The Hundred Islands.... a great summer getaway

This mini-vacation I had recently in Hundred Islands of Alaminos Pangasinan is what I'd really like to share! It is a wonderful summer getaway and not only limited for the summer since the Philippines is still experiencing a dry season at the moment. This time is the best time to go! The place is so breath-taking, I promise!

I've gone to this place many times before, last was during the early nineties. It was still not so developed back then. More to that 90's story, we went as a big group of families,friends and classmates.We stayed overnight, not knowing the possible dangers as told to us by the boatmen. My brother-in-law and cousin sighted a "white lady" too! (honest) So much has happened that 2-day trip, if I remember right it was around my birthday Dec 20-22,1992. But it was a wonderful trip with so much adventure stories to talk about for years!

So imagine my excitement to see the place again, with a small group this time, with my cousins,my cousin's friends and my hubby! Thanks to my cousin's ADHD, we went there unexpectedly ^^,

I'm sharing a few of the pictures I took on our recent "impromptu" trip.

Familiar scene? Yes, that's where they shot the movie, "Dyesebel".

Below, is your usual first stop, Governor's Island with the viewpoint deck above. Get ready to climb the 123-step uphill!

Governor's Island

Just shutter-happy.... A part of an island too good to miss

Below, a picture for my Flickr entry

Below, taken at Marcos Island (Take nothing, leave nothing) In the picture is my hubby (if you can find him), who went the trek uphill.

That's what I personally call The Secret Island. Well, it used to be during the 90's. One of the three stops back then. Now it's just an option to stop by. It's a clean place and well-maintained.

Below is the Bat Island, and it was my first time to know this part of the Hundred Islands existed. The bats were sleeping upside down and humming a strange, creepy sound which reminded me of the vampire movies like "Twilight"! What's more, the bats were humongous than what we normally would see in our town. Their size may be approximately as big as a regular cat! Whoa!

I thank my balikbayan- cousin for taking us here. Thanks to the fun stories again and the barrel of laughs. I'd say this trip is a great remembrance!

We love Noynoy!

I know my entry is quite late, but I think it best to write it still as I am filled with awe and gladness for Pres. Noynoy Aquino's Inauguration last June 30. Though I was not able to vote during this last election, I wanted him to win. I suppose he is the reason I vied for the job as PCOS supervisor because I wanted to make sure that the elections will be fair and square; and despite the failures and glitches, I was comforted by the fact that he won.

Yes, I realize he is receiving so much flak for his so-called incompetence. But I prefer to vote a person based on his faith in God and his character. His popularity is just a plus factor for me. I would prefer a president whom they would call "lalamya-lamya" because to me it means there is something lacking in him that needs to be filled - with our unity and support. He needs all of us to make this country prosperous again. True, he cannot do all that. He needs us behind him, he needs our prayers, he need us to think positively for this country. Let us all practice our faith in God that He will bless our president and the Philippines.

I am very hopeful that he will fulfill his vow to end corruption in our country. I look forward to the day....

That the PNP will be doing their job, writing accurate blotters and not siding with either party but mediating for honest resolutions...

That there will be enough classrooms in the public schools to accommodate the students, that teachers will teach with all they know, that teachers will be well-compensated for their work...

That the red tape or under the table in the government will be eradicated. That deserving employees will be given their positions without Padrino or "palakasan"...

That the public hospital staff in the Region 1 will work with utmost respect to each and every patient irregardless of social standing because we the taxpayers are in part contributors to their salary...

Those are just a few of the things I hope will change in our system. If there be anymore, please feel free to add via comments.

