Proud to Join a Recycling Event

I've always been an advocate of the green movement. Although I don't really join major environmental campaigns that require people to gather in some place, I do my share in preserving our ecosystem in whatever way I can.

At home, I segregate our wastes and use water wisely. I teach my kids to do the same. In fact, I can be strict with them in terms of putting their trash in the garbage bin in and out of the house and turning off the faucet after use or when brushing their teeth.

Last weekend, though, I felt proud after taking part in a recycling fair organized by one of our newest and world class shopping malls (Abreeza Mall of the Ayala Chains) in the city. I've long wanted to join this kind of recycling event but never got the chance.

My purpose of joining Abreeza's Recycling Fair was to dispose of my electronic wastes at home. I had an old computer monitor that was no longer working, old VHS tapes, keyboard, CDs containing PS2 games and old electric cords and they were taking up space in our already filled cabinets. I didn't want to give them to just the "bote't bakal" people who come to our subdivision every now and then because I wanted them to go to the right people who recycle scraps. And the latest recycling fair was the right place to do it.

It was such a big relief to be able to dispose of my e-wastes the proper way. I even earned a small amount just by donating my personal stuff.

For sure, I will continue to take part in this type of eco-friendly events in the future. It's a good thing that major malls around the country are now doing this to raise awareness on the value of recycling among their customers.

Why I Love Davao City

There are just so many reasons to love Davao City! Whether it's personal, business or professional, one can definitely find a good reason to like the place and consider it home.

International Recognition

Davao City hogged the limelight in recent months owing to its positive achievements and its people's warmth. It's one of the "World's Friendliest Countries" according to HSBC's 2011 Expat Explorer Survey capturing the 8th spot. Thanks to the warm smiles and hospitality of locals that greet domestic and foreign tourists of all ages who come to visit all year round.

Business-wise, Davao City is among the fastest growing cities. It's in the 87th place of the World's Top 100 Fastest Growing Cities and Urban Areas. The ranking was made by the City Mayors Foundation, a research group based in London.

More than a decade ago in 2000, Davao City was also named by Asiaweek Magazine as the most livable city in the Philippines and among the Top 40 cities in Asia grabbing the 17th place.

Thanks to the strong governance of Mayor Sara Duterte and her father, Vice Mayor Rody Duterte. Their excellent rapport with the people and business owners have kept the metropolis peaceful and business-friendly through the years.

Way of Life

Unlike in other capital cities such as Manila and Cebu, life in Davao City is quite laid-back. You can't feel the rush that is so much associated with the lifestyle in those two big metropolitan areas. Traffic along the major thoroughfares is very bearable and banks, schools, churches as well as offices are very accessible. Even without a car, you can easily catch a ride via a public transportation.

People here can also engage in their favorite social and family activities after office hours and on weekends. With lots of dining places, coffee shops, entertainment spots as well as beach, inland and mountain resorts in place around the city, there's always an opportunity to meet up with friends after work or spend quality time with the family on a weekend.

Food Resources

Foodies can definitely stretch their budget while in the city because of the cheap food resources available.

For vegetables, one can buy at the "bagsakan" along Magallanes Street in the downtown area. There, you can choose from a wide range of fresh vegetables. With a 100-peso budget, you can already go home with two large sando bags filled with your favorite veggies.

Don't forget that tropical fruits are in abundance, too. Durian, mango, pomelo, lanzones, rambutan, chico, banana, watermelon, mangosteen, avocado...just name it and you can enjoy eating them here.

Restaurants are in large supply as well. From the budget-friendly to the fine dining spots, there's one you can always go to whether alone or with some company.

Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in the city is a breeze. Lots of hotels and suites have been put up in recent months which means more choices for the people.

You can just go online and search for #Davao hotels and inns and instantly, you'll get results fast. Depending on one's budget, there's surely a place to stay in Davao City any time of the year.

Interesting Places

Being the largest city in the Philippines, Davao City offers a mix of rural and urban atmosphere. As such, both nature and city lovers have every opportunity to enjoy a great time.

Those looking to explore Davao's natural wonders can visit the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos Garden Resort and Eden Nature Park. At the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, one can have a fantastic view of Mt. Apo. Beach resorts in the city as well as in nearby Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and the Island Garden City of Samal are also worth visiting.

Those who prefer the city life, on the other hand, can check out the major malls. Davao City now boasts of local and world-class shopping centers such as Gaisano Ilustre, Gaisano Mall, Victoria Plaza, SM City Davao, Robinson's Cybergate and the new Abreeza Mall. Opening soon are the new SM City Lanang while other big mall chains are also set to open in other areas of the city.

Peace and Order

Your safety is always assured when in #Davao City. Peace and order are well maintained by law enforcement authorities and the Duterte leaders to boot. Known for their fearless attitude, the father and daughter tandem make sure that hoodlums are put to jail and other security threats are warded off before they can occur.

Personal Testimony

I am the living proof of somebody who's not a pure Davaoena but who has come to love Davao City enough to call it as home. An Ilongga who moved here in 1997 after getting hitched, I can proudly say that the place has endeared to me. No regrets at all.

Family members and good friends who have visited me here all gave the city a thumbs up after their brief stay and promised to come back. One of my best friends who visited for the first time in November 2011 even loved the place so much that she's now contemplating about relocating here in the future. I was glad to know that she and her buddy had a grand time when I toured them around the famous tourist spots and it was no surprise when they told me they shall return with their families.

This is my own way of paying tribute to the city as it marks #Araw ng Dabaw this March. Thanks to the #Davao Tourism Office for holding this #Araw ng Dabaw blog competition as a way of promoting the city to the world. Indeed #Davao Life is Here!

