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Cityzen
Got some exciting stories to share? Here's the place where you can rave about the restaurant that serves mouth-watering desserts, or gush about that unforgettable beach trip you recently had with your friends! ClickTheCity users can now get on board by sharing to the rest of the world all their good finds.
Make yourself an official Cityzen! By writing about your experiences and guiding other people about what's hot and happening all over the city and beyond, you can have the opportunity to be published. From good eats and shopping finds to colorful festivals and sweet escapades, Cityzens sound off what's out there worth exploring.
So if you think you've got the write stuff, send in your articles and be a Cityzen!
Cityzen Articles
'Ooooy, Baduya!'
by Cityzen | Melinda Cledera-Acosta
posted on Friday April 24, 2009 in Food, Travel
I wanted my children to experience Naga City as I did as a child. And what better way is there than letting them taste the street food of my youth? I wanted them to savor the food that, for me, evoked fond memories of days when eating out was only for very special occasions. When everyone, including the office workers and students, went home for lunch and left the centro or downtown almost deserted. And when our favorite merienda was delivered to our doorsteps in a large bamboo basket by the street vendor while calling, “Oooooyyyy, baduya!”
Fun With Words
by Cityzen | Julie Cruz
posted on Monday March 30, 2009 in Theater
I was crazy about The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee before I even knew it was going to be staged here. It has some of the funniest, catchiest songs you'll ever hear, a couple more obnoxious than others (don't be like me and belt a song like "My Unfortunate Erection" in public places).
Vancouver Casts Her Winter Charm
by Cityzen | Anthony Rulloda
posted on Monday March 16, 2009 in Places, Escapades, Travel
Vancouver, Canada has always had the distinct and enviable reputation of being among the best cities in the world to live in. So it was with excitement that I planned a visit when the demands of corporate idolatry allowed me --- the long Christmas break. Although it would fall right into the freezing North American winter season, it did not matter. The best should always have something to offer. Besides, I was told that actually Vancouver is the warmest city in Canada. Winter there is “pleasant” – not as frigid as its sister cities in the east, buried in meters of glacial snow. There would be occasional flurries and light snow that melt in the midday sun. It would be tolerable for tropical mammals as myself.
A Great Year Begins With A Good Planner
by Cityzen | K-Ann Marpuri
posted on Tuesday January 6, 2009 in Shopping
Though schedule synching has gone digital, most of us still pay tribute to what is tangible and writeable - the Planner.
When Filipino Guerilla Take Center Stage
by Cityzen | Josie P. Tabanera
posted on Thursday November 27, 2008 in Theater
With his quivering wrinkled hands and squinting eyes, Dadoy Albores, an 88-year old stroke victim, tearfully whispered, “Bakit ngayon lang ‘to,” (Why only now?) as he tries to read a piece of news on the controversial veterans bill S-1315, the Veterans’ Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007, which was passed recently by the US House of Representatives. The bill, which excludes the equity provisions for Filipino veterans and earlier approved by the US Senate last April, provides an annual flat rate of $3,600 ($300/month) non-service disability pension for a Filipino veteran living in the Philippines; $4,500 for a married veteran; and $2,400 for surviving spouse.
All That Jazz: A Fun Ride To The North Side
by Cityzen | Albert Goquingco
posted on Wednesday November 26, 2008 in Escapades, Travel, Cars
What happens when you combine a bunch of car aficionados and shutterbugs, a motoring royalty turned pirate and the all new Honda Jazz? It’s like having a rock band on a road tour except that we get to drive and ride in an FUV (Fun-Utility-Vehicle).
May Yabang Ako
by Cityzen | Mark Tan
posted on Monday September 15, 2008 in Events, Shopping, Shops, Activities, Community
Nationality is a lot more than a tick box in a personal data form. More than belonging to a nation, it is the sense of belongingness to her, embracing her good and bad, and with it the desire to contribute to her growth and development.
