Mystique Shutterbug: Week 1

I am a textual blogger. That's the image I want to portray to my readers through my niche. I just love writing about different kinds of stuffs. In fact, I'm obsessed and passionate about it. Because I love writing that much, I always make it a point that I get to write all the things I want to share without holding back. I don't do shortcuts, cause I want to expound my ideas. Honestly, I feel so bad whenever I could not elaborate on the things I want to say. For me, lengthy pieces are better ones. That's what I've learned from my favorite College Professor, Ms. Jennifer Eligio. She didn't actually told us that in class, but that's what I've realized through her comments on our write-ups.

To tell you the truth, my hand can express better than my mouth. I am more of a writer than a speaker. Maybe you'll just get bored talking to me in person, but I hope you won't. I guess that statement contradicts my field of study, cause I'm a Speech and Corporate Communications major. But hey, I'm just saying the truth. There are actually times when I just stare blankly at one corner, and wish that I should have chosen the Creative Non-Fiction Program instead. How I wish I have the best of both worlds. I truly desire to be a productive communicator through both writing and speaking.

So now, let me end that drama unfolding in my mystic blog post. I have thought of kicking off a new blog series that will feature my next favorite thing -- photography. This will have LESSER WORDS and MORE PICTURES. Yeah, I know it's overrated. But who cares? It's still an IN thing, by the way. This series is called MYSTIQUE SHUTTERBUG. I will show you the photos I took that I deem fall under the Principles of Photography. I will post one set of pictures every week. To start off, let me share you these pictures of things taken everywhere using the Macro-Shot principle. I hope you enjoy.

SHELLS

Taken at Dayang Beach Resort using 10MP GE Digicam.

THE BODY SHOP

Taken at home using 10MP GE Digicam.

TOBLERONE FRUIT & NUT

Taken at Eden Nature Park using 8MP Samsung Digicam.

SOY SAUCE and FISH SAUCE

Taken at La Toscana using 10MP GE Digicam.

BAKLAVA

Taken at Cafe Med using 8MP Olympus Digicam.

On that note, I would like to say "Once a shutterbug, always a shutterbug!" This has been my first post for my new series. I'll keep you posted. I hope you watch out for what my trigger finger have to share through photos next week. Feel free to drop some critics blogmates.

Desires of a Mystic Nymph: Food Edition

When I'm broke that's the time when my mind is flooded with so much thoughts of food. Like now, I don't have even a cent left in my wallet. I can't buy what I want to eat. All my extra money for this week all went to school projects and contributions. Fudge! Poor Mystic Nymph, only pictures of delicious meals make her full. And on that note, I wanna scream that I really want to eat something appetizing. I've been craving for food for the past two weeks. The last time I had such a heart-warming and mouth-watering meal was when my boyfriend and I had a Pre-Valentine date at La Toscana, and when we celebrated Maxine's birthday at Bigby's. That was more than two weeks ago. I miss pleasuring my palate with one hell of a.. I mean "heaven" of a gastronomic adventure!

"Without food everything is less than nothing."

- Bunyip Bluegum (The Magic Pudding)

"Amazed at how something could taste this good in the midst of life's being this bad."

- Dolores Price (She's Come Undone)

"It's important to begin a search with a full stomach."

- Henry Bromel (The Big Kiss)

"I am acutely aware of food, and its omnipresence is astounding."

- Adam Scott (The Monkey Chow Diaries)

"There is no love sincerer than the love of food."

- George Bernard Shaw (Man and Superman)

I wanna pig out! Just looking at the photo I first uploaded for this post makes my stomach grumble. It's a food (obviously) from Sofitel Hotel in Manila. That luxurious place is most famous for their international buffet. I've known some acquaintances who have already dined there, and I envy them a HUGE deal! I'd love to splurge on it. I would definitely want to try a smorgasboard of food from all the continents. It's good to try all sorts of cuisine even though they look and taste different. I bet that will absolutely be a distinct and extraordinary meal to remember. I do hope to partake of fine cuisine as many times as I can someday -- twice or thrice a week for an instance. I don't mind getting insane just as long as I get to gobble up all the goodies that have been striking my fancy (just kidding).

