tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35777583703102813632024-03-12T21:25:00.516-07:00Read Between the TanlinesWrite. Rant. Rinse. Repeat.Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-61318467321784002572016-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:002016-12-06T08:44:31.391-08:0030 Things I Learned Turning 30<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
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mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
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mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
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mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
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mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-18.0pt;}
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mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0cm;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0cm;}
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<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
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mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
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mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
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mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
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<o:AllowPNG/>
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<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
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<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
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<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
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<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
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mso-font-charset:78;
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mso-style-qformat:yes;
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mso-style-type:export-only;
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mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
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mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">So today I turn 30. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Huwat?! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Yup, just like that. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">And while I've gone through
a crazy, shit-I'm-turning-30 phase in the past months; today, I feel nothing but gratitude. For
another year - the experiences, opportunities, and people that got me through.
But mostly, I'm grateful for the realisations, and in-your-face lessons that I
had as I enter a new decade (ta-da-da-duh!). </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I've put them together, so
I won't forget; and for anyone who needs a reminder that he/she's not doing
such a bad job in life. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cheers to 30! :)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>30 Things I Learned Turning 30</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">1. Never
invalidate your feelings.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">2. Don’t
let your feelings take over you, either. Being an emotional mess is... well,
messy.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">3. Toxic
people are not worth your time and attention.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">4. Life
is short. Don’t waste time on bitterness, anger, hatred, self-pity.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">5. Make
time for family, friends, and people who matter to you. Don’t make excuses –
work, traffic, conflict of schedules. Make time. You’ll never know until when
they’ll be around.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">6. <i>Tulad
ng kapares ng</i> foot socks, <i>at</i> USB n<i>a hiniram ng</i> officemate, <i>may
mga bagay at tao na hindi na babalik sayo. Kahit anong pilit mo. </i>Learn
to let go.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">7. Travel
every chance you get.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">8. And
if you have a choice, don’t fly Cebupac.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">9. Travel
solo. You’ll learn more about yourself in eight days travelling on your own,
that eight years living day in, day out.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">10. Sometimes,
you have absolutely no idea what’s your next move in life – <b>and that’s
okay</b>.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">11. Adulting
sometimes means you just have to swallow the bad stuff and live another day.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">12. Most
of the time, it means paying the bills, your car, insurance, and getting your
nails done.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">13. Being
a Tita (literally, a <i>tita</i> to your <i>pamangkins</i>) is
cool. Someday, you’ll cash in all the <i>pasalubongs</i>, treats, drive
to’s and pick up’s. Hehe. Kidding.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">14. Real
friends don’t judge you for your mistakes, stupid decisions, crazy life phases.
They judge other people with you.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">15. On
writing, if your story was able to change one person’s life, or how he/she
views life, then you’ve done your job.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">16. It's
a privilege, not a duty, to serve your country. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">17. Do
one thing that scares you - not everyday, <i>OA ‘yun</i>. Every once in a
while, take that leap of faith.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">18. Erase
“regret” from your vocabulary.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">19. No
matter how big and scary the challenge is, you are always, <i>always</i>,
made of better stuff.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">20. God
will never give you a mountain you can’t climb.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">21. Don’t
be reckless with people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless
with yours. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">22. Be
thankful for transient people. They passed through your life for a reason.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">23. Be
thankful for people who stick around. Others are not so lucky to have them.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">24. Be
thankful for people who are kind to you. Someday, you’ll return the kindness to
someone else.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">25. Be
thankful for people who do you wrong. Someday, <i>papangit/tataba din sila</i>.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">26. You
may not realize it, but you are a blessing to another person.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">27. Be
kind. Always.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">28. Knowing
what you want in life – even if you have no effin’ clue how to get there – is
already a win.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">29. Don’t
beat yourself up too much. You’re doing a good job. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;">30. God’s
timing is always perfect. Not a second late, never a second early. What is to
happen, will happen. The fact that you’re here, you’re alive, means you've
still got a lot life's wonders to discover. The years behind you are
springboards that propel you to the amazing plans in the years ahead of you.
This age is an end, but also a beginning. It’s a deadline past due, it's new
chalked up plans. It’s a messed up worksheet, it’s a clean slate. But
ultimately, it’s a gift. From the One Above who gave you another year to live,
to love, to make mistakes, to make a difference. To fulfill the purpose you
were put on this earth for. This is here. This is now. This is 30.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16Ydn7bSF2X2GGGMp2Q1L1Yc2p26gU5Nq8yNwV-uY5dmxmBjack_KV89FIRzJWyOIO39FEOHxvHMki18AV3pEJmlBAncQuDT-HpWyWhQEBTEjB4BCfs8WBjhoJdN_aY3cZ66Nr35jHRy6/s1600/RoanneDuran-thisis30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16Ydn7bSF2X2GGGMp2Q1L1Yc2p26gU5Nq8yNwV-uY5dmxmBjack_KV89FIRzJWyOIO39FEOHxvHMki18AV3pEJmlBAncQuDT-HpWyWhQEBTEjB4BCfs8WBjhoJdN_aY3cZ66Nr35jHRy6/s640/RoanneDuran-thisis30.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embrace <i>tita</i>-hood, calories, and everything in between. <3 #thisis30</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</style>Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-75579449194140383492016-08-18T13:03:00.002-07:002016-08-18T22:24:55.388-07:00#InTheMix: The Times I Died During the Panic! At The Disco Set<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqEotseeNiTRO_nbJ8U7AzOeVc4D22fEvaAl2K3nQkg3XKjxf9GcYHEVJGU7rAwBAx_7EqWme5pf9gr_jkzXWY75Ycb_C8mm08oCAWSHsOlaegsrvzQndoS8ZUJwNR_8kwv1CZ2pFKkrJ/s1600/RoanneDuran-InTheMix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqEotseeNiTRO_nbJ8U7AzOeVc4D22fEvaAl2K3nQkg3XKjxf9GcYHEVJGU7rAwBAx_7EqWme5pf9gr_jkzXWY75Ycb_C8mm08oCAWSHsOlaegsrvzQndoS8ZUJwNR_8kwv1CZ2pFKkrJ/s640/RoanneDuran-InTheMix.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>When Brendan Urie stepped onstage and the entire MOA Arena got up its feet.</li>
<li>When he sang Time to Dance, which is my ultimate P!ATD song, which is based on one of my <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2012/10/quoting-palahniuk.html" target="_blank">favorite books</a> of all time.</li>
<li>When he took off his coat.</li>
<li>When he did a backflip during The Ballad of Mona Lisa.</li>
<li>When he sang Nine in the Afternoon.</li>
<li>Every time he does a dance move.</li>
<li>When the entire crowd turned into a sky full of lighters during their rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody. </li>
<li>When he recalled their first visit to the Philippines and rocked it to I Write Sins Not Tragedies. </li>
<li>When he took off his shirt.</li>
<li>When he waved on our side of the audience.</li>
<li>When he recognized the bands in the line up, "we had Third Eye Blind, fuckin' Third Eye Blind!"</li>
<li>When he did an impromptu verse of Anyway You Want It.</li>
<li>When he sang This Is Gospel.</li>
<li>The entire time he was topless.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br />
Actually, I think I died a hundred times during their set. I don't even know how I'm still alive.</div>
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<b>Brendan Urie, you are perfection.</b> </div>
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<b>PS.</b> I missed Third Eye Blind, which is half of the only reason I wanted to watch the concert. Stephan, you know I love you to the bones. </div>
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<b>PPS.</b> The 1975 was osum. What cave have I been living in all this time? </div>
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<br />Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-62748620930768902072016-08-05T10:46:00.002-07:002016-08-05T11:01:10.582-07:00What's in your shopping bag? <br />
Do you ever ask that question?<br />
<br />
When you buy stuff, what do you usually consider? Price? Quality? Trend? Are you the comfort-over-fashion, or the <i>tiis-ganda</i> type of shopper? Do you ever think about where and how your purchases are made?<br />
<br />
I don't. Not all the time.<br />
<br />
But lately, I'm being introduced to the notion of <b>buying stuff I need/want while making a difference</b>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
And while I'm a fan of Human Nature (and Theo & Philo chocolates hehe), and occasionally buy local products for a cause (from Organique, Good Food Community, Ilog Maria to name a few) I never knew that there are already so many brands that are proudly Filipino, and many even support local communities all over the country.<br />
<br />
Shout out to my officemates, Kath and Denise, who are advocates of buying local and supporting social-enterprises (and who rock donning local brands). Thank you, girls!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Me and my teammates had a chance to visit several shops that carry these brands, and I can't believe how THERE ARE SO MUCH STUFF! From arts and crafts materials to toys, shoes and bags to accessories, office essentials, travel must-haves, food and beer, stuff you don't need but you just-cannot-not-have. And it goes without saying, I picked up an item or two while we're at it. Okay, I picked up a lot of items while we're at it.<br />
<br />
Here's a peek at my stash. How I wish it were Christmas already so I have an excuse to hoard. :))<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rrjrfUPPUQcA02xZmLLPJLUlVIm01rWwX6e7DrBE1ot_GRAIbGJ0cfOZ3n2NhHkz4zCIqyzsznq5AO_uEAipdzXMbrcxC2aHIK43tHhUOA47TT4q_uLBAM6bVmYZnZvUJOD6whIYJ_yq/s1600/roanneduran-socialenterprise02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rrjrfUPPUQcA02xZmLLPJLUlVIm01rWwX6e7DrBE1ot_GRAIbGJ0cfOZ3n2NhHkz4zCIqyzsznq5AO_uEAipdzXMbrcxC2aHIK43tHhUOA47TT4q_uLBAM6bVmYZnZvUJOD6whIYJ_yq/s640/roanneduran-socialenterprise02.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel pouch from <a href="http://www.thehappyprojectph.com/" target="_blank">The Happy Project</a>, Php180. | UP Town Center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because I basically bring my entire house in my bag, and being organized is not one of my talents. Hehe. I really fell in love with the store. They've got tons of designs for pouches, cases, coin purses, and tote bags. Visit their store and get instant good vibes from their super friendly staff. <span id="goog_1696188133"></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Happy Project is a social enterprise that aims to spread happiness and positivity through its products. More than spreading happiness, our team works hand in hand with the differently abled members of our community to provide equal employment opportunities.</blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CWuS8y-Y1f_b0uDkIIeooxYcBavcrd-tDdJjqr3SlFLwoEQm-k1RgmWH07RSCkFPYdd6bhFYQqmmk-MKa9PmPS_U2haYNge0kSBQu4uy8GzHE90AW4wGZf5IJ_fae_mRUjRukN0vyjot/s1600/roanneduran-socialenterprise04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CWuS8y-Y1f_b0uDkIIeooxYcBavcrd-tDdJjqr3SlFLwoEQm-k1RgmWH07RSCkFPYdd6bhFYQqmmk-MKa9PmPS_U2haYNge0kSBQu4uy8GzHE90AW4wGZf5IJ_fae_mRUjRukN0vyjot/s640/roanneduran-socialenterprise04.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycled leather cord ties from <a href="https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006939435527&fref=nf" target="_blank">Punch Craft</a>, Php50. <br />
Hand-painted hair ties from Designer's Crib, Php40. | The Common Room. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Did I mention being organized is not one of my talents? Hence, the cord ties. Come on, we all need those! Got the hair ties for my officemate's little girls. Aren't they cute?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebY3F4OUcDcsoRsp06sm1nsxICMybzVZb65ARv1EzBEAIzRD29xYZcg7W-NxhzxX2LiSbQwfG74jkHYS_QisD5mTbThUh3bpDt0Em4MUJDSw8G_T86Oz7_Q6edPhdd53KOooC4og_WJaM/s1600/roanneduran-socialenterprise06.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebY3F4OUcDcsoRsp06sm1nsxICMybzVZb65ARv1EzBEAIzRD29xYZcg7W-NxhzxX2LiSbQwfG74jkHYS_QisD5mTbThUh3bpDt0Em4MUJDSw8G_T86Oz7_Q6edPhdd53KOooC4og_WJaM/s640/roanneduran-socialenterprise06.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collapsable <i>katya</i> storage bin from <a href="https://web.facebook.com/kasakoph/home" target="_blank">Kasa Ko</a>, Php150. | The Common Room. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to the tag, this can hold up to 100 times more than its weight, ideal for crafts materials. Because I travel a lot, thought I could easily bring this as a bedside bin. I wanted to get those collapsable leather things (the ones that has buttons and turns into bowl-like squares) but they're a bit off my budget.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6jU3kgJAc6hLEOwLEOGFuifm_WSVf7Yvnwg-5ao7tDyEwFaPlONYGRZXHP2YLfFarI0BuEU2fYyNyz_L6Pd_13k0iP0MifI2sP0GSkv416DjiongglkMQ3v75fyLD2DSqcRqOERTRmzd/s1600/roanneduran-socialenterprise01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6jU3kgJAc6hLEOwLEOGFuifm_WSVf7Yvnwg-5ao7tDyEwFaPlONYGRZXHP2YLfFarI0BuEU2fYyNyz_L6Pd_13k0iP0MifI2sP0GSkv416DjiongglkMQ3v75fyLD2DSqcRqOERTRmzd/s640/roanneduran-socialenterprise01.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eau de Cologne from <a href="http://www.simoyngharaya.com/" target="_blank">Simoy ng Haraya</a>, Php350. | The Common Room. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A locally-made cologne? This I have to try! They actually sell perfumes, but I went for the cologne because I love the name of the scent. And yes, I love the Kilig scent itself. <3 (<i>Kilig</i> is a Filipino term for giddiness usually associated for someone or something you love or infatuated with).<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="p1">
Simoy ng Haraya is a unique line of scents conceptualized and blended by Lala de Leon. A product that is proudly Filipino, it foregrounds the local and the native, conjuring a rustic space of tranquility amid the frenzy of life in the city.</div>
</blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsyYcL64TvhZ73twdUkumfFaWcA-ipWmjCN9NpnSh0WEKPuX9UAbizNrE7_cEt9psyKHfKjPF71ZuEtvv6bmOcP3JsWqcAZfd2tow1bFYbYMr3W7w8f2IMXSVe9kr9N_T0OPp2XzLjwOp/s1600/roanneduran-socialenterprise03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsyYcL64TvhZ73twdUkumfFaWcA-ipWmjCN9NpnSh0WEKPuX9UAbizNrE7_cEt9psyKHfKjPF71ZuEtvv6bmOcP3JsWqcAZfd2tow1bFYbYMr3W7w8f2IMXSVe9kr9N_T0OPp2XzLjwOp/s640/roanneduran-socialenterprise03.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandals from <a href="http://www.habifootwear.com/" target="_blank">Habi Footwear</a>, Php600. | Roots Katipunan. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My favorite find! Perfect casual wear sandals, plus they're light and super comfy. These sandals are made from upcycled scrap materials woven by communities in Quezon City, and assembled in Marikina. Growing up in Marikina, I saw the decline of the businesses of local <i>sapateros</i> (shoemakers), some of them were even <i>kumpares</i> of my dad, with the influx of cheap products from China. So I'm really psyched to learn of brands who support the Marikina shoe industry.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Habi promotes responsible fashion, Pinoy pride and social involvement through 100% Filipino-made, environment-friendly footwear. Since 2011, its wide range of comfortable espadrilles and sandals competes in the fashion retail industry under Sosyal Revolution, Inc., managed by three social entrepreneurs, Janine Chiong, Paola Savillo, and Bernadee Uy.</span></div>
</blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpgh_-J52obR8QgJbwz8kGilPAwVjjeu2GE0ubhEMN55sYbIMmlHE4Hr3I02ztaOZrqmJL8dJIaJlKOeMFJ6sJI4BYwj6TVXz1z56Plau1AcTwAcMwV1FJchkU2YH8O-dbbb47IT23wZz/s1600/roanneduran-socialenterprise07.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpgh_-J52obR8QgJbwz8kGilPAwVjjeu2GE0ubhEMN55sYbIMmlHE4Hr3I02ztaOZrqmJL8dJIaJlKOeMFJ6sJI4BYwj6TVXz1z56Plau1AcTwAcMwV1FJchkU2YH8O-dbbb47IT23wZz/s640/roanneduran-socialenterprise07.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark chocolate from <a href="http://www.hirayachocolates.com/" target="_blank">Hiraya</a>, Php180. | Roots Katipunan. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'd buy this anytime of the day. 'Nuf said.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">We are a Filipino bean-to-bar chocolate company that is an advocate of sustainable and socially-conscious practices. We make single-origin chocolate bars and chocolate products from cacao beans sourced around the Philippines.</span></div>
</blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW8rDZqN8PAr9pMMdEahwMueB6zybUyDEwYpeM7MiUFettj9LAaqfiF7OOZl8C1fLqLtkzWiDfxAu5dKscnWohM85t23DTgWI5buDHQug6P2boh9jRas2u3csMn26osNPpUYdd6Sd8NLL/s1600/roanneduran-socialenterprise05.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW8rDZqN8PAr9pMMdEahwMueB6zybUyDEwYpeM7MiUFettj9LAaqfiF7OOZl8C1fLqLtkzWiDfxAu5dKscnWohM85t23DTgWI5buDHQug6P2boh9jRas2u3csMn26osNPpUYdd6Sd8NLL/s640/roanneduran-socialenterprise05.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ain't that a good way to spend money? :p</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm really excited in exploring this new way of buying; of consciously seeking locally-made products. Yes, some may tend to be a bit more pricey than imported counterparts, but that's because they're not made in sweatshops! Kidding. That's because they're usually made by medium- and small-scale enterprises who don't have the capability for mass production to lower the cost. But, hey if quality is all the same, why not choose products that are proudly-<i>Pinoy</i> made, right?<br />
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How about you, what's your favorite local brand or social enterprise?:)<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>PS, these might be useful:</b><br />
<i>kasa</i> (n) - house; ko (pn) - my<br />
<i>habi</i> (v) - to weave<br />
<i>simoy</i> (n) - gentle or soft wind<br />
<i>haraya</i> or <i>hiraya</i> (n) - illusion, vision, idea, imagination<br />
<br />
<b>PPS, so are these:</b><br />
<i><b>The Common Room </b>is located at 325 F dela Rosa, Loyola Height 3, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila. Tel no: 0977 786 6694. They're open daily at 10am-10pm. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Roots Katipunan</b> is located at Unit 106, FBR Arcade (where Yellowcab is, across Ateneo), 317 Katipunan Ave., Brgy. Loyola Heights Quezon City 1108. Tel no: 0917 801 3907. They;re open daily at 9am-6pm.</i><br />
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<br />Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-739650984448522002016-06-19T02:33:00.001-07:002016-06-30T08:31:59.306-07:00Of Solo Trips and the Curious Case of Being Okay<div class="p1">
When people asked me <b>why I wanted so badly to go on a solo trip</b>, I half-jokingly say, <i>soul searching</i>. It always gets them. Haha.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I am naturally, effortlessly, undeniably a positive person. So it’s no surprise that people just think of me as someone un-knockable; just happily coasting thru life. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Didn’t graduate on time? She’ll figure things out. Lost her dad? It’s tough, but she’ll make it through. Another guy broke her heart? She’ll move on. Work is eating her from the insides? She’ll come out of it alive.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The other half that wasn’t a joke was because I was turning 30 in six months. Like any self-indulgent millennial, I was at that mandatory grueling phase of reviewing my life. Of looking at what I’ve achieved so far. Of self-actualization. Of figuring out my next move. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I guess I sort of assumed that state - that notion that I’m always okay. I <i>had to be</i> always okay. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But truth was in the past couple of years, deep inside, <b>I was getting sick</b>. Of everything. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I was getting sick of my job. I was getting sick of responsibilities, of the unknown. At the same time I was getting bored of the normalcy and predictability of things. I was getting tired of being reminded that in my late 20’s, I’m single. ‘Cause admit it, late 20s is an annoying phase in life to be single - when your friends are starting to get married and having babies. Making adult decisions with their partners. Buying cars together and condos together. And you’re always left thinking you’re being left behind. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Elon Musk is planning how to get people to Mars, and you're planning how to do all your errands for the weekend. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Mostly, I was getting scared. Every now and then, you hear the clock ticking. You should be settling down by this time. <b>Tick</b>. You should be earning this much at your age. <b>Tock</b>. You should be having your own car/house by now. <b>Tick</b>. One of your best friends just got engaged. <b>Tock</b>. Your high school classmate just opened a business. <b>Tick</b>. You should know by now what you want to be doing for the rest of your life. <b>Tock</b>. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
F*ck. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Seriously. Doesn’t the world have better things to do than remind you that you’re not good enough?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So I booked an 8-day trip to Taiwan, a place that, honestly, was never in my bucket list. (I initially wanted to do Japan last year, but it blew off 'cause my Visa got denied.) It didn’t matter where or how long, I just wanted to get away. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I wanted to go somewhere nobody knows me. I wanted to be invisible. I wanted to escape from the pressures of Not Making It, of Haven’t Figured Things Out, of What’s Next?, of Everyone Else’s Life is Happening Except Mine.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I wanted to get away. I <i>needed</i> to get away. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<u>Immigration officer:</u> (checking my Visa) Purpose of travel?<br />
<u>Me:</u> (not flinching) Soul searching.<br />
Immigration officer smiles, puts a stamp on my passport and hands back my documents. </blockquote>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>So I went</b>. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Away.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
