Pong Thoughts: The Sunshine Blogger Award 🌞

Hello everyone! 😚

It's been a while and it has been so busy; finding all the time I need to squeeze in everything has been a challenge. The last couple of weeks or say January has been a roller coaster ride. But all is well. So far, 2018 has been so so great!

So what is this post all about? I have been nominated by the multi-talented, chill and by the person I really have not met yet but it's as if I know her from my past life, haha - Erika Ramona. Go check her beautiful online journal here - http://www.ekachamporadodiaries.com/. There, you'll see how this lady loves life so much, makes you want to grab your bags and go! ✈

As a nominee, I will be answering some questions from Erika. Here we go:

1. When and why did you start blogging?
[pong] I started writing when I was in 4th grade. Blogging - Multiply Days, maybe 2008? Really can't recall but I decided to publish blogs again last December, 2016. Writing has always been my outlet. Once my "writing soul" arrives, I just had to.

2. Which movie or book do you think is ridiculously overrated?
[pong] Uhm, maybe Fifty Shades of Grey? This is the first thing that I thought of.

3.You have $100 to burn, all your friends are busy and you have the whole day to yourself, what do you do?
[pong] Pack my bag and go to the nearest beach.

4. Food for soul or music for soul? 
[pong] Music for the soul.

5. What is your favorite hobby?
[pong] Right now, am into badminton, traveling and blogging. Taking pictures and stuff.

6. What is your idea of fun?
[pong] Beach/mountains + music + beer.

7. What makes you say “What was I thinking?” when you look back on your life?
[pong] Well, I was about to be promoted when I was caught drinking Tanduay Ice with some of my office mates while on shift. Fun times! Haha!

8. What is the best meal you have ever had on vacation?
[pong] The grilled fish I had in El Nido. Super fresh from the sea!

9. Are you a morning person or a night person? Why?
[pong] I guess I am a morning person. I function well and am just asleep at night, so there. Haha!

10. Who was your childhood hero?
[pong] Can't think of any but NikNok and Kombatron from Funny Komiks were the first ones I thought of! Haha.  Maybe, Captain Planet.

11. Can you share one quote or saying you love, that keeps you going in life?

[pong]  Life is the best gift ever, might as well live it to the fullest and happiness is a choice. 😉

Now, it's time to nominate some thrill seekers and individual explorers I know:

Marie Patinio - http://www.marieblog.com/
Claire Madarang - https://iamtravelinglight.com/
Milet Miranda - http://www.projectgora.com/
Allandale Antenero - http://www.utopianwanderer.net/
Celine Reyes-Murillo - http://www.celineism.com/
Dennis Murillo - https://www.facebook.com/thedennismurillo/
Mujee Gonzales - https://eatsinthephilippines.wordpress.com/
Jinkee Umali - http://livelifefullest.com/
Ruel Umali - http://ruelumali.com/
Gina Alward - http://thehereandwow.com/
Kayla Burk - http://buytheplaneticket.com/


Rules:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you for your blog post and links back to her blog.
2. Answer 11 questions that the Blogger asked you.
3. Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the awards and write them 11 questions.
4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post on your blog.

Questions for my nominees:
1.Where is your dream vacay destination?
2. If you can change one thing in this world, what is it going to be?
3. You are to write an article for someone, who is it going to be for and what will the article be about?
4. Describe yourself in three words.
5. What are the things you can't live without when traveling?
6. The beach or the mountains?
7. What makes the sunset beautiful?
8. What is that one thing you learned from traveling?
9. If you are to take a picture of your life, what is it going to look like?
10. It's the end of the world tomorrow, what will you do?
11. Message to aspiring writers/photographers/bloggers. 


Thanks, guys! 💕

speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Eats: Kko Kko ㉿ (ft. Lai)

Hello everyone! 👀

Before 2017 ended, Lai and I had a catch-up eating session at this Korean restaurant near our offices. She liked it here, so, go. It's called Kko Kko - Home of Seoul Chicken. 🐔 

Located in Ortigas Central Business District, it's has a cute and cozy spot in Garnet Road. It's not your typical Korean restaurant where you get to eat your Samgyupsal with lettuce, grill it yourself and stuff. You are allowed to cook noodles though (with a stove) - how cool is that, right? It's like doing a mukbang. 🍝

We tried the Chicken Cheese Fondue. It's the bomb! If you are a cheese lover, then this is for you. We had the spicy variant - has chicken, onion rings and fries and look at the cheese!! 

