Experiencing ELYU's Vibe!

Finally had the opportunity to experience first hand what the fuss was all about in the surfing town of San Juan, La Union and it surely lives up to its hype.  One great thing going for ELYU is its accessibility. Just hop on a northbound bus and you step right into surf town.

Drop off point in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

And once there, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. From upscale star-rated resorts to homey bed and breakfasts.  We stayed at San Juan surf resort on our first night there.

Sign of  San Juan Surf resort, one of the pioneer resorts in the area. 

Urbiztondo Beach. 

The place was jam packed as this was the super peak season and because of this,  I think the room that we stayed in was the worst (premium room no. 4) room at the resort. It had no windows and was in the middle of the staff and utility room :( . The kind and friendly hotel staff and wonderful ambiance of the resort as a whole, sort of made up for the dismal room. We would definitely go back but  will choose the ocean view rooms. 

And right outside is what we came to ELYU for!

Surfing at ELYU!




The waves are perfect for beginners and there is a system in place among the instructors and the other stakeholders to ensure safety for all. There are designated surfing and swimming spots and the beach is open only from 6 am to 6 pm.
And since water activities stop at 6 pm, its food scene takes up the slack and contributes to the vibe of ELYU. Specialty restaurants and eateries abound and here are some that we were able to experience. 

Mad Monkeys burger joint

Mad Monkeys cheeseburger

Bacnotan pizza at Surf Shack. And yes, that is an egg in the middle.



On our second night, we stayed at Angel and Maries Place across the street. They provide a more homey ambiance being a bed and breakfast operated by the owners themselves.  And the food is so worth checking out.

so they played sungka and enjoyed it! :)

Pinakbet, adobong pusit and inihaw na liempo at Angel and Maries place. 

Banana pancake at Angel and Maries Place, so good!

The time spent there ( 3days, 2 nights) simply was not enough to soak in all that ELYU has to offer, which makes for  a good excuse to come back.  But from what we experienced, we can truly say that ELYU's got VIBE!

Hey Kid....

     

         Well, it wont be long when I can't call you a kid anymore... You have just graduated high school, moving on in the world and spreading your wings a little bit more. It seems just only a while ago, when you slept  soundly on my chest, was comforted by my songs, laughed at my jokes and thought of me as nothing less than Superman : )...allow me this little reminiscing because it is only now that I truly realize that time really flies...

        Looking at you now, almost a woman, struggling hard to be independent and trying to find your place in the sun, I could not help but smile inside and think that your Mom and I must have done something right to have raised fine lady like you.  It was not a piece of cake, there were many trials along the way, and sure there were times We would have loved nothing more than to strangle you in order to put some sense into  that stubborn head of yours (kanino kaya nagmana?)...he he.. But that does not mean We love you less.. Still, the good outweighs all the headaches...Hey, nobody ever said it would be a walk in the park...

        Anyways, as you venture into adulthood, Your Mom and I could only pray that we have laid the proper foundation in order for you to face the challenges that life has to offer. You may not want to hear it now, but life is not easy and is not always fair. As the line in one of my fav movies goes "life is like a box of choc'lates, you never know what your'e gonna get"....

     I don't know the answers to everything but if there is one certainty that I have leaned all these years is that  you will stumble, You will get hurt. Life will get its licks in and although you may be bruised and hurt, what matters is to pick yourself up and make a go at it again. Challenges are there in order to make us better persons. Make every experience, whether good or bad,  a learning one kid. And if you do unto others what you want to be done to you, it should not be such rough sailing, for God in all his greatness see's and rewards all goodness...

     As you forge ahead in your journey, always bear in mind that your Mom and Me will always be there for you.  When I look back, can't help but compare your journey to the game, where at the start, We were the star players then through the years, you  gradually took over. Your Mom and I have been reduced to the sidelines willing and cheering you on...We are you biggest fans now.

 It's your time now kid, its your game to play...Play it well.

bloggingcaloy: Being a dad from Mr. Cajucom's point of view...

bloggingcaloy: Being a dad from Mr. Cajucom's point of view...

Being a dad from Mr. Cajucom's point of view...