For eight days. On my own. For the first time. Where I don't know anybody. That the place doesn’t even speak English, is probably a bonus. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I hopped from AirBnB to dorms to hotel. I lost my way in streets and alleys, and lost myself in museums and bookstores. I went from scooters, to old railways, to skyscraper elevators. I drank gallons of milk tea and took tons of photos. I learned to read instructions (and actually follow them). I learned that subways systems are awesome, that Taiwan played a role in the Rape of Nanking, and that I don’t like eating alone. I chased trains and city lights. I made new friends, and made out with one. I wandered in old streets and concrete jungles, through hot springs and mining towns. I read, and wrote, and pondered. I walked, and walked, and walked some more. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In those eight days, I had more time with myself than my entire 29 years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKyJ-VUQblCXWZPLA6UyZrbGktGzwPaSjnrAcM2Ji7xCKKQkU1ngbUwBtaTJau9uKWq5tglGdHnAVyQfs7ZrqKwnEy02F1pmRYyjuty7j-XVugDOs6nyTUqK5fP3zg-2SSw9bT41k0owl/s1600/roanneduran-solotravel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKyJ-VUQblCXWZPLA6UyZrbGktGzwPaSjnrAcM2Ji7xCKKQkU1ngbUwBtaTJau9uKWq5tglGdHnAVyQfs7ZrqKwnEy02F1pmRYyjuty7j-XVugDOs6nyTUqK5fP3zg-2SSw9bT41k0owl/s640/roanneduran-solotravel.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Where I've been, where I'm off to, and the rain drops in between. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I’ve always imagined that I was gonna do a full-blown reflection/retreat kind of thing during the trip. I pictured myself returning from the trip in a whole moment of epiphany. An a-ha moment. Puzzle, solved. Code, cracked. Figured it out, y’all! </div>
<div class="p2">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Didn’t happen</b>. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I guess it doesn’t work the same way it does in movies and Nicholas Sparks’ novels. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But somehow, I felt like what was supposed happen, happened. Does that make any sense? It’s like I didn’t have to process anything or have a dedicated emo-moment. Somehow, I just knew.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I knew that I’m turning 30 and there’s nothing I can do about it. And that people’s lives will happen before mine and that’s the way it is. It doesn’t make me less of a person, it just makes me, me. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I knew that at 30, some people will have had it made, and I wouldn’t (at least in my perspective). I knew that friends would be getting married, would be climbing up the corporate ladder and getting titles and earning big bucks, would be having breakthroughs and milestones of all sorts. <b>And that’s the way it is.</b> </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But I also knew that, hey, I’ve had it made in my own ways. I have a stable job that lets me use my talent, pay the bills and make a difference at the same time. I am able to save for a car, able to contribute to my family. I go on dates; some hits, some misses. I do passion projects. I get to travel, I get to write; for money and for fun. I get to do what I love. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I knew that at 30, I still don’t know where I’m headed. But that doesn’t mean I’m lost. I’m simply finding my way. Feeling my way. Learning my way. And to some extent, choosing my way. I may not know exactly what I want, but I know what I don’t want, and that’s a step. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I knew that at 30, I’ve accomplished things I’ve set my eyes on; I’ve realized dreams I've only dreamt of before. I wanted a job that does something for the greater good (wrote this in <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2012/07/happy-computer-and-my-debriefing.html" target="_blank">2012</a>), and now I’m with Unilab Foundation. I wanted to do a project that combines travel and writing (wrote this in <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2015/05/telling-stories.html" target="_blank">2015</a>), and we put up <a href="http://3pdiary.com/">3pdiary.com</a>. I ticked off having savings and getting a life insurance from my Adult Things To Do list. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I knew that at 30, I should be more forgiving towards myself. That I shouldn’t beat myself up too much. That the pressure I get from other people, is just an ugly reflection of the pressure I put upon myself. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I knew that at 30, I’m not doing such a bad job – and I should tell myself that more often. <b>We should all tell ourselves that more often</b>. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Do I know where I’m headed? What’s the next move? What’s the ultimate gameplan? Hell, no. But I know God has a plan, and it’s a plan that's a thousand times better than the best one I can come up with myself. I know there's a bigger purpose to be served. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
In the end, the best thing I realized from my solo trip was something I actually knew all along – and this time, I actually believe it: <b>I’m okay</b>. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-12379209103262756452016-06-04T08:59:00.001-07:002016-06-04T08:59:32.025-07:00Going Blindly to Beitou (cont'd)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u>Update as of 11:24 pm.</u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I got my friggin' pair of glasses!<br />
<br />
I tried looking for an optical shop where I'm at the city center today. The only ones listed on the net within the area were un-findable. I was dealing with too many elements on my solo tour of the city, that I just gave up.<br />
<br />
The day ended. I went home. I was tired, sticky as glue and dead hungry. I was gonna get something to eat when, walking along our street - just eight steps from my place - THERE WAS AN OPTICAL SHOP.<br />
<br />
Like, seriously? #facepalm<br />
<br />
I walked in, even if the last thing I want is to interact with anyone in my filthy state.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /><b>Me:</b> Hi. Uhm, do you make glasses (with matching gesture)?<br /><b>Shop owner:</b> (blank expression)<br /><b>M:</b> Do you make glasses (with more animated gestures)?<br /><b>S:</b> (more blank expression) No.<br /><b>M: </b>(blank expression on the verge of crying, like Wednesday Adam's face when she finally agreed to play Pocahontas in Camp Chippewa).</blockquote>
<br />
I don't know how I managed to make him understand, but the next thing I knew I was doing an eye test. He wrote on a piece of paper R- 1.5, L - 1.5. (No idea what it means; my grade is 20/200). More moments of confusion until he finally told me to get behind his desk and type on the computer<br />
<i><br /></i>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>(Google Translate)</i><br /><b>M:</b> how long will it take<br /><b>S:</b> 30 min<br /><b>M:</b> how much<br /><b>M:</b> cheapest<br /><b>S:</b> 1500 yuan<br /><b>M: </b>frame<br /><b>M: </b>how much<br /><b>S:</b> (points to frame and lens and nods)<br /><b>M: </b>can I choose<br /><b>S: </b>(leads me to a section) 1500</blockquote>
<br />
I chose. He gestured, <i>30</i>. I said okay. I went out the shop, turned 'round the block and got some grilled meat and veggies from a food stall, and milk tea for dinner. I was back in 20 mins.<br />
<br />
The glasses were done. He said, <i>1300</i> with a smile.<br />
<br />
Whut?!<br />
<br />
I paid. :)<br />
<br />
I fitted the pair. He even adjusted the frames to fit better round my ears. Xie xie ni, I said. Xie xie, he said.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>(Google Translate)</i><br /><b>M:</b> you are a lifesaver</blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UCPfQigW5lr5uYeREtHK3ehsw4rl2GkW1lnkuuoa4OPiCrC28yaOvrTd76hBQo4-ccb-7FBpXJ4uqypNoLxQuxpD9F9uZCDWIfwf-kCBYLpN6H3TORELm0KeRQ7SHj7e6YjWNDDuOg_T/s1600/2014_1216_06265600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UCPfQigW5lr5uYeREtHK3ehsw4rl2GkW1lnkuuoa4OPiCrC28yaOvrTd76hBQo4-ccb-7FBpXJ4uqypNoLxQuxpD9F9uZCDWIfwf-kCBYLpN6H3TORELm0KeRQ7SHj7e6YjWNDDuOg_T/s640/2014_1216_06265600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enough for me to survive the next seven days. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-44152594799763801782016-06-04T00:38:00.003-07:002016-06-04T09:29:28.474-07:00Going Blindly to Beitou<div class="MsoNormal">
I was trying to find my check-in counter at the Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA) in Manila when I realized I didn’t have my glasses
in my bag. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why it was such a big deal is because I’m practically blind
10 feet away from anything. At night, make it five. Why I keep my glasses
in my bag instead of on my face when my eyesight is that bad, is something I don’t
understand myself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was staying in Beitou District for my first three nights
in Taiwan. My AirBnB is 10 stations away from the Taipei Main Station,
and a good two hours from the international airport. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I can survive
airports. </i>No big deal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, shit, going from the airport to the bus to the train to
the streets of Qilian in Beitou? It’s like those horror movies where the
four-eyed character gets chased alone and drops his/her glasses and the next
scene would be his/her ultra-blurred point of view, cut to next scene where
he/she gets slashed into pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (In my case, gets slashed by my mom when she finds out hehe.)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who in her right mind would leave her glasses behind on her
first time in a foreign country?! A country that doesn’t speak English. Where she’ll be arriving
alone. At night. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good job. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I kept praying to God I get to Beitou in one piece. I landed in Taoyuan at 7:30pm. Struggled my way past
immigration and luggage checkout. Got a local simcard with unlimited data,
hoarded all the free maps available and found my way to the bus ticketing
counters. The place was crowded. After 10 minutes of sticking my face to bus
matrix on the wall, I finally figured out which bus I need to take. I bought my
ticket. <i>Second stop</i>, the ticket guy said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4PPd3iVHGYkmkc9ArcCYNCiG6t0g65SJev1xqW37u0BAGdGQRx-Qr5FDFsdJAzAW3hlZNzupTy-gR6Mi624kvil_j53rskR4ftB77RIhBmvsx-_72nKri0goB1ASEej_ExWbQMYBYOk9/s1600/2014_1215_04132700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4PPd3iVHGYkmkc9ArcCYNCiG6t0g65SJev1xqW37u0BAGdGQRx-Qr5FDFsdJAzAW3hlZNzupTy-gR6Mi624kvil_j53rskR4ftB77RIhBmvsx-_72nKri0goB1ASEej_ExWbQMYBYOk9/s640/2014_1215_04132700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ask. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I asked the man behind me in line if our bus would stop by
Yuanshan station, just to be sure. <i>Yes</i>. When we were putting our bags in the
bus luggage compartment, I found out he was also getting off Yuanshan. I just
need to watch out for him. At the second stop, he called to me from the aisle,
<i>you should go down</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did. Got off, to this. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_A9_k9C8CcG_pMySko_UmFGX4tU_aExdKqIRaIUzGxx_sx3J7tHi4NlroBD-u6TU_3QHO6oqVuOCsRygYU9Y9UL8-aByqU-J0zIXNrIRaMj2Cv_X_DUoLk2vYJUNL7mPwp_BIIpSWe2-/s1600/2014_1215_05002400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_A9_k9C8CcG_pMySko_UmFGX4tU_aExdKqIRaIUzGxx_sx3J7tHi4NlroBD-u6TU_3QHO6oqVuOCsRygYU9Y9UL8-aByqU-J0zIXNrIRaMj2Cv_X_DUoLk2vYJUNL7mPwp_BIIpSWe2-/s640/2014_1215_05002400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was trying to make myself feel better - <i>you can't read Chinese characters anyway </i>(haha). I asked a random person on the street. How do I get to the
train? She gestured to cross the street and walk up that alley. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t have any train card, I couldn’t understand the card
vendo machines. I was staring dumbly at the Easy Card vendo ‘cause it’s the
only one with English words (‘easy’ and ‘card’). I knew they were they were the reloadable cards though. A guy approached me and asked if I were okay. I asked him
where I could get Easy Cards. <i>Convenience store, I think - 7/11 there, I think
so</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked back down the alley. Bought an Easy Card in 7/11,
loaded it with TWD 500 (eat that!), and walked back to the station. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Q6bKTpQ55XmzfvZzhoYNhCOsKdlMAE5HxJVtseddWPEBo3G68ImtcFCPLjDsWcOv5jmXHtbySTQ8CZaBwRlm1QK8lry41UzXaczahzNysioZLMUbJml4C3i0BxDH8NWlV5JlNVJByf2/s1600/2014_1215_05044800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Q6bKTpQ55XmzfvZzhoYNhCOsKdlMAE5HxJVtseddWPEBo3G68ImtcFCPLjDsWcOv5jmXHtbySTQ8CZaBwRlm1QK8lry41UzXaczahzNysioZLMUbJml4C3i0BxDH8NWlV5JlNVJByf2/s640/2014_1215_05044800.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the platform, I asked a man which side heads to Qilian.
<i>This one.</i> I lined up<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>behind him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My eyes were glued on the door that flashes the station at
every stop. When it flashed Qilian, the man gestured to me that it’s my stop,
he also went down. I said thanks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctJ4P7pO_3c7seAO1PfaMV4y0Ya8ZxPH2xD5tc_MBJBMmTBm_9eE-qQPHyHm5UgLCV2F2Angaw-KigOq8Yk_YQbuIs5kv1NJTUirqFTf4we3P_vDOV5Cu0mpuPvPBXL6LAPl5t-qvgnii/s1600/2014_1215_05231900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctJ4P7pO_3c7seAO1PfaMV4y0Ya8ZxPH2xD5tc_MBJBMmTBm_9eE-qQPHyHm5UgLCV2F2Angaw-KigOq8Yk_YQbuIs5kv1NJTUirqFTf4we3P_vDOV5Cu0mpuPvPBXL6LAPl5t-qvgnii/s640/2014_1215_05231900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took Exit 1 which was Cody's, my AirBnB host, instructions.
I messaged him that I was already at Exit 1, by the vendo machines. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2S5j4C2lDv2AmK3CgRlBYXI61RJyAcTDcuazaeA9asFlI8n8UL3o98we8oBxUjx9e5GPvFNC_gjZXCR5BHFYzDSzF-MWaNEGTgvST10COJqeGTCSg2WbELla2-jGt88OFHYTWnnutM0w/s1600/2014_1215_05282000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2S5j4C2lDv2AmK3CgRlBYXI61RJyAcTDcuazaeA9asFlI8n8UL3o98we8oBxUjx9e5GPvFNC_gjZXCR5BHFYzDSzF-MWaNEGTgvST10COJqeGTCSg2WbELla2-jGt88OFHYTWnnutM0w/s640/2014_1215_05282000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few minutes later, a petite, artisty-looking guy in glasses walked up to
me, <i>Roanne</i>? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s gay. (At least, I think he is). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hugged him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I got to Beitou alright. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.tw/2016/06/going-blindly-to-beitou-contd.html" target="_blank"><i>*Update, I got a friggin' pair of glasses!</i></a></b></div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-54551317178037122602016-06-04T00:29:00.001-07:002016-06-04T00:29:15.797-07:00Taiwan Tales<br />
<div class="p1">
I was reading B.J. Novak’s One More Thing (Stories and Other Stories) last night on the plane to Taipei. The book is a collection of random short stories (you figured it out? Good job! Haha.) Some related, mostly aren’t. They go from thought-provoking to downright silly. Some were eight pages long, one was just composed of three lines. There was a story about a boy, about a girl, about an impatient billionaire, about a grandmother who was blowing Frank Sinatra in heaven. </div>
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Anyway, I mentioned the book ‘cause I thought that would be a good way to chronicle this trip. I’m feeling short stories right now. I’ll be here for the next seven days and I just know there’s no surefire way to capture everything - and most importantly, make sense out of everything. </div>
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So that’s what I’d do. Post random stories in the next few days. Some may be filed under Realizations, some under Word Vomit, or Useless Rambling. </div>
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Who cares, really? :)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wdNOpTyUQqDBOt8J4t7h-T9vZppdaGqGJteIpnIxZHXrb_6iJQTzBBWW-vnmcPj5RR2TPurD8MKHgvOEPX1l5oyCoI8wA7kxXed2DvC4I6ZbBGJYlFWddfQjqqJRO252B89ZlCV2Q0mg/s1600/2014_1215_02472700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wdNOpTyUQqDBOt8J4t7h-T9vZppdaGqGJteIpnIxZHXrb_6iJQTzBBWW-vnmcPj5RR2TPurD8MKHgvOEPX1l5oyCoI8wA7kxXed2DvC4I6ZbBGJYlFWddfQjqqJRO252B89ZlCV2Q0mg/s640/2014_1215_02472700.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discoveries and misadventures await. </td></tr>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-33543239280178652002016-04-09T20:39:00.000-07:002016-04-09T20:43:55.882-07:00Where I've been<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, hello Blogger! :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Haven’t blogged in a looong
while. While I’ve got tons to write about, doing a quick post on where I’ve
been the past seven days. Seven days to miss time with my family, friends,
daily work grind, and personal projects (<i>wala pang boyfriend niyan, susko,
paano na lang ‘pag meron na diba</i>?).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve been to Siargao for the
seventh run of one of our programs at work, the <a href="http://www.unilabfoundation.org/healthierPH/5/program/leadership-journey" target="_blank">Leadership Journey</a>. It’s a
leadership development program for healthcare professionals. Yes, a leadership
development program. On an island. For one week. Sounds pretty wicked, right? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway, seven days have past
and I’ve got several things in mind as we wait for our flight to Cebu. Several
<b>things to be grateful for</b>, to be exact. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankful for the time to
commune with nature, which I would gladly do over and over again. Thankful that
when God made the world, He spent a little more time on the Philippines. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankful for local leaders
who still know the meaning of service to the people. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankful for Filipinos, who
in the farthest islands of the country, with the barest necessities, know how
to value the simplest things in life and live contently and productively.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankful for a chance to work
with the awesomest, craziest team of global experts on leadership development,
soul readers, program managers, facilitators, outdoor specialists, visual
storytellers. People who know how to work (extra) hard, laugh harder, and eat plentiest.
Hehe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of all, thankful for the
opportunity to meet doctors of different backgrounds. Medical directors, clinicians, doctor to the <i>barrios</i>, public health workers,
international org consultants. All have different stories and causes, but with one thing in common - all chose to stay in the Philippines. To fulfill
the oath they’ve sworn to, and serve in the country they call their own. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazing how, at the end of the day, we are all just
human beings making sense of our lives - to make the most out of the every
talent, skill, network, and opportunity given to us to make this world a better
place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This is our seventh run, and
I’ve been to each (including the test run – next year </span><i style="font-size: 10pt;">baka pwede na’ko bumoto
dito sa</i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Siargao haha), but each run is always different. This run, instead of
heading the documentation for the program, I was given the chance to facilitate
a team of doctors, yeay (which is partly why I got all these renewed
insights/emo moments haha). Regardless of the role, if it in whatever way, helps doctors find</span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> their purpose, clarify their vision and know the legacy they want to leave behind,</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> then I'm good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each run is a new experience and a fresh reminder that this country hasn’t gone to the dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where have I been the past
seven days? I’ve been doing my own part - my teeny, weeny part – in making a
better, healthier Philippines a reality. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyi6uOXUzQfijvZw1TZXYFcmVLfN27xxmZq0w9km1mvQxAyNeByfSbKYwqbKGaXUopJTnx49Y4uVZtRKh1patAd6pJfVyUzq1ZCIFv371tSpEy5z4_JU7dsIQul7Zprsp3M0m1_euFTcX/s1600/20160407_124039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyi6uOXUzQfijvZw1TZXYFcmVLfN27xxmZq0w9km1mvQxAyNeByfSbKYwqbKGaXUopJTnx49Y4uVZtRKh1patAd6pJfVyUzq1ZCIFv371tSpEy5z4_JU7dsIQul7Zprsp3M0m1_euFTcX/s400/20160407_124039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sufba Lagoon in Del Carmen, Siargao. Just of our classrooms in this journey. </td></tr>
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<!--EndFragment-->Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-30912385772576259272015-08-15T02:27:00.000-07:002015-08-15T02:54:01.015-07:00Of Positive Ideas and Post-event Thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; widows: 1;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We Pinoys are used to </span><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">getting used to</i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> things. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We're used to </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">traffic, we put up with useless transport system and slow internet connection. We get used to being ravaged by storms year after year, and being robbed of our taxes administration after administration. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It's the same story for countless communities all over the country, especially when it comes to health. </span><span style="font-size: 12.499999046325684px;">Mothers</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> think it's normal never to see a doctor for pre-natal checkup (they probably don't even know what pre-natal checkup means). Kids live with diarrhea and skin diseases 'cause there's just not enough water to wash their hands. Having dengue is part of growing up. And yeah every now and then, a friend or family member dies because he/she wasn't brought to the hospital on time. And people think it's okay, because they've gotten used to it.</span></span></div>
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I sweat the life out of me riding the MRT, because there's nothing I can do about the rotten railway system in the metro. But for neglected areas in country, they lose lives because there's nothing the can do about lack of access to health centers.</div>
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This is what struck me, the past two days sitting through the finals of <b>Ideas Positive. </b></div>
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Ideas Positive is a nationwide youth competition for innovative health solutions. Basically, it gets the youth to come up with ideas that address health problems in their communities. Teams with best ideas go through a bootcamp and receive seed money to implement their projects for six months. The project with the best outcome in the community wins the competition. </div>
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Simply put, it's a venue for the youth to do something that's always been in them - <b>make a difference. </b></div>
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And difference they did make. They reached communities that the government doesn't. By building relations with local health workers and community members, really understanding the health problems in the communities, they successfully implemented projects that the government have been trying to for years. One team from Iloilo for example, educated old school Barangay Health Workers and convinced them to use a mobile app for faster emergency response. </div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Yes, their results are small scale, but isn't that better than no results at all? One team from Cebu built a low-cost water tank system out of PET bottles and implemented a hygiene and sanitation education program in one elementary school. But they envision the project to </span><span style="font-size: 12.499999046325684px;">region-wide</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">, then nationwide, so they manualized their project for other schools/communities to replicate. </span></span></div>
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In William Easterly's <i>The White Man's Burden</i>, he talked about health programs failing because it's always the big plans forcing its way to small communities the Big Plan makers know nothing of. He suggests that the best way to go, is find what works in a grassroots level and take it from there. Seeing the how the teams transformed their communities with their simple but innovative interventions, I understood what Easterly meant. </div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">But the biggest transformation these youth teams made - in the communities and themselves - is in the mindset. How they made communities realize that what IS, is not what always SHOULD BE. That every person's life matters and is not just another number in the health statistics.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">These teams, they're the stark reminders</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> t</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">hat every person, every family - even in the farthest, far-flung areas of this country - deserve adequate healthcare.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> They threw the put-up-with and get-used-to attitude out the window, and replaced it with a renewed sense of empowerment and value for quality life. Where </span><span style="font-size: 12.499999046325684px;">mothers</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">, </span><span style="font-size: 12.499999046325684px;">fathers,</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.499999046325684px;">elderly and kids can - and should - live healthy and happy. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9bSdo2CDI2zgXMnKhRZYsHyi8nLoGx3b1DtJycG6n4SrAm4t_YHGhP__mu9swWUzpxCrRkAaC9uiB8os_9wOO6u79uTJIlQ8uCFhtDY1i1iwiLfYoOU0KjAaASr1oNkB1sFLQwXF8Evj/s1600/roanne+duran_+Ideas+Positive+Unilab+Foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9bSdo2CDI2zgXMnKhRZYsHyi8nLoGx3b1DtJycG6n4SrAm4t_YHGhP__mu9swWUzpxCrRkAaC9uiB8os_9wOO6u79uTJIlQ8uCFhtDY1i1iwiLfYoOU0KjAaASr1oNkB1sFLQwXF8Evj/s640/roanne+duran_+Ideas+Positive+Unilab+Foundation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy kid at a dengue awareness and prevention session by a team from Baguio City. Taken during one of the community visits I tagged along for Ideas Positive.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I never did anything socially relevant when I was in college (social drinking lang, if that counts). And I am mind blown at what these kids (kids!) did and would continue to do for a better, healthier Philippines.</span><br />