How To Float Alive On A Freelance Life
by Cityzen | Jill V. Palarca
posted on Thursday August 21, 2008 in Activities, Jobs
Being a Freelancer is not a very popular mode of income earning here in the Philippines. I know a handful of people, mostly involved in graphics, video editing or writing who have been successful in peddling their expertise. I also know some who unfortunately have to go back to a regular job for many reasons. Fortunately, I have managed to thrive on being a full-time freelance writer for the past 4 years.
No Second Takes For Bembol
by Cityzen | Leloi Arcete
posted on Sunday August 3, 2008 in Theater
You would think that a seasoned actor like Bembol Roco is never anxious about performing nor experiences stage frights, which to some of us is equivalent to the feeling of a sudden rush to go to the john, sweaty palms and weird stomach butterflies. But apparently even actors of his status, become a little jittery every time they perform. Especially if that someone’s last theater appearance is some ten years ago.
Soxie Does Noli And Fili
by Cityzen | Leloi Arcete
posted on Tuesday July 22, 2008 in Theater
We probably came across Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo back in high school, when we were flipping through (note: stress on the use of the verb flipping instead of reading) our required readings for Panitikan. We saw the books as literary classics meant to torment us and keep us from doing anything else deemed by our teachers as less educational. So we relied on Noli comics and El Fili For Dummies to give us a little help. And we’d like to think we’ve had enough of it—that these materials would take a backseat and perpetually rest in our dusty old shelves.
Art Education In The Philippines
by Cityzen | Jane Arrieta Ebarle
posted on Wednesday July 16, 2008 in Visual, Organizations
In 1968, two of the country’s creative minds merged their ideas and founded the Philippine Art Educators Association. They were Brenda V. Fajardo, PhD. and Araceli Dans, artists and educators and are both luminaries of art education in the country today. The two ladies laid the cornerstone in creating what has to become of our art education: a noble profession. The PAEA has now become what they have dreamed of. Presently, there are more than two hundred members from private and public schools and other institutions in the Philippines being supported by this association.
Coming Home To Avenue Q
by Cityzen | Julie Cruz
posted on Friday June 20, 2008 in Theater
"Except for death and paying taxes, everything in life is only for now." -"For Now," Avenue Q cast
[read more] [10 Comments]
A Boracay Summer Escape At Tirta Spa
by Cityzen | Tony Rulloda
posted on Friday May 23, 2008 in Travel Blog, Places, Escapades, Health & Beauty
Never mind the summer heat pricking my back, but the Balinese temple gates that greeted me at this hilltop sanctuary was dramatic. Like towering pillars of an exotic kingdom, it unmistakably guarded the most premium spa hide-away yet to rise in the island paradise of Boracay. Finally, I was at Tirta Spa --- the latest talk of the town spa among wellness maniacs exploiting quick summer escapades to the season’s must-go beach destination.
[read more] [2 Comments]
Going for Guinness
by Cityzen | Helena Tiongson
posted on Friday April 18, 2008 in Events
I don’t drive a Volkswagen, but I have a crush on the Kombi. I get giddy when that rock star issue is a few happy skips away. And just like the same crazy high school stalking episodes -- chase scenes, paparazzi shots, and some quality time with your favorite search engine -- our hearts swell with pride with every achievement (potential or actual) associated to them. Yes, we love to have a share of the glory and what better way to engage in the proud moment than be right where it happens. Volkswagen car owners go national with an attempt for the international--a Guinness World Record for the Largest Parade of Volkswagen Vehicles.
[read more] [8 Comments]
Dazzling Davao
by Cityzen | Armie Marie Chiu Bausas
posted on Wednesday April 9, 2008 in Travel Blog, Places, Escapades
Considered as the window to the island of Mindanao, Davao City is home to various national prides. The alluring orchid called the waling-waling, the intriguing endangered Philippine Eagle, whose sanctuary is at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain are among the tourist attractions in this bounteous province. No wonder my friends and I opted for an adventure trip to Davao City, one of the world’s largest cities.
