And Life Goes On for a Filipino Mom

Beach Front Obsession

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:01:00 +0000

My obsession with Palawan continues. I have left instructions to a former co-teacher of D2 to let me know of properties on sale in Puerto Princesa. I was moved to leave such instructions because one of the tour guides I met said he bought 3 hectares of land (inland, not beach front) for 60,000 PHP. I was hoping I could buy a beach front property at double or even triple that price! Oh I wish! I pray! I implore! For the meantime, someone also sent me a message that there are homes for rent in the city proper of Puerto Princesa. Why would I want to rent? I want a beach front property!

This beach is only accessible by boat. There's no way you can walk to get to the beach unless you're willing to hike some then rappel down the stiff limestone cliff. Or. You can don your scuba gear and swim your way to the property. Makes me think of James Bond and Leonardo di Caprio. Is it for sale? Nope! It belongs to the city of Puerto Princesa.

Another Option

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Pictured are D3 and Ethan at the beach in Sabang, Puerto Princesa. The beach is in the China Sea which is nothing really impressive as the beaches of Cavite are in the China Sea too... the dirty part of China Sea.

That's Ethan and I trying not to get sucked back by the receding waves. There was no lifeguard in the beach so it was kind of suicidal to swim in the beach. The pristine beaches of Palawan are akin to the ones in Thailand. Makes me want to pack my bag and have someone sell motorhome to me that I could park in any part of Puerto Princesa. This way, there's no need for me to buy a lot and build a house in Palawan. What do you think Huling?

No Shops for Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:24:00 +0000

There is a lot of business opportunities in Puerto Princesa. There are no specialty stores of any kind in the city. You have to bring all your gadgets as there is nowhwere you can buy a replacement for let's say, your waterproof bag or your waterproof casing for your digicam. There's not even a shop where you can buy swim wear or snorkeling equipment. Life vests used in boat trips are bought in Manila. Gosh! I could make a living selling life vests to tour companies in Puerto Princesa! Maybe I could even sell equestrian and horse stuff because I saw two girls In breeches horseback riding. The scene was straight out of a wholesome-sound-of-music-thingy movie.

Puerto Princesa has possibilities...

It's a Deal!

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Yes, there is wi-fi in Palawan. The only trouble was it was so slow. Good thing I bought my own wireless broadband. How were we able to survive without such technologies for the last decades?!

I remember this game show I watched during the late 60s. It was a dating game show where a computer named Rhoda tabulated all info about the contestants so she may "compute" who are best matched. Did I believe such crap?! Of course I did! The "computer" was as big as a house and I really thought the computer could talk and think.

Kids today are not so gullible. As I was about to plug in the wireless flash drive into the USB port of my laptop, Ethan said how he wish he has his own laptop too. I told him that he does - while in truth I was referring to his toy laptop.

"Mom!! That's only a toy! I want a real laptop."

I told him that we'll wait for sale offers on laptop deals.

He looked at me and said "Mom, will that ever happen?"
Yup! Got mine and D4's on such deals.

Crocodile Farm in Palawan

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:32:00 +0000

In Puerto Princesa is the famous Crocodile Farm. When they say crocodile farm, they do mean farming crocodile. The farm breeds crocodile! There's this huge structure that has deep tubs full of 1-2 year old crocodiles. The younger ones are in s more secured and secluded area away from the prying eyes of tourists. We were told not to get too close (duh?!) to the tubs as the crocodiles might think they're hungry and just might take a bite at us.

These crocs are about 18 months old.

After the hatchling house, we went straight to where the bigger crocs hang out. We saw some real big ones that looked like statues. They were just there. Not moving. Not reacting. To which I was pretty grateful for who would want to view active crocodiles?

Picture #2 is just like picture #1. The difference is that the crocs here are bigger.

Plane Tickets to Manchester , UK

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:19:00 +0000

My daughters and I are in a quest to travel as much as we can nowadays. The present world economy has set numerous airlines put up tickets on sale for specific travel periods. This concept has given a lot of people the opportunity to travel to both local and international locations.

We actually got our Puerto Princesa tickets on sale. The other day local airline company released hundreds of sale tickets. We missed it! A friend was able to book tickets for UK at superduper low price. She said she plans on going to the UK by April next year. I was with her the other day as she was browsing for possible hotel bookings in Manchester. Why Manchester? I asked. She said she has always been intrigued with Piccadilly and last she heard, Piccadilly is near Manchester. Indeed! So she browsed for hotels around the area and was immediately drawn to The Palace, not Buckingham but The Palace Hotel. The architecture of the hotel is reminiscent of Victorian architecture. The pictures on the website are great. What's even "greater" is that the The Palace Hotel Manchester is right smack in the middle of the fashion and entertainment district of the city.

