What Michael Likes: 2013

Good News! Finding a Flood-Free Location Within Metro Manila as Quick as 5 Minutes is Now Possible Through Zipmatch

The flood has been Metro Manila's constant, unbeatable enemy

Aside from political rivalries that have been a deep-rooted issue in Metro Manila through the years, there's this one that's big enough to bother most of the citizens here too.

Deep-settled as dirt, flooding within the megacity seemed to be like a long-term problem now. Forever may seem not enough for the government to resolve this. Though early detection of rainfall and typhoons has been mastered over the years such as giving early warnings to over 12 million people who live within this area, this system cannot reverse the effects of flooding thereafter.

But of course you don't want to leave Metro Manila just because of its faulty drainage system that always challenges your readiness every year. The flood has been your constant, unbeatable enemy that always knocks you down, your plans and all your appointments for the day and perhaps, you are used to this already; however, the sick thing is you might feel so weak and defenseless because you just can't do anything after all.

Well, that's what you think. Why not consider moving in to any place that's flood-free but still just within your beloved metropolis?

Parol is a star-shaped ornament that is commonly displayed or hung during Christmas season in the Philippines. Commonly it is made out of paper, bamboo and other indigenous materials. Though it varies in size and shape, the most common design still resembles a pentagram or the basic star pattern.

There, I can see you raising an eyebrow at me now, huh? Or perhaps you might be shaking your head while saying: "This guy must be crazy."

No, I am not crazy. Not at all. Honestly, I'm just being different.

Let me explain.

How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 3)

<< Go back to: How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 2)

Leonardo da Vinci: Fulfilling His Dream to Fly

Aerial Screw (Vite Aerea)

Though this machine has been identified as the ancestor of today's helicopter, this probably have never flown, though.

During the medieval times, children used to play with 'whirligigs', where the blades on a central threaded shaft can whirl around and move upwards into the air. Leonardo perhaps obtained his idea from this ancient toy.

How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 2)

<< Go back to: How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 1)

Leonardo da Vinci: On the Rise of the Machines

Self-propelled Car (Carro ad Autotrazione)

This is said to be the ancestor of the modern car. However, experts speculated that this design was probably used as a stage prop for a spectacular theatrical production during Da Vinci's time at the court in Milan.

You hated your world history class when you were in high school because firstly, your teacher was as boring as a warm summer afternoon, that everytime you're in his class, you can't help but yawn and if you just could, you would want to lay down somewhere because of too much sleepiness in your head. You can still remember how he discussed these great people during the Renaissance period—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rafael and Donatello—but the only thing left everytime you leave his class are the Ninja Turtles. Nothing else.

But gone are the days when you still have to read these thick history books that just usually make your nights a little miserable. Now, studying world history and the life of the greatest people on earth is as easy as listening to an audiobook and as energizing and fun as playing a Candy Crash Saga game. Yes, history made easy!

Take for example, the Mind Museum has opened a captivating exhibit on September 1 called, Da Vinci - The Genius. It lasted for almost three months and has become so successful in attracting the interest of both kids and adults like a best-selling ice cream parlor.

I don't want to miss this so I visited this mind-blowing exhibit on November 30 (which unfortunately, was its last day of operation) and I was astonished with all the things I saw here that I have never seen before. For sure, if you have the chance to see all these, you'll be keeping some of your history books away since you'll rather be more interested to see how all these things you read about Leonardo da Vinci come to life.

Everyone has been warned to evacuate before the typhoon comes, but why there are still thousands of people who died? Does it mean, they did not listen to the warning?

Who's at fault: the people, the media, or the government?

The climate change is on—what does this mean for you?

What the Mind Museum's Cafe Scientifique can do to help you deal with this rising climate crisis?

It's been three weeks after Yolanda hit the Visayas region and most of the people think that this battle has come to its end. You might say Yolanda has already won this climate war. It left the most tragic scene—the darkest in the Philippine history. Its wrath has ended so many people's lives, destroyed people's houses and reformatted the cities, small towns and barrios.

Now, since this monster typhoon has already passed, you started to feel safer. It's the end of this climate war, you thought.