Chicken Cheese Fondue

I am a fan of Samgyupsal. I ordered it and it is in a lunch-box type container. The taste is just fine, it has a sunny side-up egg on top. I still prefer it with lettuce though. (Hmm, was not able to ask if they have lettuce, maybe on my next visit)

Kko Kko's Samgyupsal  with Kimchi, Egg, and Anchovies

Lai had her fave, the Snow Chicken.

Snow Chicken - cheesy! 

I have some snaps to share. Kko Kko - Home of Seoul Chicken is worth the try. If you happen to be in Ortigas, give it a go! 

They have draft beer too

Some snaps on the wall

She knows what she wants. Chili Cheese! Okay?

Menu - a bit blur, sorry

🐋🐳

Interior

LOCATION: 35 Garnet Rd, San Antonio, Pasig City 1605 Manila, Philippines
HOURS: 10AM - 10PM
PHONE #: 02 535 7689
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/KkoKkoPH/



Planning to go to India? Make sure to check: http://travoxi.in/
(thanks, Travoxi!)



speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Happy New Year! It's 2018! 🎉🎆

Hey hey hey! It's 2018! Happy New Year!! 🎉🎆

How did your Holiday season go? Well, me just had a couple of days off, still had to work and attend to some year-end office stuff, so it was a bit busy, but the year ended on a happy note! 😉

2017 was a good year, I must say. There were ups and downs but overall, it's still a great year. Am thankful to everyone who've been part of my 2017. ♥

Let's do a simple recap of my 2017. I hope I can do this right and I won't forget anything.

Well, I almost lost my iPhone. It almost gave up on me. I lost the photos, contacts and everything on it as I had it reformatted. I want to buy a new one but bloody Apple, it is so damn expensive.

Lobo, Batangas. Finally, another tick off my bucket list. Suprisingly, my blog about this trip is one of the popular posts on my site (check: Lobo, Batangas). Super budgeted. Sulit!

2017 - the year I decided to get fit and be active again. Joined the Smashville squad, trekked Mt. Batulao. Joined a Fun Run held in Cavite. Did some swimming - beach and pool.

Being active has a catch, was injured last June 17th. I was sidelined for 6 months. I guess, it's life's way of saying that I need to slow down. So I did. I learned a lot during this stint though. I get to spend time with people whom I seldom hang out with. And yes, how could I forget, am back to writing again. ❤

Went back to Puerto Galera. Another tick off my bucket list: was able to swim with the whalesharks in Oslob, Cebu. It was surreal. No canyoneering though as am still injured that time.

Have experienced blogging and pongtograpiya perks - Diving Specials recognized my whaleshark photo and sent me the buddy watcher. And being invited in a festival is just an unforgettable experience. Met Simon Enciso. The Moffatts. Lots of people who are yeah, part of who I have become. Lost a good brother from another mother, Ton. God, I miss you, Ton. I wish I could just hug you and tell you lots of stories. All the people who've been part of my blog are pretty special too. You know who you are. ❤

December is simply an amazing month - I get to play badminton again!!!! After 6 months,  I just missed the game and the people so much.

That's Andrew, right there

My team has been great too. We had challenges, but we're able to recover. We had our Team Pong shirt and I love it!

just some of my team

My highschool friends - last year, we're only 4, now we're 5. Thanks for just simply being there. Jason Landas is the man. Haha! Good times.

love these girls

But Andrew - I must give this month to you. I never thought we could get along very well. Am happy just by seeing you and just by talking to you. I guess, new folks always bring something fresh, yes? More than your endless hanash and your pretty face, thank you. 😍

candid

To more adventures and hanash this year! 🍻


speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

PS my writing soul is a bit off today. I did something that will fire back at me anytime soon, but I still opted to post this. This post should have been way better. Please forgive me. Good night.

Pong Thoughts: Finally Found (someone)?! 🎉

Hello! 👀

Finally found (someone, chos!) time to write before the year ends. 4 days to go and we are going to welcome a new year. How exciting, right? A new beginning is always something to look forward to. Am still yet to finish office stuff - not a lot now, but I still have a few. Should be done, hopefully, by tomorrow. 😊