I've been yakking about food, and it's making me hungry. It seems like I can't contain my cravings any longer. Web-surfing has been my stress-reliever for the past days, and I happened to chance upon some food available in the Philippines that actually give me an eyetooth for. They're so yummy-looking that I end up thinking about them MORE than my thesis proposal defense on Monday. The photos of those gratifying foodstuffs never fail to jumpstart my mood although I've seen them a number of times already. They get me revved up and chillaxed at the same time. The bad thins is, I haven't tried those delightful things just yet. I know it's not the end of everything for me. I know I can devour them when the perfect time comes! Anyway. these are the food I'm talking about.

GOURMET PAO

This is a gourmet siopao. These are also available in different sizes and flavors. I'd love to try their Giant Seven Treasures Siopao! So enticing!

CELLO's DOUGHTNUTS

What do you think is better-tasting, Krispy Kremes or Cello's Doughtnuts? These are also available in Governer Sales Street, Davao City.

JOSE RAFAEL FINE COFFEE's JAFFLES

This is actually called Choco Chip Jaffles. This is available in the said coffee shop in Lanang, outside the entrance to Insular Village Phase 1.

BEEF TERIYAKI BENTO

Need I say more? This is available in Izakaya Nonki Japanese Restaurant located at F. Torres Street, beside Davao Trade Convention Center.

FILLET of MAHI-MAHI

Pandawan or Dolphin-fish. This is available in Swiss Deli-cious located in Lanang, Davao City, on J.P. Laurel Avenue across Damosa Building.

I love food! I'm having a relationship with them, as quoted from Liz Gilbert from the movie Eat Pray Love. I would like to share you this term I learned from my favorite Davaoeño food blog, Davao Deli. It's called FOODNOGRAPHY. They use it as a term for food photography. Good idea, isn't it? So, what food makes you crave these days? Let's talk about them! :-)

PS: Information on the location and details of the food posted have been copied from Gourmet Pao Facebook Page and Davao Deli website. All images used in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

Having Blogger's Block?

"Writing is a lot like dreaming. There's a subconscious connection. Once someone intrudes, it's like going back to sleep to finish your dream." (Dante from the novel She's Come Undone)

We experience blogger's block, more often than not. We get distracted, and sometimes it gets difficult for us to drift back. I'm sure you also get indignant about not having your daily fix of blogging like I do. Interruptions certainly are very disturbing! To tell you honestly, I feel like I'm losing my nerve to wait until forever for me to finally think of an interesting topic to blog about. I know you feel the same way too. But blogmates, let us not consider this as a problem, since we already have a lot more problems to prioritize. Leave the catch behind, cause we will be talking about things that can make us worry less on having blogger's block.

We all run out of topics for our niche once in while. That usually happens when we try too hard to think about it. Remember, the more you look, the less you find. We shouldn't hurry too much to find what we are looking for. After all, there's nothing to hurry about, unless of course you're up for a blog challenge, and that you need to keep up with it. Whenever I'm having a hard time planning on what to blog, I just stop thinking. I let time pass, because I know ideas will come and flow in due time. We just have to be give a little patience in waiting. I also practice having blog notes. I write all the things I might want to blog in the future. In that way, I am guided with the concepts I will be writing next.

One more thing is that, I make use of the Internet to help me out with my petty dilemma. What's the use of the Internet if you only utilize it for fun and entertainment, right? The worldwide web definitely has a good number of sources that can facilitate us in dealing with blogger's block. As I was surfing the web the other day, I found these links of very helpful bloggers. They tackle about the things they do whenever they encounter such a thing. I just typed "blog topics" in the Google Search tab, and Alas, I stumbled upon these links that I will be sharing to you (citations below). Now, let me compile all the tips that I deem most beneficial among others. These will definitely enlighten our minds and ensnare our senses.


Read what other bloggers are saying

"One of the strengths of blogging as a medium is the way that bloggers interact with one another and build upon each others ideas."

