Davao City: A safe haven for good citizens; a dying pit for criminals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Davao_City_Aerial_View.jpg

It pisses me off when someone says that Davao city is not a safe place to be, well, if that someone will go to Davao city it will no longer be safe. :p Some people quickly make a sweeping assumption from everything they hear in the news. Can you please do a research first? A bomb that explodes in Maguindanao or Basilan doesn't reach Davao, even the tiniest particles of its debris won't make its way there. The city is a law and order place. The city's current mayor and her father who is now the vice mayor (the city's ex-mayor) rule the city with iron fist. As they say, less crime doesn't mean no crime, but Davao has the least crime rate in all the cities in the Philippines. You can even walk along the busiest streets in Davao without worrying that someone might snatch your bag.

I've read some news in the internet that among the cities in the Philippines, Davao city has the most advanced and state-of-the-art Traffic Monitoring Center which is patterned after Los Angeles, California. IBM and the local government helped the city improve its existing Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) by integrating city operations into a single system to enhance the public safety operations in the city. It serves as the center for a balanced and harmonious coordination regarding public safety with Davao city police office, city health office and city social services and devlopment offices, central 911, fire bureau, and many more. In addition, it is equipped with a Weather Monitoring and Flood Alert System which aids communication of all obtained information with the responders and concerned officials. Davao has a 911 emergency response unit that responds to any emergency situation quickly. If you are worrying about the nearby cities, don't be because there are regular checkpoints in Davao city and its boundaries as safeguard against terrorism or any illegal activities that want to get in.

Just a piece of advice, if you are an illegal drug user/dealer or a criminal, don't ever set a foot on Davao city's ground, otherwise, you'll end up sleeping forever 6 feet below the ground. We have this so-called DDS (Davao Death Squad) who rides a motorcycle and shoots illegal drug users, dealers, and criminals. It is even rumored that some illegal drug addicts prefer to get themselves locked behind bars than be killed by the DDS on the streets. Thus, don't do your monkey business in Davao if you don't want to go bankrupt or, worse, get killed by the vigilants.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/news-sources/?date=20120627&archive=prnews&slug=NY31415

My fave hair products: Dr. Organic shampoo and conditioner

Due to the dramatic change of weather, my hair also went brittle dramatically.  I've struggled with dryness and brittleness of my hair for months and tried various products but nothing has worked.  It was my husband who discovered these Dr. Organic Shampoo and Conditioner in the grocery shelves.  The packaging says "The results speak for themselves," and that has managed to capture my curiosity so I bought it without thinking twice.  

A soothing conditioner suitable for all hair types formulated with Organic Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Hydrolyzed milk protein, Panthenol, Sunflower oil and Vitamin E. This incredibly effective formulation gently reinforces the hair’s natural condition by coating and penetrating the external cellular keratin fibre of each follicle, allowing the Aloe Vera complex to soothe, nourish and moisturize the condition of the hair leaving it soft, shiny and protected from the damaging effects of the sun. - http://www.drorganic.co.uk/aloe-products.asp

This gentle, yet powerfully purifying and repairing shampoo, enriched with Organic Tea Tree oil and Aloe Vera, gently cleanses the hair and scalp leaving it instantly revitalised, fresh and hydrated. It provides an invigorating effect while soothing and moisturising the scalp. Dr Organic Tea Tree shampoo is ideal for both normal and oily hair and scalp types. - http://www.drorganic.co.uk/tea-tree-products.asp

This is the first pair of shampoo + conditioner I bought from Dr. Organic and these products surpassed my expectation. Straight after rinsing I could see the results; my hair went smooth and silky, as if I just got out from a hair salon.  I just put an ample amount on my palm and lather it on my hair, mostly on the tips. These products really leave my hair tangle-free with volume and shine. And it has a very pleasant scent! The 250ml shampoo and conditioner costs 7 euros each.

Try it and be organic! :)

Wealth without dineros

We are happy and wealthy! :)

Last Friday night when everybody was drinking and laughing, one of my Hungarian friends and I were sharing thoughts about the Filipinos' attitude of being blithe and carefree. Shee told me stories about working with Filipino people in Dubai and seeing them as happy people. We Filipinos do not take life seriously in a sense that we do not let our problems in life, no matter how serious it is, stand in our way to happiness. I was happy hearing positive things about Filipinos from a European point of view.  I don't know if she was just ingratiating or did not want to be tactless or just did not want me to be uncomfortable with her. However, there was something that she said that really struck me most.

Hu friend: In Dubai, I had a lot of Filipino colleagues who always laugh at things. They don't take life seriously, I don't mean the negative way, but even if they have big problems whether at work or at home, they still managed to smile or even laugh. When I asked them how are they, they always replied "I'm doing good" with a smile though I know that they were not really fine. 

Me: Yeah we just laugh out our problems. Life is too short to spend it on negativity and pessimism. Even though our country has never made its way to go out from poverty, we are still happy. 

