Mount Pinatubo Day Tour Package Rates and Inclusions

MOUNT PINATUBO DAY TOUR PACKAGE  FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2014

All trips from August to November are weather dependent. We must ensure that the weather is fine before climbing. Tracking of weather forecast is important because we don’t dispatch trips even with the slightest threat of weather disturbance. The Philippine Air Force, Municipal office and Local Tourism will not allow us to climb if there is a threat of incoming typhoon or threat of heavy rains. To avoid wasting of time due to cancellation, it is best to call/SMS the night before your final trek date to follow up the actual weather condition in the area. Please also note that we only dispatch group tours. Climbing in groups is mandatory during rainy season to ensure that somebody is there to help us in time of unforeseen events.

RATE PER PERSON —–  TOTAL HEAD COUNT

1,800php ———————– 10-12 persons

THIS PACKAGE RATE STARTS AT STA JULIANA, CAPAS TARLAC. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN TRANSPORT TO REACH US.

.

INCLUSIONS

• 4×4 jeep ride (inclusive of whole day rental, gas and trip dues)
• Driver
• Service of a local trail guide (per jeep)
• Entrance and Conservation Fees (per head)
• Trip arrangement/clearances & permit (per group)
• All applicable environmental fees

TERMS & CONDITION ON HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP

1.  Register by sending us your Tour date, Total No. of Trek Participants, Complete Names, Age, Address, Nationality, Contact No, Email address, Person & no. to notify in case of emergency
2. Send your Email to pinaykeypoint.team@gmail.com. Please note that we are receiving so many inquiries everyday and we prioritize replying to emails with complete name and contact nos. because we consider this as credible queries and treat the rest as SPAM.
3. Submission must be at least 1 week prior to your final trek date
4. After receipt of registration details, we will confirm your mail and send tour details
5. We require 50%  reservation payment to be deposited to our bank account (BDO). We must receive it at least 3 days prior to your final trek date. We will confirm your trip via email upon receipt of your payment and will send you a copy of your final itinerary, map and trekking reminders
6. There is a 200php per head cancellation charge if trip is cancelled due to bad weather. No charge if you will re-book your trip at a later date. Trips are rebookable anytime or within  1 year from your actual trek date.
7. We enforce a NO SHOW – NO REFUND POLICY and a 50% refund if you cancel your trip 48 hours prior to your actual trek date.
8. You must be physically fit and no illness that might be triggered by this activity. No heart ailment, asthma, foot brace or any walking difficulty. Please note that there is no ambulance in the mountain.
9. Full payment for 5 years old and up. Free for 4 years old and below. Proof of kid’s age will be required  if you declare your kid is 4 years old but the Tourism officer is in doubt because of your kid’s built and height. Only 1 free kid per jeep is allowed and you are required to hire a porter with 500php fee that will assist your group.
10. Keep in touch until the final Trek date.

PRICES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

Please visit www.pinatubotrek.blogspot.com for current Pinatubo Tour packages

You may call or send SMS to our numbers below: 

:

Globe:  (+63)917.477.9156

Smart:  (+63)930.508.8494

Sun:      (+63)923.626.9088

All rights reserved. 2007-2013

 

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

I love my country as much as I love my family but this must be a word in action. As a mom, it is my duty to sustain the light of our home. Mothers of every family must consider that we are not just growing kids but we are growing human beings that might be the future leaders of the next generation. For this reason, we should give them the most radiant light that we can offer to enlighten their way.

I believe that the strength of any nation begins at home. We cannot achieve a genuine peace and prosperity if our homes are broken and dying. Leadership and obedience starts at home. The parents are the leaders of the smallest institution which is the family. We are the source of strength of our children. They look up to us for support and protection. As parents, we are committed to ensure that we provide the best for our children. If we fail our home, we fail our country too.From birth to our children’s first cry, first smile, first laughter, first words and first steps, we are there to share these first achievements. If we fail to see and appreciate these first achievements, it will scar their minds and might bring negative effects. Remember that we are helping them to build their confidence and it usually starts at this early age. We have no right to expect and demand for more achievement if we fail to nurture them while they are babies and helpless. I can compare it with what we do with plants. We need to prepare good soil with enough fertilizer to grow seedlings. We need to ensure that it receives the light and water that it needs. We also protect it from threats so we provide nets and pesticides. We help it survive rains and typhoons by creating protective shields. By doing so, we could expect a strong plant and a good harvest. If we religiously follow the same concept, this would make us good farmers of men.

If every leaders of every home are good farmers, a bountiful harvest will be expected. We won’t need so many leaders and we won’t need too many rules. The society and the nation as a whole is a reflection of the families within its boundaries. We don’t need so many scientific programs and statistics to gauge it. In my view, as ordinary Filipina mom, our society of today is a reflection of a lost and dying home. This is because we almost disregard the very foundation of this society, the family. At a quick glance, we will be able to see the rampant dislocated families both in the cities and in the provinces. Over population, poverty and starvation are often blamed at the doorsteps of families with many kids. They call it irresponsible parenthood and they introduce artificial “solutions” in different forms of drugs both for internal and external use.

I cannot grasp the significance of these “solutions” of repairing and strengthening the foundation of a collapsing home. For me, an increasing number is never a weakness but an advantage. This must be the strength of every nation and thus, must be protected upon, not destroyed. We just need to maximize and utilize this “increasing number”. In reality, to repair the house, we must usually check its very foundation, the pillar that is supporting the house. The roof, windows and other parts are just minor repairs. The pillar represents the father of every family. Most of them are staying home, JOBLESS. Not because they are lazy. Not because they are not qualified. How many qualified graduates we have that are unemployed? This is the culprit. Unemployment.

Our nation had failed to create employment for its people which causes poverty and starvation. Even if we reduce the number of children, it won’t eradicate poverty and starvation. It won’t change the fact that the father cannot feed 10 kids and even if we use these artificial “solutions” they will not be able to feed 2 kids or even themselves.

Look around you, you will see a lot of developments, urban developments, buildings, communication, transport and technology. We perceive that progress is represented by these developments. We are so amazed of robotics and automation and call it success and progress. Yes, for the employers, it is a great advantage. They can maximize production, reduce manpower and increase their profits. Look at the buildings, its not the way it used to be. The people within the production areas had decreased in numbers because of these “developments”. This alienates the people who created them. It replaced them and took their jobs. Now tell me, does these “developments” really serve its purpose?

I can say that these developments just serve the owner of these businesses but not the country as a whole. A nation’s progress must be measured by the number of employment that it can create to its citizenry. That every pillar of every house can provide a strong foundation and sustainable income. To ensure that every family is promised a job security will totally eradicate poverty and starvation. But look at the norms of our society, there is no job security. Job seekers have very slim chance of landing a job.

An idle mind is a devils advocate. This is very true. Now, we wonder about the increasing rate of crimes? prostitution, resistance movements? and so on… and yes, over population… These are just the end result.

For me, looking for somebody to blame is already a tiring activity. I can no longer depend my children’s future to these nation’s leaders. I am now calling to the parents and every family of this nation. Let’s overtake the leadership and run our homes. Lead your children and don’t let other institution take care of their growth. Schools are necessary but it must not stop us parents from teaching our children the reality of life. The ways of surviving and responsible parenthood. Let’s teach them to be a God-fearing person, to respect and protect life because it is a gift and must be nurtured. Let’s show them all the greatness that our mother nature offers but we fail to see instead we embrace these lifeless inventions which will eventually harm humanities. Let’s bring back our beautiful culture and values, the respect for our elderly, the love for our children, the concern to our neighbors and the cooperation with our communities. Let’s show them the beauty of honesty and the significance of loyalty. Let them hold the infinite fulfillment of the fruit of perseverance and lastly, let’s enforce discipline and obedience that our children will not end up in a cold cage fit for harmful animals. This is our lost home. The lost paradise.

If you are no longer contented with our economy and governance, then stop complaining but look for possible measures to improve your life using your own skills. Yes, you can still change your flight. Even prisoners and criminals turned into a changed man inside prison cells then why can’t you when you’re a free man? Look for other promising opportunity. If the city can no longer accommodate you then don’t allow yourself to be stuck in that miserable situation. If you had the chance, go back to your barrios and provinces. If you have land, don’t abandon it, till it instead and reap what you sow.  That is where our roots begins. We just left the country life looking for much “greener pasture” but most of us seekers, failed. There is no “greener pasture” instead, we found a dried and barren land. I don’t believe that the key to progress is always moving forward. We can go back. Yes, we can stop and go back. If you took the wrong turn and the wrong path, you can still change your direction and go back. Remember the old saying that no matter how far you are, there still no place like home.

Pinaykeypoint.org will organize individuals and families for this purpose. Come, join us and be farmers of men. There is still hope in the barrios and provinces. A brighter future awaits us there. God provide us lands and bountiful natural resources so we won’t die of hunger. Let’s harness it. I am calling to all families and professionals who are sharing the same sentiments and hope. Let’s join hands and build a strong pillar for our homes. Let be the light of every home overpower the darkness that we may be able to walk without fear of stumbling. Let’s forget politics and run your organization. Be a home leader and lead your children to achieve the change that you want to see. Now is your chance to lead and prove your worth. Stop talking. Walk your talk and put it in action.

This is a call to push for a republic with strong families.

JULIET CORPUZ

PINAYKEYPOINT.ORG

THE IRONY OF WAR

Our Korean guests were listening while our Camping Director, Robin is discussing facts and figures regarding the Filipino and American soldiers that were captured by the Japanese Imperial army during World War II

It really saddens me whenever I read news about war, especially when it concerns my homeland Philippines. Lately, news about Chinese vessels threatening our shores specifically the Panatag Shoal is spreading. This is roughly more than 12 hours travel via motorized boat from Pundaquit, Zambales which is one of Pinaykeypoint’s destinations.

There are many posts and videos which are massively posted in the internet regarding this issue. The Government was repeatedly asked about its stand regarding the situation and we knew that our leaders have different stand in this matter. I am reading some blogs and posts to gauge the opinions of my kababayans especially the youth of today which poses as hope of our nation as foretold by our national hero.

Random readings brought me to a point of realization how the youth of today are too confined within an imaginary world wherein everything is possible by a mere click of a finger. That all questions can be solved by Google and Wikipedia  and so on…

Many were angered by our government’s diplomatic stand in this matter. Some said it’s a manifestation of cowardice. Youths said that Filipinos are born warrior so we must strike back to this bullying blah… blah… blah…

Truthfully, I was angered too. Yes, Filipinos are born warrior and in our blood runs the immortal seed of heroes as narrated by Carlos Romulo in one of his speeches. But the gleaming truth is that we are not ready for these eventualities. The Government, The Armed Forces, The Youth or the community as a whole is not prepared in terms of weaponry, tactics, intelligence, economy and finances.

I can’t imagine how a typical Filipino family would react if they heard cannons and fighter planes striking their homes. Have we asked ourselves of these questions? Countless families died in mere calamities such as floods and typhoons although actual weather forecasts and call for evacuations are disseminated to the public several days prior but then the actual numbers of casualties are real manifestations of unpreparedness or I may say, irresponsibility? And we keep on pointing our fingers to who is to blame afterwards.

My Dad is a World War II Veteran, a retired colonel of the Philippine Army. He is one of the thousands Filipino Soldiers who fought hand in hand with the government to liberate the Philippines from Japanese imperial forces during war time. I grew up with stories of wars and battles. I can’t count the times how my dad untiringly narrated his experiences in the battle field. The scars on his face, the traces of tortures and marks all over his body are the silent witness of his great bravery. The entire body of my father is a total map of war.

I am a Marshall Law baby too and I experienced how to react in the acts of war. My father used to hide us at the bottom of our house whenever there are outside threats asking my mom to never go out no matter what come and try to protect us whatever happens. We always have this emergency kit with us, back packs with complete supply that would last us for a week. We have this contingency plan that whatever happens and in the event that we were separated by war, we have to go to this particular place so we can be re-united again. This is because my dad lost some of his siblings during the war and they had a hard time finding them.

I was breed to be tough to all sorts of battle. The big D which stands for discipline was deeply marked in my forehead. I learned the essence of discipline through constant lecture and spanking but I do love my dad and I never take it against him. I owe him what I am today. My life’s struggles were easier compared to what he had been through during those crucial times. Living in the midst of tanks, firing guns and grenades is no joke. To survive from that battle is indeed a big miracle.

I thank God that I was born to a brave man like my dad. I’m very proud of him. His stories of war were shared to my kids. I can see the boredom in their eyes each time I narrate some stories of the past which they usually answered with, ‘mom, we heard that many times’ but this never stops me from repeating those stories over and over again. Just like them, I was so bored with my dad’s stories when I was a kid but it never stop him from narrating those stories until I comprehend the essence of those eventualities. If not for my dad’s patience, I will not be who I am today.

Each time I have city tours which includes Capas Death March Shrine visits, I never fail to see different reactions of my guests after reading the facts and figures that were engraved at the walls of Capas Death March Shrine. Some of my guests even cried after the visit and told me about their dad’s experiences during the war. I remember a group of Japanese guests who looked at me in the eye, they looked so bothered and repeatedly said sorry for the wrongdoings of their ancestors but I usually pat them and said that it’s a thing of the past and that both of our governments have done many efforts for peace and reconciliation.

It’s true that history told us that our race is one of the strongest warriors in the world in fact Lapu-Lapu was the first Filipino to defeat Europeans during the battle of Mactan and a coin was struck to honor that heroism and I can’t understand why when that 1 cent lost its value in the market, Lapu-Lapu’s rightful place in our local currency was gone as well.

Forgetting the heroic stories of the past and indulging in the vices of this new generation makes our youth weaker each day and it’s ironic that most of them are babbling about war when they don’t even lift their fingers to help the escalating problem of our garbage which is killing our rivers and seas resulting to massive floods in different areas of our land. History taught us how our forefathers worked hard to the extent of sacrificing their precious bloods to protect this land and its people. Now let us ask ourselves, are we really worth it?

Today we are facing another crisis. The face of war is looking at us in the face, staring directly in our eye. Let’s not make it as laughing stuff. This is not a subject to discuss over senseless posts. War is not a joke. The International community is accusing us that we are escalating the issue by posting thoughtless thoughts regarding China & its people. Diplomacy is not a sign of cowardice. At this point, this is the easiest way out. If you’re afraid to get burned, don’t play with fire.

Let’s be responsible enough. Think about your thoughts. Read your history before babbling about wars and lastly, look around you… Mother Nature is begging us to nurture her, yet we are deaf to her callings. I am not afraid of war because I am more than afraid with the Wrath of Nature. How about you?

BY:  JULIET B. CORPUZ

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY JULY 6, 2011

Today is a gift which I already celebrated for more than 40 years with my family, friends, team mates & comrades. This gift is truly a blessing knowing that I am sorrounded with these people who are walking with me in this journey called life. You guys are indeed my real wealth and I am counting the ways how blessed I am to have this chance to say THANK YOU for being there all these years.

THANK YOU MOTHER for giving birth to me and for giving me the light of your wisdom which steadily shines in our home even in your twilight years. A light that  inspired me to shine as well and gave that same light for my home & family.

THANK YOU FATHER for instituting a strong pillar of faith in my heart and established the courage & strength in me which keeps me going to conquer my fears & battles.

THANK YOU BROTHER for being one of my mentor in discovering the outside world while giving me an assurance that you will be my defender.

 THANK YOU SISTER for the gift of friendship. I learned how to trust & appreciate the beauty and love of other  people.

THANK YOU TEACHER for instilling a gift of patience in my heart and mind and for letting me know that everything will be possible if I will try & strive hard.

TO MY OTHER HALF, THANK YOU for giving me the gift of love that maintains a harmony in our home and for giving me that strong shoulder to lean on whenever my strength fails me. I love you.

TO MY KIDS, THANK YOU for helping me to discover the real essence of motherhood. You are my inspiration & the fulfillment of my being.

TO MY FRIENDS, THANK YOU for giving me the chance to discover the gift of trust. You colored my world with your beautiful minds.

TO MY COMRADES, THANK YOU for showing me my social responsibility. That I have to prove my worth in this society.

TO MY TEAM, THANK YOU for sharing the gift of aspiration to achieve a common goal.

TO MY ENEMIES, THANK YOU for implanting an anger & hatred in my heart. You taught me to be strong & cautious at all times.

AND TO YOU MY GREAT CREATOR, THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to explore your creations. You are the source of my strength & wisdom. When everyone fails me, I know you won’t. Thank you for the gift of life that you gave me everyday. This gives me the chance to continue my journey and achieve the fulfillment of my conquests.

And to EARLY BIRDS, who greeted me earlier 😉 You know who you are. Thank you for showering me your love. I don’t have a message box in my wall not because I don’t want you to greet me in public. Of course I do that’s why I created this post for you. This is my way of saying THANK YOU for taking part in my journey 😉 I love you guys!

JULIET B. CORPUZ

JULY 6, 2011 4:48AM

Eto c Bespren Liza, ang relasyon namin parang alak, habang tumatagal tumatapang? anu un? tagay!!

Kainan mode at ang panahon, wlang pakisama, umuulan:(

ayan!! lakas ng loob, kaya nilagnat eh, umaambon na kaya yan hehe

Eto naman ay mas matindi sa alak, haha! ano daw? PATIS? grabe naman kau, ang alat nun! nyahahaha!

Ayan nman c Saby! kaya pala umuulan eh! peace anak!!! pagbigyan mo na c madir 🙂

Oh, ayan, masama talaga pag inawat, pagdidiskitahan ang food XD

Ang butihing maybahay ng aking 4×4 Team Leader na si Ronald Domingo 😉

Ang Team, Ronald at Sherwin, antok ka na wing? maaga pa ah!

ayan, nagpapasasa sa kodak kahit umuulan

at syempre nagpapakabusog na din

mas masarap kumain pag umaambon hehe

Pero syempre mas masarap daw tumagay, di ba mga kafatid? tagay pha!!

Hala! cge!! palakasin nyo pa ang ulan! XD

wag nyo ng tigilan!! wla na taung trek nyan!! nakupo!

hayyy, kaya ang tgal ng low pressure eh!! tsk tsk!!

oh!! ano to?? anong naman ang drama nyo? ahahaha!! pwd ba gnyan ang ayos nyo pag me trek? nyhaha!!!

at syempre eto ang highlights!! ano? bakit to naging highlights? eh kc kinukulayan ni robin ung hair ni kulot, nilalagyan ng highlights, nyahaha!! di na kaya ng powers ko to!! Thank you guys sa pakikisaya sa aking kaarawan 😉 bago mag uwian, yung regalo ko? hehehe. Loveyou all!!!

Share

• You, Greyz PanlicaN-bautista, Lois Corpuz, Marjorie Somejo and 14 otherslike this.
• • 

    Robin Sr Corpuz happy birthday my dear sweetheart i love you more than thousand fold.

    July 6 at 7:17am · Unlike ·  5 people
  • 

    Glenda Galope Happy birthday mare ko,.. wishinhg u more xtra time so we can meet soon,.. aside 4 my personal wish, wish u gudhealth and safety always,.. love u so so much.. miss u very very much,..

    July 6 at 7:18am · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Robin, thank you for a thousand fold 🙂

    July 6 at 7:37am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Glenda Galope thank you for the good wishes, love u too & miss u more than u do 😉

    July 6 at 7:40am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Jessica Bustinera Corpuz Mommy! Happy Birthday 🙂 for me you are the best mom in the world. and nothing could change that :)) love you so much!!! 😀

    July 6 at 8:20am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Marilyn De Guzman Corpuz tita happy birthday….thank you for such being a good friend,,a great mentor and a loving mother to me….love you so much tita.^_^

    July 6 at 8:40am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Tess Ferrer Happy Birthday Pretty mom…May GOD continue to bless your family…. :))

    July 6 at 8:41am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Jessica Bustinera Corpuz, thank you baby! Love you too, galingan mo sa prelims mo ha 😉

    July 6 at 8:56am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Marilyn De Guzman Corpuz, Love u too Bas! Thank you too for giving me the opportunity to be your friend, mentor and mom 😉 I just love having many kids around. mwahh!!!

    July 6 at 8:58am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Tess Ferrer, thank you for the good wishes! I’m flattered xD

    July 6 at 8:59am · Like ·  1 person
  • 

    Jane Castaneda Happy Birthday Tita, thank you for all the good things you’ve done for me…May our God continue to bless you and your family..Love you po..^_^

    July 6 at 9:01am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Jane Castaneda, Salamat! Love u too and don’t mention it! Families are bound to go through thick & thin ^_^

    July 6 at 9:04am · Like
  • 

    Emily Corpuz tita happy birthday..

    July 6 at 9:50am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Eric Don Manansala happy birthday boss…… thanks for teaching me everything that i want to know… thanks for being my lighthouse,mentor……. wish you good health and more blessing to come……

    July 6 at 10:18am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Eliza M. Tam wala akong masabi galing sa paghahanay ng mga salita hehe…love you so much na di na mafold…

    July 6 at 11:44am · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Emily Corpuz salamat!

    July 6 at 12:17pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Eric Don Manansala, thank you for the good wishes. I’m honored to be your mentor and believe me, you’re a fast learner 😉

    July 6 at 12:24pm · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Eliza M. Tam, over the years and the years to come, you’ll always be a friend that I can depend upon… Love you too Baliz, di na kayang ifold ang lahat ng pinagdaanan natin sa loob ng mahaba haba na ring panahon.