Collaborate with other bloggers

"Rub shoulders with other bloggers. The ideas that come when you put your head together with someone else are often quite amazing."

Get a little help from your friends

"Blogging doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Run headlines or ideas by your friends, and ask what they think. Chances are, they’ll point out new ideas and angles you’ve missed."

Review your greatest hits

"Read back through your old posts, particularly the ones that generated a good amount of feedback, and consider writing a fresh angle on the topic. If a subject was compelling once, it might be worthwhile to explore another variation on it."

Step away from the computer

"Spend an hour or two at the museum; catch the afternoon matinee; browse the magazine rack; or crack open a novel. Chances are good that you'll find yourself inspired when you do return to your desk."

Capture ideas before you lose them

"Ideas for articles come when you least expect them. To stop your thoughts from vanishing, always carry an easy-to-use device to jot down ideas as you get them."

Lower your standards

"Blogs aren’t novels, so don’t start a post by worrying about being perfect, insightful, original, or even grammatically correct."

Change your timeframe

"A blogger feels like the deadline is always now but this is a false pressure. It’s far more important to write something worthwhile than to post today just for the sake of it."

Create a List

"Whatever you blog about, there is likely an exciting list that you can uncover. They're quick and painless, and even better: they're fun to read."

Short Posts

"If you don’t have much to say, don’t say much. Resist the pressure to have to fully unpack every aspect of every topic – instead let your readers unpack a topic for you with an invitation at the end of your post."


Let me quote this passage from one of the blogs I've read. I'm sorry I forgot the URL. Anyway, here it goes, "What I’ve learned is that it’s much better to wait until you have something useful to say than to blog just for the sake of blogging."I hope this list helped you battle off blogger's block. I know you have your own ways of fighting it off. You may want to share it to me too. Feel free to blog about it. As promised, here are the citations:

Battling Blogger's Block, 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.problogger.net/battling-bloggers-block/

10 Surefire Steps to Beating Blogger's Block, 2006. Retrieved from: http://www.copyblogger.com/beat-bloggers-block/

10 Tips for Beating Blogger's Block, 2007. Retrieved from: http://www.lifeclever.com/10-tips-for-beating-bloggers-block/

10 Ways to Find New Topics, 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.typepad.com/tips/blog-topics-tips.html

All images in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

Distractions, Go Away: Inspirations, Please Come

Time Check 10:36pm. I seriously can't go on with my thesis proposal because of some distractions virtually and mentally. I'm still in the Review of Related Literature part. Two parts down, five more to go! I'm so distracted. I'm very preoccupied with worries of not being able to pass my paper on time, and with thoughts of Twittering, Facebooking and Mystic Nymph-ing instead of doing what I have to do. What an absurd play of words I have there! I can't wait for the 28th of February to come. I don't mind if I get major changes as long as my first ever thesis defense is done. I want this agony to go away even for just a short span of time. I've been having cognitive overload for the past days, and I badly need a break! Peace of mind, I am in dire need of you.

Time Check 10:50pm. I was reading Our Daily Bread when I happen to leaf through this passage -- "No one is hopeless who knows the God of Hope." It must have been destiny that I finally read something that can help me think positively, It says here that we should look to our Heavenly Father when the burdens of the world is too much with us. Despite those bad situations, we have HOPE. We have the hope that comes from being God's children. As quoted from ODB, "We have His promise of future glory -- a glory that far overshadows the sufferings of this present time." I believe in You, Lord. I fully trust in your ability to help troubled people find light.

Time Check 10:56pm. I've also read this passage about discouragement. It seems like ODB is becoming my "shelter from the rain". This part here tells us NOT TO BE DISCOURAGED, because discouragement is one of the devil's most effective weapons. We should not let him win just like that. We must trample him down by depending on God's power and strength. All He asks from us is our faithfulness. Have no fear that God will chide in you, cause He promised that He will be our fortress. Lord, forgive me for my impatience and lack of faith for the past few days. But I thank You for making me realize that I was not thinking the right way.

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

Did it ever happen to you when you were so stressed then you suddenly felt fine because you prayed?

