SunStar Mall's Year-End Events

We're only less than a week away from 2011.

But the Sunstar Mall just couldn't stop giving us fun.

This Thursday, December 30, there will be a dance competition for groups with five to fifteen members.  Your group can still register at the Admin office of the mall.  For details or inquiries, you can visit the office or text them at 09282533691 or 09155570363.  The competition will start at 3:00 pm on Thursday.

But it doesn't end there.  After the competition, there will be a fireworks display at at the mall's parking area.  I'm sure this will be a blast!

So, don't forget... on Thursday, December 30, 2010, 3:00 pm... See you at the Sunstar Mall!

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"He was in the beginning with God."

Merry Christmas everyone!

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More Gifts!

Those mugs (that I posted here) that were cute and affordable were sold out!  But there are even more mugs that are cute and have something to say.

I took some close-ups but the quality were not as good.  But then, let me just show it to you.

The price is, of course, affordable, too.  It was between Php 70.00 to Php 80.00.  Perfect for your exchange gift this Christmas.

But then again, if you're not the type who would go for these mugs as a gift, you can check these drinking glasses.

They are equally cute and also good for your office and school's monito-monita or exchange gifts.

Lastly, who can't resist not to give these stuffed toys to friends and someone specials?

You can check all these gift ideas at Pandayan Bookshop.  One is at the Sunstar Mall and the other is at P. Burgos St., both in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

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One Morning at Pagasanjan, Laguna

I was there last Wednesday. My best friend had a surgery at a nearby hospital and I was waiting for her to wake up after the operation.

I figured I could walk around the town plaza and check things out. The town's fiesta was last December 12 and I know there would still be sederas around the plaza. The weather was so right for what I wanted to do as shown in the picture.

The sederas were fewer than I expected. Back in the old days, a week after the feast day, sederas are still standing with matching beto-beto and color wheel stalls for those who wanted to try their luck.

This year, there were just a few stalls standing. But the plaza is still festive (as the picture shows... again) in spite of the gloomy weather. After about thirty minutes of walking around, I had to sit down so, I sat down at one of those canteens that has outdoor tables and chairs and looked around. I took a few more pictures and figured it was time to go.

My friend was still sleeping and I couldn't wait for my friend to wake up and figured I just have to come back. The rest of the day was busy as hell and I swear I don't mind being this busy again.

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One early Sunday morning

No, it's not Simbang gabi.

This is an overdue entry supposedly posted earlier this week, but things got a little busy, and I am enjoying it somehow.  I am actually missing it.

Anyway.  We wanted to go to Paete for mass but we didn't know the mass service times, so we got there thirty minutes early which was just fine.  I got to see the church early in the morning, with low lights and a couple of ladies who were reciting the rosary, plus a few more people who, maybe like us, had no idea about the mass timings.

And of course, this is a chance for me to take some pictures.

For those of you who are as old as me, or simply could just remember, the Paete church was used in the movie, "Bugoy," which stars Dolphy as a hunchback who lived and served in the church.  Back then, young and innocent, I thought the plot or the story was unique.  But now, also somewhat innocent but way older, I think the story was a cut from Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."  But anyhow, it still pays to have something in your childhood that reminds you of how things were.  I remember the dome of Paete Church  was used in a scene where the bad guys are looking for Dolphy Bugoy the hunchback and he was running around the dome's walkway, limping and all.  I looked up and wondered if a person can still walk on that part of the church where Dolphy Bugoy ran to escape the bad guys.

Anyway.

After the mass service, we walked our way to my uncle's house, where my dad and him grew up.  And this is what you see on the streets.

The Christmas spirit is alive.  My attention was particularly caught by those parols that are hanging across the streets.  Their colors are red, green and yellow and a line of Christmas lights lit each side of the parols, which is probably what gives it light during night time.  Now, I wanted to see these lights at night.  I think it adds to the spirit.