Submitted as an entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition

Resources:

1. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=767588&publicationSubCategoryId=63">

2. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/11/10/davao-worlds-87th-top-city-189867 http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=105015">

3. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=105015

All About the Dragon

Hello 2012!

Time really flies so fast and I can hardly believe that it is now 2012. It's the year of the water dragon (yang water dragon to be exact) in the Chinese calendar. The next 365 days under this zodiac sign are foreseen to bring possibilities of good fortune.

I was born in the year of the rooster and feng shui experts say 2012 will be a good year for those born under my zodiac sign being compatible with the water dragon. I look forward to that!

Before I came to know that 2012 would be the year of the water dragon, all I thought was just it's going to be simply the year of the dragon, in general. I had no idea that there are actually different types of dragon being followed by the Chinese -- the wood dragon, fire, earth, metal and water. For each type of dragon, there's a different year being observed.

The year of the water dragon occurs every 60 years. It started on January 23, 2012 and will end on February 9, 2013.

The dragon is said to be the only mythical animal among the zodiac signs. In the Chinese element theory, the water dragon produces wood and wood symbolizes growth.

So are you a dragon? Whether it's your year or not, what matters is you work hard to achieve your goals in your personal and professional life. Luck won't be at your side if you don't do your part in reaching for your stars.

Fun with Online Contests

I can't believe it's already the end of the year 2011 and I was absent in my space for the most part of it. How time flies...

Now that it's December, I found the time to join some online contests. I've been a huge fan of radio contests in my younger days and was lucky to have won a few small but useful prizes. I've joined a local TV show trivia contest as well a few years ago and got lucky to win.

I'm not so lucky with raffle contests. The most I got was a beach towel from a local raffle draw. I still have to win that car or an all expense paid trip somewhere outside the Philippines or even just within the country. Who knows?

I'm trying my luck now in online contests and I've joined three so far for this month alone. The prizes at stake are not that big but I'm here to have fun. If I win, good. If not, better luck next time.

I spotted one of these online contests by hoshigirl that's giving away a pack of Elf Cosmetics and got curious so I decided to join. I use makeup every now and then mostly on special occasions. The lipstick, however, is one of my best friends. It's one of the effective ways of lightening up your face even without a blush-on and eyeshadow.

So what's next? More online contests for me while I still have the time to join. The key is to have fun and think positive. You'll never know when luck strikes.

Driving and What You Get From It

I've long wanted to drive a car. I did get a chance to learn how to drive a decade or so ago when I was already working in the broadcast industry. I was persistent and I asked my father to teach me. We used my aunt's manual Ford Escort car then and after several weekend sessions at an empty lot along diversion road, I was able to drive on the highway (but only for a short distance). I had to let my father take the wheel when we reached the area where traffic was slow.

But that was it. I forgot why I stopped. Perhaps, I got busy with work and my father was preoccupied, too.

It was only last year that I resumed my driving lessons courtesy of my sister-in-law's former driver. This time, I'm using an automatic Honda car which my hubby bought for our family. It's very easy to drive an automatic vehicle what with only two controls to handle -- the accelerator and the brake.

Early this month, I finally got my driver's license. And last weekend, I started driving on my own. Yay!!! What an achievement for me. I'm now a licensed driver. Although late it may seem to others, for me it's never too late to do anything you've always wanted to do. And that includes driving a car.

Driving a car is a great feeling. It helps boost your confidence and improves your alertness. What matters is you know how to follow traffic regulations and for sure, you'll be on the safe side.

So there. If you want to do something or learn a new skill, find the time to do so and enjoy every minute of it. No matter how small it may seem as long as it makes you happy, then GO DO IT!!

New Year Prayer

Another new year is about to start and what better way to end 2010 than to say a little prayer. Thank you Lord for all the blessings you have showered to me and my family this past year. Thank you for the gift of life, for my family, relatives, friends, work and for continuously guiding us in our journey through life.

Thank You for this New Year. Let me do according to Your good pleasure and purpose, pleasing You in every area of this life. Thank You for Your mercy which makes all things new each morning -- even after a day of failure.

I pray that 2011 will be a fruitful one for all of us. May you continue to provide strength and guidance as I carry on my daily responsibilities all for Your Glory.

Why I Love Biking

I have always loved biking. I remember learning how to ride a bike at the age of 6 or 7 courtesy of my father. Since then, I have always wanted to bike. In fact, my greatest wish is for the Philippines, or even just Davao City where I live now, to have a public bicycle program that will encourage people to use their bikes in going to and from their destinations similar to Denmark and Japan.

Looking back to the old days when I often went biking with my big brother, cousins and friends inspire me. My two brothers used to be professional bikers and joined several competitions and I'm proud of them. Today, my big brother continues his passion and brings his bike wherever he's assigned to work in. Another cousin of mine before got hooked to mountain biking.

One of the greatest memories I have was when me, my two brothers, my younger sister, three male cousins and a male househelp went biking around Iloilo City early in the morning. That was fun and truly unforgettable. We were all prepared for that tour the night before. The truth is, we all slept in my cousin's room that night already in our biking getup so that when morning comes, we're ready to go.

I also used to tag along my big brother whenever he goes out to bike. Each of us had a bike then so I would bike along when he meets his friends at the plaza. It's also from him that I learned to do some tricks such as biking hands-free.

There are just so many good memories I have about biking that it urges me to do something more than mere riding a bicycle. Hopefully, I can turn that into reality.

For now, I do bike around the neighborhood once in a while using my son's BMX bike. Sometimes, I bike alone or other times, my little girl would ride along with me. I'm even amazed how fast my 5-year-old Charlotte was able to learn to bike and I taught her only once or twice by guiding her and giving her a little push. The next thing I knew, she's already biking on her own using her friend's bicycle.

It's great to be hooked on biking. It gives any rider a great feeling. The health and environment benefits should also not be forgotten.