PAL Tagal

PAL Tagal, originally uploaded by edbumalo.

Came through this picture in my archives which instantly reminded me of lots of troubles I had while traveling with the Philippine Airlines. This shot was taken in Bangkok in 2007. Flashing proudly on the airports flight sched monitor – PR0731 MANILA DELAYED.

Back in 2006 I slept at NAIA T2 for about 5 hours waiting for a PAL plane which supposed to depart at 11AM. We were advised our flight will depart at 6PM instead. So much trouble for some travelers but for me it was a perfect timing! I had a terrible hang over it was almost impossible for me to be on that flight. But I was allowed to check-in and pass through immigration. I already conditioned my mind to use those sanitary bags. This was the only time I was really thankful for a delayed PAL.

Few weeks ago I decided to travel via PAL Express - AirPhil domestic flight going to Tuguegarao. Travel time is only 1hr and the ticket is only Php1,300 one way. So 10AM I was at the airport for my 11AM flight. While queuing to check-in, the clerk announced the plane will arrive only at 2PM. I was not surprised and not much hassle for me cause I had the whole day allotted for travel and my family is with me at the airport. But for one Caucasian who seems a regular flyer… “Late again?? This is not PAL Express, change your name to PAL Tagal!!!”.

Sunset@PuertoGalera

Sunset@PuertoGalera, originally uploaded by edbumalo.

4th time in Puerto Galera... but 1st time with a Canon DSLR. Though known as the nearest “white beach” south of Manila, getting there actually takes more time than going to Boracay – 3 hrs drive to Batangas Port and an hour boat ride to the island. Will only take around 2hrs to get into your hotel in Boracay but of course there’s the hassle of booking tickets, hotel reservation, transpo etc.

Nick the Dragon Slayer

Once upon a time lived a beautiful Queen with voluptuous breasts.

Nick the Dragon Slayer obsessed over the Queen for this reason. He knew that the penalty for his desire would be death should he try to touch them, but he had to try.

One day Nick revealed his secret desire to his colleague, Horatio the Physician, the King's chief doctor.Horatio thought about this and said that he could arrange for Nick to more than satisfy his desire, but it would cost him 1000 gold coins to arrange it. Without pause Nick readily agreed to the scheme.

The next day, Horatio made a batch of itching powder and poured a little bit into the Queen's brassiere while she bathed. Soon after she dressed, the itching commenced and grew intense. Upon being summoned to the Royal Chambers to address this incident, Horatio informed the King and Queen that only a special saliva, if applied for four hours, would cure this type of itch, and that tests had shown that only the saliva of Nick would work as the antidote to cure the itch.

The King quickly summoned Nick. Horatio then slipped Nick the antidote for the itching powder, which he put into his mouth, and for the next four hours, Nick worked passionately on the Queen's voluptuous and magnificent breasts.The Queen's itching was eventually relieved, and Nick left satisfied andhailed as a hero.

Upon returning to his chamber, Nick found Horatio demanding his payment of 1,000 gold coins. With his obsession now satisfied, Nick couldn't have cared less and, knowing that Horatio could never report this matter to the King, and with a laugh told him to get lost.

The next day, Horatio slipped a massive dose of the same itching powder into the King's underwear. The King immediately summoned Nick.

The moral of the story - Pay your bills

Viva La Vida

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing"Now the old king is dead!
Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain
Once you go there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

Happy 2009!!! Year of the Ox..

It is time again to count blessings and to list wishes. 2008 was generous all in all.
1. Had summer 2008 trip in Laoag
2. Been to Japan twice - this is something cause it's really expensive for us - working class - to visit Japan. 5 star accomodation + airfare costs around 500k for 25 days. It was hectic business trips but still I enjoyed the best Japanes foods walked around the city after office and during week ends.
3. Spent 1 week in Jakarta (2nd time) - again its business trip but i will remember those old and creepy buses (like those old ordinary bus from EDSA to Fairview) on the roads of Jakarta. They have the worst transport system i have seen so far. No mono rail or subway but instead plenty of what we call habal-habal in Mindanao. Noted however that Jakarta has more and bigger upscale shopping malls. Shoes are cheap in Jakarta. Ofcourse I did not leave Indonesia with out a taste of Soup Bontot... real Oxtail Soup.
4. Assigned to Singapore twice - SG is much better than HK unless you're out there to shop. Singapore is more diverse and Filipinos can easily blend with the locals. Plus the birds in Orchard Road sound like those wild birds we call "Martin or martinis" in the mountains of Luzon.
5. Got my US Visa for around 7k + half day of queing at the the embassy. I met a distant cousin along the queue. He is a PT in Tennessee.
I have few wishes.. maybe I should think of more before writing down.

Destination: Singapore

"You cant Trus Anyone These Days....." - House of Condoms @ Orchard Road

I heard this is a popular local brand. There is also local fast food named Jolly-V. These are probably among reasons why Jollibee is not in Singapore. =)