Report on the Spot

Collection of videos part 2

2010-02-09T01:35:00.000-08:00

What's Cookin'? with AHA: Gateau St. Honore

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2024&pageID=50

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http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1115&pageID=58

Beached dolphins in Bataan
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1869&pageID=59

DENR offers charcoal as alternative to LPG
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2277&pageID=60

Mystery behind the Calapan phenomenon

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1823&pageID=61

Making a living off the dead
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1818&pageID=63

Digging graves
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1817&pageID=63

Baking a flourless cake
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1688&pageID=66

Making chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1687&pageID=66

Karting on the Sepang Int'l Circuit

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1667&pageID=68

Chicken Noodles with a zest
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1562&pageID=72

Preparing Chocolate fondue
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1564&pageID=72

Expert demonstrates how to cook beef noodles
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1534&pageID=74

Candles for Life
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1556&pageID=75

Modernized Bahay Kubo
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1599&pageID=75

Pantabangan dam as a source of electricity
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1522&pageID=77

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How are guitars made
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1462&pageID=78

Differentiating Guitar sounds
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1463&pageID=78

How to make White Cheese
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1501&pageID=79

Calamba residents uncover artifacts
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1482&pageID=80

Filipino ventriloquist
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1404&pageID=80

Collection of videos part 1

2010-02-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

I'll collate here links to the videos that I did since I started with Inquirer.net.

Ifugao declares Banaue Rice Terraces GMO-free
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2438&pageID=45

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DENR seizes 'hot' logs from Cagayan

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2405&pageID=50

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Living life with HIV
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2058&pageID=42
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Quest for Bulacan's pioneer large-scale fireworks maker

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2124&pageID=35
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Jeez! plays on 'Soundtrip'

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2211&pageID=43
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UP gleams during Lantern Parade
http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2057&pageID=43
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Working on Holiday season

2009-12-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

Today is December 23, 2009 and the holiday season is in the air.
Almost everyone is packing their bags and going home. But here I am, still working.
I want to go home now but I can't.

Aside from doctors, nurses, policemen, media people don't have holidays.
Yes, sad but true. But it's part of the job. I've entered in this industry right after college and I've come to accept it. Being a reporter is not just a job. It is service. We are socially responsible to deliver the needed information. Hindi natutulog ang balita, bente-kwatro oras.

Oh well, and so this is Christmas...
Merry Christmas! May we feel the reason of the season--giving and sharing LOVE :)

Kayaking in Hundred Islands

2009-09-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

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Kayaking in the Hundred Islands National Park is now part of an eco-tourism initiative of the local government with the Department of Tourism and the Hundred Islands Eco-tour Association. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Christine Octia.Kay

Softball turns dumpsite into field of dreams

2009-09-22T01:22:00.000-07:00

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Nineteen year-old Jenny Pangilinan is a pitcher for the Manila softball team, composed of players like her who are from Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila. It became her ticket to a university scholarship and hopes to inspire more kids in her community to play softball. Video taken by INQUIRER.net's Izah Morales and Marjorie Gorospe.

Tennis: Attack and defense drill

2009-09-22T01:12:00.000-07:00

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Ariel Magnaye and Kevin Dalisay, members of the Philippine badminton team, demonstrate the attack and defense drill. Video taken by INQUIRER.net’s Izah Morales at the Rizal Memorial Complex.

Setting up a coffee shop business

2009-09-22T00:55:00.000-07:00

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Chit Juan, co-chair of the Philippine Coffee Board, shares her insights and tips on setting up a coffee shop in the Philippines and why it remains a viable business venture. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales.

NBA Legends

2009-09-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

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Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Robert Horry and Vlade Divac share stories about their life after retiring from the NBA. Video taken by INQUIRER.net's Izah Morales at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

Wild Ride in Sarangani

2009-07-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

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The White Water Tubing Adventure on the 1.6-kilometer Pangi River is a thrill. Video by INQUIRER.net's Izah Morales.

Ultramarathon takes place in Sacobia River

2009-06-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

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CLARK FIELD, Pampanga – Around 130 runners joined this year’s North Face 100 ultramarathon, which passed through the lahar-stricken terrain of Sacobia River. Heavy rains suspended the 100-kilometer race but eventually resumed. Interviews and video by INQUIRER.net’s Marjorie Gorospe, Izah Morales and Janie Octia.

