Another milestone in the Tadeo Family: Luke celebrated his 1st Birthday at Jollibee Pioneer! Yay! Happy birthday Luke and Congrats to Mommy Toni and Daddy Stevie!! :) It's so nice to see everyone again. Thank you for inviting us we had such a great time!! Daming pagkain!! :)Events: Luke's 1st birthday
14 May 2016
Another milestone in the Tadeo Family: Luke celebrated his 1st Birthday at Jollibee Pioneer! Yay! Happy birthday Luke and Congrats to Mommy Toni and Daddy Stevie!! :) It's so nice to see everyone again. Thank you for inviting us we had such a great time!! Daming pagkain!! :)
Another milestone in the Tadeo Family: Luke celebrated his 1st Birthday at Jollibee Pioneer! Yay! Happy birthday Luke and Congrats to Mommy Toni and Daddy Stevie!! :) It's so nice to see everyone again. Thank you for inviting us we had such a great time!! Daming pagkain!! :)
Travel: Visiting Rizal Park in Manila
13 May 2016
When we visited the National Museum and the Museum of the Filipino People last May 5th (see the posts here and here), we knew that we needed more time to visit Rizal Park and its environs. Today was the day we came back for more. We started around 4PM to avoid the hot summer sun and we ended our walking tour around 6PM. It was enough to visit most of the attractions between the Quirino Grandstand and Luneta, but ideally, we should have taken more time to include the ones opposite the Museum of the Filipino People. Read on for more of our adventure.
When we visited the National Museum and the Museum of the Filipino People last May 5th (see the posts here and here), we knew that we needed more time to visit Rizal Park and its environs. Today was the day we came back for more. We started around 4PM to avoid the hot summer sun and we ended our walking tour around 6PM. It was enough to visit most of the attractions between the Quirino Grandstand and Luneta, but ideally, we should have taken more time to include the ones opposite the Museum of the Filipino People. Read on for more of our adventure.
Finished Voting! #2016Elections
09 May 2016
Today is the day Filipino people are heading to the polling booths to cast their votes for President, Vice President, 12 Senators, Congressman, Mayor, Vice Mayor, 6 Councilmen and a PartyList Representative. Voting Booths open at 7am but Patrick and I went at 830AM. We wanted to get it done early to avoid the rush and the heat in the afternoon.
So, we headed to Moises Salvador Elementary School, which was where I voted last time. When we got to the gate I knew, it was closed and Patrick said it's probably the school next door so we went there. When we looked for our precinct number on the list, it wasn't there. So, we asked at the Voter's Assistance Desk and we were so silly, there was another gate at Moises Salvador! It was closed because the school was undergoing some construction.
We followed the rest of the public who were headed in the same direction. At the school, we looked for our precinct number so we know which room we needed to head to.
We then headed to it. There was quite a number of people around already. Some were going to vote, others are done.
I had no problem finding my name on the list when we got to the room since I had voted in the previous elections. Since Patrick was voting in this precinct for the first time and he just reactivated his voting privileges, we couldn't locate his name at first and he had to confirm with COMELEC at the front of the school. But upon re-checking the list, his name was there. We just overlooked it, our brains weren't working this early in the morning haha. So, that was a relief.
Picture taking isn't allowed inside the polling room so I didn't take pictures :) The procedure was fast though.
Going out of the school after voting feels good. It's even better because there are so many food stalls around the school. There are vendors selling corn, buko juice, gulaman, corn on a cob, mangoes and other fruits, cookies, donuts and many other street foods. We bought mangoes, corn, taho and cookies :)
The street was getting crowded as people are beginning to flock to the schools. I think plenty are excited to make their voices heard! Mabuhay Philippines!
Today is the day Filipino people are heading to the polling booths to cast their votes for President, Vice President, 12 Senators, Congressman, Mayor, Vice Mayor, 6 Councilmen and a PartyList Representative. Voting Booths open at 7am but Patrick and I went at 830AM. We wanted to get it done early to avoid the rush and the heat in the afternoon.
So, we headed to Moises Salvador Elementary School, which was where I voted last time. When we got to the gate I knew, it was closed and Patrick said it's probably the school next door so we went there. When we looked for our precinct number on the list, it wasn't there. So, we asked at the Voter's Assistance Desk and we were so silly, there was another gate at Moises Salvador! It was closed because the school was undergoing some construction.
