Friday, September 28, 2007

Picnic at Bais City

On our second day stay in Dumaguete, we woke-up early because we have to travel by bus to Bais City. The City is located on the east coast of Negros island, about 45 kilometers north of Dumaguete City. Its name is derived from the Visayan word “ba-is” for brackish-water eel – a fish specie native to the City and one which has become the City’s delicacy.
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Aside from being the cradle of Oriental Negros' sugar industry, Bais City has become famous for its dolphin and whale watching packages that continue to enthrall lovers of gentle cetaceans who troop to the city in the months of May to September to cruise along Bais City where if you are lucky, these entrancing mammals, untrained, leap and glide in a delightful acrobatic shows.




Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The City of Gentle People

After a little more than an hour travel via Fast Craft from Tagbiliran City, I arrived at Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental - The City of Gentle People. My two day itinerary here include a tour around the City on the first day and a trip to Bais City to watch dolphins and whales on the second day.

(Dumaguete Seal in Rizal Park)



Monday, September 24, 2007

Bar Exam 2007 Is Over

I have to make-up for lost grounds. It's my first time to join my friends in Araullo for the Bar Operation of 2007. Because of previous engagements, I have to beg-off from going to Manila on the first three Sundays. I promised our Dean that Batch 2006 Bar Passers will attend on the last Sunday. However, Atty Joan has Sore Eyes so I went alone to Manila where I met with Atty. Jenny and Atty Zea and then proceeded to the Bar Site.
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Call us nostalgic but we really can't help reminiscing about what we went through last year. Today we can only smile and tell our parts of the story but we really feel how our Barristers are feeling right at this moment. My friend even quipped that even if you offer her one million pesos, she will not take the Bar exam again. I said make it 3 million and I may reconsider (Just kiddin').
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The ambiance may be different, because of a Supreme Court Order, there are less activities in the morning. However, come 3 pm, the Festivities has begun: the drums and the cheers has started. Based on my personal experience, I prefer that drum beats be forever prohibited because it really distracted me last year. The room where I was assigned to last year was not totally soundproof and I can hear the beat of the drums as early as 3 pm. Just imagine the beat of the drums chorusing with the beat of your heart. There could be panic attack right there.
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But hey, supporters are supporters no matter what. They really mean no harm but just wanna cheer you up after eight grueling exams.
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So, after four years of law school, six months of review and a month of examination. It is now time for five to six months wait.




Been there. Done than. Now... it's time for the post-traumatic bar exam syndrome to begin.

To all my friends who took this year's exam, you can hold my hand anytime.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Loboc River

Ah life. A smorgasboard of seafood above a floating restaurant navigating Loboc River. What more could you ask for? . After climbing 214 steps in a stair leading to the Observation Deck of Chocolate Hills and a brief tour around Billar's Man Made Forest, we headed to a Floating Restaurant in Loboc to take our lunch. It was an "eat-all-you-can" array of mostly seafoods and barbeques with lots of native puto or kakanin. We were even serenaded by a guy who sang Native/Folk songs through-out the trip.


Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Chocolate Hills

I had a hearty breakfast at Bohol Divers Resort in Alona Beach, Panglao Island because this is going to be a busy day. My itinerary for this day includes visit to Chocolate Hills, then lunch in a ferry touring Loboc River and a tour around the province of Bohol.

Our first stop is the Chocolate Hills. It took us almost an hour and a half from Panglao to
Carmen, Bohol where portions of the hills are located. Although it is a long drive, you won't get bored of the road side sceneries which includes the man-made forest, Loboc River and Nipa/Coconut plantations.

Once you have reached Carmen, you have to climb a stair of about 200 steps to reach the top of one of the hills. A beautiful marker (shown below) shall greet you.



On the observation deck atop the hill, the view is definitely breath-taking.


Monday, September 17, 2007

Panglao Island

The beach, the sand, the fun in the sun - it's all here in Panglao Island. If you are looking for an alternative to Boracay or Puerto Galera, you may want to visit and try Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol.



Saturday, September 08, 2007

It's My Birthday

Today is my birthday . Another year older. (Another year wiser? --- hope so). September 8 is also the birthday of Mama Mary so I can proudly say that I am in good company.
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I chanced upon this site which tells us what does my birthday mean and just for fun, I am posting the results here:
Your Birthdate: September 8
Watch out Donald Trump! You've got a head for business and money.You'll make it rich some day, even if you haven't figured out how yet.A supreme individualist, you shouldn't get stuck in a corporate job.Instead, make your own way - so that you can be the boss.
Your strength: Your undying determination
Your weakness: You require an opulent lifestyle
Your power color: Plum
Your power symbol: Dollar sign
Your power month: August
Hahaha. I wish what the results say reflects what I am but honestly I do not see myself as filthy rich or a business tycoon but rather a simple married person, a father of a twin, living in a house in a ranch, in a home surrounded by gardens and having three Golden Retrievers who will accompany me when I take a stroll. Of course I will not complain if there is a Porsche in the garage. (WAKE UP!!!)
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Anyways, dreaming is fun and its free isn't it. Well, back to reality now, and my families and friends are starting to come in a simple lunch I prepare so, Happy Birthday to me and I believe that my past year has been eventful that I deserve a pat in the back. Cheers!!!

Friday, September 07, 2007

Yet Another Plaque...

Thank You Department of Education for the Plaque of Appreciation I received today. Thank You my dear teachers, I'll try my best to continue to be a principled public servant that you have perceived me to be.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Tree Planting

The City Government of Cabanatuan had a Tree-Planting activity along the newly concreted road along Gen. Tinio Ave. This pic was taken early this morning together with some of my staff in the City Accountant's Office.

Monday, September 03, 2007

Mr. India VS Mr. Philippines

Just wanna share this. Got this thru e-mail and I almost fell-off my seat laughing...
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Presenting Mr. India, purportedly one of the most gorgeous guys in the world:


And now presenting, his challenger... Mr. Philippines:

See how similar their poses are... Place your bets...
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GO PHILIPPINES!!! HAR HAR HAR

Sunday, September 02, 2007

GOOD LUCK 2007 BAR EXAMINEES

The four grueling Sundays of the 2007 BAR Examinations starts today. I got this e-card from one of my fave blog, so I wanna share this to all of my friends who are included in nearly 5,800 graduates who will take the BAR this year.
To my friends Aries Christian, Tin-tin, Rico, Kaye, May, Zenia and other examinees of the 2007 BAR, GOOD LUCK and we will pray for your success!!!