Thoughts On: Iloilo City PRISAA Math Challenge

The Iloilo PRISAA(Private Schools Athletic Association) is currently ongoing.
And as different sports team seeks to destroy each other physically on the field, some students battle it out in talent, skill, and intelligence on stage.

Last Saturday was the Math Quiz which ended with Hua Siong College of Iloilo taking home the bacon. The 2nd place was a tie between Paref Westbridge School and Ateneo de Iloilo, not that the students did not try to duke it out with 5 clincher questions that failed to select a winner so both were declared.

Our team contestants ranked 6th or 7th depending on how you look at the ranking and they are happy with it though we hoped for a better result, same as with the other 26 teams that did not cut it.

For me, as a first timer in this type of events was just happy that I was able to contribute a bit to the students' preparation for the contest. It was a matter of giving questions and making sure they got the correct answers based on the answer key provided or be able to justify the answers if it was different. It also involved practicing trial time and some shortcuts that are not really taught in general classes.

I also learned new things during this sessions and that's good enough for me. It was worth the effort.

During the contest, it was really fun to watch students enjoy answering Math questions and debating on which answers are correct and why. Debating in Math. Yay!

Made me wonder what would it be like to have 87 students, all brilliant in the subject in your class.

Must be what a NASA office will feel like. All have the answer, but which is the best?

I can resent it or embrace it.
Such simple choices, but really hard to act upon.

I guess I'll answer it when I am given a roomful of Einsteins next time.

For now, I am just happy to have one.


Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

 I post an article once a week... :D

Restaurant Review: KSpice

I am not really into Korean Food or anything too spicy for my taste. But we found ourselves having dinner with friends in a quaint little resto just outside MegaWorld called KSpice. They have a wide variety of food on the menu but our friends ordered the 350 pesos Eat-All-You-Can set where meat and condiments are all unlimited, you just ask the waitresses.

The restaurant is located at Taft North, Manduarriao, Iloilo. Just a few feet away from the newly-opened Jollibee Fast Food. It is quite a small place but at least it has its own parking area, so customers won't be parking on the side of the road. It is easy enough to find, though not really noticeable when you are riding public vehicles going at top speed. You will have to walk or take a taxi, or you can ride the jeep whose route is to and from Mandurriao.

The place is clean and has table settings for different group types. Table for twos, fours, eights were arranged around the room. If there are more of you, I guess you can request for additional tables and chairs. Each table setting has a table with a single burner grill which is used by the customers to cook their own meat. The grill is also replaced from time to time depending on the amount of grease it has. Ours were replaced thrice.

The food consisted of 4 types of meat, Spicy Pork, Pork, Chicken, Kimchi Bacon. Then for the unlimited condiments, sotanghon, kimchi, and rice. Can't really remember everything since I don't eat them. The meal set is also accompanied with a glass of iced tea and unlimited rice or chinese cabbage leaf/wrap.

It was a nice dining experience. you have the illusion of cooking for yourself though its only grilling really. Still, the meat was delicious and I don't mind eating Kimchi Bacon and Spicy Pork though at a minimal amount and at a very fast rate of chewing.

I am not really the best person to recommend a Korean dining since I do not float this boat. But if you want a different Korean experience, visit KSpice and judge for yourself.


Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!
I post an article every two days... :D just because!

LaserTag at Funatix

Last night is the first time that I played LaserTag or any War Game for that matter. Need to remedy that. Its the Valentines Day Celebration of the office, so we headed to Funatix Iloilo located at Plazuela de Iloilo to shoot our friends.

We were grouped into 2 groups, there were 6 members in each team and the bloodshed began. We were the Pink Team versus the Ocean Team, that's the color of the lights on the armor and gun so that you can identify your teammates in the dark.

The payment is 150 Php/person and that's for 15 minutes. 

So after learning the basics of how to play, we are made to watch a video that detailed the instructions, and donning on the armor with guns we are sent into the darkness to defeat our enemies, also known as shooting your friend.

