Owner: Pinoy Explorer URL:http://jrocas.com.ph Join Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2006 09:05:38 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: A Filipino biologist's blog on technology, science, health, politics and among other things. Site statistics:Click here
Blogging in a hospital? 2008-02-06 23:26:12 PinoyExplorer in a hospital
? Yes, you are absolutely right. Sometimes, travelling is an exhausting experience but it is worthwhile. Though I have a line of travelling stories to share, I was able to include this as my top priority for now.I stayed at St. Lukes hospital for 3 days now, but opsss! I am not the one who's sick:). I was here because my wife had experienced again a terrible drop of her potassium count and according to her doctor this is potentially a fatal condition that needs immediate medical action.According to the diagnosis, she has hypokalemia, a rare disease that has no definite cause. I don't wanna talk about it 'coz til now it remains a mystery to me. The doctor said an operation will be set for her adrenals and I know this means a big cut on my wallet. And that's the re Read more:Blogging
Punta Fuego's Alluring Beauty 2008-02-06 23:23:33 After the hurdles of month's activities, PinoyExplorer found time to visit the most lucrative private paradise of Nasugbu, Batangas by a special invitation courtesy of IBM Philippines. I joined the BPO Booth Camp conducted in this famous 88-hectare flame shape exclusive residential resort called Peninsula de Punta Fuego ("point of fire") .This is my first time to visit the place. I only browsed on it through glossy travel magazines. Mycontemporaries, Lito and I in IT was billeted in the luxurious Casitas Villas that were surrounded by lush gardens which is accessible to the golf course and country club. The room assigned to us was very cozy similar with any other five-star hotel in Metropolis with its amenities and security features centralized using a magnetic card key.After the seminar, Read more:Beauty
Manila Baywalk: Promenader's Paradise 2008-02-06 23:22:26 Tired of the usual scene in the malls? crowded and just teasing you with bargains during mall sales?...why not try another place to relax and experience a bit of nature and see the wonders of Paradise
Philippines.Start an early morning dew or cool afternoon walk in the most talk-about promenaders at the heart of Manila
- The Baywalk.Located along Roxas boulevard, the Baywalk had transformed into a favorite hangout for both local and foreign tourists who wants to experience a taste of nature while enjoying the cool breeze of Manila Bay.This project had started three years ago as part of Manila's local government program to reinvigorate the country's premier city. Today, commercial establishments sprouted over the place and offered various amenities for the visitors.Because of its open space
Rediscover the Beauty of Miag-ao 2008-02-06 23:05:31 I really don't know much about Miag-ao but I often heard it from my colleagues about its historical importance. So, when the opportunity came, I took the time to make the most out of the place. I have been to Iloilo City when I was in college but I had never been to Miag-ao. I just came here now to visit our branch office. I added as part of my itinerary the Spanish-old church of Miag-ao. Though some of my officemates decided to cancel our Miag-ao trip because of the intense heat this summer, I pushed with my plan and went along with my 6 other officemates. We travelled about 40 kms south-west of Iloilo City by a hired jeepney and we reached this famous religious gem of the south about 45 minutes. The Santo Tomas de Villanueva church which was listed in th Read more:Beauty
Portraits of Zobels and Ayalas 2007-08-05 00:33:17 PinoyExplorer goes to the throne of the Ayala's corporate empire at the heart of Makati (privacy please...). It is one of the high rise and prominent buildings in the area. The Ayalas are known to have the most or if not, one of the largest business conglomerates in the country. According to my host who worked closely with some of the Ayalas for a video-docu project, the place was really exclusive. Yes its true and it is well-secured.To get to the corporate office, you have to use the elevator (of course to most of the buildings) to reach other floors. After getting to the top, you use another elevator again in going up to its penthouse where the Ayala's big boss kept his office. Doors are secured through biometrics lock and the floor area was cleverly designed with security cameras and tw Read more:Portraits
Paradise Philippines: The P600,000 SEO Challenge 2007-07-13 09:56:09 After the success of the first SEO
contest in the Philippines
last year, another attempt was set forth by SEO Philippines founder Marc Macalua to promote the beauty and splendor of 7,000+ islands of the Philippines thru bayanihan spirit of Filipinos all over the world.So what is this SEO all about? Many have heard it but to the newcomer in website optimization this is an alien word for them. Not everyone who has a blog are aware and planning for this contest or let's say they just don't care. Bloggers thrive not because they want to earn dollars thru it or join a contest like this. I don't want to think that way. Instead I want to conclude that bloggers are here because we have something in common.... passion.But nowadays, your niche is very important if you want to be seen and read by t Read more:Paradise