But then, think again. Is it really the end or just the beginning?

When was the last time when you think that you are the best guy for this new girl that you have just met a few weeks ago and then, after all the sweet texting and evening phone calls, she said "No" and ended up everything?

I guess you are not just the only one who have experienced this kind of heart-breaking situation. Every guy is facing these I-am-sorry-but-no moments after proposing courtship to a girl. You might feel you're temporarily half alive for a moment, for days and even for weeks. Staggeringly painful, isn't it?

Now, you might want to assess yourself again. What's wrong with your techniques? Are your words persuasive enough or more likely you are bragging yourself so high that your girl could no longer reach you? Are you too fast that you are already becoming too pushy to give you her "yes?"

You have already fallen in love with Brand X's premium coffee aroma, and like what you are always telling, you are now hooked with their strong blend of Cafe Americano and Espresso shots. You know, that very promising, intense, bittersweet taste. So unforgettable.

Thus, you believe that there could be no other coffee brand out there that could beat or somehow could replace your favorite. If being asked, "What would be the world's number one premium coffee brand?" You will not even hesitate to say, "Of course, Brand X."

Now, let me open up your senses again as I introduce you to the next level of another unforgettable coffee experience. Let's see how would this new coffee blend totally revert your expectations while you end up thinking that your Brand X would no longer be the best.

One of the earliest Filipino Comic Strips: RESURECCTION (Muling Pagkabuhay) Written by Tony Velasquez | Pinoy Komiks #77, April 21, 1966 Graphic Arts Service, Inc.

You were so happy when Momentcam and Bitstrips have finally found their way to the iOS and Android’s busy App market. You have learned to love them because first thing, they are free. They are super cool and user friendly too that you won't need any heavy instructional manuals anymore. Plus, they are so quick to use and free from any hassle as you add some cool details to your photos.

When early photoshops and picture editing tools were introduced on the 90's, the use of these was just within a community of professional photographers and artist. It was used primarily to enhance photographs for advertisements, promotional banners and studio portraiture. But nowadays, the use of these tools and applications are more accessible; thus, transforming photo-editing a less work-demanding experience.

The Araneta Center Bus Terminal

The Araneta Center Bus Terminal has been swamped with people since the super typhoon Yolanda has made a groundbreaking history as it smashed and wrecked the Visayas region, especially Tacloban City from the past days. The number of people here has tremendously increased and the demand for additional buses has been affected too.

I am not a fashionista but I am maybe a bad growling tiger hungry enough to check out some of the newest gadgets in town. I am a busy person though so I don't have enough time to spend shopping at the mall or to visit even any of the gadget stores nearby.

We may have this kind of 'ugh-give-me-a-break' schedule but here's one good news from Lazada Philippines that could fix that out.

I don't want you to miss this so here's how Lazada can brighten your night sky on Monday with some fireworks:

Bibimbap - Photo by: Carey Nershi

Since Koreanovelas have started to pop out and dominate our television screens, the Korean culture has also made its way one step closer to our hearts.

No wonder, their food too, has become a subject of curiosity for some Pinoys. Some like it while others are still learning to love its distinct, unique taste.

Aside from dogs that are considered to be man's best friend, here in Manila, you might as well count a jeepney to be one of your closest 'friend'. Why? You ride on them daily when you go to school or work. You wait for them everytime you go home. Funny because you learned what traffic really means because of them. You know that everytime you pull the string inside it'll momentarily stop for you. You might also have seen 'Hudas' not pay and got oriented that a 'driver is a sweet lover' too. If you are particular with all these things, then you are indeed a jeepney buddy and a certified, true Pinoy.

Okay. Let's say you now already know everything about the jeepneys. But did you know that these colorful, noisy kings of the road have an unexpected origin? Each of them is unique, sticker-covered while some parts are polished metals so it will go shining and shimmering under the naked afternoon sun. But did you know that its design speaks more about our beliefs, traditions and identity as Filipinos?

Here on WhatMichaelLikes.com , we support our local, pure Pinoy businesses so they can grow and progress. That's one of the core objectives of this blog.

