Books for Less

Thousands of books for P20.00 apiece! It would be a heinous crime not to go!

Books for Less Warehouse Sale is at Mercedes  Avenue, Pasic City. The odds are in my favor, I live only 10 minutes away.

It was my second time at the warehouse. First visit was a few minutes from closing, so it was only some sort of an ocular inspection. Now, I would know what to do and what to bring.

Wear comfortable clothes, the place is not air conditioned. Bring face mask, you could be opening dusty boxes yourself. Bring handkerchief, water, eco-bag (P10, P30 eco-bags are available for sale) and enough money of course! You would not want to leave behind a few more books because of not enough cash! Then, you are all set for a treasure hunt!

The books are not really categorically arranged. They tried to, you can see that, but with no success, well, it's a warehouse! Expect to find books of all sorts in a shelf.

I can almost see the magic in just looking at the children's books right in the middle of the warehouse. A whole new experience awaits the children. New places to visit, interesting characters to play with, the colours, the texture, the scent. Imagination running wild.

The staff said it's a little crowded during weekends, so you may opt to go on a weekday (closed on Mondays!) if you can. I went on a Quezon City Day, so it was a holiday for me but not for everyone else. I felt like I had the warehouse to myself!

Sorry, but I have already  made plans for the coming weekends. I will live the coming days in books I proudly  found at the sale, a nest I will call home. A cup of coffee on the side, maybe a soft music in the background. I read to live, I live to read. :)

The sale is on until end of August. Run along now! I'm planning to go back too! The staff restocks every night, so we can actually find different books everyday! Yiheee!

Mt. Mabilog

Mt. Mabilog sits at the border of Brgy. Sta. Catalina, San Pablo and Brgy. Sulsuguin, Nagcarlan, Laguna.

At 428 MASL, it is considered as a minor climb with difficulty of 2/9.

San Pablo is the home of Seven Lakes System in Laguna.

From Mt. Mabilog' peak, the lakes seemed to have been carelessly scattered everywhere. Outcome: breathtaking!

As our customary practice, RE Philippines Green Team brought something for the community.

The trek to the top was enjoyable, our local guide told us many stories about their community.

A strong typhoon recently hit Laguna, Uprooted and bald trees saddened us. But the locals were as cheerful and as welcoming as can be.

The assault. was gradual, with non-technical trails, anyone who wants to get away from the metro for a day or two, this place is a perfect destination.

Of course, 'I have pitched my tent in the land of hope'.

My first time to spend the night alone in my tent. Dead tired, I had no time to scare myself with ghosts and other unseen creatures.

These sweet guys surprised me with my favorite, Mr. Chips! Up in the mountains, I won't sell it to you, not even for a hundred bucks! USD at that, Lol. Salamat po!

Separated by a bare strip of land, the serene waters of Lake Pandin and Lake Yambo will lull you with warmth and peace and soothe whatever it is that needs soothing.

I wonder why beautiful sceneries if not most, always come with it a tragic love story. Legend has it that once there was a beautiful woman named Pandin, she was cursed never to step a foot on earth. Yambo, the lover, made her do the forbidden, Pandin set her foot on earth. After which, Thor comes raging in. Lol. I added Thor up.  Anyway, after the rumbling of the earth, the heaviest downpour and the raging of the skies, there were the two lakes. Pandin and Yambo,

For a group of 10 persons (Php 300.00), the Manangs will prepare and serve the food on a floating cottage.

Unlimited rice wrapped in banana leaves. I don't know why, but when wrapped in banana leaves, plain cooked rice becomes extra special. So extra, that I needed extra rice!

The fresh catch of the day right in your plate! No cutlery needed!

The shrimps which were likewise from the lake were quite small, but very tasteful,

Now, that was a bestseller, pako salad! Fiddle fern were harvested from around the lake! It's just freshness!

Hungry trekkers, ready, set, attaccckkk!

No one was able to resist a cool plunge at the lake. The locals informed us that the lake is about 60 feet deep. No tourist is allowed to swim without a local guide and a vest on, even Michael Phelps will be required to wear a vest. They are that strict! I know, because, I tried not to wear one, after assuring them that I can swim, still..

I just realized, as in right at this moment, while writing this blog, that it's my first time to actually swim in a lake! So, congratulations to meee!! Yiheee!

Here is your guide to Mt. Mabilog, :)

Expenses:

135.00 - Bus Fare (Kamuning to San Pablo)
10.00 - Tricycle Fare (Maharlika highway stoplight to 7eleven plaza)
12.00 - Jeepney Fare (7eleven plaza to Sto. Angel)
450.00 - Guide fee (10 persons below)
20.00 - Life Vest Rental
300.00 - Lake Tour per head including Meal (Optional)

Itinerary:

Day 1

0630 Meet-Up at Jam Liner Kamuning
0700 ETD to San Pablo
0930 ETA San Pablo City.
0945 Take tricycle to Nagcarlan-bound jeepney
*Note: Tell trike to take you to the jeeps headed to Nagcarlan
1000 ETD for Lake Pandin, Sto. Angel
1030 ETA Brgy. Sto. Angel
1100 Start trekking
1130 Arrival at Lake Pandin (Lunch)
1230 Head up to Lake Yambo Viewpoint; Follow through
1430 ETA Summit. Set Camp and Explore
1700 Prepare Dinner
1800 Dinner Time
1930 Socials
2200 Lights Out