Bookworm Adventure

I've recorded this beautiful quote from one of my favorite movies, Inkheart, and I would like to share it to you. Aunt Elinor said, "Books are adventure. they can murder, mayhem and passion. They love everyone who opens them." What I love about books is that, they show me a different perspective of the world through words. Books are able to talk to us about a great variety of subjects. That is why I'd rather read books, than talk to people who know nothing but senseless matters.

I may not be that bookish but that doesn't mean I don't read. In fact, whenever I get hold of good books, I can't stop but read them until my eyes get tired and eventually droop shut. It's like my intense passion to learn about life's lessons tempt me to persist in searching for a wider range of knowledge, and most importantly, experience.

So as not to spoil this entry, let me again share this list I have. It's all about some of the quotable quotes I've read from some of my favorite books. I'll be giving you five quotes from five books. These are the passages that taught me insights on the things I have yet to come to grips with. Here it goes:

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

(Mitch Albom)

"Fairness does not govern life and death. If it did, no good person would ever die young."

"Holding anger is a poison. it eats you from inside."

"We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us. But hatred is a curved blade. And the harm we do, we do to ourselves."

"Silence is worse hen you know it won't be broken."

"When your time came, it came, and that was that. You might say something smart on your way out, but you might just easily say something stupid."

For One More Day

(Mitch Albom)

"I don't know what is about food your mother makes for you, especially when it's something that anyone can make, but it carries a certain taste of memory."

"Any boy who wouldn't come to the front door was a boy not worth dating."

"Sometimes your kids will say the nastiest things. But usually, they're just in some kind of pain. They need to work it out."

"You need to keep people close. You need to give them access to your heart."

"The more you defend a lie, the angrier you become."

All I Really Need To Know, I Learned In Kindergarten

(Robert Fulghum)

"Merchants are fine folks. They give us choices and keep us informed on the important holidays."

"Nature so works it that everybody gets a turn at getting what they deserve in one way or another."

"Sometimes you can get what you want and what you need at the same time."

"Don't sell yourself short. You may never have proof of your importance, but you are more important than you think."

"It's not true that what counts is the thought not the gift. People who think good thoughts give good gifts."

The Alchemist

(Paulo Coelho)

"Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own."

"If you start promising what you don't even have yet, you'll lose your desire to work toward getting it."

"We make a lot of detours, but we're always heading for the same destination."

"When two people encounter each other, and their eyes meet, the past and the present become unimportant."

"When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too."

Sophie's World

(Jostein Gaardner)

"When we do no wrong, it is because we don't know any better."

"Both extremes are an expression of a warped way of life."

"Man can only achieve happiness by using all his abilities and capabilities."

"Wisest is she who knows she doesn't know."

"Without the constant interplay of opposites, the world would cease to exist."

Books tell us many things that we usually find hard to say in reality. It would not be possible if not because of its noteworthy author. I admire them for knowing how to express the right words. I know that they've experienced many circumstances for them to know about different things in life. I wish I'm like a book so that I would know many ideas. In that way, I don't have to grope.

Those I included in the list are just a few of my favorite passages. I am still in constant search of books that can teach me noble things. I know one. It's the Bible. I've never really read it from cover to cover. And it made me so guilty just confessing it. Solemn music in the background.

Can somebody tell me what good books are included in the world's greatest books? Those are the books I'm looking for.

All images in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

Wacky Shots with Special Friends

Because I'm depressed, I have to find some ways to entertain myself. A lot of things are bugging me, and I don't know how to handle them. I still haven't started revising my thesis proposal, and my defense will be on the 28th. I have to write a book review on a book I don't even have. My boyfriend is in Manila, and he will be back in a month. I'm not used to not having him around. Yeah, I know I sound so clingy and needy. My apologies. That's what I really feel. Darn, I'm getting mushy! So to shrink this crappy feeling in my chest even a little, I'll be posting some of my photos with friends that crack me up every time I look at them.

Taken at Punta del Sol. Notice our expressions. We really tried hard not to look as if we were having a hard time jumping while smiling!

