Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Mother's Day: The Best for your MOMMA!

Mother's day is fast approaching and we struggle again to find the best gift for our mother, I just want to know which one do you think will be more appropriate for your Mom.the company I work for has come up with packages that are ideal for mothers.

If you were to choose which one would you prefer? (let me know by choosing from the poll)

The comfort package: Munchies, Sweets and goodies for our Best momma!

The Pamper Package: Beauty product Like lotion, Shampoo, Soap and pampering products that will surely make or mother feel like a beauty queen.

The Comfort and pamper package: combination of Comfort package and Pamper Package suited for the most important lady of our life.

Please feel free to choose which one do you think your mother will appreciate. let me know what you think! Thanks!

Which one is the Best Mothers Day Gift Package?

I'm not bidding any riddance on this post...Instead, let me say Cheers to all the Mothers out there!
**design and photos of the packages are done by Good Riddance!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Reminiscing Lake Caliraya's Beauty

Last year a friend of mine gave me a grand birthday gift....
It was a road trip and a tour of Caliraya.
Caliraya is located in Lumban Laguna, It's a man made 7.6 hectare lake located in a high land about 1200 above sea level. It caters to a handful resort with different water recreational activities like fishing, swimming, boating, water ski, jet ski and a lot more.
Fortunately my friend shouldered all the expenses including the speed boat which he rented so we can tour the lake, the most exciting part is driving it myself...I felt like in Miami vice. We cruise the lake late in the afternoon and I was given a glimpseof the sunset in Caliraya...
I would love to go back in Caliraya and enjoy the serene beauty of that lake...Make a perfect get away from the bustle and hustle of Metro Manila.

Taking a hitch on the way to Caliraya Taking the Rizal Route about 2 hours drive

Gulping the most refreshing drink off all time"coconut juice"

one of the stop over "Mystical Falls" if i'm not mistaken.

The Water Tower at my back
Arraving at Lagos del sol Resort and Hotel

While Enjoying the ride, the scenery, the fresh air.

Changing Sails: Being The Captain

Ending the DAY!
Caliraya Is the best place to be, a quick get away in just a few hours drive and your in a Paradise.
My good Riddance to the Speed boat I know I won't be able to drive another one hahaha...or it would take a while but then again I will be back and maybe just maybe I might be able to drive you again in the Beautiful Lake Caliraya.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Flu Vaccination: Ouchy

A few weeks ago we had our first flue vaccination in our company. I'm so glad that our company cares and they are giving us protection against flu infection.

According to wikipedia: "Influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infection and its potentially severe complications."

Of course I wanted to document the occasion so I brought with me my ever reliable camera. To my surprise I learned that a lot of people are really scared of the needle. I took some shots of my co employee particularly my agents who are all jumpy and unsteady...take a look!
The girls are having a hard time covering their faces to hide fear, they all anticipate the pain.

Trying hard to control, relax at first but breaks down after the prick...
The guys looks more relax but looking at their faces it seems like they are just reassuring them selves that this won't hurt plus the fact that I was taking their pics they know that the have to maintain their machismo...hahaha! I know I was annoying at that time...errr...sorry folks!

Of course they won't spare me...their sweet revenge...and I have to say "damn, it hurts!"it was a good and ouchy time...we are protected for a year at least, until next year!

My Good Riddance to Mr. Needle...We'll be battling with you again next year...sometimes it takes a little pain to be safe!


Monday, April 13, 2009

Gone to Cagbalete for the weekend



Originally there was supposed to be a tour guide to assist us but due to unforeseen incident the tour was canceled. But we can't cancel the trip because this is the only time that all of us are available so I have to create a plan B...

I started searching the internet to gather as many information needed for this trip...Maps, Resorts, Stories, Blogs and etc...Started texting the resorts and calling them to make a reservation.And we are off to go to Cagbalete...(An Island Near Mauban Quezon)

Hired manong Dino to drive for us, set the trip at 10am
No stop over we are raising against time, my fear was at the strike of 3pm there will be no one available to sail us to Cagbalete island... we got lost because all of us are busy having a good time inside the van, throwing jokes to each other, we reach the Daungan (port) at 3:30pm, I was right there were no available boat but luckily we met Manong Joko who offered us a ride for 900 pesos going to Cagbalete...we reached Sto. Nino at around 5pm the sail was rough and the waves are big but we survived...I met Manang who showed us our room and told us that they don't provide food for their guest, so we have to go to sabang, another boat ride to buy all of our supplies, we can also hike to sabang but we refuse because it's almost dark...and that's it!

