Mother Mary's Haven in Simala

September 2, 2010 is the date when I posted my very first blog. Time flies so fast. Happy Anniversary to my site! I know there are a lot of reasons to celebrate. Here's a shout out and a million thanks to everyone who spends time in reading my blogs, my life less ordinary stories.

Today, September 8 is Mother Mary's birthday. So, let me take you to one of Mama Mary's haven at the Monastery of the Marian Monks of the Eucharistic Adoration in Simala, Sibonga, South of Cebu. The first time I went there was last November 2008, my birthday.

Took the photos above years ago so it may look different today after some renovations of the Monastery.

How to go there:

From Cebu City, go to South Bus terminal (near Elizabeth mall or Emall) and ride a bus going to Sibonga. Please inform the conductor on where you’re heading to so you don't have to worry about when and where you’re going to STOP.

It’s a 2 hour or 2 hour and a half ride from Cebu and another 5 km motorcycle ride (habal-habal) away from the highway. Make sure also to go there early like 7am as a lot of devotees are going there everyday. 

Have a safe trip!!!

Kagay-an Festival 2011

Just five days ago, August 28, Cagayan de Oro celebrated the feast of its patron St. Agustine. I had the chance to watch the Golden Float parade after 6 years of living away from the city on August 27 with my cousins. Here are some of the pics:

First Place

Third Place

Sunday, the feast day, I went to church for thanksgiving.

St. Agustine Cathedral in CDO

  Belated Happy Fiesta to all Kagay-anons!

15th Kumbira Celebration

I am always a fan of cooking demos as yes I can call myself a frustrated chef.  I was walking around Limketkai Center last August 19 before the city fiesta and I had the chance to see the magnificent displays at the Atrium. I learned it was the last day of the 15th Kumbira Celebration- a culinary show and live competitions. Good thing I bought my camera that time so I took some photos of the great displays.

 

The Artistic Bread Showpiece designs (above photos) are those that depict objects or landscape that identifies Fiesta. While the Creative Cake Decorations ( photos below) aim to show the creativity, aesthetic balance and versatility that can go into decorating a cake.

Other displays:

Majestic Iligan City

After a few months of not having a permanent job, I went back to my hometown in Cagayan de Oro City or CdeO to visit my relatives. I also had a chance to visit Iligan City. Because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls, Iligan is a place in Lanao del Norte which is known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. It wasn't my first time to go there as I used to stay at my aunt's place when I was still  in grade school during summer vacation. But I have not seen the place for a very long time.

There was no mall before and you can only find some popular shops round the corner when you go to the city center or what they call as 'ciudad'. However, the old buildings are still standing until today with lots of new business establishments around.

One of the most popular dining place in Iligan is Tita Fannies Liempo and Chicken Haus. I was able to taste their liempo upon my cousin's suggestion. It was one of a kind!

Wish I can go back there someday with my partner to see the Tinago falls or the Maria Cristina Falls in person. They all look stunning in pictures below..

the Tinago falls

the Maria Cristina falls

Credit: Google for the images

Starbucks in Cagayan de Oro

Guess it's time for me to write something about my home town, Cagayan de Oro City or CDO.

So I heard that Starbucks opened in CDO. Since I'm not in to coffee, I was just very glad that CDO folks can finally taste and enjoy their coffee right at the heart of city.

Starbucks in Lim Ket Kai mall CDO

Image from Google

Chinese New Year 2011 at Manila Chinatown

A week ago, I took a solo trip to Manila. I was about to cancelled that trip after cancelling a very important appointment. But I had nothing to do with my 3 days off from work and the booked flights would be wasted. It was my first air travel of the year and was quite surprised at one new airport rule where one is not allowed anymore to bring an umbrella on board or inside your carry on luggage. That time I only had a carry on bag but they still want me to go back to the counter and surrender my umbrella. Yes! I had to check-in an umbrella alone. Too much story about my umbrella, obviously I still went on with the trip to visit my brother and his family.

The next day was Chinese New Year. I woke up early after a very long rest. Actually planned to visit Chinatown to buy my partner a present. I also have nothing to do all day, so I decided to go out and headed to Manila Chinatown.

I've been to Chinatown a couple of times before (alone too) but never took any photos of the place. So I brought my camera with me as I knew it would be a great day to take photos in time for the Chinese new year celebration.