Pacquiao returns home

2009-05-08T02:58:00.001-07:00

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MANILA, Philippines -- Local boxing icon Manny Pacquiao arrives home, despite a government advisory amid a prevailing A (H1N1) virus scare. With his family in tow, he says he feels a lot safer going home. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales, taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

Charice Pempengco in Hollywood

2009-04-08T02:06:00.000-07:00

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MAKATI CITY, Philippines---Filipino singer Charice Pempengco shares her debut in a Hollywood-produced movie about Alvin and the Chipmunks. Interview conducted by Philippine Daily Inquirer Entertainment Staff with INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Edzelle Pena.

102km run honors Death March

2009-04-08T02:03:00.000-07:00

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MARIVELES, Bataan - Eighty-one runners joined the 1st Bataan Death March ultramarathon, a distance of 102 kilometers retracing the route taken by fallen Filipino soldiers during the Japanese occupation from here to San Fernando, Pampanga. Video interviews conducted by INQUIRER.net reporters Lawrence Casiraya and Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Sukdulan (Short Film)

2009-04-03T05:47:00.003-07:00

Taken at the Bakhawan Ecopark, Kalibo, Aklan
Starring Isadora Morales
Alexander Villafania

Directed by Edzelle Pena

Sukdulan

2009-04-03T05:47:00.002-07:00

Taken at Bakhawan Ecopark, Kalibo, Aklan
Directed by Edzelle Pena

Unraveling the legend of the Code of Kalantiaw

2009-03-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

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BATAN, Aklan---The Code of Kalantiaw is a legend that has existed for generations. In this video report, INQUIRER.net reporters Izah Morales and Alex Villafania unravel the story behind this set of laws and how the National Historical Institute declared it as mere folklore. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Edzelle Pena.

Street dancing in Panagbenga 2009

2009-03-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

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BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—Day One of the Panagbenga 2009 showcases a morning of street dancing with different schools competing for the top spot. It took months of practice and preparation for the final show. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialists Rastle Lozano and Edzelle Pena. Photos taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales.

Chinatown celebrates New Year

2009-03-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

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BINONDO, Manila--The INQUIRER.net VDO team visits the historic enclave of the local Filipino-Chinese community. January 26 is the first day of the Year of the Ox, based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Photos taken by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporters Izah Morales, Marjorie Gorospe and Lawrence Casiraya.

Balloon fest draws international crowd

2009-03-03T05:51:00.001-08:00

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CLARK FIELD, Pampanga--The 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is expected to draw more local and foreign visitors this year. Event director Joy Roa says about 55,000 visitors came last year. He also says that this four-day spectacle intends to attract people to aviation. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Lawrence Casiraya and production specialist Edzelle Pena. Royalty-free music by Kevin Mcleod.

The sights and sounds of Panagbenga

2009-03-03T02:01:00.000-08:00

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines--Panagbenga, which literally translates to "blossoming," is this city's signature fiesta. Dubbed the country's summer capital, the city is also celebrating its centennial this year. INQUIRER.net reporter Lawrence Casiraya witnesses the first day of the Flower Festival, highlighted by a parade joined by different schools. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Rastle Lozano. Photos taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales.

Cooking Omelette

2009-02-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

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MAKATI CITY, Philippines--American Hospitality Academy (AHA) and INQUIRER.net take you through the step-by-step process of cooking an omelette. In this episode of What’s Cookin’? with AHA, assistant chef instructor Paul Samson shows how this meal is prepared and gives tips on what makes a good omelette. Video hosted by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Rastle Lozano. Royalty-free music courtesy of Kevin Macleod.

Bakhawan Eco-park

2009-02-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

Tracing the roots of the Ati-Atihan

2009-02-26T01:29:00.000-08:00

KALIBO, Aklan--The 797th Kalibo de Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival presents the vast culture of the town. Historian Marcela Tinagan recounts how the festival became a historical and religious feast. Among the 30 participating tribes at this year's Ati-Atihan, Morongga tribe head Lucas Cristobal shares the struggles of leading a tribe. Video report by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporters Izah Morales and Alex Villafania. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Edzelle Pena.

