The Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Powerhouse Museum
Sydney, Australia
19 November 2011 - 18 March 2012
My Note: Hmmmmm...
27 November 2011
19 June 2011
Rizal at 150 Today
Thank you for instilling in all of us the value of love of country, love of our race, and most especially, making us proud to be Filipino.
Photo of our hero's bust was taken during a trip to historic Taal, Batangas.
Photo of our hero's bust was taken during a trip to historic Taal, Batangas.
06 June 2011
Happy Birthday
Thank you, Lord for sharing Mommy with us. I know she is happy and well. I know she's with Dad watching, guiding us. Thank you. Amen. Happy Birthday. I Love You, Mama.
18 April 2011
My Friday Song
This year, I have been given more responsibilities in the office (as if I didn't have enough on my hands). I welcome these new challenges with open arms *fingers crossed*
To celebrate Fridays (I still love Thursdays though), I will have Usher's DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again on high volume and on repeat on my iPod.
I thank God the week is done,
I feel like a zombie gone back to life (ba-back to life)
Hands-up, and suddenly we all got our hands-up
To celebrate Fridays (I still love Thursdays though), I will have Usher's DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again on high volume and on repeat on my iPod.
I thank God the week is done,
I feel like a zombie gone back to life (ba-back to life)
Hands-up, and suddenly we all got our hands-up
11 April 2011
18 March 2011
Advice I Don’t Get Everyday
“Rhea, I’m telling you now, don’t ever get married.”
It’s not very often that I get this advice from married friends (Thank God for that!). Only when there’s trouble in their marriage.
Of course, I’m for marriage and all that. No doubt about it.
So, why give this kind of advice:
It’s either…
1. …there’s another woman;
2. …there’s another woman; or
3. …there’s another woman.
Of my friends who have had problems in their marriage (or relationships), all of them were because of the presence of “another woman.”
It’s true.
So, you ask, what is my point?
None. I am not trying to make a point.
Actually, I’m quite confused.
It’s just a contrast to what relatives ask during reunions or get-togethers:
“O Rhea, ilang taon ka na nga ba?”
“(muffled answer) po.”
“May boyfriend ka ba?”
“Ngayon po, wala.” My standard answer.
“Aba, mag-asawa ka na!”
“Opo, next week po.”
ANYWAY…I should have titled this entry: Of Marriage, Men and Confusion.
It’s not very often that I get this advice from married friends (Thank God for that!). Only when there’s trouble in their marriage.
Of course, I’m for marriage and all that. No doubt about it.
So, why give this kind of advice:
It’s either…
1. …there’s another woman;
2. …there’s another woman; or
3. …there’s another woman.
Of my friends who have had problems in their marriage (or relationships), all of them were because of the presence of “another woman.”
It’s true.
So, you ask, what is my point?
None. I am not trying to make a point.
Actually, I’m quite confused.
It’s just a contrast to what relatives ask during reunions or get-togethers:
“O Rhea, ilang taon ka na nga ba?”
“(muffled answer) po.”
“May boyfriend ka ba?”
“Ngayon po, wala.” My standard answer.
“Aba, mag-asawa ka na!”
“Opo, next week po.”
ANYWAY…I should have titled this entry: Of Marriage, Men and Confusion.
08 March 2011
Nonrandom Thoughts #2
Enjoy what you have now rather than want something that you know can never be yours.
22 February 2011
Amazing!
Took me only 51 minutes to renew my driver's license. For a government agency, this is a big improvement.
Went to the LTO near the office this afternoon. The requirements:
1. Current/Expired License Card (plus photocopy of receipt and card)
2. Medical Certificate (from LTO accredited or Government Physician) or valid AFP/PNP organic personnel ID (taken at the LTO accredited drug testing center right beside the LTO)
3. Drug Clearance Certificate (from an LTO accredited drug testing center) (there are peeing centers aka toilets inside the drug testing center).
4. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) (I left mine blank, should be okay without it)
The whole procedure:
1. At the LTO, I was asked to fill up the Driver's License Application Form after inspecting my driver's license. Proceeded to the Evaluator to have my documents checked for completeness and authenticity. The Evaluator then asked me to go to the drug testing center next door.