So that you know, my Chrstmas decorations is not complete if there is no parol.  It is a 'must' for me.  Because it is the only thing that I find 'very Filipino' amongst all those decorations.  And my sister knew that, too.  When I was out of the country, she even sent me a text message to let me know that the parol is now hanging in front of our home; and she knows that I only prefer white.

It's only eight days before Christmas.  Not too late to get a parol hanging in front of your homes.

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Mall Food

I spotted this some time last week but they didn't have the smallest serving for me to try.  Yesterday, all the sizes were available and this one is the smallest serving.

They call this Twistix.  It's beside the Zagu stall.  It's fried potatoes on a stick. You have several flavors to choose from, but as for me, I always prefer cheese.  The potato is placed on a stick in a spiral way then deep-fried.  They won't put the flavor until they get an order.  I guess this is not ideal since the powder doesn't bind with the potatoes anymore.

It comes in three sizes, the smallest for Php 45.00, then at Php 55.00 and the biggest at Php 70.00.

Then we tried the Milko ice cream.  It's just in front of the elevator near the grocery.  It comes in three sizes.  The small cone for Php10.00, the big cone for Php20.00 and in a cup for Php25.00.

I opted for the Php 20.00-cone.  It's five pesos cheaper than the fried ice cream.  Definitely, the serving was way too small.  But the taste is way better compared to that of the fried ice cream.

It's hard to decide the next time.  It's either you would opt for better taste but small serving, or a good taste for a larger serving.  You decide.

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Hap Chan is now open at the Sunstar Mall

Today, Hap Chan Chinese Restaurant opened at the Sunstar Mall. It's on the left side of the mall's main entrance, just beside Jollibee. The spot where the Laguna Heritage once operated.

It's been a long time since a fine dining restaurant here in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Back when I was a kid, our family used to enjoy the food at the Embassy Restaurant. I think we had dinner there after my elementary graduation. Then, we have the Columbia Restaurant which still stands until now. Aside from these two restaurants, I couldn't recall if there were others that served good food and a cozy ambience.

By the way, the Sunstar Mall's operating hours have been extended. The mall will now be open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm to serve us better this holiday season.

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HP7: The Deathly Hallows is now showing at the Sunstar Mall

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Sunstar Mall's Christmas Bazaar

At the Atrium of the Sunstar Mall now stands the Christmas Bazaar where you can find gift ideas for this season. There are shirts, shoes, fashion accessories, electronic gadgets and more.

I think you can bargain for a few pesos, especially if you will buy more than one of their items.

So, if you're into buying gifts this Christmas and do not want to get tangled with the traffic to Manila and wouldn't want to go out of our town, check them out.

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Monito-Monita Gift Suggestions from Pandayan Bookshop

By this time, your office or school has already rolled out that box and the Monitos and Monitas have already been raffled.  The next thing you have to think about is what to give them during your Christmas party's exchange gift portion.

If you're having a hard time thinking of what to give to your Monito or Monito, Pandayan Bookshop has come up with solutions to end your problem.  Also, they thought of something that are useful and just within the range of your requirements.  They are practical and affordable.

 
I think the one above will be perfect if you're Monita is someone you want to impress.

Cups and saucers are ideal for those in the office.  The ones at the bottom part are pamaypays that are selling for Php 25.00 each.

The cups and saucers come in colors that are ideal for the office ambience as well  the faculty office.  If you are thinking of giving your teacher a Christmas gift, this one will be useful.

Teddy bears for your someone special.

I find this one the most practical.  This set comes with a baby powder and cologne that will really be useful to the recipient.

These mugs that come with cartoon characters are cute and very affordable.  Whether it will be for your Monito or Monita, your teacher, your someone special, it's surely a cute thing to give.

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Nasa Pandayan Bookshop Na...

Ang ika-walong aklat ni Bob Ong!

"Ang mga Kaibigan ni Aling Susan."

Mabibili sa halagang Php 150.00 sa Pandayan Bookshop sa Sunstar Mall.

