Christmas

Finally, before Christmas, I cleaned my front yard and build a wooden terrace and a table. Yes, it is a rugged one, but using only a hammer and saw, it is adequate for me. It is nice to sit outside and enjoy the smooth winter winds. Hence it has been raining a lot lately. No pictures, due the heaviest rains occurs during the dark hours, and I'm afraid to lose, or deep wash, my mobile phone.

Front yard, before the cleaning.

Actually, the right side is cleaned, left side is waiting for action.

 

Job done.

Removed that rather smelly grass. Filled empty space with gravel. Nowadays, cleaning the yard at least once per week to avoid moss and bad smell. 

Have to paint it as well. I'm not sure is the wood thee best material for this climate.

 

Santa Claus, my favorite man.

Oh yes, I agree.

Now getting ready for new years party, after that the year 2011 is nicely wrapped and gone.

Happy New Year 2012 for all of You! :)

New year song. 

Storm

Luckily, not here in Mactan island. The storm passed us from the south. Weather forecast was predicting heavy rain in this area for Friday and Saturday.  Despite of that, weather was nice and quite sunny. Hence, Thursday night it was raining cats and dogs. Till alive:)

 

Thursday rain, Mactan.

Waiting for Santa

Yeah, Santa is coming:) Well, at least one Finnish guest from China will hit the Cebu during the Christmas time. Just taking easy at the moment and checking how Euro is doing in market. Dammit.

Went to see some live music. Not bad, nice voice and lively show. Some western guys were brave enough to show their talent as well. Not me.

 

Diones, Mactan.

Weekend relaxing in nice bamboo bar with good atmospehere.

 

Banana Moon, Mactan.

Oh yes, the third Visa extension, 2 months, was only a bit over P2,800. Not bad.

Independence Day

Today, 6th of December, is Finland's Independence Day. Happy birthday, Finland! Perhaps a couple of shots of ice cold vodka is in order later on.

 

:)

Went to Manila last week. Lucky guy as I am, had a flu during the whole trip and the remaining of the week. Hence only one pic taken from my hotel window. It was a blast lying in bed, watching TV and ordering room service... Not!

 

Manila, Quezon City.

 Holidays are coming. Time for a Christmas decorations. Well, few lights, it is better than nothing:)
 

 

Let there be light.

ACR I-Card

Went to Immigration Office today to get my I-Card. Now I am an registered Alien:) Also, finally found Parmesan cheese from Park Mall, Mandaue City. Now it is possible prepare real spaghetti, risotto and pasta.

 

Talamban, Jan's Kool Bar, Pizza Hut

 

ACR-Card, front

 

ACR-Card, back

Birthday Week

Went to see local point of interest, the statue and doom of famous Mactan warrior LapuLapu. He was the leader of the battle against Portuguese explorer and conquistador Ferdinand Magellan. During the battle, Magellan and several of his men were killed.

As we are Finnish, he remains us a Finnish man called Lalli.
Lalli is an apocryphal character from Finnish history. According to legend, he killed Bishop Henry on the ice of lake Köyliönjärvi in Finland on January 20, 1156

See internet/wikipedia for more information about Lalli and LapuLapu.

 

Lobster and prawn meal

Had a good sea creature dinner nearby the statue of LapuLapu. Lobster and giant prawns. Very good and delicious food. Lobster price was around P1000 per kilogram and prawns P740 per kilogram. A one kilo equals 8 prawns. The whole dinner with the beverages and coffee for three persons was a bit over P2000.

 

The doom of LapuLapu

The doom of LapuLapu. We had a nice local guide with us. And yes, that is me smiling, a Finnish smile at least:)

 

The statue of the Mactan Hero LapuLapu

Me and my friend Karri from Finland. He was visiting me 10 days while he is traveling around Asia. We had a great time partying and relaxing during my birthday week. We had a party in local pub called Eddies. Free beer and pizza, nothing too fabulous. At the same night we hit Julianas dance nightclub in Cebu City.. And yes, we can remember something... but not much:)

Birthday

Ou jee! 40 years of breathing the same air as you do:) Party on this evening & tonite, but first going to gym, kick start today into a full speed.

Some pics below.

 

Dance girls, Ayala Mall, Cebu City

 

The lake, Sauna terrace, Mactan

The Finnish Sauna, Mactan

Halloween

Nice b-day party and Halloween last Monday. Few drinks and good food. Later on nite we hit Julianas disco at the Cebu City. Some dancing and some of the people had scary costumes. Unfortunately, those pics were completely useless, it was too dark for my mobile phone camera.

Today it is raining, going to gym to pep me up.

