Quote of the Day

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

– Lao Tzu

Just Around the Corner

Christmas is really just around the corner, judging from the decors found in the malls.

(pic: a diorama in The Block, SM City. SM City is the largest mall in the Philippines, 3rd largest in the world)

Proudly Filipino

Manny Pacquiao puts another dominating performance, winning the record 7th title in 7 weight classes against Cotto.

(watching the fight at home)

Christmas Trees

Festive and ready for the holidays, Shangri-La Makati is decked with colorful Christmas trees

Quote of the Day

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

-- Mark Twain

(pic: a young boat tender in Coron, Palawan, Philippines)

Manila Sunset

Manila sunset, as seen from Avida Towers New Manila, 20 floors up

Zamboanga Hermosa

I went home to Zamboanga City - now being touted by local authorities as Asia's (only) Latin City - for my mom's birthday celebration. While there I visited the shrine of Our Lady of Pilar at Fort Pilar, then went to see the sunset at Paseo del Mar, a sea-side promenade just beside the Lantaka Hotel. I had fun watching Badjao kids dive for coins along the sea wall.

pics: top, Fort Pilar; bottom, Paseo del Mar

Rocketship Christmas Tree

Christmas is in the air, about to be launched by this rocketship-shaped Christmas tree in Shangri-La mall

Waiting for Coins

Badjao kids wait for coins from curious onlookers, at Paseo del Mar, in Zamboanga City. Badjaos are sea-faring people who live in small boats in most parts of their lives. They supplement their income by diving for coins thrown by people along the sea wall.

Zamboanga Bound

I'm taking a weekender in Zamboanga City, via an early flight at NAIA 3

Where are the Oompa-Loompas?

Donuts being glazed with chocolate, at Krispy Kreme Greenhills

Take U to the Philippines

Black Eyed Peas' apl.de.ap - who has Filipino roots - collaborated with Philippine Department of Tourism for this music video to promote Philippine tourism. The video was created by motion design and production studio Royale.

Apl.de.ap is in town for a benefit concert at Skydome, SM North EDSA today.