We followed the rest of the public who were headed in the same direction. At the school, we looked for our precinct number so we know which room we needed to head to.
We then headed to it. There was quite a number of people around already. Some were going to vote, others are done.
I had no problem finding my name on the list when we got to the room since I had voted in the previous elections. Since Patrick was voting in this precinct for the first time and he just reactivated his voting privileges, we couldn't locate his name at first and he had to confirm with COMELEC at the front of the school. But upon re-checking the list, his name was there. We just overlooked it, our brains weren't working this early in the morning haha. So, that was a relief.
Picture taking isn't allowed inside the polling room so I didn't take pictures :) The procedure was fast though.
- An assistant will write down your name, gender, number on the list and precinct number on a piece of paper.
- You will bring this with you into the room for verification.
- Once verified, you will proceed to the next table where you will sign on the COMELEC registered voters' list (I don't know what you actually call it). The list actually shows the digitized photo they took of you when the Biometrics update happened. This is a great security feature to avoid flying voters.
- Next, the Board of Elections Officer will hand you your ballot covered in a folder and a marker with the express reminder to mark your votes gently to avoid punching a hole through the ballot. Apparently, some people press too hard or hold the marker too long on their ballots that they end up punching a hole in them.
- After you've marked your choices on the ballot, you take it to the desk to personally run it through the machine. I did it! I think I overheard the person in charge say that the machine will capture everything regardless of how you insert the ballot (whether front first or back first).
- Then, you wait for the machine to spit out your receipt which you check to make sure that the votes that you cast are reflected correctly. The receipt will show you a printed list of your choices for the respective positions. Mine showed my own personal choices, so no problem there.
- You will then give back the receipt to them and watch them put in a container. You're Done!
Going out of the school after voting feels good. It's even better because there are so many food stalls around the school. There are vendors selling corn, buko juice, gulaman, corn on a cob, mangoes and other fruits, cookies, donuts and many other street foods. We bought mangoes, corn, taho and cookies :)
The street was getting crowded as people are beginning to flock to the schools. I think plenty are excited to make their voices heard! Mabuhay Philippines!
Visit to the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center
07 May 2016
We went to the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center primarily to attend Joe Inoue's Meet and Greet with his Filipino fans (story here). After the event, we decided to go around the place since it's been a while since we've been here and it appears that a lot has changed. On the way to the venue, we passed a lot of people having a picnic or just walking around and relaxing.
We went to the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center primarily to attend Joe Inoue's Meet and Greet with his Filipino fans (story here). After the event, we decided to go around the place since it's been a while since we've been here and it appears that a lot has changed. On the way to the venue, we passed a lot of people having a picnic or just walking around and relaxing.
Meet and Greet with Joe Inoue at the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center
07 May 2016
The best way to be on "stalker mode" with your favorite celebrity is to set their posts to "see first" on your News Feed on Facebook. Since we saw Joe Inoue at the Nihonggo Festival last February (related post here), Dana and I have taken to keeping updated with his meet and greet events for fans. We were excited when we saw him post that he was in the Philippines and will be at the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center (he originally posted that the venue was to be at the Quezon Memorial Circle). This was so doable since it was pretty accessible and we made sure that we'd make it.
The best way to be on "stalker mode" with your favorite celebrity is to set their posts to "see first" on your News Feed on Facebook. Since we saw Joe Inoue at the Nihonggo Festival last February (related post here), Dana and I have taken to keeping updated with his meet and greet events for fans. We were excited when we saw him post that he was in the Philippines and will be at the Quezon City Parks and Wildlife Center (he originally posted that the venue was to be at the Quezon Memorial Circle). This was so doable since it was pretty accessible and we made sure that we'd make it.
Walking around Intramuros: Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and Bacolod Chicken House
This post is really a continuation of our trip from the National Museum and the Museum of Anthropology, From these two museums, Intramuros was just a stone's throw away and I wanted to visit Fort Santiago (which was within Intramuros) so that Dana can have the chance to visit it as Dylan already had.