Some experimental cooking, rice hash browns. Quite good, no kidding:)

MB Outsiders, Mactan

Jualianas at Cebu City

Biz As Usual

Broadband for PC was down couple of days. Despite the fact I made the address change, in their office, at the end of the September, they sent the bill to the wrong address. So, took a taxi and problem was solved, for now.

Had a few drinks last Saturday. Intention was to check the local October fest, but when I arrived the Q was at least half a mile long... So decided to hit other bars and restaurants. Nice evening, I managed to pump my head to iron gate when hopping of the tricycle to the bar. Have to remember, doors are not as high as in Finland.

Made a decision to stay here in Mactan during my b-day party. Going to travel after that. Nicer to celebrate with friends and having a good one.

Bought my first 5kg bag of rice, starting to turn to a local chap.

Ant bite blister

A gross pic of my feet from early days here in Cebu. I was sensitive for certain ants, but nowadays no worries:)

2nd Visa Extension

Done. Damage was P7450 for two months, including U$50 I-Card payment. After two weeks that card should be ready. Only passport was needed, not even photos of my ugly face. They scan the image from your passport. Anyhow, it took two hours of waiting at the immigration office.

Paid my electricity bill at the bank. Helpful security guard offered guidance and what information to fill, no pain in that.

Hot day, maybe few beers now and relaxing. Planned to go to gym, but no food makes me angry:)

Sun is Shining

Yes, after a few darkish day, it is here again, thee Sun! Muy bueno! It was so moist and humid past three days. It started to grow green stuff on my yard, not grass but something else. Well, as said before, temperatures were OK for me.

Second Visa extension is coming soon. This time it is more expensive, almost P8k I guess. Because of I-Card, it is $50 extra cost. After that, under P3k per ~2 months.

My small but useful friend

Here is some Finnish music, at least some local people seems to like it:)
Missä muruseni on

A Finnish Weather

No, not quite. It has been raining through the morning, not heavily about an hour like usually. Can't complain because the temperature is ok:)

Two days ago I did woke up for singing. One of the neighbors had a party going on. Alcohol had something to do with that, according the volume and quality of the entertainment. Nevertheless, it is nice that people are enjoying their life.

---

Tropical storm hit here yesterday. Or at least part of it. No pics, due to lights went off. Had to come home in total darkness and it was raining as hell. Water up to my knees. It was great to be back in bed after that.

Durian

My first Durian:) What a smell! Till wondering did I like the taste or not... Have to eat a bit more, then I perhaps can say more. Boracay Coconut Rum goes well with it.

Durian and Rum

Partying last Friday and Saturday. With Sambuca, whiskey and Jägermeister, I managed to spent almost P4500. Not much, but I stayed here in Mactan area, so no overly expensive bars. It was fun:)

Finally I got lazy enough and now I have a cleaning service during the Saturday morning. No more vacuuming and mopping, yes!

 Nite party at Gaisano Mall

A Flu

Using a proxy to access any of my google-related web services. Last Sunday evening I first thought it has to be my browser, firewall, virus etc. settings which are blocking the connection. All other services are working adequately, hence just a short update at this point.

I had a flu last week. No jogging, gym or partying during the last week:) However, I visited in a nice resort nearby, Maribago, if my memory serves me correctly. More info and pics after connection is OK again.

--
The resort wasn't a beach resort, but having a really nice swimming pool, garden and facilities. It's owner is a Norwegian guy. Didn't quite catch what was the form of the occupancy, rented houses, hotel or hostel (only ~P1000 per night?). Someone told me that you can rent a long term house or use it as a hostel. The pricing is reasonable, beer only P38 and a western size portion of pork schnitzel with mashed potatoes P200.

Resort in Maribago

Starting to planning my trip to Boracay, big Four O is coming:)
Before that, been invited to a birthday party at the end of October, fiesta!

Cheers!

Taifun? and Price Info

Nope, not here in Cebu. Yesterday evening it was a bit windy but nothing like taifun supposed to be. In Manilla the situation seems to be different. Who knows when taifun will hit this area:)

Here is price information, received some Qs related on this issue. Information below is based on my current knowledge here in Cebu area, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City. You might get better deals, go for it if interested.

Taxi: P40 start and then P3.5 per minute. With P200 you will drive a lot.
Tricycle: P7 ->. Special ride, you and/or your party, no other persons P35 ->.
Jeepney: P8->

Haircut: P30-P100.
Manicure, pedicure: P50-P100.

At bar:
Beer: San Miguel P25-P70.
Local rum and coke: P35-P70.
Foreign liqueurs:  P100->

At shop:
Beer: P25-P30.
35cl -75cl local rum: P30-P70.
Foreign liqueurs:  P600->

At restaurant:
Main food course: P70-P300.
Others: P40->
McDonald's meal: P157.
Street food: P5-P15.