Did you know? That we should pray for the leaders of our country even if we didn't vote for them or even if we have political differences. Yes, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "to pray requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone," including “kings and all those in authority, that we may live peacefully and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

To download the full text of Pres. Noynoy's Inauguration Speech please click here

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My remembrance of Noynoy when he passed by our street ^^

Post-election reminiscing

Think working as a PCOS Supervisor and Technician during the first Philippine automated elections is a piece of cake? Ha-ha! I wish! That's what I first thought, as I was impressed when we were trained, complete with allowance and accommodation. Mind you, though, the exam was so intense I just had a so-so grade, but I passed! Working was a great experience for me, having an important role during the elections. That's the most positive I can say. The rest... honestly, made the monster character in me alive. Whew! Things I surely will not forget... *The night before election day and one of our precincts had a PCOS machine with defective CF Card. Note: we had it replaced twice and it still didn't work. What was the big deal? ABS-CBN local news reporters wanted to interview us. Oh no, not again! So I told my co-supervisor, Sir "Angel-with-huge-wings" to escape thru the municipal building's back-door. The precinct in question was under his accountability, so he was most nervous about it. If I could just take a video of that scene, our team would be laughing out loud! *When I was confronted by a group of Anak-Pawis watchers who wanted to file a protest against us - me and my technician for allegedly destroying the PCOS machine. This is where my "inner monster" almost came out. I calmed myself and slowly counted to ten. Explained to them that we didn't destroy the PCOS machine because it was in perfect running condition except for the CF card that was not compatible. If you follow the latest news, you would surely know why. *We've been interviewed on GMA Primera Balita, twice. The first was for assuring the public that the elections will go well. This interview was a surprise, we were simply having a meeting when GMATv came. Please find a video below, not from an embed but from my digicam, it's the best I could come up with. *The second, was for asking that the agency pay us our just compensation ^^,(Note: up to this time plenty of techs and supervisors have not been paid)

People I would surely remember *Our town's Election Officer who so gladly extended his assistance and authority. He gave us the assurance and confidence in attending to our job and that made all the difference. A great job well done for our town! *My co-supervisor who called NSC non-stop with agent 118, courting her over the phone. Yes, that's Super "Angel-with-huge-wings" Very funny if you ask me!This co-supervisor of mine has skills in negotiation that I have not seen ever. Ma-diskarte. Until now he is in demand. I would recommend him for helping all of us get our salary. *The soldier Masonsong, who is -admittedly- a lady tech-killer. Bukam-bibig: "Ano ang cellphone number nya/nila?" referring to the our lady-technicians. I am so thankful that we were given the opportunity to work during the elections. It surely made us better and we learned a lot. So much so that I have a few recommendations for the next automated elections. Let me leave those for now and blog about it when the next election comes. It was all worth it! God bless the Philippines!

Thanks to all my droppers this May!

Thanks to everyone who dropped by often, despite my not being actively blogging this past month. Thank you very very much for keeping me company.

I've been extremely busy working before and until the end of the first Philippine Automated Elections 2010. I worked as Precinct Count Optical Scanner(PCOS) Supervisor which, to be honest, also baffled me at times due to the lack of training we had. It turns out, everything went bad but none of our fault - thankfully! As of now, the tension and stress of it is over that I'm just sooo glad to be back to my normal day-to-day activities! Will tell you more in the days to come...

And for the linkylove, here's to you Top Ten EC Droppers...

The Third Uncle

Computer Aid

Finance Talk

Leomar's Den

Hotel Reference

Kapamilya Corner

My Life

Confessions Of A Wannabe Writer

A Second Cup

Home Improvement [Manduca Group]

Graphics for Thank You Comments

Featured Ebooks This April

Hello again to everyone!

My apologies to my readers and followers for not having posted anything as of late. I'm currently busy as a part of the coming elections in our town and am still in training at times.

For this April I've added more ebooks that I would personally recommend. As summer is my favorite time, aside from Christmas time, it is also a time to learn something new or to relax and sit down reading a good book.

My recommended reads are available here:

The Purpose Driven Life

How To Stop Worrying And Start Living

Famous Five Series ebook bundle (recommended for ages 9-15)

Complete Guide To Yoga

Chronicles of Narnia

Pirates Of The Caribbean

Watership Down

The Book Of Five Rings

more to add next time, enjoy reading!