Hu Friend: You know what, it really depends on how you define wealth and poverty. If you define wealth with money and earthly materials, then you are poor. But if you define wealth with natural resources and happiness in life then you are wealthy.

Most of us define wealth as a state of being rich in money, having a lot of luxurious properties, jewelries and other worldly things; while we define poverty as a state of having a little or no money at all or shall I say the exact opposite of wealth. I could not agree more with my colleague.Wealth can be achieved not solely by earning money but collecting happiness in life. Wealth and riches do not  necessarily appropriate great happiness, but the conscious decision to look forward to gratification and contentment. 

How about you? Who do you think is rich and poor? To which category do you belong? As I said, it really depends on you. Well for me, the Philippines is a rich country and the Filipinos are really wealthy! :-)

Spending the weekend wallet at Vidam Park

In Budapest, your entire entertainment checklist will be completely ticked of.  Most of the city's activity areas and key sights are just a stone's throw away from each other. Városliget, the city park, is surrounded by an amusement park, museum, zoo, jogging trails, circus, the famous Széchenyi spa and many more. Last year, my husband and I went to the animal zoo in Városliget and planned to go to  amusement park which is standing beside it. However, the plan was deferred due to some reasons.  Now that we ran out of reasons not to go, we have finally enjoyed ourselves in Vidám Park.

Horror House

The horror house is the most anticipated attraction for me when it comes to amusement parks. I felt like I was a kid pulling my dad towards the horror house and feeling excited about riding the wagon and frightening myself out.  I was really expecting that someone, whose face is covered with horror make up, would touch me and thrill me to the bone.  This is how horror houses scare people, well at least in my country.  However, I was quite disappointed because not even a single strand of my hair stood up in fright.  Their presentation is quite creepy though. 

Tower: Marc and I before riding up. Don't expect pictures of us after the ride. :p

Tower

When we were on the edge of the tower, I felt like the pressure was making my guts wrench.  Before I caught my breath, we were shot back up again at a force that made me feel like I am dying. If you really want to challenge yourself and measure your courage, then you must ride this. 

http://deadflowers5.livejournal.com/

I wasn't really scared of the speed and the curves of this ride. I was more alarmed of its foundation and what it's made of - wood. In addition, this roller coaster has been in the business for 90 years...woah, that is scarier than the horror house!

Break dance

This should be called a "break neck." hahaha

Magic Castle

This attraction is really true to its name; it has a lot of surprises inside. Go inside and be dazed! :)

Rolling barrel outside the Magic Castle

No, no, that girl is not me. We just wore the same color of shirt. But both of us lost our balance and rolled over and over. I just hope that she did not get any scrapes and bruises like I do.

Top Spin

I did not dare to ride this. I just couldn't stand the thought of being spun.

Bump Cars

My Car

This is the activity of the day that I enjoyed most.  I had fun bumping strangers recklessly, especially my husband.  The funny thing is that I see the same faces playing over and over again, and that does not exempt us. haha

Sky Flyer

This ride has a lot of spinning that made me really sick...and tired.

Go Cart

The best part of this ride is that I defeated my husband on this race without mercy. :p

Are you stuck on what to spend with your family, boyfriend, friends, or pet on the weekend? Why don't you give Vidam Park a consideration?  It only costs 4.900 forint per person above 140cm and cheaper if you stand below. Unluckily, I stand higher than the height limit (whispers: actually I'm happy with it and you know what I mean. hahaha)  The entrance fee is good for almost all rides. There are, however, some additional fees on some rides but it's not that pricey - maximum 500 ft per ride.  There are also stands for gastronomy inside the park.

For more information, visit their page at: http://www.vidampark.hu/2009/eng/

Have FUN!!!

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany

My husband and I chose Germany to be our vacation destination because I wanted to meet Marc's relatives.  We traveled there by plane ride and landed in Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, which is serviced by low-cost airlines like Ryan Air and Wizz Air. The airport is an hour away from Frankfurt am Main but can be a half-hour drive depending on how hard you step on the gas pedal. We spent the first 2 days in Frankfurt and stayed at Onkel Jurgen's house.  

Frankfurt am Main (pronounced as Mine) may not be the Hessian capital, but it is the largest city, the most vibrant, and boisterous city of the state.  As an economic giant in the industrial region of the Rhine-Main Triangle, it attracts thousands of expats, tourists, and big investors.  To feed your curiosity here are some snapshots of our vacation.

Oper Frankfurt

This is the historical old opera house of Frankfurt.  It was destroyed during the World War II but then rebuilt in the 1980's and now used for concerts and plays.

This is a typical German house. 

Somewhere near Goetheplatz. :)

Study this picture carefully and you will discover how on earth did he do it. :p

A gorgeous lady is standing in front of town hall of Römerberg. This is where Onkel Jurgen and Tante Vera united in wedlock. Ayyeee :)

The Eiserner Steg (Love Bridge). Lovers lock their padlock with their names embossed, engraved, or imprinted on it and throw the key into the river to secure their love. Sweet!!!

