A Meeting With Journeying James..

I've been reading James' blog for quite sometime. He's a 20-something blogger who travels in and outside the Philippines on a budget (P400 - 500/ day, including accomodation) and blogs about it.
I find that really amazing.

So when I read that he's doing the "Isangdaan Journey", I told him to contact me when he gets to Davao.

"Isangdaan" is the theme of his recent escapade. A one hundred day trip all over the Philippines with
Php500.00 per day as his maximum budget. Cool right?

On Thursday, 29 March 2012, James texted and asked " Ate Lea, is the lunch together still on?" I said yes. And so John and I met him at our favorite restaurant, Boyd's.

In the middle of our conversation, eating pasta and pizza, James told us about his trip to Mati and how he helped rescue a "pawikan" and watched it lay a total of 136 eggs.

     

So now you understand why I love travelling? :) I've never seen a Pawikan, like James did. But I am glad that a fellow blogger had that kind of an experience. Watching from the video, I found it really awesome!


PHOTO OP:

                   Jame's Blog -  http://journeyingjames.com

                             John took this photo of me and Journeying James. :)

                            @ James, thank you for sharing this picture through FB. :)


So now I am waiting for his article and pictures on Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande Island in Surigao. Specially the photos of the stingless jelly fish.  :)

Kudos to you, my friend. And continue inspiring all of us, that yes it is possible to travel on a small budget , if you really put your mind to it! :)

Pancake House

Sundays usually mean sleeping late (if I can go back to sleep, that is...) and having a brunch at Pancake House.

Well, we don't have to go out to eat. :) But since our site visit to our projects in Samal Island falls on Sundays, we just give ourselves a treat before going to work. Yes, you read it right, we work even on Sundays. :)

                                  Their 3 piece pancake with butter and syrup. :)

             My only comment, they need to change their brand of orange juice. It sucks. Sorry....

    Yep, their pork tocino with garlic rice tastes as good as it looks.. :) Waffles for John at the far end.

Pancake House has a variety of menus. They've got waffles as shown above, (yummy too!) , Filipino breakfast which consists of beef tapa, daing or pork. Western breakfast with sausage as one of its  side dishes. They serve steak as well. And oh, you should try their yoghurt. :)

So if you're in Davao, try Pancake House. Serving time is only 15 mins. Helps if you're in a hurry. hehe

Branches are located at:

    2nd floor, SM
    Ecoland , Davao City

   3rd level, Gaisano Mall
   J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City

   Damosa Gateway
   Lanang, Davao City
   (just beside Microtel)


I'm not sure if there's one in Abreeza? If there is, then I've never been there yet.... :)







                                                      Lea C. Walker
                                             leawalker.blogspot.com   
                                           www.davaoproperties.com
            

When You Say Nothing At All - Lea Walker

I love Windows Live Movie Maker! :)  And you tube, of course. hehe

I made a video using the pictures I've taken from our vacations in the Philippines and outside the country (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam).

The song in the background is my version of When You Say Nothing At All. :)







                                                                 Lea C. Walker
                                                           leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                         www.davaoproperties.com

A Long and Lasting Love - Lea Walker.wmv

Let me share one of my favorite songs with you guys. Thank you for reading my blog.    This is my version of "A Long and Lasting Love".   Ciao for now!                                                                            Lea C. Walker                                                            leawalker.blogspot.com                                                           www.davaoproperties.com

Boyd's

Hey, it was Araw ng Dabaw yesterday! :) So we had a special holiday.

For the past 10 years, my family and I usually watch the parade. And give away fliers at the same time. But this year, I opted not to. Migraine and heat don't go together. I found the sun too bright yesterday, so I just couldn't do it..

But to celebrate with the rest of the Dabawenyo's, we went to Boyd's along Palma Gil St., Davao City. They had an "Eat All YOu Can" promo on pasta and pizza for P199.00 per head. :)

My nephew, Blaire, was so happy! haha.. His father, Ruben , joked that Blaire's side A and side B were both full...

                                        Pasta with white sauce, chicken and mushroom .