If you're not so familiar with Manchester it's where the big Ferris wheel and Palace Theatre are located. Okay. I think I'm officially envious of my friend now.

Is it Christmas Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:46:00 +0000

Can you believe it? It's November already! In no time at all Christmas will hit us smack in the face. I was in sis-in-law's house last night and her house is already busting with Christmas decorations. I am in no condition to be as enthusiastic for I think my Christmas decors were "drowned" by the flood brought on by typhoon Ondoy. Anyway I might as well get into the groove of Christmas by browsing on some Holiday Fun Eyeglasses . I visited the site to look over some New Arrivals. I actually wrote Zenni Optical's support to inquire if they deliver in the Philippines. Yup! They do! They said delivery fee is set at $9 no matter how many pairs I order of their $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses . I just might order 3 pairs.

Vacation Mode Still On

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:20:00 +0000

I am still in "vacation mode". I can't seem to shake the feeling! The Puerto Princesa trip was the best vacation I have had in a long time. Seriously, there's a State U in Puerto Princesa that offers BS Architecture and I've toying with the idea of applying for a teaching position. What do you think?

Anyway, I have given away my stash of "rainmakers". The bamboo thingy is a big hit and everyone who has seen the rainmaker is asking for one. Well, sorry. I am all out of souvenirs. I should have bought more but lugging them would have been a problem. Speaking of souvenirs, I am a serious souvenir collector. I tend to ask close friends to bring home a souvenir or two for me from their travels.

Lucky me, I have found a site that sells authentic souvenirs from Australia. I started collecting souvenirs from Australia when a dear friend gave me a boomerang she bought in Sydney. The boomerang was hand-painted and though I can't throw one even if my life depended on it, I still treasure it. The latest addition to my Australian collection was a cutesy stuffed Koala . It sits in a special place in my car. Prior to that I received two sets of coasters. One set came from a fellow blogger while the other set came from D4's friend. I heard another friend is off to Europe. I wonder what I'd ask for a souvenir this time.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Puerto Princesa in Palawan is home to the Sabang Underground River. We took a tour and we were awestruck by the miracle of nature as presented in the caves of the underground river. Palawenos are so proud of this natural beauty for it is now a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Please vote for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Vote HERE.

Snorkeling at Hunda Bay

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Snorkeling in the middle of the sea to the beautiful coral reef and feed the fish was not in my "wish" list. However, as I, my girls and Ethan were dropped unceremoniously in the middle of Hunda Bay, did we have any choice? I did learn something. I know now why so many are keen on snorkeling. It's amazing and exhilarating!

D2 and I waving at the "manong" as he took our picture.
The guide was lying low on the sea bed.

This is Ethan as he feeds the fishes. I am not really sure if he
was actually swimming away or towards the fishes.

That's my butt! I had so much fun I didn't want to leave.

Pandan Island

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:11:00 +0000

Ready?

Jump!

This beautiful stretch of white-sand beach is in Pandan Island, Hunda Bay, Puerto Princesa. The beach is accessible by a 45 minute ride motorized banca. The photos were taken just a few hours ago. Yes, there are pandan leaves growing abundantly in the island.

I'm Here!

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Arrived at Puerto Princesa Palawan!

Here's a picture of me...with marching band music in the background

Palawan Here We Come!

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:34:00 +0000

En route to Puerto Princesa, Palawan!

Ethan's Birthday Bash

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:28:00 +0000

Five of the unofficial photographers at Ethan's party just dropped by and uploaded the pics in my netbook. There are 200+ pictures in the file and I am now having a major headache browsing through them.Ethan's party theme was MAD Scientist. Invites were inside test tubes. Guests were enjoined to wear lab coats or scrubs to come as a mad scientist. My lab coat says Dr.Mom with the label madder scientist for Dr. Ethan was the mad scientist. My son was Dr. Sonboy with the title bio mechanic. D4's title was test tube holder and the mad titles goes on. Shown here is D2 writing out IDs for the guests. The cutie in the pic below wants to be an "awkwitek" someday.

The party was different for we set up various work stations for the kids to do stuff like art work,

puzzle and origami stations..

and pin the thingy to some thingy...

The kids had fun doing all the work stations for each completed task merited tickets to redeem equivalent prizes.

However, the station that got the most attention, for the adults, was the velcro wall. I can't post all the wacky-sticky poses but here are a few. I know I have some where. I guess I just have to wait for the other unofficial photographers to turn in their memory sticks to me.

The party's main event was the mad science lab show. The kids were so mesmerized by the "magic" of science.

The party culminated with the birthday cake candle blowing and the giving out of party favors that were inside uber big green surgical gloves.