        We attended the culminating activity of my eldest daughters retreat yesterday. A parent was asked to give his insight on being a father, and Mr. Cajucom was spontaneously put into the limelight. He hit the nail right on the head describing what being a dad is all about.
        Growing up in an era where the king held court in the silver screen, most of us idolized the strong silent type. For most us, loving was not a matter of showing off flashy moves but more of being there for the grind, our own version of the line in the movie A Walk to Remember, "my love is like the wind, you can't see it, but you can feel it".... making sure that there was (if possible good) food on the table, that the household bills were paid, that the household was habitable and that transport was available, was for us, the greatest expression of love.
       We may sometimes forget the cheesy stuff, like anniversaries, flowers, kilig moments, etc.., but it does not mean we do not care. Sometimes, just making sure that all the basic stuff are provided for takes all of our energy that it leaves little for anything else. Life is not a piece of cake, But us dads, being who we are, would not let our families know it. For us, our families deserve the best that we can give and it does not matter that we break our backs in the process. For at night, before we doze off in front of the tv, the happy chatter and contented smiles of our wife and kids makes it all worth it.
       In parting, Mr. Cajucom emphasized on the dictum that was imparted on him that "time is gold"...At this point, he said that he might not have the gold but he has the time for his family.... applause rang out in the room and I was thinking to myself, I could not have said it any better...
       Advance Happy hearts day everyone!

On being a BLUE GUARD....

In one of the memorable moments in the movie "the last Samurai" , Emperor Meji asked Algren how the Samurai Katsumoto died, Algren responded " I will tell you how he lived"...

I never got the chance play with Vic Dualan, but was honored to share a bottle or six with him under our acacia tree.The same could be said to Iste, Boy C., Mike C. and a host of others that have passed on to tie their boots in the great football field in the sky.

Some of them, like Vic D. , went even when he could not play anymore, but still he came... to watch, to cheer, to coach a little and most importantly, to impart a little wisdom to the newbies. It was during this that I finally came to understand how it is to be a Blueguard...We often hear in jest among ourselves that we play  in order to get an excuse to drink every Sunday and that our motto is "win or loose its the beer we choose". We always have a good laugh and drink a toast to this for after all, we are weekend warriors, thankful for having the chance to relive our exploits and glory every Sunday and coming home a little bit younger for it.

But what they don't realize is that it is the other way around. Drinking was just an excuse to pay homage to the beautiful game. Long before the azkals became a household name, when in tournaments where the players were more plentiful than the fans...we played on because we love the game. Willing to embrace camaraderie with almost anyone who loved the sport. whether rich or poor, asshole or not, for it does not matter as long as they are our assholes! For after all, football made us a band of brothers. Not caring anymore who won or who lost but more importantly, is that we continue to play on.

Now, with the resurgence of the sport in the time of azkals, because of the lessons imparted by those who played before me, I am proud to show my pedigree, I am a Blueguard. Always willing to play and shout proudly "BLUEGUARDS FIGHT"!

Azkal Fever....Azkal Forever!

I have played football almost my whole life. Played in varsity teams since my elementary, high school and college days. And up to now, I  still play weekends with my club team the Blueguards FC. Being such, you can say that I am a football fanatic. But in an ironic twist of fate, our race of vertically challenged citizens chose to embrace the sport of giants and embraced it as an almost religion.
But we have kept the faith. Always believing that the time of Philippine football will come.For here is a sport where our race can excel. Height is not a a big factor. Skill, speed and technique are the key. The sport does not discriminate. It can be played in open spaces and in other countries, even on the street. All it takes is willing players and a ball. I recall playing in the hallways of school using rolled up papers bound with masking tape as a ball and remember the joy and laughter that accompanied our games.
The recent showing of our Mens National team in regional tournament s has created new interest in football. It sure does help that some of the players are model material, thus making for a good ambassadors for the sport. The influx of Fil foreigners wanting to play for our country is a bane to the sport. In a sort of reverse brain (?) drain, they are coming here (most at their own expense) to play for the motherland and we have reaped tremendous dividends from it.

Now, in a few days time, we would be playing an international match in Bacolod City. Never before has a football game created such hype and  interest in our country. Sure, there are high expectations But we can do it. After being in the shadows of basketball for so long, We believe that the time for Pilipinas Futbol has come. And We, the faithful will be there to stand as witnesses...