That's why we really tried our very best to register, qualify and be selected to participate in this big upcoming event here in Manila on November 16.

Her name is Mayumi. More than just an ordinary kid, there is something more meaningful behind her name. This may mean modest, gentle and kind in Filipino but there is another good reason why I wanted to know her more than superficial.

A famous song says, a picture can paint a thousand words. But I guess the picture above—which I took just this morning in front of a pharmacy here in Manila—speaks more than just a thousand words...not just to me but maybe to everyone who might see it.

Jinky Oda (Actress) - A successful endorser of one of the Philippines' largest
skin whitening manufacturers

My mom's innovative attempts to make my skin look whiter has been an epic failure. Still, I couldn't hide my true brown color. I only get whiter than usual during the rainy season since that's the time that I don't have a choice but to stay home.

When I was at the age of ten, my mom always reminds me not to play under the afternoon sun. She often put some fresh squeezed calamansi juice into a pail of water which I was using everytime I take a shower in the morning. The worst case, at the very early age, she even brought me some papaya soap which according to her, it will even out and whiten my brown complexion.

As a kid, I often ask mom why she wanted me to look whiter than some other children at my age. Like, what's up with all this fad of getting a lighter skin?

If health is one of the major concerns why these used clothing is prohibited, then why the Bureau of custom is donating these as relief goods during the times of calamities like floods and typhoons?

Why we, Filipinos, get nervous in front of a foreigner especially to the white people?

We know how to speak the English language but why we still tend to get nervous in front of them like an accused criminal inside the court?

Prestige, glamour, extravagance and luxury—these are some of the qualities the controversial former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos was being known for over the years. Aside from owning an array of expensive clothing, jewelry and signature bags, this dictator’s wife has also been known to own the biggest collection of shoes a woman can kill for.

In the Philippines, the English Language has been selling like an old flavor of ice-cream and has been served repeatedly to millions of students in all the schools for the past decades. Most of us actually have tried this 'ice cream' but not everyone had liked it. These schools though, exerted a conscious effort on how to smoothly deliver this subject matter to every student.

Timeless. Classic. Beauty.

These three words can stand alone as three independent sentences; otherwise, can also be dovetailed to create a strong superlative description of the Bell House here at Camp John Hay, Baguio City.

What if I tell you that today’s feature is about a cemetery, would you still dare to read this post or maybe quickly close this blog’s window and say, “Ugh, don’t get me bored with some of your just-another-scare-me-to-death stories again.”

Machang (Zongzi): A Chinese Recipe You Pretended to Know

There are some reasons why I keep coming back to Binondo. As a matter of fact, I have already written a blog post regarding this place and some other things that I enjoy here.

Aside from enjoying the richness of the Filipino-Chinese culture that dominated this place over the centuries, I also love the friendly, warm people here and of course, a few awesome Chinese restaurants that offer a wide array of Chinese food—from Filipino palate-friendly dishes like noodle soups, bochi and wanton to some extremely exotic dishes like snake soups, soup number 5 and fried frog legs.

But did you know that there is one classic Chinese recipe I started to like since the day I discovered it?

That is Machang.

Wrapped Machang

Hana Restaurant: Shortcut to Japan!

It was by accident when I found out about this place. I was still with Bestfriend Ep after winning a company badminton game by default. It was about to rain that time—the dark, thick cumulonimbus clouds were now starting to accumulate the sky so we thought about maybe hanging out somewhere where we could eat and relax; predicting that if we would go home now, then we might be caught by the rain.

Suddenly, her eyes widened when she mentioned about this Little Tokyo here in Makati. I was thrilled when I saw this imaginary floating light bulb flashing on top of Bestfriend Ep’s head.

Being so astonished, I asked her more about this place. She started to talk about her favorite Japanese mayonnaise that she usually buys at one of the few all-Japanese grocery here. She also talked about her love of Japanese cuisine. But there is one thing that made me crave for more Japanese and that was when she mentioned about this place here called, Hana Restaurant.

Hana is a Japanese word that can mean a lot of things—from a flower, blossom, sometimes used to say beautiful. Hana also means nose. But I guess the restaurant owner just wanted to emphasize Hana as beautiful.