Filipino artist animates art despite disability

2009-02-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

By Izah Morales

SOME people give up easily but not Filipino computer graphic artist Ronnie Sapinoso who suffers from Cerebral Palsy.

Rejected so many times because of his condition, Sapinoso wanted to become a filmmaker ever since he was kid. His interest was sparked after he saw the Disney movie Pinocchio.

“Nakita mo naman ako, walang nagtitiwala sa akin. Wala akong connection. [As you can see, no one trusts me. I don’t have any connections.],” said Sapinoso.

Sapinoso, currently a freelance computer graphic artist, said that if he would just be given a chance to work, then his wife would not need to leave and work in Singapore, leave him and their child in the Philippines.

Despite having Cerebral Palsy, Sapinoso has managed to move forward.

“Ayaw kong isuko ‘yung pangarap kong ‘yun. Gusto kong mag-direct. Gusto kong gumawa ng pelikula. [I don’t want to give up on my dream to be a filmmaker. I want to direct. I want to make a film.],” said Sapinoso.

Good thing Sapinoso discovered the world of animation.

Sapinoso said that animation allows him to become the director, scriptwriter, editor, and artist.

“Wala kang ibang ka-deal kung hindi sarili mo at ‘yung computer. [You don’t have to deal with anyone except yourself and the computer.],” Sapinoso said.

For Sapinoso, animation is not only an art but a way for him to communicate.

“Lahat ng art, hindi yan pagiging selfish. Kaya ka nag-art kasi gusto mong ma-touch ‘yung puso ng pinaghahandugan mo ng art. [Art is not selfish. You’re doing art because you want to touch the hearts of the people that inspires your artwork],” he said.

Sapinoso who has a degree in Law admitted that he has no formal training in animation. Through trial and error, he learned to animate graphics and has created at least 10 animated films.

One of the 10 animated films was Connect Ed, which is about a robot who lost its creator to World War III and is longing to regain its creator.

“‘Yung animation ko, ‘di nagpapa-cute. May kaunting humor pero kinakatok nito ‘yung puso mo na maging human ka. [My animation is not the type that presents only the lighter side of the story but it also wants to touch the heart and reminds that we’re humans.],” said Sapinoso.

His 3D animated film Connect Ed is now a finalist in Aniboom.com.

Here’s the video that he created.

Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at aniBoom

Apart from animation, the vocal Sapinoso has also done short films and comics. He has a handful of local comic artist heroes, including Carlo J. Caparas who also started in comics before he took up directing movies.

“Lalaban ako hangga’t kaya ko. Gagawa ako ng animation hangga’t may pambayad ako sa kuryente. [I will fight as long as I can. I will animate as long as I have money to pay for the electricity.],” Sapinoso said.

Sapinoso also admires directors Tim Burton and Steven Spielberg. Some of his animated films are inspired by Burton.

“Tinulak ako sa lupa pero bumangon. Nilalayuan ako pero lumalapit pa rin ako. [I was pushed to the ground but I stood up. Many avoid me yet I still reach out.],” said Sapinoso.

Asked for advice, Sapinoso said, “Kahit alam mong puputok ka na, take chance basta masunod mo ‘yung passion mo. [Even if you’re about to burst, take chances to follow your passion.]"

'Take Initiative'-Nursing topnotcher

2009-02-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

‘Take initiative’—Nursing topnotcher
By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Despite the world financial crisis that has affected even employment opportunities for nurses here and abroad, Nursing Board topnotcher Jovie Ann Alawas Decoyna, has remained optimistic and urged her peers to take the initiative in uplifting the profession.

“We should take the initiative to look for the job rather than being idle. It is our responsibility to uplift nursing as a field,” said Decoyna, a graduate of Baguio Central University, who was one of over 88,000 hopefuls that took the Nursing Licensure Exams in November 2008.

A total of 39, 455 passed the exams, the results of which were released by the Professional Regulatory Commission this Friday.

Decoyna said that while the proposal by the Commission on Higher Education to extend the present four-year nursing curriculum to five years would burden parents, she admitted that it would nonetheless help improve the curriculum.