    July 6 at 12:28pm · Like
  • 

    Eliza M. Tam me tama ka jan fren…love you

    July 6 at 12:56pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Odette Mallari happy birthday!! galeng galeng namen.. wala lang.. parang speech lang ng cum laude sa UP.. nice =)

    July 6 at 1:14pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Odette Mallari, salamat! nakakataba nman ng puso yang comment mo haha! wala lang, when you are inspired, you can create a masterpiece 😉

    July 6 at 1:29pm · Like
  • 

    Odette Mallari ehehe.. I really think so, sino ba namang di ma iinspired when u have someone telling you” I love you more than a thousand fold!” (kilig) ma keso din pala si kuya Robin.. ka inggit!

    July 6 at 1:36pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint honga, me mga pagkakataong makeso din yang si long hair kaya dinadaga eh! ehehehe ewan ko ba, is that a sign of aging? haha!!

    July 6 at 3:36pm · Like
  • 

    Steve Haskell happy birthday Juliet! Hope you’re having a great day 🙂

    July 6 at 4:18pm · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint Hi Steve Haskell thank you for dropping by, care to have a cup of coffee? and yes, having special people around me, am really having a blast 😉

    July 6 at 4:54pm · Like
  • 

    Robin Corpuz Jr Happy birthday mommy, ginawan kita ng card 🙂

    July 6 at 4:57pm · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Rajisha Bustinera Corpuz happy birthday momsy! may your birthday be blessed, good health and I love You!

    July 6 at 5:24pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Jay R Callos ma’am juliet happy birthday po ingat po kau plage moOre bday’s to cOme poh —Jay r callos, Love jOY rOMbaoa, Mary joy Gabertan—

    July 6 at 5:34pm · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Sabrina Corpuz happy yippeee b-day madir :)) may all the good blessings comes to you

    July 6 at 5:36pm · Unlike ·  2 people
  • 

    Dhey Faustino happy birthday yeth…love you…

    July 6 at 7:18pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Joel Esquejo Happy BEERday mam! nhuli ako, kddrting ko lng kc from airport.. ENJOY mam.. ^^

    July 6 at 10:22pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Joel Esquejo

    ‎…………(0 0)
    .—oOO– (_)—–.
    ╔═════════════════╗
    ║HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAM Juliet║
    ╚═════════════════╝
    …See More

    July 6 at 10:30pm · Unlike ·  1 person
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Robin Corpuz Jr, yes baby, nakita ko yung cardna ginawa mo ang ganda nga eh, thank you! love you! mwah!!

    July 7 at 6:55am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Rajisha Bustinera Corpuz, thank you nak! you’re one of my blessing, love u!

    July 7 at 6:57am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Jay R Callos, Salamat! bat di kau pumunta?

    July 7 at 6:58am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Sabrina Corpuz, salamat nak! love u!

    July 7 at 6:59am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Dhey Faustino Thank you Dayang, love you to! hugz!

    July 7 at 7:00am · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint ‎@ Joel Esquejo, Salamat Jo! kaya pala di ka sumilip, hinantay ko kau saka si Joseph

    July 7 at 7:01am · Like
  • 

    Greyz PanlicaN-bautista belated HappY Birthday Mam Juliet 🙂

    Wednesday at 9:00pm · Like
  • 

    Pinay Keypoint Thanks Miss Greyz, bakit di na kita nakikita sa feeds ko? halos ung mga old friends ko di ko na nakikita puro new friends lang kaya tuloy ung iba di ko rin na ggreet

    
    

    4 hours ago · Like

    NOTE THAT THIS POST IS COPIED FROM MY FB NOTE 😉

MOUNT PINATUBO OVERNIGHT CAMPING PROMO 2012

Every year we are giving rainy season promo for our regular clients and trekking enthusiasts who are waiting for cheap tour packages. This year, we are giving the cheapest tour ever. Read the mechanics carefully then grab your keyboard and register because this promo is only for the first 500pax. We will be closing the registration once we reach our target.

MOUNT PINATUBO OVERNIGHT CAMPING

SORRY THIS PROMO IS ALREADY CLOSED

WE WILL BE LAUNCHING OUR NEXT PROMO FOR 2013

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

www.pinaykeypoint.org

Mount Pinatubo Overnight Camping Itinerary

MEET UP TIME: 8:00AM

MEET-UP POINT: PINAYKEYPOINT’S OFFICE

Capas, Tarlac, Philippines

We have a maps and direction in our website, please visit the link below:

MAPS & DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO REACH US

You must settle your payments and ask your team to sign the waiver.

We usually send copies of trekking reminders, maps and waiver so

we are expecting that you already discussed this with your team.

We are conducting briefing prior to final clearance. This is a mandatory requirement before dispatching. Although we already sent you trekking reminders and waiver, we still have to remind everyone about the dangers in the area, the Do’s and Don’ts, what to do in case of emergency and pack up time. Sometimes during the briefing, team members blames their team leaders for lack of information and failure to disseminate copies of trekking reminders so they can pack their things right. We have a link for Trekking Preparation. Please click here to view

Take off to Final dispatching. This is around 30 minutes drive. If you have your own car, you can park it at the dispatching area. It’s safe because it’s already within the military vicinity. Parking Lots are usually maintained by the some villagers and they usually ask 50 to 100php parking fee

The Local Tourism and Local official will check our clearance and gatepass. Gatepass is a mandatory requirement to climb. Organizers will secure this document for you and this is the reason why you have to register you name, age, address, nationality and person/no. to be notified in case of emergency. These are required info in securing your gatepass. The Tourism officer and Local Official in-charge have to sign the documents for approval.

11:00am –  Final Check Point. The Philippine Air Force is in-charge of the security in the area. They usually make the final decision whether they will allow us to climb or not especially during rainy months which is from July to November. Military activity are usually held in the area and they are giving us time frame to pass, usually 7 to 7:30am before closing the road. Nobody is no longer allowed to climb once the road are closed.

4WD is one of the highlights of this trip. The terrain itself and river crossings while watching the breathtaking creation will make you feel that you’re in another era far from the hustling and bustling city life. One important reminder while riding a 4WD is avoid talking face to face. Some of my previous clients bumped into each other’s nose and the result is severe nose bleeding. Hah! How will you explain that to your officemates after the trek?  So please take our reminders and briefings seriously 🙂

Final take off to Mount Pinatubo. Very bumpy and dusty ride. You need towel and mask to protect yourself from dust. 

You may ask your driver to stop for some photo shoots along the way

12:30 pm – The 4WD jump off point at the base of Mount Pinatubo. 1.5 hours walk usually starts here. These maybe longer or shorter depending upon your trekking speed. You can do some final touch here like applying sunblock, prepare your slippers, sun/rain protection. If you bring some trail food & drinks, better to take some here to lighten your bag and feed your hunger. This will keep you going 🙂

Prepare yourself for a very rough terrain ahead. Remember, you are conquering a volcano and ‘no pain-no gain’. This will make you realize the significance of Light Packing because believe me, you will feel the weight of your back pack after 30 minutes and it’s no joke, the longer the trek, the heavier it becomes!

Wear proper footwear to protect your feet. Using socks is highly recommended. This will save your lovely feet from blisters. Believe me, most of my clients are swearing their’s footwear’s brand after the trip because of blisters and bleeding.

Be careful and watch your step because you might be injured along the way. If this happens, inform your team leader to call the attention of the assigned trail guides and field coordinators. Pinaykeypoint Team has a basic first aid kit with bandages and basic medicine for headache and stomach trouble

Don’t just rely on your shoes. Bring your extra slipper. This will make you comfortable and flexible.

…And might be sprained along the way

Please note that you will be crossing a lot of rivers and streams

Trekking might be very tiring so take a break from time time. Inform your guides that you want to take some rest so they can wait for you. Never cope up with fast paced trekkers, most of the time this is the reason why some tourists will just fall and collapsed. They are too shy or too proud to say that they need some rest and pushing their limits. It’s a no no! Remember, we don’t have an ambulance here. You have 2 choices, ask your group to be patient and wait for you or spoil the entire trek!

It’s important to bring to bring some trail food to keep you going

…you have to ensure that you are wearing a durable footwear!

…We must be careful during trekking

…Because I cannot assure you that we can always provide a tape and slipper 😉

Because of this creature… But don’t worry! Snakes are typically timid creatures and they usually go away when they sensed a presence of humans, unless you step on them! So be careful and watch your step…

After more than 1 hour of walk, you will reach a real comfort room but you have to be patient enough because there are so many of you that are rushing to use it as well 😉

You can also refill your bottles. This is a spring water and it’s potable. We are using it for many years now

1:30pm – Few meters away is the ReyCat station. It is named after our previous municipal mayor, Reynaldo Catacutan  who is the person behind of these development. ReyCat played a vital role in advancing the Tourism Industry of our town, Capas which  eventually gives an employment to many, not just the local town’s folk of Capas but the adjacent places as well. This is also the old 4WD jump off point but because of several strong typhoons, trails were destroyed and it will take some time before it can be rehabilitated again. 

Next is a signage… Never let it trick you! It was used when we celebrated the feast of Pinatubo 2 years ago. A contest was held for that purpose and it’s not funny to see my clients beating the time carved in that wood! Most of them were sprained trying to beat it. Come on guys! you are not here to prove your speed. You are here to enjoy the trail, conquer Mount Pinatubo and see it’s majestic feature. Don’t let this signage ruin your day…

The remaining 30 minutes is Bush Trekking. You would see wild trees and ferns. Don’t try to pick and eat fruits if you’re not really a mountaineer. Some wild berries are available but if you cannot identify it it’s edible then, forget it!

…some ankle deep streams

until you reach a 58 steps stairs going up to Mount Pinatubo viewing deck. I know this will add pains to your injury 😉 but you can always sit down for few minutes before climbing

and finally, The Majestic Mount Pinatubo! You will feel the proud spirit of conquest and realized in the end that it’s all worth it. Remember, not all are given the opportunity to witness God’s creations. You can spend few minutes here to rest and take the best angle for your cam to capture…

…before taking another steps again going down to the crater side. This is roughly 198 uneven steps without railings so be careful and ask inform your guide if you are afraid of heights. You may opt to just stay at the viewing deck and wait for your team to come up.

We are not allowed to camp beside the crater lake for safety measure. The viewing deck was developed and we are encourage to use this place for overnight camping activity. This is more convenient because of the availability of rest room and water system.

Tourists usually preferred to camp underneath this wide and concrete cottage to take advantage of it shed in case of sudden rainfall

See to it that you packed easy to cook food or better if it’s already cooked and you will just heat it. People became impatient when hunger strikes! Basically, we provide plates, spoons, portable stove  and cooking utensils so just bring what you need which is not mentioned. Ask us if you are not sure to save your back

from too much baggage.

Overnight camping will not be complete without the bonfire magic. The local aetas usually pronounced it ‘vampire’ 😉 so don’t ever get them wrong if you hear them say that they will gather woods for your ‘vampire’ lol! To add some excitement, you may bring few hotdogs and marshmallow….

The picturesque and mystic caldera at night

It’s really amazing to see some groups with these things! Gosh, how did they made it? There is no limit for what you may bring when you climb as long as you can carry it. Remember we are not providing you a personal porter. The porter that will join your team will be in-charge of the camping gadgets mentioned earlier but you are always free to hire a local porter for 1,000php (overnight rate)

It’s not everyday that you will experience having your breakfast at the volcano 😉 so grab your favorite coffee and make sure that you capture that majestic moment…

And don’t forget to take that opportunity to thank the Great Creator above for giving you the opportunity to witness his Majestic creations 🙂

The difference of taking a boat ride in the morning is to save your skin from the heat of the sun. This activity is available only during summer.

We don’t really encourage swimming at the crater because according to PHILVOCS which regularly conduct routine check in the area, it’s roughly 280 to more than 300 feet deep. Bear in mind that this is not a beach, It is a stratovolcano! and it is sharp deep just few meter away from the crater side. We don’t have a stand by life guard in the area so as per Local Tourism advisory, we are not allowed to swim because we will not be liable if you are drowned. But typically, people are hardheaded and they would insist to take a quick dip. Pinaykeypoint is providing arm floaters to ensure that you are safe. Inform us if you plan to use some and keep in mind that swimming at night is strictly prohibited.

Wake up early and take that chance to enjoy the calmness of a once raging volcano. This is only possible during overnight camping trip  😉

Pack up time at 9:00am. It may be earlier or later depending upon your request but not later than 10am. Remember we are just paying for our personnel a 24hours rate. They might charges us an overtime if we exceed with the time limit.

Be a good neighbor, we encourage that you do some charity with the local Aetas before or after your trekking activity.

(:..T H E  E N D..;)

For inquiries, send your email to julietcorpuz@gmail.com

or text/call: Globe: (+63)917.477.9156/Smart: (+63)930.508.8494/Sun: (+63)923.626.9156

T H E  P I N A Y K E Y P O I N T   T E A M

www.pinaykeypoint.org

all rights reserved. 2007-2012

Preparation for Mount Pinatubo Trekking

We usually send trekking reminders to help you in packing. If you’re a team leader of your group, you have to ensure that info is properly disseminated among your team to help them pack the necessary things. Most of the time, Team Leaders were blamed by their members on the final trek date because they failed to forward or discuss these important reminders.

PACK YOUR THINGS RIGHT & LIGHTIt’s really a no no to pack things as if you’re going in a holiday abroad. Please note that you are going to a mountain so please don’t bring bulky baggage because it would make your trekking difficult & tiring. Pack only what you need. You may prepare 2 bags, the back pack that you will bring when you climb & small bag for things that you will use after the trekking. You may leave this at the dispatching area, in your car or in a paid locker with key.

Please use medium sized back pack. It’s just a one day trip so the lighter, the better. Just limit your baggage from 3 to 4kilos. 

You may bring the following:

• Camera and extra battery
• Umbrella or light raincoat
• Big hat or cap
• Towel/Scarf or Mask to protect you from dust
• Shawl/malong (this is important esp for the female trekkers)
• Medicine (Alaxan, paracetamol or meds for stomach trouble
• Sunblock Lotion
• Tissue/napkin
• Extra trail water
• Extra Trail Food
• Slipper (Mandatory)
• Swim wear

Please don’t bring valuables/jewelry during trekking. Most of our clients lost their mobile phones, jewelries or watches either at the trail, when they swim or during shower. Some cases, while applying sunblock, they will remove their watch or bracelet then forget it afterwards. There is no assurance that you can recover lost valuables so please leave it at home/car

Furthermore, you need to cover your things, mobile phones, wallets & camera or any other electronic gadgets with zip locked plastic to ensure safety. Please note that some of my past clients who disregarded this particular reminder were caught in the midst of heavy rain as they descend from the mountain and their cams & phones were soaking wet.

You may pack using small bag/plastic bag for the following and leave it in your car or paid locker

 

• Extra clothing that you will use after shower
• Soap, shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste
• Personal stuff: toothbrush, toothpaste, tissue, comb, shampoo, alcohol, liniment etc..

TREKKING OUTFIT

The principle, “the lighter, the better” is the rule of the game.

Lights shirt & your swim wear underneath
Short or leggings or quick dry trekking pants
Arm protection or long sleeved shirts/polo
Durable footwear

Footwear will depend upon your preference but as per experience, the most convenient & safe are rubberized footwear such as crocs type of footwear. If you prefer to use trekking sandals such as tribu or sandugo, we strongly advise using socks to protect your feet from blisters. This happens most of the time. Don’t forget to bring an extra slipper, this is mandatory because if your shoes, failed you then you still have an extra footwear and will not walk barefooted afterwards.

JUNE 2011 TREK SCHEDULES

TREK SCHEDULES

We are dispatching trips everyday (whole year round) except when there is a threat of weather disturbance such as typhoons, tropical depression, low pressure & rains. You  have to keep track of the weather condition prior to booking. You may check this link from our local weather bureau PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH

______________________________________________________

Capas Tourism Advisory: 

Long Trek is the only route to Pinatubo (more or less 2 hours walk)
June – July 2011

June 1  – 2pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Jeremiah)
June 2  – 2pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (May)
June 2  – 2pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Beth)
June 3  – 6pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Luz)
June 3  – 3pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Sunny)
June 4  – 8pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Liza)
June 4  – 3pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Agnes)
June 5 – 3pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Nel)
June 9  – 2pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Pamela)
June 11- 2pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Marjorie)

June 12- 6pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Beverly)

June 13- 4pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour (Alexey)

June 15- 15pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour(group trip-Ardel)
June 15- 2pax – confirmed & paid – Pinatubo Day Tour(group trip-Haydn)
June 18- 2pax – confirmed & paid trip – day tour (Bill)
June 18- 4pax – for final confirmation & payment (Jack)
June 18- 4 to 5pax – for final confirmation & payment (Ashley)
June 18- 7 to 8pax – for final confirmation & payment (Lea)
June 25- 7pax – for final confirmation & payment (Anthony)
July 2- 8pax – for final confirmation & payment (Kris)
July 26 to Aug 2 – 3 to 4pax – for final confirmation & payment (Merlyn)
PARTICIPANTS LOOKING FOR A SHARED TOUR (Day Tour)
June 18, 2011 – 2pax  (Bill)

Any day from July 26 to 29 – 2pax (Yan)

Any Weekend – 1pax (Thea)
Any Sunday – 1pax (Cecilia)
Oct 22, 2011 – 2pax (Aleli)
PARTICIPANTS LOOKING FOR A SHARED TOUR (Overnight)
Any day from October 29 to Nov 1, 2011- 2pax  (Eric)

Please email/contact us if you want to join these dates. Only emails with contact numbers shall be entertained Thanks!

Note: These are just tentative reservation dates. We don’t consider these as reserved and confirmed until we receive the registration forms and partial payments. Please fill up an online registration form at the bottom of this blog just beneath the weather forecast widget
Click here for Mount Pinatubo Day Tour Package
For inquiries, send your email to julietcorpuz@gmail.com

or text/call: 

Globe:  (+63)917.477.2206

Smart:  (+63)930.508.8494
Sun:      (+63)923.626.9088

P I N A Y K E Y P O I N T  T E A M

all rights reserved. 2007-2012

www.pinaykeypoint.org

.

Mount Pinatubo Crater

Over the years, since it’s eruption in 1991, Mount Pinatubo gradually change its features and turned into a beautiful tourist attraction. It never fails to amaze tourists from different corners of the world  by its Majestic Beauty.

The photos below are taken during our numerous expeditions. We are covering each tour and web albums are created for each group of clients. These photos are uploaded in a paid storage of our Picasa Account. Every Month of each year, we noticed that the crater lake gradually change it color. At times it is muddy, murky green then will turn into turquoise after several rains. According to Philvocs which usually conducts a routine check in the area, this color change is weather dependent. We are posting some photos from our gallery of Trips and this  will show us how Mount Pinatubo Cater Lake changes its color and feature over the years.

JULY 2011

JUNE 2011

MAY 2011

 
APRIL 2011

MARCH 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

JANUARY 2011

DECEMBER 2010

NOVEMBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010

AUGUST 2010

JULY 2010

JUNE 2010

MAY 2010

APRIL 2010

MARCH 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

JANUARY 2010

DECEMBER 2009

NOVEMBER 2009

AUGUST 2009

JULY 2009

JUNE 2009

MAY 2009

APRIL 2009

MARCH 2009

FEBRUARY 2009

DECEMBER 2008

For inquiries, send your email to julietcorpuz@gmail.com

or text/call: 

Globe:  (+63)927.255.2206

Smart:  (+63)930.508.8494

Sun:      (+63)922.885.6103

LandLine:

(045) 324 0193 – Office

(045) 806 4544 – Residence

Yahoo ID: pinaykeypoint 

T H E  P I N A Y K E Y P O I N T   T E A M

All rights reserved. 2007-2011

http://www.pinaykeypoint.org

Press Release and Police Report regarding the recent Mount Pinatubo Incident

There were different versions regarding the recent Mount Pinatubo incident. While scanning the newspapers, I noticed the names of the victims were different from one paper to another. I also received so many inquiries both on my mobile phone, landline and email regarding the actual account of the incident. Some were coming from my previous clients asking if those where from my team or if those guides where the one assigned to them when they hired our service. But most of the inquires are coming from radio/TV stations and newspapers.

I was in Bicol Region when this incident happened. Our 2 Trek schedules last August 1 and 2, 2008 were both booked to me while I was in Bikol. I have another schedule booked for August 6, 7, 8  and 9 .  These groups have already sent their partial payment thru, paypal, xoom and some were thru bank transfer a week before their schedule. Typhoon Kiko had passed our place (Naga) and based on my past experience, typhoons from Bikol will likely to pass Nort Luzon in 2 days time so I decided to cancel these groups and I posted here that I am cancelling all trips to Mount Pinatubo due to bad weather. I am doing this even without the advisory from Tourism office.

At first, my clients were so disappointed, especially Miss Charlene who had planned her trip to the Philippines and climb Mount Pinatubo for quite sometime. She’s from Singapore and booked her trip to me a month earlier and we were chatting about her preparation almost everyday. I also have clients from Hongkong who will be arriving on the 8th and will just visit Philippines primarily because of Mount Pinatubo. I really had a hard time explaining to them that I can’t allow them to trek for safety reason. In the end, we agreed to return their payment and other groups re-scheduled their trip at a later time.

