Angeles City --> Baguio

Bon Bon arrived at Angeles this afternoon. And we decided to leave for Ifugao that night. Note that the bus terminal from Angeles City is called Dau Malabacat Terminal. We were told by the Victory Liner guy that we had to take the bus to Tuguegarao, and change a bus to Banaue. We did so, and tried to catch the last bus to Tuguegarao at 11pm. Lo and behold, we found out that we could only board the bus if it was not full, because it was arriving from Manila. It was obviously full, and we had to find another way to get to Banaue that night. We decided to take a Victory Liner to Baguio, and change a bus from there. We took the bus to Baguio at around 12 midnight, and arrived in Baguio at about 5am. It was freakishly cold in the bus, but all of us knocked out the moment we were seated on the bus. Don't be surprised to see a conductor punching tickets away at lightning speed! 

Mount Samat, Bataan

We went on a one-day road trip to Mount Samat in Bataan, about 90minutes drive away from Pampanga, Angeles City. This was a crucial summit point in the World War II fight between the Americans & the Japanese. It has become a memorial point in commemoration of the brave American & Filipino soldiers who fought a good fight.
There were Gymboy, Beng, 2 kiddos, Uncle Ben & Aunty Merla, and of course, the 2 motorbikes for the ride up the mountain! The ride up the mountain on the bike was the best part of the whole trip!

Uncle Ben at the wheel

Cool Merla with shades

Justin falling asleep

Our Jeep made it to the Mountain Peak

Beng & Merla

Merla & I

This is the iconic cross at the top of the mountain. We took an elevator up where you could see marvellous scenery from up there.

Mount Samat Shrine

On our ride back to Angeles City, we were stopped by some checkpoint police. Apparently they were suspicious of the 2 bikes in the van, suspecting that they were stolen. Seriously? We would steal a bike with 2 kids in the van and 2 ladies. There was identification for only one of the bike; while the other bike is John John’s, so there was no identification with us at that point. After some negotiation, they paid a 200Peso (about SGD$8) fine/bribe/fee or whatever you call it to them. Lo and behold, as we were entering another city, we met another checkpoint again! LOL. Uncle Ben stopped the van just before the checkpoint to make it look like we had met with some problems with the van. The 3 guys were thinking of how to cover up the bikes. It was ironical how we were acting like some bike thieves! Good thing it was dark by then, and we covered up the bikes with some t-shirts and cloth. And we passed through the checkpoint without being checked! Looking at the situation in The Philippines, they could really re-direct the resources for these checkpoint police to improving the country’s economy and corruption problems. Dear President Aquino, hope you’re reading this blog post

Hello Angeles City!

I arrived at Clark Airport (Diosado Magapagal International Airport) this afternoon with Tiger Air/SE Air. Don’t ask my why but the ticket was booked with Tiger Airways, flight was flown with SE Air. Anyway, flight was pretty decent, and pretty full capacity. The flight took about 1hour+ from Changi Airport to Diosado Magapalgal. Of course, we were asked to alight and make our walk into the terminal. Don’t expect any glitzy airport facilities. Its basically equipped with a baggage collection point, checkout point, immigration gates and ta-da, I see Aunty Merla & MarieVic waiting for me at the exit gate. It felt a little of déjà vu, from 1 ½ years ago when I visited The Philippines. Especially, when Uncle Ben came to pick me up with the red jeepyney van!

Air Strip at Clark Airport

My first snack upon arrival was Banana Cue (sorry, no pic for this!). Its basically bananas fried with some kind of sauce and it turns out crispy, piping hot and SWEET.... I like it!

We arrived at Aunty Merla’s little house that was recently built. Apparently they rushed to build it just in time for me. Its like a cute little studio apartment with a bedroom, small kitchen area and bathroom. I met the 2 kiddos, Jumong & Justin. They are not brothers, Jumong is Justin’s uncle. Yes, uncle, and he’s the younger one. They were really happy to receive the Transformers watch! Jumong is actually Justin's uncle, although he is younger than Justin.

Mong & Tin with the Transformers watches

Jumong & Justin

My favorite furniture: the Bamboo Bench

Don't be deceived by his angelic face. He is a littler monster!!!

Mong

First Step

First step taken yesterday when he knew it with just one text message.

Seems like I can never stay still for long.

Matiko Shoes

I chanced upon this shoe brand today although I can’t quite remember how I did so. This is the result of rapid & fast Googling with one keyword after another! Otherwise, its just age catching up with me.
Based in Los Angeles, Matiko was founded in 2003 by young designer Jesse Howard. Jesse’s goal was to create a line that juxtapose the classic silhouettes, stylings, and quality of Europe with his perspective on Southern California’s funky and eclectic style. His bizarre, almost experimental first collection has since evolved into Matiko’s signature look, now interpreted in a full range of flats, wedges, pumps, and boots.
In short interpretation, when you think about Matiko Shoes, think ‘Gladiator’, ‘Wedges’, ‘Straps’.


I was hoping to catch some action on their official website only to realize that their online store is still in construction progress!

On top of that, their retail stores are only available in US & Canada. However, I managed to steal some publicity pictures on their official Blog and I found the following designs especially intriguing and attractive.

My personal favourite picks:

                                           Photo courtesy of Matiko Shoes

Matiko Tasha Sandals: A perfect height for those 5-inch Heel phobic girls. It gives off a wild gladiator feel with its strappy elements and paired with a slight lift of wedge heels (about 1-inch).  This makes it a perfect complement for a bohemian look.

                                                  Photo courtesy of Polyvore

Matiko Lo Wedge Grey: Love the combination of a wooden chunky wedge with the velvet straps.

                                            Photo courtesy of Polyvore

For consumers in Singapore & parts of the world outside US & Canada, not to worry. You can still choose to make an online purchase for Matiko Shoes at the following online shoes stores:

Matiko “Pocca” Wedges: Suede has always been my kryptonite when it comes to Shoes, although I fret that it may get mouldy in Singapore’s ever unpredictable weather (i.e. rain with bright sun). Nevertheless, the braided leaf-like details are to die for. And of course, the cut-out at the toes and arches are definitely a nice way to show of those pedicure and skin. 

Polyvore

Bluefly

Solestruck

My personal pick would be Polyvore due to its wide variety and good display of the shoes. However, do note that sizes, designs & prices are limited & vary among each provider. Hence, its always good to do some comparisons between websites.

If you have a friend/relative living in US & Canada, you may beg, plead, threaten or bribe them to purchase a pair on your behalf at their retail stores. 

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