, Challenge
Photos Led to Boracay's Discovery 2007-07-10 09:26:53 We are surprised by its awesome beauty. We enjoyed the powder-like white sands and breathtaking sunset. But do you have any idea how this beautiful island called Boracay
was discovered?It was my second time in Boracay and I was not here for any ordinary outing experience. I was here in search of Boracay's history, art and culture. But the truth of the matter is, this island does not have much of a history and it's quite challenging to find out its past.I began my work early morning strolling down the 4- kilometer stretch of the beach shore, even if I was a bit tired from the party the night before with my officemates. I went to the southern part and found myself in the unexplored haven of Brgy. Manoc-manoc. Though the place has a few sprouts of establishments already, it is not overcrowd Read more:Discovery
Destination: Eagle's Point 2007-07-10 09:25:22 Pinoy Explorer is on the go again. Recently, I was able to visit the fabulous resort of Eagle
Point in Batangas. Local residents in this area called the place "Bagalangit" which means "Almost Heaven". It has something that they can be proud of, clean sea air, pristine waters, perfect for scuba divers and fantastic sunset view by the bay.The place is located on the tip of the Calumpang Peninsula and just two and a half hours drive from Manila but actually we had reached the place form Manila almost 5 hours. That includes a stop-over in Lipa, Batangas . This privately-owned haven is one of the biggest and best resorts so far in Anilao-Mabini area.The place is simply amazing because it has scenic islands that is perfect relaxation place for people who want to escape the congested metropolis. Read more:Destination
A Day with Ana's Band 2007-07-09 00:27:02 For a photographic point of view, perfect lighting is very important to achieve the drama that we wish for the final output of an image. And for a natural lighting, we depend on the time where sunlight is on its perfect form. That's what I am trying to explain to my clients everytime we do an outdoor photo shoot.This time, I have an emergency pictorial for an upcoming band named Ana Loves Sundays. You might ask why its an emergency? My friend Dennis called me up late in the evening and referred me this project. We come up for a half-day shoot because it's the only time I'll be available. I have some pending jobs in the office that needs attention. We have decided to start early at 8 am so we can make most of the natural lighting.The plan don't went fine as we have expected. We are at UP Di
An International Bookfair for Filipinos 2007-07-09 00:26:52 With the theme "Make it a habit", The 27th Manila International
Book Fair culminated last August 30-Sept. 3, 2006 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This is an annual event for book lovers and a big show for all book publishers. Everyone has its own strategies and way to attract book lovers to visit their booths, attend special events and a showcase of their respective products and services. One of them is Vibal Publishing House - one of the big publishers who has free story telling for children. They have children's story and coloring books that are bestsellers. They have invited Ms. Cha Chua and her group from Alitaptap Storyteller's Club to conduct storytelling session at the Function Room B of the bookfair. It was a success and needless to say that it had attracted not just kids
A Father to my Son 2007-07-09 00:26:40 My time was already eaten by my work that sometimes I have already forgotten that my family needs my presence and quality time. Last week, I ponder things and I realized my shortcomings when I was at the hospital holding my son while he was being injected with syringe to control his high fever. I felt his heartbeat pounds so hard as he struggled to escape from the medical procedure. I told myself that I should took that pain instead of him for he is not supposed to be prone from pain and hardship. My heart seemed to break from pity especially when my child uttered the word "Papa, Papa!" Try to imagine that, and you'll probably feel what I feel.The dextrose had slipped-out of his hand because he tried to escape from the grip of many hands holding him. I suggested to stop the doctor from doi Read more:Father
Epix-06 Honors Best Images of the Year 2007-07-09 00:26:10 Last Sunday, October 29 was a very commemorative date in my photography world. This is the day when budding photographer like me will be honored with pride as we contribute our talent preserving moments of our time.I rushed to MRT station going to Chino Roces in Makati City for the awarding ceremony of Epix-06 conducted by Epson Philippines held and organized in cooperation with One Workshop Studio.I come late because I have a visitor then in my house in Quezon City and I was so tired that made me fall asleep. I was able to reach the venue almost past six and everyone are having their heavy snacks.The awarding proceeded almost 5 p.m. because according to some photog friends who are also an awardees, the day was full of photo op with free live models to shoot and plus of course the food. Read more:Honors