Taken at Philippine Eagle. Too bad our camera didn't capture some of my friends' jumps. Yhani's face is such an epic with mouth open wide! LOL

Taken at Bigby's SM Branch. I truly love this shot with two of my dear Quitters' Club Sists, Charina (center) and Shimea (right). I love you girls!

Still taken at Bigby's. I hope you don't get offended with this shot. Obviously, we were just goofing around. Can I pass for a contra bida role with this? LOL

Taken over a year ago at Datcom near UPMin. That is my boyfriend's killer smile, and I thought of mimicking him even though he didn't want me to.

These photos made me smile again somehow. The memories they carry are rekindled and enlivened. How I wish everyday is a happy and trouble-free day just like what I had in the pictures. I wish I'm a strong woman so I can just get through every trial I encounter sparkingly! Lord, please give me a spanking positive attitude so I can do whatever I need to do with grace and passion. I have to find something that can lighten up my mental luggage. I need something that can help me out of despair. What simple yet helpful things can you suggest?

Ultimate Guilty Pleasure: Blog-Hopping

I've been blogging since December of 2007. That's exactly three years and two months of being into my online journal. I already have 158 posts all in all, and this will be my 159th. I still have a few posts, because there was a time when I lost my drive to think of something interesting to post in my niche. For a long stretch, I got tired of writing for my blog. But I decided to restore my life as a blogger just last year of November (as far as I can remember). Now, I'm managing two blogs -- the Mystic Nymph (text-with-picture blog), and the one I made just this month, the Mystique Shutterbug (photo blog).

I actually don't bother reading what others talk about in their blogs before. All I minded was my own. I was that selfish. Maybe that was one of the reasons why I ran out of topics. I was not inspired! When I searched about tips for blogging, I found out that blog-hopping can actually help one in generating new discourses. Reading other people's blog can aide one in writing about certain things. For an instance, we can either write a blog in contrast or in favor of someone else's blog posts. in other words, their blogs can give one an idea of what to write, but of course, not to the extent of copying them. So now, I'll be giving you this list of five bloggers I frequent the most.

BREAK MY STYLE

This blog is owned by the 21-year-old fashion enthusiast, Laureen Uy. I read her blog a lot because she posts about her style in different happenings/events which I actually drool over completely. I totally adore her discreet glamour! She absolutely has a great taste in fashion. No wonder she's going to be a famous stylist, just like her elder sister Liz Uy. I fancy her Topshop tops and Extreme Finds accessories. check her out in www.breakmystyle.com!

SCARLET's WALK

This blog is owned by Ms. Zahara! I like her blog because it's very reader-friendly. She always has photos to support and spice up her posts. I actually learned that from her. She blogs about her travels, fashion and other random thoughts. Some of her blog features are "What's Inside the Bag," "What I'm Wearing Today" and "Scarlet's Walk" itself. Correct me if I'm wrong, Ms. Z! Check her out in zaharatales.blogspot.com!

A Dash of Lav

This blog is owned by one of my dear SISTS in school, Lavinia! What I like about her page is that it doesn't look like an ordinary blog. I envy her for knowing a lot about hypertext mark-up language. She blogs about the latest happenings in her life. She also posts about those videos and online games that has gotten her attention. Check out her cute niche in lav-is-here.blogspot.com!

Sergei Writes

This blog is owned by the Editor-in-Chief of Himati, the official school paper of UP Mindanao, Sergei. What I like about his blog is that it's different from his formal writing style in Himati. I believe he's more human here, and I appreciate it big time. Most of his posts are just light, yet inspiring. in fact, his recent posts are related to The Purpose Driven Life. I'm happy to know that successful students like him never forgot about God. Check out his blog in sergeireyes.wordpress.com!

Planet Crap

This blog is owned by my friend, Jesse. He's a regular contributor for one of Davao's broadsheets, Mindanao Times. His blog posts are about the happy and crappy things that come along his way. I look up to him because for me, he's one of the student journalists. He's the best example of writers who write as they speak. I truly admire his excellent choice of words. I am a big fan of you, Jess! Check him out in planetcrap.tumblr.com!

