My Two Cents on The Quirino Grandstand Hostage Taking

Luneta a.k.a. Rizal Park has witnessed some of the most notable events in Philippine history. Sadly, a tragic event unfolded hours ago as a dismissed policeman from the Manila Police District took 25 people hostage aboard a bus on August 23, 2010 near the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park which ended in tragedy with the hostage taker being shot dead by the local law enforcement agencies while seven hostages of Hong Kong nationals were killed, two other Hong Kong hostages were seriously injured, while six hostages were found to be alive and traumatized at the end of the crisis. Read more about the exact crisis on Wikipedia via The 2010 Manila Hostage Crisis.



Opinion About The Quirino Grandstand Hostage Taking

Public incidents like what happened to the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking isn't something new as crisis like this have happened from all parts of the globe, and not something rare to the Philippines alone. Though it is not something new, it isnot something to be taken lightly and a condemnable act of injustice towards others.

We have the local and international media to thank for with this incident, for without them none of this is possible. Imagine you are having your own personal issues to confront with and you see such disturbing scene of a man taking a number of people hostage to have his requests granted? As it was like taken from a movie, but it is not! It's real life. That's what news is good for, bringing you the hardhitting news whether you like it or not. well, you can always turn it off if you are too stress to watch it but that isn't the case with the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking.

Earlier as the negotiations were being processed, I saw a post from a fellow plurker that the police' counter measures to address on the hostage taking isn't something to be released on news report, for the very obvious reason. I wasn't aware of the situation only after father opened up the news at 6:00 in the evening where one of the hostage taker's siblings was forcefully taken by the law enforcement agencies because of an alleged connection with the on-going hostage taking. After the tragic ending of the incident, the escaped traumatized driver testified that he was forced to open the television and as he saw his brother being apprehended by the local police, he snapped and started on his murderous rampage... and to us who witnessed its coverage on all major Philippine television news program, the rest is history.

I have nothing against news reporting and journalism on its raw and artistic form but when something so alarming, distressing, and requires a media block out seems to be sensationalized, you'll know that in the back of your head that it will not end in a happy ending. The only destination of the hostage taker is imprisonment or death, and he chose the latter. A local analyst mentioned that the hostage drama might not end in a tragedy, it particular steps were taken into utmost consideration. The moment the hostage taker saw that news of his family being harassed might be the triggered that fuel the pointless bloodbath that we all witnessed.

If only the local media and international cooperated with the local law enforcement agencies rather than getting their firsts and exclusives, then the drama might not turned into horror. All of these would not be possible if only that dismissed cop didn't resulted to that last option. But it already happened, law enforcements might have done something good about it but they did the unthinkable, creating the event that stops all forms of negotiations via arresting his nearest beloved family members who might be his last refuge when all of this might be over, and then we have the ever reliable mainstream mass media for covering the events as it is... blow by blow until the final blow. A pointless death that will be a part of another tragedy in the history of the Philippines.

I know, I know they are only doing their jobs but a little control, cooperation and sensitivity for the person and situation might help but sadly it didn't. At the end of the day nobody has triumphed. Only sadness, pain, and failure. But what can we do when all of this already came to pass? We move on. Like any other tragedies the Filipino people can overcome such adversities and the Philippines will get up from this crisis and back at its feet in no time. But that doesn't mean that the nation won't pay the price for this incident?



ongkong's Travel Advisory Against Philippines after the Quirino Grandstand Hostage Taking on August 23, 2010 from Hong Kong's Security Bureau

Visita Iglesia - A Recollection This Holy Week

Religion has been on of the many founding institution defines a nation with each having their own and distinct belief system. Catholicism is one of the oldest religion to date and annually they hold various religious celebrations which is recognized by their members worldwide. The Philippines, a country with its majority being Catholics annually commemorates the life of Jesus Christ, God's begotten son through Semana Santa or commonly known as the Holy Week.



Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

A week of commemoration and celebration of one's faith is exercised by Catholics from all regions of the country during the Holy Week. If you are a devoted Catholic then why not Visit the Philippines baroque churches this Visita Iglesia to further strengthen your faith. Besides the facts that Philippines itself is a marvelous country to experience and that it's a Catholic country, the country also possesses some of the world's most grandiose and oldest churches to date. One of the four baroque churches included in the UNESCO World Heritage List is the Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Isn't it more fulfilling to have your Visita Iglesia in one (or more) of these churches in the Philippines?

A pilgrimage via Visita Iglesia can feed one's soul and spirituality. Thanks to Griffin Sierra Travel Inc. a complete Visita Iglesia experience can be possible, so why not show one's devotion this Holy week by pilgrimage?