When I received a call from the media early in the morning after the incident, I was so shocked upon learning that 2 foreigners died and there’s a rescue operation to find the rest of the group. Reporters were asking me if those where from my team, I told them that I cancelled all trek schedules in my website and I still need to clarify for the actual reports so I never make any comment regarding their inquiries.

A day after, there were so many news reports but most are misleading. Capas Municipal Mayor, Reynaldo Catacutan summoned a meeting last August 10, 2009. Said meeting was attended by representatives from different travel agencies, trip organizers, 4×4 jeep drivers & operators, Tourism staffs at representative from the Philippine Air Force. Actual accounts of the recent incident has been discussed and we were furnished a copy of the press release and police report.

Below are the scanned copy of the said documents. Please click the image for bigger view. I hope that this will enlighten all the presumption of the reading public.

Juliet Corpuz
Trip Orgainzer/Blog Host& Author

 

Capas: Public Hearing

As a result of our previous meeting, a public hearing has been held yesterday, August 18, 2009 at Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall, Sangguniang Bayan Bldg., Municipality of Capas.

Based on the documents below, this is a legislative inquiry in aide of legislation by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Chaired by councilor Ricardo L. Galang for the proposed adoption of a “Comprehensive Safety and Contingency Plan” aimed at deterring the happening of the recent typhoon Kiko tragedy at the environs of Mount Pinatubo.

The followings are the steps that shall be taken:

• Creation of an inter-agency committee tasked to look after the safety and protection of local and foreign tourists engaging in trekking adventure.
• Establishments of monitoring stations to filter out incoming dangers/disasters and inform the base station for such eventualities. The idea is to create at least 4 stations; at the “Kwadra (4×4 jump off point), Hot Spring, Skyway & at Baranggay Sta Juliana.
• Dissemination of safety information brochures to tourists booking for Mount Pinatubo tour. I mentioned that my team are already implementing this given the fact that we are holding an actual briefing prior to dispatching and distribution a waiver to be signed by every trek participants.
• Creation of disaster Response Personnel from the military or civilian volunteers.
• Identification of rescue tools and equipment necessary on every 4×4 vehicle which can be utilized readily in the event of accident or disaster. The idea is that every 4×4 operators must provide life vests for every tourists riding their 4×4, a hard hat/helmet and a radio antenna to facilitate effective communication. This is mandatory for every 4×4 jeep to ensure safety. These will be checked by the staffs of DOT (Dept. of Tourism), Staffs at the office of the Baranggay Captain at Sta. Juliana and at the Air Force checkpoint. These are the 3 clearance points before final dispatching. No 4×4 jeeps shall be allowed entry without these mandatory safety equipments.
• Providing seminars and first aide response trainings for every tour guides and 4×4 jeep drivers. It is also mandatory that they know how to swim otherwise they will not be allowed to be an official guide servicing the area.
• The body is open for any inputs, views and suggestions from the residents, 4×4 jeep’s drivers & operators, trekkers, trip organizers, travel agencies, stakeholders and other concerned sectors and organizations in framing the comprehensive safety and contingency plan which would be an integral part of the proposed ordinance. So if you have fruitful ideas in mind, please email it to us and I will be glad to submit it at the Local Tourism Office and post it here as well.

So far, these are the unities at the said public hearing. Time frame of of 20 days to 1 month or more shall be given to all persons concerned to acquire mandatory safety gadgets & equipment and trainings before opening the trekking activity.

Hopefully, after compliance to all required safety equipments, trainings and clearances from the institutions mentioned by the Regional Tourism Office, Mount Pinatubo will be open for business again and maybe it’s not a very long way off since most of the people concerned are joining their hands in achieving this at the soonest time possible.

I’ll keep you posted.

Juliet Corpuz
Trip Organizer/Blog owner

 

Meeting with Mayor Rey Catacutan

Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan summoned an emergency meeting at Capas Municipal Hall last Monday, August 10, 2009. Said meeting was participated by different travel agencies, trip organizers, tour operators, 4×4 jeep associations, tour guides, local officials, representatives from the Air Force, Capas Tourism office and other concerned sectors engaged in Mount Pinatubo activities.

Facts regarding the actual accounts of the recent typhoon Kiko tragedy resulting to 6 casualties have been discussed. The meeting primarily aims to formulate new guidelines and policies which shall be strictly enforced to prevent another incident in the future.

Please expect that when this temporary cancellation of of Mount Pinatubo Trips be lifted, we will be facing not just a difficult terrain but a more strict policies as well. But this is for the benefit of everybody so my fellow trekkers & trip organizers, kunting tyaga 🙂 Hangang sa muling pagbubukas ng byahe… kita kita kits! ~ 🙂

JULIET CORPUZ

TEAM HEAD/TRIP ORGANIZER

WWW.PINAYKEYPOINT.ORG

My deep Sympathy

….My deep sympathy to my fellow trekkers & tour guides who lost their lives during the trek to Mount Pinatubo. To my fellow trip organizers, travel agency & tour operators: Let’s be more strict and be aware of the weather before dispatching our team. Let this incident serves as a lesson to all of us….

Full News Report, pls. click here: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/

Juliet Corpuz
Trip Organizer

LIMITED BUDGET TOUR PACKAGE

As a trip organizer, negotiation is the hardest part of my duty. I think it’s harder than the old route to Mt. Pinatubo wherein you have to trek for more than 2 hours passing bigger boulders and streams. “Wala bang discount?“ or “student lang kami“ or “we’re on tight budget we dont need those packages“ These are the usual lines I often hear on the phone during the conversation or during private chat.

Tonight was one of those days. I lost 5 guests because of unresolved discussion. Naguluhan ata sa akin yung kausap ko kaya nag cancel na lang. This is one of my dilemma… So to resolve the matter, I created this post so reader and trekkers may understand and get an answer to their frequently asked questions.

Our package is 2500php per head for a minimum of 4pax per trip. Per trip means 1 4×4 jeep. So this is 10k for a group of 4 persons. “Why 4? Other blogs said 4×4 loads 5persons”. Yes, if we do that, that will be 12500php per trip. Pabor samin yung 12,500. But in this field, Hindi lang kita ang isyu. The services as well. Importante sakin ang referrals. I have many guests in line because of our services. Aanhin ko yung one time na malaking kita if afterwards and daming negative comments?

So Balikan natin bakit 4 lang? If you would read our inclusions, makikita mo sa package namin ay 1 local tour guide & 1 tour guide from our team. That’s the answer, the tour guide from my team will occupy the remaining seat so 4 guests + a tour guide from my team, that’s 5 persons and yes me bayad din sya, we also pay for the entrance fee of our team member. The next question is “bakit me tour guide pa from your team? eh me local tour guide naman”. Yes this is true, but most of the local guides are native Aetas. They don’t speak tagalog or english and will just lead your way. Although, there are also some class A tour guides who are local residents in the area and trained by the local tourism office. These guides can speak tagalog and basic english. Pero very few lang ang class A guides. Mas majority ang Aetas kasi this is their form of livelihood. Kami pa nga ang na hire ng Municipal Tourism office para gumawa ng mga tour guide ID nung 2007 pati na rin yung certificate of conquest. Bago ko kasi pinasok ang field na to, we are running a printing biz.

Importante sa team namin yung ma entertain yung guests, mapakain ng tama, masagot ang mga tanong and most of all ay ma enjoy ang trek kahit pa dumaan sila sa mahirap at maalikabok na terrain so we added some features sa services namin. There is no facility sa crater aside from portable toilet. Most comments na naririnig ko sa tourist ay “Hey Juliet, why dont you suggest to your local tourism to construct cottages here so we dont have to cram under the trees and boulders? I ‘m tired, I need to at least laydown and take a nap”

Kung tutuusin tama yung sabi ng tourist but I will just say that, this is a volcano, people visit here to have a bonding with nature. Tourism wants it to remain as is. This would look commercialized like a beach if they would construct cottages and the essence of nature will be defaced.

From that suggestion, we decided to add tents to our service. Dito na din naiiwan yung mga belongings ng tourist at mas safe naman talaga. Di na rin pipila sa toilet para magpalit ng damit incase naligo ang guests sa crater.

Speaking of naligo, swimming is one activity that you can do at the crater aside from taking pictures, video and crater boating. But swimming at the crater requires you to be an expert to be able to explore the 300 feet deep Mt. Pinatubo crater lake.

Just a meter away from the crater side is a sharp deep ice cold water 😉 Bihira lang din ang naliligo. Nakakatakot naman talaga kasi nga ang lalim! kahit pa nga marunong kang lumangoy, nakakapagod pa din noh, eh pano if atakehin ka pa ng cramps? lagot! wala pa namang life guard.

Another reason why we have a guide from our team. Sya na din kasi ang mag se-serve na life guard 🙂 We also provide first aid kit for minor wounds & injuries. meron din basic meds like paracetamol for headaches or stomach troubles. So syempre mahirap pa din makipagsapalaran sa 300 feet deep so we agreed to provide arm floaters as well. And since we provided that stuff, I noticed na halos lahat ng guests namin ay naliligo na sa crater unlike dati na picture-picture lang. Hindi na nga lang simpleng dip eh, as in nagbababad na kasi yung iba halos 1pm na sila umaahon few minutes before pack up time at yung iba naman, tumatawid pa sa kabilang wall! And they told me that they really enjoyed it. Swimming without effort. Hihiga ka na nga lang, dika lulubog. Salamat naimbento ang arm floaters, kahit di ka marunong lumangoy ay makaka explore ka sa water.

And lastly, the Food. This is one of the reason why we have a guide from my team. To serve the food hot.

As in iniinit yung food, we also have portable stove. And we dont use disposables kasi makalat yun. We bring pans, plates, cups, spoons & fork. Mas masarap pa rin kasing kumain sa plato. The first time na kumain ako sa disposable na styro na take out namin sa fast food, nilipad yung food ko. Masyado kasing windy sa may crater. nabali din yung spoon ko. Nakakainis yun, diko na enjoy yung meal ko. So from those experiences, we tried to improve our service.

I also ask for personal feedback. I can conclude that the best feedback from a person are their referrals at nakakatuwa whenever I heard that our new client is being referred by a previous guest and they would tell me, “at last nadito na kami, ganitong-ganito yung nasa picture!” ang sarap pakinggan.

As we provide these added features, it means mahirap na bitbitan ng gamit as in we have to pay additional cost for the baggage carriers. We may lose some amount of profit but it’s worth it. If we dont have a guide from our team, pano na lang yung mga albums per team sa picasa? sino ang kukuha nun? Yea, that’s one added feature. We cover your tour, we take pics and compile it per team per date at picasa so you can also grab or download it afterwards lalo na yung iba ay walang dalang cam. Just click here to view the recent Pinatubo trek activities & pictures and finally syempre me shower. Pwede kau maligo bago umuwi.

Pero nagtitipid nga eh. Di kami interested! Okay let’s remove those features. No guide from my team, No food, No water, No skyway fee, No tents, No arm floaters, No shower but just plain trek. Alright! I can give you a tour package of 10k for 5 persons. That is 2000 per head. Wow! so what are the inclusions na lang?

BUDGET PRICE FOR A TEAM ON TIGHT BUDGET

2000 per head

Inclusions:

Pick up from meet-up point to Mt. Pinatubo (Meet-up is along Mc Arthur Highway, Capas tarlac@6am)

4 x 4 jeep (inclusive of rental, gas & driver’s fee & meal)

Entrance/conservation fees

Road Fee
Trip arrangement/clearance & permits

Trail Guide
coke & ham & egg sandwich
Use of Locker & Shower facility after the trek

Book Now!

 

PLEASE DON’T BOOK YOUR TRIPS VIA COMMENT.

THIS IS NOT MONITORED.

PLEASE SEND YOUR BOOKINGS TO: pinaykeypoint.org@gmail.com

Mount Pinatubo Tour Meet-UP and Pick-Up Points

Our common meet-up and pick-up point is infront of Capas Municipal Tourism office beside Capas Municipal Hall along Mc Arthur Higway.

Capas is a part of Tarlac Province. Just Ride a bus bound to Dagupan, Pangasinan, La Union or Baguio City as this will be passing along this route. Purchase your ticket at the ticket booth and tell the teller that your exact destination is Capas. The cost of tickets may vary depending on your point of Origin and bus company. Estimate cost is more or less 200php from Manila to Capas. Price for ordinary bus is also much cheaper. Estimate travel time is only 2 hours depending upon the traffic. You must catch the 4 am trip to meet the time requirement. In case you failed to catch the 4am trip, you have to inform us so we can dispatch the trekkers who arried earlier. Be sure to confirm that you are traveling via 4am trip before purchasing a ticket. Some of my guests’ experiences, they just bought a ticket without asking and they were assigned a 5:30 am trip, we waited for ages 🙂 and they arrived finally at 8:30am.

If you will be driving your own car, we will provide you a map after your final confirmation.

Pick up point along Mc Arthur Highway

Driving your own car will only take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your speed and traffic. We usually arrive at the meet up point at 5:50am but we have an advance party, usually the driver who usually arrive at 5:15am just in case you arrive early.

Reaching meet up point later than 6am but not beyond 9am is still fine. The only difference is that if you take off late, you have to endure extreme heat of the sun during 4×4 jeep ride and trekking. Please note that most of the 4×4 jeeps are top down as guests prefer open vehicles to be able to stand up and take pictures while traveling. You will also have a shortened trip since pack up is always at 2pm

Please Take Note of the following reminders:

• Please call/text us before departing from your point of origin and another text as you approach Pampanga area so we can also have the time to prepare to meet you at the pick up point. Please note that we are preparing and cooking your lunch so we expect that you will observe the time requirement: 6AM
• Other trek participants sometimes are too excited that they leave too early, sometimes at 2AM without informing us and will arrive at the pick up point at 4am. Please remember that travel time from manila to Capas is less than 2 hours by bus and 1.5 by private cars. Don’t expect us to be there immediately if you will arrive at 4am because we are in the midst of preparing your lunch, cooking the rice, viand etc…
• If you will bring your own car, you can park it at our contact local resident’s private parking space near the entrance point with 100php parking fee.
  

Me & my eldest daughter Jessica waiting for trek participants

TO BOOK YOUR TRIP PLEASE SEND YOUR EMAIL TO: pinaykeypoint.org@gmail.com

Mount Pinatubo Trek: Feb 6 & 7, 2009

Yours truly at Mount Pinatubo Crater

Bryan's Team

Aaron's Team

Sanjev's Team

My niece Jane

Meet Dodong the Monkey (Spa Town)

Liza with Bryan's Team Feb 6, 2009

Mt. Pinatubo Spring Water

Bryan's Team at Aeta Village

My eldest daughter Jessica

Jessica & Bryan

Mount Pinatubo Trek 2-6-2009

Liza & Bryan's Team

Juliet with Sanjev's Team

Mt. Pinatubo Trek 2-7-2009

Tom - Mt. Pinatubo Trek 2-7-2009

Juliet - Mount Pinatubo Trek 2-7-2009

Sanjev Team - 2-7-2009

Start of difficult Terrain

Passing big boulders & streams

Starting today I am declaring this spot as the "Wow Point"!!

Stairway to Heaven....ahhhh... am too tired here...but i have to smile 🙂

Finally, we conquered Mount Pinatubo!

What a tiring yet fulfilling day 🙂

I had a busy week preparing for this 2 days trek. Have to do Hotel bookings, arrange transport service, meet Sanjev’s team at Clark Airport a day before the trek. Have to meet Bryan’s Team and Aaron’s team at Microtel. 

This is a very tiring yet fulfilling week for me 🙂

Please email me at pinaykeypoint@yahoo.com for your  inquiries & reservations…

For trekking schedules, reminders & itineraries, please click here

Posted by Juliet Corpuz

Heats School of Welding Technology

Philippines is now facing an increasing rate of unemployment everyday. It is a fact announced daily on TVs and printed media which is a result of Economic downturn worldwide. But despite the hardships, Filipinos’ character of patience and hardwork will always emerge because Pinoys are natural survivors. There maybe a decreasing demand on wirings, computers, electronic and other related industries but a number of identified skills are still in demand.

One of thriving opportunity for Filipinos abroad is the Welding Industry. The Demand for this specific skill is increasing recently. Surprisingly, this is not just a man’s job anymore as for the latest development, women are already starting to try this area.

The Philippine Government has encouraged Filipino entrepreneurs to open up welding training centers to cope up with the increasing demands for Filipino welders. In my area in particular, there are newly opened technical school offering welding related courses. Heats School of Welding Technology is one good example. Heats started to hold trainings in 2008 by renting private rooms. Most of the participants are now working abroad.

Engr. Pedro Jose Jr.

The good man behind this project is Engr. Pedro Jose Jr. He is a native of Kapanikian, Lapaz, Tarlac. He has been in the field of Welding, QA/QC and Inspection for the past 14 years in the Philippines, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia and Brunei.

His Noble Mission for the School is to produce World Class Pinoy Welders, Welding Inspectors & other skilled workers. To realize this mission, he turned his home into a Technical School to help not only his fellow Tarlaqueño but his fellow Pinoys from adjacent areas as well.

Heats School of Welding Technology is now in the process of TESDA Accreditation and according to TESDA personnel, their accreditation documents will be released this February 2009. HEATS’ building, classrooms, facilities (such as Welding booths, working table and grinding table), welding machines, tools and materials are now in place and ready.

Pictures below are the proof of Mr. Jose’s humble attempt to turn this project into reality.

Heats School of Weding Technology

Heats Lobby

Heats Classroom

Heats Lecture Room

Heats will offer the following Courses:

SMAW Plate, SMAW Pipe, GTAW Pipe and welding Inspector’s Course. They also plan to offer NDT Courses such as Utrasonic Testing, Penetrant Testing and Magnetic Particle Testing. Internal Quality Auditor’s course and ISO 9000 Awareness Seminars and other related skills are also in included in their line of courses that will be offered in the future.

They will be accepting enrollees in February and plan to start classes on March 2009. For inquiries and detailed information, you can visit their website at http://heatsschoolofweldingtechnology.wordpress.com/ or you can email them at pwtc_luzon_@yahoo.com . You can also reach them through mobile phone: +639054104465 or you can also personally visit their School at Romulo Highway, #4 Joanne Subd., Canrangian, Tarlac City. Staffs are available for inquiries during office hours.

Click the image location map for larger view

Heats Contact Info

For detailed description of Welding principles, Welding Trainings & courses, terminologies and job opportunities,  please visit Heats website by clicking here.

By Juliet B. Corpuz

REFUND and CANCELLATION of TRIPS

We don’t issue a full refund. 

You must understand that trip arrangement usually incur costs such as bank transaction fees, mobilization expenses & communication expenses.

• If you cancel your trip at least 2 days before the final trek date, we will deduct 15% of your deposit for the bank transaction & mobilization expenses.
• If you cancel your trip 1 day prior to your final trek date, you will be charged with the expenses incurred in processing your clearance, purchasing your food & other preparation expenses. This is 25% of your deposit.
• If you cancel your trip on the actual trek date, you will only get 30% of your payment because we already have to pay the penalty of the personnel who actually perform their duties for the trip such as the cook, who already reported at the office 1 day ahead of time to prepare your meal, the marketing team who purchased & prepare your food options, the guide and the driver who reported at 5am and the jeep operator who lost their 1 day trip because we asked for advance reservation and all expenses incurred in the preparation of your trip.

We issue refund thru our local bank if you’re a Filipino. If you’re a Filipino but pay us via PayPal, we will refund via local bank or PayPal less the specific charges mentioned above.

You have to send a local account number then we will refund your initial deposit 1 day after receipt of your bank account number.

FOR CANCELLATION DUE TO BAD WEATHER:

Pinaykeypoint Team is very particular when it comes to weather. We have a weather forecast widget at the bottom of this website. We usually keep track of incoming typhoons and if there is a threat of weather disturbance, we usually cancel the trip and inform our clients at least 2 days before the storm hits our area.

We issue a refund for this situation less 200php to cover some cost that will be incurred by this transaction.

You may send your email to pinaykeypoint.org@gmail.com for your further concern.

Thank you.

THE PINAYKEYPOINT TEAM

2007 – 2012

www.pinaykeypoint.org


For inquiries, send your email to pinaykeypoint.org@gmail.com

or text/call: 

Globe:   (+63)917.477.9156

Smart:  (+63)930.508.8494

Sun:      (+63)923.626.9088

LandLine:

(045) 806 4544 – Residence

Yahoo ID: pinaykeypoint 

Philippines: Export oriented-Import dependent Economy

All of us are hoping for a better year in fact anything that is introduced as lucky charms to attract good vibes and prosperous living is deliberately being adhered to for the hope that it will bring us positive result. Unfortunately, there are inevitable events which are not controlled by these lucky charms. These are events which are not perceived even by the toughest fortuneteller. One peep on the year ender reports from different Medias will attest to this fact because if not, thousand of people who were killed from so many calamities and wars might have been spared. Even the toughest and mighty countries were not spared from this. Their technology and forecasters never perceived that this economic turmoil would end up to economic downfall like a plague.