, Images
A Vacation in Baguio 2007-07-09 00:26:02 At last, a vacation was fulfilled after the hurdles in the office. But still has to work in baguio for a day meeting with our librarian/editor and to give the indexing of the book that is already scheduled for the press. The Xmas break is the only time that I should pursue since the coming year is expected to be tight with deadlines and activities.Anyway, three days and two nights in a cozy old house of my "Ninong Lloyd" is something that I cherished and thankful about. At least, I have saved money for other expenses as we stroll all over this romantic place with my wife, my little prince and my younger siblings. This is my second long trip with my family for a vacation. We have been to my hometown in Bicol few months ago and now here we are in the summer capital of the Philippines-Bagui Read more:Vacation
, Baguio
FABIAN: An Artist worth remembering 2007-07-09 00:25:53 In the art circle, the name "Fabian de la Rosa" never rings a bell. It is because nobody pays attention to his works or probably, he has been forgotten for the past centuries and has never been taught or introduced to the younger generation. I also have to accept that I was not knowledgeable about him and his works and never seen one until I was involved in an artbook project of Filipiniana.net and UP Jorge Vargas Museum.Later did I realized that "Lolo Fabian" was a vital link that bridges two generations of artists. My research on his life allows me to know that De La Rosa was the direct heir to the artistic traditions set forth by homegrown talent Simon Flores, his uncle and first teacher, and by the European-trained Hidalgo and Luna. He was also the first Filipino director of the Univer Read more:Artist
Long Live Philippine Blog Awards-07 2007-07-09 00:25:24 Finally, the bests of Filipino Blogs was acknowledge at the 1st Philippine
Blog Awards
last night at the Podium of RCBC Plaza in Makati City. I was able to attend the awards night with my wife and I was thankful to the organizer for sending me an invite.I accompanied my wife at the Glorietta to do her regular shopping before we proceeded to the venue earlier at 5:00 pm. She was actually hesitant to go because she was already exhausted but I have been able to convinced her to go since we are already in Makati.We have meet Mr. Abe Olandres who was one of the early birds. He was known to the bloggers as "Yuga" and one of the pioneers in the blogging scene in the Philippines. Actually his group are the ones who conceptualized this project because they believe that there's a blog community grow
A Time to Reflect 2007-07-09 00:25:13 In the Philippines, the Holy Week culminates the solemn observance of Christians faith. Countless "Cenaculos" and "Pabasas" reciting and re-enacting the passion and death of Jesus Christ will again be traditionally observed. This rituals became one of the tourist attractions during the Lenten Season.Last Sunday, April 1 marks the Palm Sunday. It signifies and highlights the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago. In Sto. Domingo church alone where I usually attends mass was full of vendors with their palm branches reaching people who will attend the mass.Truly the world is turning so fast and here comes another year for us to reflect on what we have done so far. We, at the big city sometimes forgot about these festivities and usually go the beaches and relax.
Pieces of Hope in Albay 2007-07-09 00:25:01 Cagsawa Ruins, the famous landmark of Bicol region are still intact and are spared from the ravaging flash floods brought by typhoon Reming last year. It resulted to more than a thousand deaths from various municipalities surrounding the Mt. Mayon in Albay province.It is contrary to the reports made by foreign and local media who covered the fiasco and said that it was washed away and half buried by pyroclastic materials from Mt. Mayon. Local residents said that mediamen were not able to reach the Cagsawa ruins because roads leading to it were impassable and full of boulders and sand that reaches up to 20 ft. high. November 30, 2006, four months after the strong typhoon, I visited this place again and witnessed the real condition of the people and the landmark. The roads that led to it wer
Camarines Sur: Home for Xtreme Sports in Asia 2007-07-09 00:24:50 I have been to Bicol region just recently and the talk-of-the town there was about the new sport complex that is still being developed by the provincial government. It is a world-class facility that will house extreme sports such as dirt biking, skateboarding and the now popular cabled-waterskiing.The Cam Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) was the first world-class facility in Asia
located inside the Provincial Capitol Complex or commonly known as "Kapitolyo." The concept was patterned in Florida, USA who led the popularity of extreme watersports all over the world. "Kapitolyo" is also the place of the regional government office. It has facilities for all sorts of public recreation. I remembered during my high school days when we regularly visited this place for our outing. I also brought my w Read more:Xtreme