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<b>Congratulations </b>and<b> thank you</b> to the teams of Ideas Positive Run 5, for proving that this country hasn't gone to the dogs.</div>
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<i>Sana dumami pa kayo</i>. :) </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">To know more about Ideas Positive, visit www.unilabfoundation.org or ideaspositive.com.</span></i></div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-80638208618094352422015-06-20T08:19:00.001-07:002015-06-21T08:43:28.476-07:00Bacolod, Again.Do you have that one place that you can keep coming back to when you just need to relax and leave the world behind? That getaway where you don't think twice about booking when your friend/s ask you to? Never mind the itinerary or the fact that you haven't filed your leave yet.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7sVKFfboEKgZGq6GRjYNpOG5mTaquCI40Rm89ZUI2uy1T3UtNXGfT-8NEFDMMM9ArJrT3MIInJeEU5E15fL_5mdqovboclBczTwO3Nu1EnD9hHYgbfZh02S8U7wf6RYaqYfinswVoeLT/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7sVKFfboEKgZGq6GRjYNpOG5mTaquCI40Rm89ZUI2uy1T3UtNXGfT-8NEFDMMM9ArJrT3MIInJeEU5E15fL_5mdqovboclBczTwO3Nu1EnD9hHYgbfZh02S8U7wf6RYaqYfinswVoeLT/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Back to you.<br />
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<b>That one place for me is Bacolod.</b><br />
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It all started back in 2011 when my thesis partner, Tat, took me and another college friend, Vingaye, for a weekend visit. I was a scrawny, high-strung, perpetually stressed-out producer who badly needed an alcohol fix that didn't involve cameramen and editors. After a weekend of eating and drinking and chilling with the friendliest, funniest, most easy-going people I know, I was hooked to the place.<br />
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Fast forward to last weekend when Tat with a couple of her law school classmates, Kai and Pia, went there during the long weekend. I would say I was half local-half tourist this time 'cause I didn't spend every waking hour drinking (a lot of hours, yes haha), and actually got to go around Negros. Yeay. Tourist, visitor, local or pretending to be local, it's a place I've grown to love going back to for many reasons.<br />
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<b>Who wouldn't wanna go back to this;</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbFVavsWRNAJ_fGSwtzDsCw_pzJN2jtDxCYx4SJX6IcDZHsp-9_mtQDMbcmtVk2jDK_lmct4zDB8uKYdUiT5eaNluGudRrTFxphRg8KEW7SEqNnKEd3KNmpLTkK94B2ZhrYXxnm4-3uPS/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbFVavsWRNAJ_fGSwtzDsCw_pzJN2jtDxCYx4SJX6IcDZHsp-9_mtQDMbcmtVk2jDK_lmct4zDB8uKYdUiT5eaNluGudRrTFxphRg8KEW7SEqNnKEd3KNmpLTkK94B2ZhrYXxnm4-3uPS/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real thing. Chicken Inasal. | Maskara Chicken.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsV24ccgcD_vfOeZHKOyN7uyamHcDgKvJoz3037z2zpGrm739-nQFc3mRO0ZeyfJ6TNWLR-u5bmX0esuCuHhkr697iSMu3VW5OOJsz3tdsqWpLvFtivP8YS-heduDlfTTI-nDP2dnrIfe/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsV24ccgcD_vfOeZHKOyN7uyamHcDgKvJoz3037z2zpGrm739-nQFc3mRO0ZeyfJ6TNWLR-u5bmX0esuCuHhkr697iSMu3VW5OOJsz3tdsqWpLvFtivP8YS-heduDlfTTI-nDP2dnrIfe/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribs at Lord Byron's. </td></tr>
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<i>Namit!</i><br />
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"Delicious" - was the first word I learned in Ilonggo (followed by a series not-so-nice words I'd rather not share in this post). Food in Bacolod is probably one of the best in the Philippines for two things - they're genuinely delicious, and they're cheap. Chicken inasal, which costs P100++ in Manila, just costs P75, and tastes better, too. You'll never run out of places to eat here.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqxfhMzvgeq2uQd-FJaJQ0TfkQyEQNECNLZqB2BlaxX1_uR8CtpNmovpVFF8UBX5dgVCPZx1edfOTUo28-ntkxFJorL02GgjibqTSDfl3vI5i9eMZUXmur9R4SpGdPUYobNQ7Sj_P8-EJ/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqxfhMzvgeq2uQd-FJaJQ0TfkQyEQNECNLZqB2BlaxX1_uR8CtpNmovpVFF8UBX5dgVCPZx1edfOTUo28-ntkxFJorL02GgjibqTSDfl3vI5i9eMZUXmur9R4SpGdPUYobNQ7Sj_P8-EJ/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Endless cakes at Calea.</td></tr>
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Then there's dessert. The city's a haven for people who loves sweets (who doesn't, really?!).<br />
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<b>And this.</b><br />
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Speaking of sweets, ever wondered where and how sugar is made in this land of desserts? :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ft_4EE94u7XClhRIMaOsKfHhSnN7Dpg2gv2Bph411hxlOAN6rMdgGSEZRPXSed3NqBQneKrSPTvcCEc3xyczryKBvwgSY5JkAZpVKnF_0ZzjlNedwj-Be2lnCj-JhUIva4BWm2tuPCrX/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ft_4EE94u7XClhRIMaOsKfHhSnN7Dpg2gv2Bph411hxlOAN6rMdgGSEZRPXSed3NqBQneKrSPTvcCEc3xyczryKBvwgSY5JkAZpVKnF_0ZzjlNedwj-Be2lnCj-JhUIva4BWm2tuPCrX/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Azucarera. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jNa8eIhaNZkFRKSeh1LS8mwViYZ__3vLRyvcWvwdNWTO41QJXH1YFQ0muSXh_uQy6dW2yIIXjOchTlhSOLkAbJ_TtORPWvDJ0X3NqUOttF6JOz3DY8wJmwGj-1X3ROhm9VNH5anVK-rp/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jNa8eIhaNZkFRKSeh1LS8mwViYZ__3vLRyvcWvwdNWTO41QJXH1YFQ0muSXh_uQy6dW2yIIXjOchTlhSOLkAbJ_TtORPWvDJ0X3NqUOttF6JOz3DY8wJmwGj-1X3ROhm9VNH5anVK-rp/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod92.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kai, Pia and me on one of the actual trains that use to run around the Azucarera. </td></tr>
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Drove all the way to La Carlotta, a city south of Bacolod, and Tat's hometown, to visit the largest sugar mill on the island - the Central Azucarera de la Carlotta. It was a misadventure of sorts because we didn't get to meet the tour guide who's supposed to take us around. Either way, we couldn't go in the plant 'cause we weren't in safety outfit (we were all donning [short] shorts hehe). But after some namedropping here and there (thanks to Tat's and her friend, Ping's connections :p) the plant people let us in by car and even escorted us in the plant. Weeeeeh!<br />
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<b>Or this.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT9FbbGfneWtef8JO2dDBTPysMGpxp9ISurOJG3_PoYqXhFUIGJ34826h40q0rfpL8xMA2nHNbwdqBVj56318co4nJvudcurur_URnae54_6HvJgA-0irbIJhSdPtsDXzzcvJx_s8KKsW/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT9FbbGfneWtef8JO2dDBTPysMGpxp9ISurOJG3_PoYqXhFUIGJ34826h40q0rfpL8xMA2nHNbwdqBVj56318co4nJvudcurur_URnae54_6HvJgA-0irbIJhSdPtsDXzzcvJx_s8KKsW/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ruins, love that transcends lifetimes. <3</td></tr>
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This was my second trip to The Ruins. The first one was on my third Bacolod trip two years ago. This time we had Tat's best friend IC as our instant tour guide (thanks, IC!:p), which made me appreciate the place even more.<br />
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Quick background - The Ruins is a mansion commissioned to be built in the early 1900's by Don Mariano Lacson, a sugar baron, in loving memory of his wife, Maria Braga. Built with the finest materials, and of such grandeur, it was a true monument of love. Even dubbed as the Taj Mahal of Negros. During World War II, Japanese were raiding haciendas and turning them into Jap headquarters. Rather than having the hacienda invaded, Don Mariano instructed the caretakers to set the mansion on fire.<br />
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It took three days to burn the entire mansion down. The love on which it was built, transcended lifetimes. Le sigh. #gustokorinngDonMariano<br />
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<b>And this.</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMefAVlxnmH06unsCNT95ufj_08iRwmisjNM2usAb5f8fSwHYnGaIidhW0jT-XFGWt2yWjx-B-cDk9gCTUTVd5u6CsF884T3RtSb_D2DdLGkBvHEl661mnzD5dQgTk0kOV88zGgmxXr1u/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMefAVlxnmH06unsCNT95ufj_08iRwmisjNM2usAb5f8fSwHYnGaIidhW0jT-XFGWt2yWjx-B-cDk9gCTUTVd5u6CsF884T3RtSb_D2DdLGkBvHEl661mnzD5dQgTk0kOV88zGgmxXr1u/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Carbin Reef. A sand bar near Sagay City, two hour drive north of Bacolod.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI56gGBwjHN54woNrDucvbxRCiUTk_tUNC5nlRPdmT2eAmRxEc9tUU5oNW5yi3nKv_UuvclFWyBT-eiU3UKjb9gi_UKep8OXQ05jOrH6e_lmQ2RbUurZvh4KSrPKEXsFxWp3429V4XG3Oj/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI56gGBwjHN54woNrDucvbxRCiUTk_tUNC5nlRPdmT2eAmRxEc9tUU5oNW5yi3nKv_UuvclFWyBT-eiU3UKjb9gi_UKep8OXQ05jOrH6e_lmQ2RbUurZvh4KSrPKEXsFxWp3429V4XG3Oj/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The life. </td></tr>
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No words. Carbin Reef is painfully beautiful.<br />
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<b>And of course, this. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzemlCVarTseJG3kXExrSjGijQah3_8unpAHX0zf0pNkLgUkbkxYTPoO8wijG_deiRfgfEmDumv5_MrguROj58v6PAR_zmj_NhSQtA_T3QaZpd9eW54PIZ7bbRJnuM3_7bBb93keiti4Yy/s1600/roanne+duran_bacolod9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzemlCVarTseJG3kXExrSjGijQah3_8unpAHX0zf0pNkLgUkbkxYTPoO8wijG_deiRfgfEmDumv5_MrguROj58v6PAR_zmj_NhSQtA_T3QaZpd9eW54PIZ7bbRJnuM3_7bBb93keiti4Yy/s640/roanne+duran_bacolod9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Raga Raga in Bacolod. :) | Rust Cafe/Resto/Bar. </td></tr>
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At the end of the day, it's really the people that you'll love coming back to. :)<br />
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Bacolod. The City of Smiles, land of great desserts and affordable <i>inasal</i>. For me, it's more personal. It's a place where I can relax, and let go, and enjoy with friends old and new. And though I only get to spend one weekend there in a year, I know I'll always have a place in this city.<br />
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Salamat gd, Bacolod! 'Til next visit.:)<br />
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<b>How about you, what's your sanity-break, weekend getaway? </b><br />
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<br />Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-81491415835681252192015-05-28T10:40:00.000-07:002015-05-28T10:40:57.865-07:00Testing, Testing. Part 2.<div>
<strike>No words.</strike> Not much words. Was sorting out my photos and saw some that are pretty decent. Plus, it's been a while since the <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/06/testing-testing.html" target="blank">first time I played around with Chuck</a> and pretended I know a thing about photography. Hehe. </div>
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Sharing random snapshots of subjects close to my heart - nature, children, food. Oh, and highways minus the traffic. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TSox7_Pnr6o6rr3li4LNCZHJM2WKev3_L_9jA_smrxo_gLyLSl8Bl2ezvbFLwmLQuWxCY4DNzMqy7nsf-aCY5fOKOmviLPesONgjTmYIpV8CPrazviFWUnEJ7-btCUdi2hx5qqkQwmrl/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TSox7_Pnr6o6rr3li4LNCZHJM2WKev3_L_9jA_smrxo_gLyLSl8Bl2ezvbFLwmLQuWxCY4DNzMqy7nsf-aCY5fOKOmviLPesONgjTmYIpV8CPrazviFWUnEJ7-btCUdi2hx5qqkQwmrl/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don't cry I'll bring this home to you, if I could make this night light enough to move." - Pachuca Sunrise. <br />
| Brgy. San Fernando, Del Carmen, Siargao Island. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblhMtiUVr4cfJ6TJmdXs6RCOSSFLONOgwPOzvfKN_71cXECIeAGPTk5cM8OJykXg94KXx0RsDGo_sBf0P268W4MU1UQHKiQ4rBFOrFb4YTjejxwsN9ASqJEhzKUv-iyTKLLFdKdH9NZT9/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblhMtiUVr4cfJ6TJmdXs6RCOSSFLONOgwPOzvfKN_71cXECIeAGPTk5cM8OJykXg94KXx0RsDGo_sBf0P268W4MU1UQHKiQ4rBFOrFb4YTjejxwsN9ASqJEhzKUv-iyTKLLFdKdH9NZT9/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through Him, all things are made. | Sedona, Arizona.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIYI5vgXdi9tIQu-su3hQOhYEM3wifS9GEXvP_vDLOKyPpecZrQaYq2S7vkKOysJUNeBjIBK8AsIj9gWsrqyXn1Lb7KZlnKRttIwJV9pHw2wkIIOkfWIsg0h39m437NAQK_llYbRlWC29/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIYI5vgXdi9tIQu-su3hQOhYEM3wifS9GEXvP_vDLOKyPpecZrQaYq2S7vkKOysJUNeBjIBK8AsIj9gWsrqyXn1Lb7KZlnKRttIwJV9pHw2wkIIOkfWIsg0h39m437NAQK_llYbRlWC29/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backdrop. | Baguio City, Benguet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARzTDXUXpsNHIiZtG9Aj-UbaqBzsY2uvbCKAi7GTaIfPzPY7QP3FqmJq66bIBsF5KoZaopzpQ43YaTN-Ft6ROqP5ah4OZPxYG6dxl6Ik9xYqL57eEmgSZDsEEGUN37Ch5EWECEB0tIois/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARzTDXUXpsNHIiZtG9Aj-UbaqBzsY2uvbCKAi7GTaIfPzPY7QP3FqmJq66bIBsF5KoZaopzpQ43YaTN-Ft6ROqP5ah4OZPxYG6dxl6Ik9xYqL57eEmgSZDsEEGUN37Ch5EWECEB0tIois/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinoy Hoops. | Brgy. Turbina, Calamba, Laguna.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9ikRKQ6EdO8ff2tQi0ggRUCpk77U6zPiQRLrxU74s86n4IqqCXZtWDey5OPH69QFUwatF2TP5C7CEKlMEVE7C99TLUBzVOkCBuN7gt43H5YTes50GmprDbqfAkVOX6LO2_-DPIoJCiFY/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9ikRKQ6EdO8ff2tQi0ggRUCpk77U6zPiQRLrxU74s86n4IqqCXZtWDey5OPH69QFUwatF2TP5C7CEKlMEVE7C99TLUBzVOkCBuN7gt43H5YTes50GmprDbqfAkVOX6LO2_-DPIoJCiFY/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep calm. And eat at Palaisdaan. | Tayabas, Quezon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8D7DNW8Iux-vo6HrKcgI3kaZHcK4a-yQ4Xd6AbfeVQAA4ORB6TBjaYQN_hyO4E5MwTbGxeiVJCGLT_s-ahgDLUIEUH7gvpjwptcZGQNNcgbUIB8y0q98X82ssTAnErhKxQ5N202uwtrU/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8D7DNW8Iux-vo6HrKcgI3kaZHcK4a-yQ4Xd6AbfeVQAA4ORB6TBjaYQN_hyO4E5MwTbGxeiVJCGLT_s-ahgDLUIEUH7gvpjwptcZGQNNcgbUIB8y0q98X82ssTAnErhKxQ5N202uwtrU/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, the places you will go! | Del Carmen, Siargao.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8W4JJGHht5x8vbTXM07_Alh-GP4M2KRfe4kqmp_B8litnK2Tx8jnJqQ296AS3GuJKoDrGeRiMkgona5MJmXn6JSRDi3urEpE9UCoUJVB5emNteSPDcythIf9hlX0FNuttJjuoyi9IABQ/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8W4JJGHht5x8vbTXM07_Alh-GP4M2KRfe4kqmp_B8litnK2Tx8jnJqQ296AS3GuJKoDrGeRiMkgona5MJmXn6JSRDi3urEpE9UCoUJVB5emNteSPDcythIf9hlX0FNuttJjuoyi9IABQ/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I can't remember life before her name. | Magallanes Station, EDSA Makati.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK6WR_8Jthc_HpPu0eK7VV7up5F6JxQGRNzH_3zpdBHyGf1BiTogtMCR7-l9kRIYQ3wMfm8Eam54wfKyFVOt7H2ywhwm_6_NRjQBVeJZbmyLv3AgGTHNK9BsX-TLZr5i9yTuE8d0s91Ng/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK6WR_8Jthc_HpPu0eK7VV7up5F6JxQGRNzH_3zpdBHyGf1BiTogtMCR7-l9kRIYQ3wMfm8Eam54wfKyFVOt7H2ywhwm_6_NRjQBVeJZbmyLv3AgGTHNK9BsX-TLZr5i9yTuE8d0s91Ng/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." - Louisa May Alcott. | Brgy. San Fernando, <br />
Del Carmen, Siargao.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2lWiD-QEw3IEMtnz6PSuqU9lmGZ_by6LYxEBsGXS3nJzNOL_MjmnVsNnrh2GA8MHi8FwdK46ABf-xrWuZw8CF62o2wtCMl-ZhhS2G0Amx8rgD1wh6yQODC_m6-cfkTWTeYWK3NcAzulJ/s1600/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2lWiD-QEw3IEMtnz6PSuqU9lmGZ_by6LYxEBsGXS3nJzNOL_MjmnVsNnrh2GA8MHi8FwdK46ABf-xrWuZw8CF62o2wtCMl-ZhhS2G0Amx8rgD1wh6yQODC_m6-cfkTWTeYWK3NcAzulJ/s640/roanne+duran+fujifilm+x-A1+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road." - Jack Kerouac. | Scottsdale, Arizona.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEusQWXINeLEPZF4jqJ6LN4sdPOKSb0IfAnU4NiTgp0MdamXSkroZlBtEPqab_LVt-yiFbvBNalY-BQ5yKgqBGCIWU-NOtteo1D0jYM0H82HUgJuQAz30J9etloMHoK_Bsw763jB34AefF/s1600/roanne+duran+fujilfilm+x+A1+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEusQWXINeLEPZF4jqJ6LN4sdPOKSb0IfAnU4NiTgp0MdamXSkroZlBtEPqab_LVt-yiFbvBNalY-BQ5yKgqBGCIWU-NOtteo1D0jYM0H82HUgJuQAz30J9etloMHoK_Bsw763jB34AefF/s640/roanne+duran+fujilfilm+x+A1+.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of my favorite things, captured on cam. </td></tr>
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Maybe next time, I'll do themes. Watchatink?:)<br />
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-58300592697516746782015-05-25T23:00:00.000-07:002015-05-26T10:43:26.145-07:00Telling Stories<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
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I don’t know if it’s some weird conspiracy of the universe that the past few weeks had been a series of events and conversations that got me thinking (and feeeeling) a lot about my first love – telling stories.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last month, I ended up producing a same-<i>week</i> edit (<i>pauso</i> term), for one of our programs at work – a six day leadership journey for doctors in the beautiful island of Siargao. We used to hire a producer to do this, but we decided it’s more efficient (and cheaper hehe) if we do it in-house. So I ended up wearing my producer hat, one that’s been shoved in the closet for quite a time, for some behind-the-camera action. Most of the guys I worked with on this were friends from my ABS-CBN days, so not only was a it a great output, it was also a blast producing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After that, I contributed an article for a magazine, thanks to an officemate (who also happened to be a great writer), who opened up the opportunity. It was a simple travel piece, but I was so <i>kilig</i> ‘cause it was the first time that I wrote on a topic I really care about. I’ve been contributing for a local magazine for the past four years, and it’s fun and all but it was always on assignment, with not much room to express my thoughts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just a couple of weeks back, I had a good (virtual) conversation with an old colleague and friend. We talked about our exciting times in news and current affairs and how we can never, ever unlearn our instincts to look for things to write about, nor douse down our passion to reach out and be heard (or read, or seen).<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also just recently finished a photobook on our Arizona trip last year (yeay!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then this. Spent the past four days out of town, joining another one of our program’s community visits. There we came face to face with hogwaste, dumpsites, and TB-prone community - and groups of young, innovative people who are proving that we stand a chance against these enormous health/social problems (quite literally for those mountains of garbage). <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was wave after wave of nostalgia. Exploring new places, meeting new people. Hearing of their plights, sharing their dreams. Calltimes and pullouts. Soundbites and crowd control. Grit and grime. Local heroes. Kids full of hope. Selfless acts. <i>Bayanihan</i>. Living proofs that our country hasn't gone to the dogs. I just felt at home with all of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even the talented young[er] (<i>medyo tita</i> feels) filmmaker and photographer who were doing our program's documentation were fresh addition to the experience. It was so cool to exchange ideas, and gain new insights (not to mention get free photography tutorials hehe). And I just kept thinking of all the possibilities of stories - how they can change lives and people's view of life. </div>
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My point? I can’t wait to do a new project. I don’t know what it’s gonna be about or who I’m gonna do it with or whether or not it’s gonna mean extra moolah for me. I just know it’s gonna happen – they’re gonna happen. I'm feeling the fire in the belly again. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqPE2fgYtcbgMwrApTWxgUJHsWOhCrXQytFn27F5jsRVV-BfAq89rmUk0TJJMLBaHLl4l7lY1_q_m5MUJB-M2Ue7eDt25RLA4OKBw8i_n-fTGnOzMux-kgfotXUhwVVscOdX7pcbyhoLT/s1600/roanne+duran_telling+stories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqPE2fgYtcbgMwrApTWxgUJHsWOhCrXQytFn27F5jsRVV-BfAq89rmUk0TJJMLBaHLl4l7lY1_q_m5MUJB-M2Ue7eDt25RLA4OKBw8i_n-fTGnOzMux-kgfotXUhwVVscOdX7pcbyhoLT/s640/roanne+duran_telling+stories.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Who wouldn't be inspired by this bunch?:)</td></tr>
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Just a few days ago another officemate, who’s one of the wittiest blogger/social media-climber/ photo-captioner I know (what can I say, we’re a pretty talented team haha!), wrote a blog piece, <a href="https://judymariesantiago.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/date-a-girl-who-rides-the-mrt-daily/" target="blank">Date a Girl Who Rides the MRT Daily</a>. In just a couple of days it got more than 6000 hits, tons of comments, a proposal to be featured in Rappler, and a possibility of being turned into a group of students’ short film. #wootwoot<o:p></o:p></div>
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How awesome is that? :) For a single story, a train of thought (no pun intended), to evoke so much emotion, get that much reaction. It can be as life changing as a leadership journey, as amusing as a new travel getaway, as inspiring as the youth giving back to the community, or as mundane as daily commute. There are stories everywhere, and they’re worth telling.</div>
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And some people are just born to tell them. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-41543932597902871442015-03-25T00:31:00.000-07:002015-04-10T03:53:07.544-07:00Puzzle Gourmet Store and Cafe: Serving Great Food, Embracing Uniqueness With new restaurants popping up, left and right, not to mention food strips like Maginhawa and Kapitolyo going even more popular these days, deciding where to schedule your next date, family lunch, or <i>barkada</i> meet up is a pretty challenging task. How about trying a new spot that stands out because of their food, and the experience they offer - a place like <b>Puzzle Gourmet Store and Cafe.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH33B_Yj9ANTXZmuEQBKymJEvzJado7RjRlgHfvRndqfr_FVVmiiN8I4rECOwRVVZPSotj6BpiViBC6gVmwj0wtsXRWZ3FlFVqIbmh1CoFstI45UPOZ-nz8XJc-hXVSWJ7oEgFI8NPEzn/s1600/DSCF7829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH33B_Yj9ANTXZmuEQBKymJEvzJado7RjRlgHfvRndqfr_FVVmiiN8I4rECOwRVVZPSotj6BpiViBC6gVmwj0wtsXRWZ3FlFVqIbmh1CoFstI45UPOZ-nz8XJc-hXVSWJ7oEgFI8NPEzn/s1600/DSCF7829.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puzzle Gourmet Store and Cafe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh211g-XsuJwlZCF1qsuV8DQz2yP1CLooV5yMiy2ggnb6s6ovO28xDlm_tiK8Gvzluky1kQPwn5yL_PmNe68ADzxYViRAzi12JkZujclXGcjfbonIBw3EOj2ICYu2KiWaJrda2y8-kM346l/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh211g-XsuJwlZCF1qsuV8DQz2yP1CLooV5yMiy2ggnb6s6ovO28xDlm_tiK8Gvzluky1kQPwn5yL_PmNe68ADzxYViRAzi12JkZujclXGcjfbonIBw3EOj2ICYu2KiWaJrda2y8-kM346l/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Puzzle Cafe.</td></tr>
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As a gourmet store, it sells lots of imported and hard to find food products. As a cafe, they serve all-day breakfast, pastas, sandwiches, and <i>merienda</i> (they recently launched their new menu which I haven't tried).<br />
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But it's when you meet their staff that you'll realize why this place is extra special. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidikeKD2-XmnPnCl81FuKkBY5biTpvesw3qU_OHt3v4fOAS7gIL2Cw-fckYL7u5UAKzpQ8MIWhmldHBIsYMaVFYsFb30C22hP19cDexvuWwrvaAtgYBeYrj6Nl_sVFtWWWYq2HHCVFejk6/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidikeKD2-XmnPnCl81FuKkBY5biTpvesw3qU_OHt3v4fOAS7gIL2Cw-fckYL7u5UAKzpQ8MIWhmldHBIsYMaVFYsFb30C22hP19cDexvuWwrvaAtgYBeYrj6Nl_sVFtWWWYq2HHCVFejk6/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Oscar, a 31-year old Person with Down Sydrome. Oscar works as a server at Puzzle.</td></tr>
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You see, Puzzle Cafe not only serves great food, it also embraces uniqueness as it gives employment opportunities to Persons with Autism and Down Syndrome. Some of the friendly staff you'd meet when you visit are actually persons with intellectual disabilities who work there either as trainees or regular employees.<br />
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We visited Puzzle few weeks back for an afternoon, out-of-office, meeting with my teammates from Unilab Foundation. Having an employment program for PWDs and working with our very own officemate with Autism, this is the kind of place that me and my officemates are always excited to try. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTKhpJlNQTHPb4DAuPkSYNLzaGcjc30Qf0_TBCwhUYPFstrkkD5awWQCP1_ALzLYFt5HJa_GsyDomr3PTNueeNVBcqxjF7raV-pLsgx0J8ZGToX-2v67s6A3iD9pgTRGBRWGp21WdCllm/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTKhpJlNQTHPb4DAuPkSYNLzaGcjc30Qf0_TBCwhUYPFstrkkD5awWQCP1_ALzLYFt5HJa_GsyDomr3PTNueeNVBcqxjF7raV-pLsgx0J8ZGToX-2v67s6A3iD9pgTRGBRWGp21WdCllm/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's watch them prove us wrong. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SH-h_6Sl5pgcLTorP4iTdbA9zdUKohZueZENqBewvyxT4iwvT0b-2CMitcACuj3EKoAMd8axpDv_1OcMqqEnVl18MN8waAp5M68rgmNA4hIRsGr1YYRLmnTPGSfSl8_VV2FG6dR4R_lo/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SH-h_6Sl5pgcLTorP4iTdbA9zdUKohZueZENqBewvyxT4iwvT0b-2CMitcACuj3EKoAMd8axpDv_1OcMqqEnVl18MN8waAp5M68rgmNA4hIRsGr1YYRLmnTPGSfSl8_VV2FG6dR4R_lo/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+98.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole place just spells delicious eats and good vibes. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJcUgmIWv-SHCQoxXHg0_VkSR3PLLHAWZTPdFBv4elhUDA2t1TgV51f7Fqv6H3VzVvq5Oz34WY2G8YdO22NkygmJ1_tmHFudmSzcPy7DYcisr6exdTtQqkdupWruUj3dvL5Ncyxvf2XFa/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJcUgmIWv-SHCQoxXHg0_VkSR3PLLHAWZTPdFBv4elhUDA2t1TgV51f7Fqv6H3VzVvq5Oz34WY2G8YdO22NkygmJ1_tmHFudmSzcPy7DYcisr6exdTtQqkdupWruUj3dvL5Ncyxvf2XFa/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+991.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More knick knacks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyN1fGLUbyLuva1Bza10OMKXPFdMWuAMyjzCyURO6c1pm3E-56c9vrj7tjKm4RWAoT699VuuL5rPYa7Gb1h0ONQJFCZanfRl5WmcZbjAyQ-w__9lDtyyKO3Wp2tP4S4mkuzLiQChpaoaO/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyN1fGLUbyLuva1Bza10OMKXPFdMWuAMyjzCyURO6c1pm3E-56c9vrj7tjKm4RWAoT699VuuL5rPYa7Gb1h0ONQJFCZanfRl5WmcZbjAyQ-w__9lDtyyKO3Wp2tP4S4mkuzLiQChpaoaO/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Our servers that afternoon, Oscar and Anna.</td></tr>