Your life is unlimited and if you die will respawn in 6 seconds. your ammo is unlimited at 9999 shots that I never utilized as I am still at 9200 when the game ended. The armor or vest actually tells you if are hit or if you hit someone and other details that I may not notice because they does not seem important when you are running around or trying to trap a target.

We never had a concrete battle plan except to shoot the person with different lights when we see them. So for the next 15 minutes, we were running and hiding around trying not to shoot our teammates and only our enemies.

We had fun and shed good sweat, so it's a great experience. Though my score was -75  in the end. It did not really matter. I was able to hit some people, so that's good enough for me.

So if ever you want to shoot someone, challenge them to a LaserTag game in Funatix and get away with it. No one would know the satisfaction of hitting the enemy as many times as you can except yourself.

Be at Funatix. They have a promo right now. Click here for details.



Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Paraw Regatta Adventures!!!

Paraws reflected in the water

Paraw Regatta Competition held every third Sunday of  February near Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant is a yearly tradition in celebration of the use of Paraw when settlers found their way to the shores of Iloilo. It began in 1973 as a half-day event but has now blossomed into a weeklong celebration with different events.

This is actually my first time watching the Paraw Regatta competition. We arrived at about 8:30 in the morning to a shore full of people from every corner of the world it seems. Of course, the majority of the watchers are Ilonggos. We do not want to miss the biggest sailboat competition in Asia now, don't we? Given that it's happening right outside our doors.

Panorama Shot of all Paraws

We walked from one end of the shoreline to the other where the paraws are gathered. We took pictures of every sail design and took pictures with the sail design that caught our attention. There were some familiar ones like Son Goku and Dora, traditional ones like the Anito and Miagao Church, weird ones, very detailed sail designs majority of which depicts the life of a fisherman and life at sea in general. So we have art forms of dolphins, whales, sharks, and lots of turtles. Painting of the sail/sail design is also a different competition as part of the Paraw Regatta events.

Paraws on the beach

At 9, the coast guard started asking the people to leave the beach lines because the race is about to start and they don't want the crowd to press to the racers. Space is needed but some photographers are left to document the start of the race. But it's better to watch the race from far off because you will really appreciate the view of the sail and not mind the hard work put in by the people who make it float. There are 3 categories in all, and all of them will be sailing from Punta Villa to Guimaras Strait and back again. The race will end when the sailboats returns and it won't be until late afternoon.

Category B starting the race

After sending off the racers, we also left the shore to go somewhere else to eat. We ended up in the city because most of the popular restos near the shores are overcrowded with people who witnessed the send-off and will be waiting for the return of the sailors.

Category C starting the race

For my first Paraw, it was quite good. I did not mind the heat much and I acquired a good tan. I also enjoyed critiquing the designs and highly recommend that future Paraw designers use bright colors in their design because the dark ones may look good up close but when the sailboats are in the middle of the ocean, the design cannot be appreciated really. So please make sure that you use bright colors, please!? There were also some Paraws whose design are in the back, it cannot be seen from shore when they went off to race nor it can be seen when the sailboat is ashore. Too bad because they are really good design and would look really good from afar. So I think painters should be mindful of this in the future, or just totally design both sides to make it look like a vinta.

Off to Guimaras

There are also foreigners who are really into this that some of them are really filming the whole thing. I am not quite sure if they are simply vlogging or its really for news purposes because they have a boom mic and everything. So maybe. Others also posed for photos for teens who asked them. They are really into it also because they never failed to smile when asked, and they were asked a couple of times. :D

But the people who enjoyed the event the most were the little kids. they were frolicking in the water all throughout. From the time I arrived until after the send-off.

Kids frolicking before the start of the race

I hope the photographers and videographers had great pictures and videos after all the effort they made just to get the correct angles. So kudos to these persons that made Paraw Regatta event look stunning in print and media and social media.

The things photographers do for their craft

To the drones, as well. Great Flying!!!

One of the many many drones

And to all the Sponsors. Thanks as well for making this event possible. :D

Off to Guimaras as well, Happy Paraw!

If you plan to attend Paraw Regatta next year, please come prepared.

