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

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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

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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. 

** Detailed Tinaga Island Experience Here **

** Detailed Maculabo Island Experience Here **

Tinaga Island - Mahabang Buhangin Beach

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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

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Snapshots: Pinto Art Museum and the Silangan Garden

Located in the hilltop town of Antipolo, Pinto Art Museum is a hectare-wide space that houses contemporary art pieces. At first, it was just designed and build as a storage for artworks but eventually it had been converted into a venue dedicated for contemporary art exhibition. The renovation was led by one of the designer and artist - Antonio Leano.

The name of the museum comes from a Tagalog word which translates "door", in relevance that this place is open for all types of contemporary arts and practices. Now, Pinto Art Museum holds more than 300 art pieces and still continue growing as Dr. Joven Cuanang accumulate more art pieces as part of his collection.

** Detailed Pinto Art Museum visit here **

Entrance of Pinto Art Museum

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Snapshots: Sumilon Island and its Sandbar

Sumilon Island is one of the hidden gems in Cebu that can be found on the tip of Cebu's southeastern region. It has been famous because the 24-hectare island is being surrounded by pristine water with varying aquamarine hues and not to mention because of its rich marine life. Having said that, Sumilon Island is a known site which is ideal for diving.

Sumilon is a developed island and has a resort built on it -- Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. The resort made the island an eco-friendly sanctuary which perfect for people who wanted an escape from the busy life in the city. (But this blog entry is not going to highlight the said resort)

** Detailed Sumilon Island adventure here **

Photo op at the famous sandbar of Sumilon Island

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