You cannot find Hana Restaurant just along the main road of Chino Roces unlike some other resto here at Little Tokyo. Hana is like 20 meters away from the welcoming arc. Since it was my first time to see this place, of course, I did grab the chance to take a shot with the Japan-themed arc here.

Bestfriend Ep and I

According to the Inquirer News online, the Philippine capital, Manila, is experiencing non-stop torrential to heavy rainfall today brought by the southwest monsoon which was enhanced by the current tropical storm Maring (internationally known as Trami).

Since Sunday afternoon, moderate to heavy rainfall was felt in the metropolitan city including nearby provinces like "Bataan, Zambales, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Northern Quezon", the online report continued.

Courtesy of www.kitchenconfidante.com

Uncovering the Soury, Sweet Adobo Story

I couldn’t forget how my family made such happy hushing noises as we share a plate of this Filipino dish. I, myself, too was like always in a battle just to have the most big and tender piece of chicken and pork. I could remember how we laughed and cherish this joyous moment. And I think there’s this one dish on a big plate that unites us all during meal time—it’s my mom’s chicken or pork adobo cooked in the most delicate and traditional way. Made with just the basic ingredients like chicken or pork, vinegar and soy sauce, its mouth-watering aroma always delights the hungry crowd. (To know how traditional adobo is being cooked, you can click here!)

It might not always true, but a typical Filipino family gathering would be incomplete without adobo on the center of the dining table. It has become everyone’s favorite dish.

Meeting Prony: The World's Largest and Longest Python

Uncle Freddie, my travel buddy, stirred my excitement again when he told me that we'll be visiting a local celebrity. Her name is Prony. She has become the talk of the town since the day when she started to amaze the people—locals and tourist alike.

Who is Prony?

Well, if you expect that Prony would be some sort of another local entertainer who does some nerve-wrecking stunts that usually leaves the audience in high astonishment, no—she isn't. The truth is, she is admired for her great size and length.

Since I don't want to leave you hanging with a dropping jaw, let me tell you this: Prony is considered to be the world's biggest and the longest python in captivity. She is currently caged at the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park in Alburquerque, Bohol owned by Mr. Eugenio Salibay located about 3 kilometers away from the cemetery where Prony was originally captured on October 31, 1996. It was also said that her name, Prony was derived from the capturer's name, Sapronio Salibay.

Each year, Prony is growing bigger which according to snake experts, her growth is considered abnormal. Being fed with white meat like pigs and goats every month, her size and length has grown enormously to 23 feet in length, 34 inches in body circumference and now weighs about 280 kilograms!

In her man-made habitat at Bohol Python and Wildlife Park, Prony is also living with some animals like different species of birds, reptiles and mammals in separate cages. With her in the cage are two Philippine Eagles named after a famous teleserye—they are Agua and Bendita. And, I don't know if Miley Cyrus will be happy too, once she finds out about this monkey in the cage which was named after her!

The two Philippine Eagles named Agua and Bendita

Some other bird species that can be found inside the park

The Closer Encounter with the Bohol's "Anaconda"

"Don't touch her tail" that's the first thing they told me when I was inside the cage of the snake. The tail is the most sensitive part, they said.

Though I don't really have any fear encountering pet snakes, I still took extra care as I touch Prony. She's currently on a hibernating phase where she was starting to regenerate her scales and that process made her a little sickly sensitive.

I have seen some snakes in the past but Prony would have been the biggest of them all. Though her size is really a shocker to anyone who would see her; reversibly, she is a friendly and calm pet snake.

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Prony's Death

I was saddened when I hear about the news on August 15, 2013 that Prony have died. I was a little teary eyed because it was just a few weeks back when I was touching her.

According to one of the owners, Geogia Salibay, the python was 17 years old. Prony, however, is so fortunate to reach that age since Philippine Python could only live up to 15 years in captivity and 40 years if they are in their natural habitat.

At this point, no one know's yet how and why Prony died but the investigation on this is still continuing.

If you have not seen Prony yet, the Salibay family would still want to give you a chance. They want to preserve her body for an exhibit at her cage.

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