“It should improve the clinical practice of Nursing and mold nursing students into competent nurses,” Decoyna told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.

Nursing is Decoyna’s second degree. Its caring aspect motivated her to pursue the course, she said.

BS Biology was Decoyna’s first degree, which she earned at Saint Louis University in 2005.

“I see Nursing as an opportunity to help my family. I owe everything to my family and friends who supported me along the way,” answered Decoyna when asked why she took another degree after Biology.

Decoyna said that she was open to the idea of working abroad but, given the opportunity, would prefer to work in a hospital in Baguio.

To her fellow Nursing board passers, Decoyna has this to say, “Dapat maging honest tayo at tulungan ang sarili na maging competent at compassionate [We should be honest and help ourselves to be competent and compassionate].”

Wandering in Aklan

2009-02-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

AT the start of the year, festivals in the country open with the “mother of Philippine festivals:” the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan.

INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Alex Villafania and production specialist Edzelle Pena and I were witnessed to the Ati-Atihan festival. For six days, we roamed Aklan and visited Caticlan, Boracay, Kalibo and Batan.

But three days before our flight, a plane mishap was reported in Caticlan airport, which affected operations in the airport. Our trip, however, was smooth and we landed safely despite the windy weather. From the airport, we were ushered to a jetty port, where we boarded a 30-seater boat or “banca.”

The boat braved the big waves. After 15 minutes, we got to the famous Boracay island. This seven-kilometer island has been famous since its discovery in the 1970s. But it was my first time to have set foot on its pristine white sand.

The fine white sand felt like talc powder. Maybe, that’s the reason why many tourists, mostly Europeans and Koreans, love the island. Since it was a January, a cold breeze gave us the chills. Yet tourists were there. I saw footprints on the white sand, sand castles and people taking a dip in the blue-green waters of Boracay.

I saw locals braiding hair of tourists. There were also a lot of tattoo shops and little stores selling all kinds of merchandise. Boracay is increasingly becoming a commercial district because of the presence of a mall and branded stores.

Still, small art shops abound in Boracay. While walking along the beach, we spotted a sculpted dolphin on the sand. There were also sculptures and paintings sold in the island. Inspired by the seascape of Boracay, artists there were selling shirts inspired by the island. We also saw hand-painted shirts being sold.

For a first-timer like me, capturing the sunset was on the top of my list. Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy that day.

After two days, we went back to Caticlan and boarded a van going to Kalibo. We paid P100 each for that ride. There are other modes of transportation like the jeepney and bus.

The trip from Caticlan to Kalibo took two hours. We encountered traffic in the town of Makato. On our way, we saw locals –young and old –dressed in their colorful costumes dancing to the beat of the drums. Apparently, the town of Makato was celebrating its own Ati-Atihan festival ahead of Kalibo.

When we arrived in Kalibo, we felt a very warm welcome. The spirit of the festival can already be felt, as the tribes began dancing and beating their drums even before the actual festival cum contest on January 17.

As we strolled around town, we noticed Aetas selling charms near a grocery store. I talked to one of them and learned that the charms were parts of a tree used to cure illnesses or to protect people from the “aswang.” Up to this day, there are still a few people who believe in the existence of this mythical creature in Filipino folklore. Aswangs are especially popular in Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo, which are neighboring provinces of Aklan.

On our third day in Aklan, we together with lawyer Sonny Regalado, a native of Batan, traveled for about two hours from Kalibo to Batan to find out more about the “Code of Kalantiaw.” The municipality of Batan is home of the shrine of Datu Kalantiaw who was believed to have promulgated the Code of Kalantiaw in 1433. However, in 2004, the National Historical Institute (NHI) has declared that the code had no valid historical basis. Hence, the NHI pulled out from the shrine.

Wandering in Aklan for six days taught me how a festival like the Ati-Atihan can give color to a simple life in the province.

Going around Kuala Lumpur downtown

2009-02-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

By Izah Morales

BEFORE the sun painted the sky with orange and indigo hues, my companions Liberty, Maya, Red, Jing, Eden and I found ourselves stuck in traffic as we approached Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The cab driver told us that almost every household in Kuala Lumpur owned a vehicle, which explained the traffic jams.