Day One Recollection of The First LetsGoSago Anniversary Surfing Clinic in La Union: Part Three "A Lunch at HaloHalo de Iloko"

Last August 15-16, 2009 (Saturday to Sunday) yours truly attended the first anniversary of Jonel Uy's LetsGoSago in San Juan Surf Resort in La Union. This is Part three of five of day one, a Lunch in HaloHalo de Iloko.



After learning, enjoying, and burning my skin on the surfing lessons earlier I retire to our room to find the group of Fitz there. Their room wasn't available that time so Jonel let them stay first at our room while they wait for the previous tenants to vacate the next room. To my luck, they were also planning to have lunch outside San Juan Beach Resort, so after that I ask them if I could join them and they welcomed me. I also got the chance to have new acquaintances and new blog friends.

We rode a jeepney to the city and rode take another ride via tricycle to Halo-halo de Iloko, which is just a couple of walks away from were we rode the tricycle. So after that we finally arrived at the destination, HaloHalo de Iloko..



Halo-Halo de Iloko looks like a seemingly simple house at first glance but in fact it is (what? hahaha). I mean it houses one of La Union's best dishes.



After some photo-op outside the oversized logo of Halo-Halo de Iloko outside. We finally entered the restaurant. On the photo(From Left To Right): Pats, DJ, Don, Me, Fitz and Rina behind the Camera



La Union's Best
Halohalo de Iloko
Magpasarap ka Muna

Once we entered the HaloHalo de Iloko, we were welcomed by a very warm, welcoming, and traditional dining environment. The tables and chairs were maid of bamboo which ate a large amount of space inside the narrow restaurant but that is what makes it unique. It feels like you are just eating at a friend's house. We found Qtube taping one of their episode in HaloHalo de Iloko with Jonel Uy. We browse the menu and decided that we should all just need to order one bulk order for the whole group to dig in. and that is what we did.



While waiting for our meal to be prepared, I decided to take another photo op. This is me, Chris A. inside HaloHalo de Iloko

After a while, the drinks and dishes got served and here they were:



"No more lonely rice"



Salad in bagoong dip anyone?





And of course what I have been looking and waiting for in Halohalo de Iloko,the Fiesta Halo-halo in HaloHalo de Iloko



A super-sized serving of Halo-Halo from HaloHalo de Iloko. It is not called "Fiesta Halo-Halo for nothing.



"My presciouuuuusssss"



Yup, that is the actual size of the Fiesta Halo-Halo serving in Halo-Halo de Iloko. It has this unique taste which I haven't tasted before in the Halo-halos in the Metro or in our hometown. Probably it is because of the Ice Cream, Panutsa, and some secret ingredient.



I would like to thank Daryl, Fitz, Rina, Pats, and Don for the great time we had at HaloHalo de Iloko. Hope to dine and chat with them again anytime in the future.

More food pics can be found here:
LetsGoSurfing La Union Day 1 - Halo-Halo de Iloko Food Experience

To be Continued...

<< Part Two "Chris A. Gone Surfing"

Day One Recollection of The First LetsGoSago Anniversary Surfing Clinic in La Union: Part Two "Chris A. Gone Surfing"

Last August 15-16, 2009 (Saturday to Sunday) yours truly attended the first anniversary of Jonel Uy's LetsGoSago in San Juan Surf Resort in La Union. This is Part two of day one and this is the time I gone surfing.



After changing into my "surfing gear" I joined some of the bloggers who already decided to take a dip and enjoy the fresh (scorching) morning beach. I asked a fellow blogger Omar for a favor to take photos of me surfing which I am thankful about.





Moments later I saw a group of surfers and bloggers crowding up meters away from us and then that is where I recalled that I was assigned to the first batch of surfers. Our group proceeded to their location and met Jonel. He reminded me that I should join the first batch, which I later did.



Luke Landrigan teaches the right moves in surfing.

The class started with Luke Landrigan (surfing professional and extraordinaire) teaching us the basics of surfing which is pretty simple when you looked at it but way different when you are actual doing it (just like first time biking).



Upon seing the rush of "surfing waves" you should paddle...



and push yourself up the board landing both your feet on the moving board. Take balance and stand with partially bent knees, straight back, and properly position feet and finally ride the waves.

That looks easy enough I thought and he directed as to our individual surf coaches whom given us and thought as the actual surfing drill. They also taught us individually the safety precautions to take when surfing. After the trainers saw that we are ready we then went on to try the real thing.



As beginners we were given over-sized surf boards, which measured at around seven feet and once we are at a right distance from the shore, our trainers will wait for the right waves and push us and the rest is up to us. So let's see...



Waiting for the right waves and getting pushed through the waves...



Standing and woops! Failed attempt number one... This is not the right way to stand and control your balance on the surf board.



Another failed attempt to surf as my feet was not properly positioned on the surfboard which causes the unequal distribution of my weight on the board. The result? The sinking of Japan I mean another failed attempt of surfing.