If you are planning to visit the love bridge, bring your own love locks to make it worth while.  But if in case you forget to bring your own, you can just erase the names imprinted on one of the love locks and replace it with your names. Haha. Just kidding!

A view of the city.

I wanted to try the typical German food, aside from the sausages. Tante Vera suggested  this food - Boiled Pork Ribs with Sauerkraut. I liked the taste of it but I loved my husband's order more, which resulted into swapping of ordered food. Hehe :) 

Of course, this blog won't be complete without my picture on it. This is me sitting after a long and tiring shopping day at Main Taunus Zentrum.

My Personal Choices of Face Powder

Finding the right face powder is as tricky as finding the right man for you.  There are a lot of face powders who have attractive packaging promising you things that aren't real, just like some men. :p  I myself spent more than 5 years in finding the right face powder for me that conforms absolutely to the description the product claims.  During my quest of the perfect brand, I've tried some face powders that are worth your penny. A perfect face powder for me sets up my make up a smooth and even complexion and here are some brands of face powders that deserve a good review from me.

1. VMV Illuminants Brilliant Finish 25 Powder Foundation (Price: $46)

http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com/shop-by-concern/photoaging/illuminants-brilliant-finish-25-powder-foundation.html

My bestfriend (Tattet) and I used this powder when we were still in college. We no longer buy this product because it's way too pricey.  Funny thing is, we can no longer afford this now but we we were able to afford this when we were still students. What the??? Anyways, the reason I put this on my number one list is that this is the best face powder I have ever used in my whole life.  I only put one covering in the morning and that is good for the whole day, even until class dismissal in the afternoon.  This product makes even your tiniest pores invisible - oh that was exaggerated! Seriously, I had a creamy soft skin in my face when I used this.  

2. Clinique Stay-matte sheer pressed powder oil free (Price: $32)

I bought this powder here in Budapest not because of the reviews I have read but because of the friendly sales lady who assisted me well.  If the basis of my purchase would mainly be based on reviews, I would have bought a MAC pressed powder.  But when I came inside the MAC shop in Westend Center in Budapest, the sales lady ignored me at first and then spoke to me unprofessionally.  So I decided to raise my left brows at her and exit the store. I passed by the Clinique shop and went in to browse.  The friendly sales lady attended to me immediately and recommended me this product. I have been using it for 3 days already and I'm happy with it. This product is true to its name as my skin stayed matte most of the day, though I sometimes do one touch up a day.  I alternate this with my VMV face powder when I don't go outdoors.  

3. VMV So Fine Pressed Powder (Price: $38)

I bought this one in the Philippines because I know I can't buy this product in Budapest.  This is one of the best powders I have ever tried and it does exactly what it says in its package.  I use this when I have outdoor activities because it keeps my face look fresh for hours. It has a soft container that keeps your compact powder from breaking in case you accidentally drop it. Just make sure that you don't soil it with dirt!  

4. Maybelline Clear Smooth Extra Shine Free (Price: $5)

 

http://teenfinds2010.blog.com/

I've tried using this when I was still working in the Philippines. I topped it over my BB cream and it gave me a healthy and glowing skin.  It gives a light and natural coverage.  So if you plan to put face powder on the beach, I recommend this product since it is only light and doesn't leave your face cakey.


It really depends on you on what product you are willing to spend your money to.  There are powders designed for your skin type and the ball is in your court in finding the right one.  If you are confused, you better ask the sales lady because some of them are really trained for that.  Good luck pals! :-)

5 Reasons why I love Budapest (Part 5): Hungarian People

When I moved to Budapest, I expected to experience a culture shock, yet due to the kindness and hospitality of the Hungarians I have experienced the exact opposite.

As a person who came from a country where smiling is a common gesture, I smile to people whose eyes meet mine.  I did not understand why some of the people here don't smile back at me.  But as days passed by, I have understood the reason why.   Hungary was under a communist era and they have experienced being dominated. Thus, people here are expected to be serious and deep.  They have the tendency to build a high wall before befriending you. But once you get in, you will see their sincerity and genuine care.  They invest time and emotions in people who can potentially stay around for a lifetime. 

Some of my Hungarian friends say that most of them are pessimistic. They are aware that we don't live in the best of all possible worlds.  They have the tendency to avoid the world's ambiguity. Realism is more valued than optimism.

In any situation, a handshake is a polite way to approach when you first meet someone in Hungary.  It is also common here to kiss cheek to cheek when greeting to friends or even to acquaintances.  So don't get jealous if a hot girl kisses your partner on the cheeks. :p

Here are some famous Hungarian people who made it to the top.

Ernő Rubik - Invented the Rubik cubes

Judit Polgár - Chess Grand Master. Source: Wikipedia

Estée Lauder-founder of  Estée Lauder make-up. Source: wikipedia

Bíró László József: Inventor of the Modern Ball Point Pen