Sitting for almost an hour and a half reminded me of how this trip from the Pan Pacific Hotel to KLCC was like going from Calamba City to Makati City. Finally, the cab driver dropped us in front of the famous Petronas Twin Towers, which was the world’s tallest building from 1998 until 2004 when Taipei 101 claimed the title of being the tallest building.

From the Petronas Twin Towers, we headed to the Raja Chulan Station, KL’s monorail. Paying RM 1.60 (approximately P15), Maya and I were off to Maharajalela Station, where Petaling Street was just a few meters walk while the others went to Bukit Bintang.

Unlike the train stations in the Philippines, the KL Monorail stations have some sort of fences on the platforms protecting passengers from accidentally falling on the railway. As we boarded the train, I noticed that a mixed of men and women were riding the same coach, a stark contrast to the Philippines’ Metro Rail Train and Light Rail Train 1 where a separate coach is designated for the female and the elderly.

As we alighted from the train, I grabbed the map from my backpack just like Dora the Explorer, the animated TV series, to check what direction to take to get to our destination, Petaling Street. The map seemed different from the real picture of the place. It was still better to ask a local. Luckily, a woman in her 50s pointed us to where we’re supposed to go.

A glimpse of a Chinese Temple told us that we were on the right path because Petaling Street is also known as Chinatown. Since 1857, the Chinese have been staying in KL and have populated this area and thus was called Chinatown. So what brought us to Petaling Street? Nothing else but bargain goods.

Seeing the Ark of Petaling St.reminded me of Binondo, Manila’s own Chinatown. The walkway on the street was narrow because stalls have occupied almost three-fourths of the street leaving a quarter of the walkway for customers. Maya and I hopped from one stall to another to canvass first before buying anything. From branded bootleg watches to bags, shirts to shoes, name it, they have it. We bargain hunters do not mind walking from one stall to another to find the right price. During our stall hopping, one vendor instantly recognized that we were Filipinos. He said, “Maganda ka. Mahal kita. Bili na [You’re beautiful. I love you. Buy now].”

Haggling was fun because the vendors would eventually lower their price if you appear that you’re ignoring them. At first, I did not know about this technique. When the sales lady said that the batik polo was priced at RM 100 (P1,300), my counter-offer was RM70. I eventually got the polo for RM 80. What I learned was that you should bargain for about 60 percent of the original price. That way, you’ll get a very good price. Nonetheless, in my succeeding purchases, I got good deals like a souvenir shirt, which originally costs RM8 (P104), and I bargained for RM 5 (P65).

After shopping for almost an hour, our legs and feet were about to give up so we made our way back to KL Sentral to ride the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Express train, which took us back to our hotel. But when we passed by the diamond-like glitter of the Petronas Twin Towers, we did not let the chance slip by and took souvenir photos.

Visiting downtown KL allowed me to see some similarities with Philippines. We have similar features as well as similar words but different meanings like tanda (toilet), bayaran (fee), pintu, and kompleks.

Macau: A mix of sweets and spices

2009-02-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

Seeing the fluffy clouds from the plane, which looked like soft pillows, I felt like I was in dreamland. But I knew I was not dreaming when the plane landed on the runway of the Macau International Airport at Taipa Island one cloudy Monday afternoon.

As we headed to the arrival area, I heard voices spoken in different tongues. I opened my little notebook and jotted down a few conversation lines in Cantonese and Portuguese. But then again, they were of no help. Only a handful of people understood English. I noticed that they understood my English better if I imitated the way they spoke.

We later made our way to the hotel through a transport service from a travel agency, albeit most hotels do offer free shuttle services. When we arrived at the hotel, we checked in our luggage, grabbed a map and a booklet on some basic information about Macau from the concierge and went out to taste what it offered.

We took the hotel’s free shuttle to go to the Macau Ferry Terminal. The shuttle passed by a bridge connecting Taipa Island and the Macau Peninsula. The beauty of Macau bloomed as the sun set. Photographers would surely fancy the dazzling lights from the bridge and the exterior of the casinos.