Christmas has passed and I must say, am really getting a "Tita" now. Titas of Cavite, perhaps. I think of Christmas as a simple gathering of family members at least once a year and the kids mostly enjoy it - which is true. I think I enjoyed Christmas more when my Paternal Grandparents were still here, back when I was kid. Now, every time "ber" months come, and me hearing Christmas songs, it makes me somehow, sad. Maybe because Tatay (my Father's Dad), my walking buddy, passed away December 22, 1992. As a kid and until now, that memory is still fresh and I don't think I'd be able to get over it. Christmas Trees were set aside and we celebrated Christmas with our lifeless Tatay back then. Christmas is totally different now though, I now have my nieces and nephews and they make Christmas lighter and happier. Gotta love kids! ♥

Received lots of goodies from my team, my boss, my family and my friends. How sweet, yeah? Met some of my friends for some catching up which is always a good feeling. And I must say, we've matured. Haha. (Dapat lang, lol) ♥

this one's sweet. pen with my website engraved and Parker for Tony Parker, my ex-hubby. lol. Thanks, BP.  

these ain't all. these are just a few. ❤

This year has been tough - I was injured and was sidelined for 6 months. But the good thing about that - I was able to spend time at home and more time with some people. I missed my Saturday Badminton Session with my Barbies. Missed traveling. Kind of missed a lot, but gained a few too. It's all about perspective, right?

Was able to tick swimming with the whale sharks in Cebu back in September off my bucket list. Met a few bloggers in Bataan and witnessed The Pawikan Festival. And just last week, I was reunited with my Barbies to play Badminton - I was just so happy to be back.

look at these two - andrew and patty. 😍

By now, you realized that the title is just a click bait - lol. But seriously though, I want to think that I found someone, but just recently, I lost that someone just like that. Sad reality. My 2017 Spotify Playlist is almost all about him. Dafuq. Haha. All good now though. Am leaving 2017 behind in a few days.

As a blogger, worldwide, a single post can be read by anyone. I've received compliments, not so good comments, an indecent proposal, love messages and almost everything in between. The people who supported me from Day 1 - you guys are the best! It has been a crazy ride - all of these, I have learned and am grateful. 2018 - let's go!

THANK YOU, all! This is yet another hanash and more to come! ♥



speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Diving Specials - Whale Shark Encounter 🐳🐋🌊

👀 Hello!!!! 👀

Last October 10, Diving Specials chanced upon a photo I posted in my Instagram account. It was a photo of a baby whale shark that I had a chance to swim with last September 17 while am in Oslob, Cebu. It was indeed a surreal experience knowing that these fellas are so big - it's crazy to think that something can eat you whole but chooses not to. Makes me love the marine life more and more. 🐳🐋

Here's the photo that am talking about - used my GoPro Hero 5 Black and did some editing using Snapseed. 

baby whale shark

As requested, added the #whalesharkmoment in the caption and sent Diving Specials an email about doing so. Once chosen, you're entitled to have this super cute Scuba Tank keychain.  

how cute is this scuba tank keychain?

And your entry will then be qualified to join the #whalesharkmoment photo contest wherein the top 2 voted images will win. With the help of my family and super friends, the photo won (yay!!!!) and I got the Buddy Watcher! Buddy Watcher is a device used for communicating under water via vibrations, all you have to do is tap to signal your diving buddy. How sweet, yes? Thank you very much Diving Specials and to everyone who voted, I will forever be grateful. The voting process was not that easy, so I thank you for your time. I wish I had all the names, but I was not able to capture all. You know who you are! Much love from me! ♥♥♥

Thank you, everyone. This is not the complete list though! Much love!

Here's the contents of the Buddy Watcher Box from the mail: 

Buddy Watcher Set (Straps, Charging Clips, Charging Cable and 2 Buddy Watcher Devices.

If you want to avail of The Best Diving Deals, make sure to visit Diving Specials website. They definitely have a lot of good deals to offer and Sarah, CEO and Founder, is very hands-on, accommodating and she always makes sure to respond as necessary and as soon as possible. Danke, Sarah! 😍

Below are the some screen caps of their website. 

And this is me ready to communicate under water. Diving buddy, anyone? lol

let's go!!!!  (haven't remove the plastic protector, lol)

my gear: 

My action cam, GoPro Hero 5 Black: http://ho.lazada.com.ph/SHXTXP
My phone, iPhone 5: http://ho.lazada.com.ph/SHXTdi



speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Eiy

Helllerrr! ❤

Random thoughts: It's been quiet. I miss you, Eiy! 10 years. Love you! Please. 2017 is soon ending, please.

speak from the heart, 
xx Pong 🐢💙

Pong Travels: Bataan - Pawikan Festival 2017 - Help Save the Turtles! 🐢

Ola! 😍

How is everyone? In reference to my previous kilig invite from Bataan Tourism (First Invite Everrr!) two weeks ago, ito na, this is it! I am finally writing about it! 😍

So long, Dude! 