The Philippines alone has reduced its population by death tolls from sea vessel’s accidents, plane crash, storms, floods, massacres, death in Mindanao due to war, political killings and natural deaths. I guess we need another Merlin or the wizard of OZ for best predictions. Well, these are just the repercussions of men’s greed and neglect of environmental issues. You reap what you sow according to old saying and yes, it’s true.

The other day, as I walk home, I meet an old friend, my co-worker at the company where I used to work. According to her, IWSPC, a subsidiary of SWS Japan, has announced their recent work schedule. They are now working 6 hours/day and 3 days/week. I was stunned by that news. How will an employee survive with that scheme? She told me that her recent earning is only 800php or a measly $17 and she has to budget it for 15 days. How can she make both ends meet with that income? I guess she needs to enroll herself to Harry Potter’s school and aim for the wand. I can’t sympathize further for I, myself is suffering with the same grief. If we lost the court battle with demolition issue, we will be losing the roof on our head at the end of this month.

Despite GMA’s denial that Philippines is not affected by recession, the gleaming truth is slapped right in the face of many workers who are being hit by different inhumane labor schemes just to cope up with the economic turmoil. We all know that most industries and factories in the Philippines are run by Multi-National Corporation from Japan & the US and these countries are in the midst of recession. The final way out is thru retrenchment or at the maximum is to close the company and return to their homeland leaving the Filipino workers jobless with no separation pays.

This only proves that we can never achieve a genuine progress unless we change our economic system. An economy which remains to be an export oriented and import dependent will always ends up at the dumping area. We are more than 80 millions Filipinos, producing our own local products and selling it at the local market is the only way to move out from this dreadful situation. More than 70% of the products we used are being produced by other countries. Look, from the tip of your toe to the tip of your hair, you are using imported products. “Imported per se” is not just products available at Clark or PX stores, these are products produced by non-Filipino owned companies. Though their companies were erected at Philippine land, their sales and profits will be returned to their own countries. The only reason why they are here is not because they want to help us but because they want to take advantage of our cheap and docile labor.

Japanese will only buy cars made by Japanese corporations, but the local artists in the Philippines seldom uses beauty products made from the Philippines. Remember, each time we buy imported products, spend our vacation abroad, purchase property outside the Philippines, our money go out leaving our peso floats and drowned by inflation.

Money Cycle

Thanks to the living heroes who untiringly take back the money we spent outside the Philippine territory, despite the loneliness, dangers and abuses, they remain meek because of the call of earnings for the sake of their families. Do you have an idea who are those people? They are the OFW workers who are unceasingly working to earn not only for their family but for the country’s economy as well.

And Kudos to online workers like us who are also earning dollar from home. You are helping our country to get the money back and return it to circulate here. And to those who are hoarding the money and investing it outside the Philippine territory, you are one of the reasons why the Philippines remain poor.

Gumising na sana tayo….

 

~Juliet Corpuz~

Pinaykeypoint Tags & Awards for January 2009

These are the tags and awards received by Pinaykeypoint Blog. This maybe late, sorry guys January is a busy month for us but from the bottom of my heart, I want to extend my sincere thanks to my blogger friends who never fail to tag me, I love you guys!

Prayer Tag from Mel Alarilla

Prayer Tag And Link For The Philippines And The Filipinos

Instructions This is a prayer tag and link for the Philippines and the Filipinos. You are enjoined to utter this prayer for nine (9) consecutive days and to tag as many bloggers as you can with preference for Filipinos. But only bona fide Filipinos shall be included in the official registry of Filipino bloggers in this blog. Each time a new blogger makes a link, be sure to send me an email of the entire link through melalarilla@gmail.com so that the official list will be consolidated in a master list in this blog. For our Muslim brothers, you may make your own special prayer formula but you must never deviate from the formula of this entire post.  

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, we consecrate to you our beloved country- the Philippines and all the Filipinos around the world. We acknowledge Father that apart from You, we can do nothing and it is only your divine providence and grace that can unite all Filipinos as one nation. We therefore humble ourselves before your throne. We confess all our sins to you individually and collectively as a nation. Forgive us our sins Father and wash us clean by the precious blood of Your beloved Son- Jesus Christ. Mend our wicked ways and let us experience a strong and genuine spiritual revival for ourselves and for our country. Let the Holy Spirit imbibe us with power, love and wisdom to return to Your path of holiness and righteousness. Bless our country, heavenly father. Bless all Filipinos wherever they maybe. Let progress, unity, harmony, stability, justice, peace and prosperity reign in our country. Bless our leaders, from the President down to the lowest Barangay official. Touch their hearts that they may serve our country with all honesty and with love and integrity. Bless our children and our future generation. And bless us all Father in all aspects of our lives. This we pray to You heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Name Address Name of Blog URL

1. Mel Alarilla Bulacan, Philippines

Filipinos Unite!!! http://filipinosunite.blogspot.com/

2. Angel Cuala Batangas, Philippines Father Blogger dot com 

url – http://fatherblogger.com/

3. Lavern Tan Las Pinas City, Philippines Pinoy Ambisyoso 

url- http://pinoyambisyoso.com

4. Francis Daniel Maning Cebu, Philippines Istayl Sugbo 

url- http://istaylsugbo.blogspot.com

5. Snow Philippines Dear Bloggery  url- http://dearbloggery.com/
6. Bloggista – Marikina, Philippines – Bloggista  

url- http://www.bloggista.com/
7. Chris A. – Cavite, Philippines – CMAQuest

url- http://cmaquest.blogspot.com/
8. Aisha – Eugene, Oregon, USA – The Holley Herald

url – http://www.theholleyherald.com/
9. Rowena – Davao City, Philippines – All Out My Naked Truth- Rowena 

url – http://rowenabongabong.blogspot.com/
10. Icymar Tagimacruz – Cebu, Philippines – Kreative Myndz  

url- http://www.icymartagimacruz.blogspot.com/
11. Pat Mangubat – Philippines – New Philippine Revolution 

url- http://newphilrevolution.blogspot.com/
12. Empress – Cebu, Philippines – Empress of Drac.Com

url- http://www.empressofdrac.com/
13. Marilou Domingo – Philippines – Ibanag in the City 

url- http://ibanaginthecity.blogspot.com/
14. Ester Besmonde – Canada – Walk Through Money Online Journal 

url- http://www.teyonlinejournal.com/
15. Ramon Paulino – Quezon City, Philippines – FatherlYours.com 

url- http://www.fatherlyours.com/
16. Mindanaoan – Mindanao, Philippines – Mindanaoan 

url- http://www.maindaoan.com/
17. Bloggie – Davao City, Philippines – Davao Bloggers Network 

url- http://www.davaoblogs.net/
18. Xerendipity – Dumaguete City, Philippines – Obnoxious Queer 

url- http://obnoxiousqueer.com/
19. Viviene C. (Bingkee) – Connecticut, USA – I Love/Hate America 

url- http://www.fliploveusa.typepad.com/
20. Roy – Angeles City, Philippines – The Struggling Blogger 

url- http://thestrugglingblogger.168center.com/
21. Janette Toral (Ada) – Marikina City, Philippines – Blogging From Home

url- http://www.bloggingfromhome.com/
22. Milton Coyne III (Bluedreamer27) Cavite Phils Bluedreamer’s Top Five

url- http://bluedreamer27.blogspot.com/
23. Marites dlR – Davao City, Philippines – Me, the islands and the world

url- http://www.pinaylighterside.com/
24. Mauie Flores – Cainta, Rizal, Philippines – Living a Sugar-free Sweet Life!

url- http://www.maureenflores.com/
25. MsRay – Bacolod City, Philippines – Woman on a Journey 

url- http://www.msray2008.com/
26. Pia Go Olano – Philippines – My Life’s Journey 

url- http://myblog2002.blogspot.com/
27. Jena Isle – Pampanga, Philippines – Random Thoughts 

url- http://jenaisle-candidthoughts.blogspot.com/
28. Caca – Mindanao, Philippines – Mood Swings 

url- http://blogecca.blogspot.com/
29. Pinoy Apache – Cebu City, Philippines – Pinoy Apache 

url- http://pinoyapache.blogspot.com/
30. Jessie Simbulan – Philippines – The Reporter 

url- http://www.jessie-simbulan.com/
31. Tony Roda – Manila, Philippines – MENstream 

url- http://www.menstream.blogspot.com/
32. Fingertalks – Philippines – Fingertalks – url- http://www.fingetalks.com/
33. Wendy Lopez-Redaon – QC Philippines – From The Eyes of My Heart 

url – http://wenlopred.blogspot.com/
34. Marlene – Davao City, Philippines – Potpourri of Ramblings 

url – http://www.lemback.com/
35. Liza Cochico – Quezon City, Philippines – A Simple Life 

url – http://mlizcochico.com/
36. Tricia Mazo-Galvez – Las Pinas City, Philippines – Proud Mommy 

url- http://monliam.blogspot.com/
37. Wayne – New Zealand – Affiliate Crunch 

url- http://www.affiliatecrunch.com/
38. Shiera Delusa – Osaka, Japan – Bisdak Babbles 

url – http://bisdakbabbles.com/
39. Madz – Lunda Norte, Angola – Things I Did Not Know Before 

url – http://madzlifesknowledge.blogspot.com/
40. Kcee – Makati City, Philippines – Barefooted Me 

url – http://www.barefootedme.com/
41. Yani – Davao City, Philippines – Banicmanic 

url- http://www.banicmanic.blogspot.com/
42. Rodaflip – Ontario, Canada – FlipAntasticWeb 

url- http://flipantasticweb.blogspot.com/
43. Ramvie Santiago – Philippines – Philippine Blog For All 

url – http://pinoyblogko.wordpress.com/
44. Russell Bravo – Caloocan City, Philippines – Russell Dot Com 

url – http://www.russelldotcom.com/
45. Michelle Valenzuela – San Francisco, CA USA – Tumawa K Kabayan 

url – http://twangpinoy.blogspot.com/
46. Pinay Wife – Cambodia – Pinay Wife Speaks 

url – http://pinaywifespeaks.com/
47. Lei – Pasig City, Philippines – Moon Goddess Lae 

url – http://moongoddesslae.com/
48. Shawie Gick – Orange County, California, USA – A Grateful Heart 

url – http://anemptycup.blogspot.com/
49. Hariette Wendam – Iloilo City, Philippines – Praning’s Shoutout 

url – http://www.praningshoutout.com/
50. Joan Joyce Absalon – Navotas City, Philippines – Joan Joyce dot com 

url – http://joanjoyce.com/blog/
51. Rashieka Estelle Absalon – Navotas Philippines – My Name Is Rashieka 

url – http://rashieka.com/
52. Darlyn – Gen. Santos City, Philippines – Touched By An Angel With Love 

url – http://darlyngemwords.blogs.com/
53. Kate Cancio – Marikina City, Philippines – Becoming Kate Cancio 

url – http://katecancio.blogspot.com/
54. Ria – United Kingdom – Continental Fairy 

url – http://www.continentalfairy.com/
55. Ginoray – Cainta, Rizal, Philippines – Profound Matters 

url – http://profoundmatters.wordpress.com/
56. Penlighted – New York, USA – Light It Up (Blogging for Jesus) 

url – http://lightedpen.blogspot.com/
57. Lyn (Moccalyn) – Manila, Philippines – Life Spices 

url – http//moccalyn.blogspot.com/
58. Ana Lindenhann – Denmark – The Filipina Mom in Denmark 

url – http://www.filipinamom.com/
59. Chris Red – Philippines – Christinchen’s Soapbox 

url – http://christinchen184.blogspot.com/
60. Richies 2Ts Inspires – Stockholm, Sweden – Richies Inspirational Designs

url – http://simchieinspires.blogspot.com/
61. Island Angel – Davao City, Philippines – Seashells Of Island Angel 

url – http://seashellsofislandangel.blogspot.com/
62. Manilyn Tingcang – Iligan City, Philippines – LinGZ.spot 

url – http://lingzspot.blogspot.com/
63. Joyoz Obsioma – Melbourne, Au – Everyday Life…Generally Speaking 

url – http://www.joydob.com/
64. Gladita – Bacolod City, Philippines – PromdiLiving 

url – http://promdiliving.com/
65. Lesley Cucal – Tarlac City, Philippines – Bottomless Coffee 

url – http://men-tality.blogspot.com/
66. Rose Cottrill – West Virginia, USA – Rose’s Obstacles and Glory 

url – http://www.obstaclesandglories.com/
67. Mys Lyke Meeh – Toronto, Canada – Mys Lyke Meeh 

url – http://myslykemeeh.blogspot.com/
68. Gloria (Goyz) – Calamba City, Philippines – Good Health 

url – http://goyz-greenapple.blogspot.com/
69. Mitch (Annay Butakal) – Cebu, Philippines – Ramble Baboy 

url – http://annaybutakal.blogspot.com/
70. Ria Coleto – Cervantes – Dubai, UAE – It’s My Party 

url – http://www.riablahgs.com/
71. Luna Miranda – Makati City, Philippines – Miranda 

url – http://bilogangbuwanniluna.blogspot.com/
72. Kit (Suplado) – Makati City, Philippines – Suplado Reviews 

url – http://supladoonline.blogspot.com/
73. Rachel – Philippines – Heart of Rachel 

url – http://mysoulfulthoughts.blogspot.com/
74. Josie Santos – Sydney, Australia – Fragments of My Soul 

url – http://josie-santos.blogspot.com/
75. Wella Jane – Misamis Occ, Phils – Thinking Pen- Blogging For A Cause 

url – http://thinkingpen.freeo.net/
76. Kelvin Requiroso (Kebelle) – QC, Philippines – Spirituality Page 

url – http://spirituality-page.blogspot.com/
77. Pusang Gala – Mandaluyong City, Philippines – Pusang – Gala 

url – http://pakaleklalawak.blogspot.com/
78. Jason – Paranaque, Philippines – Pinoy Updates 

url – http://www.pinoyupdates.com/
79. Onatdonuts – Taguig City, Philippines – OnatDonuts 

url – http://www.onatdonuts.blogspot.com/
80. Ibyang – NSW, Australia – A Wife’s Charmed Life 

url – http://awifescharmedlife.blogspot.com/
81. Mike Avenue – Philippines – Mga Tagalog Na Tula Sa Filipinas 

url – http://tagalog-tula-pilipinas.blogspot.com/
82.Jhay Gamba – Cainta, Rizal, Philippines – I Blog Mo! 

url -http://jdesignzwww.jdesignz.blogspot.com/
83. Carla Farnesyl Fundales Idago – Malabon City, Philippines

Heterotripper: Anong Maskara Mo Today 

url – http://lacarotica.blogspot.com/
84. Tet Garchitorena – Naga City, Phils – The Life Of An Oregano Addict 

url – http://www.piebuko.blogspot.com/
85. Rael Denoman – Imus, Cavite, Philippines – Manikang Papel 

url – http://myblogjazzryl.blogspot.com/
86. Liezl F. – Valenzuela City, Philippines – Breezing My Confined Emotions 

url – http://microporetape.blogspot.com/
87. Kengkay – Germany – Kwentong Kengkay 

url – http://kengkay.wordpress.com/
88. Earthlingorgeous – Manila, Philippines – Earthlingorgeous.com 

url – http://www.earthlingorgeous.com/
89. Pinay Key Point – Tarlac City, Philippines – PinayKeyPoint 

url – https://pinaykeypoint.wordpress.com/
90. Ria Stevenson – Texas, USA – Live Love Laugh 

url – http://www.riastevenson.com/
91. Pajay – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Klasrum Ni Pajay 

url – http://propesorpa-jay.blogspot.com/
92. Texas Sweetie – Texas, USA – My Virtual Diary 

url – http://www.texas-sweetie.blogspot.com/
93. Aquamarine – Hongkong – Aquamarine 

url – http://jhole22.blogspot.com/
94. Shemistry – Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Foolishly Overacting – url- http://shemshemistry.blogspot.com/
95. Dines – Winona, Minnesotta, USA – Kalei Dines Scope 

url – http://paul-dina-kaleidoscope.blogspot.com/
96. Che (Chorva) – Philippines – Chorva Entertainment Blog 

url – http://www.chorva.net/
97. Arnel Gara Artes – Cebu City, Philippines – A Hunter 

url – http://www.arnelgaraartes.blogspot.com/
98. Donald Pal (Dhon) – Cebu, Philippines – Life Love Lust 

url – http://dhonpal.blogspot.com/
99. Fermin Absalon – Navotas, Metro Manila, Philippines

Beyond Feron Dot Com – url – http://www.beyondferon.com/
100. Dzerom – Calamba, Laguna, Philippines – Blogging Without A Cause

url – http://blogging-without-a-cause.blogspot.com/
101. K (Knoizki) – Hongkong – A Dialogue With K 

url – http://www.knoizki.net/
102 Orville Hitadle – Cebu Phils – Downloader’s Stuffs and Freebies for All 

url – http://www.iamdownloader.com/
103. Cindyrella – Hongkong – Cindyrella From Hongkong 

url – http://cindyrella-stories.blogspot.com/
104. Rimewire – Cavite, Philippines – Disproving the Genius 

url – http://rimewire.wordpress.com/
105. Edelweiza Mabalay – Manila, Philippines – The Life of a Breadwinner

url – http://www.edelweiza.com/
106. Manolito Montala – Philippines – The Filipino Enterpreneur 

url – http://www.thefilipinoenterpreneur.com/
107. Leona Khan – Pasig City, Philippines – Vanidosang Panda 

url – http://ms-panda.blogspot.com/
108. Pepe Mckunat – Philippines – Life is Tough, but prove You are Tougher 

url – http://katchupoy.wordpress.com/
109. Batopik – Taguig City, Philippines – Batopik 

url – http://batopik.wordpress.com/
110. Gin E – Manila, Philippines – Mommy in Manila 

url – http://mommyinmanila.blogspot.com/
111. B’ley Villones (Dyosa) – Paranaque City, Philippines – Blagalag 

url – http://www.bl;agalag.com/
112. Donald Serrano (don_ser) – Philippines – don_ser The Feeling ProBlogger

url – http://www.doanldserrano.com/donser/
113. Love Lot – San Francisco, California, USA – Lov-A-Lot 

url – http://lov-a-lot.blogspot.com/
114. Enchie – Manila, Philippines – Sweet Nothings 

url – http//xtraordinarymom.blogspot.com/
115. Iceah Marie – Gen. Santos City, Philippines – Chicken Heart 

url – http://www.pinay-chicken-heart.com/
116. Mee*I Velasco – Antipolo Rizal Phils – Waiting On The World To Change 

url – http://mekinudolsoup.blogspot.com/
117. Kuyanin – Philippines – Kuyanin: Starting Afresh 

url – http://www.kuyanin.com/
118. Chyng Reyes – Manila, Philippines – No Spam, No Virus, No Kiddin’!

url – http://riandrew.blogspot.com/
119. JuanDerPul – Philippines – JuanDerPul Pinoy 

url – http://juanderpulpinoy.com/
120. Kenneth Mendoza – Laguna, Philippines – Kenneth Mendoza- Speaking Out, Blogging, Ranting and Fooling Around 

url – http://www.kmendoza.net/
121. Grace – Michigan, USA – We Live To Tell God’s “Amazing Grace” 

url – http://grace1331.blogspot.com/
122. Carnation – Antique, Philippines – Carnation 

url – http://sweetcarnation.blogspot.com/
123. Jed Chua – Mandaluyong City, Philippines – Reel Advice 

url – http://reeladvice.blogspot.com/
124. Pammyboo83 – Dumaguete City, Philippines – Filipino Lifestyle 

url – http://filipinotaste.blogspot.com/
125. Sagada Igorot Mountain Province, Philippines/Chicago, USA –Blog of The Sagada- Igorot – url – http://blog.sagada-igorot.com/
126. Bai Maleiha Candao – Cotabato City, Philippines – Soulful Images 

url – http://princessmaleiha.blogspot.com/
127. Jehzeel Laurente – Philippines – Jehzlau Concepts 

url – http://www.jehzlau-concepts.com/%5D
128. Poohgahk – Philippines – Shout Out 

