments nor out of town or whatever.  A rare Sunday moment that I don’t need to be up so early but here I am up! Can’t force myself to go back to sleep so up I go and made myself a mug of coffee.  My foot then automatically leads me to my home desk.  Hello my lappy! Aaah I miss my blog so much!  By this time I already accepted that I failed my own “365 Blogging Challenge”. So far this is the longest time I did not post anything here since I started the challenge. But this doesn’t mean that I’m giving up on my blog or to blogging. There are two major reasons why I started this challenge anyway.  One is that the idiot in me always love to take challenges which are mostly “Mission Impossible” to succeed. The second reason is that this is one way of me not to give up on my passion.  When I sig

28th of August So I was sitting yesterday in the sofa gobbling a variety of food of odd combination plus drowning myself with pure pineapple juice in the late afternoon after doing the (forbidden) laundry, when suddenly I was startled by a fierce knocking on our front door accompanied by the shouting of my full name that can be heard up to the next barangay. I almost knocked down the foldable table that carries the food I’m gobbling while hurrying to check who the h*ll this intruder interrupting my glutton solitude. (I was eating a lot thinking that I could regain my lost strength for not resting while I’m unwell). I peeked at the window and found a wrinkled old man with a bag dangling on his shoulders.  The bag looks like as old as the man who is wiping his forehead with his left hand while his right hand is holding a bunch of envelopes.  Aaaah!  It’s the mailman!  I curiously asked, “Why didn’t you just leave the mail at the gate like you usually do? And the mailman’s reply

27th of August I’m writing this around 7AM in the morning.  The kids are already out for school. I’m supposed to be out for work also by this time but I decided last night when I woke up around grave yard time that I am not reporting for work today. I was feeling a little unwell for two days now so I thought of surprising my own body and give it a rest day (LOL). There were number of people from work who were absent yesterday because they were sick.  The virus probably got me and my body decided to go along with it.  Or… probably not! Why?  Here’s why. So I slept early last night after taking paracetamol.  In fact too early that I am unable to eat my dinner.  Then what happened is that I woke up before the break of the dawn and I can’t make myself to go back to sleep to rest more as I planned to do the whole day.  I went down and thought of checking my emails using my lappy instead of my mobile phone while thinking that it would also be a good time to check on my blogs.  Bu

17th of August Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery that you miss by going so fast But also miss the sense of where are you going and why. ~Eddie Cantor~ Everyday that I wake up and look at the calendar I always ended up frowning.  It never fails to cause me to chuckle and ask the question “Is it really that date today?”  Everyday seems like I’m days behind to so many things and trying to catch up with time seems not possible. Am I the only one who feels this way? That everyday that I checked on the calendar I get frustrated that I am unable to do the things that I should have done or accomplished because I’m still catching up with the ones I thought I’m behind? Or are we all in the same frustration? A trip, tidying a part of the house that has long been neglected, visiting someone in the hospital (who was discharged before you were able to visit), movie time, shopping time, or just simply buying a bike part or whatever for your son, daughter, siste

12th of August Who doesn’t know Robin Williams? And who is not affected by his sudden demise? Robin Williams probably won’t get the highest score for a survey question “Who is your favorite actor? “ Not because he is not popular in the “heartthrob-kind-of-way” but because he is an automatic favorite.  One need not say that he is a Robin Williams fan because everybody is a Robin Williams fan.  And I’m sure everyone can “dig” what I’m trying to say here. I guess the best question when it comes to Robin Williams is “What is your favorite Robin Williams movie or character?.”   Genie (Aladdin)? Mrs. Doubtfire?  Bicentennial Man? Or Mork (and Mindy)?  I bet you won’t be able to pick one quickly because just like the man, his movie character(s) is as versatile as the actor.  He has this extra-ordinary talent that leaves a unique mark to anyone who watch his movies.  It’s like an “imprint”.  Isn’t that when you pick a movie to watch and you saw that it is a Robin Williams film you ne

3rd of August   Why people find it hard to say “I’m sorry”?  Even for the most obvious reason? Sorry Is all that you can’t say Years gone by and still Words don’t come easily Like sorry Forgive me Is all that you can’t say Years gone by and still Words don’t come easily Like forgive me forgive me But you can say baby Baby can I hold you tonight Maybe if I told you the right words At the right time you’d be mine I love you Is all that you can’t say Years gone by and still Words don’t come easily Like I love you I love you The song is an original by Tracy Chapman released in 1988 which the boy band Boyzone released a cover in 1997.  I definitely love the original than the cover, it is sang more soulfully.  The most striking part of the song for me is the opening line “Sorry” which I dedicate to people who can’t make apologies even for the most obvious reason. True that it takes a lot of courage to say I’