These five bloggers are some of my influences in my blogging life. They may not know about it, but they are a big help to me especially when I'm in dire need of new themes and concepts that i can possibly blog about. They fill me with excitement whenever I see the snippets of their new posts in my Blog Roll. They all the more pique my interest in blogging. Continue to extract your creative juices, blogmates. Happy Valentine's Day!

Maxine's B-Bash at Bigby's

Yesterday was my friend, Maxine's 20th birthday and she wanted to treat us at Bigby's. She was supposed to be celebrating her special day with her bestfriend, but he was still somewhere I shouldn't divulge. Anyhow, we still had so much fun. The Bigby's gang surprised Maxine by singing her a Happy Birthday Song and by giving her a little cup of cake topped with ice cream. Sweet! Here are the photos we had through Charina's camera.

At Bigby's SM. Some of my friends say their branch at Torres is way better and beautiful. I actually don't mind about it.

Max treated us with the Food Trip Platter and Classic Valentine Cake, but we also had some "by pair" orders.

With the SPCM girls (Maxine, Jewel, Charina, Shimea and Lavinia) and our former classmate Janice.

The self-proclaimed Mystic Shutterbug -- yours truly! As you can see, I enjoyed a lot! mysticshutterbug.blogspot.com

Happy birthday to my photography buddy, Maxine! I wish you well on your defense this Monday. Forget about your problems!

Last week was one of the best weeks ever! I devoured some of the best dishes I've been craving for. I love the Manhattan Burger Deluxe. It's one of the best burgers I've tasted. I can't wait for my next food adventure. Where will we be at next? I'm thinking of going to Cafe Demitasse with Ciovic after my defense on the 28th. That place will be my treat for myself. I'm excited!

Jaw-Dropping Female Personalities

I am a die-hard magazine reader. I love images more than texts. The reason why I frequently read mags is because I want to mimic the styles and poses of those pretty super models. You know me, I'm addicted to pictorials. That's why I'm a self-confessed Mystique Shutterbug. What I'm going to do now, is to again give you a list of those pretty young things who are so beautiful, they dropped my jaw.

LAUREEN UY

This 21 year-old entrepreneur student and fashion blogger is the famous fashion stylist, Liz Uy's younger sister. I like her because as you can see, she's very pretty. She dresses up well, and she has this certain charm other girls of her age don't have. Visit her blog Break My Style. BMS! She also has an online store on Multiply. Style Break!

PATHRA CADNESS

I saw this stunning 23-year old fashion model first on the 2008 December issue of MEGA Magazine. Just seeing her photos then, I knew right away that she's Ornusa's sister, and I was right. Her mother and three sisters worked as models at one time. Her family really has a "model-perfect genes" (Mega, 2008). Let me share you this quote from Pathra, "Most of my modelling experiences have been enjoyable. And I won't lie, the money can be good."

Ornusa Cadness

I haven't find much information about this gorgeous creation. All I know is that she's a member of Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP), and that she was Borgy Manotoc's ex-grilfriend. She has few TV guestings before, but now I rarely see her. That's what I love about models, they maintain their glamour even without appearing much in public. That's what real stars are.

Mikaela Lagdameo - Martinez

Mikaela is actually a well-known face especially in commercial advertisements. Remember the one when she said "I dropped my ID," and then the men she was with seemed to be in a race on who's gonna get her ID first. I can't recall the brand she was endorsing in that ad. Now, you can see her as part of John Lloyd Cruz's Cheesy Greenwich Gang. You can check her out on Twitter.

How about you? Who among our Filipino female personalities struck you the most?

All images in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

La Toscana Italian Bar & Restaurant

My boyfriend and I had a Pre-Valentine's Date yesterday. We were supposed to be having it on the 17th. But since we were really so excited to pig out, we decided to do it in advance. It was totally a happy day for both our palate and heart (Forgive me for my mushiness). We've always wanted to dine at La Toscana Italian Bar & Restaurant, and finally our desire has been satisfied. The place and the food were superb! They definitely won't fail to feast your eyes and your stomach. The prices of their menu items are also not that bad at all. They're very affordable, I should say. With a budget of 500, you can have a huge meal since their pasta and pizza are already good for two people. You won't even regret paying a large amount, because of the private, romantic and serene ambiance of the place. Now, let me share you these photos we had there. I hope you enjoy!