Url – http://poohgahk.blogspot.com/
129. Norman Novio – Occidental Mindoro, Philippines – Pamatok 

url – http:///nanovio.blogspot.com/
130. Bien Nillos – Negros Occidental, Philippines – The Freudian Slip 

url – http://bayenn.blogspot.com/
131. Madelyn Basalo-Sells – Cafunfo, Lunda Norte, Angola – “The Pride of Hingotanan, Bohol”- My Life’s Journey To Success 

url – http://madzlifesdiary.blogspot.com/
132. Jannesse – Las Pinas City, Philippines – The Wifey Diaries 

url – http://thewifeydiaries.blogspot.com/
133. Willa Stock – Ontario, Canada – Fickle Minded- A Life That Is Less Ordinary

url – http://fickleminded.net/
134. Aihara (Tessah) Ramintessah Sanchez – Japan – The Economics of Life 

url – http://lifesmatterandeconomics.blogspot.com/
135. Ron Albert – Quezon City, Philippines – A Slice of Turon 

url – http://ron-turon.blogspot.com/
136. Elyong – Davao City, Philippines – Elyong 

url – http://elyong.blogspot.com/
137. Kokoi – Baguio City, Philippines – Blog ni Kokoi 

url – http://blognikokoi.blogspot.com/
138. Fat – Japan – Anything Goes – url – http://247diary.blogspot.com/
139. Mye De Leon – Rizal, Philippines – Blog Appetite 

url – http://blogappetite.blogspot.com/
140. Jan Geronimo – Oriental Mindoro, Philippines –salabasngmandaluyong (Rx For A Better Life) – url – http://salabasngmandaluyong.blogspot.com/
141. Chuva – Philippines – Chizmizan With Chuva 

url – http://chuvachienes.com/
142. E. J. Bautista – Quezon City, Philippines – Bogcess 

url – http://bogcess.blogspot.com/
143. Maree Tee – Philippines – I Am Mrs. Tee 

url – http://mareetee.blogspot.com/
144. Alma Cafe – Davao oriental, Philippines – Reach Beyond Your Limits

url – http://luponfirehouse.blogspot.com/
145. Arlene Collado – Philippines – Joys in Life 

url – http://sunshineleneforlife.com/
146. Juvy – Philippines – Pinoy Portals 

url – http://pinoyportals.blogspot.com/
147. Jan Mckingley Hilado – Cebu Phils – The Ultralife of Student Nurses 

url – http://nursester.blogspot.com/
148. Carlos – Davao City, Philippines – Carlos Ideas 

url – http://carlos-ideas.blogspot.com/
149. Mentor – Cebu, Philippines – The Image of Cebu 

url – http://cebuimage.blogspot.com/
150. Emma Ballada – Laguna, Philippines – Life Momento 

url – http://lifemomento.blogspot.com/
151. Darkspark – Philippines – Papermills 

url – http://papermills.blogspot.com/
152. Jes – Philippines – My Little Angels 

url – http://ishiethan.blogspot.com/
153. Mike Pamero – Laguna, Philippines – Such were some of you 

url – http://www.mikepamero.blogspot.com/
154. Jerome – Calamba, Laguna, Philippines – Pinoy Blogger Online 

url – http://blogging-without-a-cause.blogspot.com/
155. Mary Grace – Tennessee, USA – My World is My Family 

url – http://graceodraper.blogspot.com/
156. Luzviminda Gadon (Vhing F) – Israel – Survivor: the Reality of my Life 

url – http://vhing4all-il-ph.blogspot.com/
157. Marlon Celso – Manila, Philippines – Marlon of Manila 

url – http://marlonofmanila.blogspot.com/
158. Richard Roxas – Valenzuela City, Philippines – Dreamworks 

url – http://dreamworksorg.blogspot.com/
159. Political Jaywalker – USA – Pedestrian Observer 

url – http://pedestrianobserver.blogspot.com/
160. Your Sassy Reporter – Philippines – Mother Thoughts 

url – http://mymotherthoughts.blogspot.com/
161. Juliet corpuz – Tarlac City Phils – Mount Pinatubo Tour

URL – http://pinatubotrek.blogspot.com/

You’re Next! Insert your name, address, name of blog and its url

1. http://honeywfb.blogspot.com/

2. http://www.alegreascrib.blogspot.com/

3. http://mhaileon.blogspot.com/

4. http://withonespast.wordpress.com/

5. http://islandhopper.blogspot.com/

6. http://ideasloading.blogspot.com/

7. http://www.d3marketers.blogspot.com/

8. http://abbysmusings.blogspot.com/

9. http://blogappetite.blogspot.com/

10. http://www.rklivengood.blogspot.com/

Fun Google Tag from Erato

Thank you for this sis! Sorry for the delay 😉

“The rules are simple. Use Google Images to search for the answers to the questions below. Then you must choose a picture from the first page of the results and post it as your answer. After that tag 7 people.”

1. Age on my next birthday

2. A place i'd like to travel to

3. My favorite place

4. My favorite thing

5. My favorite food (Kaldereta)

6. My favourite color

7. The city i live in

 

8. The city i was born in

9. My nickname

10. My college major

11. Name of my love

12. My bad habbit

13. My hobby

 14. My wish list (max of 3)

Decent House for my family

Trip to disneyland for my family

Education for my kids

the seven people i wish to tag are:

Warshock, Wolfwood, Mel Alarilla, Bhang, Grace, Honey, Hornetlover

Tag from Stilettoed Praline

Stilettoed Praline tagged me with something that asks you to list your 4 answers. I had so many list of answers in my mind but I had to stick to the rule of 4 😉 Thank you for this girl! Sorry I posted it late…

PLACES I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT AND WHY

Tokyo Disneyland

1. Tokyo Disneyland – I’ve been in this place when I was sent to Japan twice for company training. I really enjoyed the place and I wish I could take my kids to visit this place.

2. Paris – it’s one of the most romantic place in the world

3. The Holy Land – I wanna feel the serenity of this place where the Lord had walked

4. Italy – I heard so many good things about this place and it’s also in my wish list

FAVORITE THINGS TO MUNCH ON

1. Pringles

 

 

 

2. Pili Nuts

3. Chicharong baboy

4. Peanuts

FAVORITE SITES FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

Sorry guys, I don’t shop online 😉

4 THINGS YOU HAVE TO GET DONE THIS WEEKEND

1. I need to submit my online quizzes

2. I need to finish 1 logo design (for ID card)

3. Cook something for my mother-in-law 7th death anniversary

4. Settle my Electric & water bills

4 THINGS THAT POP UP WHEN YOU GOOGLE MY NAME

If you google my name, Juliet Corpuz, you will see my accounts from different websites, 

1. Hubpages

2. Linkedin

3. WordPress

4. Cybercircle

Now I’m passing this tag to 4 people:

1. Misdemeanor.net

2. Erato’s Blog: The Third Muse

3. http://maalamat.blogspot.com/

4. http://warmapplepie3.wordpress.com/

…and finally a Butterfly award from 

Maalamat blog

Butterfly Award

 

 

 

Thank you very much for this 🙂

Now I would like to pass this award to the following 10 coolest blogs:

1. http://pizzatherapy.blogspot.com/

2. http://olddigger.blogspot.com/

3. http://korbelfinearts.blogspot.com/

4. http://hyderabadiz.blogspot.com/

5. http://movingtophilippines.com/

6. http://herby-mysecondtrial.blogspot.com/

7. http://danielngsh.blogspot.com/

8. http://www.filipinamom.com/

9. http://bunkabun.blogspot.com/

10. http://www.aglaonemaku.blogspot.com/

This another long post but bear with me guys coz I really need to post this tags and awards and you need to pass it on 🙂

Juliet Corpuz

 

Mount Pinatubo Hot Spring

Mount Pinatubo Hot Spring is a different route and you can’t do this on the same day especially now that skyway is no longer passable. The expenses to Pinatubo Hot Spring is the same as Mount Pinatubo Crater Trek. You will also avail of 4 x 4 wheel drive. 4×4 is the only transport service that will survive the difficult terrain of Mount Pinatubo areas. Travel time is more or less 1 hour. The required load are the driver, 4 guests and 1 tour guide.

Please note that it’s cheaper if you will come in group as you will shoulder the entire rent of 4×4 jeep, gas, driver, permits & conservation fee, entrance fee and local tour guides.

Minimum package: 12,500 for 5 persons (2500k per head)

Inclusions:

Transport ride from meet up point (infront of Capas Municipal Hall)

4 x 4 jeep (gas, rental, driver and trip dues)

Service of a local tour guide

Conservation fee/environmental fees

Entrance fee

Visit to Aeta village (optional but free)

Lunch
Snack

500 ml water

Optional Services: (Not included in the package)

You can avail this after the trip

600php per head – Volcanic Spa (30 minutes)

600php per head Siatsu – Massage (1 hour)
600php per head – Mud Spa

THE PINAYKEYPOINT TEAM

2007 – 2012

www.pinaykeypoint.org


For inquiries, send your email to pinaykeypoint.org@gmail.com

or text/call:

Globe:   (+63)917.477.9156

Smart:  (+63)930.508.8494

Sun:      (+63)923.626.9088

How to go to Mount Pinatubo

Route for 1st Timers Mount Pinatubo Trekkers from other country:

Departing from Ninoy Aquino Int’l Airport, Makati or Pasay

• Ride a taxi to Victory Liner or 5 Star Bus Line located at Pasay City
• Ask the taxi to use the taxi meter
• Secure a Bus ticket at a ticket booth bound for Dagupan or Pangasinan.
• Your exact destination is Capas Tarlac.
• Estimated Bus fare is 200php one way ticket
• Estimated Travel time is more than 2 hours depending upon the traffic & driving speed
• Exact drop off point is the first gate of Capas Municipal Hall
• Our office is just a few walks away from the jump off point
• Maps is available in our website, please click here
• You may settle the rest of your at Pinaykeypoint Office.

Departing from Clark Airport

• You may ride a taxi or any public transport available at the airport
• Ask the driver to give you a lift to Mabalacat Bus Terminal
• Ride any bus bound to Dagupan or Pangasinan
• Your exact destination is Capas Tarlac.
• Estimated Bus fare is more or less 75php
• Estimated Travel time is more or less 1 hour depending upon the traffic & driving speed
• Exact drop off point is the first gate of Capas Municipal Hall
• Our office is just a few walks away from the jump off point
• Maps is available in our website, please click here
• You may settle the rest of your at Pinaykeypoint Office.
• We also have a tour package that starts at any hotel in Clark/Angeles
• Please visit our website for these tour packages  www.pinaykeypoint.org

 

DEPARTING FROM CUBAO

• You may ride a taxi or any public transport available to go to the bus terminal
• The most accessible is 5 Star bus near Farmers and Dagupan bus infront of Nepa Qmart
• Ride any bus bound to Dagupan or Pangasinan
• You must catch a 4am trip or earlier
• Your exact destination is Capas Tarlac. 
• Estimated Bus fare is 200php one way ticket
• Estimated Travel time is more than 2 hours depending upon the traffic & driving speed 
• Exact drop off point is the first gate of Capas Municipal Hall
• Our office is just a few walks away from the jump off point
• Maps is available in our website, please click here
• You may settle the rest of your at Pinaykeypoint Office.

DEPARTING FROM AVENIDA (Malate, Manila, Recto)

       

Available bus are Philippine Rabbit & Victory Liner

Follow the same procedure above

DEPARTING FROM SUBIC OLONGAPO

I was informed by my previous clients from Olongapo that the first trip is departing at 3am. They don’t want to take chance  to wait for the next trip for fear that they won’t meet the required meet-up time which is 6am. The result is they arrived at 5am and spent 1 hour at seven eleven @ Capas Junction.

• Ride a bus heading to Dagupan or Pangasinan or Baguio (Ask the dispatcher) If there is no available trip, you may take a cutting trip and may opt to take a bus bound to San Fernando or Dau.
• Allocate at least 2 hours for your travel time.
• Estimated fare for straight ride is more or less 200php
• If you take a cutting trip: via San Fernando, Pampanga, just take any passenger jeep or mini bus bound to Dau (more or less 30 mins drive from San Fernando
• When you reach Dau, Ride any bus bound to Dagupan or Pangasinan (more or less 45 mins drive)
• Your exact destination is Capas, Tarlac
• Exact drop off point is the first gate of Capas Municipal hall.
• If you arrive early, just send an sms, we will send a guide to meet you at the jump off point. Our office is just few meters away.

DEPARTING FROM BAGUIO CITY

According to our previous clients from Baguio, estimated travel time via public bus is 4 to 5 hours. They took a 2am trip and reached capas at past 6:30am. Just ride any bus bound to Manila. Almost all trips from North Luzon are passing infront of our office 24/7

• Estimated fare is more or less 300php
• Your exact destination is Capas, Tarlac
• Exact drop off point is the 3rd gate of Capas Municipal hall.
• Send an SMS when you reach Tarlac so we can anticipate your time of arrival.
• We will assign a guide that would wait for you at the vicinity of Capas Municipal Hall

If you will travel here via private car, you may print the map below. We provided several maps depending upon your point of departure

 

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MAPS AND DIRECTIONS

WWW.PINAYKEYPOINT.ORG

 

 

Pasko at New Year sa Pinas 2008

JANUARY 8, 2009

I had a long break before and after Christmas season and I never had the chance to post our Christmas celebration. My kids and nieces are rallying and demanding me to post the Christmas photos and other activities so this would be a long post guys 🙂

Filipinos usually starts welcoming Christmas at the knock of “Ber” months. As early as September, you will hear Christmas songs played on the radios and I myself started to decorate our house with Christmas Tree last October.

Of course my daughters did all the decorating stuff while I was pre-occupied with a lot of work and issues here and now as am staring at my blog, I realized that I never post a single article about Christmas [sigh 😦 ]

But it’s better late than never, so I have to post all the activities we had before Christmas time and after New year.

My youngest and only son Robin Jr. (Nonoy)

My third daughter Rajisha

My 2nd daughter Sabrina

Jessica & Nonoy

My niece Jane

Yours Truly 🙂

Simbang Gabi at San Sebastian Cathedral, Tarlac City

Dec 16 – Misa de Gallo

We’re off to church for the Misa de Gallo where we have to attend the early mass at 4am. Morning masses lasted for 9 days and it is believed and also part of Filipino traditions that a person who completed 9 days mass will have their wishes.

Some church celebrates mass before the break of dawn at 4 o’ clock in the morning while other celebrates mass at 7, 8 or 9 o’ clock in the evening.

It is also a common tradition for Pinoys to buy native Filipino foods such as malagkit, suman, bibingka, ibos, puto etc… after the morning mass.

Native Filipino Foods

Belenismo – The art of making Belen

It’s one of the project of our present local officials. This was conceptualized by Tarlac Heritage Foundation President Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay aiming to make the province of Tarlac as  “Belen capital” of the Philippines. It was launched in 2007 and since then, it becomes a yearly activity for Tarlaquenos which is actively participated by different Barangays, municipalities, institutions and local organization from different sectors and local businesess of Tarlac.

ASIATEN

Max’s Luisita

San Sebastian Cathedral inspired Belen

16 Belens won from different categories out of 78 entries. Categories includes personal, grand, monumental, municipal and diorama.

Tarlac Police Office Belen of Barangay Salapungan received the first award followed by Asiaten Hotel and Coconut Grill as third. Winners were personally awarded by Senator Loren Legarda

Zone ABC DEMOLITION CAMPAIGN

Demolition Poster at Barangay Entrance

The Nolcom authorities temporarily stopped their daily demolition rounds campaign, maybe for the sake of Christmas but nailed this poster at our Barangay main entrance. At present, they never resume the usual rounds of military jeep anouncing demolition. The last update was prior to Christmas, Zone President announced that we will expect the release of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on January 27, 2009 and we are hopeful that it would be released earlier.

Inter Barangay Basketball League

There were many activities in the city. Barangay Basketball league, was participated by different basketball teams from different Barangays. Hub coaches one of the basketball team. The overall winner was Barangay Texas.

Carolers were everywhere, kids, teens, adults & beggars. Some houses who don’t have an extra money for carolers will just put off their lights early. But since I am running a gaming homebiz (PC & Video), and most of my customers are children and teens, I have to allocate coins for them but the good thing about it is that it would go back in my pocket as they would be back playing the next day.

Prior to Christmas time, my kids were busy preparing for their school Christmas party and exchange gifts so as a mom, I have so many things to do which makes me so busy such as buying clothes, gifts, school projects etc… etc… not to mention my printing jobs which requires most of my time.

Dec 24, 2008 – Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas!!

Noche Buena

My day starts and ends at the kitchen lolz!

I have to cook for our Noche Buena. Macaroni Salad, Spaghetti, Crispy Pata, hotdogs, pan bread with cheese and a lot of candies for the kids. Gift giving… And a lot of Christmas Photos …

Mommy and Rajisha

Daddy and Sabrina

Juliet and Hub

December 25

Mano po Ninong/Ninang!!

Kids visited their Ninongs & Ninangs (Godparents) to ask for blessings and gifts. We call it “pagmamano”, another Filipino tradition where kids and teens are visiting their Godparents, these were the people who sponsored our children during baptism and acts as second parents to our kids. They usually prepare gifts or money for their Godchildren. My kids want to extend their sincere thanks to Ninong Atty. Jojo Batalla, Ninang Ressie Reyes, Ninang Myrna Sapasap, Ninong Edgar Uy, Ninong Bong Gallo, Ninang Luz Corpuz, Tita Sally & Ate Cherry for the money and gifts. And I also want to thank my daughters for their gifts for us. I love  you Jek, Sab, Ish, nonoy & ate den…

Dec 27, 2008 – Happy Christening Baby Jed!!

Jed’s clothing and accesories

Jed’s Christening

Location: San Miguel Church Time: 11:00 a.m. Reception: Max’s Restaurant

Cherry’s firstborn was finally baptized before new year. We were all invited at the reception but we can’t leave the house so I stayed home to entertain some expected visitors while my entire family attended baby Jed’s christening. Welcome to the Christian World baby Jed 🙂 I hope you grow up to be a God-fearing boy with wisdom and kindness 🙂

Baby Jed’s cake

Reception: Max’s Restaurant – Luisita

Baby Jed’s Candles, Token & invitation

Mommy Che & Baby Jed

My kids; Jessica, Sabrina, Rajisha, Nonoy and my niece Jane

Corpuz Family

December 31 – New Year Celebration 🙂

Once again, our day starts and ends at the kitchen but this time Hub did most of the cooking 🙂 Another Filipino tradition, we have to prepare 12 fruits on our table, 1 bowl of rice, salt and water and malagkit with egg on top. My mother in-law is doing this yearly and now that she’s gone, we decided to follow her tradition. We were roaming the market to complete the list of fruits. We had grapes, apple, watermelon, melon fruit, oranges, kaimito, pineapple, banana, pears, chico, ponkan and buko (young coconut). Hub added garlic and onions this time.

Media Noche

Yummy desserts 🙂 Kainan na!!

For safety, we never use any firecracker this year. It’s also part of saving our budget so instead of firecrackers, we played Christmas songs and videoke. Childrens are playing videos till dawn and we gave it for free until the next day.

Happy New Year!! it’s chow time 🙂

We’re all full lolz!! 🙂 look at the tummy haha!!

Final Pose 🙂 Happy New Year to all of you!!

The magic of “Ber” has passed and now we’re welcoming the New year with hope & gladness in our hearts. Happy New Year to all of you guys. May this year brings more blessings to all of us. Cheers!!

Juliet & Family 🙂

Mount Pinatubo Swimming Experience

After a long walk, a dip in Mount Pinatubo crater ia the most relaxing thing to do. You would love the cool water, it’s so refreshing like swimming in the garden of eden in the prehistoric time lolz 🙂 But never let this opportunity slip in your hands, when you’re there,you just have to take this once in a lifetime experience, swimming at Mount Pinatubo crater.

For inquiries, send your email to julietcorpuz@gmail.com

or text/call: 

Globe:  (+63)927.255.2206

Smart:  (+63)930.508.8494

Sun:      (+63)922.885.6103

LandLine:

(045) 806 4544 – Residence

Yahoo ID: pinaykeypoint 

Mount Pinatubo Crater Boating

Another exciting activity during this trek is the opportunity to take a Crater Boating experience at only 350php/head. With a boat and a life vest, you can roam around the crater and see the four walls sorrounding Mount Pinatubo, the Zambales, Pampanga, Bamban and Capas walls. Only Capas wall is available and has the safiest entry to Mount Pinatubo crater while the remaining 3 walls are very steep with trees and very dangerous terrain.

The boat is manually operated by local boat operator. Maximum capacity of the boat is up to 7persons. The current is still and the wind is very refreshing.

You will slowly roam the crater for more than 30 minutes, enjoying the majestic mountains walls. Be careful with your cameras 😉 and never let it drop into the water.

Looking from afar, it’s like going to an island 🙂

The Zambales Mountain wall

Wisnu did enjoyed the boating experience

TO BOOK FOR THIS TRIP PLEASE VISIT OUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE

WWW.PINAYKEYPOINT.ORG

Wisnu Arrived – Dec 9, 2008

Wisnu Mega Wijaya, a blogger friend arrived for 3 days vacation. He is an indonesian working at Petronas Malaysia. He found my blog and availed our tour guiding service. He is on 1 month vacation and geared to travel asian countries.

After climbing Mount Kinabalu, he called me to book for Mount Pinatubo Trek. He arrived last December 9, 2008 at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. Hub meet him at the Airport at 7pm.

We agreed that we will book him in a cheap hotel but when he arrived here, he preferred to spend the night with us so we can have enough time to know each other and share each other’s experiences.

Mount Pinatubo Trek

Due to overwhelming response of my readers to my Mt. Pinatubo Post, which also becomes my no. 1 post since I started blogging, we added another service in our homebase business. This is Tour Guiding Services

My hub and I has particular task in running the business. With IT related works, I am in-charge of the internet, design and documentations while hub is doing the field work. But when the need arises, I also assist hub with field work activities.

Recently, I have many inquiries in my inbox particularly Mount Pinatubo Trek. I used to have a computer shop at Capas Tarlac and Tarlac Municipal Tourism had been one of our clients. I designed and created the Identification cards for Mt. Pinatubo Tour guides and most of them are Aetas. I also designed banners, flyers and brochures.