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Mass Services tomorrow, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Here in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, the mass services tomorrow at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church will be at 6:00 am, 7:30 am, and 9:00 am.  The 9:00 am mass will be followed by "Binyagang Bayan."

In the afternoon, there will be only one mass at 5:30 p.m. This will be followed by the prusisyong bayan.

At the San Antonio de Padua Parish Church in Pila, Laguna, the mass services will be at 8:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 5:30 p.m.

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The star of the Noche Buena

Let's face it.

Our Noche Buena will not be as complete without the star of the Noche Buena, the Christmas ham.  As one of them people say, "Christmas seems glorious if you have the ham served during Noche Buena."  Besides, it's only once a year that we get together with your family.  So, why not celebrate it with the star?

I am taking pre-orders for this season.  Purefoods Jamon De Bola.  It's more or less 1 kg.  It's only
Php 325.00.  Just like at the supermarkets.

Just call or text me on my Globe number 0916-3977719.

Please.  No bogus callers.

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Church of Sta. Cruz, Laguna

Tomorrow, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patron saint of our town's catholic church.  It pays to know some trivia on the history of our parish.

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Look closely at the picture and tell me what you see.

I took this picture some time last week when I had to go to Paete for my monthly errands there.  And my errands make it okay for me to walk in between since one errand is just like five to ten minutes away from each other, give or take a minute or two.  Since my dad grew up there and knows every street and alley, he always serves as my guide.

This is the canal near the Paete Catholic Church.  The red brick fence on the left is the church's.  My dad said that we can go by this route to take us to the next errand.  And he was the one who caught my attention and told me to take a look at the canal.  Well, I don't really know if it's a canal or a estero, but let's just say it could be either.

What did you notice?

As for my dad and me, we both took a few minutes to admire the canal and take some pictures.  Have you noticed that there are no plastic bags or anything of its kind?

Paete, Laguna has been maintaining its ban on plastics.  I know that they started to ban plastic bags since last year and they are still keeping it up.  I think the canal's state on this photo would serve as their proof of citizens abiding to the law imposed by the town.

How I wish the same thing will be done here in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.  So far, I was told that Sioland Supermarket (at least the one in M.H. Del Pilar St., near the new PWU) is not using plastic bags on Wednesdays.  It's good to hear that they started doing it on their own.

So, if this canal in Paete looks like this after banning the use of plastics, I think this will make a lot of difference for this problem:  Plastic trash still top Manila Bay pollutants.  Of course, we should not expect results in a day or a week, but look at the canal and think of the ban that started some time last year.

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Time to get those Christmas decorations

If you're looking for new Christmas decorations, I suggest that you visit the Pandayan Bookshop.  They are now giving 20% discount on Christmas decorations.

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Air conditioned jeepney

My sister and I stumbled upon this after my errand at the PhilHealth office.  It was parked in front of the Cultural Center of Laguna where I think an exhibit was ongoing at that time, but I'm not really sure.  I was headed to an appointment that I can't stop any longer to check.

Is this the first of its kind?  Or are there more than one on the road already?

I had the chance to go inside and take a shot.  They say it seats around 20 people and could be use to ply the route from Manila or Laguna to Bicol.  I guess it's aim is to cater to long distance routes just like that.

And since I have an inclination towards the arts, I couldn't help be noticed the painting on the side.  I love the concept.  It's like singing "Magtanim Ay Di Biro" in my mind.

Gawang Pilipino.  Tatak Pinoy.

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An angel who falls in line with us.

Thursday.

I had to be back at the PhilHealth office to claim the document I applied for last week.  While waiting on the line, I had one of the most positive experiences.

I was (I think) the sixth in line of people from everywhere.  One of them is a lady in uniform who I think works for a government office.  She's sitting there among with us waiting for our turns when she was approached by this guy who I think is a friend, if not an officemate.  I think he's also a government employee.  I learned later on that he's asking her a favor to do his errand for him so that he didn't have to wait for his turn.