Back to Boracay....

It's Boracay, not Bora, as the sign in Red Pirates Pub said. Surely, Boracay is one of a kind and should not be confused with any other island. Boracay is unique, it has its own culture, customs and traditions. Not quite Pinoy, with a mix of European, American and lately a smattering of Korean influence, but definitely Pinoy.

Boracay has always been magical to SH and me. Her first plane ride was to this place, to celebrate our 15th year of being together. The kids' first plane ride was also to this paradise. And memories of this will forever be etched in our minds as a loving, gentle and tranquil place.

Boracay Beach during habagat season. image courtesy of SH

Had the chance to visit again early this month. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative. Habagat was in full swing and strong gusts of wind and occasional rain showers in the afternoon made the most popular aqua activities an unattractive activity. But still, it did not diminish the beauty of the place. In fact, it made for a more adventurous ambiance for the island instead of the traditional tourist trappings. Luckily for us, we were billeted in a great hotel in Station 3, Boracay Sands. The staff were really friendly and accommodating and the facilities were nothing short of first class. It really made our stay in Boracay worth it, notwithstanding the uncooperative weather.

Facade of Boracay Sands in station 3.

nice room. 101 Boracay Sands

Pool/courtyard of Boracay Sands

We also got to experience the different experiences that the island had to offer. SH and I purposely avoided the traditional tourist traps as much as we could and tried to create the unique island experience. One such place, which is a lore to bloggers, is Red Pirates Pub.

Pubs Signage

the bar @ Red Pirates

Located on the far reaches of Station 3, here one could still enjoy the non-commercial Boracay nightlife and if you are lucky enough (such as we), find yourself in an impromptu acoustic jam session.

Besides this, the main reason why we came back was for me and SH to rediscover and nurture our love.So in spite of the uncooperative weather, we made the most of what was given and savored the experience together. Truly, Boracay will  always remain special.

Entangled legs by Boracay beach

*photos and lay out courtesy of Kathy Sulit

Dinosaurs in a digital world...

We are riding the crest of another schism that will forever change the way our species exist in our planet. The internet has changed man's lifestyle in such a short span of time that what our kids take for granted now would seem impossible a couple of years ago. If you would tell me ten years ago that I could not go out of my home without my phone, I would tell you then that you must be out of your mind! or that bringing along a camera and taking pictures of almost anything would seem the normal thing to do.
Such is the wonders of technology that  camera film (whats that?)  is becoming obsolete and keeping in touch with family and friends are now only fingertips aways. The web has surely made our world a smaller place and the ease of communication it brings has trashed age old business models. Why pay costly long distance charges when you can chat or skype?  who now remembers the telex and shortly in the future, the fax machine? Broadcasting has taken a new form and streaming is slowly becoming the norm. The name of the game is adapting and as is usually the case, established giants and the bureaucracy are the ones who don't want to step out of their comfort zones.
I unfortunately, work for one such organization. I work in a computerized and web enabled environment, but we have failed to fully realize the potential of it. One example is that  we do not have an in house email system where communications such as memos or drafts of reports would be sent electronically via mail .Only final outputs should be printed, anyway the soft copy or digital records will always be stored.  I could just imagine how many trees would be saved if only we did this.  Unfortunately, we walk among dinosaurs who pay lip service to the language of technology but has not yet  grasped fully its potential. We have automated our systems and made it online transaction capable in compliance of the e commerce act but at the expense of sacrificing the efficiency of service that we provide. What good is technology if the end result is an inefficient organization that increased red tape? Even with the most expensive machines, what previously took 1 day and 7 people to accomplish now takes 3 days and 20 plus people and has virtually spawned a cottage industry of service providers within the vicinity of the office. So much for competitiveness.
Technology and change should be embraced and learned so as to know how best to utilize it in order to make  things easier. It sure is great to sound impressive with technocratic lip service and flashy statistics but ultimately, the proof of the computing is in the using.

AMBULA....lalala...