Free Admission to the National Museum: Part 2 - Museum of Anthropology
05 May 2016
This post is the 2nd part in the "Free Admission to the National Museum" adventure that the kids and I had. The first part can be seen here. The focus of this post is the Museum of Anthropology, also known as the Museum of the Filipino People. It is located at the old Department of Finance Building in Rizal Park and may be considered as an extension of the National Museum. It contains anthropological and archaeological artifacts about our Filipino heritage.
Free Admission to the National Museum: Part 1 - The National Art Gallery
05 May 2016
I've always wanted to revisit the National Museum with my kids. I used to be able to visit it when I worked at the Senate since at one point, it was where the Upper House held their sessions and I'd go around at idle moments. For the month of May, since it's National Heritage Month, the National Museum has offered "Free Admission" which made it a good time for an educational/cultural trip. The "Free Admission" allows you to enter the National Museum (the National Art Gallery), the Museum of the Filipino People (old Department of Finance Building) and the National Planetarium and all other regional museums in the country. The National Museum is located at P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila.
I've always wanted to revisit the National Museum with my kids. I used to be able to visit it when I worked at the Senate since at one point, it was where the Upper House held their sessions and I'd go around at idle moments. For the month of May, since it's National Heritage Month, the National Museum has offered "Free Admission" which made it a good time for an educational/cultural trip. The "Free Admission" allows you to enter the National Museum (the National Art Gallery), the Museum of the Filipino People (old Department of Finance Building) and the National Planetarium and all other regional museums in the country. The National Museum is located at P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila.
Trip to Pililla Wind Farm: Directions and Other Info
30 April 2016
The last time we went looking for the Pililla Wind Farm, we didn't actually end up getting there. You can read about our journey here. This time, we decided on traveling the route we were originally on (the Sampaloc-Tanay road) before we turned around and drove down via the less-known route from near Camp Capinpin. At the 54MW Pililla Rizal Wind Farm, we were up close and personal with six (6) 125-meter tall wind turbines capable of generating 2MW of power. From here, we also saw a row of 9 more wind turbines at a different location, presumably along the same road which we weren't able to access at this time.
Trip to Pililia Wind Farm: Lunch first at Cafe Katerina
30 April 2016
Yesterday, we decided that since Patrick was test driving the new Hyundai Tucson for Top Gear Philippines, we could go back to the Pililia Wind Farm and see if we could actually finish what we started before (read about our previous trip here). We left the house at 10AM and arrived around lunchtime at our first stop, Cafe Katerina. Cafe Katerina is a restaurant offering Filipino dishes located atop a hill affording a scenic overlook of the Tanay, Rizal area all the way to Laguna de Bay.
Yesterday, we decided that since Patrick was test driving the new Hyundai Tucson for Top Gear Philippines, we could go back to the Pililia Wind Farm and see if we could actually finish what we started before (read about our previous trip here). We left the house at 10AM and arrived around lunchtime at our first stop, Cafe Katerina. Cafe Katerina is a restaurant offering Filipino dishes located atop a hill affording a scenic overlook of the Tanay, Rizal area all the way to Laguna de Bay.
We watched Captain America Civil War twice!
28- 29 April 2016
Last April 28, Dana and her friends made plans to hang out in Greenhills. Seeing as Patrick was out of town, Dylan and I decided to go with her although of course, I told her that when we got there Dylan and I will separate from her and her group. It turned out that Dylan and I went ahead of them because some of her friends weren't there yet at their meeting place. I told her to text me when they arrive in Greenhills.
Last April 28, Dana and her friends made plans to hang out in Greenhills. Seeing as Patrick was out of town, Dylan and I decided to go with her although of course, I told her that when we got there Dylan and I will separate from her and her group. It turned out that Dylan and I went ahead of them because some of her friends weren't there yet at their meeting place. I told her to text me when they arrive in Greenhills.
The Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground at the SM Mall of Asia #IsuzuPhilippines #MyIsuzuActionPlaygroundExperience
21 April 2016
Today, we attended the opening of the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground at the Exploreum Parking of the SM Mall of Asia. The event features both the Isuzu mu-X and the D-Max as they both take on the Slipper Roller, the Articulation Ramp and the Action Playground's Highlight - the 20ft Thrill Hill, a 40 degree Transverse Angle Ramp. The obstacle course showcases the powerful engines (163 PS maximum output and 380Nm maximum torque) of both vehicles and everyone is invited to participate from April 21-24, 10AM to 9PM.