2. At window 1 of the drug testing center, I submitted the forms and paid the Php400 processing fee. A staff just outside the windows gave more forms to fill up.
3. After a few minutes, a person at window 2 called my name for picture taking and finger printing (actually, digital finger printing).
4. Once done with the forms (given in step 2 above), I gave them back and was told that my name will be called for the actual testing. When I was called, I was asked to sign on a strip of packing tape and was given a plastic cup. After that, I found out what the signed strip of packing tape was for.
5. After that, a number tag was given to me and was asked again to wait for my number to be called. I was number 53.
6. I then realized that the next step was the medical doctor's interview and eye test. I was asked if I wore glasses, I said no but told him I had laser operations on both eyes. I was then asked to stand behind a white strip on the floor and asked to read the eye test chart. I could read the 20/20 but not the 20/10 (missed a letter).
7. After a few minutes, they called again my name for the result of the drug test. Negative!
8. Now back to the LTO next door. Submitted the forms, had picture taken, paid Php415+ and voila! new driver's license in 51 minutes.
Kudos to LTO!
Went to the LTO near the office this afternoon. The requirements:
1. Current/Expired License Card (plus photocopy of receipt and card)
2. Medical Certificate (from LTO accredited or Government Physician) or valid AFP/PNP organic personnel ID (taken at the LTO accredited drug testing center right beside the LTO)
3. Drug Clearance Certificate (from an LTO accredited drug testing center) (there are peeing centers aka toilets inside the drug testing center).
4. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) (I left mine blank, should be okay without it)
The whole procedure:
1. At the LTO, I was asked to fill up the Driver's License Application Form after inspecting my driver's license. Proceeded to the Evaluator to have my documents checked for completeness and authenticity. The Evaluator then asked me to go to the drug testing center next door.
2. At window 1 of the drug testing center, I submitted the forms and paid the Php400 processing fee. A staff just outside the windows gave more forms to fill up.
3. After a few minutes, a person at window 2 called my name for picture taking and finger printing (actually, digital finger printing).
4. Once done with the forms (given in step 2 above), I gave them back and was told that my name will be called for the actual testing. When I was called, I was asked to sign on a strip of packing tape and was given a plastic cup. After that, I found out what the signed strip of packing tape was for.
5. After that, a number tag was given to me and was asked again to wait for my number to be called. I was number 53.
6. I then realized that the next step was the medical doctor's interview and eye test. I was asked if I wore glasses, I said no but told him I had laser operations on both eyes. I was then asked to stand behind a white strip on the floor and asked to read the eye test chart. I could read the 20/20 but not the 20/10 (missed a letter).
7. After a few minutes, they called again my name for the result of the drug test. Negative!
8. Now back to the LTO next door. Submitted the forms, had picture taken, paid Php415+ and voila! new driver's license in 51 minutes.
Kudos to LTO!
10 February 2011
Nonrandom Thoughts
Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood.
From Paul Coelho's Blog
From Paul Coelho's Blog
03 January 2011
Things to Do or Visit in Sydney after 5:00pm
I was in Sydney, Australia for 3 weeks (and 1 day) for work. For those who are not aware of it, most shops close at 5:00pm everyday, including some tourist spots and museums. Since I go to work Mondays to Fridays, the only time I could see the city was after 5:00pm and on weekends (that's when I'm not with my relatives). So I thought of coming up with a list of places a Sydney visitor could do or visit after office hours.
1. Darling Harbour - Just 10-15 minutes walk from Wynyard Park (where my office is located). Sites which are open all day and night include Tumbalong Park, Cockle Bay Wharf, Pyrmont Bridge, Darling Park, Sydney Aquarium (closes at 8:00pm). There is also a ferris wheel infront of the Chinese Garden of Friendship (no, didn't have the courage to ride it alone). Entrance is free (as for the ferris wheel ride, I don't think so).