• Wear beach-worthy clothing that is not a bikini or swimwear.
• Wear slippers because you will wade in the water.
• Put on some sunscreen.
• Bring a cap or an umbrella.
• Bring water or money to buy water and food.
• Be prepared to wait because the race waits for the high tide or at least the dignitaries before they begin :D

Photo credits to @maikelsabido @Whereisfrances @elzniv

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

S & R Membership Shopping Iloilo

Today is the first time I’ve ever visited S&R Membership Shopping since its store opening in Iloilo late last year.

The visit proved that indeed S&R is for people who wants to buy things in bulk and in big packages. Aside from the appliances and apparel that are sold individually, one cannot really see anything else in small packets or as the Filipino fondly called it ‘tingi-tingi’ (smaller packs).

Let’s start with the place itself. From the parking area which has 8 lanes of parking space to the inside of the store with rows and rows of items, ranging from appliances, household items and tons and tons of aisles dedicated to food.

Upon entering the store, you are met with rows of appliances sorted according to type. So we have the TVs, kitchen items like burner, toaster and microwave, then household items like iron and electric fan. Then apparel, stuffed toys, backyard things like table, chairs are lined up next. Did not really explore this area much so can’t write other details.

The household items like dishwashing liquids, detergent, cleaning agents, lotion, shampoo and the likes comes in big sizes as well. Let’s include the tissue, diaper and many more that really answers to the advertisement One Year Supply Of ITEM NAME. No small packs here sirree. Some packages are even bigger than I am. Did not explore this part as thoroughly as I should but of well, we have limited time.

The largest part of S&R is dedicated to food. At least 75% of the store area is for food displays. Large chocolate packages, Hersheys, Ferrero, Toblerone, M&Ms, chocolate chip cookies, Peppero, Macadamia Nuts, and other brands you usually hear but never really tried. Large bags or containers of chips, from PikNik, Pringles, Lays to Nuts, Bread. Everything that you could never really eat in one sitting. Then, fridge after fridge of Ice Cream, gelatin, and fresh Milk. Also, a whole section dedicated to wine and drinks from Black Label to Budweiser. Then a section for cakes, a section for meat, pork, sausages, and cheese. Lots and lots of cheese types. Makes you want a membership just to explore these cheesy delights.

After this mini tour, the friend paid up and we had dinner at S&R also. We ordered chicken and pizza. The line was long. It took forever just to give the order and eat. But the food is cheap. Like an 18” pizza slice is 99 Php only and the Burger is 120 Php and the Large Fries is for 49 Php and the drink is for 45 Php and I guess its unlimited because I saw a lot of people coming back to the soda stack for more, more than once.

All in all, the experience was fun and I hope to explore it more in the future.

But unless you plan not to shop again for the whole year, I guess shopping at S&R is a no-no for you. Though they did have products not found in our SM and Robinson’s and some imported products are cheaper compared to the usual. I cannot itemize everything. You have to find that out for yourself.

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Viva Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Candles. She is the patroness of the whole Western Visayas, but its mainly the district of Jaro that celebrates the fiesta on the 2nd day of February.

No matter the day, residents of Jaro always prepare a spread for eating and merry-making on this day. Friends and relatives are invited over for a buffet, socialization and all the other reasons for a celebration.

For the last five years, I have been invited over for the feasting. But I never had the chance to join or attend the procession for the Lady which is held during the afternoon celebration. The Diocese of Jaro houses the Lady, she can be found on the balcony of the Jaro Cathedral.

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Damires Hills Resort Outing

On June 29, 2013, we, on Eversun Software Philippines Corporation, held a Seminar on Customer Service Skills Training: “ACT Now. Be an AOV” at a wonderful place called Damires Hills Resort (Terra Verde). Though I wasn’t able to attend the training proper because of prior commitments, I was able to join my company friends for the outing.

Our package included the use of the Conference Hall, the facilities which include the Rooms, Snacks, Dinner, and Breakfast the next day, and the Swimming Pool. They also have Videoke in the Conference Hall, a Zip Line and ATV and a small park which I haven’t had time to explore because of time constraints.