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I love how the place makes the effort to make the place comfortable and the services easy, for both its staff and customers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCWuWxDG4bdUoEgCLJ6fQsIGQGnSid0wPFnDV4yt1xBunqWWa9cOb9Orgug2wEX41lBpufpgMQlbxRiFvFMViajphAW9pOKKuiwK00L-zYbiP5QXX8yYMFrsrFjRQAH4tA8guEMh0QkP7/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCWuWxDG4bdUoEgCLJ6fQsIGQGnSid0wPFnDV4yt1xBunqWWa9cOb9Orgug2wEX41lBpufpgMQlbxRiFvFMViajphAW9pOKKuiwK00L-zYbiP5QXX8yYMFrsrFjRQAH4tA8guEMh0QkP7/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My officemate Judy placing our group's orders. Instead of just taking her orders, she's given a list where she needs to check the items we chose and indicate the quantity. This makes it easier for the atypical servers to understand and relay our orders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiUaJ5uO_0zRUyAw-Ab8V5pspPaCLes0awsdb0bLnqui17QuCC_6NwPlLNWPpqzaozFaeWerKSoj-hPEU6EazLw_rq_WZrnOInYBLuzBAKoT113xmhn_9aj7BegHVlQm7Io_-udqQpl7p/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiUaJ5uO_0zRUyAw-Ab8V5pspPaCLes0awsdb0bLnqui17QuCC_6NwPlLNWPpqzaozFaeWerKSoj-hPEU6EazLw_rq_WZrnOInYBLuzBAKoT113xmhn_9aj7BegHVlQm7Io_-udqQpl7p/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornel, Young Adult with Autism, is being guided by his shadow server while serving our drinks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-JYzDuadmql3UaDxNdcPn4d1HHVL1TLMjxzpjtxTh4fdizf2KbibPgSxMORWl8oRqhEhyphenhyphen0lTkBGuFDhKt93WQRcG3_9hF6gbl5qSrwBtR21-n176ancL4E3b7z-0UU31cxoTInvqgdV4/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-JYzDuadmql3UaDxNdcPn4d1HHVL1TLMjxzpjtxTh4fdizf2KbibPgSxMORWl8oRqhEhyphenhyphen0lTkBGuFDhKt93WQRcG3_9hF6gbl5qSrwBtR21-n176ancL4E3b7z-0UU31cxoTInvqgdV4/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna, another Young Adult Autism, also gets some help from neurotypical staff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkv4diCCAJJfvI471o8I5cy9A6InZnD162kTdvkR7DlcIeBIBrqUwNDy3ZGrrq-GBc4Yi0lTr1RSDQe8kZvHa1plphW_Ag_iU7-T26PLMX1IF5a26C5_jMHL7CF23QIkZu-0h27HQC55B/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkv4diCCAJJfvI471o8I5cy9A6InZnD162kTdvkR7DlcIeBIBrqUwNDy3ZGrrq-GBc4Yi0lTr1RSDQe8kZvHa1plphW_Ag_iU7-T26PLMX1IF5a26C5_jMHL7CF23QIkZu-0h27HQC55B/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+91.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We first met Oscar during the launch United for Down (a healthcare program by Unilab Foundation and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines). We were so thrilled to find him at Puzzle. :)</td></tr>
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<br />
Puzzle is a family-owned cafe managed by Ysabella Canoy, whose younger brother, Jose, is on the Autism Spectrum. (Read how she and her family thought of putting up Puzzle for Jose, <a href="http://www.unilabfoundation.org/healthierPH/story/23/different-is-beautiful" target="blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESbl94WnQ036_GGgR3rn4pw2vwJAkyqvqsdKHeV_6OX-s_vC3glba2dPW2GI_q4LM0QQhtxIDyx0QcUjvYVvOPzg3fFUi2jGPU-95K2bdevyImHmxdv_tOC0RaGUSaskE6bRM-7-FykjV/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESbl94WnQ036_GGgR3rn4pw2vwJAkyqvqsdKHeV_6OX-s_vC3glba2dPW2GI_q4LM0QQhtxIDyx0QcUjvYVvOPzg3fFUi2jGPU-95K2bdevyImHmxdv_tOC0RaGUSaskE6bRM-7-FykjV/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+96.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An art corner where visitors can post their drawings, doodles, or art what-have-you's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCGLDW28D3sdCDp9rK3dJnPLo-njBZ_6fC3zGzKFrqvp5_oCk0cr_5-5vfpLvI0ays1r-DzOPPGS5TjCbRyDLP1_uHEH8vBif3H3rUqX-bwKQywlS7opYho7cn6Ptm_qzRIJYAkTd6qP1/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCGLDW28D3sdCDp9rK3dJnPLo-njBZ_6fC3zGzKFrqvp5_oCk0cr_5-5vfpLvI0ays1r-DzOPPGS5TjCbRyDLP1_uHEH8vBif3H3rUqX-bwKQywlS7opYho7cn6Ptm_qzRIJYAkTd6qP1/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+97.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookie! An artwork done by our very own officemate, Vico. :) <br />
Vico, who calls himself "Mr. Proudly Autistic", is our Graphic Design and Admin Assistant for almost two years now. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNF7Qc-QdNtj3DZVGNuUa-DKgt7x_vuIlNIMzyOF7s3UoF68j0t7Dj8BAPMUpeH05kv9ygQHG5q4WIkYcm2YnMWFIZR8M98UGrTX92qAPaBFxL1XP9fs4nCxPvD31nIyrrODCwyP_oJaC/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNF7Qc-QdNtj3DZVGNuUa-DKgt7x_vuIlNIMzyOF7s3UoF68j0t7Dj8BAPMUpeH05kv9ygQHG5q4WIkYcm2YnMWFIZR8M98UGrTX92qAPaBFxL1XP9fs4nCxPvD31nIyrrODCwyP_oJaC/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+92.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team with our special servers. :)</td></tr>
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<br />
Was the food great? We only got the try some <i>merienda</i> and dessert, and yes it was great. Does the place feel weird or different? If by different you mean the place is a lot warmer, your servers a bit quirkier, the staff a lot friendlier, then yes, it does feel different. It <b>is</b> different. And that's something the owners, workers, and customers of this cafe is proud of.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKGejLcC05w68VmPe7bKRnC10Z5iysPCOuh0scr0RHMPib50byHaLeO3cOMM8sTIAPceZlQD1E0vUnKvO91R3t3-CnTUm_hHkzRz5a0iH2UVTDj6tPqxOp9uqKQwTWNhcj2z8qDAEdK73/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKGejLcC05w68VmPe7bKRnC10Z5iysPCOuh0scr0RHMPib50byHaLeO3cOMM8sTIAPceZlQD1E0vUnKvO91R3t3-CnTUm_hHkzRz5a0iH2UVTDj6tPqxOp9uqKQwTWNhcj2z8qDAEdK73/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+95.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agree, 100%.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I dream of that time when we won't have to brand a place Autism-Friendly or Down Syndrome-Friendly, because by then <i>all places</i> should be PWD-friendly. A time when we wouldn't make such a fuss over restaurants or hotels that hire people on the Spectrum or those with Downs, because by then we are so used to seeing them behind the cash register, at the reception table, in private offices.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1ax0zGXw_MJNSPLDKj6Z0bUm6wrXd1HCnnO-o4y2OcYV7jvqRyB2uywVgYDWsw8RdAfPRC1pjiXk6DivJsLsyCL6xa5iGVFtcMXgpvOxrUN3yEcQLoGvHwUKuXwB4Ik18QVIZBJJAqz1/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1ax0zGXw_MJNSPLDKj6Z0bUm6wrXd1HCnnO-o4y2OcYV7jvqRyB2uywVgYDWsw8RdAfPRC1pjiXk6DivJsLsyCL6xa5iGVFtcMXgpvOxrUN3yEcQLoGvHwUKuXwB4Ik18QVIZBJJAqz1/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+993.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Seuss. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IlA1Z-ADEMTXMTg7kuIS-CTEHOAnTzuGLp4kGgn5xXTO3pu3la5uiII97TsrNDTGQa-doCRVuYUKjlE-dlRrmwC6nhd6HYDrUNx6tnTWcZ7jhF5dAM6QhSJ4hvDZax9tcc59s2k5yKt8/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IlA1Z-ADEMTXMTg7kuIS-CTEHOAnTzuGLp4kGgn5xXTO3pu3la5uiII97TsrNDTGQa-doCRVuYUKjlE-dlRrmwC6nhd6HYDrUNx6tnTWcZ7jhF5dAM6QhSJ4hvDZax9tcc59s2k5yKt8/s1600/roanne+duran_puzzle+cafe+992.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different but not less. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They don't have a lot of puzzles here, but there sure is great food, warm smiles, awesome service, and all sorts of uniqueness being embraced in this place. So next time you decide where you to eat with your family/friends/boyfriend, be sure Puzzle Cafe is included in your list. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>*Puzzle Gourmet Store and Cafe is located at Comets Loop, Project Quezon City. Check out their brand new menu and store hours in their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/puzzlecafeph?fref=ts&ref=br_tf" target="blank">official Facebook page</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<i>**Project Inclusion is Unilab Foundation's employment program for Persons with Disabilities, specially those with Autism and Down Syndrome. Sounds cool, huh? Know more about Project Inclusion and how you can help in the program <a href="http://www.unilabfoundation.org/healthierPH/6/program/project-inclusion" target="blank">here</a></i>.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-7617027480079974842015-02-27T23:14:00.000-08:002015-02-27T23:30:26.113-08:00For the First Time Climbers<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Climbing Mt. Pulag is an exciting, exhausting, but definitely a <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2015/02/climbing-mt-pulag.html" target="blank">humbling and awe-inspiring experience</a>. But just how prepared you are can make or break your entire trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you're a Pulag virgin like me, here's a few things you may want to keep in mind if you decide trek to the highest peak in Luzon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. <b>Have the right clothing and gear. </b>Organizers would usually send you the list of things to bring - follow it. Remember that it's always the bare essentials in the mountains, they wouldn't tell you to bring something unless you'd really be needing them. Here's what you need start stashing, list (and comments) by our organizer, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yabag.mountaineers" target="blank">Yabag Mountaineers</a>:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Clothes (2+1 sets)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fleece Jacket/Down jacket/Shell (must
be suited to temperatures of 0–7 degrees Celsius/32-45 Fahrenheit)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Raingear (Rain jacket/ Poncho; or
makeshift, like a garbage bag)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trekking Pants/Jogging Pants
(Preferably waterproof, must also keep you warm)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Extra socks<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trekking Shoes/Rubber Shoes (make
sure you've test-worn those days before the trip)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Pair of </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gloves (that actually work)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bonnet/Balaclava/Head gear/Scarf/<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• Sleeping bag or
thermal blanket/ solar blanket</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">• Ground pad or
Earth pad for back insulator<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Plastic bags (for water proofing of
your bags, clothes, cameras and other items)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sleeping bag (a must to be truly
comfortable)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Large Garbage bags (at least 2 pcs)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flashlight/Headlamp (plus, extra
batteries)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Personal whistle (in case you get
lost in the mountains, a whistle is a better chance for us to hear you)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Personal meds and First Aid Kit<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tissue Paper (there is only an open
pit for number 2 while we are at Camp 2)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mess kit (Plate or container bowl,
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you're sensitive to unfamiliar water; or just a 1-2 liter container, easily
refillable with cool, fresh, clean and potable mountain water)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Personal Trail food (candies,
chocolates, cookies; to share!)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Camera (for photo ops!)<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">•</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy Disposition, an Attitude of
Gratitude, Sense of Adventur</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e (this is the most important!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></blockquote>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if I may add,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lip balm, moisturizer, lotion 'cause the cold can really dry up your skin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">sunblock, it might be below 10 </span><span style="color: #222222;">degrees</span><span style="color: #222222;"> up there, but you're also pretty close to the sun</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wet tissue, lots of it (go figure)</span></li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; widows: 1;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. <b>If you have money, buy. If you have friends, borrow</b>. Climbing stuff are not cheap. Thermal jackets can go from 7k (for Northface) to around 13k (for Columbia). I know what you're thinking - <i>kalokohan</i>. But it makes 'cause you wouldn't want to bring substandard clothing and gear up there (<i>pramis, ayaw mong mamatay sa ginaw</i>.) It won't hurt to borrow these essentials if it's your first time, especially if you're not even sure you'd be using them again (but I'm pretty sure you would:p).</span></div>
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3. <b style="background-color: transparent;">Know what to expect.</b> Major climbs usually require a pre-climb, or an orientation where organizers (or whoever is heading the climb) to discuss the itinerary, weather conditions, checklists, and everything you need to know and expect. If you can't make it to the pre-climb ('cause we know weekends are precious and leaves aren't easy to come by), ask your organizers for the pre-climb files. Read and understand, ask if you have questions. It helped that I have a cousin who's a mountaineer, I got my personal orientation hehe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <b>Prepare physically. </b>You know that post-workout feeling after you've just gone on a month-long hiatus? Imagine that feeling- times 20, times O degrees. That's how it's gonna be if you don't get those legs and lungs ready. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. <b>Condition yourself.</b> It's not gonna be the most comfortable trip of your life. There's no proper restroom. It's tiring, it's cold. It might rain. Deal with it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when you get there, enjoy. Embrace the cold. Take a few shots every now and then. Prepare to get dirty. Make new friends. Climb. Be in awe of the sea of clouds. Come back down feeling better than you did going up. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF2Bj5ZPNWRLUgRujftTgvRnyZJootOxqr6J-SeMI6SjyAAIWxkcZZ6Y3QcMvKlsXZs-_7DeC5NjKVQTF9GKwp1OkdAByzgxcivpy-rkmKsJ5VdgXG5ze2Ezn9tKrcijJS4XoQEDAoHVW/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF2Bj5ZPNWRLUgRujftTgvRnyZJootOxqr6J-SeMI6SjyAAIWxkcZZ6Y3QcMvKlsXZs-_7DeC5NjKVQTF9GKwp1OkdAByzgxcivpy-rkmKsJ5VdgXG5ze2Ezn9tKrcijJS4XoQEDAoHVW/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+996.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My trusty trainers. I'm sorry, but we had fun didn't we? :)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make the most of your date with Mother Nature. :)</span></div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-979188094745128642015-02-24T07:59:00.000-08:002015-03-01T05:31:41.364-08:00Climbing Mt. Pulag<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
For the first adventure of 2015, <b>I decided to climb Mt. Pulag</b>. Thanks to Brian who invited to me the trip, I found myself prepping to conquer the highest peak in Luzon. It was crazy. The last time I climbed was four years ago when we trekked Mt. Gulugod Baboy, and I didn't really know if I have what it takes to go up 2,992 meters above sea level.<br />
<br />
We were taking the <b>Ambangeg</b> <b>Executive</b> <b>Trail</b> which is the easiest trail, doable even for non-climbers. Still, I couldn't help but get the jitters.<br />
<br />
We left Manila at 9:30 pm on a Thursday. It was a smooth ride to Baguio the following morning where we would take a rented <i>jeepney </i>to get to Bokod, Benguet.<br />
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From Baguio, it was a three hour drive
to the first stopover.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmd2FTCqo-3xLTgQwRe4jwBoMSI6cnVV2rG_5rpEM93VIpzZaBCyhdQ28-Bc3uGeYJd-aD7jNX8R4Jf5qhBCuJyewxTzfn7baJ-nji9vVLYZDPwjAbobp8Hb-3_XB2kKNzJ3hxT8DIwh4/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmd2FTCqo-3xLTgQwRe4jwBoMSI6cnVV2rG_5rpEM93VIpzZaBCyhdQ28-Bc3uGeYJd-aD7jNX8R4Jf5qhBCuJyewxTzfn7baJ-nji9vVLYZDPwjAbobp8Hb-3_XB2kKNzJ3hxT8DIwh4/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+1.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good morning, Bokod! First glimpse of what the mountain has to offer.</td></tr>
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It’s THE <b>stopover</b> for all climbers. Where everyone eats at the only
“restaurant” and get their packed lunch. It has a small store which sells
travel staples (toiletries, noodles, batteries etc) plus anything you could
possibly forget to bring – gloves, bonnet, socks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QELmzn0dCAegNW1LFJhe_0dq-ONXLyZj6w-afAKx_RVbnpxRDbwQOBhceUc_3yEL9AUvMdeFw0yZjNIYfYjQ6TDaU_6HVw7GtbRLC99DyFooyKlTz9AQza-ciXmqbzPQ9XQy8QAfFIbl/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QELmzn0dCAegNW1LFJhe_0dq-ONXLyZj6w-afAKx_RVbnpxRDbwQOBhceUc_3yEL9AUvMdeFw0yZjNIYfYjQ6TDaU_6HVw7GtbRLC99DyFooyKlTz9AQza-ciXmqbzPQ9XQy8QAfFIbl/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful mess at this local restaurant. </td></tr>
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It also has the shower/restroom area,
which is about the most normal shower/restroom area you’d get in the next
couple of days. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_Nl19cyp13OH2whlTU6sYfInOdkWQC3LaI-u5gjOVsDfx8ONaXxwd21aG6tvBBWg4eeHvn8cZARXOuLuDzT3hfOcdA23y3ciA7_mJWOo5JHzxCR0N4I6VHVaGcxEhJRcsPN2cWqFHIqu/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_Nl19cyp13OH2whlTU6sYfInOdkWQC3LaI-u5gjOVsDfx8ONaXxwd21aG6tvBBWg4eeHvn8cZARXOuLuDzT3hfOcdA23y3ciA7_mJWOo5JHzxCR0N4I6VHVaGcxEhJRcsPN2cWqFHIqu/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you gotta go, you better go now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXoh64HWGo8NLyp6vxy-ffkFae8vQe2iEl5ADXLDh1kSksQdz_gAUkU27skLhzC6FSqvrDebQ87eJVzL3ZX9_29bs_4ELQO7yIoSpR8SH5qfSG1u7z4eP1C2Ar1FyLFOm6d_tgwCb1X9B/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXoh64HWGo8NLyp6vxy-ffkFae8vQe2iEl5ADXLDh1kSksQdz_gAUkU27skLhzC6FSqvrDebQ87eJVzL3ZX9_29bs_4ELQO7yIoSpR8SH5qfSG1u7z4eP1C2Ar1FyLFOm6d_tgwCb1X9B/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Biyaheng</i> Pulag. :) </td></tr>
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From
the stopover, it’s another hour to the <b>Ranger</b> <b>Station</b>. This is where, supposedly,
we would start our two hour trek to the camp site. We were to spend the night
there and head to the summit at three am the following day. The Ranger Station
was a real exciting spot. Muddy trekkers who just came down, anxious groups ready
to climb up, friendly locals, street food, and fog. Lots of fog. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mprmqAKQkOvFA-3gVgbyrseNHsW1BgZTydiZJxkJjmqHMznvFDi1lzbJiRHMeoxi0fpH1COKZSGvuNwUDiQtoe1PWw9xd3e69etyPOqKgUrPxEjNFQH8vTKBU9yfwFoOrwIN2VhP9u7h/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mprmqAKQkOvFA-3gVgbyrseNHsW1BgZTydiZJxkJjmqHMznvFDi1lzbJiRHMeoxi0fpH1COKZSGvuNwUDiQtoe1PWw9xd3e69etyPOqKgUrPxEjNFQH8vTKBU9yfwFoOrwIN2VhP9u7h/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy morning at the Ranger Station. </td></tr>
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Unfortunately,
because of unstable weather conditions, we weren’t allowed to climb and set up
at the camp site. We had no choice but to set camp at the Station instead. Boo. It
was a bit of a letdown ‘cause we were all prepped and ready to climb, but we didn't really have a choice. It’s such a humbling experience when Mother Nature wins. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t worry, we made the most out of our
day being smothered by clouds. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps8470LgJ8idZbMSAGqcmKbYpV7b8X7i-Mv6-tDdKsohx1Ff19BQWxRqtv9aW3VQZXQ_9oM71FPKXGLXiZ_EZw6G9pa8hyphenhyphen1NV3Z4_ABr4NT266epYqjrZP4OZH2_ntX-mJz7czZV6hgO3/s1600/roanne+duran_climbig+pulag+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps8470LgJ8idZbMSAGqcmKbYpV7b8X7i-Mv6-tDdKsohx1Ff19BQWxRqtv9aW3VQZXQ_9oM71FPKXGLXiZ_EZw6G9pa8hyphenhyphen1NV3Z4_ABr4NT266epYqjrZP4OZH2_ntX-mJz7czZV6hgO3/s1600/roanne+duran_climbig+pulag+6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home for the next two days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreiVkIzVl9o3F17eqXFUnUyXikBrBC6BhaVOOAig1uU75c8HsrPr_1XLoXXtinorOPyQoln-LupyvJfROcnwrUGVJ5O8NlwrtdLwL8x2brbt-NfRs-mkch0GNMv3JDnY9iQl7pI_z9Sny/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreiVkIzVl9o3F17eqXFUnUyXikBrBC6BhaVOOAig1uU75c8HsrPr_1XLoXXtinorOPyQoln-LupyvJfROcnwrUGVJ5O8NlwrtdLwL8x2brbt-NfRs-mkch0GNMv3JDnY9iQl7pI_z9Sny/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just an ordinary day for these locals.</td></tr>
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And what better way to keep ourselves
warm than taking a few swigs and endless one-for-the-roads? Hehe.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sNoayXAphc5mwXQJIQYUL4buipCdQhpVc__g3cZ47moTuUXgXqihA6y5dT6SceR_zn_l2Rskdgl1Js_blB8c0JdOrfqZ97qfsmuNvNpvJgSMTeQ7dCsNZO50hjdhQyBKxosXe-cyRaju/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sNoayXAphc5mwXQJIQYUL4buipCdQhpVc__g3cZ47moTuUXgXqihA6y5dT6SceR_zn_l2Rskdgl1Js_blB8c0JdOrfqZ97qfsmuNvNpvJgSMTeQ7dCsNZO50hjdhQyBKxosXe-cyRaju/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+91.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ang</i> <i>laking</i> efficascent oil. Haha. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZPdL9dVKT3B5ROGqdfgVEZFACeDoOBaNO3FvHXwNbndgxnVf6T-pCAjB7XUFpy-soVH96-GbO5B6mgG3kEVzpRkovwoi4BIdaf07bRdxPzMWa5Z1ZH3w26egzQYbnrG7fygNpzw5LWmV/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZPdL9dVKT3B5ROGqdfgVEZFACeDoOBaNO3FvHXwNbndgxnVf6T-pCAjB7XUFpy-soVH96-GbO5B6mgG3kEVzpRkovwoi4BIdaf07bRdxPzMWa5Z1ZH3w26egzQYbnrG7fygNpzw5LWmV/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+92.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating it up with our new found friends. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_5sIRft1slSIhMLHknF94EXpkQNtY0I055wJDDBvwHKlMup4HjZHIX8QNNGBS2k2z8lZ6xoxi6k0zcT95cLEUSrppdKNvi7yPk_0ll9rqIMmmx-ruO-r1ntUO6rbmqVpTBmnWwMKdb7H/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_5sIRft1slSIhMLHknF94EXpkQNtY0I055wJDDBvwHKlMup4HjZHIX8QNNGBS2k2z8lZ6xoxi6k0zcT95cLEUSrppdKNvi7yPk_0ll9rqIMmmx-ruO-r1ntUO6rbmqVpTBmnWwMKdb7H/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+93.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our honorary guide, Stephen. The alcohol kicking in plus the fact that he's been on the mountains for two weeks already. Haha.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ_fW2jZxUkI0CF18rw6LTFJ8kngfZpBsLQsP2yp_INPiX_zbupBn3Rzi4XmmQlsqtWM2BAos-F3ZjE3RdW_Ve4WCVhrlpOKPVcauJMUlSKJKlUqZXbY-xAMAJvZ4R9PjcfcNn8ZQvAg_/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ_fW2jZxUkI0CF18rw6LTFJ8kngfZpBsLQsP2yp_INPiX_zbupBn3Rzi4XmmQlsqtWM2BAos-F3ZjE3RdW_Ve4WCVhrlpOKPVcauJMUlSKJKlUqZXbY-xAMAJvZ4R9PjcfcNn8ZQvAg_/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+94.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necessity is the mother of invention. We needed dessert, so we got this. | Mallos + JellyAce Salad. =)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The good news about staying at the
Ranger Station was that we didn’t have to bring our packs during the climb. The
bad news was we have to trek straight to the summit for four (or more) hours. The ugly
news was we start trekking at one-friggin-AM. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s how we found ourselves putting on layers of clothes right after midnight, huddling in pitch darkness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1am. </td></tr>
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We started climbing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was shit scared. The numbing cold,
the stillness of the night, us walking in single file, me not really knowing
where to go except for the feet of the person before me where my headlamp
points at. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It was calming though, passing by other
campers who wish you well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls - KC, me, Iloisa and Mau, one hour into the trek, at Camp 1. Blurred photo brought to you by Bri's freezing hands.</td></tr>
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Everything was a haze after that first
hour. I just remember the cold. And the darkness. And my aching legs. I
remember being separated from my group (even though the first rule during our
huddle w<i>as to always stay with your group</i>), so I ended up climbing the next
forty minutes or so with total strangers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I finally got together with my group
*phew*, but it was also the start of the more challenging part. We were climbing the upper
half of the trek, the rolling grasslands. It was a choice between sinking in
shin-deep mud, or balancing near the edge of the cliff. <i>Putik</i>? <i>Bangin</i>? <i>Putik</i>?