During times when we are tired or just plain lazy to cook, take out food is the solution to my broods needs. Luckily for us, restaurants and take out counters are a plenty in our vicinity. After many misses and near hits, my honey and i chanced upon this restaurant which was almost always full during dinner time.Surely they must be doing something good to attract such a number of loyal customers. So one day, we tried it out.

Ambula is a typical pinoy eatery with ready to eat viands ala turo turo style. What sets it apart is that they also offer ala cart  selections. So one has the best of both worlds, in a rush, just point to a viand that you like and your meal is there in a flash. Want your food hot sand freshly cooked? no problem, just order from the many choices in their menu.

food choices @ Ambula food cart

One item that has caught me and my honey's fancy is the sinigang na ulo ng salmon. We almost always order this from them. Although both of us are not really fish eaters, we found this perfect when craving for hot soup specially during rainy nights.personally, I found this better than the original ulo ulo at the back of Veterans Hospital and the price is just right for the budget.  We always pair our order of this with their lechon kawali. This sets makes a perfect meal for us.

While waiting for our food, I saw some of the other ala cart choices and I found most of it interesting and worth trying like thier freshly cooked katsudon and other rice toppings. I have also had the chance to order their kare kare and found it ok. Not great but also not so bad. But hey, for 50 bucks you wouldnt expect barrio fiesta. Located along Maginhawa St. in Teachers village, which is slowly becoming a food strip for the neighborhood and UP campus, Ambula satnds out and  provide a no frills value for money dining experience. It is worth coming back to.

backwards incompatability!

Our office just recently put restrictions on internet access.The reason cited was that open access was taking up valuable bandwidth thus resulting in less than favorable performance of our in house application systems. But even  after restrictions were put into place, there was no noticeable improvement in the performance of our systems. What does that tell us? That there are no shortage of idiots in the office? A simple study of our IT and network infrastucture would show that our systems passes through a dedicated line (leased line) different from our internet which passes through a different one. So theoretically, one line would not have a bearing on the other. There goes the bandwidth defense.
Knowing this basic set up, a competent network manager would study other points of traffic to solve the congestion. And it is almost always not about the bandwidth, it's the "throughput" stupid, the ease in which data transfer occurs. We can have the biggest bandwidth available but if our internal network is full of fault points, congestion will always be the end result.
Putting restrictions on internet runs contrary to the very concept of it. The net is the new global arena and social networking sites such as facebook and twitter are some of its biggest players. These sites may have started as social interaction pages but has evolved into a global marketplace of sorts. It is now being used as a business, political and marketing tool even by some government agencies such as dti and pnp and even by our President. I am glad that they realized its potential but doubly sad that our office do not. Change is the only constant in this world, and adapting to change is a must, lest we go the way of dinosaurs, extinct. I just hope that our bosses wake up from their jurrasic slumber and see the light, not drag the whole office towards it.

bloggingcaloy: straight from the mouth of babes...hoping for a better Phils. for them...

bloggingcaloy: straight from the mouth of babes...hoping for a better Phils. for them...

straight from the mouth of babes...hoping for a better Phils. for them...

Yesterday, while driving home from mass, we chanced upon a traffic accident. It was fairly recent and the police has just arrived. When my youngest daughter, Fiona, saw the policemen, she told me to hurry up because she was afraid of policemen. To say I was surprised by this is an understatement. At a young age of 6, she already has a negative impression of our supposed protectors of society. It hit me that the symbols of government in the Philippine streets have such a tainted image that kids don't want anything to do with them. In fact, upon further reflection, I also don't want anything to do with them of for any other people in uniform for that matter. And I work for a national government office!
I remember being out on the streets of Quezon City when (typhoon) Ondoy struck. And the most distinctive impression I had then was that at that time, there was no government. It was the people helping each other. No road signs, no advisories, no MMDA personnel to direct traffic. What we had was the citizens helping other citizens cross flooded streets, rescuing trapped people, offering food and shelter to less fortunate people. Where were the people in uniform?
Yet in every heinous crime or gruesome accident, the people in uniform take center attention.It does not help that it is very hard to distinguish on sight who is the criminal and who is the authority. Seeing a traffic enforcer of the Metro Manila Development Authority or any local government does not bring the comfort of a thought that the traffic will move smoother but evokes memories of predators waiting for prey. Of them waiting for someone to make the slightest infraction so as to make a buck.
These people have their work cut out for them. It would take generations to correct this image. I just hope that this thoughts reach them and start to affect them. That deep inside there is still a glimmer of idealism that the dream to put on the uniform was not motivated by the need to make a quick buck but to be a protector of society. I still believe, for the sake of my kids....

bloggingcaloy: Re-discovering the City of Pines....

bloggingcaloy: Re-discovering the City of Pines....