From the Macau Ferry Terminal, we walked towards a department store called New Yaohan, where there was a bus stop. Each destination in Macau has a designated bus number. We took the bus number that was going to Fisherman’s Wharf. Later, we realized it was a mistake to ride the bus to the Fisherman’s Wharf since it was just a few meters away from where we were. The distance in the map fooled me. Nonetheless, it was a thrilling yet scary experience to be lost in a place, where you seem to feel like an alien.

In Macau, shuttles have no conductors or people designated to collect your payment. In the Philippines, they were necessary. The locals who were riding the same shuttle told us to pay MOP (Macau Pataca) 2.50, which was the standard fare rate, in a box that was located near the bus entrance. I asked the driver if he was passing Fisherman’s Wharf. He didn’t understand a word I said.

Fortunately, we recognized a Filipino who also boarded the bus. I approached her. She told us that we missed our stop and that we should get off the next stop. She then pointed at a button that we should press to signal the bus driver to stop. I took the map out and learned that we were in Lotus Square. We were lucky to have found fellow Filipino Vangie Soriano who understood us and could speak our language. She was riding the same bus that we took but was seated at the back. She helped find our bus stop, where a shuttle going to the wharf was passing by.

We later found ourselves in the busy streets of San Ma Lo, where vendors offered you to taste pork strip. We also noticed clothes being sold in San Ma Lo.

Here’s a photo of the streets in Macau.

Macau is in Asia but it is inspired by Mediterranean and European architecture. The buildings at the Senado Square gave us a glimpse of a different architecture that was shaped by 450 years of Portuguese rule. The lights at night gave a romantic appeal to the scenery. At around 11 in the evening, the city was still alive, thanks to numerous casinos operating in this place. By that time, we decided to go back to the hotel for a goodnight’s sleep.

Here’s a snapshot of the Senado Square I took

The next day, we headed back to the Macau Ferry Terminal to join a group tour, which the travel agency arranged for us. Most of the tourists were Europeans and Indians, plus us three Filipinos.

Our Portuguese tour guide Mario shared every bit of information about the tourist attractions in Macau. But what struck me was that Macau residents were free from paying taxes before the Portuguese hand over of Macau to China in December 1999. He said that only business establishments especially casinos were paying taxes. Casinos have become the lifeblood of Macau’s economy, which now attracts millions of tourists and gamblers from the world, thus earning the reputation of being the “Las Vegas of Asia.” Mario claimed there was now more money in Macau casinos than in Las Vegas casinos.

Amid the grandeur of the Mediterranean-European architectures, the historical churches, and the amazing casino lights, the public housing system in Macau, which resembles tenements in Binondo and in Divisoria in Manila, was what struck me. Mario told us that he would show tourists not only the best but also the worst side of Macau.

Here’s a beautiful shot of the St. Dominic’s Church at night.

Visiting another country has allowed me to see the world differently. I learned the following:

Before taking a trip abroad, you better have a checklist of the basic necessities for long trips. Number one, you’re passport should not fall under the six-month expiration window. Best to check when it will expire and have it renewed quick. It is your most valuable identification upon entering a foreign land. Also, don’t forget your plane ticket. Check this one before you start and finish packing. If you want a discounted plane fare, it is best to book a flight months before the trip.

Research about the place you’re visiting. Search the web for basic facts like language, population, weather, geography, among others. And before you fly, have some of your local currency changed to foreign currency from a local bank. It is cheaper to change your local currency from a bank than at the airport.

Don’t forget to bring extra cash, and yes, a digital camera to capture moments of your trip.

Every trip has its own adventures and misadventures. It’s like a dish. You should be brave enough to taste every foreign dish served to you, as you enjoy the thrill and experience no matter how sweet, sour, spicy or bitter it is.

Never too old to be tech savvy

2009-02-25T08:04:00.002-08:00

MANILA, Philippines—Buhay Tan is 79 years old and is enrolled in a computer literacy program under the Tulay program of the Overseas Worker’s Welfare Administration, Microsoft Philippines and the Blas Ople Policy Center and Training Institute. Tan believes that age is not a hindrance to learning new things including technology. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales.

