Pics from a recent trip to Cam Sur

I went to Camarines Sur for the 2010 Ironman 70.3 Philippines triathlon from August 20-22. It was my first time to cover the event let alone the sport so it was a huge adjustment for me. Taking the place was so much better since it takes 55 minutes from Manila to Naga. As I understand it, once the plane reaches its top altitude it then descends. It's far better than taking a car which is like an eight-hour drive. When we touchdown at the Naga Airport, there was a marching band and some dancers to greet us and all other arriving athletes, guests, and media. It sure was heartwarming. Reminder to the airport people: your bathrooms stink! Literally and figuratively. Nakakahiya with all the tourists and foreigners.

Me on the third day during the triathlon event. That's Mount Isarog behind me and the Camarines Sur Water Complex (CWC). I love what the local government is doing with this place. Development isn't done by a long shot so it would be interesting to see this place a year from now. But I love it. Note to self: next time book a room in one of the cabanas rather than stay in the city which is a 30 minute drive. Urgh!

Five thirty Sunday morning. One hour before the race begins. I love the colors here and the shimmering reflection of Mount Isarog. I sepnt some time taking pictures and admiring nature's beauty. I have more pictures in my facebook. I'm a sucker for nature shots. Frustrated Ansel Adams in me. 

My backpack from the X-Ray machine at the airport. That's a Gatorade Blue Bolt bottle on the lower side of the bag. Only it looks orange here? The huge thing is my laptop. I can see the hard drive and disc player. Coolness. Always wanted a pic of this. The other being the X-ray machine that they use to check people out if they have the flu or are ill.

I joined the Ironkids competition --- not!!! Hahaha. Doing my impression of the immortal Hulk Hogan at the podium for winners. The interviews with the kids were the best ever! As the saying goes, "kids say the darnest things."

Indulge me

My newly purchased toy from Comics Galaxy. Kinda pricey though!

I've got some Todd McFarlane's Spawns, a few characters from DC's Kingdom Come series, and some Gundams here and there.

Just indulging myself in some pursuits and X-Men stuff have been timeless favorites.

Scramble! For real.

Dropped by the grocery to buy a few things today and on my way out, I saw this stall. Seriously! Scramble. Hahaha. But there was a queue of people so I figured it must be something. Tried it out and I think I will die earlier from all that sugar. I just wanted to try it out.

Seeing the Scramble reminded me of a true story from some time ago. My mom's former driver Leo had this younger brother whose name escapes me at the moment. Anyways, the family was petitioned to migrate to the United States (Chicago in particular) and during the interviews for the individual members of the family, the consul asked the young brother what he was planning to do when he got to the Windy City. He didn't think twice when he answered, "I will sell Scramble!" Bwahahaha. The consul was shocked and wondered what it was. I think they got in touch with the FDA to find out if it was sanitary or something because they put his papers on hold. Bwahaha. But he did eventually move to Chicago. I really wonder if he ever did put up that cart selling Scramble over there.

I'm bad. Talk about an excessive sugar shot. With candy sprinkles too. My doctor is going to kill me.

There ya go!