Johanne's Pizza.

John, Pearlie and Mama.

          Mama isn't into pizza and pasta. So I ordered "porkloin with Java rice" for her.

The chef and owner of Boyd's is a Filipino who trained in New York. And he's really good. So even if there's no promo, John and I make it a point to have lunch or dinner there. My usual order consist of fried dumplings and porkloin with Java Rice. While John loves their Meaty Jeff pizza, (it consist of ham, bacon, beef, mushroom, etc.).

Their BBQ sandwich is really yummy too!

Also, their spaghetti with white sauce coupled with a freshly baked garlic bread. It's out of this world! :)

So if you're in Davao, never miss Boyd's.

     

Boyd's is located in Palma Gil St., Davao City. From Gaisano Mall in Bajada, turn right at the first corner, going to Obrero. It's the 2nd bldg, on the left. It's so easy to find, you won't get lost.

(PS. To all the waiters, thank you for being so nice. Always. )

                                                                     Lea C. Walker

                                                                leawalker.blogspot.com

                                                             www.davaoproperties.com

     

Downton Abbey

If there's one show that I wouldn't get tired of watching, (other than Stargate), it's Downton Abbey. It's so awesome, I feel like I'm being transported to a different era everytime I watch it. The actors and actresses are so great, you'd feel the emotion each of them portray.

To borrow the words of Wikipedia, the series is set in the fictional Downton Abbey, the Yorkshire country house of the Earl and Countess of Grantham, and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the reign of King George V. The first series spans the two years before the Great War beginning with news of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, which sets the story in motion. The second series covers the years 1916 to 1919, and the 2011 Christmas Special December covers the 1919 Christmas period, ending in early 1920.

Highclere Castle in Hampshire[2][3] was used for exterior shots of Downton Abbey and most of the interior filming. The servants' living areas were constructed and filmed at Ealing Studios.[4]

The village of Bampton in Oxfordshire was used for filming outdoor scenes, most notably St Mary's Church and the library, which serves as the entrance to the cottage hospital.[5] The Yorkshire towns and cities of Easingwold, Kirkby, Kirkbymoorside, Leeds, Malton, Middlesbrough, Ripon, Richmond, Thirsk and York have been mentioned by characters in the series.

The series was well received in both the United Kingdom and the United States, averaging more than six million viewers per episode.[6]

Highclere Castle,  the location of Downton Abbey. Awesome right?

 In 2011 it entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the "most critically acclaimed English-language television show" for the year, becoming the first co-produced US/British show to be so recognised by the Guinness Book of Records.

Lady Edith, Lady Mary and Lady Sybil. Among the three, I love Lady Mary's character. :)

Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley. You really should watch them. I'm sure you'll fall inlove with them as well... :)

Countess of Grantham. Grandmother of Mary, Sybil and Edith. She makes me laugh with her quirky remarks. I love her! :)

Lady Mary.

So why am I writing about this?

I don't know why, but I've always wanted to go to Europe. It's like I have a love affair with the place, even if I haven't been there. Maybe it's because my mother's ancestors came from Spain and from what I understand, there's a place called Montes there, which happens to be my mom's family name.

Downton Abbey, being in London, has given me another reason to tour that part of the world. :) John is a history buff so he wants to see the castles as much as I do.

And so the quest begin.  :)

Booking of hotels, flights, etc. is so easy. Compared to obtaining a visa, that is. Sometimes, it sucks being a Filipino. The embassies automatically think that we will stay and work in their country. So getting a tourist visa is such a difficult task . Suntok sa buwan , ika nga... Whew! 

I don't have a choice but to try though.. And hope that the consul is in a good mood during my interview. :)

In fairness, from what I read, Uk and European embassies would really dissect your documents. So if yours is complete, then you have a chance.

So there goes. A trip to UK and Europe, an addition to my bucketlist. :)  What's yours?