After dinner we set up a bonfire in front of the sea...had some drinks, chitchat, and silly games, the following day we were suppose to watch the sunrise but it was raining so we drop that plan..

After breakfast we headed to the beach to swim and take some pictures...and at 4pm we left the Island...

It was a fun adventure, we traveled back to manila taking the Rizal Route and we drop by at Lucban to buy some Goodies to take home like longganisa ng Lucban( Their Famous local Sausage) and some sweets, we also tried the Pancit hab-hab (Local Style Noodles) for only 10 pesos!

I forgot to mention...Cabalete Island is a great place to chill and relax after a stressful life in Manila...we will be back and we are looking forward for the great food and accommodation as promised by the owner of Sto. Nino resort! Thanks!

My Good Riddance to the Boat Owner who is charging us 2,400 pesos for a ride back to the port...Nope we won't bite that..we can find ways and we can't be easily pursued...talk about taking advantage of the tourist!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Pink Horse


I saw this beau in Baguio last December... I was just wondering why the owner would paint it Pink? I don't think it's safe for the animal...there might be some chemicals that may harm the health of this beautiful horse...I totally disagree in painting it pink. Tourist specially the kids rush to ride the horse and take pictures and pay the owner 100 pesos or more, this is very disappointing...

Good Riddance to the Horse owner...I don't think the horse needs to be colored just to earn money...The natural color of the horse is cotton white, why color it PINK!?
Mr. Pink horse Owner, how would you like it if i paint your hair Violet????

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Street Food Pinoy Style..


Let me introduce to you the Pinoy Street Food...

The Reddish Orange is what we call One day Old Chick...Literary one day old chick.
if you examine it closely you can even see their wings.

The Round shape, orange color is what we call quek-quek...its a quail egg wrap in flour.
this is very good specially if you dip it in vinegar...but not advisable to those who have hyper-tension.

The white round balls are squid balls...from mashed processed squid...
Good when you dip in a sticky sweet and spicy sauce...

the brown one...barely seen in the picture is kikiam...as far as i know it came from mixture of processed fish and flour...not my type though...

Enjoy the Pinoy Street Food Style...

Good Riddance to all the street vendor in Burnham Park Bagiuo... I enjoyed the Squid balls and the sauce... (let me tell you a secret...i never tried the one day old chicks...I feel sorry for those little baby...reminds me of Tweety...ewwww)


The Ghost at 5am

So It’s 5am and I lie a wake, bored, no new books to read, no nice shows to watch, no one to talk to…what do you do at this time? When you wake up in the middle of your sleep and for no reason you can’t go back and rest. Your mind start to play tricks on you..things that you have been avoiding starts to play in your mind…why because you’re alone and you can’t think of anything? So the ghost of the past haunts you and tells you that it’s me…think about me…reflect about me…I’m here to entertain you…


Damn! Never have a peaceful time alone by my self…what the F*CK! The ghost always haunts me and for some reason I think it’s trying to kill me…I’m over and done, I swore to my self that I will never go back nor turn my back in that same delirious box…but that was long before all my dreams were all gone… at least I did my best, that I know and I can guarantee. One part of guilt was taken off and I now not blame my self for all the lost…


In the beginning, the battle was set off before my eyes, without me even knowing that the enemy lay besides me and with out ever knowing that there was even a battle…so who’s there to blame, me or that ghost? The ghost has fought his own battle and I was the sacrificial lamb…I was put in a pedestal where the ghost comfortably stuck his dagger to my heart and I felt it all… and I blame my self and SH*T! I even said it’s my fault and I deserve some more…bring it on…chop me up to my throat! I was murdered right before I realized that it’s painful and the pain should stop… I was dead, before I can rise and walk away… but at least I still manage to rise! That’s the most imperative part of it all.


