Sunday, September 14, 2014

Snapshots: September 2014 PHLUG BrickFast

Just last month, I wake up one morning and decided to collect Lego. I don't know why or how it happened but out of nowhere, I wanted to start a new collection... a brick collection - specifically, Lego. Since then, Lego occupied my browsers' history. I tried to look at OLX, Amazon, Lego shop and others. Then I came across this group in Facebook called PHLUG. 

PHLUG which stands for PHilippine Lego Users Group. It is actually a community of Lego enthusiasts who are based in the Philippines where one can share his/her own Lego builds and ideas. This is a perfect place for Pinoy AFOLS to discuss the said hobby. Also, selling and buying of Lego items are happening here (PHLUG Brick Stores). I never thought that the Lego community in the Philippines is this large and alive!

The community holds an event called BrickFast. Brickfast is a meetup that is open to all PHLUG members and Lego enthusiasts. This blog post features my first experience at BrickFast which happened last September 13, 2014 at McDonald's Forbes Town, BGC, Taguig. It is a gathering of all the brick maniacs (sorry for the term, it is not meant to hurt us haha) in Manila/Philippines. It is a big market dedicated to sell and buy Lego items. It is a common venue for all the transactions that were held in the PHLUG Brick Store. But wait, BrickFast is not only about the buy and sell idea... and I want to quote one comment made by one of the member of PHLUG regarding BrickFast -- by Sir Hans: 

Brickfasts are there to make people laugh and remove people from their monotonous lives. Join us. Make friends, build stuff, break stuff and build more stuff! BRICKFAST ISNT JUST ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING..its about creating not just MOCs (My Own Creations) its about creating a community and that community is PHLUG. ‪

Though I haven't done the making friends part yet during this first visit, I'll try my hardest the next time I join in. Anyway, below are the shots I've taken during the September 2014 BrickFast! Well most of the photos you'll see are MOCs out of the Mech Wars that were held in the group. These are crazy and sick creations from very talented Pinoy Lego enthusiasts! Enjoy!

MOCs made by Pinoy Lego users

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Snapshots: The Province of Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is considered as the Heart of Ilocandia. It reflects the Philippines history as it holds several cultural sites. One of which is the Calle Crisologo. Calle Crisologo is a street lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses and now proclaimed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Aside from old houses, people also visit Ilocos Sur because of their Ilocandia dishes like Poqui-Poqui (Poki-Poki), Empanada and the high cholesterol yet so tempting... Bagnet!

** Detailed blogs here:
Where to Stay Ilocos Sur -- [click here]
What to Eat Ilocos Sur -- [click here]
Where to Go When In Vigan -- [click here]

Welcome to Calle Crisologo

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Snapshots: The Province of Ilocos Norte

The province of Ilocos Norte is noted as the birthplace of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos but above that, it is also known as the top destination for both local and foreign tourists when referring to an escapade in the northern part of the country (Philippines). Aside from its rich history and culture, it also offers breathtaking landscapes to those who visits the region. Having a land area of no more than 3,500 KM2, rest assured that you and your family/friends will have an amazing vacation packed with awesome views and also, learn something about the Philippine history -- specifically about Ilocos Norte of course.

** Detailed blogs here: 
Paoay Church -- [click here]
La Paz Sand Dunes -- [click here]
Malacanang of the North -- [click here]
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation -- [click here]
Bangui Windmills -- [click here]
Other tourist destination in Ilocos Norte -- [click here]

A nice set at Malacanang of the North

Monday, August 18, 2014

Snapshots: LEGO 9489 Endor Rebel Trooper & Imperial Trooper Battle Pack

Released in 2012, 9489 Endor Rebel Trooper & Imperial Trooper Battle Pack re-enact the war of Endor in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. This battle set includes four mini-figures, namely: a Stormtrooper, a Scout Trooper and 2 Endor Rebel Troopers. It also includes a speeder bike which is 5 inches long and an outpost that fires a flick missile. It is tagged for ages 6-12 and has 77 pieces.

I've bought my LEGO 9489 on an online shop here in the Philippines for 1,098 PhP. 

Getting ready for the battle

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Snapshots: Tinaga Island and Maculabo Island of Calaguas, Camarines Norte

If Camarines Sur is known for its thrilling activities such as Wakeboarding and Surfing, well, Camarines Norte is known for its unspoiled, turquoise water and white sand beaches. 

Calaguas is a term used to define a group of islands in the Philippines which is situated in the province of Camarines Norte. Tinaga Island and Maculabo Island are just some of the islands included in the group. These two islands really gave me an unforgettable summer vacation. Aside from letting me experience a back to basic life since there's no electricity and signal in the area, the landscape of the islands amazed me. 

Tinaga Island - Mahabang Buhangin Beach

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Snapshots: Digital Photographer Philippines (DPP) 8th Anniversary

Country's premier photography magazine, Digital Photographer Philippines (DPP), celebrated its 8th year anniversary last May 10, 2014 at BGC High Street, Taguig City.

The event is free of admission, meaning, it was open to all type of photographers and hobbyist. And just like the past years, the event rained out freebies and special promotions. Not to mention FREE workshops hosted by top notch and well known photographers here and around the world. Wedding photographers Lito Sy and Pilar Tuazon, landscape photographer Edwin Martinez, and celebrity photographer Jun de Leon are just some of the photographers who participated and hosted in this year's event.

Me and my friends were so focused with the lectures and workshops that we forgot to shoot things around us. Well, you can't blame us. This kind of opportunity only comes once a year. Thanks to DPP.

Canon Booth at DPP8 event

Friday, May 16, 2014

Snapshots: Chinese New Year [2014] and The Binondo, Manila

Binondo is located near Intramuros (another historic site in the country) as it is just across the Pasig River. The place is also known as the "Chinatown" district in Metro Manila and proclaimed as the oldest Chinatown in the world. Yes, you read it right, in the world. By that, Binondo holds a rich history and cultural significance in which for some are not known. Today, Binondo has became a popular destination to foodies due to the numerous food stalls and restaurants that surrounds it run by Filipino-Chinese merchants. The place has been a food haven wherein people can eat authentic Chinese cuisine.

** Detailed Binondo Tour here **

Chinese New Year vibes on one of the streets of Binondo