Don't. Think. Twice.

Simply, mac.

I am endlessly surprised at how many people can survive not knowing what a mac/apple is. Nothing gives me more fun than convincing a friend to switch to mac. Just like the line we apple users love to say, "Once you go mac, you never go back." Of course we can never take away the near-infinite powers of the PC with its larger database of programs and hardware support. Apple has to keep up with the competition that Windows throws its way. For me though, ownership of a mac trumps having 3 mega PCs any day.

I'd like to consider myself a slightly higher-than-average user. In my household, I've fixed and bugged my way out of installing, networking, and printing hell. I started from Logo to RUN commands from 5.1 floppies to playing CD-ROMs of Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? I do love this technology. I used to do Typing Tutor when I was bored and defragging my PC made me happy (seeing all those colored squares). mIRC was lots of fun and I couldn't wait to hear the "Cuckoo" or was it "Uh-ooh" message alert of my ICQ.

So upon news that I would be FINALLY getting my own laptop, I had to think twice in choosing which which which to purchase! I only knew two people then who owned a mac; my sister (with her iBook) and my college barkada (with his Powerbook). Rap's iBook was really pretty, no one then manufactured white notebooks so hers was eye candy. Nick's powerbook was made of titanium thus, scratch-proof, sleek, and had that oh-so-sophisticated-looking OS. (those big bouncing icons were so cool!)

Windows notebooks on the other hand were just, errr, ubiquitous. Since they were everywhere,there were no compatibility problems with file sharing, or hardware connections like special cords for projectors. Plus, lots of programs are exclusive ONLY to Windows. I mean until now, I use Picasa which is still not available for Mac. But like I said, my choice was the Powerbook. So off I went to SFO, armed with my cousin's education discount, to get my 12 in, G4 Powerbook and my pink ipod mini. Wheee! That was in '04. Fast forward to '08, and I, thankfully, still am typing on my silver keypad. :)

BUY a MAC because:

1. number 1 would have to be because it's just so much prettier! :) loko lang.
number 1 is it's VIRUS-FREE. I hate the word VIRUS. As well as CRASH,
IMGKULOT, and RESTART. I guarantee you, I've never encountered a virus
with all my web usage. No need for silly downloads of Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, and what have you.

2. they're constantly updating. And I mean Steve Jobs (my idol) and his crew. I
am always amazed with his annual presentations (WWDC) always neat, clear,
and concise. Whether it be aesthetics (Mac Air, hello?) or OS (Snow Leopard),
they're always thinking of something new!

3. great programs which are really cool: iMovie and iTunes, and Windows programs which
work equally well like Photoshop and Comic Life, Tomato for torrents, and even Microsoft Office. YahooMessenger is cool too :) I can do webphone calls just literally talking to my screen. No speakers or mic necessary!

4. most hardware are plug and play. I have this bad habit of losing my CD installers and so it was great to have HP printer support, automatic.

5. Wifi is a breeze too! Reminded me of the time when Rap and I saw this teen and her mom struggling to connect to the net in Starbucks Pplant. We approached them with the intention of helping the teen but ended up being befuddled as well with the "Network Diagnostics" of Windows. She was a freshie in Ateneo trying to register for classes. We had to SOS the barista and left the mom and daughter sheepishly. (Gee, thanks ha. I bet that's what she was saying...)

5. Just overall, lesser problems, greater productivity, and cooler apps.

Over the years though, I've gotten used to the absence of the DEL key and the right click button (for those not using a mighty mouse), and the configuration of Word. I'm sure my new mac converts (Angeli, Fin, and Kariza) will get used to it too. :)

I'm not planning on dumping my good 'ol PC downstairs what with its huge CPU, fat monitor, and safe mode startups now and then. But with the new iMac around (no ginormous CPU, no octopus of wires, just a beauty) it sure is tempting........ :o)

Angel's Kitchen

Review: 2 out of 5 stars

Sunday lunch brought us to Angel's Kitchen. Right along Connecticut street, it was a convenient place to have a quick lunch right after the 12 pm mass at Santuario de San Jose. Toting a Mcdo Spaghetti for the little one, we were greeted by a waitress who eyed the Mcdo bag in my hand suspiciously. After asking for a table for 3, she pointed to the bag and said, "I'm sorry bawal ho yan." I smiled and said, "para sa anak ko" which was promptly replied with a "Kami ho yung papagalitan."

It was a bad start to begin with plus, Caelum started whining and acting up even after he ate his spaghetti (which we ate at a bench outside the restaurant). I don't even know why I didn't bother talking to management... Sometimes, when trying new restos, we bring a familiar food for Caelum just in case there's nothing that my picky eater will agree to chomp.

Blue opted for the ostrich salpicao which I did not try, while I quickly chose the callos for my order. Seeing that we were seated right in front of the cashier, I put on a frown and gulped away my food while Blue was left to chase Caelum around the restaurant. Seeing the interactions of the owner and who I presumed to be the daughter, with the servers, I thought that they were either under stress or were truly prickly and unfriendly people. Not once did I see a smile when we glanced at each other.

