profound bliss

I was shopping for gifts a day before Christmas when I noticed the skin of the woman in front of me at the very long line to the cashier. She had these spots all over, but it was the worst in her ears and hairline. Looking at her really made me feel itchy I wanted to run out of the Bench store and take a bath. And yes I shopped at Bench because some of my inaanaks are already pre-teens. Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.9

Spent almost the whole day tinkering with the keyboard case I bought via sulit.com.ph. It was okay when I was testing it in front of the seller, but when he left, the keyboard started disconnecting over and over. Android tab keyboard Then Google told me to clean the ports with a toothpick. But we have stopped using toothpicks a long time ago when my dentist told me they're not good for the gums. Good thing we had bbq sticks left from Christmas Cleaning the ports and the-one-you-plug-in-usb-ports (dunno what it's called) didn't work at first. But after serveral plugging and unplugging and after almost giving up, lo and behold! The keyboard is now working like it did't have any problem at all. Pero hello ang hirap talagang mag-type sa sobrang liit na keyboard. I'm actually wondering why I'm so exerting efforts to look for these stuff. As if I'm so mobile e hindi naman. Whenever I climb, all I do in the bus is post pictures on Instagram because my head...

Merry Christmas! I still feel sleepy with nine days of waking up early for Simbang Gabi and I promise myself to sleep a lot more now that it’s done, but of course I can’t do that yet because it’s Noche Buena and all my dogs are currently shaking for fear of the neighbors’ firecrackers and we are expecting at least 30 visitors tomorrow. Oh well, at least I’m done with my gift wrapping tasks (thanks, SM) and I have at least two extra gifts just in case someone I forgot to put in my list pops up. Anyway, I hope everyone’s having a blessed Christmas, and if you didn’t attend the mass tonight just like me,  please don’t forget to attend one tomorrow. (And I’m turning religious.) Merry Christmas! xoxo Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Simbang Gabi started today (last night for others) and I forced myself to sleep at 1:00am (I usually sleep at 3) so I could catch some before attending the 5:30am mass. I really wanted to attend the 4:00am service but that would mean I wouldn’t sleep at all. Anyway, I found the second service less chaotic because there were fewer people. I remember completing the 4:00am masses two years ago and the experience was almost like Pulp Summer Slam. The service this morning went smoothly aside from a noisy mother at my left who was having her own homily to her young son, but I took care of the situation by staring at her. She went quiet after my second stare. Towards the end of the Holy Communion, the advertisements were read. I actually prayed (having just received the Blessed Sacrament) while half-hearing notices about the second collection and the Belen that needs to be completed before the 24th and so on. When the priest stood up, I thought he was gonna give his final blessings al...

There’s new tambayan/tindahan at the foot of Mt. Maculot and it’s a good thing for those who hike during the weekends when all these so-called mountaineers’ stop-over get crowded a lot. This one is very near the trail head, way past UWAC but before the fallen milestone with written acknowledgements. The good-mannered, elderly man who owns it told me to just call him Tatay Ed. He actually sells bottled water, soda, and even cooked food during the weekends. Unluckily for me, I climbed on a Thursday so I didn’t get to taste his cooking. Tatay Ed said he’s constructing a toilet for the mountaineers. And we can use it for free. I just hope his free toilet wouldn’t smell. For those who bring vehicles, he also charges nothing for parking within the area of his store. “Bumili lang sa akin ay tama na,” he told me when I said sayang ang parking fees. Anyway, I already saw his store when I climbed the Rockies last June, although I didn’t think it was a store because it didn’t ...

I want everything portable. It’s a kiddie camping chair but some kids are heavier than me so I guess it’s okay. Costs P399 at Ace Hardware. Price doesn’t include Princess, though. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

iPad Mini is here! It’s the smaller and cheaper version of the ever-popular iPad. It comes in two colors – black and white. It’s more convenient to carry at 7.9 inches compared to the 10-inch iPad. It also comes in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+Cellular, and in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. Check out the video: Specs: Color: Black and Slate White and Silver Models: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz and 5GHz) Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology Wi-Fi + Cellular Model A1454* GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz) LTE (Bands 4 and 17) Model A1455* CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz) GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz)  LTE (Bands 1, 3, 5, 13, 25) Data only 802.11a/...