Sampling Aklan's local cuisine

2009-02-25T08:04:00.001-08:00

KALIBO, Aklan–INQUIRER. net reporters Alex Villafania and Izah Morales visit Aklan and try some of the popular local cuisine. John Barrios, a native of Aklan, also describes how the “Chicken Inubaran” and “Binakoe nga Manok” are prepared. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Edzelle Pena.

Cafe owner: Surviving in a crisis

2009-02-25T08:03:00.001-08:00

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines—Doy Yu, one of the owners of Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant, shares how their business is surviving in times of crisis. He also recalls their beginnings in Cagayan de Oro and their recent expansion in Manila. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Marjorie Gorospe.

Men in the Skies

2009-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga–Wolfgang Khun, balloon fuhrer, explains how hot air balloons fly while Master Sergeant Alex Busto shares his experience in skydiving during the 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporters Izah Morales and Lawrence Casiraya. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Edzelle Pena.

3D artist with cerebral palsy yearns for equality

2009-02-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

This was one of the most heartwarming stories that I did. Be inspired by Ronnie's story.

CAVITE, Philippines--3D artist Ron Sapinoso is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. But despite his condition, Sapinoso continues to pursue his passion in film animation, hoping that one day Filipinos will recognize him for his work rather than his physical state. Video interview conducted by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net assistant editor Erwin Oliva.

How to cook Chicken Roulade

2009-02-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

MAKATI CITY, Philippines--American Hospitality Academy (AHA) and INQUIRER.net VDO take you through the step-by-step process of making Chicken Roulade. In this episode of "What's Cookin'? with AHA," Chef Bong Ignacio demonstrates how to prepare the stuffed chicken with vegetable sidings. Video hosted by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Christine Octia. Royalty-free music courtesy of Kevin MacLeod.

Gatekeepers of lost souls

2009-02-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

R.I.P. or Rest in Peace is what we usually read on tombstones. But how will you rest in peace if until death your relatives are renting a space for your bones?

At the Manila North Cemetery, Lita Yao, secretary and interviewer of the relatives of the dead, enumerated four kinds of tombs rented out by the relatives. There is a one and a half meter deep bone crypt vault where one dead share a space with nine other dead for a fee of P1,000.

But if relatives of the dead prefer not to share a vault with others, they would need to pay P1,500 for a “VIP vault,” which has a contract that can be renewed every 5 years. On the other hand, the most common type of tomb is what they call an “apartment,” which is a niche that can be occupied for 5 years and costing P500.

Grave digger Johnjohn Sangalang said that as soon as the contract for an apartment expires, the bones of the dead are exhumed. If there are no claimants, the grave diggers would transfer the bones to a mass grave.

However, Sangalang said the bones are labeled to allow future identification. The tombstone is included with the bones, he said.

In an interview, Sangalang said he has gone beyond fearing the unknown as he buries a minimum of 10 bodies every day. At the most, he buries 60 dead especially during Saturdays and Sundays.

In the video interview I conducted with INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Marjorie Gorospe, Sanggalang narrates his life as the person in charge of keeping track of the tombstones and bones of the many individuals whose 5-year apartment contracts have expired.

We also meet Rommel Ocampo, a tombstone carver for many years now and talk to him about his work, and Roque Rafon, the caretaker of the graves of Jose Rizal’s family and the late President Manuel Roxas.

Ironic how the responsibility for caring for the remains of our loved ones are left to strangers like Sanggalang, Ocampo and Rafon. Nevertheless, these are a few of the already little group people who take pride in their role as the gatekeepers of the lost souls and lost bones.

Mystery behind Spirit Possession

2009-02-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

THEY say living amongst us are beings who once roamed this earth. This world is but an intertwining of two worlds—that of the living and the dead.

In July, residents in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro were suddenly shattered when several students, said to be possessed by “evil spirits,” fell into fits of seizures. The Department of Education sent a team to investigate as the number of “possessed students” rose to 26. It was on this day that the student declared “the gates of hell will be opened and bad spirits will be let out to roam the Earth.”

Paranormal expert Jaime Licauco explains how the human body is a vessel that can be used to communicate to the “other” world. All of us have third eyes located in the middle of the brows and just below the forehead that can be used to go to spaces of higher consciousness, he said.