Today, we attended the opening of the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground at the Exploreum Parking of the SM Mall of Asia. The event features both the Isuzu mu-X and the D-Max as they both take on the Slipper Roller, the Articulation Ramp and the Action Playground's Highlight - the 20ft Thrill Hill, a 40 degree Transverse Angle Ramp. The obstacle course showcases the powerful engines (163 PS maximum output and 380Nm maximum torque) of both vehicles and everyone is invited to participate from April 21-24, 10AM to 9PM.
A night of friendship at Cafe 80s with High School peeps
16 April 2016
Tonight, I had a chance to meet up with some High School buddies of mine at the Cafe 80s Bar in Quezon City. It's been awhile since I've attended any gathering with them so this was a pleasant opportunity to catch up on everyone. It was nice to see old friends again and meet some new ones. It was a fun night!
*Pictures are courtesy of Leander Suguitan
Tonight, I had a chance to meet up with some High School buddies of mine at the Cafe 80s Bar in Quezon City. It's been awhile since I've attended any gathering with them so this was a pleasant opportunity to catch up on everyone. It was nice to see old friends again and meet some new ones. It was a fun night!*Pictures are courtesy of Leander Suguitan
Took a trip to the Pililia Wind Farm in Rizal #PililiaWindFarm
13 April 2016
The best trips out of town are those that are unplanned and spontaneous. Just like today, Patrick simply announced he wanted us to take a drive to the Pililia Wind Farm and we were all like, "Where is that?" haha It turned out that he has been meaning to see these huge windmills in Pililia, Rizal (pretty much like those in Bangui, Ilocos Norte which he has already seen) and since he's test driving the 2016 Honda Jazz as well, it would be a killing-two-birds-with-one-stone type of deal.
The best trips out of town are those that are unplanned and spontaneous. Just like today, Patrick simply announced he wanted us to take a drive to the Pililia Wind Farm and we were all like, "Where is that?" haha It turned out that he has been meaning to see these huge windmills in Pililia, Rizal (pretty much like those in Bangui, Ilocos Norte which he has already seen) and since he's test driving the 2016 Honda Jazz as well, it would be a killing-two-birds-with-one-stone type of deal.
Dana hangs out with her friends for the day
08 April 2016
I am about to write about another milestone in Dana's life. It's her first time to go out with her friends for the day. Now, you have to understand, Dana hasn't gone anywhere without us, except maybe with her class on their retreat. Even with their educational field trips we were always with her. This is the first time she's going anywhere by herself, even though it's with her friends.
They've made plans for this day out after their graduation and she has been really excited about it. I, on the other hand, was more worried because she doesn't know how to commute because she's had the privilege of being driven around in a car. Yes, she's ridden public transportation but she hasn't really paid attention to roads and locations because she was with us. So, I knew that I had to teach her how to commute by herself first. We looked at Google maps so she'll know where she's going and how she's going to return. It's easier to picture everything when it's visual and there are references. She's familiar with the area that they're going to so that's a plus. I also told her how to commute using the jeepney, like where to get off, how much to pay and what to do next if she misses her stop. I knew she was nervous but I trust that she understood.
I am about to write about another milestone in Dana's life. It's her first time to go out with her friends for the day. Now, you have to understand, Dana hasn't gone anywhere without us, except maybe with her class on their retreat. Even with their educational field trips we were always with her. This is the first time she's going anywhere by herself, even though it's with her friends.They've made plans for this day out after their graduation and she has been really excited about it. I, on the other hand, was more worried because she doesn't know how to commute because she's had the privilege of being driven around in a car. Yes, she's ridden public transportation but she hasn't really paid attention to roads and locations because she was with us. So, I knew that I had to teach her how to commute by herself first. We looked at Google maps so she'll know where she's going and how she's going to return. It's easier to picture everything when it's visual and there are references. She's familiar with the area that they're going to so that's a plus. I also told her how to commute using the jeepney, like where to get off, how much to pay and what to do next if she misses her stop. I knew she was nervous but I trust that she understood.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)