♫♪ "Pawikan sa Morong, Bataan, Morong Bataan, Morong Bataan; alagaan pagkaingatan, pagkaingatan, pagkaingatan. Halina't sumabay iwagayway ang kamay, tuklasin ang pawikan sa Morong, Bataan. ♫♪ - This is the oh so catchy Pawikan Festival Theme Song (pardon the video's quality - my bad) that made us LSS (Last Song Syndrome) until we reach Manila. 😂 

 A day before the event, we arrived in Bataan around dinner time and we headed straight to the Bataan Tourism Office to get our Pawikan Festival shirts and Media ID. Right after that, we headed to Bataan White Corals Beach Resort and Hotel to get settled for the night. At this time, I had the chance to have a chit-chat with my fellow bloggers and get to know them. Sweet. 💕 Bataan White Corals Beach Resort is such a beautiful place - I wish I had a drone to have a perfect view of the place - soon enough! 😉

The annual Pawikan Festival concluded last November 25th at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan. 

So, what is the Pawikan Festival all about? It is basically raising awareness on how to save our endangered and beloved Pawikans. When baby Pawikans are released in the ocean, it will take them 25 years to go back via imprinting which I find so amazing that after a long time, they're able to come back, same place where they were born.  

getting ready to be released. 😍

Not only that, Pawikan Festival will also make you feel and love the rich Filipino Culture. I can indeed say that while am there, given that kind of opportunity, I just told myself, "ang sarap maging Pilipino, nakakaproud." Imagine, the people who used to get the eggs and eat them after Mommy Pawikan had laid them, now they are the ones protecting them. Sweet volunteers. 💕 And the Festival itself - the preparation, the people who put their thinking hats on, their time and their dedication and effort is just simply amazing.

Walk for a Cause started at 5AM

Mang Manolo, Chief of the Bantay Pawikan, delivers his speech about the Conservation Center's accomplishments as Gov. Abet and Sen. Villar looks on

.

PUP Banda Kawayan performs at The Pawikan Festival

Turtle-Inspired Body Painting

It's not only during the Pawikan Festival that we can contribute in Pawikan Conservation's Awareness. Everyday, by just simply throwing our trash in appropriate trash bins is already a big thing. Turtles are often trapped by the rubbish thrown in the ocean. We can definitely stop this, right? Easy. Just by simply being humane. This does not apply to turtles only but the entire ocean. Marine life is so beautiful and in order to maintain that, compassion and discipline are what we need. 😀

Pawikan Conservation Center has an aquarium where they keep rescued/injured turtles 

Releasing of hatchlings is done everyday (morning and by sunset time). So, if you want to witness and to learn more about it, everyone is welcome to go to Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan. 

beaches should be clean to ensure safe passage

Sunset releasing of the hatchlings. Beautiful! 

HOW TO GET THERE:
1. Take Victory Liner bound to Olongapo
2. Get off at Olongapo Bus Station then ride a baby bus or a jeepney bound to Morong.
3. Ride a tricycle going to Pawikan Conservation Center (Entrance Fee: PHP20, open from 8AM - 5PM)
         There are several beach resorts in Morong where you can stay. But you can also stay at The Pawikan Conservation Center at a minimal price (cheapest is at PHP1000).

CONTACT INFO: 
Mang Manolo of Bantay Pawikan - 09213602842
Website: http://bataan.gov.ph/tourism/ 

HOW TO HELP? 
Share this page. Blog it. Volunteer. Donate in cash or in kind (get in touch with our lovely Bataan Tourism Folks, click website above). Be humane. 


Simple take aways and hanash from this event:

1. Sarap maging Pinoy. Konting push pa, kaya nating lahat basta may disiplina. Sobrang ganda ng dagat at ng kalikasan! Yung kultura, iba, alam mo talagang may malasakit and yung bayanihan, andun talaga. 
2.  Filipinos are indeed a happy and a talented bunch! 
3.  It's good to meet people who has the same passion as yours. It was my first time meeting Milet, Allan, Claire, Celine, Dennis, Mujee, Kuya Vandolf, Miss Tina, Miss Danica, Mommy Jinkee and Daddy Ruel but I felt at home right away. Hope to see you again on the road or somewhere, guys. 💋

1 Bataan
Daddy Ruel, Milet, Claire, Me, Allan, Celine, Dennis, Mommy Jinkee, Mujee

speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