The food was alright, I got a big bowl of callos while Blue got a generous serving of salpicao as well. Unable to get any starters or desserts, it would be unfair for me to judge them overall but price-wise from what I saw on the menu, this restaurant would not fall under affordable. Although selection is wide (beef, chicken, pork, seafood) most dishes are at least P300.

Just for being a toddler-unfriendly place, Angel's Kitchen does not warrant a second visit for me.

Coron is cool!

We had out last summer holiday last may 30 in Palawan. Given only two whole days to explore our island, we managed to fit in a safari and an unforgettable experience on our own private island. Being the OC mother that I am when traveling with Caelum, I spent some nights sleeping at 2 or 3 in the morning researching on where to go and what to do. This post will then be about the choices I made and some tips on traveling with a preschooler. :o)

1. HOME- our home for 3 days and 2 nights was El Rio y Mar. It is situated on an island rich with marine life generous with mountain views and clear blue waters.

Traveling with Caelum proves to be a daunting task what with all the equipment he needs (sterilizer, yes I still bring this and yes he still uses the bottle BUT with sippy spouts. his formula, accessories you might think are added luggage but essential for him: SPF, mosquito repellent lotion, raincoat, security pillow, the list is endless) Back to the first choice... maybe with Blue we could've taken the cheaper alternative and stayed at 1500 peso a night accommodations, but Caelum does have some needs. So El Rio it was. Home was our own cedar cabin with a spacious walk in closet, equally roomy bathroom (without the tub), 2 twins to make a king bed, plus a pull out bed supposedly for Caelum. Very pretty indeed with high ceilings, a ref, tv (without cable) and dvd player, coffee/tea facilities, and tiny A/C that one afternoon was not enough to cool the entire cabin. The resort's center is the infinity pool which was remarkably clean. I was happy to note that it had a wading pool for children which was spacious enough for Caelum to splash in. It sits right next to the resort's only restaurant where they serve ALL meals (no room service I surmised). Accommodations for 2 adults and 1 child for 2 nights was Php23000. This includes transportation from the airport to the resort as well as full-board meals (3 meals) and welcome drinks. Servings at the restaurant are huuuuge too.
Palawan is clean and green, and friendly to mama earth. Jetskiing was disallowed since it was not enviro-friendly with its gas emissions and possible collisions with corals. Our cabin used solar panels instead of electric heaters and lighting was aided by lots of windows for sunlight to stream in. Animals abound not only in the water but also IN the cabin (moths, thankfully no mosquitoes, the occasional ceiling lizard) and right outside it (birds, a monitor lizard near the trees).
The staff are friendly and courteous though some were too shy... although most are willing to help with a smile. They also offer water sports and activities such as windsurfing, banana boat, wakeboarding, and island hopping. We had a lovely Kayak ride where I saw some sea urchins, jumping fish, corals, and unique jellyfish creatures. I skeptically signed us up for the Calauit Island Tour thinking Caelum wouldn't get too excited with animals since he preferred transportation (boating, riding something) over wildlife. Thankfully, it turned out to be a memorable experience. :)

2. AIRLINE- Thinking it would be more convenient for El Rio y Mar to arrange our flight, I happily let them book for us with SeaAir. Unfortunately, I did not foresee the hassle they were going to give us by bumping our departing flight from 7:10 AM to 11:30 AM. Also, they mysteriously moved our return flight from 2:40 to 1:30 PM. These really were an inconvenience since we had less time to explore and enjoy! Presently, I see no other alternative since Asian Spirit flights arrive at weird times as well. Bummer!

3. ACTIVITIES
a. swimming- Caelum is a water baby. He was ecstatic the moment he dipped his toe in the pool. Kudos to El Rio for having a nice pool, maintained well, and as I said with ample space for the waders.
b. Calauit Island Tour- for US$48 per person, you can feed giraffes, see zebras, deer, and other animals freely roaming this wildlife reserve. Takes about 90 minutes for the boat ride but worth the trip.
c. kayaking- clear blue waters let you see corals and marine life while you row
d. island hopping- in our case, one island hop. Isla Walang Lang-aw (island without trees) is tiny, uninhabited, shell/stone abounding, beautiful island, naturally available for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. We had a great time exploring its sides and secrets.

VERDICT:
1. good choice in 1 and 3, choose better with 2 next time.
2. 3 days is NOT ENOUGH to explore Coron. Gee, we didn't even get to go to the city. Only means of transportation is by boat which takes long so book at least 5 days.

TIPS:
1. bring sunscreen and especially BUG LOTION and pajamas and long sleeves for night time. Mosquitoes are HUGE and shamelessly bite you on any exposed area. Good thing we brought our special scent-free bug lotion.
2. bring mineral water, squeeze it wherever you can in your luggage. 1 VIVA mineral water cost Php 110. So, stock up. Can't blame 'em though since everything, I mean EVERYTHING must've been brought in through banca.
3. have snacks and drinks on hand (better bring baon)
4. bring an umbrella or a raincoat (weather is weird)
5. bring your underwater camera and adapters (for outlets)