One can easily find the place just look for Ongpin Street and that's where Chinatown is.

Anywhere I look at, everything and almost all people are wearing red and gold. There are a lot of them selling lucky charms, fruits and tikoy in the streets. Finally saw what I want to buy for my partner and got it after a bit of haggle. I continued my walk and dropped by at my hopia suki (favorite shop). For me, Baker's Fair is the best when it comes to freshly baked hopia in the town. There is also Eng Bee Tin in every corner if you want varieties of Chinese delicacies.

On my way back, I also passed by a corner where people (mostly Chinese) are offering prayers. That corner is not a silent one either as I still heard some beat of the drums.

At the end of the street, I saw a couple selling personalized key holders with a rabbit figure (it's year of the rabbit) attached to it so I also bought one as a souvenir with my name engraved on it. I can see that some folks are busy preparing for the evening festival.

I was not in my happiest mood at that time for some personal reasons but somehow the walk around Chinatown helped me forget about being upset for awhile.

By the way, it is also best to go there during the night if you fancy to watch the dragon dance and fireworks.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

                                      

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Traveling Alone tips

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Batu Ferringhi cafes

Just want to share with you some of the yummy meals that we had at Batu Ferringhi, Penang. We both love and happy to eat any type of dishes. However, I'm not into Indian food (peace to all Indian food lovers) unlike my partner and I really don't know why. Maybe from where I came from, I'm not used to the taste of anything with red or yellow color in my plate.

First stop is at Enca Cafe. I'd never forget this eating place that we found just across the Bayview Beach hotel Penang. They served a very delicious ginger tea which can be partnered with just anything from pizza to rice meals.

How's that for my lunch?

JD's plate-fried rice mixed with chicken tikka masala and veggies

Then, there's the Hard Rock Cafe beside the Hard Rock hotel. It is best to go there during the night to listen to a live band while savouring their yummy and huge burger. I'm not fond of burger but this is one for the books!

They said burgers are unhealthy, so we had some green salads too!

A perfect dessert at hard rock..

a breakfast appetizer at hard rock hotel.. We can't help but tried all of them. lol!

I am glad I took all of these photos. Really the best thing about going to other places is to explore and of course to eat and eat a lot!

I am Fat Rascal!

!

Our favourite take out--Fat Rascal. A comfort food only from Betty's York.

(http://www.bettys.co.uk/product/Bettys-Fat-Rascals,19172.aspx)


[Photo emailed to me from my partner saying he just dropped by at the shop]

Kik Lok Si Temple to Bukit Bendera

It is raining outside and I feel very blessed at the same time while looking at some photos during our holiday in Penang. I remembered that we went to one of the day tours by iTours, a tour group in the hotel where we stayed. Destination: Kik Lok Si Temple to Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill.

The Kik Lok Si Temple or 'Temple of Supreme Bliss' is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in the Southeast Asia.

Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill, on the other hand, compromises a group of peaks in Penang, Malaysia. The most convenient way going up to the hill is through the railway which is sometimes out of service. Lucky as we are, it was in service during our visit. The journey up and down the hill was great that will make one to do it again.

at the kewl tour bus on our way to the temple

We climbed up to the 7th storey of this Pagoda in the background. The view from above was breathtaking.

the seven storey Pagoda of  10,000 Buddhas, completed in 1930.

I was trying to imitate the Buddhas...can't be one of them. 

a huge prayer room for all visitors in the temple

the entrance to Penang Hill



the bridge that connects Penang to Kuala Lumpur as viewed from the hill

this old woody train was the original train they used for visitors to the hill. Amazing!

seen a giant cannon at the hill

we are going back and another train is going up at  the passing loop...

Wow! looks easy for both trains.

According to the tour guide, Penang is known for its coffee and they even surprised as for a free tasting  of coffee and chocolates here.

the many boxes of white coffee... they will let you taste it first so one can be sure on what to buy.

It was the first time that my partner and I tasted a Chilli Chocolate and it was lovely!

Going to these places is always enjoyable if you have someone with you. The train journey to the hill was so worth it while looking at the scenic views. We are both glad that we considered one of the day tours as it was another great moment added to our life's journey.

Thanks for reading!