Hotel resorts:
Pricing is higher, beer may be P100 and so on. They may also try keep you inside the hotel fence/area. "Too dangerous, more expensive, they will rip you off in taxi/tricycle etc..." Nuts:) If you are not a total cream-ass, you will survive.


Miscellaneous:
Water, big blue gallon: P35-P40. Good for over a week for one person.
Gas, for cooking: about P800/11kg.
Spam: P90.
Poultry, pork, beef: P100-P300/kg.
Vines: P150-P300 (P300-> mid range foreign vines).
GSM SIM prepaid: With P500 you are good for a month, if local calls and SMSs only. Depends on your habits.Use promos!
Broadband, for laptop: USB stick P900-P1000, monthly charge P700-P1000.
Hairspray, foreign: P270 (muy expensive).
Cheese, milk, cream etc: P60 ->. Hard to find decent cheese, for example.
Electricity: 161kwh ~P1300. Do not use aircon all the time, you might get a BILL:) Use fan instead. OK, after shower aircon is cool...
Gas/petroleum for vehicles: P45-P55/liter.
Cheap loudspeakers for laptop: P450 - P1200.
Table silvers: P10 -> per piece.
Cooking ware, local: P200->, foreign P2000->
Vacuums, Micros: P2000->
Fans: P500->
Fridge: P8000->
Bedsheets: P100 per piece to several thousands.
Towels, T-shirts: P100-P300

I hope you got the idea from above.

SPAM, is good for your body:)

A Cool Day

Have to say, nice to have a cool day for a while. Temperature a tad over 20c. It was a good day for a morning jogging. It was raining at the same time, what a feeling. Laundry day as well.

Last Friday I visited Jan's bar, about 20min from Ayala center, Cebu City. Had a good cheese burger and few beers, what else:)

Jan's Kool Bar

Oh yes, and be sure that you have at least one electricity plug adapter, easier to use your European devices. You can find them here, P40 or something.

Flooding

Went to the Ayala Shopping Mall, bought new bedsheets and pair of shorts. Had a good cup of coffee and was enjoying the fine weather and then it started, heavy rain. First I thought just sit and wait until it ends, but it took too much time. Had to jump in a taxi and head towards home. The traffic was a complete mess and the driver had to find alternative routes. Too much water everywhere. Here is some fast pics during the drive back home. In Lapu-Lapu City the weather was and is quite nice, just some rain drops.

 

Cebu City

Gym

I hit a gym today, Rox Gym. Under ten minutes power walk and you are there. Gym have basic equipments, hence it is just OK for training. P450 per month. Have to do some sports besides running to keep up the current condition.

Got my ATM card today, I am good to go. Transferred some money from Finland, local dogs are not pissing on my foots any more:)

Cheers!

SW Problems

Trying to do something productive, for a change. Can't get my Eclipse plus ATP for Android working. It was fine when I last time tried it. Have to load whole thing again. Nooh, maybe a one beer first at the bar. Sunday and no worries, slow pace.

 Street view, Gaisano Mall

Home Alone

Apartment, finally. Now resting few days and checking what I need to buy. I bought a vacuum cleaner. Maybe I need a microwave oven as well. I was dumb enough to vacuum a dead cockroach, what a smell:) Had to change the dust-bag immediately.

Living room

 As well

Cheers!

Bank Account, Part II

How  to open an account, PBI:

First go to Metrobank office. Show your passport. They might ask why you need an account if you are a tourist? Just say that you are planning to stay here at least several months. So it will cheaper to use local bank ATM card services compared Visa credit card services. You need one photo of yourself and if you are a nice person,  you already have a photocopy of your passport.Open, at least, an account with ATM card and Internet banking services. For ATM card, you need to make P2000 initial deposit.
You need to fill number of documents, just be patient, and if in a doubt, just ask advices how to fill them correctly.  I got an impression that you need to have Philippines home address. A leased flat, condominium or house is enough.

ATM card should be ready 20th day. Internet banking username should come via email before the end of the week. You will got an initial password in a sealed envelope to go.

Be sure that your signature looks same as in your passport.
They will ask 3 possible usernames, the bank will choose the one to use.

Second, do not go BPI, it was too difficult for me. Have to say, maybe it was just because the branch office I was using. Who knows, but I don't care.

Cottage

I took a cottage for 1-2 nights and it is close to my new apartment. Quite nice.
Just check: Lapu-Lapu Cottages.

 My cottage room.

 Front yard.

My new friend:)

Problems with my laundry service, located near to BF homes. T-shirts and shirts in my plastic bag were alien for me. Luckily other dude was claiming his laundry at the same time and we noticed that our items were mixed up. I got all my belongings, well my white towel is not queen size any more, but the other dude was left there trying to recover number of his white T-shirts.