Last week, 2 clients from the internet hired our service thru this blog, Greg and Wisnu. Greg arrived last week but he went to Puerto Galera first and he scheduled trekking on Saturday, Dec. 13. Wisnu Wijaya, an Indonesian based in Malaysia arrived last Dec. 9 at 5:30pm. Hub meet him at the airport. They arrived home at almost 10pm. Although we had an agreement that we will book him in a hotel but because we were so excited sharing each others’ experiences, he decided to stay with us. Our house suddenly turned into a transient home.

The next day hub included Wisnu in the group of trekkers bound to Mount. Pinatubo.

Hub (in white shirt) with Wisnu and Mt. Pinatubo trekkers

Hub during the actual trek

Weee! Samson or Hercules?

Natural and Fresh Spring Water from Mt. Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo Crater

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Boating

Have fun, experience swimming at Mt. Pinatubo crater

4 x 4 wheel drive, the only transport system that would survive rocks and boulders

After a tiring day, sooth your muscles and enjoy full massage spa

Spa comes in different packages; mud spa, volcanic ash spa and many more.

What are you waiting for? experience a once in a lifetime trekking adventure at Mt. Pinatubo Philippines. You can come in group or you can trek alone with native tour guide.

For more inquiries, leave your comment here or email me pinaykeypoint@yahoo.com

Update 2/8/2009

Please click the link to see our recent Mount Pinatubo Trek last February 6 & 7, 2009

For further inquiries, detailed info, trek schedules and itineraries please visit my other blog:

HTTP://PINATUBOTREK.BLOGSPOT.COM/

POST UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 14, 2012

WE ARE NOW ONE OF THE MOST TRUSTED TEAM IN THIS FIELD.

THANKS GOD FOR MY BLOG AND FOR THIS POST;)

I Need Your Strength

Two top media company has already come in our place to look at the matter but we never see any light at the end of the tunnel. Days passed by swiftly and the thoughts of losing the roof on our heads beyond January 30, 2009 makes me weaker each day. I can’t even feel the Christmas in the air, although cold wind is already embracing me… I guess it just makes me numb each passing day. The show of force is so demoralizing, watching the regular round of soldiers in our neighborhood is creating fear and confusion among the children. I already written our cause to some top leaders of our society but it seem our issue had just fallen in deaf ears…

 

 

I started blogging to ease my pains

To ease my feelings and gain some friends

To voice out my opinions and ravings

and to pacify the anger in my surging veins

 

The journey to blogging seems interesting

It lessen the worries that makes me lame

It makes me feel alive once again

From more than 3 years of silence

 

I was silenced by the forces of evil

Who threaten to take my life If I never refrain

Refrain from what? You may ask me that

From being radical which narrowed my path

 

But I can’t live in silence for many years

It makes me crazy and will paralyze my brains

Now I need to go out once again

Maybe not in the street but in the field of blogging

 

 I love my kids, I don’t want to endanger them

That’s why I shut my mouth off and quit from work

But how long shall I stop and just stare at them?

While they are crashing our rights and our home

We were all strangers in this land

Which created by God for every man

But some men are greedy and cruel

They draw the boundaries and created their titles

 

But how dare you claim you own the land created by God?

You just draw the line and claimed it’s yours?

And for that claim you’re ready to harm and maybe kill

Whoever blocks your plans and claims?

 

Fights and wars has just one cause

The greed in every man’s heart to rise in power

By trampling the rights and freedom of other men

Just to place themselves in the pedestal of fame

 

The journey to freedom maybe long and hard

Millions of men had already sacrificed their lives

For the call of justice, equality and sovereignty

Despite all these, we still have to take our steps in this journey

 

I am drawing my strength from God and friends

And I am calling you to internalize the cause

The fight will be stronger if you joined mine

I need your strength in the darkest time…

 

~by: Juliet B. Corpuz ~

12-8-2008 4:00am

Poetry is my healing balm… I need to put into words all the bad feelings I have in my heart…

Related posts of our issue:

Demolition Issue

Demolition update

Eviction notice

Jan 1, 2009

I would like to thank all my readers and blogger friends who extend their hands and support to our demolition issue. The good words coming from you guys is very important to me as this keeps me going and stand on my feet each day.

I also want to give my sincere thanks to SSNUFY for a wonderful poem he composed for this post.

POEM FROM SSNUFFY

Be still my friend have you not forgot
that an awesome God Controls the lot
His word is law and very true
and you know the depth of His love for you

So Stand in faith and and trust His Word
to doubt His power is quit absurd
For He is God and on His Throne
and your promise is your not alone

In His good time this storm will pass
and you will stand at peace alas
and the threat so bold that held you there
will disappear in the morning air,,,,,,

Gods very best >>>SSNUFFY

Thank you very much….

Here is my response for this poem…

Thank you very much SSNUFFY
For this sincere poem you created for me
The thoughts made its way to my heart
Which adds to my strength and made me glad

Never will I forget I have a Big God
Who always leads my path
In him I draw my strength
To face all my struggles and pains

I always thank him for all the friends
That He sent my way as an instrument
Who cheers me up when I’m in vain
Which cushion the blows and ease the pains

I stand still and keep my faith
To trust His word is my shield
This storm will go and never win
Cause I have a God who never fail

<<<<Juliet >>> [January 1, 2009     7:30 a.m.]

Pinoy Entrepreneurs

Everyday we hear different stories about Economic problems. Oil price hikes, recession, depression, business foreclosure and now the flight of our fellow Pinoy OFWs coming home in batches because they lost their jobs due to economic turmoil.

The magnet of poverty line is getting stronger everyday pulling so many people down. Government is very diligent to sustain and increase the magnitude of the magnet energy reserve to further attract more people and so far, they are successful. And now they are keeping up with the latest trend in entertainment and fashion. They are on their feet practicing the latest step of Latin American dance of Cuban origin, Cha-Cha. Wow, this government just can’t get enough of us. They are like blood sucking creatures that will not stop until the last drop of our blood.

Thanks God, He give us beautiful minds to survive the cold. Despite the economic glitch, Pinoys are surviving within the underground economy wherein the circulating currency is by bulk of coins. The government, despite dancing to the tune of cha-cha is crippled in terms of providing employment and health care for the common “tao”. But my fellow Pinoys are innovative. They are embracing the beauty of Entrepreneurism. Despite the lack of capital, they are still coping up to run their business to support their daily needs. And I believe that these are the real entrepreneurs. The real survivors.

This is the clear picture of Pinoy Entrepreneurs and often times they are dislocated by dispersal because of “illegal operation” which according to the authority, they are hampering the traffic flow. During dispersal, their goods are sequestered by the police and because they have no money for fines, oftentimes, recovery of their products is impossible and of course their products would fall “in good hands”.

Masyadong brutal kahit maliliit walang patawad.

Mobile Refreshment

Mobile Barbeque

Mobile Smoked Fish

 

Refreshment Stand

Hand Carried Delicacies

Mobile "Tinapa"

Mobile Banana Industry

Banana Stand

Mobile Botique

Mobile Natural Coconut Juice

Mobile Dried Squid with Vinegar

Snacks and junkies

Mobile "Mani" Store

Mobile Corn Store

Pinoy Chicken Barbeque

in short, Lechong Manok

Ice Candy for Sale

Mobile Fast Food Chain

Mobile Fruit Store

Mobile Quick Meals

Mobile Burger Machine

Mobile Token Store

Mobile Rice Cake Store

in short Bibingka

Online Earnings

I have many inquiries here about online earnings. I reviewed my posts and I noticed that I don’t really have detailed information about making money online aside from the post for oDesk. As promised to Chelle and my other readers who were asking me bout this topic.

Here is the common question I got from my readers:

• Do you really earn from this affiliate and all this writing stuffs?
• How much range of income do u get from this?
• Is working online really true?
• Are they not scams?
• Can I see your proof of payment? You don’t have one in your blog…
• Can you recommend some reliable site?
• I am working at home, I hope you can share some link which can help me earn…

I assure you guys, earning online is real. I am earning decent money which keep me get going, in fact almost 50% of our income comes from my work online and 50% from my home based business. Of course these earnings doesn’t make me rich yet but it sustain our expenses, at least my phone bills, ISP, electric, water, mobile and other household bills and expenses are covered with my earnings. Although we still have to work hard because we have a big family. I have 4 kids, my eldest daughter is a junior high, 2 grade school, 1 niece in college and my youngest son. That makes us 7 members of the family including 2 dogs and 1 guinea pig.

Okay let me give you a detailed info about my earnings:

1. I am a verified oDesk provider

oDesk is a website both for hiring companies and job providers. As a company, you can hire freelancers or even companies who are providing this kind of service. It can be fixed job or hourly work. Payment is escrowed for hourly job, meaning the hiring company has to pay oDesk and after work completion, oDesk will pay the work provider. oDesk has tools to measure hourly work. A special program has to be installed in your PC. On the other hand, fixed job is different. The money is not escrowed and it depends on the hiring company and the work provider’s agreement how they will settle for the payment. It must me through oDesk or Paypal.

How to register:

• You can click here
• Fill up the necessary information. Make your profile 100% finished.
• Create a good resume
• Link your online Portfolio and other related online experience
• Take and pass oDesk readiness Test (90% passing). Just review the TOS & FAQ.
• Take English proficiency exam at oDesk and other website which offer this type of service. I took my English Proficiency exam here.
• Take other tests at oDesk, this will add to your profile and a plus also
• Link your blog. Companies are looking for real writers and your blog will be the most effective sample of your work.

After passing the exam, you will be notified that you’re already a verified oDesk provider. You are now ready to bid for jobs. Just click, find job tab and you will be presented with many job opportunities. Select a category at the left side bar. Choose jobs which suits your skills then click apply. The company usually asks you to send your CV and link to your portfolio.

Orie has some detailed suggestion in my comment box. Click here.

After your first project with oDesk, share your experience by posting it in your blog. Don’t forget to link that blog at oDesk by tagging it. You know why, they are looking for those posts and once you are selected, you will receive an oDesk Tshirt. I received mine last September and oDesk featured my blog on their September Newsletter.

2. I became a regular quiz writer of Devbook.com through oDesk.

I am writing quizzes for devbook using Redwarrior as my pen name. That is why I have a fun quiz page. These quizzes are posted at boredquiz.com. One of my quiz which is a naruto quiz is now an all-time top quiz taken by more than 150 thousand quiz takers. You can see the link here.

Devbook is paying me through oDesk and PayPal.

3. MyLot – I am also earning from this website. This is a social networking site which will pay you by posting and replying to discussions. If you spend long hours online, you can allocate sometime here and you will earn although don’t expect high earnings because it will be based on the quality content of your posts. Minimum pay out is $10 through PayPal. You will earn through referral and posting. Please click here to register under me.

 

4. Commission Junction – you can get advertisement offers through this site. They will pay you through check.

5. Yuwie.com – Just like adgitize, yuwie will also pay you through referrals, viewing and clicking ads

6. Helium – This will pay you everytime you create and post article on their site

7. PayPerPost – This is also a good site for paid blogging.

I also tried joining PTCs but the earnings is so slow and it eats my time so I won’t recommend it. Paid blogging and article writing is still the best way to earn online.

How to start:

• Create an online profile
• Create your portfolio. If you are a writer, post your samples. If you are a web designer, post the links to your finished works. If you’re a graphic designer, upload and post your sample designs, layout or Logos and it would be best if you post a link to your past projects.
• Create a blog where you can show your writing expertise.
• Post your ads. Remember every click on your ads will earn you a dollar.
• Post your referral links. Note that every person who click your referral link and sign up under you will be added to your earnings. AW Surveys.com pays $1.25 for every referral. Just imagine, if 100 people signed up under you, that would be $125. But take note, those must be active members.

So guys that’s my tips on how to start working online. Regarding the proof of payment, ok, this is a screenshot of my PayPal and oDesk transactions. Just click the pics to enlarge images.

My PayPal Transactions

My oDesk Transactions

MyLot Earnings

And another thing, you must sign up for a PayPal account, I have post here about that topic. Click here to read.

Remember also that you have to work on your traffic by joining social community sites like MyBlogLog, BlogCatalog, Facebook, Orkut, Friendster and MySpace. Check what will work for you. Add friends and visit and comment on their blogs and you will see that they will do the same. Add widgets and post your banners.

I hope this post will help you on how to start earning online. These earnings doesn’t make me rich yet but with strategies and the will to find other reliable earning opportunities, I know it will paid off. If you can recommend moneymaking sites, please post it. If you have questions, please feel free to post your comments.

Lastly, if you plan to register in these sites, please sign up under me by clicking the links. I will really appreciate it. Thank you very much! Good luck! 🙂

BONIFACIO DAY

Let’s talk about our National History. I know many of you has no detailed knowledge about this so I did some research para naman medyo maka relate tayo ngayong araw na to… baka sakali… makita natin ang kahalagahan ng mga ipinaglaban nya… na sana lang ay hindi nga nasayang ang mga iyon… yung reference books ko ay hinalukay ko pa sa Baul ng tatay ko 🙂

Today is November 30, we are commemorating one of the important person in the Philippine history, Andres Bonifacio.

Who is the guy? ( He’s my Hero 🙂 )

Bonifacio came out after the failure of the reform movement headed by Rizal and M. Del Pilar. This paved way for a more radical and more active lines. He formed the Katipunan, a secret society which was founded at Tondo Manila, in a house on Azcarraga street then numbered 314, on July 7, 1892, the same date on which Rizal was decreed to be banished to Dapitan.

The secret society was popularly known as KKK which means “kataastaasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga anak ng Bayan” (The Highest and the most respectable Association of the Son’s of the People).

The two principal aims of the KKK as gathered from the writings of Bonifacio:

1. Unity of the Filipino people
2. Separation from Spain by means of Revolution

Rizal doubtless approved the first aim but refused to accept the second and this was the reason that he refused to go along with the “Katipuneros” (soldiers’ of the Katipunan) and voluntarily surrendered that leads him to prison and death.

To achieve unity of the Filipinos, propaganda work must be done and this was through massive education and civic trainings of the Katipuneros. To that end, Bonifacio prepared his now well-known Decalogue, and Jacinto his famous “Kartilya ng Katipunan” (Primer of the Katipunan)

Here is an excerpt from the second paragraph of the Kartilya which states that;

“The object pursued by this association is great and precious: to unite in ideas and purposes all Filipinos by means of a strong oath and from union derive force with which to tear the veil that obscures intelligence and thus find the true path of Reason and Light”

The strong oath was documented and signed with the blood of the “Katipuneros” (blood compact). They swore at the Katipunan creed; To defend the oppressed, fight the oppressor even to the extent of supreme self- sacrifice.

Organization of the Katipunan

The Katipunan has 3 levels of authority:

Kataastaasang Sanggunian (The Supreme Council)
Sangguniang Bayan (The Provincial Council)
Sangguniang Barangay (Town Council)

It was founded in 1892 but Andre4s Bonifacio assumed the presidency in 1894

Table of Organization

President – Andres Bonifacio
Secretary – Jose Turiano Santiago
Fiscal – Emilio Jacinto
Treasurer – Vicente Molina

Executive Department (1896)

President – Andres Bonifacio
Secretary of State- Emilio Jacinto
Secretary of War – Teodoro Plata
Secretary of Justice – Briccio Pantas
Secretary of the Interior – Aguedo del Rosario
Secretary of Finance – Enrique Pacheco

Membership of the Katipunan

With Bonifacio as the Supreme leader, the society gains active followers in the provinces of Morong (Rizal), Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tayabas. The number of Katipuneros has been estimated at 123, 000 in Manila and the surrounding provinces. Women also organized themselves into an Auxiliary of the Katipunan including the 29 relatives of the Katipuneros.

Ritual of the Katipunan

Katipunan also adopted some of the features and practices of the Masonry, such as conferring of degrees, secret ceremonies and symbolic names.

A first degree of the Katipunan was called “Katipun” meaning an associate and the sacred word was “Anak ng Bayan”. A second degree member was called “Kawal”, a soldier and the sacred word was “Gom-Bur-Za” which stand for Father Gomez, Burgos and Zamora. A member of the third degree was called “Bayani”, a hero and the sacred word was “Rizal”.

The symbolic name of Bonifacio was “May Pag-asa (There is hope), Emilio Aguinaldo as Magdalo and Emilio Jacinto as Pingkian.

The call to Arms

It was a lieutenant of the civil guard stationed in Pasig, who in July 5, 1896, reported in confidential writing to the Governor of Manila that persons coming from the capital and neighboring towns were enlisting men for an “unknown purpose” and that they were making recruits sign wit their blood a pledge not to reveal, even under threat or death the purpose of the association and its intentions.

On August 19, 1896, the offices of the “El Diario de Manila was forcibly searched by the “guardia civil” and lithographic stone with 2 blank receipts of the Katipunan was found including the By-Laws and other incriminating documents. This leads to multiple arrests of many suspects that ends up in their tortures and death.

The First Cry of Balintawak – The first cry of revolution

On August 20, at the last series of meetings held in Kangkong, a barrio in Caloocan, Bonifacio and his followers plan and agreed to attack Manila on August 29, 1896. That decision marked the triumph of the radicals under the leadership of Bonifacio and Jacinto. Resolved not to return home, the Katipuneros, as proof of their determination to break off their allegiance to Spain, tore up their “cedulas” (certificate of residence), shouting “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” (Long live the Philippine Republic)

That was the start of the Philippine revolution which took place in many parts of the land. Many Katipuneros had died in the battle for the sake of freedom and liberty. Bonifacio has fought for this purpose until the last breath of his life.

300 years of Bondage. Millions of Filipinos had lost their lives fighting for independence.

The Spanish is too proud to surrender to what they call idiots and stupid Filipinos. They rather surrender to Americans. And so it was done.

The history tells us who the real heroes are. ..who fought to liberate this land. It was clearly written but Bonifacio, was denied the title of a National Hero. My daughter asked me that same question. I said, maybe because Bonifacio is a radical person and must not be idolized by future generation. They want us to be meek and just pray and ask for God’s mercy. Not fight and bear the unbearable… and whoever raised his voice against the government must be silenced… legally…brutally.

The Cry of Balintawak still echoes in the wind. For every life that is wasted, for every leader who dies because of a word called “principle”. I wonder if independence was really achieved because until this day, the Spanish styles of killings and tortures is still existing. Activists are killed. Organizations are busted. Workers are displaced. Unions are abolished.

The journey to freedom is long and hard. The price of bravery and principle is high.

The day of real freedom and independence still remains a dream…

 

References: History of the Philippines by Conrado Benitez

The Philippine Islands – by Dr. James A. Robertson, Blair and Robertson

>>> My dad’s books from his very old collections…

VIOLATION OF PRIVACY POLICY

Just Like blogging, Forums are one of the most visited sites in the internet. I usually visit forum sites and read threads and discussions of my desired topics.

Sometimes in the past, I need an immediate fund, I want to withdraw money from my PayPal account without having to wait for 5 to 7 working days. I Google the keyword Paypal to Gcash or PayPal to Smart Money and a thread from Pinoymoneytalk forum leads me to a thread about PayManila and so my problem was immediately solved.

This is one of the positive effects of forums.

This is a screenshot of the original thread. Click this for larger view.

But the other day, one of my community member from MyBlogLog left a comment in my blog. He raised his concerns about a certain forum site, Pinoyden.com. I clicked the link and read the thread and this is what I found

A newbie member under an alias of shiangtao posted a new topic. He quoted Edz comment at yugatech blog. Included in that topic was Edz name and private information, his emails and blogs. He purposely search for Edz information and posted it at the forum area. He was successful in this thread as he gains a lot of responses which is negative for Edz reputation. I know right there and then that this is a clear violation of privacy policy and I look for the moderator of the site. He was there participating at the forum under the name of AED.

I immediately signed up and posted my comment. You can read my comment here under my alias Red, I reminded them of the sites rules and privacy policy. After posting a comment, I wrote to the admin/moderator to raise my concern. Here is the screenshot of the message.

This is the screenshot of the message I sent to the moderator. Click this for a larger view.

I knew that Edz was taking this matter seriously and to pacify him, I informed him that I already send a complaint letter to the moderator to clear the matter.

The following day, I checked the site and noticed that they already removed Edz private information. I also received a message of apology from the Admin/moderator. 

If you will notice, he has quoted a red line which states that they cannot monitor the forum. This is a clear alibi. Hey Mr. AED, if you will notice the screenshot of the post, it says 2 thanks from Reuben and AED. And look after you removed Edz site info, the 2 thanks turn into 1 thanks and your name is gone? What happen? You also participated in that thread and you just removed your comments, may I know for what reason? To make your excuse real? that you are not participating in that thread? I won’t buy your alibi mister because I click your name in your comment that’s why I get to your profile to send you a private message. Masyado ka tuloy obvious. You yourself enjoyed the thread and maybe very happy for the active response and traffics and remember you’re doing that at the expense of Edz reputation. And to you Mr. Shiangtao, be man or woman enough to reveal your own info before posting other people’s info and don’t be so lame pathetic. Try to post some decent topic out from your own brains and stop quoting from other people’s comments. It makes you a stupid, talkative nonsense poster who wants to be famous by degrading others. Wag kang intrimitido!

