The WHAT: Avatar

 I was caught by surprise when I learned of the latest season of Avatar. I thought the Legend of Korra would have ended on book 2 but I guess the bigwigs of Nickelodeon decided she was worth one more shot.

Avatar has been a favorite for me and my siblings ever since it came out a few years ago. What started out as a children's show in 2005 turned into a big hit even spawning its own movie back in 2010. And although not as much praise can be said about the film, the series in itself was very successful and continues to have a big following even after ending in 2008 on its season 3. It was then followed by the launch of The Legend of Korra in 2012, proving that no amount of hiatus not even that of 4yrs can dim the popularity of something that should as well be considered a household classic. Evidenced by the same albeit higher reception its current season received since its last season. It has won a lot of awards like the annual annie awards, genesis awards and even the emmy's. Viewers ranged from varying ages even going beyond the target 6-11yrs age range garnering a maximum of 5.6 million viewers at one time.

The story revolves among people divided into factions whose skills vary but mostly concerned around those able to manipulate natural energy thru "bending". The main protagonist being the "Avatar" the master of all bending whose destiny is to save the world. 

The 1st story featured Aang dubbed as the last airbender after his whole "species" was annihilated by the fire nation. The setting is in an asian-inspired world where people looked mostly like monks and the Shaolin. After going thru a lot of hardships and all, he ofcourse fulfills his destiny with the people he meets, eventually saving the world. Consisting of 3 books in total: Water, Earth, and Fire in respectively. It was one heck of a ride. A story I found very memorable even now. 

Although skeptic about season 2's the Legend of Korra, I decided to give it a try. And while the 1st story was something you would consider light and more comedic when it came to the story line, the second story hinted a darker hence more mature aura when it came to play i.e more action, more heavy drama. I actually found it quite off putting in the beginning but after a few episodes or so I've learned to love it for what it is. It stars a female protagonist this time named Korra whose tomboyish and stubborn personality is a far contrast from the lovable and comedic Aang. She inherits the title avatar and although unwilling at first, she soon learns and embraces her calling. I thought it would have ended with book 2 seeing as though it left no gap in the story whatsoever but now I believe they're starting afresh with book 3. The three books: Air, Spirits and Change namely.

The latest version though got me all the raving. Looking at the pilot episode, if the 1st story was light and funny and the 2nd was more dark and dramatic, this new one seems to have the right balance of the two. It still stars Korra but she seems much more mature and likable now, having embraced her destiny completely. The story begins post apocalypse when both the human and spirit world have just combined and I guess it would deal mostly with the changes/problems that would arise with that premise. Just as funny, as action packed, as intricate as its predecessors I found myself hooked and looking forward to the coming episodes. Now all these flashbacks and talks have me missing the old days. Looks like I'll be revisiting all those episodes soon. You should too. No matter what age you are, I'm sure the inner child in you will love it. Just like me, even now at 24 who fell in love with it 9yrs back.

PS I just found out now that a continuation narrating the final pieces for the missing story lines of the 1st story was published as comics online. Psyched to read it! Finally some answers to questions since 2008!! If you're a fan then I bet this has got your blood boiling just like mine as well. Look it up. and with that said I say Kudos to the makers, producers of this awesome show.  All photos here are from the internet with some being works of art by anonymous talented individuals. Any claims are rightfully theirs and will be addressed accordingly.

The WHAT: Surigao Del Sur

On our way to Surigao!!

Random Photos: (en-route to various destinations)

Visited: (click on any of the first 3 for the full seperate review of each vacation spot)

* Tinuy-an Falls

* Enchanted River 

* Britania Islands

* National Museum

Surprisingly comfortable. :)

We decided to drop by the National Museum on our last day. Apparently, we were supposed to visit the oldest Alligator/crocodile in the Philippines(?) named Lolong but we were a year late since he just passed away a year ago. Asking our impromptu tourguide Kuya and Ate guard as to why, they couldn't give us a concrete answer. They merely stated that he got sick or something (they actually said it was pneumonia but i don't know). We got to see his remains instead. The giant crocodile head was scary awesome. It was stored in a freezer which I mistook for ice cream or meat until they pointed otherwise. Haha

RIP Lolong :(

We also saw a lot of artifacts from indigenous people who lived in the area particularly the "Malay" race. One of the 3 and I believe the last to arrive in the Philippines thru large ships called "Balangay". Filipino's are thought to be closest to them in appearance by ancestry.

We also saw this giant sundial and was taught how to read it.  Another thing worth mentioning was the "rattan" tree tused in making household furniture long ago. It is a rarity nowadays thats why the locals are working hard to preserve it for the future generation to see. Big thanks to Ate and Kuya guard who went out of their way to give us a private tour. :)

Ancient Blings

Pretty even in death.

Native coffins anyone?

Rattan tree

Stayed over at:

* Marky's Hostel
 

We stayed over here for the first 2 days. We've already read a lot of reviews from other travelers that the couple who owns it rents the place for a reasonable price. The room we had was big enough with 3 beds. We had airconditioning since Ate wanted our first trip to be enjoyable. It was thoughtful of Ate and Kuya. For only 1k a night it was great. We had to share bathrooms with other guests but that was fine. We were the only guests on our first day but later on we were joined by others who we incidentally met along our roadtrip.(Since we all had the same itinerary)

The story behind their business though was that it was their son who worked abroad who helped them establish the place. He's also a nurse and from what we saw thru various pictures of him in different locations. He traveled a lot too. It was thru his perseverance and his parents that they we're able to make a business out of their home. I really like how despite their achievements as a family. The couple was down to earth and did not brag. Staying there was worth it. They were so gracious as to even lend us plates and utensils when we  weren't able to bring ours.