2nd of August WAKE UP when September comes because here is the exciting list of festival for the first “ber” month! HANDURAW FESTIVAL, Leon, Iloilo - September 1 HINIRUGYAW FESTIVAL, Cabatuan, Iloilo - September 1- September 10 VICTORY DAY, Kiangan, Ifugao - September 2 TUNA FESTIVAL, General Santos City - September 5 SINAB’BADAN TRIBAL FESTIVAL,  Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur - September 5- 6 SIPONG FESTIVAL, Bais City, Negros Oriental - September 7 SARAKIKI-HADANG FESTIVAL, Calbayog City, Western Samar - September 7 PADUL-ONG FESTIVAL, Borongan, E. Samar - September 7 TAMBOBO FESTIVAL, Ajuy, Iloilo - September 8-10 MINULUAN FESTIVAL, Talisay City, Negros Occidental - September 8-10 PANAGDADAPUN FESTIVAL (ARAW NG QUIRINO), Cabarroguis, Quirino - September 8- September 10 LINGGO NG BULAKAN, Malolos, Bulacan - September 8- September 15 PARADA NG KAKANIN / FESTIVAL OF NUESTRA SENORA DE ARANZAZZU, San Mateo, Rizal - September 9 BANOK-BANOK MARADJAO KARADJAO FESTIVAL (STREE

27th July 2014 Don’t blame it on the weather, Don’t blame it because the shoe fail, Don’t blame it on any the circumstances. Blame it on your own discipline! Reaching the finish line at fifteen minutes over my PR (personal record), I was so delighted to see the Finish Line marker at the 38th Milo Marathon .  This is my fourth year joining this most prestigious running event in the Philippines and every year has a new personal challenge.  This year is the most challenging because I am coming back from a six months break from running.  I was doubting myself if I could finish the race much more to beat the cut-off time for the 10K category.  I gained more than five kilos of weight and I haven’t been running as regularly as I used to. Apart from gaining weight and lack of training, I was also exhausted the day before the race day because I had to do overtime work due to unavoidable circumstances at work.  Instead of resting my body I came home late stressed and exhaust

16th of July 2014 The wrath of Typhoon Glenda caught along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City, Philippines at around 8:30AM. GlendaPH - 16 July 2014 Congratulations to all the immortals a.k.a private and BPO employees who reported to work and survived.

14th of July I’m writing this while I’m a bit gloomy and lacking sleep.  I just finished watching the World Cup 2014 Final Game – Germany vs Argentina . Argentina – the team I’m cheering on lost that’s why I’m gloomy (insert sad emoticon here). Argentina was dominating the game all through out (that’s how I saw the game) until the young substitute Mario Götze got lucky and broke the deadlock in the second half of the extra time in the 113th minute.  That goal secured Team Germany’s win for the coveted gold.  Well that’s the way I saw the game.  Of course fans of Germany sees and believes differently. Now that the World Cup finals is over we could also go back to regular sleep schedule ha ha.  Filipino football fanatics like me and my family had been complaining for lack of sleeping specially those who needs to work after watching the game.  The games were being played live in Brazil and can be watched starting around 3:00 to 4:00AM Manila time.  Each game is played at 1:30 ho

6th of July I found this piece of dried stem on my hand after a short run in the park not exactly knowing why I have it and where I picked it. I guess it caught in my running shoes when I was about to cool down in the grassy part of the park.  I might be holding it unconsciously for some minutes.  I did not notice the thorns actually until it pricked my thumb. That is the only time I noticed that I am holding something and it already hurt me. Is it not that sometimes we have the same situation in life?  People (and things) come into our lives and we keep them without knowing the purpose why we are keeping them.  Until the time that they hurt us that is the only time that we realized that is exactly their purpose – to give us pain, to hurt us. Most of us became bitter after such situation and blame ourselves to the point of keeping the bitterness and closing a huge part of our hearts.  We tend to nurture the anger gained from the painful experience to the point of driving us t

4th of July Happy 4th of July to all our American friends!  Enjoy the fireworks and stay safe! (History) TRIVIA for Filipinos. T he 4th of July was formerly a legal/non-working holiday in the Philippines until it was abolished during the administration of former President Corazon C. Aquino (under Section 26 of the Administration Code of 1987). Filipino-American Friendship Day or Philippine Republic Day is a day in the Philippines formerly designated to commemorate the official recognition of Philippine Independence by the United States of America. ~***~ The Philippines was a US territory from 1898 to 1946.  Between 1941 and 1946, during World War II Japanese occupation, it remained a US territory with a government in exile headed by Manuel Quezon initially located in Australia and later in the United States. A campaign to retake the country began in October 1944 when Gen. Douglas McArthur landed in Leyte along with Sergio Osmeṅa who had assumed the Philippine Presidenc