, Sports
Pinay Heroes on Everest 2007-07-09 00:24:07 Philippine Flag has been raised again at the top of Mt. Everest
for the second time. The first is when three Filipino mountainers (Leo Oracion, Pastour Emata and Romi Garduce) successfully reached the summit last year during the 1st Philippine Mt. Everest Expediton and now, three Filipinas made their historic feat as the first ASEAN women to reach the highest mountain on Earth.NoelleWenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Belarmino composes the Kaya ng Pinay Team and had successfully reach the summit last May 17, 2007. They were supported by their expedition leader Art Valdez and ABS-CBN correspondent Abner Mercado.Last February 25, Pinoy Explorer was on a book launch at the Market! Market in Fort Bonifacio to honor the Filipino feat to Everest. The book is entitled "Sa Bubungan ng Mundo", a
Pahiyas: Feast of San Isidro Labrador 2007-07-09 00:23:55 May is a month of fiesta in the Philippines and mostly devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Countless Flores de Mayo are being held in various barrios throughout the country where flowers are being offered by children and Santacruzan are for young ladies who vie for the Reyna Elena status.But the month of May is also about celebrating the feast of their patron saints. To all of us, May 15 is just an ordinary summer fiesta but to many religious believers, its more than a celebration for it comemmorates the feast of San Isidro Labrador
, the saint of the farmers.Today, He is considered as the number one choice as Patron Saint of Churches in the Philippines not because of any religious congregation established in his honor but he was chosen based on the number of terms the churches honoring him Read more:Feast
109th Philippine Independence Day? 2007-07-09 00:23:24 Its another historic move for Pres. Arroyo for making June 12 as working holiday. As expected, there's a scarcity of attendees for the yearly parade at the Luneta Grandstand. Even the Flag raising ceremony at Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite City was said to be done by a civilian. Does it mean that Filipinos now doesn't care more about its Independence
? The 109th Independence Day celebration was noteworthy even for its short parade and small crowd. But some who who did attend the said affair said they saw no significance in the day itself. Even the leaders of our Congress were noticeably absent in the invitation. Students were also invisible unlike the previous years. Well, time is passing by and I just don't like remembering dull moments. I usually went there to cover the event special Read more:Philippine
Start to Brag about your Blog! 2007-07-09 00:23:09 I accidentally browse this site and i think it's something cool to let others know about your blog. The Blogger's choice Awards is on and accepting nominations on what you think can be the greatest blog of them all!It is divided into several categories from serious ones down to the worst blogs. Which one are you? Vote your own site and invite other's to join you. So this time, PinoyExplorer join the race for fun and let the world know that Philippines is something worth to visit.If you think you like this site, please vote! Read more:Start
18th Philippine Travel Mart 2007-07-09 00:22:31 Watch out for another forthcoming event in Philippine
travel this September. PHILTOA will be holding the 18th Philippine Travel
Mart (PTM) on September 7-9, 2007 at the SM Megatrade Hall. The event will focus on the thousand and one ways to enjoy the country’s beautiful scenes, attractions, and facilities. With its theme: “Everything’s Here for You” emphasize the PTM’s distinction in the market as the country’s one-stop reference on tour packages and the various components of travel such as transport, accomodations, dining, banquets, and convention sites, traditional and new media marketers and promoters. For sure local airlines and shipping companies would seduced the public for a possible 50% discounts on transportations. Hotels and resorts operators would surely follow t
Squatters on Fire 2008-03-13 06:38:23 PinoyExplorer witnessed another terrifying fire in Talayan, Quezon City and its victims — same old stories we heard from the news and its eyewitnesses. In the metropolis, squatters are always the once being blamed and they are literally on fire every time this untoward incident happens. Because of their dilapidated shanties and uncontrolled behavior they are the most known conductor of fire. Much more, due to the limited entry and exit points in the area, firefighters find it hard to reach its epicenter.Obviously, this month is a Fire prevention awareness and sad to say that what the government can provide are only flyer's and posters of Tips on Fire Preventions. They are helpless to address this common problem we face each year. The root of this issue is not yet resolved and how many