This is the message of apology from the moderator. Click this for larger view

At yung isa pa under an alias of weibkreuz who is claiming that he’s from tarlac said “guys tga tarlac din ako at ung school ni edizon tongol n yan dun ako graduate, patay sakin yang edizon tongol n yan pag nkita, bubugbugin k yan, he3 pag nduty sa hospital nmin yan teterminate k na agad”

haha! talaga lang ha? sure ka kaya mong gawin yan? Sige uwi ka dito sa Tarlac sabihin mo address mo at pupuntahan ka namin ni Edz. Subukan nga namin kong kaya mo nga syang bugbugin. Pare yung yabang ginagawa yan di sinasabi. Dahan dahan lang tau sa pagsasalita kc di naman natin kilala yung mga taong pinagsasabihan natin eh.

This is really a gross stupidity on the rise 🙂 nakakahiya.

(sigh…deep breathing…my nebulizer please…)

Eviction Notice for Zone A, B & C

NOVEMBER 25, 2008

This post is an update regarding the demolition problem at Zone A, B & C San Miguel, Tarlac City.

The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) issued a final eviction notice which must be complied within 60 days otherwise they would be constrained to make representation for the employment of counteractive legal measures within the authority of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This Final demand is blatantly contained in the document I scanned below.

The threat of demolition is like a plague spreading in the barrios of San Miguel; Zone A, B & C. Just like my neighbors, I am trying to go over with my normal routine although I had a good laugh with my previous post but the reality will always sets in. The fear of losing our home is a daily nightmare to us. One of the residents from Zone B, a retired army had a heart attack after reading the final notice and he died instantly. A 6 by 6 truck with heavy weapons and armies was roaming the barrio and creating confusion and fear among the residents. This is a clear manifestation of harassment. This show of force is a psychological warfare which is a common dirty trick by our very own army.

Joyce Segue of GMA Balitang Amianan conducting an exclusive interview

It’s really frustrating that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the institution that is liable for the security and protection of the common Filipino is engaging in this outrageous activity. My kids are asking me; why are they doing this to us mommy? My teacher said Soldiers will protect us, but why they are threatening us? Will they kill us too?

These are the simple childish question that I cannot answer. I still have to gather my strength to reckon and give the best answer that would convince my kids that the army, like my dad is a servant and protector of the people. How can a child love a government when at this early stage, they are already experiencing this dilemma?

Joyce Segue, GMA reporter for “Balitang Amianan”news program conducted an interview the other day regarding the escalating issue of demolition. The newly elected association president Col Felipe Damo is instituting several options on how shall we deal with the problem, from legal battle to collective effort of the masses and the residents to defend our home physically. Our strength may not be equal to the guns and goons of the government but we will not just stand at the corner, staring at them doing nothing while they are crashing our home. A bloody dispersal that has wasted many lives at Hacienda Luisita while farm workers are waging fight for just compensation and benefits was also maneuvered by NOLCOM and now, their bloody fingers are once again thirsting for the same scenario.

I am asking for your support my fellow bloggers, in behalf of my neighbors and the children in my community please help us spread this news and blog this issue.

I don’t want another Hacienda Luisita tragedy.
Please spare our home and the children.

Eviction Letter from NOLCOM. Please click for larger view.

NOTE: Watch Joyce interview with Col. Felipe Damo at my YouTube channel: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/redwarriorheart

Previous posts:

Post 1 – Zone ABC: We are Facing Demolition Issue

Post 2 – Demolition Update

Pautot ni Buraot

This is a funny title and I know that only my Filipino readers would understand this. Sorry guys spare me this post but this post is intended for my Fellow Pinoys and I have to use Tagalog language for this post. Bear with me, thank you!

O ayan, nakapagpaalam nako sa mga blogistang di natin kalahi at di nakakaintindi ng tagalog 🙂

Siguro magtataka yung mga readers ko kung anong kaguluhan ire at bakit kelangan kong mag powst ng tagalog e samantalang madami akong readers na di ito maiintindihan. Pasensya na kayo mga ripapips at kelangan ko munang mag jeproks sa post na ito bunga ng matinding pangangailangan hehe 🙂

Meron kasi akong natisod na kakilala sa pamamasyal ko sa blogosper at itong tao na ito ay di na rin naman iba sa akin. Ito ay walang iba kundi si Buraot. Hanep ano, sa pangalan pa lang ang lakas na ng dating. Ei ibang klase din naman ang mga powst nya at minsang bumisita ako sa blag nya, akalain mo halos nabasa ko lahat ang powst sa blag nya sa loob ng isang araw at akoy halos kabagan sa katatawa. Abay malayo sa pangalan nya ang laman ng blag dahil talaga namang hindi ka mabuburaot na magbasa ng mga powst nya. O sige, e sya, bakit kailangan pa kong magtagalog?

Ei kasi nga me pautot itong si Buraot at ako naman ay naanyayahang sumali sa pautot na ito. Abay sayang din at mejo malaki rin naman ang premyo na aabot ng $550 at katakot-takot na entrecard kaya naman kinasahan ko na din total perst taym ko lang din sasali sa ganito.

Simple lang ang rules, kailaangan lang na kalampagin ang madlang blogistang pinoy na marunong managalog tungkol sa pautot nyang ito. Kailangan ding mamili kung anong powst nya ang halos magpautot sau sa katatawa at lagyan ito ng link.

Buweno, mejo mahaba na itong powst at baka hulihin na tayo ng blogger pulis at wla pa atang DTI permit etong pautot ni Buraot kaya bibilisan ko na. 

Ang nagustuhan kong blog nya ay tungkol sa latest nyang cellphone. Bukod sa haytek talaga to abay napakagandang dalhin. tyak na hindi makakatawag ng pansin ng mga agaw-celpon. Oii! sa mga interesado sa celpon na ito klik mo to.

O ayan ‘d end na. naway manalo ako sa pautot mo bro 🙂

Sa mga blogistang pinoy at pinay na nabuburaot sa buhay pwede nyong silipin ang blag ng kolokoy na to klik mo lang to

In fairness nag enjoy ako sa paggawa ng powst na to. di ko na kailangan ng nebulizer pagkatapos mag blog di tulad ng english kelangan ko pa bumili ng ventolin nyahahaha 🙂 pasensya na guys! paminsan minsan lang mawala sa sarili ang lola nyo. 

O panu Buraot, bago pa mawalan ng respeto sa akin ang mga readers ko ay wawakasan ko na to at baka di lang sa hitlist malagay ang pangalan ko, baka pati yung PEDEA ay hulihin ako haha!

Sa mga nais sumali pwede pang humabol hanggang Bonifacio Day. Bisitahin nyo lang si Buraot 🙂

2 Blogger Awards for PinayKeyPoint

1. The Power Blog Award

 My warmest thanks to Ria Stevenson for giving me this award 🙂 

The Rules:

1. Each blogger must post these rules.

2. You need to choose up to ten people to be awarded and list and tag their names.
3. Don’t forget to leave them comment telling them they’ve been tagged and to read your blog (soon).

Now I want to pass this award to the following blogger friends:

Red, Margaret, Grace, Liza, Riza, asaygur and babywener

2. The Lemonade Award

My warmest thanks to my dear friend Red for giving me this cool award 

Rules for the Lemonade award:

Put the logo on your blog or post.

• Nominate up to 10 blogger friends’ blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
• Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
• Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to this post to the person from whom you received your award.

Now I want to pass this Lemonade award to my coolest friends who read and post comments untiringly:

Edz, Spiky, Warshock, Dede, Wolfwood16, Hammed, ShowStalker and Gabriel

Again my big thanks to Ria and Red for thinking of me and for giving me these awards. I really appreciate it girls. Hugz to both of you! 🙂

PinayKeyPoint Link Page

I just finished modifying my link page. If you are looking for my blogroll, you wont see it in my side bar because I already transferred it in my link page. I created that page 2 months ago and I left “This page is under construction” note but I noticed that it has already comments so I decided to update it.

My link page has a list of MyBlogLog Community members and I posted their profiles and avatars.

MyBlogLog is a yahoo service which provides a venue for bloggers and website owners to communicate. You don’t have to sign up if you already have a yahoo account. Just log-in using your yahoo account. This is the account you used when you are chatting thru Yahoo Messenger and your e-mail address as well. Your yahoo account is a central account which you can use for opening all yahoo service such as YM, Ymail, Yahoo 360, Flicker, Geocities, Yahoo Answers, Yahoo Groups, Yahoo Games , MyBlogLog and many more… You can find all yahoo services by going to yahoo homepage and clicking more yahoo services.

I created my first email address in 1999 and internet during that time is very rare. I just have to create an email address because I have nephews in US and we have to communicate. I am using AOL mail and AOL Messenger then. My browser then was Netscape Navigator.

My link page shall contain my blogroll, my most visited links and resources, my community, my portfolio and contacts from different social communities. I just finished uploading my blogroll and MyBlogLog Community members. Other links will be included soon.

If you’re a MyBlogLog member and you want your profile to be included in my link page and blogroll, just add me, join my community and add my link in your blogroll and inform me by leaving a comment in my link page. Please remember that you must add me first. I have requests of link exchange but after I added their links in my blog, I visited their blogs and noticed that I was not included in their blogroll so I removed them.

I never noticed it in the past but my fellow bloggers told me about it. Well yes, it’s unfair and a one way ticket. Being a blogger, we have to know the basic rules. If we want to have a thriving community, it must be a mutual effort. I make it a point to drop a regular visits and comments to my community members and blogger friends in my blogroll. By doing such, you will see that you are not just adding friends but creating a community as well. When somebody joins your community, we take responsibility to keep in touch with our members. We must send them at least a community message to make them feel that they are important.

My stay in the blogging world was no different when I was a union organizer. We can only create active members and leaders thru constant follow up and meetings. I have requests here to organize a blogger’s community here in Tarlac and I am really taking into consideration if I will push it. My resignation from work was triggered when I was included in the hitlist released by NOLCOM in 2004. Most of the names in the list are now gone and tagged as “Victims of Political Killings” I am a mommy of 4 kids and to slowdown from labor struggles is not cowardice in lieu of life’s preservation. It really breaks my heart to abandon my members especially now that they are facing many labor union issues. These are the reason why I am still hesitant but maybe I will have to start again.

Visits, Moves and Transfers to New Locations

NOVEMBER 16, 2008

I have many blogger friends here who are blogging about their adjustments in the Philippines. They are sharing their experiences both good and bad to warn their fellow citizen just in case they want to visit, move or settle here. According to them, they feel that they have to share what they have gone through because it’s something they don’t have when they move here. Nobody warn them about the consequences and because of these, they never enjoy their stay.

Moving to a new place is not easy. It would take a lot of adjustment. I personally experienced this because my dad was in the army and he used to move from one place to another and sometime, we have to go with him. It was only when I started studying that he decided to retire so we can settle in one place. He preferred to settle in a little Barrio along the bayside at the foot of the mountain. That was his dream place. He had motorboats which he used for fishing. The sea has been an extension of my playground. Every Saturday, we usually hike to visit his coconut farm at the middle of the mountain called “Balanga” and “Sarimao”. We would hike at least 4 to 5 hours before we reach the place. I used to climb trees to get my favorite fruits; mango, dalanghita, guyabano, santol, guava etc… Dad has a green thumb and he can grow any tree 🙂 I grew up with abundant fruits and fish. I also help drying coffee beans both “barako” and the regular ones. Life was simpler then until Martial Law has been declared.

My Hometown: Caranan, Pasacao Camarines Sur

My eldest daughter Jessica (4 yrs old)

This was taken on 1998

I won’t elaborate Martial Law because it’s for another post but as far as I can remember, it was a chaos. Many of my dad’s comrades has been killed so we decided to leave the place and moved in the city. I lost my childhood. At grade 4 I had to transfer and leave my friends. It was a painful experience.

After high school, we moved to Manila and it was another adjustment. But these moving and transfers made me flexible. When I have my first regular job at Kawasaki Motors Philippines, I was selected for company training abroad. I had been to Japan twice for 6 months, first in 1990 and 1992. That was a great experience. I had my trainings at Sumitomo Wiring Systems (SWS), Yokkaichi City, one of the biggest corporations in Japan.

Dad like a typical army is always ready. He helped me with my preparations. He gave me a checklist of important things that I have to prepare. Because Japan is not an English speaking country, he advised me to enroll Nippongo. I learned my basics at Pros International, it’s a language school located at the second floor of Manila Hotel Nikko then. It’s not a very difficult language since I learned my basics in just 1 month. Dad gave me books and magazines to read about the culture and ways of the Japanese people so I can easily get along with them.

He told me that I must bring the following to make my life easier:

• Biscuits good for at least 3 days just in case I don’t like the food and grocery is not scheduled yet.
• Pack of my soap, shampoo and toiletries including pads for my period.
• Medicine kit with cotton, band-aid and basic meds for first aid.
• Sewing kit with needles, thread of different colors and scissors
• Manicure set. Complete with nipper, nail cutter, pusher, brush, acetone and nail polish
• Beauty products. My face powder, make ups, lotion, cologne etc…
• Drawing tools. I have a complete set of water color, brush, colored pens, pentel pens etc…
• I also have a complete set of hair cutting materials. Yes, I can cut my own hair lolz!
• Writing tools. Stationeries, envelopes, pad papers and notebook. PC and mobile phones are not yet popular that time so post mail and long distance call were our means of communication.
• My Bible & rosary, magazine, a Japanese-english and English-japanese dictionary, and Japanese grammar book and recipe book.
• Camera and films, my favorite cassette tapes and CDs and of course my walkman (No iPod yet then)
• My little scrabble set and playing cards
• He told me not to bring many clothes and footwear since I can buy those things at the mall. He just told me to bring formal clothing for important events.
• Of course I also brought a frame of our family picture so I can still see them while I’m away.

Sumitomo Wiring Systems Japanese Management and Staff

Makiyama Factory Management and Staff

Those things are not too bulky so I just have 1 big bag and a hand carry bag. We were leaving on the month of May so dad asked me to bring a warm jacket and insisted that I wear a type of dress that would fit for cold season. He told me to bring an extra sandwich in my bag just in case I don’t like the food so I won’t get starved.

Me and my close friend Roselle Sandejas (Nasaan ka na ngaun?)

Before leaving, we still have to go at the company for further orientation, they were surprised because I had the smallest bag while my other officemates has bulky bags like a cabinet 🙂 They were making fun of me because I am wearing winter clothes and summer was at its peak then. But daddy knows best. He saw my ticket and we will be stopping at Korea, and he told me that Korea is a very cold country.

Having fun with Tuchinaga San (I wish I can communicate with you…)

I really have a smart dad. He was so right. My officemates who were wearing sexy clothes and thin blouses were swearing when we had our stopover. Icy cold wind touched our skins when we walked at the tarmac to take a Cathay domestic plane to Japan. They can’t even walk and they were all trembling. Since our baggages were in the compartment, they cannot get their jackets. I was so thankful that my dad told me to wear proper clothes and keep a jacket in my hand carried bag.

Fall kaya walang dahon pero madaming bunga 🙂

We arrived at Osaka airport at 12pm. We were all starving and we have to wait for our guide. Thanks to dad, I have 3 sandwiches which made me full. Of course I’m not greedy so I shared it with them. We were 10 trainees then and they were apologetic for teasing me and very thankful for that sandwich.

Indeed, I had an easier life than my officemates. I have a complete supply of my basic needs while they have so many clothes in their baggage. It was after a week that we were allowed to go at the grocery but since most of the products were labeled with Japanese characters, they don’t know which is which. And because they never give time to learn the basic Japanese language, they can’t communicate with the Japanese sales persons. I had a month supply of my personal needs so I already knew the labels before my supply runs out.

Tuchinanga san’s kids. Naomi San yung panganay. Nakalimutan ko na yung bunso 🙂

Of course they forgot to bring the lists I had above, they borrowed my scissors, my nail cutter, my nail polish, my needles etc… They told me it would be too costly if they would buy those things in Japan. Those were just one of the reasons why I adore dad 🙂

Because I knew the basic language, I had the easiest task and most of the time, I just have to translate their concepts from Japanese to English and let me do the explaining for my group. I was also assigned to do a lot of Kaizen. Kaizen is a Japanese concept of making suggestions that will improve production operation. First, I have to observe the old method making a time study then I have to introduce a new method which is more effective, speedy and will save cost and time.

Inaba San and Yoko tsan (Yoko, musta na kaya kau ni kuya Jun? I hope we can still communicate )

If my new method is proven to be effective; of course I have to implement it for at least a week and if it brings positive result then, I have to document it and submit it to the management. The great thing is that, they would pay you for that. From the simplest to complex suggestions and implementations that you imparted, it will be paid accordingly and take note, I earned a lot from that and that’s my edge because I knew the basic language. I can explain and defend my suggestion kahit pa nga barok niponggo lang haha.

My bestfriend Dhey (sobrang miss na kita friend, diko na maalala kung kelan tau last na nagkita) Behind us was Edzel, isa pa yan, nasa US kna daw… sana maka pag chat naman tau)

Japan, is a very clean country. If you throw something on the road, say it’s a candy wrapper, a Japanese walking behind you will stop, will pick it and throw it in a trash can. I swear, you will be very embarrassed if you do that.

They are very honest. I accidentally left my wallet at the counter and the cashier was running after me to return my wallet. They also follow traffic rules strictly. I remember when we spend the night at the city, then we have to go home at dawn, we hired a taxi. Stopping at the junction, we noticed that there was no car because it’s too early then but he was patiently waiting for the green light. My officemate who was sitting at the front seat teased him and asked him to go on red light anyway there’s no car and no cop around. He sternly said: “No! That’s why there are so many accidents in the Philippines” and we all laugh and marvel at his good attitude.

Dabarkads sa Tokyo Disneyland. Hay naku miss ko na kau lahat. Gusto ko na atang maiyak jabang pino post ko to 🙂

We had funny moments though. Like for example when we were at the park, and we really have to use the toilet, we have to wait for somebody who will walk in or go out because we don’t understand the signage and we have to endure what we feel.

Narra Park, one of the oldest park in Japan. Mountain peak ito. They considered these deers holy. I’m feeding them with biscuit

And the first time that we used the vending machine hahaha! 🙂 It’s terrible. So embarrassing, we dropped the wrong amount of coin and it was stuck and we have to ask for an assistance to fix it. We also meet a Pinoy friend who want to make fun of us. He told us seriously that every bottle has a deposit, all we have to do is to return it inside the vending machine so we can get the coin deposit.

Selle, sobrang miss na kita, 1993 pa ng last tau nagkita… saan nb kau friend?

I didn’t took it seriously but one of my officemate did! (siguro matinding pangangailangan) She was trying to return the bottle inside the vending machine and pressing the button hoping that she can get the coin when a Japanese asked her why she’s doing it. She was crying when she went home because of that incident.

Those were part of great experiences. I made a lot of friends and they even go to the Philippines to visit us. 4 of my officemates married a Japanese, Teresa Lontok Watanabe, Lynette Garcia Kawakami, Fides Cardenas and Goy but sadly I lost communication with them when I was transferred in Tarlac. More than a decade had passed before the mobile phones and Internet arrives and I can’t trace their locations anymore.

I wish to meet them one day in the internet like my childhood friends from Bicol who found me through my “Promdi from Pasacao Post” .

Welcome to the Christian World Baby Jed

NOVEMBER 14, 2008

First week of November was a busy week for us, after the preparation and celebration of Undas (All Saint’s Day), our niece Cherry delivered her first born, a handsome baby boy at 2:30pm of Friday, November 7, 2008.

Cherry is very dear to us as she’s almost my eldest daughter. I’m very fond of her, I helped her with her assignments, I turned her hate for Algebra into love and explained to her the basics so she can cope up with her mathematics.

I watched her growing from her teens to a full grown woman. I laugh with her, cried with her and I had been a listener to her laughter and sobs. She almost acquired my activist’s point of views and had been a very idealistic person.

Born to a military family, she had taken the same path. At 26, she’s now a chief investigator of CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), Camp Macabulos, Tarlac City. I am closely following her career and hoping the best of everything for her and her family.

Welcome to the Christian World Baby Jed 🙂

Baby Jed

Baby Jed

The new member of the family

See how cute he is… hmmm, she looks like her mommy che 🙂

The tired mommy Cherry… sleeping beauty 🙂

…and the visitors Ate Evelyn (Che’s mom), Ate Luz & Beth and yours truly in the red shirt 🙂

Veterans Day

NOVEMBER 11, 2008

Today, Americans are celebrating Veterans Day. This occasion is celebrated annually every 11^th day of November in honor of military veterans. If it falls on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave. This practice is similar to Philippines because any legal holiday which falls on a Sunday, Monday will be a holiday leave, and for regular workers working on a holiday, it will be a double pay on their pay slip.

Why I am discussing this?

Courtesy of http://z.hubpages.com/

My Dad is a US army, a World War II Veteran. Col. Aureo B. Bustinera, my dad is one of the thousand Filipino Soldiers who fought hand in hand with the US military soldiers to liberate the Philippines from Japanese forces during war time. I grew up with stories of war and battles. I can’t count the times how my dad untiringly narrated his experiences in the battle field. The scars on his face, the traces of tortures and marks all over his body are the silent witness of his great bravery.

I was breed to be tough to all sorts of battle. The big D which stands for discipline was deeply marked on my forehead. I learned the essence of discipline through constant lecture and spanking but I do love my dad. I owe him what I am today. My battle of life has been easier compared to what he had been through during those crucial times. Living in the midst of tanks, firing guns and grenades is no joke. To survive from that battle is indeed a big miracle and I thank God that I was born to a brave man like my dad. I’m very proud of him.

