Manila, Philippines - Transportation

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

The 1st photo is a jeepney. Jeepneys are a popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are well known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have also become a symbol of Philippine culture.

When American troops began to leave the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of surplus jeeps were sold or given to local Filipinos. Locals stripped down the jeeps to accommodate several passengers, added metal roofs for shade, and decorated the vehicles with vibrant colors and bright chrome hood ornaments. The jeepney rapidly emerged as a popular and creative way to reestablish inexpensive public transportation, which had been virtually destroyed during World War II. Recognizing the widespread use of these vehicles, the Philippine government began to place restrictions on their use. Drivers now must have specialized licenses, regular routes, and reasonably fixed fares.

Manila, Philippines - More Great Food

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Manila, Philippines - The People

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

What can I say? The Philippines is full of warm people. In fact, it was hard for me to identify even one rude Filipino. However, there are still a number of homeless Filipinos all around. And its even more heart-breaking when you see young children wandering aimlessly begging for money.

Manila, Philippines - BALUT

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Edmark Building, Quezon City in Philippines

Fact: A Balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. They are considered delicacies of Asia and especially the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors at night in the regions where they are available. They are often served with beer. The Filipino and Malay word balut (balot) roughly translates to mean "wrapped".

Balut is by far one of the weirdest food I ever tried in my life. You start by peeling the top off. Sprinkle some salt over it & proceed to suck off all the juice contained within. Now, peel off all of the shell & sink your teeth into it. This may sound weird but its really not too bad. It tastes like herbal duck meat actually. The only disgusting part is chewing the duck's stomach which actually tastes raw like a juice-less chewing gum. And of course, the feather kinda tickles when you swallow without chewing properly. Uh, I actually ate two of it in a row & immediately I was certified a "pinoy" by my Filipino's friends. Do you know not all Filipinos have tried Balut before? I only realised this fact after my Filipino's friends who encouraged me to eat didn't join me to eat Balut at all. They scrambled so fast!

Manila, Philippines - The Food

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Manila, Philippines

What can I comment on the food? As a boy growing up on a balance diet of meat, vegetables & fruits, I find the food in Philippines to be lacking in both vegetables & fruits. So thats kind of weird when every meal from Breakfast to Supper is all MEAT! Further, the food is either too sweet or too sour or too salty for my liking. But Philippines do have a wide variety of food and thats good for an adventurer like me.

Los Angeles, USA - LA Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Date: 26th September 2005
Fact: Craig Jackman, a wonderful ex-colleague of mine, brought me for my 1st ever baseball match. I was so so enchanted learning about the game that I forgotten about the scores. A check at Pittsburgh website showed that they lost 63-94 on that day. A fascinating activity that I noticed was the throwing of beach balls in the crowd during the game which was strictly prohibited by officials but then no one really cared. And oh, Americans sure know how to enjoy a great game with beer on one hand and one big hotdog with extra onions on the other.

Trivia: Dodger Stadium is a large outdoor baseball stadium in Los Angeles, California at Chávez Ravine. It is located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles. Dodger Stadium was privately financed at a cost of $23 million in 1962 and is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Los Angeles, USA - Hollywood Boulevard #2

Date: 19th September 2005

Hollywood Wax Museum

Kodak Theatre

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

Los Angeles, USA - Hollywood Boulevard #1

Date: 26th September 2005

Fact: Hollywood Boulevard is a boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, beginning at Sunset Boulevard in the east and running northwest to Vermont Avenue, where it straightens out and runs due west to Laurel Canyon Boulevard. West of Laurel Canyon it continues as a small residential street in the hills, finally ending at Sunset Plaza Drive. On the East side of Hollywood Boulevard it passes through the neighborhoods of Little Armenia, Los Angeles and Thai Town. In 1958, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, was created. The first star was placed in 1960 as a tribute to artists working in the entertainment industry. (The walk was later extended onto Vine Street.)

First National Bank

Church Of Scientology

Hollywood & Highland

Los Angeles, USA - Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park (War Of The Worlds #2)

Date: 19th September 2005
Fact: Here are more set pictures of War Of The Worlds during the theme park Studio Tour.

Los Angeles, USA - Universal Studios Theme Park (War Of The Worlds #1)

Date: 19th September 2005

Fact: During the Studio Tour, we were treated to the spectacular set of War Of The Worlds. It was really awesome although I was really hoping to see Tom Cruise jumping out of some wreckages.

Los Angeles, USA - Universal City

Date: 19th September 2005

Fact: Universal CityWalk is a part of Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan originating from Universal's first park, Universal Studios Hollywood. CityWalk serves as an entertainment district, as well as the path from the parking lots to the theme parks. All three entertainment districts include shopping, eateries, and entertainment venues.

Los Angeles, USA - Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park #2

19th September 2005

Studio Tour