The Talampunay flower is fast blossoming. Above photo was taken on Wednesday. Nanay and I thought it would at least be a week before we see the flower in full bloom. But yesterday morning, Nanay was so happy to see the flower has started to show up: And this morning, we marveled at how it has three layers. Nanay said those they saw in Tagaytay only had one layer of bell shaped petal. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Nanay’s potted plants have been producing quite a splash of color at the side of our house. She’s been asking me to take photos of her flowers and it was only this morning that I felt like shooting. Bad timing, though. I should’ve waited for the afternoon sun. It was hard to capture the bees. And yes, there were bees. Like 10 of them, and one little butterfly that was very elusive to the camera. But if there’s one thing Nanay and I are excited about, it’s the Talampunay bud that has been getting bigger every single day. And look, it’s almost out! Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Mt. Gulugod Baboy/Pinagbanderahan offers a 360-degree scenic view of Anilao. From the summit, you can see the nearby Batangas Pier, Maricaban and Sombrero islands, and even the distant Mt. Maculot, Mt. Lobo and Manabu Peak. Locals say it’s actually Mt. Pinagbanderahan that mountaineers go to, and Mt. Gulugod Baboy is the one behind it which is not easily accessible. Here’s how to get to Mt. Gulugod Baboy/Pinagbanderahan: Ride a bus bound for Batangas City and drop off at the Diversion Road. (from Alabang, fare is P110) From Diversion Road, ride a jeepney going to Mabini and drop off at Anilao junction (P29), tricycle are cheaper (P30/head) but scarce over there so you may want to just drop off at the Plaza where you can hire a tricycle for P140 going to PhilPan. Once at PhilPan, the path on the opposite side of the road is the one that leads to the mountain trail going up Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Before you reach the trail head, however, you will pass by Pabio’s store w...

It wasn’t a usual climb for me when I went to Anilao, Batangas last Thursday. Although I admit I miss the mountains as much as perhaps every mountaineer who had been deprived of the chance to climb for quite a number of months, my goal in Mt. Gulugod Baboy was to look for a medicinal plant that we would like to use on my mother as an alternative medicine. I brought Melford along, who’s now in college, since it really worries Nanay everytime I climb alone. Worry her at this time is the last thing I’d like to do. I’ve been to Mt. Gulugod Baboy last year with K (sadly, it was one of the many climbs that I haven’t blogged about) so I’m already quite familiar with how to go there and even the trail. K and I didn’t hire a guide even if it was our first time in that mountain last year, just like in all of the mountains we have climbed together. Honestly, we’re so adventurous when we’re together that we even got lost in Mt. Kalisungan and found our way to the summit through a vast area...

The Tattoo Mediapad. Get hooked. Get it for less. Runs on Android 4.0 ICS Dual Core 1.2 GHz CPU Compact and lightweight, 7-inch screen, 1280 x 800 HD Display, 8GB internal storage - expandable up to 32GB with micro SD, 5 megapixel HD camera Equipped with Yozo Office, runs a multitude of games, entertainment and browsing apps Hotspot-capable. Powers up to 5 devices Get the Tattoo Mediapad with a Tattoo Personalized Plan 999, with only P10,990 cash out. Or pay on installment for up to 12 months at 0% interest. 1. What is the Tattoo Mediapad? The Tattoo Mediapad, a sleek and lightweight computer tablet, is the latest device Tattoo is offering. The 7-inch screen Tattoo Mediapad runs on Android 4.0 ICS with 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor. It has a 5 Megapixel camera, 8 GB internal storage which is expandable to 32 GB with micro SD, and is equipped with Yozo Office and a multitude of games. Furthermore, the Tattoo Mediapad has a hotspot feature which allows users to ...