[read more] [16 Comments]
Discovering Paradise that is Caramoan
by Cityzen | Andrei Martin Diamante
posted on Saturday June 30, 2007 in Places
While Camarines Sur recently became popular because of a watersports center, my friends and I decided to explore a different part of the region, the Caramoan peninsula. Going to Caramoan is quite tiresome, since one needs to take a long bus ride or a plane trip to Naga City, a shuttle to the town of Sabang, and almost two hours' boat ride to the final stop.
[read more] [75 Comments]
Bohol Escapade
by Cityzen | Armie Marie Chiu Bausas
posted on Wednesday May 23, 2007 in Places, Escapades
It’s a sizzling summer but despite the scorching heat nothing beats having a much-needed vacation on an island paradise. So, I gladly joined my boyfriend and his parents and took off to Bohol.
[read more] [39 Comments]
Bora Finds
by Cityzen | Nei de Austria
posted on Thursday April 19, 2007 in Shopping, Food, Places
After a recent trip to Bora, a Manila denizen shares her new finds in beauty, lounging and fun.
[read more] [3 Comments]
Career Conundrum
by Cityzen | Cherrylie Abelardo
posted on Thursday May 4, 2006 in Escapades
Three years ago I had my life all mapped out. I'm going to get a writing job in a magazine or newspaper company, rake in enough money to finance my travel addiction, get a nice boyfriend who will understand why I like coffee so much and put up with all my stubbornness, and finally, enjoy my twenty-something life.
[read more] [12 Comments]
Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
by Cityzen | Fongarazzi
posted on Monday February 20, 2006 in Travel Blog
Clark Field, we have lift-off! Clark Field Pampanga almost lifted off the ground when the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) took place last February 11. What sprung from the Pinatubo tragedy as a project to lure back tourists to Pampanga is now on its tenth year, and thirty or so balloons took to the skies for this annual event.
[read more] [9 Comments]
Makati life
by Cityzen | Ria Baello
posted on Tuesday January 24, 2006 in Escapades
My job in the call center industry prompted me to move to Makati, where I can be five minutes away from work, and where everywhere I need to go is a 50-peso cab ride. People seem to think that living in Makati is quite glamorous and classy. With several malls, hotels and countless restos/bars/clubs, I have to agree that this is where the action is.
[read more] [53 Comments]
Climbing is movement, take it from Power Up
by Cityzen | Joey Cuerdo of Power Up
posted on Saturday October 1, 2005 in Health & Beauty
Climbing is movement-centered. Faced with a route, whether defined by bolt-on holds or by chalk marks on the rock, the climber must visualize his or her way up the wall. This is the first step of getting that movement into your system.
[read more] [0 Comments]
The downsides of Friendster
by Cityzen | Kristella Hipolito
posted on Wednesday August 10, 2005 in Escapades
Let's start the list anyway: 1. People tend to lie. Or rather, liars spring up like mushrooms in Friendster. There's a thin line between putting in "rockstar" as your occupation and claiming in the About Me section that girls are drooling over you. I might like you better if you just admit you're a bozo than pretend to be some hunk-a-hunk-a-burnin'-love.
Stolen streets
by Cityzen | Christine H.
posted on Wednesday July 27, 2005 in Escapades
A friend of mine recently lost her mobile phone to a slasher. The same has happened to me before, although more subtly. I looked one way and the phone was gone from my bag.
[read more] [15 Comments]
Friendstering
by Cityzen | Freude Baggins
posted on Friday July 1, 2005 in Escapades
Do you Friendster? It's so much fun, huh? I am totally digging it now, especially the testimonials. Better late than never, like I always say.
[read more] [18 Comments]
The tricycle diaries
by Cityzen | Schadenfreude
posted on Friday May 20, 2005 in Escapades
You do know what a tricycle is eh?
[read more] [8 Comments]
City of Angels
by Cityzen | Jeffrey Acuña Libunao
posted on Tuesday October 26, 2004 in Escapades
This isn't the first time I think of angels.
[read more] [0 Comments]
Taxi Tales
by Cityzen | Sid Ventura
posted on Thursday June 17, 2004 in Escapades
Trips in taxi cabs around Metro Manila are uneventful for the most part. A typical cab ride usually elicits a conversation that goes something like this:
[read more] [1 Comments]