Their vintage wines add up to the beauty of the place. I salute their interior designer. We actually felt like we were really in Italy.

We, Davaoeños are looking for a place that offers chic and cozy ambience that makes us feel relaxed. We are not just for the meal, but for experience.


Who wouldn't be captivated by these food from La Toscana? We forgot our names when we tasted these delights. Food Coma!


Davao doubtlessly has an abundant array of good quality food and places that will surely make your life pleasing and delightful.

We ordered Pizza Cappricciosa (P305), Tiramisu Cake (P85) and Chocolate Sundae Ice cream (P75). They also gave us a Salumi Toscani dish as an entree. It's called Soprasatta. We originally wanted to order pasta and pizza, but just having those three made us full. Next time, we will surely try their pasta. That place deserves our return. Now we have another restaurant to add to our top favorite food spots. It's located at Quirino Avenue, Davao City just beside Banco de Oro. Contact them through land line (082-305-6556) for reservation. They're open daily except Sunday from 11am to 10:30pm. And by the way, in time for Valntine's Day Celebration, they will be open up 11:30pm. That's on February 14, 2011.

Biodiversity Weekend Getaway

My recent weekend was one of the loveliest. We had a field trip for our Biodiversity class. I really had fun despite the difficult life I had at the beach. After almost a year, I again felt the sea breeze and heard the waves. Before going to Dayang Beach at Samal for an overnight stay, we first went to Philippine Eagle Center. The last time I went there was in my second grade, I think. I didn't really had fun there, because the place is not as good as Eden Nature Park. The only thing that made me happy there was when I got to have a photo taken with snake around my neck. It was an experience I am proud to have. My hands were shaking while holding the snake, but I still managed to smile my heart out. That's just once in a lifetime.

I like this snake because it matches the color of my get-up.

The snake's skin made me feel like I'm holding a huge luxury wallet.

After four hours of roaming around the center, we finally went to our next stop -- at Dayang Beach Resort. Finally! I really thank our professor for not discussing about reflection paper or whatsoever during the trip. He just wanted us to have fun. One thing I love about Samal is that the water is really clear that you would mistake it for a swimming pool if you will just look at the pictures. On the other hand, what I hate about the place is that, the water flowing in the comfort room is also salt water. We couldn't use soap at all! Since I was really itching to take a bath, I decided to buy five gallons of water for 20 pesos at the store nearby. I used it for my bath the next day.

We alloted the whole Sunday for island hopping, snorkeling and intro diving. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join my classmates have fun. I wasn't in the mood to get wet that day. I didn't want to feel sticky. Naligo na kasi ako nung Saturday afternoon. Too bad, nobody took a picture of me kayaking and swimming with life vest. Since that was the case, they asked me to document their experience. I didn't feel bad at all, because taking pictures is really my thing, and swimming isn't. Let me share you some of the photos I took.

Picturesque view of Samal.

Another scenic view of Angel's Cove.

My wet and wild friends.

The intro divers. I envy them!

Pearl Farm -- such a beautiful place!

Make a wish at the Wishing Island.

Stop over at Punta del Sol.

What can you say about the place? It's what you can call heaven on earth. Well of course, the trip will never be complete without my solo shots. Here are some of my photos.

I'm in love with the sea breeze!

Taken at Punta del Sol.

Samal is definitely a place to beat. We must all help in maintaining its beauty by not throwing garbages in the sea. Stop destroying our aquatic animals' habitat. In that way we can also help in the balance of our ecosystem. I'm pretty sure we don't want to lose the beach, because we crave for it once in a while. Thank you Sir Obsioma for helping us understand the importance of Biodiversity. We will surely cherish this trip. I can't believe it's over now. I hope this "getaway" will keep us sane for the rest of the months. Thesis, here we come!