I love Garfield… and KFC! Order a KFC Garfield Bucket Meal and get four collectible Garfield character tumblers your kids will surely love! Promo runs until October 8! Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Been under the weather for four days already. Berocca usually does the trick and I feel normal after three days but since Nanay has coughs and Angel has acute tonsillitis, I coupled Berocca with Bioflu. I still feel a little heavy, I’m just thankful I don’t have fever and the almost-there cold and cough I felt last Saturday have already vanished. I hate getting sick. Being sick means taking rest. Resting means sleeping, and sleeping hurts my site’s SEO. And no, not this blog cuz it hasn’t really been getting a lot of traffic. I guess it’s because I haven’t been focusing here. Or the blog name’s so lame. Profound Bliss. But I like it lame, anyway. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

This is the only thing that’s left of my trekking pole. I first left that trekking pole inside the Nasugbu-bound bus, forgetting to pick it up when I got off at Evercrest. It was leaning on the window, and good thing the tricycle driver, who was waiting for passengers to take to the jump-off of Mt. Batulao, spotted me on that window. When he saw me out of the bus, he looked at the window again and shouted that I left my pole. He shouted so loud and repeatedly that I became the center of attention. The bus was already starting to take off but halted upon hearing the shouts, with the driver perhaps thinking that he hit someone or something. LoL! So I got back inside the bus to get the trekking pole and to thank the tricycle driver for what he did, I hired him to take me to the jump-off and paid him extra. But the trekking pole was really meant to be lost. On my way down the mountain, I stopped beside a fallen tree to get my poncho because it started drizzling. I leaned the pol...

Panoramic view of Manila and the rising Pasig River during the unforgettable Southwest Monsoon of August 2012. Ang liit. Click the photo to go to the source. photo: gmanews

When you live in flood-prone areas, you have no choice but to wade in flood waters at one point or another during calamities like this intense Southwest Monsoon that we are experiencing now. That said, people who are exposed to flood waters are in danger of leptospirosis. Leptospirosis comes from the urine of rats that easily mixes with flood water and get in human body through wounds or through our mouths (accidents like that happen). And what to do after wading or accidentally ingesting flood waters? Check out the photo above or read below. Leptospirosis Post Exposure Prophylaxis: - Take two (2) Doxycycline 100 mg capsules immediately. - If you have open wounds and waded in flood water, or accidentally ingested flood water, extend treatment by taking two (2) Doxycycline 100 mg capsules once a day, for 3-5 days. - If flu-like symptoms develop, consult a physician right away photo: Twitter

It’s been raining non-stop in Luzon, particularly in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces. Quezon City is submerged in flood waters, as well as Valenzuela, Bulacan, and even the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas. This is Ondoy part 2, if you would ask me. I’m just a little luckier here in our side of Taguig that we are not touched by flood ever. Classes have been suspended since Monday in most areas and for those curious which areas have No Classes for tomorrow, August 8 (Wednesday), here’s my list via announcements made by LGUs on Twitter and Facebook. And I am updating this post as new info becomes available. Metro Manila: Caloocan City – all levels (public and private schools) Las Piñas City – all levels (public and private schools) Makati City – all levels (public and private schools) Malabon – all levels (public and private schools) Mandaluyong City – all levels (public and private schools) Manila City – all levels (public and private schools) M...

Would you give your jacket to a naked street kid during a cold, rainy day? A young woman was caught on video doing exactly that. Such a pure heart. And I know the little girl wouldn’t forget her Good Samaritan. Ever. The video was sent to GMA-7’s YouScoop. Watch it below. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Philippines’ Best Restaurants 2012 will be coming out on Monday, July 30. Grab a copy at your favorite bookstore or digital newsstand. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

