Visita La Union
The Gaerlan Family finally had our outing to La Union last weekend. A long planned and oft postponed trip, but at long last it happened. Maia had been nagging at us to take her to the beach, and it had been a long time since we visited Daddy Toming’s grave. My camera, although a year old now, has never shot San Juan, the Gaerlan hometown, and so there were several reasons for going.
Accommodations was never the problem, it was finding a way to get there that proved to be difficult. We appreciated the Gaerlan house, although partially unfinished and did not have any Kohler kitchen faucet, which was quite comfortable and convenient as well.
From there we could walk to the Plaza Amparo and to the Church of San Juan, and it was only a short ride to the beach and the watchtower.
We didn’t spend as much time there as we wanted. We left Manila early in the morning of Saturday, stayed overnight into Sunday and was back in Manila shortly after midnight on the following Monday. Next time we should plan a longer stay.
My imaginary Xmas wish list
Even though I know that at my age just staying alive and kicking is already something to be quite thankful for, I can’t help but create a wistful wish list for the holidays, a list that I know will materialize only in my wildest fantasies. But then, there’s no fee for fantasizing, is there? *wink*
Top of my wish list is an LCD TV. Forty-two inches will do. Preferably Samsung. Preferably something that can be hung, with minimal effort, from my living room wall. It would be good if I could connect it to the computer as a secondary monitor when I’m editing images too.
More items on the list to follow.
Plus One to Uratex
Thanks to my Aunt, the one who lives in Seattle, I was able to replace the mattresses that were soaked and rendered useless by Typhoon Ondoy. The best place to get mattresses was Uratex, at any of their factory outlets in Metro Manila. The closest one to our place is the one in Muntinlupa, on the East Service Road of the South Super Highway.
Their showroom is quite straightforward, all the products are on display with prices clearly shown for each. And the factory prices are discounted compared to mall prices, up to 20% off on most items. Not only do they have foam mattresses, they also have ergonomic pillows, decorative throw pillows and other household decorations and utility items.
The BEST part about buying at the Uratex factory outlet is the free bottle of softdrinks that they provide each customer (and the customers companions) while he/she is sitting at the check out area waiting to pay for what they bought. It’s a nice simple touch, but it made me smile when I realized it was free.
Paco Park Photowalk
… and some unexpected events.
The D60KREW went to Paco Park this Saturday to shoot, and after that we went on a leisurely stroll down Harbor Square beside the CCP. While we were taking in the sights and shooting at Harbor Square, an old gentleman approached me, telling me he had seen us before.
“You’re the group I saw on TV,” he said, “the crew …”
The D60Krew, I said, and introduced myself. He said, “I’m John Chua.”
The name caught me off guard for a second, because I couldn’t believe I was now shaking hands with John Chua THE Photographer.
I was humbled and star-struck at the same time. That a man like John Chua would approach a newbie like me and even later on get to share his ideas with the group, and that he would take the time to talk to us is humbling.
He said that he was hanging out while waiting for his wife, who when she arrived was also so gracious and even posed gamely for a group picture. When she introduced herself as Harvey, that was the double whammy.
I had only heard about and read the words of Mrs. Harvey Chua on digitalphotographer.com.ph and here she was now, in person and smiling so graciously.
Mr. John and Mrs. Harvey Chua gave us a lot of encouragement and ideas on how we can take the group to the next level. The suggestions were challenges as well, and it was up to the D60KREW to meet them.
About Me