Re-discovering the City of Pines....

BAGUIO STRAWBERRIES!

Baguio City has long been considered the summer capital of the Philippines. Many a childhood summer memory is reminisced with carefree days in Baguio, taking in the cool air and pine fragrance that permeates the place. Who would not remember going "boating" and biking in Burnham park or horseback riding in Wright park, and visiting mines view park? But unfortunately, due to the development of other tourist destinations and overdevelopment, the city has slowly lost its standing as the country's summer capital. Or so i thought.

Session rd. after an afternoon downpour, cleansing

Got a chance to go up to the mountains recently to do some soul searching and came back with much more than my soul. To truly appreciate Baguio, one has to lose sense of time, to think of carefree days and appreciate the laid back pace of the place. When going up, think of Zen, of breakfasts at 1 pm or coffee at 1 am. Forget about the beer (it will only make you pee) and think about the wine or much stronger spirits.

piping hot sinigang na bagnet served with steaming rice

Session road is the lifeline of the city. While the development of SM  Baguio shifted much of the commercial activity there, Session still perseveres and its nook and crannies still offers pleasant surprises. It boasts of a wide array of restaurants that contributes to a unique experience. During a stroll, me and my honey chanced upon a restaurant with a unique name, Solibao Restaurant. The menu had a lot of sizzling choices but one dish caught our eye instantly. We ordered it without hesitation and found it be as good as we hoped it to be. We found Solibao's sinigang na bagnet perfect food during a chilly and rainy Baguio afternoon. Other establishments abound that is unique to the place and is as much as an institution there that Session would not be  the same without it.

Pizza Volante going head to head with an industry giant. 

yummy pizza!

Going up Session, a fairly new landmark has created an impact on the city, SM Baguio is unique as it is the only SM mall that does not use airconditioning but instead blend an architectural design to fully maximize the strengths of its environment. Its viewdeck offers a spectacular panorama of the city.

Baguio cathedral as seen from SM

                                      

My Honey and I opted to forgo the usual tourist thing and decided to explore the city by foot and by jeep. Off we went to Baguio market to have a feel of the city. It's vegetable and flower sections are truly amazing and affords one a vibrant feel and unique perspective of upland life.

going up Baguio market

whatta beans!?

Vegetables galore!

Baguio brooms

This trip not only provided a refreshing break but also provided a unique perspective on the city of Pines. It may have lost its standing as the summer capital to bora.  but to Me and my Honey,  Baguio offers a truly relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and will always be our sanctuary. We will surely come back.

How to  get there: Victory liner cubao offers hourly trips from Cubao station to Baguio. Once there, taxis abound so its easy to get around. Most of the drivers are honest and charge only by the meter. Accomodations  is also not a problem as there are many choices available ranging from Five star accomodations to transient houses. 

bloggingcaloy: food tripping in the city of smiles!

bloggingcaloy: food tripping in the city of smiles!

food tripping in the city of smiles!

Had a chance to visit bacolod again last weekend and again returned gastronomically satisfied. My brother, moved there a couple of years ago and is truly at home there. He served as our guide as we experienced the culinary experience that is Bacolod.

First stop was lunch at Lord Byrons. Here they serve pound per price the best baby back ribs in the country. Succulently tender, roasted just right and with his own special sauce. Byrons ribs could surely put some of the supposedly high end ribs place to shame. Every order, which costs 110, comes with atchara and java rice. This is a must try for every visitor to Bacolod. Too bad my camera's battery had run out and I was not able to take a picture. The restaurant itself is  nondescript, just a hut tucked in a corner of a quiet neighborhood but it adds to the experience. Also, in my opinion bbq ribs should be served and eaten hot and al fresco so that di "magsebo" and maumay". This makes its location ideal.  Byrons is located in Homesite,Bacolod City.