I miss those days when I would watch stage plays more than movies. Severino Reyes’ Walang Sugat is directed by Carlitos Siguion-Reyna. Tickets are priced at P800 with the following show dates at the CCP: Friday, August 10, 17 and 25 at 3 PM and 8 PM Saturday, August 11, 18 and 26 at 3 PM and 8 PM Sunday, August 12, 19 and 27 at 3 PM Click here to buy tickets. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe performed during the half-time of UAAP 75’s UST vs FEU men’s basketball game at SM Mall of Asia Arena last July 14. Ba’t gano’n? Bagong routine ba ito? Madulas ang sahig? But I guess slips and falls happen a lot. And I remain a big fan. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Rainy days. Cuddly dog. This is the first time she looked straight at the DSLR, when she doesn’t have any problem staring at the digicam. She’s quite afraid of the DSLR lens, but I guess not anymore. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Smart introduces TriNet Unli 40. Avail of unlimited calls and texts to Smart, Sun and Talk ‘N Text subscribers, plus post nonstop with unlimited Facebook access for only Php 40.00 a day! Just text TRINET40 to 2949 to be connected! Mechanics Offers are available to Smart Prepaid Subscribers nationwide. Offers comprise of texts to all networks + consumable calling minutes Smart/TNT/Sun + mobile internet. Texts may be sent to Smart, Talk ‘N Text, Globe, TM, and Sun. Calls may be used for call transactions from Smart Buddy to Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Sun only. To call, subscriber must dial *2949+11-digit Smart/TNT/Red #. Ex: *294909181234567 The subscriber shall also receive mobile internet allocations together with the packages usable only with mobile internet-capable handsets. Others Multiple availment is allowed. Subscriber can still avail of other voice and sms promos and services even if he/she is concurrently using the service. ...

A very cute and healthy Pomeranian is on the cover of Dog magazine’s July 2012 issue. Dog lovers will surely get a copy of the mag which boasts of features like Dog Agility, rules to follow when out with your dog, smart toys for dogs, The Lowdown On Your Dog’s Diet, and a lot more. Dog magazine is available in better magazine stands nationwide. I wonder if my Princess can get to cover this pub in the future. LoL! Follow me on Facebook and Twitter .

Last Sunday, after the feeling of being at the brink of flu for quite a few days, I finally bought something that I “overheard” on Twitter. It was actually a celebrity I follow on the microblogging site who posted the message that Berocca is her bestfriend during the rainy season. I Googled about it and found out that it’s a multivitamin brand, and told myself that if it’s not from a Chinese drugstore, I’d be willing to try. I’m not being racist, though. I just had a very bad experience with the Chinese vitamin brand Ling Zhi. Anyway, before going to church last Sunday, I dropped by Watsons to buy myself the smallest package of Berocca available. And it’s by 10’s. Costs a lot more than my usual Enervon but I was desperate on stopping the flu that I knew would hit me anytime soon. It was just funny that I thought it’s the usual vitamin tablet that you put in your mouth and swallow down with water. I bought a bottle of mineral water and while still inside SM, I opened the pack...

I didn’t wanna bring my DSLR bag, the one that came in the package, because it’s a little bulky and it won’t fit my backpack. I knew slinging the camera bag on my shoulders while commuting would be an invitation for snatchers to “come and get it.” So I’ve been leaving the camera bag at home and putting my camera inside my backpack, cushioning it with clothes… I knew it’s not okay to let the camera juggle with my stuff inside the backpack. So when I chanced upon this small Case Logic DSLR bag (model code TBC-306 ), I bought it in an instant. And that impulse buy left me with just 10 pesos in my pocket when I arrived home. No regrets, though. Aside from main compartment, it has a front and two side pockets where you can put your extra memory card, lens cap, or in my case, coins and a packet of tissue. You can also stuff the side pockets with extra cushion if you’re paranoid like that. It comes with a sling, but I think I’m not gonna use it since I bought a camera bag t...

I went back to Mt. Maculot two Saturdays ago (June 9) with a friend who has never climbed a mountain before. It wasn’t planned, actually. I was looking at my mountain climbing photos Friday night and decided I will climb the day after. I logged onto Facebook, checked who’s online and messaged random friends. Diego responded positively and we left a few hours later. We were at the registration in Cuenca by 6:30 AM. I actually intended to get there earlier but I still had to do so much that we were able to leave Taguig at 3 AM. Why I wanted to climb early? Because it was the Freedom Climb weekend. We were the first to register that day, but I was particularly slow due to not having even a minute of sleep (oh, reasons!) and I was with a virgin (it was Diego’s first mountain) so a group of three girls from Team Injury plus a solo hiker from Muntinlupa went past us. LoL! That made me miss my climbing buddy K. He wouldn’t let anyone do that to us, so he’d push me in the mildest po...