Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Fascinating One Thousand Islands

 I fell in love with Canada, when the cargo ship that I worked for in 2008-2009 included almost all the provinces and key cities of the country surrounding the Seven Great Lakes. I've been at the ports of Quebec and Toronto last Christmas of 2008. The rigors of passing the locks of the lakes at the top of the mountains, just overlooking two countries (of course the United States of America) was awesome to remember. But the most vivid photos I've been longing to share with you were the beauty of the famed 'One Thousand Islands' and the two historic castles that were vocally and visually promoted by the port captains and visitors that went onboard our vessel. I left my heart on those islands and those friendly homeowners who can't stop waving on us when we shouted Christmas greetings on them. The cold and frigid air didn't stopped me from taking those memorable photographs including some videos.
This coming Christmas 2010, I'll recommend that you explore the islands and the two castles, Boldt and Singer Castles that I'm sure will be included in your itinerary.In Thousand Islands, Canada and USA meet at St. Lawrence Seaway and Ontario.
Please stay with me and be mesmerized by the photos and videos I've collated just for you.


http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Fascinating-One-Thousand-Islands-in-CanadaI'll entice you to visit one of the islands. You'll never regret you did. If you have the budget...choose one of the cozy hotels, befriend Canadian or American guides to help you get acquainted with the 'magic' of the Thousand Islands.

The Hot Springs and Boiling Lakes of Albay

I think, after the Penafrancia fiesta in Naga City...the best getaway for an 'injured,lost and broke' parishioner like me is to try a hot spring spa being visited by foreign and local tourists in Albay. Come...let us discover these spots once more in the towns of Tiwi and Manito of the said province here in Bicol, Philippines. Welcoming you is not enough to enjoy such natural spots. You should be here one day if you have enough budget to do it.
Many anecdotes of adventures were posted in the internet through blogs and here on HubPages but I will still add my personal account on this one.
The invitation to be there this week came from my friend, Lestat (changed his true name Lester for a more appealing feel on Facebook..hehe!). I said, I don't have much budget. he replied that everything will be okay (I trust him, you know). They've been busy at their TENT CAMP last week in Santo Domingo Albay, where you can visibly observe the Mayon Volcano activities and take photos at every angle you desire.
So, off I go this week. But allow me to share with you photos and other stills that came from fellow Bicolanos whom I had to get the credit because my original photos are not enough as my digital camera is not functioning so well these days (due to the nth time 'accidental fall'. I had to share with you this hub this early . My itinerary started Friday morning that ended in the evening back in Naga City; so, I hope you'll stand by with this hub for further adventure of yours truly, travel_man1971.






Please read my adventure @http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Hot-Springs-of-Albay

100 Days Countdown to Christmas in the Philippines

100 days before Christmas in the Philippines involve ample preparations until the celebration of the birth of the Messiah (Jesus Christ), traditionally done on December 25th. This is probably the longest commemoration being held in the country involving traditional and modern ways to show the religiosity of the people.
When you hear the word 'pasko' (it means pascua in Spanish or Christmas), you are already in the country.
The countdown started September 17 this year (2010). Prior to this, the lighting of the commemorative 'parols' or star-lanterns adorning key cities' plazas started at the first day of the said month.
As early as this date and writing, I am starting to collect shots of memorable photos this coming Christmas at places that interest me. I started interviewing close friends regarding their views and opinions on the forthcoming event this December.
My friends share the same opinion: "that Christmas brings positive outlook in life to most people, Christians, especially and inspiration to strive more for the greater glory of God."
So, allow me to unfold my little discoveries regarding the most anticipated holiday season in the Christiandom. How about some comments from you, too?
For further reading: http://hubpages.com/hub/100-Days-Before-Christmas-in-the-Philippines