2nd of July June officially ended which means that half of the year is done.  We are now running on the seventh month – whew that was fast! Let’s go check out the excitement for August so we can mark them on our calendar a month in advance.  As we all know the month of August is a very important month to our Muslim brothers as this is the month where we are joining them in the observance of EID’L FITR (Feast of Breaking the Fast), a religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan (the Islamic  holy month of fasting). Let’s take a look on the list of August festivities. DURIAN FESTIVAL, Tagum City, August-September ALMASIGA FESTIVAL, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, August 1 UDYAKAN SA KABANKALAN/CHARTER ANNIVERSARY, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, August 2 PADAGYAW FESTIVAL, Dumarao, Capiz, August 1-5 SAL-LUPONGAN FESTIVAL, New Bataan, ComVal, August 1-10 EL SALVADOR (FIESTA), El Salvador City, August 5 NALUPON FESTIVAL, Lupon, Davao Oriental, August 8 BAYOMBONG

27th of June I woke up too early today and thought I could whip something in the wok for breakfast.  Maybe I’m feeling tired of eating quick breakfast of bread, butter, spreads cold cuts etc. And I don’t know but I’m starting to frown for consecutive mornings that I’m seeing my youngest pouring her favorite cereal on her bowl.  I don’t know but I’m not a cereal fan and I don’t sort of believe that kids get enough energy they need in the morning from a bowl of cereal.  I’m still biased with that rice and something in the morning.  I’m Filipino hey! So with my eyes still half-close: 1. I grab some potato, carrots and chayote, butter and eggs from the fridge 2. Chopped the potato, carrots and chayote in small cubes 3. Sautee them altogether in just enough amount of butter 4. Beat eggs in a bowl then added some salt and seasoning 5. Pour some amount of the beaten eggs in the same pan where I sauteed the cube vegies. 6. Then added just enough amount of the buttered vegies on the

19th of June Believe it or not I had several units of Jose Rizal courses back in college but if I will be asked “ What happened to the remains of our national hero Jose P. Rizal after he was executed?” – I can not answer that. Not so long ago I heard the same question was asked in a TV show similar to the concept of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” and nobody among the contestants was able to answer.  I remember researching for an answer for this question but failed to find the answer I was looking for. So this question remained parked on my head unanswered until one day while I was exploring the historical Paco Park I found the exact answer. The tomb stone says: Jose Rizal Executed 30 December 1896.  Interred secretly in this spot by the authorities on the same day.  Guarded for fifteen days by the Guardia Civil Veterana.  Remains exhumed 17 August 1898.  Placed in an urn made by Teodoro Romualdo De Jesus.  Deposited in the house of his mother in Estraude Street, Binond

17th of June A platoon consisting of mostly new soldiers went to war. The captain is either late or gone missing. Halfway along the early part of the battle the lieutenant got wounded. One private is watching in silence while fighting, and saw that the battle is being manipulated by a double-faced ally The private without being tasked volunteered to front the battle defying the odds from the double-faced ally. She offered her own weapons and even covered her wounded comrades with her own shield until she was able to pull them to safety, She did all that she could in the very limited resources that she has as a private. Eventually this private got wounded but the battle is currently being won. The captain is happy and proud. He asked this wounded private soldier and asked "Why are you wounded?" … from the rambling thoughts of a soldier who's in the battle field for quite a huge part of her life but never desired for a title nor a medal. Photo Credits: Googl

16th of June Rant 1 Prelude Just when I set my mind that this first day of the week will not just be fine but great.  So I tried inhaling all the positive vibes to start my day right and promised to stretch it through the whole week, then suddenly baaam! it’s ruined! “I'm no political I'm no showbiz. I say facts straightforward because I believe I don't need to please people in stating the facts” This is me – always do and always will be.  Sadly most people (especially at work)  will not appreciate your straightforwardness, honesty and frankness.  They choose to hear sugar coated things rather than the truth.  Their stupid egos can’t handle the truth! Rant 2 Do you know a person who has gotten a minor title (maybe) for the first time in her life suddenly went floating from her own-created hurricane wind and wants everybody to bow down to her “power”? The phrase “I’m the Queen of the world!” is written all over her face? Well it would be lovely to tell her … “

15th of June Happy Father’s Day to you all great FATHERS out there! Happy Birthday to my dear blogger friend BLUE! Wish you all the best! Happy Sunday to all! Or whatever day you are in right now! Just be happy!