<i>Bangin</i>? It was <strike>pretty</strike> really scary, I can't even remember how I managed to climb. I just kept going and going, thinking - <i>what the hell did I get myself into?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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After more than four hours of climbing, we could already see the summit. The sky was slowly changing from bluish black to deep purple with streaks of
pink and orange. And we knew that the sun would appear any minute. We were
still about 10 meters away. I was ready to collapse. I felt like Jell-O waste
down, my hands and feet were numb, and there just wasn’t enough air to breathe.
But we knew that if we stop, we would miss that perfect moment. So we literally
crawled our way up three storeys high, using whatever energy we have left. We
reached the summit and rolled on our backs to face the sky. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>And then this. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsB6A2zYlCASjS3LbSYeq6YsWCDEIovfY1WN8xZRzjgFOts4fCE5RFDCaFhjScLGgC02bFdfO2W0o8eHROQwCrVKwJrvtSeEpvjCCwz-PVC8or5tOT-L4ruLvvULOx78hyphenhyphenGw_NOo8eG5aY/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsB6A2zYlCASjS3LbSYeq6YsWCDEIovfY1WN8xZRzjgFOts4fCE5RFDCaFhjScLGgC02bFdfO2W0o8eHROQwCrVKwJrvtSeEpvjCCwz-PVC8or5tOT-L4ruLvvULOx78hyphenhyphenGw_NOo8eG5aY/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+992.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I cried. Because it was so
beautiful. Because God spent
a little more time on our country, to make those fluffy clouds, that glowing sun, those rolling hills. Those marvelous changing hues.<br />
<br />
Partly, I cried because I made it and I was still
alive. Hahaha. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsa7amIBBW9PVfEdKLCnZWPDJmoOib_96sjP-EWoUWlyCL9nlyUdnTEa-6R4WrLzJ4U-aSb14CpQPpbJa0I1nRyt-qRHRu6o476aO3788nUh-zcB0Ms9GFg8Ot-EehF_nQnS_q24h-Iii/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsa7amIBBW9PVfEdKLCnZWPDJmoOib_96sjP-EWoUWlyCL9nlyUdnTEa-6R4WrLzJ4U-aSb14CpQPpbJa0I1nRyt-qRHRu6o476aO3788nUh-zcB0Ms9GFg8Ot-EehF_nQnS_q24h-Iii/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+993.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Summit. *two frozen thumbs up*</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
And I understood why people go crazy
enough to climb Mt. Pulag. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSsmi14ogRG704iNWtPXtEcDHhEQ228ObfcsUzoWv5fWme1yH8hbqpOLIgkJAzP58-BeSLNEshe-NS9NAy9a0eXCkjWLsy6XKgYm5_RG51K9-qKGG2ChAin0ip9eHp0qPlRFwgy7B_i8d/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSsmi14ogRG704iNWtPXtEcDHhEQ228ObfcsUzoWv5fWme1yH8hbqpOLIgkJAzP58-BeSLNEshe-NS9NAy9a0eXCkjWLsy6XKgYm5_RG51K9-qKGG2ChAin0ip9eHp0qPlRFwgy7B_i8d/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+994.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three words: totally worth it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Climbing down was easier. I thought it
would be scary ‘cause it would be bright and you can actually see the cliffs.
Strangely enough, I was calm and peaceful all the way. I kept thinking, <i>I made it, I
actually made it</i>. One would say I got over the fear ‘cause I finally conquered
Mt. Pulag, but really, she was the one who conquered me. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW-UgDl4_s-ZRvocpmrOM_soNex2bB4sMaT7HAxDa4F-CX7x2RzrcQBDhsZ-V-r6oEnPHvsr9j7d5L6jaCw-ASl_ZBlZRDxpO8i8HqrEoRXxfM01QRWUhvfdfIVq8dWC9-5jEIxhKJvZe/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW-UgDl4_s-ZRvocpmrOM_soNex2bB4sMaT7HAxDa4F-CX7x2RzrcQBDhsZ-V-r6oEnPHvsr9j7d5L6jaCw-ASl_ZBlZRDxpO8i8HqrEoRXxfM01QRWUhvfdfIVq8dWC9-5jEIxhKJvZe/s1600/roanne+duran_climbing+pulag+995.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For we can never conquer mountains, it's always the mountains that conquer us.</td></tr>
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Thank you, Mt. Pulag. 'Til we meet again. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Planning to climb Pulag for the first time? Check out some tips from a Pulag virgin on <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2015/02/for-first-time-climbers.html" target="blank">this post</a>. :)</i></div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-55643400131882350352015-02-06T03:23:00.000-08:002015-03-01T05:29:45.698-08:00Kodanda Archery Range: 6 Reasons to Try Archery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to be honest, I have zero experience on archery. The closest I ever got to the sport is a classmate back in college telling me about his Archery Class for PE (which I dubbed as "weird, only-in-UP PE class" along the ranks of walking, and stretching haha.) </div>
<br />
But thanks to my officemate, Judy, or <a href="http://adventuresofkuyajudy.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Kuya Judy</a> as she's known in the blogworld (but, really, she's a girl), I got to try the sport at Kodanda Archery Range in Makati.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGq1I8_zU8T8vIshGQvMSPdmX74JeREJ6Yw5aR3XY12rfNTYvGDJ-pn86Di_LWlic2hIrsU2FOKm3Q5vJEhpBHHERFexZjOMQj5c3EcEbxPQpM8QCza8YKqGQ9C758GTU3RlK6ZY7zARN/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGq1I8_zU8T8vIshGQvMSPdmX74JeREJ6Yw5aR3XY12rfNTYvGDJ-pn86Di_LWlic2hIrsU2FOKm3Q5vJEhpBHHERFexZjOMQj5c3EcEbxPQpM8QCza8YKqGQ9C758GTU3RlK6ZY7zARN/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kodanda, which means "he who has a bow" in Sanskrit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a one-hour session together. Each hour costs P500 inclusive of equipment and protective gear rental (not to mention you get to keep you paper targets as souvenir, yeah!). Normally, people just go there and step in the range, but if you're a first timer, you get a coach to help you all through out the session.<br />
<br />
It was a pretty cool experience, and though it might be difficult not to mention awkward activity for first timers (it did for me haha), here are six reasons why you should give it a try yourself. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Reason #1: You'll learn a new sport.</u></b><br />
I'm always for trying out news things, and though I'm not the sportiest person on the planet, I was thrilled to give archery (or the arrow) a shot. I mean, all you have to do is pull the bow string and shoot. That shouldn't be so hard, right?<br />
<br />
Wrong.<br />
<br />
Contrary to how easy it looks like, archery is pretty challenging. It takes <b>strength</b> - holding the bow to pulling the string (<i>na hindi madali, pramis);</i> <b>discipline</b> - there are rules on the range like when to shoot, how to pick up/put down your bow, how to treat other archers; and a lot of <b>concentration</b> - like following the right steps, having the right stance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w-yVmR1qJeeRgHnN7kukvB-0XZ8pH658v6hktPsjUuTD-MgCRlwmghf2wqd2s7gtRydcJsGJpC_XCDcpQH3CPwKfluybid9HhjF2ANzux9Wlnp142im6YHExYgMc-GiCkye9yadEfYtg/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w-yVmR1qJeeRgHnN7kukvB-0XZ8pH658v6hktPsjUuTD-MgCRlwmghf2wqd2s7gtRydcJsGJpC_XCDcpQH3CPwKfluybid9HhjF2ANzux9Wlnp142im6YHExYgMc-GiCkye9yadEfYtg/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not to mention <b>a damn good aim. </b><br />
<br />
I know, that's a lot to take in on your first time. But don't worry the instructors will give you a lowdown on all these before taking your place in the range. And if a sucker like me, with below average hand-eye coordination can do it, I'm sure you can, too!:)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GW9TDh9fuTh-65R1MS92VqjuGnYYlbaw-hLA6d2VYZAbpnHQKsTVSijuJU0j0UtecAwIf_SfXz0eHR9jKxmug3U7Yu1tw8_fDxTTX9qaoffCjvBpuHHATCPnb8dhX6QylK4lpdYGnK1t/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GW9TDh9fuTh-65R1MS92VqjuGnYYlbaw-hLA6d2VYZAbpnHQKsTVSijuJU0j0UtecAwIf_SfXz0eHR9jKxmug3U7Yu1tw8_fDxTTX9qaoffCjvBpuHHATCPnb8dhX6QylK4lpdYGnK1t/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure you can do so much better than this. :p</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Reason #2: You get to have bragging rights. </u></b><br />
I mean seriously, how many people do you know can actually do or have done archery? Hitting the target, or the very least <i>trying</i>, is such a rewarding experience you'd want to share with others. The sport is pretty challenging that you'd give yourself a pat on the back after you'd shot those five precious bows - bullseye or otherwise. In my case, "otherwise" included the floor and the ceiling. Hehe. #whoops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohUxXT6ol4Hd2HaNE1BqKw4JVeFdPIBhdIkgVMtRFemYh3HHpVuOSsa1Xb7oYEjN3OZW0zwjJe6f6zUyNUS9RI_KPCUOy6-B7Bv2oII-xeiAjJcrAt_1Y8gQTYFONCVKHuODR9mGFZFqU/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohUxXT6ol4Hd2HaNE1BqKw4JVeFdPIBhdIkgVMtRFemYh3HHpVuOSsa1Xb7oYEjN3OZW0zwjJe6f6zUyNUS9RI_KPCUOy6-B7Bv2oII-xeiAjJcrAt_1Y8gQTYFONCVKHuODR9mGFZFqU/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Reason # 3: You're prepared for zombie attacks.</u></b><br />
Imagine how many walkers you can take down once you've mastered the sport? Daryl would be so proud of you! <3<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Reason #4: You'll have a perfect barkada activity…</u></b><br />
Back to reality. There's nothing like an exciting, healthy competition to pump up an ordinary <i>barkada</i> gimmick. Kodanda is open daily from 10:30am to 7:30pm, with peak time after office hours or during weekends. I suggest you book your session in advance especially if you plan to go on big groups.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieApmMqB8AhOJEZUmgGT383boOpHMfGoaf8BQEsd2blzrMbx9rPb8GLFbJOoLmxgm9I6VkqDZ4drpb7tc6ilknm7rTrXyn_r92mr1ovohcFow04Wuz53fcFksd0DRL7R1AZ4iaoGcKc0rl/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieApmMqB8AhOJEZUmgGT383boOpHMfGoaf8BQEsd2blzrMbx9rPb8GLFbJOoLmxgm9I6VkqDZ4drpb7tc6ilknm7rTrXyn_r92mr1ovohcFow04Wuz53fcFksd0DRL7R1AZ4iaoGcKc0rl/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+9.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Even kids do this as an after-school activity. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Challenge your friends, church mates, officemates (your boss maybe?), your family. Or better yet...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><u>Reason #5: … or a kilig date.</u></b><br />
…take the boyfriend with you. Wanna veer away from the usual movie date? Gone through all the Top 10 best/cheapest/most romantic ramen/artisan burger/milk tea/pork buns/<i>chicharon</i> date places? Try playing cupid (quite literally), I'm sure it's one date for the books.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Reason #6: You just might find yourself a new hobby.</u></b><br />
Who knows? You just might turn to love it. You won't need to buy any equipment or gear until you're all serious about the sport. It's a fun and rewarding sport that you can play alone or with friends, to unwind or workout. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeoUA4_VC22EMWhlPatOri75pFeEs2kB9hVI_4vxb38AuJYC0mhDeB5W-C1frZbwvJOrai8ZIvKztXNynvNgTZFFeKuM_dU0ortxiiMWzGHzwu2xj8laTHzILwdvSPp7MlHENVx4-s3_R/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeoUA4_VC22EMWhlPatOri75pFeEs2kB9hVI_4vxb38AuJYC0mhDeB5W-C1frZbwvJOrai8ZIvKztXNynvNgTZFFeKuM_dU0ortxiiMWzGHzwu2xj8laTHzILwdvSPp7MlHENVx4-s3_R/s1600/roanne+duran_kodanda+92.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to take your aim?:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Kodanda Archery Range is located at the basement floor of Makati Cinema Square. You can visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KodandaArchery" target="blank">official Facebook page</a> for more information and other updates.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-3995556115944476302015-01-25T09:02:00.000-08:002015-02-16T07:18:43.611-08:00Sleeper Bus to Siem Reap: 5 Things to Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>[Day 8-9] </b>First thing you should know about the
Vientiane- Siem Reap sleeper bus is <i>it
doesn’t exist. </i>And there’s a big chance your drivers won’t tell you that.
There’s a route of course, but there’s no direct trip. Instead, it’s a series
of transfers from buses to minivans back to buses back to minivans… well, you
get the picture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In our case, it took four minivans,
three buses, a ferry, a tuktuk, screaming drivers, some plastic chairs, and a
multi-lingual angry mob to get to Siem Reap.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a
nutshell, here’s how our “bus ride” went:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Minivan from city center to Vientiane bus
station.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Sleeper bus from Vientiane to some southern Laos
province.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Minivan to another southern Laos province.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Bus to another southern-er Laos province.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Minivan to Laos-Cambodia border.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Bus to some Cambodia town.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Ferry to another Cambodia town across Mekong
River.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Minivan to Siem Reap.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Tuktuk to Siem Reap city center.</span></li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT0v4i0F_uo9-QtYzvL0ZdkqSUGCKKpAo7e9AUQtpNaER2ByEssJKtBoarkS02E3S0qISQAjYa_Vj4YOATjAjHZj7zns4FFGdJd501MtkCuBYYmIj-uKcbKNrsErppf6Ij7l07rzRHY87/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane+sleeper+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT0v4i0F_uo9-QtYzvL0ZdkqSUGCKKpAo7e9AUQtpNaER2ByEssJKtBoarkS02E3S0qISQAjYa_Vj4YOATjAjHZj7zns4FFGdJd501MtkCuBYYmIj-uKcbKNrsErppf6Ij7l07rzRHY87/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane+sleeper+bus.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good morning! Just got off our sleeper bus. Two legs down, seven more to go for this crazy cross-country ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p>Now I wouldn’t go over each leg. It’s basically a twisted version of Amazing Race where our next clue is always some sweaty driver yelling “Siem Reap! Siem Reap!”. But in case you're planning to take the same trip, here are five things you should probably remember:</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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1.<b> Stay alert.</b> No one would be telling
you what to do or where to go to next, and things can get pretty chaotic. Always be on the lookout for your ride, and the passengers whom you know are going to the same destination. Keep
your ears peeled, hold on to your ticket. Take a piss every chance you get (you’ll
never know when’s the next “toilet break” and whether there’s actually a toilet
there.) Watch over your stuff, and each other. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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2. <b>Be friendly, but be smart.</b> We are all
for making friends with other tourists for safety (it’s always better to stick
together) and sanity purposes (the road can drive you a bit nuts after a while).
But when it’s our asses on the line (literally), we don’t think twice about
dropping the conversation when the driver calls out, and rushing to get those
highly coveted bus/van seats. All is fair in love and Lao buses. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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3. <b>Be prepared - it gets messier at
the border.</b> When we got to the Laos-Cambodia border, we were asked to transfer
to another bus. The bus was almost full, run down, and with no air
conditioning. You can imagine the angry passengers cursing in whatever
language, yelling there’s no way they’re getting on that bus. But then the
driver throws a fit, saying we got our tickets in Laos and this is Cambodia and
if we want to complain, go complain back in Laos. In short he doesn’t give a
f*ck about any of us, he just wants to get his bus (the only bus at the border)
going, and we can either get on or he’ll leave our sorry asses behind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Driver wins. Crowd boos. And Mau and I
ended up sitting on a plastic chair on the aisle, and Bri standing by the front
of the bus for the next two and half hours. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNpGsN5Fcqek5GNWOmjLJ_rvjawPzQeew5Pzh7mWDO0-vOuuF7ORQt9hA9dZk7UV2ARm938gW9CJ5_l23mEAheQMMkVY6pqHenknFxz2oruFFm-guOF5VhjB4VaUDL7TIXcHYVkAbwjD-/s1600/roanne+duran_Vtn-SR+sleeper+bus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNpGsN5Fcqek5GNWOmjLJ_rvjawPzQeew5Pzh7mWDO0-vOuuF7ORQt9hA9dZk7UV2ARm938gW9CJ5_l23mEAheQMMkVY6pqHenknFxz2oruFFm-guOF5VhjB4VaUDL7TIXcHYVkAbwjD-/s1600/roanne+duran_Vtn-SR+sleeper+bus2.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing borders. Walking hundreds of meters to our next ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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4. <b>Get ready to make quick decisions. </b>From the border, we
got to some Cambodian town at around 5pm when the driver told us we still have
eight hours to get to Siem Reap. If we want to go faster, he says, we can take
a minivan instead that would get us there by 9pm tops. There’s a catch; we need
pay $10 each - and the minivan is across Mekong. We had about 5 minutes to
weight the choices – is it safe? Is $10 worth it? Can we survive eight more
hours in this wretched bus? What if they’re just ripping us off and there’s no
minivan across the river? With a dozen more tourist-allies saying okay, let’s
do this (see item #2, clause 1), we got on that ferry with faith on one hand
and our heavy packs on the other. Don’t worry, there was a minivan on the other
side. :p<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfIO7_FLTcXMIVSTd-LSZaQq0J8-oUOXKp7KfY-fgMy2IA7iAQfzB_sSsZfKTMcTRa1Ta1ETlbm11rXP2fNdqZKvpYUySV40VZ8xAftkMWZfdthhG665Mcy1LHC02hLtJKkwh5ymUOxB2/s1600/roanne+duran_Vtn-SR+sleeper+bus3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfIO7_FLTcXMIVSTd-LSZaQq0J8-oUOXKp7KfY-fgMy2IA7iAQfzB_sSsZfKTMcTRa1Ta1ETlbm11rXP2fNdqZKvpYUySV40VZ8xAftkMWZfdthhG665Mcy1LHC02hLtJKkwh5ymUOxB2/s1600/roanne+duran_Vtn-SR+sleeper+bus3.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No turning back. Leaving our bus and waiting for our ferry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverbanks scene. That rusty old thing those passengers were alighting? We're riding that. Haha. </td></tr>
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5. <b>And lastly, no matter what happens,
enjoy the ride. </b>There’s always something to be happy about – always. Grabbing a
<i>banh mi</i> in one of the stopovers for your breakfast-cum-lunch-cum-dinner.
Sitting next to a cute French guy and having an <i>a la </i>Before Sunrise moment
(albeit in a really cramped and humid bus). Wet tissue. Pit stops. Conversations
with other backpackers, about the Philippines, about travels, about tattoos. Eventually seeing the bright lights of Siem Reap.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there! Our final ride to our hostel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally! :)</td></tr>
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<br />
And most importantly, surviving the trip and making it to the destination in one piece. :)<br />
<br />
Now that wasn't so bad was it? Haha. <b>It truly was one for the books. </b>After that, we had the best meal we've had in days, and the best shower we've probably had in our lives.<br />
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<br /></div>
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And of course a good night's rest to get ourselves ready for temple hopping the following day. Exploring the temples of the Khmer Empire on my next post! :)</div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-66747245178954654802015-01-18T01:36:00.002-08:002019-06-17T10:40:38.679-07:00Vientiane in 12 Hours<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
Leaving Luang Prabang was a bit of a
sad<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> moment for Mau, Brian, and me </span>(seriously, we <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/08/8-things-to-absolutely-love-about-luang.html" target="blank">loved the place so much</a> we can stay there for months). The only thing that made getting on that <i>tuk-tuk</i> as we head to the South Bus Station easy was the thought of the rest of our adventure that lies
ahead, part of it was our next stop – <b>Vientiane</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting to Vientiane is a 10 to 11-hour bus
ride from LPR. Surprisingly, our sleeper bus was a real decent one. We got our own
bunks, with individual (clean, fresh-smelling) blankets, meal for the night (it
wasn’t much, but hey it’s free), and a restroom at the rear of the bus.