I sometimes miss the ghost but when you get used to the feeling it numbs you and it’s not a good feeling because it destroys you. I was raised to handle my emotion quite strongly, was raised to go for the greatest and the biggest, to reach for all of my dreams…was also raised to know the difference between right and wrong, and how to choose right all the time…but what if the things that are right for you are wrong for others? How would you choose and what would you choose… again, I was the sacrificial lamb! I have not much choice but to rest there and watch them choose what they think is right for them, not knowing my stand nor my feelings and as for me…I take it all and just let it be…why did I even say??? Damn…damn…damn….DUMB!

My Good Riddance to the Ghost of 5am...
it was one hell of a nightmare and i will never wish to be back...
No...EVER!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Applying for a Philippine Passport


I just came from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to apply for a change of status in my passport (change of status single to married), my son’s passport (passport for minor), my mother’s passport (senior citizens passport), my brother’s passport (new passport) and nanny’s passport (passport renewal).

Here are the things that we have to accomplish when applying for those I have mentioned above:


Change of Status Requirements:

From single to married, this is if you would like to use your spouse last name.

  • Provide a NSO authenticated copy of your Marriage Certificate.

  • Print the first and second page of your old passport (the one that has your picture). If you have traveled before, you will also need to print the departure stamp and the arrival stamp and lastly print the last page.

  • if you have applied for a passport under your maidens name and after awhile decided to use your husband last name then you have to provide a reason for not changing your status right after you marriage, you can just write it down in a piece of paper and staple it along with your other documents.

  • 3 Passport picture should be 3.5cm in width and 4.5cm in height, the background color should be royal blue or dark blue, formal attire, ears should be, visible no big earrings and full frontal image, image of the applicants should occupy 70-80% of the photograph. Make sure to attached it to your accomplish passport form. Click the link for more guidelines: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/PHOTO%20GUIDELINES.pdf

  • to be safe you have to be ready with your ID like SSS digitized ID, drivers license and other supporting documents, just incase they ask for it you will have something to present.

Passport requirements for minor:

For 7 years old and below.

Personal appearance is not required.


  • Provide a NSO authenticated copy of parents Marriage Certificate.
  • Provide a NSO authenticated copy of Birth Certificate.

  • -a printed copy of the mother’s passport: Print the first and second page of the mother’s passport (the one that has the mother’s picture) the departure stamp and the arrival stamp and lastly print the last page.

  • 3 Passport picture should be 3.5cm in width and 4.5cm in height, the background color should be royal blue or dark blue, formal attire, ears should be, visible no big earrings and full frontal image, image of the applicants should occupy 70-80% of the photograph. Make sure to attached it to your accomplish passport form.Click the link for more guidelines: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/PHOTO%20GUIDELINES.pdf

  • Mother’s personal appearance is required no need to bring the kid; if below 7 years old.

  • to be safe the mother have to be ready with your ID like SSS digitized ID, drivers license and other supporting documents, just incase they ask for it you will have something to present.

Senior Citizen Passport Requirements:

Personal appearance is not required.

  • Provide a NSO authenticated copy of your Marriage Certificate.

  • Provide a NSO authenticated copy of Birth Certificate.

  • Provide a Proper ID with Photo

Ex. Senior Citizen ID, SSS digitized ID, Voters ID, Drivers License and Company IDs

  • 3 Passport picture should be 3.5cm in width and 4.5cm in height, the background color should be royal blue or dark blue, formal attire, ears should be, visible no big earrings and full frontal image, image of the applicants should occupy 70-80% of the photograph. Make sure to attached it to your accomplish passport form.Click the link for more guidelines: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/PHOTO%20GUIDELINES.pdf

  • Make sure to give a written and signed authorization letter to the one processing the application, it would be a lot easier if the representative is a daughter or son.

*** If born before 1950 and has no copy of Birth certificate from the NSO,

  • Provide the Negative Birth Certificate from NSO

  • -provide a Joint Affidavit signed and executed by two disinterested persons who have personal knowledge about the applicant’s name

  • supporting documents with correct date and place of birth

Ex. Baptismal, Voters registration record, service record (for Government Retiree)


New Passport Requirements:

Personal Appearance is required.


