Photos and Videos of Bagyong Ondoy (Tropical Storm Ketsana) Aftermath

According to PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), Bagyong Ondoy records the highest amount of rainfall in history that hits Metro Manila that brought Heavy Flooding. The damage to property was estimated to be Php 6 billion, including Php 4.1 billion in damage to infrastructure, Php 1.9 billion in damage to schools, and Php 212,000 in damage to agriculture.

Collected some photos and videos from the Aftermath of Bagyong Ondoy (Internationally known as Tropical Storm Ketsana).

Calling all those who are capable to at least give DONATIONS either in Cash or in Kind to respective donation offices across Metro Manila and other Provinces affected by the storm.

Organizations who are accepting donations for Bagyong Ondoy

GMA Kapuso Foundation
ABS CBN Foundation
Other Major Organizations

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Photos

October Events in the Philippines

Its countdown to October-fest 2009! Club Tourists gathered some of the well-known events in the Philippines. So what are you waiting for? Get the cheapest fare, pack your stuffs and experience October like never before!

Events listed are chronologically arranged

ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL
October 1- October 12 | Zamboanga City
Zamboanga La Hermosa Festival or the popurlay known as Fiesta Pilar, is held in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pilar at the legendary Fort Pila. The people of Zamboanga fervently believe that the lady has served as their unifying cultural and historical symbol. In commemoration of her feast day, Zamboanga displays its devotion and enthusiasm with a nine-night procession, fireworks, an ethnic parade, a cultural show, a regatta, and the Miss Zamboanga parade.

WOW DABAW
October 1 - October 15 | Davao City
A major promotional activity showcasing the various tourist destinations/products of the Davao region.

KINILAW FESTIVAL
October 2 | Surigao City
Different ways to prepare “Kinilaw” (raw fish delicacy) is the festivals main attraction. It also features the variety of fish, seafoods and other marine products in the locality.

PAGODA (Feast of St. Francis of Assissi)
October 4 | Cardona, Rizal
The Pagoda or procession in the lake is annually held to ask the Lord Almighty for a bountiful and blessed lake through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi. The Pagoda entourage consists of the main boat carrying the image of St. Francis accompanied by boats with musical bands to provide the music and other boats and/or motorized bancas carrying the religious residents and visitors.

SINANGGIYAW FESTIVAL
October 4 | Dumanju, Cebu
The name Sinanggi-yaw is taken from two old Cebuano words, "Sinanggi" meaning abundance of harvested agricultural products of our farmers and "Sayaw" meaning dance. Every year, the Sinanggi-yaw Festival draws together exhibitors, song, dance, and other cultural performances to give thanks for a full and good harvest.

LA TORRE
October 6 | Cardona, Rizal
The traditional and colorful “La Torre” will come alive with its joyful poise in concert with the music of the brass bands.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY
October 7 | Dipolog City
Dipolog City fiesta highlighted with religious and cultural shows.

SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL HUMAN BODY BOARDERS SURFING CHALLENGE
October 7 - October 20 | General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
A new water sports event in the country participated by international body boarders. This is a world series event organize by the International Bodyboarders Association.

BAGLUS FESTIVAL
October 9 | Angeles City
Wide parade is participated in by representative by the different sector of Angeles City

LA NAVAL FESTIVAL
October 9 | Angeles City
October 12 | Quezon City
A celebration in honor of the Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario.

FIESTANG KULIAT
October 10 | Angeles City
Fiestang Kuliat represents the resilience of Angeles City in Pampanga since the area was hit by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and after the United States Military base in Clarkfield was withdrawn. In honor of the patron saint of Culiat, Blessed Virgin Mary of Rosary.

TING’UDO FESTIVAL (Fruit harvest)
October 10 | Makilala, Cotabato
A celebration of bountiful fruit harvest highlighted by a fruit festival.

INUG-OG FESTIVAL
October 14 | Oroquieta City
It is a showcase of ethnic dances on the street as tribute to Oroquieta City’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.

KAPAKYANAN FESTIVAL
October 14 - October 15 | Victoria, Mindoro Oriental
Kapakyanan means abundance. The festival focuses on the bountiful harvest of fruits and crops. Its highlights are street dancing and a beauty pageant with agriculture as the central theme. Kapakyanan is a Mangyan term which means “kasaganaan” or abundance.

HALAD FESTIVAL
October 15 | Talisay City, Cebu
In celebration of the feast in honor of Sta. Teresa de Avila, the city comes alive with activities such trade fairs, nightly variety shows, civic parade and street dancing featuring city’s famous products like lechon, cooking demonstration & food fair with tastiest lechon contest.

KASANGGAYAHAN FESTIVAL
October 15 - October 25 | Sorsogon, Sorsogon
Every October of each year, the Kasanggayahan Festival is celebrated in Sorsogon in commemoration of its foundation as a Province. It is a province-wide festival, with the center of activities in Sorsogon City.