Where are the Pics?!

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:29:00 +0000

As I was too cheap to hire a professional photographer and videographer for Ethan's birthday, I am now at the mercy of my guests who lug their DSLR cameras to take pictures of the event. Oh we have our own too but my daughters are also still so lazy to upload their pictures and videos. It was one heck of party. Ethan was absent the following day in school for I was just too tired to even lift my eyelids. My daughters and son were not so lucky though for it was back to the grinding board for them.

The party was set to start at 3:00 P.M. We had tarps set a long the way to guide guests to the house. However, excited guests came as early as 2:25 P.M. and I was still sweaty and smelly. My girls and I and the rest of the "helpers" sprung into action as we finish up other details.

As I was also too cheap to hire a caterer, my food were all "on the spot" cooking: burgers, hotdog, pizza and fishball.I rented the pizza and fishball stalls which delighted my guests at no end. I had a large grill where the burgers and hotdog cooked complete with a side dish of coleslaw and mashed potato. There was also the "mamang sorbetero" in one corner and the kids kept asking their moms for money to buy ice cream. The chocolate fountain was a hit too. Of course I had the usual fare of spaghetti, fried chicken and "pancit Malabon".

It was a themed party but I won't go into that yet for there's still no pictures to show! Meantime, I think I need to lay low on fatty and salty food for a bit for I had my month's ration all used up eating siomai, kikiam, and shrimp ball at the party. I think I need to "detox". I guess I have to look for the best colon cleanse available. There's a website that does review of colon cleansers. I better check it out.

Big Bash

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:41:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Ethan's big day. The long-awaited-postponed 7th birthday celebration will finally push through. I and my girls have been so busy coordinating the minute details of the party. Add these to the regular work load I have and I feel like having that pipe dream of a las vegas vacations right now. As I type this, I still have a ton of things to do. I'll post pictures of the party so you'll have a clear picture why Ethan's 7th birthday kept us on our toes. In the meantime, I have to go see and check what time the food stalls will be picked up. I wonder if I've assigned someone for the sound system? Who will pick up the cake? ... and my lists goes on.

Bottled Stress

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:28:00 +0000

I was on "speed" this morning hurrying and scurrying because of my 9:15 A.M. PTC (parent-teacher-conference.I got back real late last night or should I say, early this morning.I was planning to wake up at 6:30 A.M. so I could still have time to browse on my email and organize my day. I needed to work out a schedule Ethan's long-delayed birthday party on Sunday. Ha ha ha. I woke up at 8:05 A.M. and had barely time to do get dressed for the PTC. I made it though but I was so stressed and harassed. If only I could bottle "stress" and and sell them as weight loss supplements I'd be rich! In fairness, I have lost a lot of weight due to stress!

Online Backup

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:15:00 +0000

I have not set up the desktop in the basement yet. I wanted to yesterday but as I am still "thumbless" I decided against lifting the cpu. Though each one of my kids and I have laptops, the ancient computer in the basement has all our early files and documents. The cpu was the first item that D2 "save" from the rising water. I have not checked if the cpu is working. I tried to use the printer the other day but it won't turn on. I wish I availed of an online backup services for the desktop. The online backup could store all the files in a computer's hard drive. The online backup is an insurance in case the computer's hard drive is corrupted. I think I should get this service.

It's Raining Again

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Again, I had a talk with one of my neighbors about the recent flooding here in Manila. She was telling me how her refrigerator floated right out of her kitchen. Well, my refrigerator horror story was that my upright freezer floated, frozen meat et al, in the basement. One good thing about these freezers and refrigerators is that the motor compressors are sealed tight that moisture can't get in. The only downside was that if your refrigerator has a water filter, then changing the gswf is definitely a must after the "flood".

It is raining again. Somehow, the pitter-patter of the rain terrifies me, in a way.

Still Dirty?

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:58:00 +0000

I think I need to fumigate my house more thoroughly. The flood water that hit us was real dirty and I think the chlorine bleach and other cleansing products I used are not enough. Ethan has been scratching himself crazy these past couple of weeks.Likewise with D4. D2 is complaining of allergies while D3's skin allergies are active once again. D1's acne is acting up again too. She said she thinks she needs to go see a dermatologist for acne treatment. Well, I think I need to clean every nook and crany of my house again. Germs are still lurking about.

Good Ol' Patio Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:46:00 +0000

I had a talk with one of my retired neighbors yesterday. I asked how where they went when the flood water rose at the height typhoon Ondoy as her home was at street level. She said she was fetched by 4 well-built men and was guided to walk in chest deep water. She said the flood water was up to her knees in the bedroom area. She used to be the National Housing Authority treasurer and that did not do her any good at all regarding her house design. She was lamenting that all her wood furniture are all warped and that the only "unharmed" ones are the wrought iron patio furniture

. So, she said she has been spending a lot of time outside than inside nowadays.

