Meet Zorro

I often see him when I do my daily runs at the academic oval. As far as I know, he's a resident of Krus na Ligas and for the unitiated, that is a looooong way from Timog Avenue where I took photo. He usually hangs out with outdoor buffs and are often found engrossly reading a newspaper. Nobody really knows his real name or how old he is. But one thing's for sure, he certainly makes one heck of a fashion statement.

Smokin'

This year's World No Tobacco Day theme is Tobacco Free Youth.

Indeed, the tobacco industries catch our children at an early age. They see the ads on TV and in movie houses, from the huge billboards at EDSA, when they go online, etc. The fact that all of these are "nurtured" by their families as well to get into the habit of puffing is disconcerting - dad asks his kid to buy some sticks from the sari-sari store, mom smokes in the house, etc.

If you love your children, help break the habit. Break the tobacco marketing net.

Plugging the Pinoy flag

Yesterday was Philippine flag day, so if you're still clueless as to why everywhere you turn you see it displayed, well THAT is why.

Join in flaunting Pinoy pride - wave the flag, display it in the office and homes. Do it because you love your country. Do it because you are a Filipino. (And no, making a Guinness record is not a valid reason.)

Who wants free texting?

Apart from, maybe, visiting the shopping malls more frequently than we should be, sending SMS messages (or texting, as we Pinoys casually calls it) has become an integral part of our life. We text everywhere and anywhere sometimes forgetting that we're supposed to be hearing mass or listening to our boring professors or crossing the street (ack!)

But as to why someone would have four SIM cards is beyond me. Never mind the fact that he has only one phone unit and that it takes so much time switching from one SIM to another. Ignore, too, the ire of his friends when they fail to get in touch with him on his phone number 1 as he was using phone number 2 that time. All these do not deter the fun-loving Pinoy. And why would he be? Texting here is cheap - at least according to ParisianinPinas.

Though I'm not avid texter, I have to admit that my attention was grabbed by this proposal for free text messages. Hm. Its not exactly a bad idea.

At any rate, I'll let the bigwigs decide that non-issue. In the meantime, here are some messages that I was able to save in my 5 year old phone- all forwarded by either my friends and/or my sister. Enjoy!

• It's better late than pregnant.
• If others can do it, why help?
• An apple a day is NOT an apple at night.

Enlightenment

Eating healthy may be the in thing now and for some that means going vegetarian. And as one figures his way out of the pseudo-labyrinth that is the non-meat eating world, one will soon find out that there’s not much of a go-to place when it comes to dining. Well, worry no more as Green’s Restaurant and Café, located at the corner of Scout Tuazon and Sct. Castor, provides gastronomical wonders that will satisfy even the most jaded carnivore. Try their sisig, kebabs, various pastas and (eggless!) desserts. The ambience is cozy and the service very good.


Oh, and there’s free wi-fi. Green's is so good you’d feel like you’re in nirvana.
For contact information and more photos click here.

Time out

With their duties starting as early as 3AM, its not a wonder these kamineros (street cleaners) were lured to take some rest under the waiting shed. Or maybe because its pink - to match their shirt. That's sleeping in style!

Sunday Market

Most countries have their own version of their local market - colorful, vibrant, very much alive. Just like those places, the Philippines have several that would make any intrepid shopper go ga-ga. What sets this one apart, though, is its location -right smack in the premise of a hospital, the Lung Center of the Philippines. And no, they don't sell lungs or any parts of the respiratory system here, so you can go ahead and pocket your joke right there.

For half the mall price, one can get fresh produce from various regions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. And get this, they have a row of tables selling everything and anything for 10 pesos and less. What a bargain indeed!

Below is a photo of a Pinoy breakfast staple - longganisa (Philippine chorizo) from Lucban, Quezon.

If you want to have a unique shopping experience, I strongly suggest that you allot one Sunday for the Lung Center Market. See you there

More photos here.

Pilipinas kong Mahal

With a little over two weeks left before the 110th Philippine independence, these posters of the Philippine flag have been placed almost all over the metro -from the swanky hotels to the unassuming government offices, from the train stations to the overly populated bridges. I guess its the government's way of reminding the commuters that despite the seemingly unending rallies and the perverse corruption in the government (among other things), there are still good things that we can identify ourselves with as a nation and as Filipinos.

Mushroom burger

Far more healthy and far more scrumptious than the other M-burger. And, no, they don't have mascots to scare your kids off. With branches at Tagaytay City and West Ave., Quezon City, you are sure to have a chance of tasting that earthy goodness. If you are too lazy to move your ass, worry not as they also deliver. Contact them here.

Not a tuk-tuk

Its our very own three-wheeled limo.

The weigh in

Someone's trash is somebody else's wealth.

Taho

In the neighborhood where I grew up, we kids all rush to meet our ultimate morning hero - the taho vendor. We're reduced to adoring fans waiting to be acknowledged and be given our own little cup of white, warm soft goodness mixed with that golden syrup arnibal and lots of firm sago. Yum, yum.

He said, she said

Ah. What better way to kill time in your car while stuck in traffic than to read poetry.
Very intellectual!

Now Showing

If you haven't seen any trailer on it, fret not. At least the students of St. Luke's College of Nursing have a better excuse in going to the mall.

School is cool!

Daily produce

"When we stop buying products from a store, they die a natural death.
I surmise that the same is true with all the malevolent personalities amidst us. But our inaction is one way of patronizing them.
Let's stop buying their lies and corruption and make them accountable for their actions (or inactions), too."
-written at the main door of the cafe

The Conspiracy Garden Cafe does not only pride itself with excellent music and exquisite cuisine. I personally like the fact that they're always socially involved. As we all should be.

Ahm-beRRR-geRR

That is Parisian in Pinas. He had his international driver's license converted to non-pro today at LTO. Imagine our surprise and amusement when we both got stamped with this unique "artwork". I don't think there's any other office in the world that equates burger for entry. Others just ask for your ID.

Blowin'

The newspaper clip says that he was playing the world's smallest flute. Am not so sure about that but whatI am certain of is that he played VERY well. He played so good that he had everybody stop their shopping and just stare in deep admiration. Oldies but goodies indeed. Impressive!

Taking it to the streets

This is a pretty common sight here in the country. It happens almost every week. For almost any reason you can think of. Lead by Piston, this one was supposed to be a transport strike to oppose the obscene increase in the price of gas.

Savings

Timeshare - share your time.

Happy Mother's Day

It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.
-from the television show The Golden Girls


They say that motherhood is an all-day, everyday job that is all about giving, giving, giving. Whew! Here's hoping that all moms get their well-deserved hugs (and kisses) not only today but each and every single day of their lives.

Fender Bender

Well, let's all hope that the vehicle driver is on his way to the garage.

(By the way, the author deliberately covered the plate number to protect the identity of the owner.)

Summer fun

Isn't it amazing how an old transparent, plastic bag tied to a used PET bottle can bring so much joy to a little boy. The innocence of youth is definitely enviable.

Kyusi

The Quezon Memorial Circle is to Quezon City as what the Rizal Park is to Manila.

Statesman and Patriot,
Lover of Freedom,
Advocate of Social Justice,
Beloved of His People

-written on the epitaph of the tomb of former Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon (1877-1944).

This was taken a few months back using my old point and shoot camera. I thought it will be nice to feature one of the more prominent landmarks in the city.