Lucban: Holy Week Destination for 2008 2008-03-23 08:34:09 This lenten season, PinoyExplorer observed the holy week thru its simple mean and join the rest of the world commemorating the sacrifices, death and resurrection of the Lord. I have been to Visita Iglesia in the provinces of Quezon, Cavite and Batangas and joined the good friday procession in San Pablo, Laguna. With me are my in-laws, their relatives and family and together, we visit old and monumental churches in the south. But what strikes me most among the places I've visited this "Cuaresma" is the province of Lucban, Quezon. Here's why.As we drive the Southern Tagalog region this holy week, I have witnessed the long stretch traffic when we reach barangay Tinamnan in Lucban. The heat of the sun is so intense that no one in our convoy wants to go out and try to find out the reason behind Read more:Destination
Xendra: 2008-03-26 12:11:56 Just after the holy week break, PinoyExplorer goes north for a tight technical job schedule that needs to be accomplished this Thursday, March 27, 2007. This is in preparation for the Turn-over ceremony of Don Antonio Lee Chi Uan Integrated School to the Department of Education (DepEd) in collaboration with Globe Asiatique, ABS-CBN Foundation and Vibal Foundation.Sorry if I don't want to elaborate further about the project 'coz this is another side of the story. Instead, let me I give emphasis about this village that I came across and making waves in the realty development and low cost housing in Brgy. Calibutbut, Bacolor, Pampanga.This is my first time to visit Bacolor and have though that I have already had passed this area when I travel far north. Brgy. Calibutbut really sounds ali
Palawan: My Adventure series 2008-04-22 20:38:30 April 22, 2008This summer, its work with pleasure :) and its nice to be given this rare opportunity to visit the last frontier of the south- Palawan.I will be spending my 4 days here and hope to share with you something memorable experience that any adventure traveler like me would like to know. This week Puerto Princesa City is hosting the 2008 Palarong Pambansa at the Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex from April 20-26 and for sure this would be my first stop to get a glimpse of the 10,000 strong contingents of the said sporting event.Wes and I aboard the plane via Air Philippines bound for Puerto Princesa by 9:15 am and its my first time to travel by plane in day time. I'm glad that I got an advantage corner (beside a window) and got a wonderful shot of fractus culumus cloud formation w Read more:Adventure
, series
Palawan: Host of Palarong Pambansa 2008 2008-04-28 08:49:42 April 23, 008Given the scarcity of time while in a conference session, I manage to sneak few moments of my time to visit the Palarong Pambansa being held here in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.As per the tricycle driver who acted as my guide, the venue of the events are in various places and giving him my choice of sport would be easy for him to bring me to the exact destination point. Instead, I have requested him to bring me to the nearest event venue regardless of sports.The Palawan Coliseum is my first stop though its been late already still, what I can do is to have my occular visit and see the facility at the same time. The venue is for gymnastics and for the championship event for basketball. Gymnastics participants are practicing and Its on my advantage 'coz I will given a close enc
WikiPilipinas: The Summer Getaway 2008-04-30 06:06:59 Summer 2008 is here and the Philippine beaches for sure is the perfect destination to most Filipinos. This year, PinoyExplorer goes on the road for a Northern Adventure this summer, this time not with my fellow photogs, not with my family and friends but with the WikiPilipinas Team. You're right WikiPilipinas goes north for their summer getaway.This blog will be a series of posts (hopefully :) ). This will give you a day to day updates of WikiPilipinas itinerary as it simulates the Philippine Tour Guide of the North. As a refresher, WikiPilipinas- the Philippine encyclopedia has a Philippine Tourist Guide inside its pages. Check it out so you can have a glimpse of your favorite destinations. And if you think you have something to add on, start writing.As part of the itinerary, WikiPilipina Read more:Summer
WikiPilipinas: The way to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte 2008-05-04 11:50:06 Everyone was excited and before we left, Team WikiPilipinas were in a hurry finishing their chores to prepare for their week long vacation. And as planned, the first group already left by 7:30 pm while my group stays a night at Gus' residence in Fort Bonifacio, planned our tour, a bit of WikiPilipinas projects assessments and a decision to wake up early in the morning.Gus will be taking the plane in the afternoon with George while Christine, Cris and myself will have a long drive from Manila and meet with them in Laoag International Airport. His personal driver, Jerry would be our pilot with his jet-powered Fortuner :) Since, we recessed the night at 2 am, we woke up late and left Fort Bonifacio by 9 am already. Jerry promised us that we will be on time and he had already estimated the Read more:Pagudpud
, Ilocos
, Norte
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