Here's praying that all our dreams will come true!  Cheers.. :)

                                                            Lea C. Walker

                                                   leawalker.blogspot.com

                                                  www.davaoproperties.com





Araw ng Dabaw

Davao City will celebrate its Foundation Day again this month. So for those who want to join the fun, here's the schedule. :)

March 1-31, 2012

Mall Hours

Araw ng Dabaw Competitions Roadshow

Abreeza, Gaisano Mall, NCCC, SM City Davao

March 1-31, 2012

9AM – 12NN / 1PM – 6PM

Davao: Then and Now in Museo Dabawenyo

Museo Dabawenyo

* This is what I love the most, the Agri Trade Fair. You'll find different plants and flowers there. So if you need one for your house, go there when they're about to close because the prices are cheaper. he he...

March 1-31, 2012

9AM – 5PM

Araw ng Dabaw Agri Trade Fair

SM Grounds, Ecoland

March 1-31, 2012

6PM – 2AM

Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw

Roxas Avenue

March 1-10, 2012

6PM

Band, Singing Competition (at Hudyakaan)

Roxas Avenue

March 9, 2012

6PM

1st Mayor Inday Sara Z. Duterte Athletes’ Recognition Night

The Ritz Hotel Garden Oases

March 10, 2012

2PM – 6PM

Folk Dance Competition

Rizal Park

March 12-18, 2012

Mall Hours

“Best of Davao” Showcase

Abreeza Mall

March 12, 2012

4PM

Thanksgiving Mass

San Pedro Cathedral

March 12, 2012

5PM

Opening Celebration: Davao’s 75th Anniversary!

Rizal Park

March 12, 2012

6PM

Mayor’s and Vice Mayor’s Leaders’ Recognition Night

Davao Convention and Trade Center

March 13, 2012

6PM

Mayor’s and Vice Mayor’s Leaders’ Appreciation Program

Davao City Recreation Center

March 13, 2012

6PM

Lankuban: Musiko Dabawenyo

People’s Park

March 14, 2012

6PM

Mutya ng Dabaw Coronation Night

Davao City Recreation Center

March 15, 2012

6PM

Datu Bago Awards

The Royal Mandaya Hotel

March 15, 2012

All day

Celebrity Adventure Race

Around Davao

March 15, 2012

2PM

Sayawan sa Da’n

Roxas, CM Recto, Bonifacio, Pelayo, San Pedro

March 16, 2012

7AM

Parada Dabawenyo (A Civic-Military Parade)

Roxas Ave. to Rizal Park (via CM Recto Ave., Bonifacio St., Pelayo St., San Pedro St.)

March 16-23, 2012

Mall Hours

Urban Sights and Sounds: The Stories of San Pedro Street Photo Exhibition

Abreeza Mall

March 16, 2012

6PM

Pahalipay Concert: AEGIS

Rizal Park

March 17, 2012

6PM

Pahalipay Concert

Rizal Park

March 18, 2012

5AM – 8AM

Araw ng Dabaw Fun Run

Assembly at Rizal Park. Around (San Pedro, Illustre, Camus St., Quirino Ave.,JP Laurel Ave.)

March 18, 2012

7AM

Bangkathon sa Davao Gulf 2012

Sta. Ana Wharf

So come and have fun with us! :)

David's Salon

One of the best places to go when it comes to hair treatments and the like in Davao City is David's Salon. I've been going there for years but mostly when I need a pedicure. :) I like the polish they use because it stays a lot longer than the other salons use. You see I've tried them all. So I'd like to think that I know what I'm talking about. hehe .. Seriously though, if you like a good quality polish when you have a manicure or a pedicure, go to David's Salon at the 2nd Floor of NCCC Mall, Maa, Davao City.

Err.. I don't get paid when I write these things. :) But our women out there I'm sure, would like to have value for the money services right? So I hope this helps...

Ok, let's go back to my hair treatment. I was told that stress can make your hair dry. If that is true, then I guess that's what's causing mine. hu hu.. I cannot close our business. I love my work, period! So I'll just take care of the stress some other way huh?! LOL

And I am so glad that I went to David's for that purpose. I forgot to ask exactly what they used, but boy I've never felt this good with my hair for a very long time. This is so vain.. haha. But women don't like messy hair when we're working. We don't want the "mahangin sa labas" look right? It is our crowning glory after all..