Knowing Nick Vujicic

http://hubpages.com/hub/Who-is-Nick-VujicicReally, does his name sounds familiar to you? Have you met him in person? Did he tell you how to live without arms or legs? Did you consider him normal and lucky? Well, it’s up to your perception. But Nick Vujivic personally preaches that “he’s a man without limbs”, yet his life is “without limits.” He is the living proof so that the works of God may be revealed in his life.
Firstborn
Nick Vujicic was born on December 4, 1982, the first baby of a Serbian couple in Melbourne, Australia. His father who is a pastor can’t believe what happened like his mother who cannot accept the physical outcome of her firstborn child.
The doctors have no answers of the defects of the baby who was born without limbs, but later called the deformities Tetra-amelia. The whole church was shocked about his existence. Praising God was far from their lips. They questioned why the God of love will let it happened. Even his father thought he will not survive, but tests proved that Nick was a healthy baby boy-just a few limbs missing.
And so, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
Suicide attempt
As early as ten years old, Nick Vujicic is planning a suicide attempt because he cannot endure the bullying he’s getting in school. Because of physical difference, his classmates and people in the community were concluding that he’s also mentally challenged.
Due to his mother’s insistence, Nick was accepted in the mainstream school in Australia and lives like an ordinary boy. His parents were his strong support during those years. Slowly, other students realized that the boy without limbs is just like them. One by one they became Nick’s friends.
Even so, he still felt depressed and angry about his life. Oftentimes, he asked God why He made him like this- a boy without limbs.
Awakening
As Nick’s grow, he began to understand his existence. He started appreciating God’s plan for him. At age 15, he gave his life fully to Jesus Christ. He read John 9 from the Holy Bible where Jesus explained that the reason a man was born blind was “so that the works of God may be revealed in his life.” In other words, if it is God’s will, it will happen in his time.
Nick became more independent and can take care of his personal needs. He can even cook his own meal! He uses an electric wheelchair to carry him around his home in California. He likes swimming, soccer and fishing. Can you imagine that?!
Career
At 23, Nick completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning. He also started to become the most sought motivational speaker in many churches around the world, starting from his continent, Australia. He travels internationally to speak to Christian congregations, schools and corporate meetings.
The rest is history in the making.
Nick Vujicic in TriMedia
At 26, Nick hopes to grace The Oprah Winfrey Show in order to promote his goals in life. He busy writing books to help strengthen others. His first book, planned for completion by the end of 2009, is to be called No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!.
Prior to this, with the help of his family in Australia he launched his motivational DVD, Life's Greater Purpose, which is also available on the Life Without Limbs website. Most of the DVD was filmed in 2005, featuring a brief documentary about his home life, and how he does regular things without limbs. The second part of the DVD was filmed at his local church in Brisbane and was one of his first professional motivational speeches. His motivational speeches can be seen on the Premiere Speakers Bureau Website.
His corporate motivational company "Attitude is Altitude" launched his secular DVD "No Arms, No Legs, No Worries" which is available online.
Last year, the 20/20 (ABC) television show with Bob Cummings interviewed Nick and was aired worldwide on March 28, 2008.
An inspirational movie was created around Nick Vujicic called "The Butterfly Circus" it can be viewed at http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/TheButterflyCircus/
My Personal Encounter with Nick Vujicic
I was on board a merchant vessel way back 2007 when I had the chance to have a copy of a special free magazine from Chinese-Christian Mission donated by the Seaman’s Center in Houston, Texas, USA.
Reading the magazine, CHALLENGER Vol. 45, OCT-DEC 2006 issue, awakened and renewed my faith in God when I read about Nick’s testimonies. I really cried for him and at the same time started my admiration for him because of his courage to do a grand task by spreading the Word of God around the world.


Why do we, normal people, keep on whining everyday about what we lack in material things? We have so much to give if only we follow Nick Vujicic’s example.

Is Tabetha Jo Prick the Nex Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011?

A 5'11" stunning beauty from Balogo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur...former Miss Bicolandia 2007 Tabetha Jo Frick, 20 years old, is sure to follow the steps of the freshly awarded Maria Venus Raj, Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up at the Binibining Pilipinas 2011.
Miss Raj was Miss Frick's 2nd runner up when she was crowned Miss Bicolandia 2007. When my former radio colleague, Ms. Doris Olivan, alerted me about the whereabouts of the former beauty titlist, I dig a little research and found out that she joined the buns of beauties during the most controversial staging of Binibining Pilipinas in 2008.
Filipinos from all over the world were disgusted of the redundant answer of the crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2008 Janina San Miguel. Maybe luck favored her that night as our local beauty, Tabetha Jo, just settled to be included at the top 10 semi-finalists where in fact, she gave the best answer during the Q & A portions at the preliminaries.
I followed the grapevine at MISSOSOLOGY and still, they can't stop talking about the 2008 embarassing event.
The performance of Tabetha were praised although some criticized her stature as fat-bellied, courtesy of baby fats, (maybe because she was just 17 turning 18 during the 2008 pageant). But as I reviewed the posted photos, I can see no reason why she didn't made it to the Final 5, even though sha has all the 3 Bs a candidate should possess and carry during the contest...BODY,BEAUTY and BRAIN.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed...with all the support that she's receiving at her Fan Page in Facebook from her countrymen, the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe title will not be elusive anymore for her.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Tabetha-Jo-Frick-Another-Bicolana-Honed-To-Be-The-Bb-Pilipinas-Universe-2011

One Year of Blogging and Hubbing

I was tinkering my surviving netbook. My laptop of two years have been busted by viruses and transporation anomalies. I have to try the latest offering from a rugged yet affordable product and reliable companion to hub. And here it was. I began reminiscing about the things that happened to me a year ago. I cannot blame myself to like HubPages. It's addicting to write about something, huh?! And my adventure started with the word...hub.
As the Goggle Search toolbar quickly presented hundred thousands of searches, the first in the search was HubPages, an online writing community.
Hmmm...interesting, I said to myself. Better avail of the invitation to sign up, write an article and earn money for free. No other requirements needed but the activation of affiliates, mainly the Google AdSense ( with its Analytics), eBay, Amazon, Kontera, among others and the rich content of every hub a writer made. The monetization is soon to follow as readers and fellow hubbers follow you, click your ads, read your stories, poems, articles or even picture hubs.
After a year, I'm still here, enjoying my stay as I counted my earnings every month and waiting that my first threshold will come this September 2010.http://hubpages.com/hub/My-First-Year-in-HubPages