  • Provide a NSO authenticated copy of your Marriage Certificate.

  • Provide a NSO authenticated copy of Birth Certificate.

  • Provide a Proper ID with Photo

Ex. Senior Citizen's ID, Voter's ID, digitized government-issued IDs like SSS, PRC, BIR, Driver's License, original school ID (for students only) AND original supporting documents indicating full name, date and place of birth and citizenship (Please refer to the list below)

  • NBI Clearance

  • 3 Passport picture should be 3.5cm in width and 4.5cm in height, the background color should be royal blue or dark blue, formal attire, ears should be, visible no big earrings and full frontal image, image of the applicants should occupy 70-80% of the photograph. Make sure to attached it to your accomplish passport form. Click the link for more guidelines: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/PHOTO%20GUIDELINES.pdf

Passport Renewal Requirements:

Personal Appearance is required.

  • print the first and second page of your old passport (the one that has your picture). If you have traveled before, you will also need to print the departure stamp and the arrival stamp and lastly print the last page.

  • 3 Passport picture should be 3.5cm in width and 4.5cm in height, the background color should be royal blue or dark blue, formal attire, ears should be, visible no big earrings and full frontal image, image of the applicants should occupy 70-80% of the photograph. Make sure to attached it to your accomplish passport form.

Click the link for more guidelines: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/PHOTO%20GUIDELINES.pdf


Things to Remember:

  • Wake up Early be an early bird to avoid all the hassle…the lines are long, I’m not exaggerating.
  • Make sure to accomplish the Application form before going to DFA.
  • Make sure that you have all the necessary requirements
  • If you are processing two or more passport application provide one brown paper for each applicant to avoid confusion and switching of documents.
  • Make sure that all documents needed have a Xerox copy.
  • Make sure all application has thumb marks and signatures.
  • Don’t bring any one to accompany you, they will be asked to leave the premises. Un less of course if you have 2-3 application in your hand.
  • Never talk to anyone outside the DFA gate, never ask for help and don’t offer help. Some will be in uniform asking you if you have your requirements and showing you the way, never ever entertain them, please go directly inside the DFA premises. I even encountered a man in blue uniform asking to get the form from their store right in front of the guard. Good thing the guard looks at me and told me to proceed to the gate.

Things to bring:

  • Money for application fee

750 pesos for expedite, 7 business days processing

500 pesos for regular, 2 weeks processing

  • Paste tube
  • Pen
  • Water and crackers

For more information click on the link below:

http://www.passport.com.ph/app/index/



My Good Riddance to DFA! its over and done...

Thanks for the tiring experience…the lines are really long but it was well organize.

My salute to the employees and guard who makes the lines orderly and fast moving!





Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Good Education 2009

Today I went scouting a school for my son who is turning four this May.

We first went to a near by school, my son took his assessment test and passed.

The director told me that my son is a very smart kid; she said that my kid knows his numbers well and all the colors and shapes. I’m proud that my son passed the assessment and glad that he’s now ready for school.


After which I decided to go to another school, a well recognized school here in the Philippines, Antipolo branch, I got entice with the school grounds and the neatness of the school. The assessment was well organized and there are a lot of parents and students waiting to be assess….which made me think twice over the first choice…


The dilemma…of course the first school is not as outstanding as the second school but the tuition fee is way cheaper, (1st school-30k all in vs. 2nd school-57k + books and uniform expenses). The class room is not that organize compared to the 2nd school and there are no one there waiting to be assess…


I was in a situation where in I have to battle between which schools I should enroll my son.

I know that good education can’t be based on how the school is presented in terms of classroom, procedure and what not…it is based on the teaching and the quality of students they produce. However, the second school offers both as far as I know and based on the school track record, aside from a good environment I know that my son will learn good education…


As I was writing this I already made my decision…the second school wins …now I just have to find ways to earn that extra 27k++ to get my son a good education.


My Good Riddance to the 1st school.

The experience was nice but…nope its not you. Sorry.





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