Mario and Luigi

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Ethan has gained weight! The past few weeks of harried eating has brought havoc on Ethan's system. We were concentrating on a lot of other stuff that we sort of had more than our share of fastfood meals. I had difficulty zipping his pants on this morning. He can't zip it so he asked me to do it. I have never imagined how hard it was to zip a pair of pants 2 inches smaller than the targeted waistline not to mention that the "zipper" - the person and not the object- has only one good thumb to do the job. I gave up and I jokingly told Ethan that I'd give him the best diet pills so he would lose weight.

"But mom! I have to be fat. I'll be Mario in Halloween."

Oh! I didn't know that he was serious about wearing a Mario costume for his trick or treat. Now, I wonder who will go as Luigi. Not me!!

Of Birds and Flood

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:07:00 +0000

Part of the subdivision where I live in is still in 2 to 3 inches of flood water. The flood water has turned into green which probably means that algae are alive and thriving! I took pity on one man who was on his bike when he slipped and fell on some real nasty-slimy algae. My concern now is the stagnant water could cause health issues. I had a talk with the town engineer a few days ago and he said that our "flood" is not a priority since there are other areas that need more help than we do. Oh, okay.

Anyway, I was driving along the flooded area when I saw about 4 to 5 small brown birds taking a "bath" in the clearer part of the stagnant water. They seem to be enjoying themselves so I slowed down and watch them have fun. It has long been my wish to have a couple of Bird Cages filled with love birds by the garden. The last time we had a bird was way back when my son was about 5 years old. I bought him a couple of love birds complete with bird supplies like seeds and water container. The birds did not last two days because my son let them go. He said he pitied the birds so he opened the cage and shooed them away. After a couple of weeks my son said he wants another pair. I told him "no" for he would only let fly away. He said no he will not so I bought him another pair complete with some pet bird supplies again. The birds lasted a week for on the 8th day, my son let them go again.

I guess for starters I could buy a pair first and see what will happen.

Four More Weeks....

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:43:00 +0000

I had a consult with one of the top hand surgeons in the Philippines the other day. D1 was insistent I see the orthopedic surgeon to make sure my left thumb is A-okay. I said yes and D1 made the appointment.

As I waiting for my turn, some patients were also waiting for their turn. One young man had a whole arm in cast. Another man in sarong sitting on his wheelchair, was in a half-body cast. The other patient to my right had her left leg in full cast too. I looked at my pathetic little left thumb that was in a splint and felt terribly out of place.

I heard my name called and I went inside the doctor's office for the consult. He looked at the X-rays, asked me questions and finally took out the splint in my thumb. The doctor concluded that 3 ligaments were torn and that I was lucky I was able to immediately put back my thumb when it was dislocated. He then asked me how I dislocated my thumb and off I went telling him about my flood rescue. The doctor has his own stories too. As he was re-splinting my thumb, he told me his flood story.

His home in one of the first class villages in Makati was also submerged in flash flood. He said the water was waist-high inside his house which was a good 1 meter high from the road. He said the ground floor of his house and all its contents were ruined and four of his cars were submerged in flood water. He lamented that no house was spared in the village including the steel buildings right outside the village's perimeter. He was really so low because of what has happened.

I told him that he is still luck than most because he still has a home to come to and his family is safe. I said that all that were ruined were material things that could be replaced.

He looked at me and said "You are right!" and his face lit up.

The re-splinting was done and I was told not to bend lefty for four more weeks. The doctor said he'd see after four weeks and will see if my thumb will be needing therapy. I wanted to feel bad about it but as I said, it's good that my thumb is the only "casualty" brought on by the recent flood.

Twelve Pounds Lighter

noreply@blogger.com (desperateblogger) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:36:00 +0000

I lost a total of 12 pounds in 6 months! It was a slow but sure weight lost. My friends have been asking me how I did it since I do not go to the gym anymore. I told them through moderating my diet. I had to go on a low fat and low salt diet because of my high cholesterol level. It wasn't easy at first but after a few weeks, it was a breeze. It's not that I don't eat regular food at times because I do. Just yesterday I ate out and had some really nasty oily pasta, potato salad and chicken bar-be-que. The trick is to eat low fat and low salt food more often that you eat regular food. Exercise too. I haven't been jogging since even before the typhoon that hit Manila for it has been raining on and off in the afternoons. What I'd like to do now is read up on food that burns more calorie digesting them than their caloric value. I once read that corn is one such natural fat burner. I think I'd want to lose 5 more pounds.

I know. Don't think. Just do it!