We left at around 6 or 7pm. Having stuffed ourselves with a light dinner, we
got on our home for the night and dozed off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We got to Vientianne before the break
of dawn. The whole city still seems asleep, and the only sound we hear
were all the racket from unloading people and luggage off the bus. The only
logical thing to do was go with the rest of the passengers who hopped on an
open air minivan/multi-cab, with a driver yelling “city center, city center!”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“<b>City center</b>,” it turns out was some
corner between two unlit streets. The sun hasn’t shone yet, and the cool morning
wind was enough to make our still half-sleepy selves, fully sleepy. The
driver dropped us off, and the rest of the passengers went on their own way. We
would’ve been scared of being left in the middle of nowhere, but having had the
same experience in Luang Prubang, we started strolling down the street like
it’s no big deal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vientiane's misty welcome. </td></tr>
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And just like that, we found a small
2-storey establishment being opened by a middle aged man. “<b>Vientiane Backpackers
Hostel</b>,” the sign says. The man was really friendly and he started inviting us
in (even he hasn’t fully opened the hostel yet haha), asking us if we were
looking for a place to stay. We were kinda wary of vendors and housekeepers who
try to take advantage of tired and hungry tourists. We explained that really,
we’re just in the city for 12 hours and if we can crash for a few minutes while
we figure out our gameplan for the day, we’d be super thankful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sanctuary. </td></tr>
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The housekeeper, <b>his name was Vi</b>, was
as kind as he was spunky. He said we can stay in their guest
area/lobby/restaurant as long as we want. They serve breakfast (we we’re pretty
hungry by then), and have free WiFi. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But can we leave our packs, too? Yes.
And, by any chance can we take showers, too? Yes, yes. How much do we have to
pay? No, it’s free. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Jackpot</b>! :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a <i>yosi</i> break while Vi shows me
around the nearby temple and talk about how nice Filipinos are, we had our
breakfast, updated our statuses on social media (really, it was the easiest way
to let our families know that we’re still alive), freshened up, and secured our
packs. Before leaving, Vi had arranged for us to get our bus tickets to Siem
Reap, helped us exchange more Kips, and got a <i>tuk-tuk </i>driver to take us around.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hero that morning!</td></tr>
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<b>And we were set</b>. There are plenty of
“tuk-tuk trips” in Vientiane, which is the cheaper way of going around compared to renting a van and tour guide. Their rates are pretty standard so you won’t have to worry about getting ripped
off. The drivers know little English, and when all else fails they have these
laminated photos of the tourists spots. Just point and go. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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With the time we have, we decided we’d
go for three stops – the Buddha Park which was 45 minutes drive from the city,
the Pha That Luang, and the Patuxay, the latter two were back at the city
center.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a brief introduction with our
driver-cum-tour guide (<b>his name was Sang</b> and he looked like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pipo</i> from “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Okay ka Fairy Ko</i>” haha), we sat back in the <i>tuk-tuk</i> like a boss,
and enjoyed the ride. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B9kv_fifFks31V4B7rsC5Na-1XHgFUvtXEZ-s_z_-9jZot8ThLpWP6umetb9dDoxrWA1pOyvJJf9gslU1HB5SdmpU6Nnhwmxths2b6qynhgS8-S4UcXzB_aQMwr7506XVxt4i3Zc2Pn-/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B9kv_fifFks31V4B7rsC5Na-1XHgFUvtXEZ-s_z_-9jZot8ThLpWP6umetb9dDoxrWA1pOyvJJf9gslU1HB5SdmpU6Nnhwmxths2b6qynhgS8-S4UcXzB_aQMwr7506XVxt4i3Zc2Pn-/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising, Vientiane style. </td></tr>
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Vientiane was <b>a whole lot busier</b> than
Luang Prubang. A whole lot dustier, too. But there was a kind of beauty in
Vientiane that wasn’t in Luang Prabang, like if the latter was paradise, we were
brought down to Laos reality while driving the streets of Vientiane. The people
were as friendly, except they’re like actual real people who have jobs and get stuck
in traffic rather than magical creatures who sell souvenirs, and tours, and
Laos massage. There were a lot of buildings and factories, too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On our way out the city, Sang started
calling back at us, getting all excited about an establishment we were about to
pass by. We thought it was some kind of temple or important government office. But he was actually pointing to this - the <b>Beerlao</b> factory. Haha. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G3g-8vS_yin-XYPwKrR6O1omUtGLCl0-HSUcAP9UTmtUuW_vUVDqHmFltY_Y5h35B5gj4JRAJgl2kOdhEqw71Af209bE81-vAvgMGDgRPxzN4lbocaevt3copSy9qu3S17qeJyl9TPlF/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_G3g-8vS_yin-XYPwKrR6O1omUtGLCl0-HSUcAP9UTmtUuW_vUVDqHmFltY_Y5h35B5gj4JRAJgl2kOdhEqw71Af209bE81-vAvgMGDgRPxzN4lbocaevt3copSy9qu3S17qeJyl9TPlF/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where all the magic happens. | Beerlao factory.</td></tr>
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Halfway through the ride, Sang called
out at us again. We thought he’s gonna show us some local cigarette factory or
something this time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead he pulled
over at the side of the road, and pointed through the fence, where the <b>Laos-Thai Friendship Bridge </b>which runs across the great Mehkong River can be seen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRWv86_kc1e0hRBDZz7SSDbOdRJdBJmJriGxEuTgoKnpUBY8fnqbyyA0M3aohUfkqffUAOAa3vw9DILMrKMEdZbzkTUT5Xv0rBDkFcwN2VzrjOyMUkMJ-MA75-XyEDe8XS4A0m5y8NpYa/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRWv86_kc1e0hRBDZz7SSDbOdRJdBJmJriGxEuTgoKnpUBY8fnqbyyA0M3aohUfkqffUAOAa3vw9DILMrKMEdZbzkTUT5Xv0rBDkFcwN2VzrjOyMUkMJ-MA75-XyEDe8XS4A0m5y8NpYa/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With our friend, Sang, under the Friendship bridge. </td></tr>
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After a long, bumpy, dusty ride we
arrived at Buddha Park. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Buddha Park</b> is a “sculpture garden”,
as people put it. It’s an open park with giant rock statues of Buddhist and some Hindu gods. It’s not a temple per se, more of a tourist attraction really, but a lot of people still come here to pay their respects.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were no inscriptions on the statues. I've been Googling who this big guy is, but couldn't be quite sure. Anyone?</td></tr>
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The place is indeed a sight to see. I
kinda wish I knew more than the basics about Buddhist and Hindu myths and legends. I left a
mental note to myself to do my homework for the my next travels. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNopaRYrjsjhGRzQCmtQo6uXGML0YuHceNd2xb_hShPWqZgFZ60vxTruPvgKq4kZqQLRhHLkmaLN4lbwBNH37E0qyC_W-yRLKJWaep6ipSscnI2jH3M2pp3VRpzkV08g8YpxQIWuSqQ0S/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNopaRYrjsjhGRzQCmtQo6uXGML0YuHceNd2xb_hShPWqZgFZ60vxTruPvgKq4kZqQLRhHLkmaLN4lbwBNH37E0qyC_W-yRLKJWaep6ipSscnI2jH3M2pp3VRpzkV08g8YpxQIWuSqQ0S/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane91.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I'm correct this is the Hindu god Vishnu, described to have four arms and holding lotus flowers.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkWYQKAv0APHECyd-kjUqlE6D9Kf-90bU-1MZosezGQ0C2nNeZ55WMfVRqG7hftfIqfef9vQAz4hjYbVgTSaXI79rKtWVt6jUNeyYkC-ljd94szHJ1VmaXewYMKearVBbTxyHXgPVnpaA/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkWYQKAv0APHECyd-kjUqlE6D9Kf-90bU-1MZosezGQ0C2nNeZ55WMfVRqG7hftfIqfef9vQAz4hjYbVgTSaXI79rKtWVt6jUNeyYkC-ljd94szHJ1VmaXewYMKearVBbTxyHXgPVnpaA/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane92.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bri and Mau a la tomb raider inside one of the giant statues. Pretty creepy to statues within statues.</td></tr>
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The scorching sun didn’t stop us from
making it through the labyrinth of giant rocks, and jumping from one statue to
the next. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFwYVOi38QyN2lf9QtiNZH9eJ8mwevPGOa7Wy3AfMmznuGFdhmJPD0ZPJcubrKKSPKrh2nxHjJdfxK8T_YT7j7fHWpNZz706MsL4nCjLVvIQZJnt2qZeR8ZGEsTcFgR4CknD1LRcOxk1n/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFwYVOi38QyN2lf9QtiNZH9eJ8mwevPGOa7Wy3AfMmznuGFdhmJPD0ZPJcubrKKSPKrh2nxHjJdfxK8T_YT7j7fHWpNZz706MsL4nCjLVvIQZJnt2qZeR8ZGEsTcFgR4CknD1LRcOxk1n/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top.</td></tr>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNco6cI1PWQYacuSRUYB5WlMSM0cY3U5ANFilAjHCZLTSLZLUsYeOJtN6r5xNcudj2lquQpuMRqxgg9gLc-4PBmhqKXSM6OLBFwM7v2aeDNdj_imxuFsTUdWdjwpi01tzmd74ruIsIkna/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNco6cI1PWQYacuSRUYB5WlMSM0cY3U5ANFilAjHCZLTSLZLUsYeOJtN6r5xNcudj2lquQpuMRqxgg9gLc-4PBmhqKXSM6OLBFwM7v2aeDNdj_imxuFsTUdWdjwpi01tzmd74ruIsIkna/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane95.jpg" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I say jump from one statue to the next? :p</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We spent the rest of the morning
there, offered a prayer in the small altar, and wiped off as much dust and
grime as we can (we’re starting to remember by then that we haven’t taken a
shower yet haha).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The trip back to the city seemed a lot
faster, maybe because we slept through most of the ride. We got to the city
center just in time for lunch, asking Sang to join us despite his initial hesitations. We told him that in the Philippines, people always eat together. Eat
and talk. Which was a we did for the next hour, before heading to the temple complex.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6Kv3f8gXKe7eD9w_F5-D-65QPgPV7xsUlmGN8M4ixnmBzXhn0ndhuTOjQT6nNDQvAr6Kbxr_YWnglFLhiYLZQcMoOSQ3lU3ync-OS5Q8QHWv5Pq06HdnYKUTL9Z2e2XWTcngGbqI5A-S/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6Kv3f8gXKe7eD9w_F5-D-65QPgPV7xsUlmGN8M4ixnmBzXhn0ndhuTOjQT6nNDQvAr6Kbxr_YWnglFLhiYLZQcMoOSQ3lU3ync-OS5Q8QHWv5Pq06HdnYKUTL9Z2e2XWTcngGbqI5A-S/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane96.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pha That Luang from afar. </td></tr>
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The <b>Pha That Luang</b> is a gold-covered
Buddhist stuppa found right at the city center. It’s one of the largest temples
in Vientiane. It’s only open during worship service, so be sure to check the
schedule (which we obviously didn’t, so sue us) if you want to get inside. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are several other temples that
are open for public worship in the complex. We braved the scorching heat exploring the temples in this concrete park.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbT1sNnWEkuggPKoyq28OGTT31a7C3LlzLJG9ONsZtOjf8u-yhhcB81uA8s65NA_s-rQ155mnS3DStDNcJ05hzpml0jBfg2NhQzBxmiUFUfT_y2DilMbztFI3oVcdSGjRPrc61fpOTKvBT/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbT1sNnWEkuggPKoyq28OGTT31a7C3LlzLJG9ONsZtOjf8u-yhhcB81uA8s65NA_s-rQ155mnS3DStDNcJ05hzpml0jBfg2NhQzBxmiUFUfT_y2DilMbztFI3oVcdSGjRPrc61fpOTKvBT/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane99.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the temples open throughout the day. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Et5wK3YILw5nB5W3THq03THeytRguLVX3NLlohJaLTD_L2NUQLLxo5AizybvPplAt9-CjdQk4cOpss5KLrvSdj04M76Nu3oTMH_GWFK5y_619tE-zxFi_VHmrPRvMtqGDhJ7Q6XVWtD/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Et5wK3YILw5nB5W3THq03THeytRguLVX3NLlohJaLTD_L2NUQLLxo5AizybvPplAt9-CjdQk4cOpss5KLrvSdj04M76Nu3oTMH_GWFK5y_619tE-zxFi_VHmrPRvMtqGDhJ7Q6XVWtD/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9991.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found these students praying after their class.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzluZPxBo8Ea0a0lX2rT3n-ILgxNYQdIHLnA3XudFh5_t60zBFJ06U1ZoYzYCyrw41gNmkKE1RP57mHO9g9F1lACLTTKwBhaHKlk3i1G2kwgbKEPSASxdyMzz2GD82eQTjqhB2Bkm21CE3/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzluZPxBo8Ea0a0lX2rT3n-ILgxNYQdIHLnA3XudFh5_t60zBFJ06U1ZoYzYCyrw41gNmkKE1RP57mHO9g9F1lACLTTKwBhaHKlk3i1G2kwgbKEPSASxdyMzz2GD82eQTjqhB2Bkm21CE3/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9992.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZGcYAFnMKv3qcn1laVU-Kj2S0DyaRUXkQ0uvLmMPxuvWCisBjm6pz_QGfnZD1b5rXri728UEtDLihSF79fWo7GmerolSM74wKz8osrSQrbbwq5U6ElQky7XxA3JsHoi5DFCwXjqxUUwn/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZGcYAFnMKv3qcn1laVU-Kj2S0DyaRUXkQ0uvLmMPxuvWCisBjm6pz_QGfnZD1b5rXri728UEtDLihSF79fWo7GmerolSM74wKz8osrSQrbbwq5U6ElQky7XxA3JsHoi5DFCwXjqxUUwn/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane98.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of the Reclining Buddha, said to represent Buddha during his illness, right before he reached <i>parinirvana</i>.</td></tr>
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After visiting the temples, we headed
to our next stop- the <b>Patuxay</b> or Gate of Victory/Gate of Triumph. It was built
in 1960’s in memory of the Lao people who fought in the war. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hBT5Dk_ZYV_t9PgZpdJ1VfqV1dSq2v9KPbLYBRh1Rmda2ivsaluKQZ84Jtk7IiC7HoaOo_Y8JlqIvyCcCQc5SEo2vSMSSiTiMiTqcA-ICRpDgcyuDzazDiNRK63Jco6jG_wkGmJ3D-dq/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hBT5Dk_ZYV_t9PgZpdJ1VfqV1dSq2v9KPbLYBRh1Rmda2ivsaluKQZ84Jtk7IiC7HoaOo_Y8JlqIvyCcCQc5SEo2vSMSSiTiMiTqcA-ICRpDgcyuDzazDiNRK63Jco6jG_wkGmJ3D-dq/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9993.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Patuxay is completely identical to famous French structure, but kept it's Lao identity in the intricate Buddhist design. </td></tr>
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<br />
If you dream of going to France (but don't have the moolah yet), this
can be your first taste of French architecture as it’s made after the iconic
French monument, Arc de Triomphe, built in 1800’s also in remembrance of the war.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Patuxay is seven stories high (which I climbed, oh yeah), from where you can get a great view of the city. But I had great view right down here, too. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvDB7ix9ctwelQLQGlDty8_w7XVK5mr07onX1MpiAU0DbS1DH4uUIY0JVWHBBFpi3kxMXruoL6PuqxM7bVXhRi0t2yH44WmrvdZk9yhA2sv-kTv5_ZFyEygnx99AsA8UUoB0jk4w72fHB/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvDB7ix9ctwelQLQGlDty8_w7XVK5mr07onX1MpiAU0DbS1DH4uUIY0JVWHBBFpi3kxMXruoL6PuqxM7bVXhRi0t2yH44WmrvdZk9yhA2sv-kTv5_ZFyEygnx99AsA8UUoB0jk4w72fHB/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9994.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found these adorable Lao kids under the Patuxay.</td></tr>
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We also dropped by the <b>National Museum</b>. It was interesting but it sort of reminded me of the states of museums back home, if you know what I mean.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbQoUHQ3Bg6CvUrNqfDFk_-w_bdkWrJsIMNGHCdjO1P9It89Cmy04cNHPR86SW1vo3Ou6MRmqsoh_vSoQphkVYA5jHoRLvT5piPZOlNfAHTX1jzXQMgXrNum3JcFBYVXPxG0uG2HKH4PH/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbQoUHQ3Bg6CvUrNqfDFk_-w_bdkWrJsIMNGHCdjO1P9It89Cmy04cNHPR86SW1vo3Ou6MRmqsoh_vSoQphkVYA5jHoRLvT5piPZOlNfAHTX1jzXQMgXrNum3JcFBYVXPxG0uG2HKH4PH/s1600/roanne+duran_Vientiane9995.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lao National Museum.</td></tr>
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<br />
We were done exploring I guess by 4pm.
We had enough time to stop by the <b>Vientiane shopping center </b>so Mau can buy a
wide lens for her Nikon (she left hers in Manila and would rather jump off
Patuxay than go to Angkor Wat without the proper lens haha). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Around five in the afternoon, we were back at the hotel.
Took our shower (thanks again, Vi!), had a quick snack, and had time to shop at
the market by the river which was a few blocks from our hostel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tip:</b> it’s better to do your Lao
shopping in Vientiane, compared to other touristy cities (like Luang Prabang,
and as I’ve read, Vang Vieng). Prices can go as low as half the price for
souvenirs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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By six pm, we were at the street
corner waiting for the van that would bring us to the Vientiane bus station. It
was the same corner we got dropped off 12 hours ago. Things come in full circle
so they say. :)<br />
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<b>That concludes the Lao leg of our
journey.</b> We were headed to Siem Reap, excited and all set to explore the
magnificent structures of the Khmer Empire. What we weren’t all set for was a
nine-leg transit just to get there. Read about another sleeper bus
misadventure, in <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2015/01/sleeper-bus-to-siem-reap-5-things-to.html" target="blank">this post</a>!:)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: All photos were from my old Samsung phone. Excuse the low-res. :)</span></i></div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-30887978463996688942015-01-14T00:19:00.000-08:002015-01-19T08:59:00.967-08:00Setting the Tone :)<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
I
haven’t done a lot of travel blogging last year even though 2014 offered two of
my most epic trips to date. So to set the tone for a more frequently updated
blog this 2015, I’ll be doing some (okay, a lot) of throwback travel posts.
