By Fung Yu

Author’s Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.3Mb each.

My foot kept slipping from the palm-leaves covered roof of the “Diwata ng Lahi” as I tried to balance myself and the camera-tripod combination; any sudden jerk or misstep would mean the lost of the precious equipment to mighty Poseidon, not to mention a wet and injured photographer, the first person to fell off from the balangay as she sails in the middle of Manila Bay.

Fortunately, it was a smooth sail as the balangay glided thru the water at about 4 knots; I was able to get a good foot-hold to the opposite side and finished panning my shots in a complete circle. Such was the inherit ‘thrills’ of shooting in 360, you sometimes live the excitement of the scenario and gets to brag about it thereafter.

One day before the balangay was set for her historic maiden voyage across the Philippine archipelago; I finally found the time to join her for my first, and her last training sail within the safe confines of Manila Bay. Having witness her from construction to launch, I felt a certain connection as I stepped into her bosom that day. Like a father who watched his child grew-up and was now ready to conquer her world, with full knowledge that the sea will sometimes be harsh and tempest awaits yonder, nonetheless, I’m confident she will achieve her eventual purpose and glory.

We set out from the breakwaters of CCP at around ten in the morning under a clear blue sky, a glorious sun, and a light breeze. The waters were calm and particularly ‘clean’ too, a perfect condition indeed for sailing.

Assisted by “Tiririt”, the motorized service-boat of the balangay, Diwata ng Lahi unfurled her multi-colored vinta-like sails upon reaching suitable wind position, from thereon; she’s right in her elements, cruising just like her ancient sisters, a gallant bygone era where she ruled the seas, a maritime heritage that this undertaking hopes to instilled, a pride of the Malay race that Filipinos everywhere can be proud of.

All VRs taken on August 31, 2009. Article archive at: www.virtualjournals.net. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph

By Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

What else can you do with eggs? Sunny-side up, boiled, fried. But have you ever tried a different twist to your mundane egg meal in the morning? American Hospitality Academy Assistant Chef Instructor Paul Samson Paul Samson shows you how to cook one. It’s called the Potato Fritata.

Here are the ingredients:

1pc potato sliced thin
2T clarified butter
30g onion, white, sliced
salt
pepper, white
3 eggs
30g bacon (optional)

Procedure:

Sauté onion in butter. Add potatoes, salt, pepper. When potatoes are half done, add three eggs, beaten. Cook in low heat.

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.

Gently add the ingredients on the medium heat Saute Pan

Cook eggs until the top part is left uncooked. Then finish the eggs in the oven broiler for three to four minutes.

Now, that’s a better way of cooking your plain eggs. Happy eating!

By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net

“My height is a gift from God,” said Ijaz Ahmed, a towering Pakistani who has come to the Philippines to raise funds for his right leg operation.

Ahmed claims to be 8 feet and four inches and weighs 287 pounds.

According to doctors, Ijaz, 26, is still expected to grow by three to four inches, giving him the chance of clinching the Guinness World title for world’s tallest living man.

Ijaz hails from Punjab and has worked as farmer before his injury, having been born to a family of farmers.

In 2002, he injured his foot in a car accident.

Doctors had told him the operation would cost $50,000 and so in 2006, he embarked on a tour to raise money for his operation.

Over the past two years, Ijaz has raised a third of the total amount required for his operation.

Ijaz took a trip to the Philippines after he met Ann Sia of Clara International during a 2006 event in Malaysia.

Sia said Ijaz was a guest in her company’s event along with a three-foot man. Upon learning of Ijaz’s condition, she offered to host Ijaz after he visits Manila for his fund raising project.

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By Anna Valmero

DURING my last visit at Baguio, I veered away from visiting the typical tourist park attractions and instead took a road less traveled.

Situated across the hilly top of Baguio, just 15 minutes away from the town proper is a haven for artists and culture enthusiasts I long to visit this place called Tam-Awan village after I read about it.

The place was named after “tanaw” or vantage point because the South China Sea can be viewed from the deck on a clear day. The village features Cordillera village architecture including clusters of Igorot and Kalinga huts of different types, namely Annaba, Bangaan, Battad, Bocos, Kinakin and Dukligan (fertility hut).

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By Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

LOOKING for the Shu Uemura’s boutique?

The long wait is over because Shu Uemura finally uncovers their first boutique for all ladies at the Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center in Makati City.

Shu Uemura, known as one of the pioneers of innovation in make up and skin care, opened its store in this popular mall.

Michelle Fernandez, the Shu Uemura store manager, said the boutique has everything a woman would want for make-up.

[Read the rest of this entry »]