Framed

One corner at the second floor of Italianni's, Greenbelt showcases these frames of pictures of popular, old people. These as well as some interesting accounts of historical events and the murals painted on the walls have added to the charm of the restaurant's cozy interior.



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Stranded

Trinoma Transport Terminal at the height of Habagat downpour

There is no typhoon but it is flooding everywhere.

Thousands of commuters are stuck at Trinoma Transport Terminal because North/West Avenues, EDSA fronting SM North, and Mindanao Avenue are all waist-deep. No cars can pass, not even the four-wheel drives or buses.

Since there is nothing I can do abut it, I decided to go malling instead.


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Pruned

I have a thing for dead trees and dormant plants or those old trees without leaves. But I feel sorry for this just-trimmed pine tree next to a bushy one with a bunch of green needles.

Foggy Afternoon

Baguio in thick fog

One cannot help but feels like an angel on top of a mountain embraced by clouds.

This picture was taken on the same day as when my entry on July 8 was taken. It's amazing how the weather in Baguio changes like bipolar. The sun was shining brightly a couple of hours before this.  In spite of it being unpredictable, I love this place. I call it a second home.

Pond Bridges

Pond bridge at BenCab

There is something about garden bridges that fascinates me so much. They seem to give a touch of tranquility and beauty.

This bridge is over the pond at BenCab Museum in Asin. The view is made more dramatic by the low-lying thick fog.   

Trees of Green, Skies of Blue

Camp John Hay, Baguio City

The blue sky and bright sun with a slight breeze here in Baguio makes anyone feel like staying in this place forever.

Batirol Light

Every kiosk at the Tsokolate de Batirol at John Hay in Baguio has a hanging batirol light in it. I do not really know how they call those light fixtures, I just made that up.

Batirol  is a Cebuano word for a small pot used for cooking chocolate drink, shaped like an urn.

I call it that way because it looks like one, an upside-down batirol. It is creatively painted with the stripe design of the handwoven clothing of the Igorots. It also gives support to the bulb. Although it does not illuminate just like most lamp fixtures do, it provides a great lighting to the kiosk space.

Luneta rides: US-inspired Carruaje

US-inspired carruaje going around Luneta

The Philippines is not under the US rule anymore, but the Americano presence is still apparently found around the corners of this country. This is evident in this carruaje ride in Manila. Well, among others.

Some would say it's colonial mentality, but I do not dare challenge that topic in this blog. It's a trait etched in the culture and most likely it cannot be shaken off even by the most patriotic citizens from this generation to the next.

But today, cuatro de julio, just for fun, I think it's a seasonally-appropriate time to take this US-flag inspired carriage and go around the park.

After the Sun Sets

Diliman Oblation After Sunset

Sitting on the steps of the Quezon Hall on a Saturday afternoon waiting for the sky to turn orange is not at all fun to do, but it is sometimes my craze. It's like elusive bliss. The Oblation is stunning and inspiring to watch after the sun has dipped into the horizon.

This view did not last quite long enough, but it's worth catching and seeing it again and again.

Longsilog

A typical Pinoy breakfast - longsilog

Here is a typical Filipino breakfast - longsilog, one of those -silogs that all Pinoys know about.

Longislog is a portmanteau word derived from the syllables of longanisa (Philippine sausage), sinangag (garlic friend rice) and itlog (egg), which make up the whole thing.

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Misty Baguio

That water repellent spray that's supposed to make windshield wipers unnecessary is useless here in Baguio.

With the mist that forms easily and the reduced visibility, one has to be extra careful when driving here. It can get dangerous.

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Piss on the head

Taken with instagram

Sunday Morning Walk

Sunday morning walk (Taken with Instagram at UP Diliman)

Kalachuchi

Kalachuchi (Taken with instagram)

Tarragon tea and a honey tube

Tarragon tea and a honey tube (Taken with instagram)

Bandi and Lunis

Bandi and Lunis Bookstore

Wandering through the book section. Again.

Bandi and Lunis is a large-scale bookstore in Korea with several branches around Seoul. Their books often have no tag prices on them because the prices are based on exchange rate for the day.

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The sky is on fire

The sky is on fire.

Milk Tea Fad

So I finally tried Serenitea. It’s good, but I still prefer the teh tarik-like taste of Gong Cha.

Downtown

How can you lose when the lights are bright and everything seems waiting for you?

Good morning, Azalea!

Good morning, Azalea! (Taken with Instagram at Baguio City)