Sometime in September 1992, Dad availed and filed for US Naturalization Process. This is one of the benefits extended to USAFFE (United States Army Forces in the Far East) and Philippine Scouts. Dad is a Philippine Scout (PS).  PS is a military organization of the United States Army from 1901 to World War II. Made up of native Filipinos assigned to the US Army’s Philippine Department, these troops were generally enlisted and under the command of American officers, however, a handful of Filipinos received commissions from the United States Military Academy. Philippine Scout units are given a suffix of (PS), to distinguish them from other US Army units.

One of my Dad’s Certificate. Click for larger view.

I assisted my dad during his review. He has to familiarize all the questions and corresponding answers provided in his reviewer. I even memorized the 50 states; American flag color, presidents and other related questions because Dad was reading that everyday, I used to mock him for that because for me, it’s odd why he has to memorize all that stuff. Then I go with him at the US embassy and you know what happen. Our efforts were wasted because the interviewer just asked him to narrate his experiences during the war and he listened tearfully. Whew! That’s what I get with days of review lol!

Dad has been naturalized after a year and awarded a multiple entry and exit to US. He petitioned us after but I told him I prefer to stay here in the Philippines. The irony of this naturalization is that Dad will only receive his pension if he would live in the US territory. Many of my dad’s comrades went abroad to taste the life of Milk and Honey but unfortunately most of them returned resting on their coffins accompanied by their mourning families.

Dad’s US Certificate of Naturalization. click for larger image.

My Dad is already past his 80s and one of an estimated 18,000 surviving World War II Filipino veterans, 13,000 in the Philippines and 5,000 in the U.S. struggling to survive without adequate veteran’s benefits which the U.S. government promised nearly six decades ago. Instead he has been living meagerly on his old age pension from PVAO (Philippine Veterans Affairs Office).

Reading the news, the bill which will allow the US veterans residing in the Philippines to receive part of the compensation that the US veterans residing in US is receiving which is called Veterans’ Equity Act of 2007 has been set for floor debates both in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

I saw the faint smile from my dad’s tired old face. Finally, after more than half of the century fighting for their rights, they’re almost at the finished line and I hope my dad can still raise his hands for that day that he will receive his $ pension which he long for many years.

Dad and thousand of men like him were victims of wars and conflict. They served hand in hand with the government but been abandoned afterwards. They’re no different from many Philippine soldiers who were pushed out from their hard-earned home like what is happening to us now here in Camp Aquino where we are facing demolition issue.

The irony of war… The irony of Governance…

…and yet we are wondering why resistance movements exist?

The existence of resistance movement in any country is a result of discontentment and poverty. They choose to die fighting rather than die waiting…

I hope that the leaders will comprehend the essence of this truth…

PinayKeyPoint has been tagged: Blogger Buddy Award

Spiky Tagged me with Blogger Buddy Award and I would like to express my warm appreciation for this wonderful thought. Spiky is a fellow-bikolano blogger from Bikolano community. I am glad to meet blogger friends like him who gave me a chance to use and practice my local bikol dialect whenever i post a comment and this really give me a warm feeling of being home 🙂

Click to get the Blogger Buddy Code Here

What is a blogger buddy?

(IMAO) Blogger Buddy is anyone who is keeping in touch virtually and expressing warm friendship through frequent blog visit, reading blog posts and comments.

I am very pleased to receive this award and as a sign of appreciation, I would like to share this award to the following Blogger friends;

SPIKY’s BLOGEDZTAR’s BLOGGRACE’s BLOGLIZA’s BLOG

That’s all for today guys, please pass this to your fav blogger friends including me of course 🙂

US Presidential Race

NOVEMBER 5, 2008

Before I proceed with my new post, I want you to know that this post is beyond my tag and my theme. “A glimpse to the Pearl” as my tag line reflects my opinions and reactions about diversified issues on parenting, poverty, governance and a lot more but in the context of Philippine setting.  I created this blog on purpose that I want to give you a glimpse of the view point of an ordinary Filipina from ordinary family. I know that we came from different countries, beliefs, traditions and culture and knowing each others differences through personal blogging and updates creates a new community and a new world united by one concept: Friendship and sharing regardless of race, language and religion.

The presidential race of the United States of America has been the center of attention of any media, be it print, radio, TV and the World Wide Web. It’s a constant topic on many class debate, talk show and even a mockery on TV sit coms and editorial cartoons. Maybe, I was the last person in the blogging world who never lifts a finger to discuss this topic. It’s not because I’m not interested but because I want to stick to my tag line and the US presidency is something beyond my tag line.

But the race was over now and the champion had raised his hands at the finished line with flying colors. In this very important occasion, I want to give you a glimpse of my opinion but of course it’s still in the context of Philippine setting.

America, for many is a promised land with greener pasture and vast opportunities. For this reason, many Filipinos left the Philippine soil to taste the milk and honey and to have a glimpse of snow and Hollywood as well. Some had realized their dreams but to some, America has been a big hell and nightmare. These were the people who were abused and had been a victim of crimes and accidents.

America is a strong nation which has a strong clout in all aspect of governance not only in the 50 states but in the whole world as well. We are all a living witness of how America had risen itself to pedestal of fame and power but we also see how it began its journey to financial drought. Many of my American friends had been angered by political stigma which slowly shattered the American dreams.

In the midst of political and economic struggle, the birth of a new fighter emerged in the arena which threatens many big and powerful Americans. It was almost a racial fight but in the end, Americans had proven once again how they loved their homeland and the hope of a new promise shines vividly in the horizon.

The Clout of American control is very eminent in the Philippine government, education, culture and ways. Many Radical Filipinos had sacrificed their lives fighting for genuine freedom and democracy. I don’t know how many more lives will be wasted until such time that we are able to fill the government seat with true political leaders who will serve the Filipino people with all their mind, heart and might. I know this will still a long way out but in the meantime, I will extend my hand to all Americans and congratulate them for winning this fight. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope with them that those promises we heard will came into reality. I hope that Philippines, though millions miles away, will be able to feel the drastic change that will be executed by President Obama. God Bless our country & the whole world.

Undas sa Pinas 2008

 NOVEMBER 1, 2008

Filipinos are celebrating All Saints Day and All Souls Day every 1st and 2nd day of November. It’s one of the most celebrated traditions in our country. We call it “Undas” or “Fiesta ng mga Patay” in Tagalog and because I’m a Bicolana, we call it “Fiesta ng mga Kalag” in Bicol Term.

Fiesta, yes this is almost a festivity as families are going to cemeteries to pray and celebrate. It’s a whole day activity and to some, they even spend it overnight. It’s like a party or reunion as we are also bringing foods aside from flower and candles.

Yesterday, Hub and Jane went at Eternal Memorial Park at 7am to prepare our place. They brought some chairs and light candles while I prepared some food for our lunch and snacks. Every year, I usually cook “pancit” and “malagkit” for this occasion. This is a native Filipino food. We also put “atang” or food offerings in our altars. It’s a traditional food offering for the souls of our departed loved ones.

Some communities are also holding Halloween Party and “Trick or Treat” but in our Barangay (Pinoy Term for Community), families are spending the day at the cemetery. We prepare flowers, candles and my son even bought his pet Meme to spend the day with us.

My kids enjoyed the day playing, eating and running around. It’s also a time to meet old friends as many of our friends who are staying at other towns and provinces are going home to visit their loved ones. This is also a nice time for family reunions so it’s almost a dual celebration both for the departed loved ones and the family as a whole.

These are some of the pictures of the Undas

In loving memory of Inang, Tatay Pedro and Kuya FrancingMy eldest daughter Jesicca >>> pa cute  🙂Yours truly and my kids- Jek, Sab, Isha, Nonoy, my niece Jane and KBHub & the kidsMy youngest son, NonoyJane, Isha & KB >>> hala kain ng kain 🙂Hub’s niece Marilyn A.K.A. “Basisang” and her BF Aldrin>>> Oiii, sweet nila 🙂Sabrina>>> Pa cute din  🙂Inabot na kami ng gabi

My sis in-law, Ate Luz and niece Cherry

E2 c Hub dapat daw me solo pic sya 🙂 (talo pa ko- ako wala 🙂 )

at syempre only in the Philippines: Negosyo kahit araw ng patay 🙂

Okay, til here folks, that’s our yearly celebration of UNDAS SA PILIPINAS. Til next post 🙂 Ingat!

Note: ingat means take care

PinayKeyPoint Logo

Hello guys, I’ll be busy today>>> we’ll spend the whole day at Eternal Memorial Park to visit my In-law’s tomb. Be back later with photos and a new update.

Some of my blogger friends are requesting me to create my logo, so I draft a quick layout. I hope you like it 🙂 Pls.  copy the code below to embed this on your blog for a  quick link to my blog. Thank you! Happy Halloween to all of you! Enjoy the day 🙂

<a href=”https://pinaykeypoint.wordpress.com/”&gt; <img src=”https://pinaykeypoint.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/pinaykeypoint-logo3.jpg”></a&gt;

Happy Halloween!!

MyNiceSpace.com

My New Blog

OCTOBER 29, 2008

I have a new blog in the making, it’s a Literary Blog.

As I mentioned in my author page, I am a poet in my own right and I want to share my poems and my writings to you guys. I just finished writing the introduction for each category and uploaded few poems. I hope to finish it in a week since it’s semestral break, I have some free time to do it.

I hope to meet some blogger friends here who also have an interest in this field. I hope you have find some time to read my poems and please leave your comment. Thank you 🙂

It’s still under construction but if you want to have a peep just click here

Semestral Break

OCTOBER 29, 2008

It’s my Kids’ semestral break so I’m a bit rested this week without having to worry with their early breakfast meals, snacks and packed lunch.

Our days typically starts at 4:30a.m. That is from Monday to Friday. I have 4 students here, 1 college, Junior high and 2 grade school and every morning, my house is busy and noisy as my kids are arguing who will use the bathroom first. Each of them has a morning task, they have to arrange their beddings, sweep the floor, feed their pets, clean their shoes and iron their uniforms. I use to do these things but as they grow up, I begin to distribute the tasks to train them juts like how my day trained me.

After all the fuss, I would send them off to school at 6:30am. Classes starts at 7am but they should allocate a 30 minutes travel time. I will be left with all the mess, dishes on the sink and kitchen stuffs used in preparing their breakfast and packed lunch. But this is already a minimal task since they already do the rest. I don’t have to worry about their beds because they already finished cleaning their rooms.

Motherhood is really a tough job. No vacation and no rest days lol! When I was still working at a private firm, I used to leave early with them and the mess are are left to my 2 maids. After the birth of my son, I decided to stay home to personally attend to my kid’s needs.

Everyday, after they all left, I will quickly clean the mess and would sit in my desk to start working. I am running a homebase business and working online as well. Before I left my job, I really have fear if we will survive if I will stay home but hub insisted that I should personally attend my kids since they are growing and maids cannot replace my role.

I really enjoy staying with them and I realized that after I sent them all to school, I still have all the time to myself, so to maximize my idle time, we decided to open a homebase business. I manage to help hub earn a fair amount to sustain our financial needs. I also found online writing jobs which really fills my idle time.

I guess this is just a matter of initiative and resourcefulness, so to all mommies out there na maraming idle time pero meron namang talent, you can consider working online, yung fit lang sa oras mo at di ka naman ma pe pressure.

Another occasion that will make us busy this week is All Saints’ Day. We have to go to cemetery to clean my in-laws tomb. This is a yearly event celebrated by the Catholic Community all over the world. I’ll tackle that topic in my future post

Til here guys, sa susunod uli 🙂

Robinson and Demolition

OCTOBER 27, 2008

Okay sa title rhyme diba? 🙂

Robinson Supermarket’s Opening

To my fellow Tarlaqueños and Tarlaqueñas, opening of Robinson Supermarket will be on October 30, 2008 kaya mejo ihanda nyo na yang mga budget nyo for grocery.

Hay naku maganda lang to sa maraming pera hehehe…

I mean this is good to those who have extra budget but to us, who are living each day at a time and sometimes can’t even make both ends meet, maybe we’ll just walk in for window shopping lol! 🙂

Zone ABC Demolition Issue: Updates

Robinson’s opening will not stop my fellow barangays from worrying with the serious threat of demolition. I wrote this issue in my previous post and the last time that NOLCOM officers attended a dialogue with us last week, they lay down a “Take it or Leave it” offer. It means, we signed the MOA or not, its up to us. But one thing is clear, they will pursue with their plan.

What ironic in this meeting is that, our association’s officers are speaking in behalf of the officers when in fact, the NOLCOM officers are there and they should be the one answering the questions raised by the membership.

Leadership means leading and representing your people and members, and for this clear definition, we were expecting that our association officers shall mediate and collect the questions and raised it during the meeting, giving the opportunity to NOLCOM officers to explain their side but it’s the other way around.

This is indeed a serious threat to our property and security. The content of the MOA clearly defines a voluntary turn-over of your property, not only the lot per se where our house were erected but our house itself. The MOA also stated that they can conduct an inspection anytime they pleases which is a clear manifestation of harassment. They think we are all idiots and stupids and with an armed men around, threatening us with this “Take it or Leave it” connotation.

It’s really sad to see these people going beyond the rights of many people. This is one of the reason why GMA’s strong republic is never realized and will remain a dream until the end of her administration.

They are all like wolves under the mask of a lamb.

Initial Bank Deposit Requirement

One of my most viewed post here is the PayPal Verification Process for Philippine local banks and I really have a lot of inquiries coming from blogger friends and researchers from google and other search engines who usually lands in this page.

Lately, some are even asking me regarding bank deposit requirement so to add an additional info for this post, I made a quick research and get some screenshots to help you guys.

To those who have no VISA or MASTERCARD credit card, I usually recommend EON because it’s the easiest way to get verified.

Info on how to open an account click here

For further info pls visit UnionBank official website by clicking here

PNB – Philippine National Bank Initial Deposit requirement

Full view: click here

Steps on how to send remittance thru PNB click here

PNB Big Time Privileges

PNB for Global Filipino Family

BDO Initial Deposit Requirement

Full View click here

Official Website of Banco De Oro

ALLIED BANK CASH CARD

For further info on Allied Bannk’s Products and Services click here

I hope this post helps for your search for the lowest initial bank requirement. You can still Google it for comparisons. I have the name of banks here…

Til next post guys 🙂

Happy Birthday Nonoy!

October 26, 2008  –  My son’s Birthday

Today I get up early to finish my online tasks. I have to finish uploading my articles for my employers so I can prepare for my son’s birthday.

Nonoy is my youngest son. His full name is Robin Corpuz Jr., we named him after my hub and he’s our only son. He’s 4 years old today and I cooked his favorite food, spaghetti. We attended mass and went at downtown area to buy his birthday cake. He picked his own choice of cake at Butterworld with spiderman theme. Thank you Isabel, for a very warm accommodation, she is the cashier of Butterworld Tarlac, Tańedo branch.

It’s a family affair with my friend Liza of course. It was like a balloon party and the kids really enjoyed playing around and creating different styles. Thanks to my niece Cherry for the balloons.

Nonoy came to us after 5 years of waiting since the birth of my youngest girl Rajisha who was born on August 16, 1999. I thought we’d never had a baby boy. I knew hub wants a boy who would carry his name so when the doctor said I was positive, he simply uttered “I wish it’s a baby boy while rubbing my womb gently. Finally, when my OB-Gyne scheduled me for ultrasound on my 8th month of pregnancy, she informed us that it was indeed a baby boy. Hub can’t express how he felt that time, we went to church to say thank you and it was really a call for a celebration. We were still working at IWS then and he invited his friends for a simple party.

Some of my friends told me that I will have a hard time and hard labor since its a baby boy but fortunately, it was the easiest delivery I ever had among my first 3 daughters. Nonoy’s scheduled date of delivery was on the first week of November but he arrived earlier. Hub went to work then, he’s on a night shift schedule which starts from 10pm to 6am. My kids were already fast asleep while I was busy on my PC when I felt water in my legs. I thought it was just a pee but I can’t control it. When I went to the bathroom I saw my blood stained undies. I am not the type who easily panics so I called my niece Jane and asked her to call hub at the Plant. My things are already prepared in one corner ready for pick up anytime so I just sit and wait for hub who arrived after 30 minutes. I was rushed to the hospital and the nurse hurriedly prepared me. It was almost midnight then and they asked me to relax and not to push too much because the baby is already coming and my OB was still on her way to the hospital. A few minutes later, I saw Dr. Fredeswinda Santos, my OB-gyne hurriedly wearing her gloves and in 10 minutes, I heard Nonoy crying. She put the bloody little figure in my chest and I had managed to gently rub his hair before I lost my consciousness. According to the nurses assigned, that was one of the fastest and easiest delivery they had 😉 Thanks to you and to Dr. Santos who is my OB with all my pregnancies.

After a year, I decided to file for an early retirement to take care of my kids personally. After 4 years, my son turned to a sweet little boy, who love to mess around, kiss me and cuddle in my lap. He’s a little brat, spoiled by her sisters, dad and aunts.

He’s a monster at times so we bought his pet Meme(guinea pig) to help him control his temper and it was really effective. He’s very fond of Meme and his excitement was added by the birth of Kikay’s 4 cute puppies. My kids named them after their favorite animes; sakichi, ino, jamaxie and hinata.

It was a happy and noisy party with the kids shouting, singing and running around our small house.

Nonoy’s birthday cake from Butterworld Bakeshop

The birhday celebrant: Robin Corpuz Jr. aka “Nonoy”

The proud mommy at your service 🙂 oii, kararating lang ng oDesk t-shirt ko, suot ko na 🙂

The proud daddy

Makukulit na ate

Tita Liza – present sa lahat ng okasyon 🙂

Cute ba ha? 🙂

Kainan na!!

Sarrrap!! cake time na!!!

Ang makulit na tropa! KB and CJ with tita Sabrie

Syempre di mawawala ang paboritong Ate Che, Salamat sa lobo 🙂

at si kuya Czar, papa ni KB

At ang bagong pinsan at miyembro ng pamilya… si Julian 🙂

Andito si Charis, o diba kumpleto ang Tolenada Family 🙂

at syempre at Mama ng Tolenada family, Ate Evelyn 🙂

O, balloon time na haha! 🙂

At syempre di mawawala ang mahabang kantahan sa videoke. Nabusog kami at malalim na ang gabi ng matulog. Sulit ang araw ng linggo 🙂

That’s all for now readers 🙂 til next post!

Brgy. Maliwalo, Tarlac City, Philippines

Hello Janet, This post is for you 🙂

I had a request from my regular reader who used to live in Tarlac but relocated now in Davao City. She want me to post pictures of Barangay Maliwalo and Maliwalo High School. Her last look on this place was in 1989, whoa! Almost 2 decades!

I was relocated in Tarlac in May 1991 prior to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. So you’re already gone before I even set my foot in this place Janet. Well, there were big changes from then on. I still remember the first time I saw this place, OMG, I whispered to myself, I don’t think I will survive here… lol! I just arrived from Japan then, from a company training at Sumitomo Wiring Systems, one of the biggest company in Japan. We were sent by Kawasaki Company for further training and in return, I need to be transferred here so I can also share my knowledge to newly hired workers of IWSPC- International Wiring Systems Philippines Corp. – the company where I used to work)

Can you imagine, I am a party goer, we were spending nights in bars and discos and suddenly I will live in a barrio lol! The only recreation I can find here then was the old bowling lane at Jecson (It’s a Hospital now). I remember the first time I tried to watch movie here, I was not able to finish the film because I can’t take it anymore, the movie theater was so mapanghe haha 🙂 and that was my first and last visit to that theater, and The Mandarin and Marco Polo. Those where the places where we used to spend our Saturday night after 5 days of tiring work at IWS but those are all gone now. Tarlac is already invaded by Mc dos, Jollibees, Max’s, Chowkings, Malls etc…

So as promised, because I will be paying my water bill at Tarlac Water District, I brought my cam to give you a shot of the place.Eto na yung junction na papasok sa Maliwalo, yung way sa left, palabas yan ng Metro Town, yung sa rignt, palabas ng Osias College.Eto naman yung pinaka downtown ng Maliwalo ngayun, Maayos na syaTarlac Water District Building. O, say mo, sosyal yung building ng TWD ngayun 🙂

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish ChurchMaliwalo Barangay Hall Globe Telecom – Tarlac Maliwalo Elementary School Eto na ang Maliwalo High Shool ngayun, donated ng Japan Gov yang building na yan kaya me flag ng Japan

At siyempre sinama ko na din to. Alangan namng puro new buildings lang ang makita mo 🙂

Ayan yung Post office. Antique na ha 🙂 Sana mapalitan na din ito

So that’s Maliwalo now. Parang Nostalgia trip ha, madami ka sigurong naalala ano? Pareho lang tayo. Na mi miss ko na din ang aking homeland Bikolandia. Pero talagang ganun, maraming reason kung bakit nandito tayo sa lugar kung saan tayo nakatira ngayun.

In my case, I’m just making the most out of it. I had my share of struggles and happy moments here and there but I always bear in mind that wherever we live, we’re just underneath the grace of God. Just pause, look up and feel His presence no matter where you are 🙂