2. Sydney Aquarium - Also located in Darling Harbour. I would say the highlight of the park is what they call the Sydney Aquarium Experience which features the vegetarian Dugongs (Pig and Wuru) and the scary Sharks (in separate aquariums I suppose). Entrance Fee: Adult=A$34.99/Child=A$17.99.*
3. Sydney Tower - Closes at 10:30pm although I think it's better to visit the place during the day. It's the tallest building in Sydney at 880 feet. At the Observation Deck, you get a 360 degree view of Sydney. The other attractions are the Skywalk (a breathtaking outdoor tour on the roof top) and the OzTrek ride. Entrance Fee: Adult=A$24.99/Child=A$14.99.*
4. Sydney Opera House - A visit to Sydney will never be complete without visiting the iconic Opera House. Incidentally, Oprah visited Sydney while I was there. She was always on the top of the news (I Love Oprah shirts were sold at A$29.00. A$34.00 on the shooting day itself -- it was that crazy). Entrance is free but the guided tour will cost you A$35.00.
5. Royal Botanic Gardens - Just beside the Opera House. A beautiful garden overlooking the harbour. They say Mrs. Macquarie's Chair is the best spot to photograph or view the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. I regret not reaching that area of the Garden but it's at the top of my list when I visit Sydney again. Entrance is free.
6. Kmart / Coles / Woolworths - Open daily and closes as late as midnight (better to check their website against your location). My "feel good" stores :)
7. Sydney Town Hall - Located farther down George Street (near Queen Victoria Building) and atop the busy Town Hall Station. Must visit at night when it's colorfully lit (or was it just because it was Christmas season?).
8. Bondi Beach - About 40 minutes bus ride from Circular Quay. Australia's world famous beach, although some say it's better to go to the other beaches in Sydney because its getting to be too "touristy." Note to self: Should do the Bondi to Cogee Walk next time.
9. Chinatown - At the southern end of Darling Harbour, near the Entertainment Center. This is the best place to buy cheap souvenirs. Some shops are open until 9:00pm. The Chinatown Night Market is only every Friday on Dixon Street until 11:00pm.
10. Ride the Ferry, the Bus, and the Trains - No worries, they all have websites. Ferry to Taronga Zoo. Free Bus rides on George. Trains to the Suburbs.
Things to do or Places to visit next time:
11. Take a ride on the Sydney Monorail - Round and round Sydney central business district for as low as A$9.50 (Monorail Day Pass).
12. Take a ride on the Sydney Lightrail - Will take you from Central to Lilyfield in 25 minutes. A$4.80 for a return ticket. Think "joyride" for both rails without the adrenalin rush.
13. Sydney Observatory - Open for night visits. "Bookings are necessary for night sessions." Night charges for telescope/3D theatre sessions is A$17.00.
14. Art Gallery of New South Wales - Closes at 5:00pm everyday, except Wednesdays when they close at 9:00pm.
15. Archibald Fountain - Located at the center of Hyde Park near Elizabeth Avenue. The statue is actually of Apollo and not J.F. Archibald, the owner of the Australian magazine, The Bulletin (my bad). Missed this in my walking tour of Sydney.
16. Hyde Park Obelisk - Located also in Hyde Park at the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst.
17. Sydney Harbour Night Cruise - Should do it next time.
18. Harbour Bridge Climb (Night Climb) - Need I say more.
Take advantage of the Thursday Sho-pping day where most shops are open until 9pm.
Also, avail of the Explore 4 Combo Pass for the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, Sydney Wildlife World and Oceanworld Manly (A$49.99).
If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, download the City Walks - Sydney (developed by GPSmyCity.com) for suggested walking tours and maps (from iTunes US$4.99). More pictures to be posted soon of other sites I visited together with my notes on my trip.
1. Darling Harbour - Just 10-15 minutes walk from Wynyard Park (where my office is located). Sites which are open all day and night include Tumbalong Park, Cockle Bay Wharf, Pyrmont Bridge, Darling Park, Sydney Aquarium (closes at 8:00pm). There is also a ferris wheel infront of the Chinese Garden of Friendship (no, didn't have the courage to ride it alone). Entrance is free (as for the ferris wheel ride, I don't think so).