Most of which I’ve drafted but never really got to finish, some I’ll be
flipping through my journal and Instagram posts for reference. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To
start off, here’s a look back on our Indochina trip last March. My first trip
out of the country. Yeay!:) I’ve already given the first few dibs on our
adventure - <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/04/indochina-2014-cruising-along-halong.html" target="blank">cruising along Halong Bay in our summer outfits during winter</a>, our
<a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/06/indochina2014-hanoi-nights-and-more.html" target="blank">DIY Hanoi nights</a>, enduring a <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/07/sleeper-bus-to-luang-prabang-30-hour.html" target="blank">30-hour bus misadventure</a> to Laos, and discovering
paradise that is <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/08/8-things-to-absolutely-love-about-luang.html" target="blank">Luang Prabang</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Normally
I’d just go on and write about the next leg of our trip (which was Vientianne). But
I’ve been getting several emails asking for the complete itinerary of our cross-country
backpacking trip, how did we get from one place to the next, and do they really let
us piss on the fields during bus stopovers?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
So
here’s <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2015/01/throwbacktravel-indochina-itinerary.html" target="blank">an overview of our two-week escapade</a>. :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiepxkJN31SictXh28FOI5egAmwnjhY8NzKY5us-blK2Q_WUIlq29-Qhx5ggD0RJB0DeNf6V2qMpwxkTl3kssdoSlgEH0dqRxSOv7eE7gYEFKVKKpTm4PwapDJuBtY705ccmjyWYUVYTv/s1600/roanne+duran_indochina+itinerary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiepxkJN31SictXh28FOI5egAmwnjhY8NzKY5us-blK2Q_WUIlq29-Qhx5ggD0RJB0DeNf6V2qMpwxkTl3kssdoSlgEH0dqRxSOv7eE7gYEFKVKKpTm4PwapDJuBtY705ccmjyWYUVYTv/s1600/roanne+duran_indochina+itinerary.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That ultimate <i>turista</i> shot. :p | March 2014. Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo by Mau.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I actually enjoyed looking back - the action, the mishaps, the places, the people you meet, the person you become, the memories that stay with you (and your hard drive :p) forever, plus that silent promise to yourself to go farther, travel wider in the months ahead.<br />
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Here's to more travels this 2015! :)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-49653717836260802102015-01-13T00:13:00.000-08:002015-02-15T07:59:58.598-08:00#throwbacktravel Indochina Itinerary<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Indochina
is a pretty popular destination for budget travelers, especially for Americans
and Europeans who want a truly southeast Asian experience. And because the
countries are connected by land, it’s pretty easy to cross borders and tick off
several destinations in one trip. The more popular countries are <b>Vietnam</b>, <b>Laos</b>,
and <b>Cambodia</b>, which comprise the French Indochina territory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
There
are many ways to go about these countries by plane, train, bus, or ferries. Since
we were on a budget, we agreed to fly only from and to Manila, and go by land
the entire trip. Our route was to fly from Manila to Hanoi, and work our way
south from there; crossing borders to Luang Prabang, then Vientiane, cross
borders again to Siem Reap, Cambodia, head to Phnom Phenh, and cross borders back to Vietnam in Ho Chi Min.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Note
that we did take a lot time researching and planning this route – bus
schedules, accommodation reviews, costs, horror ride stories. And though we had some misadventures along the way, we
still consider this trip a big travel success. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Leg 1:
Hanoi, Vietnam (Day 1-3)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u>What to
do: </u>Take the Halong Bay Cruise (they have flexible itineraries depending on
duration and your budget); go on a gastronomical journey on the streets of Old
Quarter; visit the heritage sites in the city like the Temple of Literature,
Pagoda at the Hoam Kiem Lake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Where to stay:</u> Cruise ship; there are
a lot of affordable hostels in Old Quarter, we got ours for $9/pax per night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most:</u> The food! Hot pho + iced Vietcoffee served on the sidewalk is the best!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezFfcC6YoqS2o6FUIlCqOv1Hi1969pUs4LtoLHc1PBQ5fnrEdu32vXzNAl3PvaqyZoNaxKrT9cdN5z80CEXYr7tFF3JHO8S8LRms4Eerz6ZUg-SfmyX0-lrUbiEE90Di10Bq1BBfacqUf/s1600/roanne+duran_hanoi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezFfcC6YoqS2o6FUIlCqOv1Hi1969pUs4LtoLHc1PBQ5fnrEdu32vXzNAl3PvaqyZoNaxKrT9cdN5z80CEXYr7tFF3JHO8S8LRms4Eerz6ZUg-SfmyX0-lrUbiEE90Di10Bq1BBfacqUf/s1600/roanne+duran_hanoi.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a little gritty, but it's how they roll. | Old Quarter, Hanoi City. Photo by Mau.</td></tr>
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<i>Know more about our <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/06/indochina2014-hanoi-nights-and-more.html" target="blank">side street adventure in Hanoi</a>, and our <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/04/indochina-2014-cruising-along-halong.html" target="blank">cruising escapade in Halong</a>. :)</i></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>On the
Road: Hanoi-Luang Prabang Sleeper Bus (Day 3-5, 30 hours)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u>What to remember: </u>Wear your most
comfortable clothes, eat and drink light (I say it again, <i>light</i>).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What not
to do:</u> Expect to find a comfort room in the “VIP” bus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most:</u> That we made it through alive. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM8E94YGUYGTfGCA8snW4JZfZ_Ov29rzaZD-yBW8Um0TvftWGyIRUxN8DE1h105kaK7qqjcpC_g74IIGRbU-1_WOzTwMegEHcNSgm03z8Mrm-eBCVXnGqpNpNQ1abOo3zqRlkJpsasU4a/s1600/roanne+duran_sleeper+bus+hanoi+luang+prabang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM8E94YGUYGTfGCA8snW4JZfZ_Ov29rzaZD-yBW8Um0TvftWGyIRUxN8DE1h105kaK7qqjcpC_g74IIGRbU-1_WOzTwMegEHcNSgm03z8Mrm-eBCVXnGqpNpNQ1abOo3zqRlkJpsasU4a/s1600/roanne+duran_sleeper+bus+hanoi+luang+prabang.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All cozy in this cooped up bus. Haha. | Photo from my phone.</td></tr>
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<i>What was it like in this cozy bus? Find out <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/07/sleeper-bus-to-luang-prabang-30-hour.html" target="blank">here</a>. :)</i></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Leg 2:
Luang Prabang, Laos (Day 5-7)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u>What to
do: </u>Temple hopping, food tripping at the city center, shopping at the night
market, witness the monks’ morning ritual, go to the outskirts and ride
elephants, visit the thousand Buddha cave, whiskey village, waterfalls... it’s
endless. But honestly, simply biking or walking around this heritage city is
already well worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Where
to stay:</u> There are a lot of hostels and dormitories in the city center depending
on your budget.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most: </u>The peaceful, leave-the-world-behind vibe. Oh, and Beerlao. *thumbs up*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH7usMpUF9kG3Ibnu60IimfUTTqG33v9MzW91XxeR12fCnp_Gon_KAjpY7gOUAhqEicMpYjcETLvtNpANfoamSV5dF9SP-Q0-HTou3XzIY7TDv2GQi00u4uHyxxtyKAJ-n_7Z1Z93VK_3/s1600/roanne+duran_+luang+prabang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH7usMpUF9kG3Ibnu60IimfUTTqG33v9MzW91XxeR12fCnp_Gon_KAjpY7gOUAhqEicMpYjcETLvtNpANfoamSV5dF9SP-Q0-HTou3XzIY7TDv2GQi00u4uHyxxtyKAJ-n_7Z1Z93VK_3/s1600/roanne+duran_+luang+prabang.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking up early to witness this ritual is definitely worth it. | Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo by Mau. </td></tr>
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<i>Find reasons to love Luang Prabang <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/08/8-things-to-absolutely-love-about-luang.html" target="blank">here</a>, plus more exciting things to do on the outskirts <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2014/08/luang-prabang-sidetrip-on-outskirts.html" target="blank">here</a>. :)</i><br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>On the
Road: Luang Prabang-Vientiane Sleeper Bus (Day 7-8, 10 hours)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u>What to
remember:</u> Bus leaves on schedule, so be sure to be on time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What to
do:</u> Sleep. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most:</u> That we didn’t have to share bunks and blankets with complete
strangers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Leg 3:
Vientiane, Laos (Day 8)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What to
do:</u> For a day trip, hire a tuktuk driver to take you around the city. Explore
the temples, visit the Buddha Park, enjoy Beerlao some more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Where
to stay:</u> Since we were there for just a day, we didn’t book any
accommodation. We did crash into a backpackers hotel to leave our stuff and
take showers for free.:p<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most:</u> Aside from the friendly people, shopping! Everything is so much
cheaper in Vientiane that in Luang Prabang. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88KIlf-Sy-kPjL2i5px_PYgfaXDSpOPMpHTPrUoqcH9ZtSgRAzfZuU5qGllMl-U6IXdH_M7Wi0S-aE3QTW3bFTArJ9lu93E94YHNITz2B5B459dUWYq9kO87GsbuUhDH-UrQ-yWskJ58x/s1600/roanne+duran_vientianne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88KIlf-Sy-kPjL2i5px_PYgfaXDSpOPMpHTPrUoqcH9ZtSgRAzfZuU5qGllMl-U6IXdH_M7Wi0S-aE3QTW3bFTArJ9lu93E94YHNITz2B5B459dUWYq9kO87GsbuUhDH-UrQ-yWskJ58x/s1600/roanne+duran_vientianne.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many grand temples right at the heart of the city. | Vietiane, Laos. Photo by Mau.</td></tr>
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<o:p><br /></o:p>
<o:p><i>Find out how we enjoyed Vientiane in 12 hours <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2015/01/12-hours-in-vientiane.html" target="blank">here</a>. :)</i></o:p><br />
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>On the
Road: Vienttiane- Siem Reap Sleeper Bus (Day 8-9, 27 hours)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u>What to
remember: </u>There is no Vientiane-Siem Reap sleeper bus. There’s a route, but no
direct trip. And travel agencies wouldn’t tell you that. Instead it’s a series of
transfers from bus to minivans back to bus back to minivans, and in our case
even a ferry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What to
do:</u> Prepare your butts, heart, and mind for a long uncomfortable ride. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most:</u> Taking a shower after the entire trip – best we’ve had in our
lives!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiR12Z1tyTcwHSeDWce4BbEHWN1w8e_S7UiUQgJR98iYNzBnjcRDZMeoRNMFnUYIEnTJbi7TtCqIb9MMhlT0SxaknPYHsHKk3iORS9AhwVuN9WRfDjJTBshQAWBANbNhGyVJFENEBiQrz/s1600/roanne+duran+siem+reap+vientianne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiR12Z1tyTcwHSeDWce4BbEHWN1w8e_S7UiUQgJR98iYNzBnjcRDZMeoRNMFnUYIEnTJbi7TtCqIb9MMhlT0SxaknPYHsHKk3iORS9AhwVuN9WRfDjJTBshQAWBANbNhGyVJFENEBiQrz/s1600/roanne+duran+siem+reap+vientianne.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 27 hours, minus shower, minus decent meal. | Seam Reap. Photo from my phone.</td></tr>
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<i>Planning to take the Vientiane-Siem Reap sleeper bus? Here are <a href="http://roanniduranni.blogspot.com/2015/01/sleeper-bus-to-siem-reap-5-things-to.html" target="blank">5 Things to Remember</a>. :)</i><br />
<br /></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Leg 4:
Siem Reap, Cambodia (Day 9-11)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<u>What to
do:</u> Stand in awe of the grand temples. ‘Nuf said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Where
to stay:</u> If you're on a budget, we highly recommend Happy Guest House. They have average rooms but
affordable rates and very friendly staff. They have great food, too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most:</u> Cliché, but watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat, with the
temple reflecting would remind you to thank God for such beauty. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting our tired feet and in-awe'd hearts on the second day of endless temple-hopping. | Angkor Wat Complex, Siem Reap. Photo by Brian.</td></tr>
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<b>On the
Road: Siem Reap-Phnom Phenn Sleeper Bus (Day 11-12, seven hours)</b></div>
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<u>What to
do:</u> Nurse your Angkor hangover. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>What we
loved most: </u>The family who let us hitch a ride to Phnom Phen when our bus broke
down in the middle of nowhere. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During our bus breakdown. | Somewhere in the middle of Phnom Penh nowhere. Photo from my phone.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Leg 5:
Phnom Phenn, Cambodia (Day 12)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<u>What to
do: </u>Visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum; go shopping and food tripping
at the Phnom Phenn night market.</div>
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<u>What we loved most:</u> Not exactly loved, but hit us - hard. The gripping stories of families and individuals who suffered under the Pol Pot Regime, and their resilient spirit to bring their lives and country back together. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7hImzi2jHgGATx_oqw1SV4LrooQWJUDV-aenhEiycHvOVXoIGDVjv8t7vlhG8Tc_SfZjTMF_fPRfGur3B5_g9cJrp7XP1e4a8KWVIkKwLlnyXNSqhYJyYPKBNF2uOCW66bceBrm2VzD8/s1600/roanne+duran_phnom+pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7hImzi2jHgGATx_oqw1SV4LrooQWJUDV-aenhEiycHvOVXoIGDVjv8t7vlhG8Tc_SfZjTMF_fPRfGur3B5_g9cJrp7XP1e4a8KWVIkKwLlnyXNSqhYJyYPKBNF2uOCW66bceBrm2VzD8/s1600/roanne+duran_phnom+pen.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This 7-storey memorial stuppa is built in remembrance of the 3M torture victims during the Khmer Rouge regime. | The Killing Fields, Phnom Penh. Photo by Mau. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>On the
Road: Phnom Phenn-Ho Chi Minh Sleeper Bus (Day 12-13)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<u>What to
remember:</u> Nothing. We sure didn’t, just slept all throughout the trip. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Leg 6:
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (Day 13-14)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<u>What to
do:</u> Visit the War Museum, explore Cu Chi Tunnels (we didn’t have to do this
though), shop, shop, shop!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<u>Where
to stay:</u> In the first hotel you see when you got off the bus. Really, by this
time, we were too tired to care. Haha. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<u>What we
loved most:</u> Cheap bags and accessories, Vietcoffee and tea! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xpgMUYoZUBhHWM3exvMEqEf4jBg02Jafl69Vcsz9WOIyU915MMJ_6CXd7d2N3R0jXMH5G_ENQeMu_DPHOgOk_vfQUYUDY6b8WZYG4HhhhknIB9yD5IEZLziV0Rwj-G_d-KjWnJ8f8Oqk/s1600/roanne+duran_hmc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xpgMUYoZUBhHWM3exvMEqEf4jBg02Jafl69Vcsz9WOIyU915MMJ_6CXd7d2N3R0jXMH5G_ENQeMu_DPHOgOk_vfQUYUDY6b8WZYG4HhhhknIB9yD5IEZLziV0Rwj-G_d-KjWnJ8f8Oqk/s1600/roanne+duran_hmc2.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Because you do not go to Vietnam and not bring home a taste of it. :) | Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Photo from my phone. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And that's it! Two weeks worth of backpacking, food tripping, culture crash course, mishaps, and selflies. The whole trip cost us P35,000 (around $770). Excluding shopping money, that's another story. Haha.<br />
<br />
Had a different experience from ours? Got questions on the details of our trip, or suggestions on other accommodations, places to visit, food to try, and modes of transit? Leave a comment below or shoot me an email. :) </div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-62884634163994987832015-01-10T21:33:00.000-08:002015-01-11T04:18:49.077-08:00The Yearend Post That Never Was<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
It’s January
10, more than a week into 2015. The hunt is on for the gunmen at the Charlie
Hebdo shooting. Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes are on the sixth day of their
[royal] honeymoon. And in six days Pope Francis will be landing in NAIA and
touring the streets of Manila and Yolanda-affected towns in Visayas. A lot of
things have already happened in this Year of the Wooden Sheep and they’re
happening fast. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Still,
I haven’t capped off my 2014.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
I
remember around the third week of December when I was putting together this
post, and I had to pause and go… whaaat? 2014 has ended? Just like that?! And
it wasn’t in a happy, time-flies-when-you’re-having-fun tone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Pretentions
aside, the year sort of ended with a thud. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Don’t
get me wrong, 2014 was eventful. It was the year of my first <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trip out of the country – a two-week
backpacking adventure in Indochina at that. Spent a month-long vacation in the
US, with my sisters, touring the rocky mountains of Arizona and walking (drunk)
the streets of Las Vegas. It was a great year for local travels, too. Twice kissed
by the cool winds of Baguio, twice back in Siargao’s arms, said hello to Mt.
Banahaw in Quezon, and had my first date with the island of Marinduque for a <i>probinsya</i>-living
kinda labor weekend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
2014
was an exciting year for work, not exactly with my day job but with sidelines
so to speak. Started the year with a really big project – my most serious <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">raket</i> to date- for an international
organization (getting a contract written in English and French is just sooo
cool). Took up some serious writing gigs along the year, too, and of course there’s
my constant brain exercise contributing articles to a local men’s magazine
(come to think of it, I’ve been doing it for four years now, and no, the
articles I do have nothing to do with sex positions.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
It was a
great year for my family as well. Aside from spending the holidays together again
after five years, it was year of milestones and accomplishments for my
siblings. New house, new car, flourishing business, steady relationships. Even
though Ma got sick and sorta crossed the old age fence, I guess it’s a
consolation for her to see her kids in a good place. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Most
importantly, it was a year when I got serious with God. <i>Nakakatawa</i>. Even I
can’t say it out loud without the utter look of amusement and surprise, haha.
In a very good way of course. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
But
somehow, I just couldn’t shake off the feeling of expecting, wanting more. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
My friend
got married last December - the first of my close girlfriends to change her
civil status, other friends have gotten promotions this year, got their own
car, my younger sister is going to UK next month for a business trip. And me?
Nada. No breakthroughs, no milestones. Heck, Google is getting people to plan
commercial flights to the moon and here I feel like I’m still trying to
figuring things out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<i>Since
when did the future turn from being a promise to being a threat?</i> So goes a line
from one of my favorite Palahniuk books. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
There
are good years and there are bad years. I know I’ve had ‘em both kinds. The
worst year is the type that seemed to fly by. Without much accomplishments
tucked under your belt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
I
remember our Pastor’s sermon for the first Sunday service of the year, he said
the theme of 2015 is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one step at time.</i>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
He went
on telling the story of Roy Reigels during the 1929 Rose Bowl. Reigels was a player
for the University of California, Berkley, who was known for his infamous
“wrong way” goal. Basically he ran yards and almost scored for the opposing
team if he weren’t tackled by, you guessed it, his own teammate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Our
Pastor started talking then about knowing and going the right direction. How
easy it is to go on life aimlessly. But if you’re not really sure where you’re headed,
you’ll end up being ran down terribly and making a big fool of yourself. It
sort of made sense. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
He
continued with the story. During halftime, in the pit, Reigel’s coach announced
that the same people who played the first half, will go on the second half.
Reigel, feeling like sh*t of course, didn’t get up to play. Any person in his
reasonable mind wouldn’t probably want a guy like Reigels to go out and eff up
again. But his coach insisted. Telling Reigels that sure he messed up the game,
and made a complete bafoon of himself, but the thing is - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">it’s only half time</i>. Get back on the game. Keep playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
I guess
I like to think of 2014 as a big game. And sure it’s ended, and that sucks, but it’s only half
time. Get your ass back in the game. Keep playing. It's something I have to remind myself as this year begins to unfold. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
For
everyone whose 2014 felt like they’ve been sidetracked, went the wrong way, or
went lagging </div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
behind – the game isn’t over yet. 2015 is another 365 days. 365 new hopes to wake up to. 365 challenges to overcome. 365 chances to make things
happen. 365 promises to be fulfilled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
Well,
355 left to be exact. But that’s more than enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB5q0KM9Dr9Z99K8PPh-gySR3MYjNXGgoW0U08Y4Yn8hVd9pMf31cxlHYfvfuUwNsvtVyZihw2ZRKPG8FK5RgFSDvzfw9mAGFR5L_qKqJesG3Xcf4eDVeMrzN4TJqa64XfHQGlkigetx-/s1600/roanne+duran_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB5q0KM9Dr9Z99K8PPh-gySR3MYjNXGgoW0U08Y4Yn8hVd9pMf31cxlHYfvfuUwNsvtVyZihw2ZRKPG8FK5RgFSDvzfw9mAGFR5L_qKqJesG3Xcf4eDVeMrzN4TJqa64XfHQGlkigetx-/s1600/roanne+duran_2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the leaves yet to turn and change color, we're halfway there. | October 2014. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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You’ll
get there. We all will. <b>One step at a time</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-51924155000305319392014-12-01T09:03:00.004-08:002014-12-01T09:31:52.291-08:00Ludo Boardgame Bar & Cafe (and Why You Wouldn't Need Wi-Fi Here)<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
If you're looking for a great place to have dinner with friends or family, somewhere nice and quiet where you can take lots of #foodporn#foodgasm#instagramthatbowloflettucewithdressing shots, this isn't the place to go to. </div>
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This place is anything but quiet - it's packed with loud cheers, intense bickering, lots of laughter, and trails of applause from every corner.</div>
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A break from the deafening silence of people with their faces buried in smart phones as they check in, post food photos, and double tap, eh? :)</div>
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Welcome to <b>Ludo Boardgame Bar & Cafe</b>!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSCTsxivBH9AWR7NyUmYU8tqLDekYkPtONxF_Yi65a57-MlVsrqC-hYB2XLkr2pH0H9wKP_yZ7Q1mX8xbpbPnSh0KwJkaWTyXtN2Vq58zihDBULnTTVbiZqTX8rebQqVE2XueEIC0Efr1/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSCTsxivBH9AWR7NyUmYU8tqLDekYkPtONxF_Yi65a57-MlVsrqC-hYB2XLkr2pH0H9wKP_yZ7Q1mX8xbpbPnSh0KwJkaWTyXtN2Vq58zihDBULnTTVbiZqTX8rebQqVE2XueEIC0Efr1/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+1.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When was the last time to set up a board game and played?:)</td></tr>
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Tucked in the scout area in Quezon City, Ludo is a haven for geeks, kids, and kids at heart, with the hundreds and hundreds of board games they have in their bar. And they offer something else on the menu - that not-so-common-anymore chance for people to ditch their gadgets and enjoy real, old school games. </div>
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Got the chance to visit this place as a surprise birthday treat from my friends, and it was a blast!:)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhcwVgYMO9_xWhPqYTbWKqVFjLYyy6ma8LsEF8uzRmQXA_YvxSrt9VvOrLTl14LYq-Kiv9BhsJ8nHX6ID6uqx7b76qaQoSc-HAvdeF_fE6t9FAxqTu2AkiYXuNHLzYOrke4SFQedjSfUY/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhcwVgYMO9_xWhPqYTbWKqVFjLYyy6ma8LsEF8uzRmQXA_YvxSrt9VvOrLTl14LYq-Kiv9BhsJ8nHX6ID6uqx7b76qaQoSc-HAvdeF_fE6t9FAxqTu2AkiYXuNHLzYOrke4SFQedjSfUY/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+2.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the birthday crew (sans Dayen and Dimple). </td></tr>
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It's pretty cool, for an order of their food or specialty drink, you get to play any board game you like from the bar. And they have tons. War games, word games, trivia games, mind(less) games. To everyone who's dreamt of playing Jumanji - they have it in the house! But it's just for display. Boo. Haha. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau5kBKLVoG0Buf7RffKIo-P0VmKSUZouILpEYSsEcARBfLIXMmDX72heJJrbSWWyCQAsr3COX_-uc7EnWOwbapgXT-PBhPCtw9NDNmFh6QJikwHEAqzumIg-pJYB3-0duze3G7XyiEaAQ/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau5kBKLVoG0Buf7RffKIo-P0VmKSUZouILpEYSsEcARBfLIXMmDX72heJJrbSWWyCQAsr3COX_-uc7EnWOwbapgXT-PBhPCtw9NDNmFh6QJikwHEAqzumIg-pJYB3-0duze3G7XyiEaAQ/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+93.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*Drools.*</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIieE6i5unu8txbQ1cUsXI0WySX1tMPSQT_YjN5uh_EEHMhHqamsSGrIYmIsw_yD45KRRxDSsvZ7okhI8J1NCkfOe4MpKxvT_PYDgR_ugv4BsgP7n61f4Y34K0tmVbf78kPmTLON4Y9wm/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIieE6i5unu8txbQ1cUsXI0WySX1tMPSQT_YjN5uh_EEHMhHqamsSGrIYmIsw_yD45KRRxDSsvZ7okhI8J1NCkfOe4MpKxvT_PYDgR_ugv4BsgP7n61f4Y34K0tmVbf78kPmTLON4Y9wm/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+8.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much for Monopoly and Scrabble. </td></tr>