Next stop was Calea cakes branch beside L' Fisher hotel. Now, this is one pastry shop which does not scrimp on its ingredients and one can really taste the difference. This local pastry/coffee shop should really venture out and conquer the Philippines. They would surely give the more established high end shops a run for thier money.

Now eating in Bacolod would not be complete if you do not try chicken inasal. This is roasted chicken, Bacolod style. Where better to partake of this delicacy than in the aptly named Manukan country. This is a restaurant strip of different joints offering thier take on Chicken inasal. As per the suggestion of my bro, Aida's is the place to go. The norm here is to follow the age old practice of eating chicken by hand. Now who would argue with that. Luckily, the place provided for a hand washing area. One might find the environs basic or primitive but to me it lends credence to the aura of how Chicken inasal, that wonderful chicken bacolod should be eaten!

The next day, I eagerly awaited dinner for Pala-pala was our destination for dining. This is the seafood station of Bacolod. Located beside a market just next to the wharf and the sea, this makes sure that one gets the freshest catch of the day. Again on the recommendation of the bro, we went to Hyksos tulahan and again, there was no cause for regrets.

Hyksos has a friendly and accomdating staff and judging from the patrons, also has a huge following. Now, did i mention earlier that the food was divine? If not, it is. here are some of our orders.

Kinilaw na taniguige sa gata , prawns in chili garlic sauce and (upper) tortang alimango.

steamed fish.

grilled scallops in lemon butter sauce

Sizzling blue marlin

These are just a sample of what the city has to offer. judging from what Iv'e experienced, Bacolodnons really appreciate fine food and I would surely like to go back and discover the rest of what the city has to offer. Namits gid!

Whats Panduquit gotta do with it....

The Capones islets in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. We went here for our departmental teambuilding last year. The opening of the Subic Clark Tarlac expressway (SCTEX) has opened a tremendous opportunity for tourism for the region. What was previously a 4- 5 hour gruelling  drive over various towns and unkept roads  has been shortened to a 2 1/2 - 3 hour leisurely drive over arguably one of the countrys' best roads.

 Aside from driving, it is easily accessible by bus and tricycle. Iv'e read from other blogs that Victory liner stops by the market of San Antonio and it only takes a tricycle ride to reach Brgy. Pundaquit. There are plenty of resorts to choose from. We stayed at Jim's which is not beachfront but only a short walk away from the surf. Accomodations are basic, no first class stuff but still for the price (2000 per aircon room which accomodated  3 adults and 2 children) is ok enough. The combination of the mountains, the sea and the islets more than makes up for this. Besides we went there not for the accomodation but for the Pundaquit experience and we were comfortable enough.

The next day, we ventured out to explore the islets. We got a banca for 700 pesos roundtrip to and from the Islets. I tried to hide my apprehension since I found the banca a little too small for comfort considering I was with my family then. Iv'e heard that there are more professional banceros with bigger boats to choose from there. Luckily, we went first thing in the morning since the waves were not yet that big

After a brief ride we reached the islet of Capones. Now this is as closest to survivor Philippines as can be. It was quite an experience feeling like having a whole islet to yourself. Again, next time I'll bring more water or juice and some snacks since there are no extablishments on the islet. Just first class nature.

We did a little exploring and had fun at the beach of Capones islet. The other side had a light house that I was hoping to explore but having 3 kids w/me made me think twice. The boatman told me that the waves were rougher on the other side since it faced the open sea. We just enjoyed exploring and swimming in what we considered our own little island .

accomodations for 1 @ Capones island.

An overnight stay was too short a time to explore all that Pundaquit has to offer. Anawangin cove is a different adventure and hopefully next time I will be able to visit and share my experience. Some of my group chose to take that route and luckily was able to snap this picture.

I hope to come back and spend a little more time in the future. Hopefully the local officials and the stakeholders do it right and develop Pundaquit into a tourist friendly eco tourism zone. Who knows, with its proximity to Manila, Pundaquit will become the newest and hottest vacation spot for the Philippines.