                                                            Marlon, my hairstylist.

                   I told her, smile. I'll include you in my blog. And we both laughed. haha

                                   The blogger and the photo addict in me, at work. LOL  

Thank you guys! :) Very much...

David's Salon is just on the 2nd Floor of NCCC Mall in Maa. I find it really convenient for me because we have a Real Estate booth there, facing the grocery section. :)

                                                            Lea C. Walker

                                                      leawalker.blogspot.com

                                                   www.davaoproperties.com

                     

Currency Trading

Good morning world! :) It's 4:14 a.m. in my part of the world now. Too early for most people but normal for me. I wish I slept for 2 more hours though! (sigh...) 

Oh well...

Since I couldn't go back to sleep anymore, I started analyzing where the Philippine Peso- US dollar is going. Not your typical morning thingy huh?! lol.. But then again, I am not your typical girl in the block. ha ha

So I have here the PHP-USD chart for the past 12 months.

   

Look at the broken lines I've created.

If you notice, the trend during the last quarter of 2011 is upward. That means the Philippine Peso has depreciated. And the US dollar strengthened. In lay man's term, if you're earning US dollar , you will get more pesos.

But if you are buying the US dollar, in the case of importers, that's bad news because they would have to pay more to buy 1 dollar. Or if you have a dollar loan, that's worse! Can you imagine having an importer with a $1M loan? From P42M pesos to P44M? That sucks huh?

So that's how wallstreet makes their billions. :) By forecasting where the stocks or the currencies are going. These are all paperworks. But the investment is real.

Knowing the trend is important. It will tell you somehow where the currency is going. So you would know whether to buy or sell your dollar.

Technically, the Philippine peso has gained strength when the year opened. And it's continuing to do so. But if it breaks Php42.80 level, the peso will depreciate again to :

    a) Php43.45 - tough level to break but when it does..it can shoot up to    b) Php44.10 .

Good news for our overseas workers. :)

And the Philippine economy in general. Why?

Because when the peso is cheap, worldwide investors or even travellers will choose our country as their business or leisure destination.

Think.. that's exactly the reason why retirees come to the Philippines. Their dollar goes a long way in our country. :)

Right now though, the Philippine Peso is expensive. At Php42.20 per one US dollar, our workers abroad are probably crying. They're losing everytime they send their hard earned money to the Philippines.

Call center owners are probably complaining too. :) Imagine them paying P1,000,000.00 to their employees. At P42.20 = they would have to come up with   $23,696.70. Compared to $22,727.30 at Php44/1 usd. See that's $969.00 additional cost on their part.

So if you are to ask me, I would prefer a cheaper Philippine peso. P45 or more. That means, more investors for our country. And of course, more pesos for those who are earning in US Dollars.

My long term outlook is to buy the US dollar. If you have a dollar account and you don't need the money, just keep it. Let it sleep for awhile. Then exchange it into peso later.

With the news these days, I believe that the peso will fall. Don't worry, a cheaper peso is better for our economy anyway. :)






                                                         Lea C. Walker
                                                  leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                 www.davaoproperties.com

Greenbelt...

I would have wanted to write this down weeks ago but time had been very hectic. I'm glad I couldn't sleep early tonight, so I got this chance to blog about my visit last month to Greenbelt Mall in Makati.

Until now, I am still in awe of the place. That sounds so shallow right? lol  But it's true!

Manilenyos probably take it for granted because you know, it's just there. They can go to Makati anytime they want to. But I am  a "promdi"!  haha.. For my non-filipino readers, that's our local word for "from the province". :)

Ayala, the developer of Greenbelt, had a masterplan. When they built the mall, they wanted nature to be a part of it. Hence, the name greenbelt.

So even if you're inside a mall, it still feels like being in a province with huge trees , ponds and waterfalls. There's just another world out there... I'm glad that there's still a shade of green in the middle of these high end developments.

I hope the pictures I took will somehow show the beauty I really admired...