I believe after half an hour I got the hang of it and stopped giving my trainer a headache. This is the only good shot of me properly riding the waves:



Finally I learned how to surf and now acquired a beginner class badge on surfing ahahaha.

It was definitely a blast (of salty waves hehe) and was another memorable first experience for me. I would like to thank my trainer for being very accommodating and patient with yours truly.



To see more Chris A. gone surfing pics, view it here:
LetsGoSurfing La Union Day 1 - Chris A. Gone Surfing

To be Continued...

<< Part One: "Rendezvous Departure and Arrival at La Union"

Part Three: "A Lunch at HaloHalo de Iloko">>

Day One Recollection of The First LetsGoSago Anniversary Surfing Clinic in La Union: Part One "Rendezvous Departure and Arrival at La Union"

Last August 15-16, 2009 (Saturday to Sunday) yours truly attended the first anniversary of Jonel Uy's LetsGoSago in San Juan Surf Resort in La Union. This is my first out of the Cavite-NCR trip and this is how the first day went...



I will start the recollection of day one when two of my best friends accompany me from Dasmariñas, Cavite all the way to Mc Donalds Quezon Ave. Branch at the night of August 14, 2009. Yup, they are a terrific bunch of friends and that is why I called our group as the Terrific Trio. We lleft for Dasmariñas, Cavite at around 8:30 pm allocating time for the usual EDSA Traffic. It is our first to ever had to take the late night MRT(train) ride along Edsa and just to chow there (We usually have a frequent boys night out in Cavite which include dining out and late night walking marathons). The ride went smoothly though the volume of people who were taking the train is like that of a regular day in MRT.

A'last we reach the rendezvous point by around 10:30 pm and decided to grab a grub at Mc Donalds. The two were also very kind enough to wait for me to have the company of other bloggers and surfers. At around 12:00 mn (Start of August 15, 2009 Day 01) I saw the first bloggers, (whom I know) Ria, Earth, and Leira arrived at the establishment. Seeing that I have already some people to talk with. The two left and head home to our beloved town of Dasmariñas Cavite.

It is not long enough when the once silent Mc Donalds Quezon Avenue Branch turned into a busy and bustling establishment at the wee hours of the night as surfers and bloggers started to crowd the fastfood chain which is obviously good for their business. Jonel arrived as well and I aided him together with another person in the registration and the coordination of the participants of the surf clinic.



The bus already arrive and Jonel directed the participants (a better way to put it because the surfing clinic doesn't just include bloggers but non-blogging participants as well) to board and place their luggage on it. When everything was good to go, we went home (JOKE!), we boarded the bus and left Quezon Avenue for the long hour drive to La Union, hehehe.



On the bus, Jonel introduced the itinerary for the two day surf clinic, and the media partners, and sponsors who came to share the experience with the bloggers and participants on the LetsGoSurfing Clinic in La Union.



After the short message from Jonel almost everyone decided to take their much needed rest for when day light breaks it will sure require our energy. I slept while listening to an audio book playing on my mobile phone (and I've been a big Sherlock Holmes complete novel audiobook junkie these past few days). Our slept was cut short at around 5:00 am on one of the comfort room stops in Tarlac. We then continue to push towards La Union afterward.





At around 7-8 in the morning of August 15, 2009 the bus finally arrived at San Juan Surf Resort in La Union where the LetsGoSurfing Clinic was held. We unloaded our luggage and entered the very welcoming resort.



Welcome to Billabong Surf School in San Juan Surf Resort in La Union





A view of the San Juan La Union beach

Helping Jonel with the distribution and accommodation of everyone's room and breakfast. I finally got the chance to have mi much needed breakfast y'ar!



After breakfast and placing our things in our room, I changed into my "surfing attire" (which is not really fit for swimming/surfing though hahaha) and take some photos with the banner I "grew fond" of with.



Instead of making one mega blog post about the two day Surfing Clinic in celebration of LetsGoSago.net's Anniversary, I've decided to break these into parts. So expect the rest of what happened (through the my eyes) last August 15 Day One of the LetsGoSurfing! A LetsGoSago.net Anniversary Bloggers Surfing Clinic. As much as I wanted to post every photos of the departure and arrival at La Union, I can't. You can see the rest of the album photos at my facebook album here:

LetsGoSurfing La Union Day 1 - Departure and Arrival Album
(You need to have a Facebook account and you should add me first hehehe)
To be Continued...

Part Two: "Chris A. Gone Surfing" >>

A Blue Water Day Spa Invigorating Blogger's Reprieve

February 18 2009 (Wednesday) - was marked as the day when the bloggers who've been picked for the Blue Water Day Spa Contest got their prize... an invigorating relaxing experience. Yours truly was there to see, experience and try what the Blue Water Day Spa Ortigas Avenue Branch has to offer. This is our Blue Water Day Spa Invigorating blogger's reprieve.



