Hang on

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
-Thomas Jefferson

Coffee Pot(ty)

Considered to be the world's most expensive coffee, these beans are actually Philippine civet (Paradoxorus Philippinensis) droppings. Now, now before you reach for your barf bag, allow me to elaborate. These civets (known as alamid in the Philippines) eat coffee berries as part of their diet. The inner bean of the berry remain undigested and are eliminated by them which are then harvested, washed and slightly roasted by the farmers. Its said that the digestive enzymes of the civet give the coffee that yummy taste. I am not sure about that as I haven't tasted it yet given its astronomical price. Hopefully, this post might take me somewhere *wink, wink*.

For more information on the coffee alamid, click here.

Marlboro country?

Someone who had spare paint was creative enough, triggered perhaps by nicotine, to create this huge replica of a cigarette from an old post. Make a mental note of checking it out when you happen to be at C.P. Garcia.

Colorful ride

Around the fourth quarter of last year, Coca-Cola launched an ad campaign to promote their product by having the UP jeepney owners put a life size figure of the Coke bottle on the roofs of their jeeps and the vibrant images and slogans on the vehicle's body. It was a smash at that time especially for the students who take these jeepneys to go from one building to another within the university.

I no longer see them on the campus. Pardon my getting sentimental, but I can't help it with all the fare increases here and there. Some drivers charge a minimum of 8 pesos while some are pegging it at 8.50. Jeez! I wish they can all make up their minds. And I want the red jeepneys back.

The Boy Scout Monument

All along you're wondering "Who the heck are these boy scouts and why do we have streets with their names?" Well, first I think you should mind your manners; second (and as an answer to your question) they were our delegates to the 11th World Jamboree in Marathon, Greece. There were 24 of them - Filipino boy scouts and scout officials. They, unfortunately, died in a plane crash in Bombay, India en route to the jamboree on July 23, 1963. In their memory, the City Council of Quezon City renamed the streets in the Kamuning and Roxas Districts after them on April 24, 1964 . Twenty five years after the tragedy, former President (then Chief Scout) Corazon C. Aquino declared July 28 of every year as Scout Memorial Day honoring not only the ill-fated Jamboree heroes but all the other Scouts and Scouters who died on the line of duty.

With just a week left, the monument workers have serious work to finish. I am posting this photo both as a tribute to the scouts but also as a little reminder that the construction people need to hurry up.
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The boy scouts who died in the plane crash: from the Manila BS Council: Ramon V. Albano, Henry Chuatoco, Jose Antonio Delgado, Pedro Gandia, Wilfredo Santiago and Ascario Tuason, Jr. From the Quezon City BS Council: Roberto Castro, Romeo R. Rallos and Rogelio Ybardolaza. Felix Fuentebella, Jr., represented both the Manila and Goa, Camarines Sur BS Councils. The rest of the scouts: Victor de Guia, Jr. (Baguio City), Antonio Limbaga (Zamboanga City), Roberto Lozano (Dagupan City), Paulo Madriñan (Pasay City), Jose Fermin Magbanua (Negros Oriental), Filamor Reyes and Antonio Torillo (Cavite) and Benecio Tobias (Tarlac). Visit their website for more information.

La Mesa EcoPark

Maybe you're too exhausted from work and utterly convinced that you need a breather but you don't really have the patience to navigate the EDSA highways nor the budget to spend on gas for a quick trip to the nearest town out of Manila. Well, worry not. Try heading to the La Mesa Eco Park where you can be one with nature without having to put a hole in your pocket.

So, how does one go there?
For those taking public transportation, you can take a bus/FX/jeepney bound for Fairview and get off at the East Fairview Subdivision. At its gate are green colored tricycles that can take you to the park for 25 pesos. If you plan on bringing your own vehicle, take Commonwealth Avenue towards Fairview. Turn right at East Fairview Subdivision and from there you'll find signs leading you to the park. Park fee is 50 pesos but Quezon City residents get a 10 peso discount so if you're from here, better bring your ID. All revenues generated by the La Mesa Ecopark are used for the preservation and protection of La Mesa Watershed. For more information, visit their park website. Click here for a short video clip.

On the road

Having to waste your time inside a taxi cab because of traffic is already bad in itself but finding yourself sharing that ride with a highly opinionated driver is even worse. He has so much to say on how to solve the nation's problem, Madame President should really get him as an adviser.

Anyway, this photo was taken while inside the cab. I was secretly hoping that waving my camera would make him shut up. I guess I should wish harder.

School Spirit

The 71st UAAP games have begun. All eyes will be at the men's basketball teams especially with the so-called rivalries amongst them. Fighting in the name of school honor and pride.

I guess Miming up there is still a little undecided whether to cheer for the Blue Eagles or root for the Green Archers?

Click photo to better view his fascinating eyes.

Kilometer Zero

Situated at the west of the Rizal monument, this flagpole (also known as kilometer zero) is the point of reference from north and south of the country and where all road distances are measured from.

What's your story?

Magaling magkwento ang mga Pinoy.
Manuod ng mga kakaibang istorya ng pangkarinawang buhay
na pupukaw sa isip at damdamin.
Ano'ng kwento mo?

On its fourth year, Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will be showcasing ten full-length and ten short films. Roxyfoxy and Parisianinpinas went with me yesterday to CCP to catch 100 by writer and director Chris Martinez. It is a story of a "stern, uptight and exacting woman with a terminal illness who tries to accomplish a list of 100 things to do before she dies." Sure, the story is nothing original but what I really liked was that it was told in a very light manner. You don't leave the movie house with a heavy heart but with a new outlook towards life.

At the ground floor was a little exhibit. And in there, one thing immediately caught my attention. In this day and age of flat/LCD/plasma TV screens I find that bulky red box strangely comforting. Childhood reminder of afternoon entertainment.