The road to get there is safe and easy enough to remember when traveled to and fro at the enchanted river and tinuy-an falls. They can also hook you up with habalhabal drivers for a private trip when going anywhere.

* La Entrada Beach Resort

 We moved to La Entrada for our third destination. It was day 3 of our weeklong journey and the next stop was at Britania Islands. We only stayed there for one night. The cost I believe was for only php1-1.5k. We had a room that had an upper and lower floor and our very own CR. There was only one bed on the lower floor and 3 mattress beds on the upper floor. The room is spacious enough for even the four of us. Plus the airconditioning was better there in my opinion. They also offer cottage houses for guests. Although I'm not sure aware of the prices for that. One interesting thing though is that they built the area near the shore which borders a swamplike portion of the town where we were staying. The rooms and a part of the place was above water. It was really comfortable plus you could stay at the common area to watch tv or surf the net incase you get bored.

Wifi is supposedly available in the common area but was broken during our stay there. They also served a variety of homecooked meals. What I liked about it was they offered free breakfasts for two for their guests. I had cornbeef and fish fillet. For a free meal, it was ok. We also ate icecream that night. Horray for ate's libre!!

*Julian's Inn and Garage

Ending day 4 with a bang we had to go look for a place to stay for our last night in beautiful Surigao. It was really a hit and miss as we haven't contacted anyone yet as to where we would be staying which we always do in advance. We were enroute our bus then and we needed to say there in Butuan as the airport is within the area. As luck would have it, we chanced upon Julian's Inn and Garage. Located within a barangay, the place is famous to tourists. Although we stayed there for only 1 night I really enjoyed it. It was the hotel experience. For only 1k, we got a room which had two beds with TV and cable!. Although we got the standard , it was really comfy already. They have 2 buildings I believe, Building's A and B. We stayed at B. Although I think A is for those who would want a better room for a higher price ofcourse. 

They have their own bar which was pretty big able to accomodate atleast 50 guests or more. It is on the opposite side of the road across building A. I dropped by to see what they had to offer but refrained from buying. They had beers, the usual pulutan and stuff.

They had this pet cat though that roamed the place. Funny thing is that it always came and greeted guests even accompanying us from Building's A to B. We jokingly made comment that it was the manager as it was the first to greet us and the last to see us before we left. Haha.

FoodTrip: (click here for the complete review)

* Big Daddy's

* Weegools

* Gail's

* Margie's Bakeshop Cafe

PS This is a complete list of the places we visited on our stay in Surigao. Updated and Reviewed.
btw, most of the pictures are mine except for the one in Julian's which I borrowed online. All copyright restrictions follow ofcourse.

The WHAT: Family Mart's Twirl-All You Can "Raspberry Icecream"

It's been on my newsfeed on Facebook for sometime now and being a food enthusiast myself,I decided to give it a try. 

Family mart, is a newly established convenience store here in the Philippines which I believe was a franchise from one of our neighboring countries. Although I did not do my research to know which one haha. It has slowly incorporated itself in the business from the past few years I think and now has a steady number of followers which grows everyday.

One unique offer they have which have the masses raving is their "Twirl-all-you-can" ice cream for only php25. For that amount you can enjoy a hefty cone of ice cream given that you can make it as high as you can when you get it as this is a self service promotion. 

I have to say I have joined the bandwagon of individuals who continue to try to get my php25 worth of ice cream goodness whenever I do. They often have 3 selections to choose from with some single flavors, others mixed. Also they change flavors from time to time except for the homegrown favorite "greentea" flavor.

I've already tried it and it does taste good. They don't put too much sugar in it so it feels light and it makes you really savor the flavor much more. It tastes much like the starbucks green tea which I fancy except lighter which means you don't feel fat/bloated afterwards.

As of now they're offering the raspberry flavor and kiwi flavor in the menu. I really wanted to try both but I figured raspberry first then kiwi next time. The raspberry was good but I was looking for a stronger kick from it. I mean its a fruity flavor so I was hoping it'd be a little more sour seeing as its based on a citrus fruit. But nonetheless it was okay. I guess to make sure that everyone would be able to appreciate it they make it that way. It has a cheesecake taste to it though that's why I can say its not a total letdown. Will be sampling the kiwi flavor soon. All in all, for 25pesos, its worth it. :)

PS other than their ice cream they also have a unique array of pastries, sandwiches, salads, quick cook noodles and ofcourse the usually convenience store goods which aren't as expensive as one would think. A lot of imported goods too which you don't usually see. I've tried one noodle, forgot which but I remembered thinking it wasn't bad for the price. Check it out for yourself when you do. Thankfully, we have one near the area in katipunan near de la strada church. Its a good variation from the usual 7/11 or ministop.

PPS most photos here were taken online. Any claim to them is justified and will be acknowledged. I was to lazy to take pictures :)