My Wednesday start with me waking up at a very weird nightmare which includes me going to "hell" and me waking up only to find out I am still in that same hellish nightmare and woke up again with a little more laid back yet still hellish nightmare. Talk about stressful!

Of course I hit the computer again to attend to my online writing job and later joined my father and helped with the laundry. Wednesdays and Saturdays have always been "Wash Day" for us which tires us to sleep afterwards but this time I have a blogger's event to attend to, so no time to rest. It's a good thing the event has something to do with relaxation and comfort.

The event I am talking about is sponsored by the Blue Water Day Spa which also serves as a prize to the 28 lucky bloggers who won Tech Filipino's contest. Here are some of the winners of that contest:
Winners of BlueWater Day Spa’s Spa Movie Theater Competition

We've finished with the laundry at around 2 in the afternoon, rested for a while, and finally prepare to leave for Ortigas Avenue in San Juan Metro Manila. I left Dasmariñas Cavite at around 4:30 in the afternoon.

A Dasmarineños Route To The Metro

Dasmariñas, Cavite to Greenhills Shopping Center San Juan Manila Route

This is me again as usual with my "A Dasmarineños Route To The Metro" which is now getting to be a regular part of my blog to help out people who wanted to get around the Metro but don't know where to go or what rides(transportation media) to take to get to their desire location. Actually this will also serve as my memo pad if in case I forget how to get to the places I've been before... hahaha dang my memory loss!



Start off by taking a bus with with the signboard or heading to Pasay MRT/LRT. Drop off at the MRT 3 Station and buy a ticket to Ortigas Station and board the train. From Ortigas Station Go down the stairs to the left and hike all the way to Robinsons Galleria and walked all the way 'til you see the back of Big Lady Herself. You'll have to cross to the other lane and watch yourself as you cross the street. Once on the other side, you'll find jeepneys with signboards to San Juan and ask the driver to drop you off to Greenhills, but I am not. Rather I'd ask the driver to drop me off to Caltex (gas station) because that is the main establishment near the Blue water Day Spa as indicated in this map:



The Blue Water Spa may look far from Greenhills but the truth is it is just a couple of walks away. This map also got a lot of us but it was also really helpful. The Greentop condominium where the Blue Water Day Spa is located is just behind Caltex. Take the stairs and you are there!




- End of the Route To the Metro -





I arrived at the venue at around 7:00 in the evening hurray for the quick route I take. I wanted to have a company when I go upstairs (to the Blue Water Day Spa) so I waited there for just a couple of minutes, and Omski arrived. We were welcomed by the relaxing aroma of the scented thingies from somewhere (I didn't see any candles so let me just call them thingies) at the reception desk. We logged and was good to go inside the Spa Theater. It looks homey and relaxing (of course! it's a spa) and Mr. Francis of Tech Filipino warmly welcomed us. There was a small buffet of fresh fruits and juices for all the bloggers. The bloggers started populating the theater. I've met some new bloggers there namely Joiyee, James, Carlo of the Food Critic, and Nicely. Of course some of my fellow blogging friends where also there like Ada, Jonel, Azrael, Lace, Sarah, Edel, Earth and Janette.

Francis gave us the tour around the Blue Water Day spa Area. Each of the massage rooms are named after different birth stones and are all elegantly laid out to simplicity (say what?). To find out more about what rooms and services can one gain from the blue Water Spa you can head over to their Official Website.











Finally, we are lead back to the Spa Theater to watch a movie while having a massage. We were introduced to the top masseuse of Blue Water Day Spa who'll give us the right pampering and massage that we need. The movie "Kung Fu Panda" started playing and so does the massage. I've already seen the movie but I don't mind watching it again in blue ray quality while being massaged. My masseuse was Angie and like every one else's attendants she gave me a foot, back, arm, and head massage which really feels good afterwards which energized me making this long post right after I arrived home.





The massage ended before the movie.. the part where Thai Long is about to attack the temple and the villagers are being evacuated. We finished the movie and bid everyone else a pleasant evening and headed outside to be courteously greeted by the masseuses. Me, Jonel, Az, Lace and Ms. Janette grab a meal at Bonnie's and have some interesting discussions. After the scrumptious meal we bid goodbye to Miss Janette. We grabbed a taxi and went all the way to Ayala to drop off Jonel and proceeded to Baclaran pass 12 midnight to take a bus back to Cavite.



I arrived at around 1:30 in the morning and started blogging and now it is... uhm 4:30 and now I am feeling a bit tired and sleepy. The day started like the usual but ended in a relaxing reprieve all thanks to the Blue Water Day Spa.



My Lucky entry for the Blue Water Day Spa Contest:
The First Spa Movie Theater in the World: A World Class R&R Movie and Spa Haven is From the Philippines



For More Photos Visit My:
Blue Water Day Spa Reprieve Aftermath