Darling Harbour at night
Pyrmont Bridge
Liverpool corner Sussex Streets
The ferris wheel infront of the Chinese Garden of Friendship
2. Sydney Aquarium - Also located in Darling Harbour. I would say the highlight of the park is what they call the Sydney Aquarium Experience which features the vegetarian Dugongs (Pig and Wuru) and the scary Sharks (in separate aquariums I suppose). Entrance Fee: Adult=A$34.99/Child=A$17.99.*
Shark aquarium
The Dugongs eating their veggies
Upside down jellyfish
Confirmed: There are sharks in Sydney's beaches
3. Sydney Tower - Closes at 10:30pm although I think it's better to visit the place during the day. It's the tallest building in Sydney at 880 feet. At the Observation Deck, you get a 360 degree view of Sydney. The other attractions are the Skywalk (a breathtaking outdoor tour on the roof top) and the OzTrek ride. Entrance Fee: Adult=A$24.99/Child=A$14.99.*
Sydney Tower from below
Darling Harbour from the tower
4. Sydney Opera House - A visit to Sydney will never be complete without visiting the iconic Opera House. Incidentally, Oprah visited Sydney while I was there. She was always on the top of the news (I Love Oprah shirts were sold at A$29.00. A$34.00 on the shooting day itself -- it was that crazy). Entrance is free but the guided tour will cost you A$35.00.
The Opera House from the Harbour Bay. The small box on the right was the stage used for the Oprah show.
The Opera House from the Royal Botanic Gardens
Almost near the Opera Bar
5. Royal Botanic Gardens - Just beside the Opera House. A beautiful garden overlooking the harbour. They say Mrs. Macquarie's Chair is the best spot to photograph or view the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. I regret not reaching that area of the Garden but it's at the top of my list when I visit Sydney again. Entrance is free.
Sydney Tropical Centre Pyramid
The Royal Botanic Gardens from the stairs of the Opera House
6. Kmart / Coles / Woolworths - Open daily and closes as late as midnight (better to check their website against your location). My "feel good" stores :)
7. Sydney Town Hall - Located farther down George Street (near Queen Victoria Building) and atop the busy Town Hall Station. Must visit at night when it's colorfully lit (or was it just because it was Christmas season?).
8. Bondi Beach - About 40 minutes bus ride from Circular Quay. Australia's world famous beach, although some say it's better to go to the other beaches in Sydney because its getting to be too "touristy." Note to self: Should do the Bondi to Cogee Walk next time.
9. Chinatown - At the southern end of Darling Harbour, near the Entertainment Center. This is the best place to buy cheap souvenirs. Some shops are open until 9:00pm. The Chinatown Night Market is only every Friday on Dixon Street until 11:00pm.
10. Ride the Ferry, the Bus, and the Trains - No worries, they all have websites. Ferry to Taronga Zoo. Free Bus rides on George. Trains to the Suburbs.
Things to do or Places to visit next time:
11. Take a ride on the Sydney Monorail - Round and round Sydney central business district for as low as A$9.50 (Monorail Day Pass).
12. Take a ride on the Sydney Lightrail - Will take you from Central to Lilyfield in 25 minutes. A$4.80 for a return ticket. Think "joyride" for both rails without the adrenalin rush.
13. Sydney Observatory - Open for night visits. "Bookings are necessary for night sessions." Night charges for telescope/3D theatre sessions is A$17.00.
14. Art Gallery of New South Wales - Closes at 5:00pm everyday, except Wednesdays when they close at 9:00pm.
15. Archibald Fountain - Located at the center of Hyde Park near Elizabeth Avenue. The statue is actually of Apollo and not J.F. Archibald, the owner of the Australian magazine, The Bulletin (my bad). Missed this in my walking tour of Sydney.
16. Hyde Park Obelisk - Located also in Hyde Park at the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst.
17. Sydney Harbour Night Cruise - Should do it next time.
18. Harbour Bridge Climb (Night Climb) - Need I say more.
Take advantage of the Thursday Sho-pping day where most shops are open until 9pm.
Also, avail of the Explore 4 Combo Pass for the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, Sydney Wildlife World and Oceanworld Manly (A$49.99).
If you have an iPhone or an iPod Touch, download the City Walks - Sydney (developed by GPSmyCity.com) for suggested walking tours and maps (from iTunes US$4.99). More pictures to be posted soon of other sites I visited together with my notes on my trip.
Cheers!
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