So, when I arrived that night, we had a mini-videoke contest amongst us and after I decided to test out their pools. It was only 5 meters dip but we had fun.

The rooms are also comfortable, fully air conditioned with TV and Toilet and Bathroom amenities inside. It was good for 10 persons. Our room had a loft, so we had 3 beds right beside the bathroom and 2 more beds in the loft. The stairs are quite steep, so if children are with you on your visit, please look out for them.

The next day, we tested out the 6 meters pool and the Zip Line and the ATV. The zip line and ATV weren’t part of the package so it was paid differently.

After all these, we packed and get ready to leave. While waiting for the jeepney transport, we tested out their Fruit and Vegetable Stand where Shakes are also served.

Then it was Home Sweet Home.

Damires Hills Resort is located at Janiuay, Iloilo. Roughly 30-45 minutes from the city. Jeepneys traveling in that direction are found at the Iloilo Super Market near Robinsons Place, Iloilo and at the Ungka Terminal near the Christ the King Memorial Park.

For more information: Check out their Facebook Page

Have fun.

Photo courtesy of https://twitter.com/ktmalunda

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Villa Igang Beach Resort Escapade

A few weekends back, we went on an outing with office mates and friends. We went to a nearby province called Guimaras. Guimaras is the Mango Capital of the Philippines. It’s sweet and tasty mangoes are legendary. That’s why the most popular festival celebrated on the island of Guimaras IS, you guessed it, the Manggahan Festival.

Why did we go there? You ask.

Not to unwind but to join the fun run on the first day of activities of the Manggahan Festival as was planned. But we ended on the beach, anyway.

Let’s do the boring anecdote of our Guimaras trip.

How to get to Villa Igang Resort, Guimaras?

From Iloilo City, you take a boat ride on the Brgy. Ortiz Wharf that will dock on Jordan, Guimaras. The fare is 14.00 Php. From there, you ride a jeep to Nueva Valencia, that will cost you about 40.00 Php. i am not sure if that is the normal price as we hired the whole jeep to accommodate all 19 of us.

What to do on Villa Igang Resort?

There are a lot of beaches on Guimaras. But I am writing about Igang because that is where we stayed.

We paid 100.00 php for the entrance. With this payment, we can go swimming on the beach, go caving and swim with the fishes on the Coral Cave and of course Explore.
If you want to swim on the pool you pay an additional 50.00 php.
And if you want to go boating, that’s 300.00 for 6 persons.
And as Filipinos are very fond of videoke, they also have a videoke machine were you can sing your heart out, as we did.

Where to Stay?

We also stayed on Villa Igang for the night, and we paid 300.00 php per person. But that’s alright as the room assigned to us was very ‘roomy’ and that’s saying something as there are 11 of us staying on the room.

Where to eat?

You can bring your own cooked meal and pay for their corkage fee of 35.00 Php per person.
Or you can bring uncooked meat, fish, pork, anything and pay 100.00 Php per kilo of that but the resort will cook that for you.
Or you can order from them and eat. Each meal serve is good for 2-3 persons and costs 180.00 Php or more depending on the food preparation.

And that’s the way with Igang…

Upon our arrival which is late in the afternoon already, we ordered some dinner then went swimming on the pool. After the swim, we ate and some drank beer and videoke-ed, others played mahjong and other games.

The next day, some of us went to Jordan to join the fun run. Ate breakfast on a diner that served Hawaiian Pizza with a Mango Twist and return to the resort.

Then, we spent the whole morning swimming on the beach. By noon, we ate lunch, packed up and left the resort at 3. Then we stooped over the Manggahan Festival Fair for ‘pasalubong’ or take homes.

Then Goodbye Guimaras, Hello Iloilo!!!

Whether you want to be alone staring at the night sky, or stroll around, goof with friends on the pool, drink and sing with buddies, swim with the fishes and dive to unknown depths, just take everything in stride and enjoy yourself.

I hope you are excited to go on your own trip to Guimaras.

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!