SAGINGAN FESTIVAL
October 16 - 17 | Tubod, Lanao del Norte
A celebration of thanksgiving and bounty featuring the banana.

BUGLASAN FESTIVAL
October 16 - 25 | Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
The main part will be in the Sidlakan Village but the whole City of Generator people will be in Festival Fever. The highlight of the Buglasan Festival 2009 in Dumaguete will be the streetdance contest in the morning of Friday the 23 followed by the Bugalsan Parade through the road-construction sides of Dumaguete City in the afternoon of the same day. Click here for the schedules

LEYTE GULF LANDING ANNIVERSARY
October 17 - October 20 | Dulag and Palo, Leyte
Leyte Gulf Philippines annually witnesses the attendance of dignitaries coming from the U.S., Allied Forces, and Japan to attend the Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings every October 20.

PAMUGU-AN FESTIVAL
October 17 - October 23 | Mansalay, Mindoro Oriental
A festive reunion of different “Mangyan” tribes.

ANA KALANG FESTIVAL
October 18 - 22 | Nagcarlan, Laguna
A roster-full of activities highlighting an agri-fair that exhibits the town's bountiful harvest of Lanzones. The festival is named after Ana Kalang. A beautiful leader, allegedly saw the Virgin Sta. Ana, who took the poison out of the lanzones fruit so that it can be edible.

MASSKARA FESTIVAL
October 19 | Bacolod City
Bacolod City never seems to lose its luster, especially when Masskara celebration comes. The annual Masskara Festival Held in Bacolod City every October is a celebration which has earned for Bacolod the title "City of Smiles". This is Bacolod's biggest event that reflects the Bacoleños' love for fun and gaiety. Click here for the schedules

LANZONES FESTIVAL
October 20 - October 24 | Camiguin
The Lanzones fruit is a major source of the Camiguin Islands' livelihood and it is for the annual
harvest that they celebrate this thanksgiving day. Click here for the schedules

CATANDUNGAN “PADAYAW” FESTIVAL
October 21- October 23 | Catanduanes
Padadyaw is an old Catandunganon term which means to show one's best with pride and dignity coupled with excitement. Celebration of the province’s founding anniversary, and a tribute to its founder, to continuously remind the people of Catanduanes of the province’s independence from the province of Albay. Main features: street dance – Pantomina, beauty pageant, agro-trade fair, sports events, guided tours, photo exhibits, and more.

PMA FOUNDATION ANNIVERSAY
October 24 | Baguio City
Alumni homecoming of the country''s premier Military school

BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT
October 25 | Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
Commemoration of the anniversary of the battle of Surigao Strait during World War II.

IBALONG FESTIVAL

October 25 - October 31 | Legazpi City, Albay
A festival depicting Bicol’s early beginning as portrayed by the characteristics in the epic entitled- IBALONG.

BANAYAN FESTIVAL
October 26- October 28 | Banaybanay, Davao Oriental
A thanksgiving celebration giving tribute to the town’s main product.

ASWANG FESTIVAL
October 29- October 30 | Roxas City, Capiz
According to the festival organizer (Dugo Capiznon, Inc.): “We have three main objectives for this festival: First, to reverse the negative image of Capiz as a haven of aswang and remove the stigma attached to the word. We consider aswang simply a myth, with no factual basis. It does not exist except in the imagination of people. Second, to promote economic growth by helping small businessmen. We do this through trade exhibits during the festival.Third, to promote Capiz as a good tourist destination by highlighting its famous sea food products, fine beaches and other local scenery.”

APO FIESTA
October 30 | Angeles City
Held every last Friday of October in honor of ‘Apung Mamacalulu’ or the Lord of the Holy Sepulcher.

HINUGYAW SA ANILAO
October 31 | Anilao, Iloilo
This is a celebration of the separation of Anilao from Banate, which also features various sports and cultural activities.

Fitness First Philippines Branches Directory

I always keep on searching for numbers of Fitness First branches over the web. It's simply tiring that's why I've created a post for this. Bright idea right?

