Dolce Vita!

This little purple card made my day.

Thank you, Eastwest.  It's a good life, indeed!

From the group with very good CS personnel!

New toy: The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS3!

Last year, I thought of getting a “serious” camera.  Yup, yung na-uso na malalaki na mabibigat na mas malalaki pa sa mga may-ari, otherwise known as a DSLR.  Instead, I became part-owner to this wonderful pocket point and shoot camera courtesy of a business trip to the US .

Oo nga naman kasi…with a very activity-packed lifestyle like mine, it’s most certain that something could go wrong with a big camera.  Kaya I immediately fell in love with this baby as soon as I got hold of it.  Check out the specs:

Leica DC lens

28mm wide-angle lens

Optical, intelligent, extra optical zoom

Venus engine FHD (I have no idea kung ano ito)

Full HD video (Not really a fan because of the format, I find it hard to play back)

3D photo mode (Hmmm, try ko nga ito)

Compass, depth indicator, barometric sensor, altimeter, GPS

Waterproof, shockproof, dust proof, freeze proof

Active outdoor scene modes

Intelligent scene selector

Large high-resolution LCD screen

It has made a lot of trips already so I can say that its durability is outstanding and that it can handle any condition.  It was officially “broken-in” during the extreme caving in Danao…which I got to write about soon.

Unboxing the TS3

Hmmm...just making sure na waterproof :)

Taiwan Chronicles: New California Hotel in the Bitan Scenic Area!

The buddy asked if it’s okay to stay somewhere far from the city center but still accessible via MRT.  Of course, I said it’s okay.  I’m promdi and I still prefer a place where it’s pretty laid back.  I just had no idea that the hotel is located right across the Xindian MRT station and very near the Bitan Scenic Area that’s noted for its breathtaking and romantic natural sceneries.  To me, that is perfect!

The New California Hotel

Hallway

Steel door.  Taray!

The bed

The TV

Pinasaya ako nung mini-Oishi.

The banyo situation

Complimentary toiletries

Kung pinasaya ako ng Oishi, mas pinasaya ako nito.

The simple buffet breakfast spread

Breakfast may be simple… but our view is fantastic.

Bitan is said to be one of the eight scenic wonders of Taiwan (gotta find out what the other seven are) so on our last day, the buddy and I decided to just stay in Xindian and explore the area.  It was an enjoyable stroll by the riverside and the Bitan suspension bridge.