13th of June Seemed like I woke up at the wrong side of the bed today that I somewhat I feel this day would not be at it’s best.  Well I am not actually hoping for a best or better day.  A good day would be enough for me just as long as it would not be “bad”. I checked on my calendar and realized that today is Friday the 13th !  And marked on my today’s schedule is a visit to the doctor for my second shot of anti-rabies . Whew!  what a good day to have an injection – on Friday the 13th huh!  Not that I’m superstitious about this day but… there are lots of days in the calendar hey!  Why does it need to be today?  Injection is not everybody’s favorite anyway.  I’m sure a lot will agree with me that going to the doctors is not fun – emotionally and financially My husband is one example of a “no doctor visit policy”.  So it’s another challenge today that I’ll drag him to the doctor’s clinic not only to drop me off but also to get that medical certificate that he needs in order to

12th of June Today the Philippines is celebrating its 116th Year of Independence or as what we call it in the Filipino language “Araw ng Kasarinlan” . Independence Day (Filipino: Araw ng Kasarinlan; also Araw ng Kalayaan, lit. "Day of Freedom") commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It is considered as the country's National Day. (Source: Wikipedia) The Philippine Independence Day is a legal holiday in the Philippines so most business establishments are closed.  Not for me though.  I’m working today so I will have the independence of being paid in double ha ha. I invited my BFF who is not working today to come over to my work place in Makati City so we could have some bonding time after I get off from work. As the nation observed the traditional Independence day celebration, me and my BFF is having our own version of independence.  The independence to… 1. Eat We ate in a Donut and pastry house.  2. Stroll. We wen

10th of June How ironic it is that it was just yesterday when I was sharing a story about the mystery of a dead cat and my usual passion towards stray cats.  Today a very unfortunate incident involving a cat happened again. It was raining hard all night and it was still raining in the dawn when I woke up today so I decided to get up early and prepare for work.  Living in Manila for years I am certain that heavy traffic is expected on this kind of weather.  Most likely the roads are flooded.  As I was preparing for work I was also stressing myself on how can I go to work early.  Today is an important day and I can’t be late.  Leaving home the earliest is the only solution so I’ll have extra time if ever an untoward incident happens. So it was still dark when I hurriedly stepped out of our door all dressed up with my heeled shoes on.  Suddenly there was a wild sound from a cat who got hurt followed by a searing pain in my lower right leg. I stepped on a cat and it attacked me!

9th of June My family’s schedule did not match yesterday Sunday which resulted for me catching the last Sunday mass alone at 8:00PM.  There is just one church is celebrating the 8:00PM mass which is a walking distance from home so I walk myself to catch this last mass.  I was enjoying the traffic-less Sunday night while I’m taking the short cut way to the church along the residential areax when suddenly something broke my peaceful walk. A dead cat is lying in the middle of the residential street that I’m taking.  It was obviously ran over by a vehicle because I can clearly see the head injury where the blood was still coming out.  As you know, there are just few things that can make me stop and stare while I’m on the street and one of them is (stray) cat.  When it’s alive and needs help I usually pick them and placed on a safe place.  But this one is dead.   I was considering to pick-up the dead cat but I am aware that it is unhygienic if I won’t be able to wash my hand immed

8th of June There was a time some time ago When every sunrise meant a sunny day, oh a sunny day But now when the morning light shines in It only disturbs the dreamland where I lay, oh where I lay I used to thank the lord when I'd wake For life and love and the golden sky above me But now I pray the stars will go on shinin' You see in my dreams you love me Daybreak is a joyful time Just listen to the songbird harmonies, oh the harmonies But, I wish the dawn would never come I wish there was silence in the trees, oh the trees If only I could stay asleep At least I could pretend you're thinkin' of me 'Cause nighttime is the one time I am happy You see in my dreams We climb and climb and at the top we fly Let the world go on below us We are lost in time And I don't know really what it means All I know is that you love me In my dreams I keep hopin' one day I'll awaken And somehow she'll be lying by my side And as I wonder if the dawn is r

2nd of June It’s June and after this month is over the year’s second quarter or the first half is over!  Can’t believe I am now posting the feast and festivities for the seventh month o the year – July!   July festivities is highlighted by the very popular SANDUGO Festival which is being celebrated by the Boholanos for the whole month of July in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. SANDUGO FESTIVAL, Tagbilaran City, Bohol July 1-31 The Sandugo festival is the commemoration of the blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.  The highlight of the festival is the Sandugo street dancing – a mardi gras type of parade.  The dances are depicting the theme of “friendship among equals and international diplomacy”. Here are the other festivals for the month of July: SINUGDAN FESTIVAL, Maasin City, Southern Leyte July 1 SAN CARLOS CHARTER ANNIVERSARY. San Carlos, Negros Occidental, July 1 TANGGOGOAN FESTIVAL, Mati, Digos City, July 1 FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUIBANG, Gamu