Day 2

0500 Wake Up Call
0530 Prepare Breakfast
0630 Breakfast Time
0730 Break Camp
0800 Start descent
0930 Back at Lake Pandin. Explore and Swim
1100 Take Early Lunch (Either via Lake Tour or team prepared it)
1300 Tidy Up. Walk Back to Jump Off
1400 Take jeepney back to San Pablo
1430 ETA San Pablo. Take trike to Maharlika Highway
1500 From Highway, take bus back to Manila
1800 ETA Manila

My 5-year old pair! I am now accepting donation for a new one, Lol. 

Maraming Salamat Mt. Mabilog!! 


Photo Credit to RE Philippines Green Team Members

Note to Self: Never feel lazy to bring DSLR, ever again! 

Jakarta, Indonesia

Welcome to the most populous city in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia, Jakarta! The city is the current seat of the ASEAN Secretariat and the country's cultural, financial and political centre..

.. and also the home of J. CO Donuts. There were no long queues just to get your hands on those rich, vibrant donuts, J. CO branches are everywhere in Jakarta. You can actually enjoy the nectarous donuts inside the cafe, seated!

Come on, be honest, when the first branch opened in Manila, we all suffered the long hours lining up and hoarding at least a dozen!

By the way 1 Indonesian Rupiah is equal to .0034 Philippine Peso. Bills are in 100,000 or 50,000. I was like 'I'm a millionaire here!' 

Now, let's get down to business, Food!!

This is called tahu (bean curd) telur (eggs) - an Indonesian bean curd omelets served with a savory tomato soy sauce, garnished with sliced onions, roasted peanuts, carrots and mongo sprouts.

Another dish called gurame saus asam manis.

The food were not only superb but also exquisite and have their own Indonesian touch that I cannot explain.

I am never good with names of the food, and I honestly forgot now how they were called, I vividly remember though that it tasted Asian and tropical.

The flavors are both explosive and delicate.

Indonesia's very own version of tusok-tusok.

I actually have not tried these but it looks tupig to me,

As enthusiastic as I am when it comes to photos and photography, dining at this place called Cafe Batavia was very agreeable. The place was a haven for me!

Located at Fatahilla Square, it oozes the charm of a colonial era. The place was packed with tourists and locals taking in the ambiance.

I wanted to inspect all the photos on the walls, the stairwell, the grand salon and guess where, at the rest rooms! (well, the ladies room anyway).

Welcome to the ladies room.

This is where, us ladies, powder our noses and relieve ourselves, nice huh?

As to the inside of the gents room, I leave that to my imagination, :)

It was just a bit unlucky that Gouverneurskantoor was closed that day.

Indonesia's Ground Zero.

The National Monument or Monas (Monumen Nasional) is located at the city centre of Merdeka Square.

Of course an attempted jump shot. Lol.

A free tram ride around the park, sweet!

Now, let's visit Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat Ke Surga or the The Church of Our Lady of Assumption. 

Consecrated in 1901 and built in the neo-gothic style.

At the main portal is written 'Beatam Me Dicentes Omnes Generationes' which means 'All generations shall call me blessed'.

Inside there is a statue of Pieta, Mother Mary, in her sorrow, cradles the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion.

The Cathedral's nave and vault.

Of course, I said my prayers. We have a Filipino belief that 3 prayers will be granted if you said it at the church you are visiting for the first time, :)

Right in front of the Cathedral is the Istiqlal Mosque..

..which is also near the Merdeka Palace.

Wow, the government doing its thing while Christianity and Islam, peacefully sitting side by side. Harmony, conformity and equanimity. Peace is possible.

We had fun at Ancol Dreamland. Located at Jakarta's waterfront, this place is a resort destination. It is currently the largest integrated tourism area in Southeast Asia. It boasts of theme parks, other recreational facilities and hotels.

We went first to Dufan the Defender, Indonesia's original animation..

Me and Happy Feet! Yiheee!

..then off to Sea World.

The main tank is the biggest aquarium in Southeast Asia.

Sadly though, Sea World closed on October 2014, it made no announcement yet as to when it will re-open.

Sharp teeth, powerful jaws, piranhas they are.

There, I learned that dugong is actually a marine mammal! I thought this is some sort of a Filipino TV character, lol.

Jakarta is very interesting.

Like the yacht inside the mall..

..the blue taksis everywhere..

.. and this double-seater bike! I always wanted to ride a tandem bike..

The Jakarta experience was just as delightful as it can be. From the bottom of my heart I say Salamatununon..

to my hosts, one of the strongest couples I know, Mama Kay and Art..

.. to  very sweet Java..

May the Father bless your family more and keep you always.

Termia Kasih Jakarta..

I wish I can take this home!

..or one of these.. 

.. or work here maybe, lol.

Selamat tinggal and Terima kasih Indonesia..  Indeed you are, Great Indonesia!