Waiting

Till not possible to move in my apartment. Have to wait, but it should be ready tomorrow Tuesday. Shower needs fixing, new fridge and cleaning.
Laundry day, actually I just carried my dirty clothes to the nearest wash and fold -station. I shall have fresh underpants soon, not a single day too early, have to say.

Having a beer and newspaper at the mall.

I did sign the contract today, I am able to move in 14th, if I don't have complaints, but 15th for sure:)

Cheers!

Sir Nicole

Hell yes, my name is Mikko, but they are calling me Sir Nicole. Am I a Ladyboy or something.... :) Well, whatever, at least it is a Sir.

Yesterday I visited the most impressive sauna (kiuas, check the web) factory here in Mactan. The Finnish company, if you have any Sauna related issues just check Sawo Finland Inc.

Just having a talk with the landlord, try to take extra about the fridge, P500 per mo. I just said that 10k or I am going somewhere else. "Had to talk with my mom..." No worries just take your time, mister.

Today is holiday, so it is Tanduay moment for me. Planning to go Boracay at the end of this month.

All the best:) and cheers!

Typical Finnis life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUyFg9xoPKk

Lazy Day

Nothing special today, running session in the morning and then some shopping at the mall.

I found a gym, Rox Gym, nearby and I am planning to go there tomorrow. P450 per month. Exercise is good for my body and my mind:)

Funny thing, I was trying to change euros to pesos at BPI office Gaisano mall. Clerk said that it was the first time for him to see euros, and they are only changing local currencies, P$ and US$. I check the money exchange booth at the mall but the rate was poor. I have noticed that hotels and small exchange booths by the street are offering at least P2 better euro to P$ rates.

Hence US$ exchange rate is the same you can find from the web.

Lets see what tomorrow will bring along:)

Apartment Hunting

Till waiting for that letter from my Finnish bank. Postponing account opening session for tomorrow.

No worries. I was able to check couple of free apartments nearby. The nicest one was at Brookfield subdivision. 2-bedroom flat with European standard equipments and aircon in each room. However, the asking price was P17 000 per month. Would easily drop to P15 000 per month, but it is till a bit high for me. My target price is P10 000 per month excluding electricity and water. Well, P15 000 is not much comparing to Finnish pricing:) These prices would be super good for two persons.

Nearby is one free 2-bedroom flat, P10 000 per month. Quite old but clean and lots of light. It is missing a fridge, but they promise a new one, that's a plus side. I'm planning to ask micro wave oven, it would be very handy when cooking. Gaisano Shopping Mall is within walking distance.

At Cebu City prices are higher, from P15 000 to no upper limit per month.

It was a hot day today but there was a freshing rain session during the afternoon, thank god for that.

Moving morning running session tomorrow. Left foot is swollen after the bites of angry ants , but it is healing nicely.

Bank Account

I was quite sure I have all necessary copies and documents to open a bank account, BPI bank. No way Jose, I was missing an official proof from my Finnish bank that verifies I have good standings. Official stamp and signature is needed. OK, I sent an email to my bank and I will try again tomorrow. More news after that how it went.

Fact document, only in Finnish, will remain at my Facebook group. I will update it when needed, so it is easy to find practical information and tips about Cebu life.

So, I decided to craft the first version of my 'official' blog site. Some fine tuning is coming, naturally.

This evening it finally came: Christmas! Jolly old Christmas songs at the mall non-stop from here to eternity. Muy bueno!

09.04.2011

Kävästiin syömässä paikassa mistä sai pot roastia ja perunamuusia. Oli yllättävän hyvää. Jäi pahasti paikallinen jälkkäri maistamatta, Mango Float, mutta seuraavalla kerralla.

Huomenna aamulla pankkiin jonottamaan jotta saa avattua pankkitilin. Sitte voisi paremmin maksaa kämpät sun muut kun saa pankkikortin ja siirrettyä rahaa tähän suuntaan.
Kaikki liput ja laput pitäisi olla valokopioituna, mutta katsotaas kuinka käy:) Laittaa sitte huomenna dataa.
Sen vois muka tehdä netissäkin, mutta vielä hitaampaa. Ne kuulemma kysyy aina yhden puuttuvan asian kerraallaan ja päivien viiveellä, eikä siltikään ole varmuutta onnistuuko se.

Ai niin, äidän tyttönimeä kysytään aika moneen lappuun, se kantsii muistaa:) Vaikka mistä ne tietää mitä äääkkösiä ja öökkisiä siihen sivaltas jonoon.

Ostin ekat hihattomat paidat, ei meinnanut eka löytää marketista. Paikalliset suosii vähintään hihallisia. Lomakohteista niitä saa paremminkin.

Cheers!