                                   The road to and from Greenbelt.

                       The garden in the middle of the mall with fountain and waterfalls.

                         Another garden with a Koi pond.

                                           Ain't it beautiful? :)

The Church:                          

This chapel was in the middle of the mall. Underneath it is a koi pond which blended beautifully with its landscape.

                               The pathway leading to the chapel.

The Mall:

            I just found this cool.. Pretzels, prepared infront of you! :)

                      This is just one of the many outdoor restaurants in Greenbelt.

I loved it!

I hope that someday we will have a mall like this in Davao. Abreeza is owned by the Ayala's also. But boy, there is no comparison at all!

If you're in Manila, try visiting Makati and Greenbelt. The place is so different. Wonderfully different, that is... :)  It reminded me of Orchard Lane in Singapore. 

                                                         Lea C. Walker

                                                  leawalker.blogspot.com

                                                www.davaoproperties.com

      

The Road To GenSan

For those who are wondering how's the road condition going to General Santos City  (commonly known as GenSan), I prepared a photo essay for you. Here's hoping that it would help your travel plans going there. :)

We left Davao City around 5 a.m. today. We had to make sure that we got there during office hours because we were targeting businessmen and employees alike for our caravan. Our way of promoting the real properties we're selling in Davao City. Oh yeah, like you, I work hard too. hehe

So enough business talk. I did that the whole day today!


ON OUR WAY TO GENSAN:

             This was taken in Digos, Davao Del Sur.  I love the big trees beside the road.

                                 Outside Digos, you'll see this beautiful rice field.

             Roads are being repaired. So you'll see lots of these on the way to GenSan.

    The view as we start heading up. This area is called "otsenta". It's 80 kms from Davao to this point.

 Ooops.. there's a landslide. :(  Not to worry though, I've seen government workers, making drainage system. Water runs down from the mountain everytime it rains. So hopefully with the drainage system
in place, the problem will be solved!  Ok so at least we know where the taxes are going. :)

                    Malungon Gamay. :)

              I like this field in Malungon Dako. :)

WE ARE FINALLY IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY:

Davao to GenSan is more or less 140kms. So that's about 3 hours or less using private vehicles. If you're going to commute, it might take longer because buses pick up passengers from time to time. And yes, there are buses travelling from Davao to GenSan 24 hours a day. Passenger Vans too. 

I fell asleep mostly from Davao to Digos. I remember John waking me up and saying that people are waving at us. haha.. I told him that those are passengers waving for the van to stop, thinking that ours is a passenger one. hehe..

      The business district of GenSan. I am so happy, we gave away thousands of fliers. I'm hoping that
they'll come back to us. :)

 SM is everywhere! :) They're building a new one in GenSan now. I just wish they would put a garden inside the mall, just like Green belt huh?!

          Ahh... Robinsons in GenSan is bigger than the one in Davao! :) And they got nice things there
too.



ON OUR WAY BACK TO DAVAO:

 

 We stopped at Cliffhanger in otsenta, a restaurant with an overlooking view of the sea and Digos. We just bought water (had lunch at Jo's Chicken Inato in GenSan already :) , so we can have  a photo op. haha

     Me and my sister Pearlie. I borrowed 5 of her workers to assist us in giving away fliers. :)

           The view is fantastic! Grabe.......... Just by looking at it, relaxed na ako. :)

          Cholo, Pearlie and Ruben. :)  I miss you mattskie! Dapat uban ka unta no? hehe

                                                         John and Me :)

                                                   Before reaching Digos.

                                           Banana Plantation in Digos.


So is going to GenSan safe? Of course, it is! I told you Mindanao is such a beautiful place. And no, our place is not a killing field. Contrary to what the news portray. You'd think all of Mindanao is  scary. Gawd, that's the funniest thing ever! LOL

Like I always say, true there's a small portion that even I would not go. But of most of Mindanao is a beautiful haven that's just waiting for us to make our own adventures...

PS. I did not see Manny Pacquiao. hehe..







                                                                    Lea C. Walker
                                                              leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                            www.davaoproperties.com