In alphabetical order:

ABS-CBN
Address: 5F ELJ Corporate Centre, ABS-CBN, Mother Ignacia, Quezon City
Contact Number: (632) 927-0000

Alabang
Address: Blk. 26, Lot 303 Lifestyle Precinct, Westgate Centre Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa
Contact Number: (632) 771-0828

Ayala Center Cebu
Address: 4F, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
Contact Number: (032) 234-2222

Eastwood City
Address: Units B-L Ground Flr., Techno Plaza One, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, QC
Contact Number: (632) 421-4220 up to 21

Fairview
Address: Lower GF, SM Fairview, QC
Contact Number: (632) 983-0000

Fort Bonifacio
Address: The Fort Strip, Katipunan Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
Contact Number: (632) 819-0000

Greenhills
Address: Fitness First Bldg., Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan
Contact Number: (632) 725-4592

Mall of Asia
Address: GF, ONE E-Com Center, Ocean Drive cor. Sunset Avenue, SM Central Business Park, Bay City, Pasay City
Contact Number: (632) 556-8000

Manila
Address: 3L, Robinsons Place Manila, M. Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila
Contact Number: (632) 551-0000

Megamall
Address: 4L, SM Megamall
Contact Number: (632) 910-8000

North Edsa
Address: 5L, The Block, SM North EDSA, North Ave. cor. EDSA, QC
Contact Number: (632) 929-5555

Ortigas
Address: 35F, Wynsum Corporate Plaza, 22 F. Ortigas Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Contact Number: (632) 633-0000

Pampanga
Address: GF, SM City Pampanga, San Fernando, Pampanga
Contact Number: (045) 961-0000

Platinum RCBC
Address: 3F, RCBC Plaza, Tower 2, Sen. Gil Puyat cor. Ayala Ave., Makati Ave.
Contact Number: (632) 845-3480

Platinum Trinoma
Address: Level 3, Trinoma, EDSA cor. North Ave., Quezon City
Contact Number: (632) 916-0000

Robinsons Metro East
Address: 4L, Robinsons Metro East, Marcos Highway, Santolan, Pasig City
Contact Number: (632) 646-0000

RSC Makati
Address: 8F, Robinsons Summit Center, 6783 Ayala Ave., Makati
Contact Number: (632) 813-0761

Southmall
Address: 3L, SM Southmall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Pinas City
Contact Number: (632) 805-0000

Watch out for the Grand opening of the Biggest Loser Asia soon...

Loboc River, Bohol

Bohol is one tourist attraction that a traveller shouldn't missed. Bohol tops all views because of its well-known chocolate hills and not to mention extinct animal like the Tarsier. But Bohol has other attraction - its one of a kind food-trip experience.

Several floating restaurants are found along the Loay Bridge, just 20 kms from Tagbilaran City. These floating restaurants are built from bamboo or "kawayan" (materials used in making "Bahay Kubo" or Nipa Hut). These are placed atop two (2) banka-hulls. These motored-bankas are the restaurants engine. On the platform, buffet tables are in-place with delicious local foods. As soon as the floating resto are filled with 20-25 guests, the experience begins! The floating restaurant starts to maneuver upstream, the buffet table is open, the local band plays from folk songs to local pop songs and the scenic view of the Loboc River just captures your attention. Not bad for an amount of Php 250 ($ 5) for a complete package.

Life along the river goes on with some of the locals do their daily stuffs. Not to mention several kids who will ask for a little change (coins) from tourists for them to climb in a large coconut tree and dive in the water. Hows that for a little thrill from the locals right?

The end of the trip, which takes about 45 minutes to reach a small waterfalls called Busay. As soon as the boat reached the falls, this marks the point where the floating restaurant cannot go any further. This just allows the guest to enjoy the view and listen to another group of singers with their instruments for their presentation. After some time, the return trip starts.

Visit Loboc River for a very unique experience.

Clarke Quay, Singapore

Sharing some of the sites while breeze walking in one of the famous places in Singapore - Clarke Quay. This place is named after Sir Andrew Clarke - this man made a big difference in the history of Singapore, aside from being the second Governor in history, he was one of the guys who strategically positioned Singapore as main ports for Malay states. Quay (can be pronounced as "ki", "kei" or "kwei") in simple English is a pier or wharf where ships may stop over to load or unload stuffs.

You can see Clarke Quay right now as one of "hot spot" for tourists. Colorful lights from famous restaurants and night clubs. Ride around the beautiful Clarke quay along river cruises or river taxis. Want some excitement? Then Clarke Quay's outdoor sport - GMAX reverse bungee. A must try for thrill-seekers. The best time to stroll is during night time. Lots of people from all races are all over to party until the lights and sounds are over.

How to Get To Clarke Quay:

By River Taxi
From Raffles Place MRT Station
(Standard Chartered Bank Exit)

By Bus
No. 54 from Scott's Road or 32 and 195 from City Hall MRT Station

By MRT
Clarke Quay MRT (about 5 mins walk)
City Hall MRT (about 10 mins walk)
Raffles Place MRT (about 10 mins walk)

Map from Clarke Quay Site

Clarke Quay has 5 blocks (Block A-E) and Jetty. There are several stores to choose from. For more information, please click here.

If you're in Singapore, Clarke Quay should not be missed.


Readers may also be interested in Reading:
National Geographic Store, Singapore
Hawker Food Center - A Taste of Singapore