Manila always surprises me. Although I've been living in the Metro for a good 21 years, Manila never fails to surprise and amaze me every time I go back. It's got so much culture and history in it that almost always something new always pops out! That's the old city's magic and spark.


First, the Coconut Palace!


The Coconut Palace was actually commissioned by Imelda Marcos back in the late 70's for the Pope to stay. The palace was supposed to "showcase" the Philippine's art, architecture, and natural resources. Unfortunately the Pope declined when it was offered to him. Now it serves as a museum (and maybe a function area).

Honestly speaking this place is GORGEOUS. 85% of the palace is made out of coconut (hence the name. hahaha!). The palace contains 7 native themed rooms, each with spacious bathrooms. It also has a library, one function hall, one dining hall, lounging area and a pool.



This is Imelda Marcos' room view. Pretty isn't it? Even though Ferdinand Marcos had the bigger room (and a more pimped out bathroom), Imelda's got the better view. Haha! Snap!


Brooke Shields supposedly stayed in this room. Who knew she and Imelda Marcos were buddies? Gotta give Imelda a hand; she's well-networked.


Even though it's great that the Coconut Palace is open to the public for viewing, I honestly feel that it's got so much more potential. While touring I couldn't help but think like sort of like an investor: MAKE THIS INTO A UPSCALE BOTIQUE HOTEL. THIS WILL WORK. It's not even located at the dodgy side of Manila... it's right across the Philippine International Convention Centre!



ANYWAY. More building pictures to share! If you don't like it, scroll down quicker. :p





I don't exactly remember what buildings these are, nor do I remember what street they're located at.. either way I loved the colour and design of these buildings. <3



Some more building shots-- this time I remember where I took 'em! They're along Roxas.



The original and oldest Philippine Post Office




San Sebastian Church! Goodness I love this church to bits purely out of its design. It's the only (gothic) all-steel church in Asia, and was built in 1821. Beat that! Now I'm not the marrying type.. but if I were to get married, I'd have the wedding held here. :)


Ah yes... ye ol Manila: always something extraordinary within the ordinary. You just gotta open your eyes. I can't wait to go back!

A glimpse of heaven

My friends and I decided to go to Oli's resort in Anilao last weekend. I have to say it was definitely a good decision. Some may think that it's a bit effed up to go out of town on the weekend before finals, but it's just something that my friends and I really needed: a break.



The last time I was at Acacia was actually more than a year ago, when I took my open water exam. It was still being constructed then. Now, a year later, here was Acacia-- fully functioning! I don't know how or why, but I was absolutely filled with glee and kiligness for Oli and his resort. Parang nanay. Haha!

Didn't sleep at all. We all stayed up till the sun rose, talking, drinking and swimming. No pictures of sunrises though, because the only time I remembered I actually had a camera was when it was around 6 in the morning. Oops. Haha.





The air tanks by the corner. Dunno why, but those air tanks were just screaming "TAKE MY PICTURE MM!!" Haha. So I did. It was a funny story/moment in my head. XD

I loved it there.











Sigh. I want to go back.

Everything seems to dark and eerie these days. People are lurking everywhere, watching. I don't like it. Not one bit.

snapshot I took in the car while on the way to my cousin Jules' house.

Hong Kong Highlights

My family and I visited Hong Kong again after 14 years. Goodness, Hong Kong was beautiful (and well, was a wonderful shopping experience)!


Saw the most adorable camera ever. It was a mini (working) dslr camera. I wanted to get it, but it was more than 2,000HKD.



I ended up settling for this adorable 110 film camera. :)




this was our hotel view. Made me laugh because it made me think "Excuse me MM, STOP SHOPPINGGGGG". It was a sign from God. Or HK road painters. XD




VISITED DISNEY LAND AS WELL. Meow. lulz.



god I love fireworks. :D



FANTASTIC PERFORMANCES WATCHED. Beauty and the Beast and THE LION KING. EEEE. These productions are just amazing. <333







I had mucho fun at HK. Intense shopping experience if I may say so. I wouldn't mind going back again. :D

Dad bought me a 50mm f1.8 lens. :)

Revamped blog and deleted old entries. This will now be my "photoblog". I'm not a good photographer, but taking photos, posting/ uploading pictures de-stresses me. Shhh.

I got home relatively early today (THERE WAS STILL SUN, OMG!) so I walked around the garden and took pictures of random stuff. Played around with the white balance and its white shift thing. Aliw effects. 8D

We have some interesting plants at home. Call me an idiot, but I don't know what their names are (oops?). Some are gifts from our relatives and my mum's friend in South Africa; most were brought home by dad-- ie. hey-this-is-nice-lets-cut-a-branch-out-and-plant-it-at-home kind of thing. lol

Majority of these pics are of my dogs. Aren't they cute? They're cunning little bastards, but I love them all to bits and biscuits. Was able to photograph 5 dogs out of 7! I couldn't find Miggy or Ashlee. I think they were with Sally at the back..

Canon 350d + kitlens.


FUNKY PLANT THING!



Hello Kiwi and Machang, you two look rather dungis today!



Bobodog is pervydog. rofl.



Hello Goliath~




Goliath loves to play fetch (and never hand the ball back)



Chewie loves pestering Goliath. Odd playmates they are.



Mah garden is on fiaaaaaah. HAHAHHAHA.



Upside down flower plant thing. Smells nice too. :)



OMG MY MINI ROSE BUSH IS FLOWERING! FINALLY!



Weird flower thing.



X means you faiiiiiil!


okay. back to work now, Mm. Blergh.