But the lady is a winner and an angel to all of us next in line.  She refused and said, "Nakakahiya naman sa mga kasunod ko, e."

And the guy went at the end of the line to wait for his turn.

When the lady was finished and was waking out the door, I couldn't help myself but commend her for what she did.  I loudly said, "Thank you po.  You're an angel."

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Hamlet Sta Cruz, Laguna: Showtimes

The Hamlet play starts today at the Pedro Guevara Memorial High National High School Multi-purpose Gym.

There is a change in the showtimes.  The shows today will still be at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

However, tomorrow, 5 December, Sunday, there will only be one show, and that will be at 10:00 am.

Please note the said changes.

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Sta. Cruz, Laguna before six in the morning

This is rather unusual for me, but it was a call that my dad and I had to do.  I'm not writing the reason of the trip but putting it on the lighter side, I was kind of happy to see Sta. Cruz, Laguna before six in the morning.

First, it was a cold, drizzly morning.  I love the cold weather, and I love it even more when it's drizzling.

The ride to town from our place was not hard to hail.  We had to wait for less than ten minutes and we were the lone passengers all throughout.

From poblacion, we needed another ride and our fellow passengers were people who I think regularly go to market in the mornings.  Our errand to the Philippine Red Cross office required us to get some ice and we were told by the Red Cross staff that we can get it from the stores around the LPH area.  But, not today.  We got it from the Mini-Stop branch in front of Kapitolyo.  So, keep this in mind.  If you needed ice so badly before six in the morning, either you make your own ice in your own ref, or go directly to the Mini-Stop store.  They're selling tube ice for Php 10.00 per kilogram.  In our case, we needed two.

In twenty minutes, the errand was done.  But if we had the ice ready, it would have taken less than 10 minutes.  I commend the efficiency of the Red Cross people, and one big Kudos for their pleasant attitude.

On my way back, I was torn between riding the jeep or walking at least up until Pedro Guevara.  But, I think it's not safe to walk so I rode.  My main purpose for walking is to take pictures.  Have you seen the Kapitolyo recently when it's dark?  Well, it was still dark before six and all I can say is "WOW!" But after the wow thing, I started spelling m-e-r-a-l-c-o.  Okay, back to the Wow thing.  There are Christmas lights that are hanging from the trees and they come in only one color, purple.  I don't really like purple so much but I will have to say it looks good hanging from the trees.  Sorry but I lost count as to how many trees have these lights hanging from them.  You just have to see them yourself.  But of course, it doesn't have to be as early as six in the morning.  Probably tonight?  Or tomorrow night?  Just go see for yourself.  Well, keep in mind that I am a shallow person and tend to admire little things.  So if you are not as 'mahangain' and as 'mababaw' as I am, it might just be a trivial thing to you.

Then, another ride from town to our home.  That was pretty tough.  I had to wait for like 15 minutes before I could get a jeep.  Looking into the bright side, I was able to observe things as they happen.  And I found out that the Sioland Branch near the public market has expanded.  They took the space that was what once had been the Times Bakery.  It think it's a good move for the convenience of their patrons, because I myself can't even last 10 minutes inside their store because I feel suffocated.

Then, here's one of my observations.  I don't really see the significance of those barkers(?) who collects payments from drivers whenever they were able to get passengers for them.  I mean, like me, I will ride because I had to.  It's not as if the barker did something to convince me to ride the jeep.  I just think that it's plain extortion from the drivers and I pity the drivers for having no choice.

Since it's just past six in the morning, I was hoping that I can have a sunrise picture.  But the sun was hiding, so I looked up and the clouds smiled at me.  I know, a lot of people are now taking pictures of clouds.  So, for this morning, I tried to frame it in a different perspective.

Cloudy, isn't it?  And muddy, too. <grins>

My day has just started.  And I have a few things noted on my diary today.  Yes, my day started unusually early, but I think the day will get as good as it gets.

Have a good Thursday, everyone!

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