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We had a good session of Cards Against Humanity. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW2cQ-MS-n2KcR_w9OU2T-M3zpWeaurf86sSn1A-HEQNJigBVsRNz5QqDBBTFM_duFs8H7W3MIFwGN4N29n4ds7lzkDr1Vbsl_f8l4Up690JRxuc8E5JsGOhXY-Uqwru3zwI74qHhh-Z6/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW2cQ-MS-n2KcR_w9OU2T-M3zpWeaurf86sSn1A-HEQNJigBVsRNz5QqDBBTFM_duFs8H7W3MIFwGN4N29n4ds7lzkDr1Vbsl_f8l4Up690JRxuc8E5JsGOhXY-Uqwru3zwI74qHhh-Z6/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+5.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What don't you want to find in your Kung Pao chicken? :p</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Then gave a shot at this zombie game I chose.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSALXsrSiMv4tXlZxGY_8BX3duO6jj2VG4JYcerBXmFudSEMF-fzygWOkuBXxyuOlntejxkUACAlUdTzlo2PXZI1eSYg67JkyXpORnJlVed72Xa6pyYcD1KH9IAFIeiKCL7sRqRY46wA4v/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+board+game+bar+and+cafe+94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSALXsrSiMv4tXlZxGY_8BX3duO6jj2VG4JYcerBXmFudSEMF-fzygWOkuBXxyuOlntejxkUACAlUdTzlo2PXZI1eSYg67JkyXpORnJlVed72Xa6pyYcD1KH9IAFIeiKCL7sRqRY46wA4v/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+board+game+bar+and+cafe+94.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's see how Rick and the rest of the TWD gang feel like. </td></tr>
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The even more awesome part is that you can ask anyone from their staff to teach you how to play any game you choose. We had Ludo owner himself, Jay, give us a crash course on this little monster. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju30Q2LMrTc9zojv5x7UInDvkDO8cDCJZHZFbMGwq3brkwsPJADHYQSgSug6Pv1VpANQOlkVw3wEVLAirP2WqP1ezC648yRicjgmR0M09tO6-1xKltWZ0HcFAdqkaTmlLJSgQ7LxMhyUkX/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju30Q2LMrTc9zojv5x7UInDvkDO8cDCJZHZFbMGwq3brkwsPJADHYQSgSug6Pv1VpANQOlkVw3wEVLAirP2WqP1ezC648yRicjgmR0M09tO6-1xKltWZ0HcFAdqkaTmlLJSgQ7LxMhyUkX/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+6.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intense briefing. Haha.</td></tr>
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The game was a bit challenging (he did <strike>dissuade</strike> warn us though that it's not a beginner's game), but we're such competitive UPIS freaks. I ended up being killed/eaten by zombies. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFmMfAr_Kfq4vaVPC8HP7aPQps1f7XZr-d4icYuaOfVxRi_UHOZqCc9gLZIHyHLnvGctWPoAQT24R5VPPSPLVObtqHnh1R8MiEdUwwTXBiHUrdP8C8W02_ELg8pLMoJQqXO_8J2BVxEam/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFmMfAr_Kfq4vaVPC8HP7aPQps1f7XZr-d4icYuaOfVxRi_UHOZqCc9gLZIHyHLnvGctWPoAQT24R5VPPSPLVObtqHnh1R8MiEdUwwTXBiHUrdP8C8W02_ELg8pLMoJQqXO_8J2BVxEam/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+7.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fought a good fight. :))</td></tr>
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The last game standing was this <b>trivia game of greed.</b> Mwahaha. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqQsCCn_22GTokM3QpH3O2HkKSmduvHjb8bzGnTse8X2XWe5soodbf_cZdlkwR6YeVKDWDuXGS7OYRRl5AdYURIIbkM0VK8R9kmTY_8Ibp2k5Fdh7VlYmvxw7lIlaAjE7vndq7LJfqoF0/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqQsCCn_22GTokM3QpH3O2HkKSmduvHjb8bzGnTse8X2XWe5soodbf_cZdlkwR6YeVKDWDuXGS7OYRRl5AdYURIIbkM0VK8R9kmTY_8Ibp2k5Fdh7VlYmvxw7lIlaAjE7vndq7LJfqoF0/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+91.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The game lived up to its name, I'm telling you. </td></tr>
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Overall, it's a place you should definitely check out. The ambiance is great, the staff are friendly, the food is not super exceptional, but it's good enough and they have big servings. </div>
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You wouldn't be wanting/needing your phone while you're here. Not because the place isn't Instagram worthy, but 'you'd be too busy trying to beat the rest of your friends to even care. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5MGH8eBz2qyfeQYpcoAerdB2bSmzV2PCPRzWHc9oE4XyzPg5OBDfvGtB9jIMytdMOjiMwSeLqkeH3dti0A0ttauprDufZVBEghaMgWguy5tbC6dNNRvbUYscG6jGpYyZuAKUxsJhH2Hv/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5MGH8eBz2qyfeQYpcoAerdB2bSmzV2PCPRzWHc9oE4XyzPg5OBDfvGtB9jIMytdMOjiMwSeLqkeH3dti0A0ttauprDufZVBEghaMgWguy5tbC6dNNRvbUYscG6jGpYyZuAKUxsJhH2Hv/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+92.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's all about the moneeeeey. </td></tr>
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And the customers, well everyone seems to have a great time. People leave with still-fully-charged phones and tablets, giant smiles on their faces, and feeling more connected than they did with free Wi-fi on. Kudos to the brains behind this cafe. :) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXBokHVDkkq3Hhc6TBcYXDC8uaA1v3IYfPJmqWjZFcHABfTjbha3XrpL-AOvwy0clo3j3qcXxFeXNzskQ_ba8G2Zj0LKffNA7NTtiaL4UiWbnjPlN85xeCMk0QY3zHT-KUcAoq9oHPpPF/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXBokHVDkkq3Hhc6TBcYXDC8uaA1v3IYfPJmqWjZFcHABfTjbha3XrpL-AOvwy0clo3j3qcXxFeXNzskQ_ba8G2Zj0LKffNA7NTtiaL4UiWbnjPlN85xeCMk0QY3zHT-KUcAoq9oHPpPF/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends who geek out together… </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq5OuVwptAk_p-eX5qZJFH7BGX4UqreJN4ZaBaWmNp8AhLfCvUHWxHWut73AyNFbKiisddVlh_nMQKIPIKgC_QxaWDav7FIEpCo2XEd0um7knCCWZ5jHCHEAIyaks7uNxR9EF2V8euFfJ/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq5OuVwptAk_p-eX5qZJFH7BGX4UqreJN4ZaBaWmNp8AhLfCvUHWxHWut73AyNFbKiisddVlh_nMQKIPIKgC_QxaWDav7FIEpCo2XEd0um7knCCWZ5jHCHEAIyaks7uNxR9EF2V8euFfJ/s1600/roanne+duran_+ludo+boardgame+bar+and+cafe+9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If you're in the Tomas Morato area, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ludogamescafe" target="blank">Ludo</a> is definitely a place to go. They also try to share the love for board games as they have some of them on sale. :) So round up your friends, get ready to roll the dice, and let the good 'ol games begin! </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">* Ludos Boardgame Bar & Cafe is located at Sct. Torillo cor. Sct. Fuentebella, Quezon City. 09209218482. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">** Didn't bring Chuck with me here, so excuse the low res photos hehe. </span></i></b></div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-32813094429368682552014-11-09T07:52:00.004-08:002014-11-09T16:20:30.425-08:00And... I'm back from AZ! :)Well hello, blog world! :)<br />
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Came back from Arizona last week - my awesome-st trip to date. It was my and my sister Roper's month-long visit to our older sister, Ate Sheng, and her husband, JJ. It was the first anyone from our family visited them in Phoenix, and we had a blast!:)</div>
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Since I didn't do any blogging or updating online except for a few <a href="http://instagram.com/roanniduranni" target="blank">Instragam posts</a>, it's hell time I start writing about our epic trip. So here's a quick whip at what kept me buzy in AZ:</div>
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<b>1. Phoenix Shenanigans</b></div>
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Half of our trip was spent in town. And when I say spent, I mean watching football and baseball (go, Giants!) during game nights, driving around town, singing our hearts out a the neighborhood karaoke bar, raiding TJMaxx and Costco, bumming at home, and enjoying endless Phoenix sunsets. </div>
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<b>2. Going Wild, (Wild West) at Cave Creek</b></div>
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Cave Creek is this small, old western town west of Phoenix. I love the whole feel of the town- all dry and laid-back, corrals with saloon doors, the scorching sun beating on your desert sand-y feet. </div>
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<b>3. Visiting Jerome</b></div>
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Jerome on the other hand, is an old copper mining town on a hill, two-hour drive north of Phoenix. Most of the establishments were original structures from 1890s. It's all about arts, history, heritage, and wine. Lot's of wine. </div>
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<b>4. Trekking Sedona</b></div>
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Coming from a topical country where pristine beaches and rich rain forests are a staple attractions, seeing the glorious red rocks was such an experience. We also got to go around the town, eat rattle snakes and cactus, and taste the famous Sedona fudge. *drools*</div>
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<b>5. Desert Shooting</b></div>
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Spent one morning in some desert (I still don't know the name haha) shooting clay targets, and giants boxes, and old computer monitors. It was fun with a capital F! My first time to go shooting, and now I'm all ready for walker attacks! :p</div>
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<b>6. Stopover at Hoover</b></div>
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One for the books. Quick stop on our way to Nevada.</div>
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<b>7. Waking Up in Vegas</b></div>
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Had an eventful 3-day stay at the City of Sin, which wasn't really as all about the booze and gambling as I expected. Well, there was a lot of booze and a little bit of gambling. Haha. But there's also eating at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, partying at The Venetian, meeting Siegfried of Siegfried & Roy, watching Rock of Ages plus much, much more. </div>
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<b>8. Exploring Grand Canyon</b></div>
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They didn't call it grand for nothing. I can't even find the words to say just how jaw-dropping marvelous it is. Then there's exploring the village where they have all these heritage sites and museums. Oh, and spotting squirrels and deers and elks!</div>
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And lastly,</div>
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<b>9. Spending Good 'ol Family Time</b></div>
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Whether it's cooking breakfast, playing with Rocky their dog, or Walking Dead Marathon-ing with Mexican takeouts; road trips, desert treks, or taco nights - it was a grand time as long as it's with family. #bigblessing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheto4tSUakz2g9fEhZwhJgLFg6VH8VaMZsXNXzfiBrXB2xNo8NmT-QOnd_QYyZ5cJn0GWxdQdL_WNucmqKVgzVQAydFgnPt6BJdTaVFSHqXYyDE2C1BU5e_A881FdR-MiisGfXBaLGSCN0/s1600/roanne+duran_AZ+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheto4tSUakz2g9fEhZwhJgLFg6VH8VaMZsXNXzfiBrXB2xNo8NmT-QOnd_QYyZ5cJn0GWxdQdL_WNucmqKVgzVQAydFgnPt6BJdTaVFSHqXYyDE2C1BU5e_A881FdR-MiisGfXBaLGSCN0/s1600/roanne+duran_AZ+collage.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that, I say, tops any highlight of this trip. :)</div>
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There's so much to tell and show and throw word vomit on about this trip, I certainly couldn't do it in one go. This is it for now, but will be writing more in the next few days. :) </div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-16237310740755811152014-09-25T12:40:00.002-07:002014-09-26T05:19:29.877-07:00#ChelseaRefreshed: Chelsea Grand Cafe<div>
In case you're wondering what's with the new look of Chelsea Market and Cafe in Serendra, well that's because it's getting #refreshed, and opening as <b>Chelsea Grand Cafe. </b></div>
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Chelsea Grand Cafe promises good eats and big smiles, with <b>new bestsellers</b> on their menu. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDzK78YidRdVCQbVWAGVrhQlXWwBO75f0DlbQH3KWyYYdArGxDBuxjn61LKcwBRja4od6yuFqpl-PpiEoM3TdVGFbhyzHMMuGZRoP0NbeKnuJ75RNVaaITziNVISMT-jXalVfGAxmL0-c/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDzK78YidRdVCQbVWAGVrhQlXWwBO75f0DlbQH3KWyYYdArGxDBuxjn61LKcwBRja4od6yuFqpl-PpiEoM3TdVGFbhyzHMMuGZRoP0NbeKnuJ75RNVaaITziNVISMT-jXalVfGAxmL0-c/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran24.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#ChelseaRefreshed! From Chelsea Market + Cafe, <br />
Chelsea Grand Cafe now opens its doors to loyal customers and curious foodies! </td></tr>
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I was invited a few weeks back to a bloggers' dinner at Chelsea Grand Cafe. Though I don't really know how these blogger events roll 'cause I normally just do food and travel posts as I please, I decided to give it a go. It sounds like a night with fun people and great food. </div>
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Well it definitely tastes as good as it sounds, if not better. :) Chelsea Grand Cafe offers new set of signature <b>gourmet comfort food </b>that Chelsea lovers old and new would surely enjoy - we sure did. </div>
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We started off with drinks, and <b>Chicken Liver Pate</b> with crusty bread. It goes with apple bacon chutney. It's a big tease to the good stuff that we're about to try. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2gHdXKkncnDIXBQFuV69lig5s6H_sJCDut3ixdqCzttI_e32ynk_EQybUFM9IKt_S-c9R42MBsWWqqFNeK1FtAAz5MyKFjJ01CAUFACiWt5ZXkW0tBQEo5-ACIP2kNMwbdydf25o9XyN/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_+roanne+duran2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2gHdXKkncnDIXBQFuV69lig5s6H_sJCDut3ixdqCzttI_e32ynk_EQybUFM9IKt_S-c9R42MBsWWqqFNeK1FtAAz5MyKFjJ01CAUFACiWt5ZXkW0tBQEo5-ACIP2kNMwbdydf25o9XyN/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_+roanne+duran2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma's Chicken Liver Pate. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgvp7n3LaaayojeDCdNW7az6m7NN84OdwtJ_FgWOb4cFmtfkHGDrD-NjSgn6QNYLT2i-IZJDytZ7pfR_I4iXiIvfd02mzKG3A6EB6tmw_VtDXuYrVJmTWOduczIKakCESmRfbfJjeR4_m/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgvp7n3LaaayojeDCdNW7az6m7NN84OdwtJ_FgWOb4cFmtfkHGDrD-NjSgn6QNYLT2i-IZJDytZ7pfR_I4iXiIvfd02mzKG3A6EB6tmw_VtDXuYrVJmTWOduczIKakCESmRfbfJjeR4_m/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran1.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Mint Lemonade</td></tr>
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Over drinks and appetizers, we had a good chat with the marketing ladies of <b>Raintree Restaurants</b>, the group that runs Chelsea (along with Momo!, M Cafe, and Rocket Room). </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFCdPfg3KXTCEnOyGtO2qgeDJY6cwO5eQegxO8_b8NX6myNw4VoJaJgGrlCQx3gXFXgkJLRZwqFayJwQEpXElspuv5mm8pWtTAlT6Pt2rQmmowCMmOtnXPFW2zOBNQ34idB79OmIKFczn/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFCdPfg3KXTCEnOyGtO2qgeDJY6cwO5eQegxO8_b8NX6myNw4VoJaJgGrlCQx3gXFXgkJLRZwqFayJwQEpXElspuv5mm8pWtTAlT6Pt2rQmmowCMmOtnXPFW2zOBNQ34idB79OmIKFczn/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran6.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmela Sison talks about #ChelseaRefreshed giving the restaurant a more hip, <br />
vibrant vibe with the gourmet comfort food its customers have grown to love. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih44_UjqTvIGzR2jEcPixsqHcW_HYKz3Wbp-EKwx6FNDeFTtaJiLZ5r6qIKDLUxQXCwLgO3xYuXhXVzp0LPTWaP2hvshubUBB5-muBlC0CL7gBlXq1YDTGOYo0xz932dKddbgSaIv55GQo/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih44_UjqTvIGzR2jEcPixsqHcW_HYKz3Wbp-EKwx6FNDeFTtaJiLZ5r6qIKDLUxQXCwLgO3xYuXhXVzp0LPTWaP2hvshubUBB5-muBlC0CL7gBlXq1YDTGOYo0xz932dKddbgSaIv55GQo/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran5.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Michelle Magtoto discusses, like its old dishes, Chelsea's new bestsellers offer food made of freshest ingredients, plus much more. </td></tr>
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For the rest of appetizers, we had <b>Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl</b>, <b>Squash and Feta Soup</b>, <b>Bacon and Quinoa Salad</b>, and <b>Prawn Gambas</b>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8AkVbCW0V31eGP0MZJ5xPstCsYp5r9RuqY3ULWkR7p6wBUO9bwEhvmX_GQZepUd3rlWY7tDUrQhdSqM0xmiSE-GRpgmQrmgXGIWIhtlCwSRmsVyNSXApkT_OPj_jodh8M56ZEyA68kUR/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8AkVbCW0V31eGP0MZJ5xPstCsYp5r9RuqY3ULWkR7p6wBUO9bwEhvmX_GQZepUd3rlWY7tDUrQhdSqM0xmiSE-GRpgmQrmgXGIWIhtlCwSRmsVyNSXApkT_OPj_jodh8M56ZEyA68kUR/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran7.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Squash and Feta Soup</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUPPAIhRuWWR3IEikCCW4x8hvczXsP7G5r2knxNnVv3B87WP4Xl3Qdy4GX1NLougvsDCPQ9OJoAUBjkUBD1-vcrYB9kxLJjQdCd_fM91xTBZp0pLaRJlz5mXBzCGk2InbaQ_ceDQiFrLk/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUPPAIhRuWWR3IEikCCW4x8hvczXsP7G5r2knxNnVv3B87WP4Xl3Qdy4GX1NLougvsDCPQ9OJoAUBjkUBD1-vcrYB9kxLJjQdCd_fM91xTBZp0pLaRJlz5mXBzCGk2InbaQ_ceDQiFrLk/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran8.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm Double Smoked Bacon and Quinoa Salad</td></tr>
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The <b>Bacon and Quinoa Salad</b>, I just gotta give a double thumbs up. It's a great contrast between light, fresh greens, and the quinoa clusters crunching in your mouth. And I love the cherry vinaigrette dressing that gives the whole thing a kick. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNd4fHlC3rKr2BU7ws34f1uANvZRMSY2mfSG1rMcUZOkOfbvUK0eTVtFsFSvu567QJv-nOfm8taRHhddr0snCxqMCSt3uJIRQ5PUKGuDJOe99bot9NBKw4divkOLQVb_DBqAMmy_WMnMb/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNd4fHlC3rKr2BU7ws34f1uANvZRMSY2mfSG1rMcUZOkOfbvUK0eTVtFsFSvu567QJv-nOfm8taRHhddr0snCxqMCSt3uJIRQ5PUKGuDJOe99bot9NBKw4divkOLQVb_DBqAMmy_WMnMb/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran9.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prawn Gambas</td></tr>
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<b>Prawns</b>. Made super with roasted garlic and chorizo. Period. </div>
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For pizzas, it was a toss (literally) between seafood pizza and a rather healthier squash flower pizza. I love the spicy kick of the former, and the ricotta cheese of the latter. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6QNeXdLXv7bqxSrNtM_ZppdduV3LhNfOzpEBBPmMS19shiH11G0X1DxPDjJHDvU4B93iIgOyqM6IcVEUWjeEylob-W1sVMVcWR7DF-NO-i5Fdoqa0quUhBZxffCyXxm_rwfMhrnK1Agd/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6QNeXdLXv7bqxSrNtM_ZppdduV3LhNfOzpEBBPmMS19shiH11G0X1DxPDjJHDvU4B93iIgOyqM6IcVEUWjeEylob-W1sVMVcWR7DF-NO-i5Fdoqa0quUhBZxffCyXxm_rwfMhrnK1Agd/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy Garlic and Seafood Spinach Pizza</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACgMM9asPfOWQAtVjE1Df6vUEWXd7h62UWpnq9iaZEpeTjb_ybJ3ouY-5w2z_iFNRC5zkN0EVuP0WAaFUqHsXL9fLGHccLPx0_xGR-2tchB72joRF-uJFlR_XR2QBzt4nudagt-xNT4Se/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACgMM9asPfOWQAtVjE1Df6vUEWXd7h62UWpnq9iaZEpeTjb_ybJ3ouY-5w2z_iFNRC5zkN0EVuP0WAaFUqHsXL9fLGHccLPx0_xGR-2tchB72joRF-uJFlR_XR2QBzt4nudagt-xNT4Se/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran11.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squash Flower, Garlic Greens and Ricotta Pizza </td></tr>
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Seafood galore for the mains!:) We had black mussels with saffron cream and bacon, Char-grilled Salmon, and Squid and Chorizo Pasta.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiM6L4nbTVVYti2x59PlPDSjT9OXaKADGaDxtEV8yx9bgXAEQiVjqZhXGR6nF-LIXjzmvm8uKIs_4jFHwKxaRb_oH8LZl5abZ1ZwnWZVRpUp60EoddKbbCBiAIXWArAFX5HLT-dsFLVgg/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiM6L4nbTVVYti2x59PlPDSjT9OXaKADGaDxtEV8yx9bgXAEQiVjqZhXGR6nF-LIXjzmvm8uKIs_4jFHwKxaRb_oH8LZl5abZ1ZwnWZVRpUp60EoddKbbCBiAIXWArAFX5HLT-dsFLVgg/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran12.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saffron Moules Frites</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p3orATbXGEN2aSTivJ6NYHgzXLq0YK0fM_EI-gfe0LU-4AxZD_yWkLy-5z7M7omDex79rsCi8nlgzLU3ljnsvMdfG8Oxevwwr2c6PLxE2I73rFppQvfIZEf9onjx7Ik9EBqN9WhIzKNr/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p3orATbXGEN2aSTivJ6NYHgzXLq0YK0fM_EI-gfe0LU-4AxZD_yWkLy-5z7M7omDex79rsCi8nlgzLU3ljnsvMdfG8Oxevwwr2c6PLxE2I73rFppQvfIZEf9onjx7Ik9EBqN9WhIzKNr/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran17.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Char-grilled Norwegian Salmon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4DfYnpGeb345F_Uhyu3vd7gYvSTWx3lHW88uoJd4WFiDnMFiTRIwI311pVH-a3FvX189e2j4vyWpjPSXklIrjxL6AlGPRrJib1GZGhWgJR_ot51XJP8T0kjPWK29tVTpZTYsrzPBrvog/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4DfYnpGeb345F_Uhyu3vd7gYvSTWx3lHW88uoJd4WFiDnMFiTRIwI311pVH-a3FvX189e2j4vyWpjPSXklIrjxL6AlGPRrJib1GZGhWgJR_ot51XJP8T0kjPWK29tVTpZTYsrzPBrvog/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran14.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the food adventurist. | Spicy Garlic Squid Ink and Chorizo Pasta</td></tr>
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I love the salmon and mussels. The squid and chorizo pasta is a tad too interesting for my taste. :p I like the squid toppings, though. I enjoyed the other pasta we tried, <b>Cacio e Pepe e Uova</b>, which was a simpler dish but is spelled as complicated as it's pronounced, haha. It's Italian pasta with parmesan and picorino cheese, black pepper, topped with an egg. Yum.<br />
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(Ironically, it was the dish I wasn't able to take a photo of. Toldya I'm not yet very good at this food blogging thing.:p)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbenet Braised U.S. Short Ribs</td></tr>
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We also had the <b>Carbenet Braised Short Ribs, </b>which I also enjoyed because the meat was really tasty and tender enough to just cut with your fork. Plus the risotto was a good contrast to the rich carbenet sauce.<br />
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Of course, no meal is too heavy for desserts - that's the rule. So even if we were kinda full with all the good stuff we just dug into, gotta make room for these sweet li'l things.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chelsea Peach Melba</td></tr>
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I don't remember if <b>Peach Melba</b> was in their old menu, which is a light and refreshing way to end the meal. But, I'd always be biased to chocolate when it comes to desserts (or to food in general), so I preferred this little guy right here. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MM3M9t50JjiYSbnb5dFFHgj16ADYAieEFCRyKnndqTIvzfZ-KNN8hs95N6EpCvsYy9l_5e9gLBUcS04bIBkiIT566UhAJBBXKIjRassrwohG6jplCxgnmuuJ_lgYaj_aFeZd36a7Byuq/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MM3M9t50JjiYSbnb5dFFHgj16ADYAieEFCRyKnndqTIvzfZ-KNN8hs95N6EpCvsYy9l_5e9gLBUcS04bIBkiIT566UhAJBBXKIjRassrwohG6jplCxgnmuuJ_lgYaj_aFeZd36a7Byuq/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran16.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oven Baked Warm Brownie S'mores</td></tr>
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Their <b>Brownie S'mores</b> is whole bowl of awesomeness. Kidding. But yeah, it's awesome. It's your favorite s'mores except with fudge brownies, and instead of just roasted mallows, its s'mothered with vanilla ice cream, walnuts and caramel syrup. #heaven<br />
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I used to love Chelsea's Toblerone Torte cake, guess its just been edged out of its seat. Haha.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raintree Restaurants' staple and signature desserts. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxF3B158PVrmSluc5sCIE5s7hYomGastylpvmhZ4pSSr2sphVFaVnNTLkdufmbU23iuGAOiqwHGaAjAOEOLmDnPUQIoHpgBaH5nx-GXauEWa1nGcoNPTtfjzIfFrM-vPOF87bVEgWG11X/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxF3B158PVrmSluc5sCIE5s7hYomGastylpvmhZ4pSSr2sphVFaVnNTLkdufmbU23iuGAOiqwHGaAjAOEOLmDnPUQIoHpgBaH5nx-GXauEWa1nGcoNPTtfjzIfFrM-vPOF87bVEgWG11X/s1600/chelsea+grand+cafe_roanne+duran19.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in doubt, always choose the sweet side. :)</td></tr>
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Aside from the food, it's the relaxing, refreshing vibe that makes a <b>great dining experience </b>at Chelsea's.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shutter-happy me in a shutter-happier place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the hip posters. Yep, they're still there. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Say chelseee.:) | With other bloggers that night. </td></tr>
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Not bad for a first blogging stint.:)<br />
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And in case you're also wondering about the Chelsea Market + Cafe branch at The Podium, it's transferring to its new home at the Mega Fashion Hall in Megamall. It's having a makeover of its own and opening as <b>Chelsea Kitchen</b> this September. :)<br />
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Chelsea Kitchen, located near Mango, H&M, and Zara (boyfriends and husbands, you just found the perfect place to wait while ze girls are in shopping haven, haha!), is a more hip, more vibrant version of the old Chelsea.<br />
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Do drop by Chelsea Grand Cafe and Chelsea Kitchen. You're sure to enjoy good food and go home with big smiles. :)<br />
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<b><i>*Chelsea Grand Cafe is located at Ground Floor, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City. Click <a href="http://www.raintreerestaurants.com/press/menus/chelsea/" target="blank">here</a> for their complete menu. :)</i></b><br />
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577758370310281363.post-22575959399238156362014-09-02T00:11:00.000-07:002014-09-07T00:12:34.694-07:00My Top 10 BooksI never really bought of my top 10 favorite books, but I've been tagged several times to post my top 10 favorite books. So with a little rummaging on my shelf, managed to come up with my precious list.:)<br />
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<ol>
<li><b><i>The Book Thief </i></b>by Markus Zusak</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Never Let Me Go </i>by Kazuo Ishiguro, the most poignant, I-need-to-watch-Adventure-Time-after-reading kinda poignant, book I've ever read. </li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Kitchen </i>by Banana Yoshimoto</li>
<li><b><i>Everyday, a Friday</i></b> by Joel Osteen</li>
<li><b><i>The Reader</i></b> Bernard Schlink, on my Favorites list years before it became an Academy Award-winning film.</li>
<li><b><i>The Double</i></b> by Jose Saramago</li>
<li><b><i>Invisible Monsters</i></b> by Chuck Palahniuk, my favorite guilty pleasure.</li>
<li><i><b>Lolita</b></i> by Vladimir Nabokov.</li>
<li><b><i>5 Cities That Ruled the World</i></b> by Douglas Wilson, a crash course on history with a really cool Biblical perspective.</li>
<li><b><i>The House of the Spirits</i></b> by Isabel Allende.</li>
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What's your Top of Mind Top 10 Favorite Books?:)</div>
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Roanne Duranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02458076514666023968noreply@blogger.com0