Witches: The Powerful Side of Women

Photo Credit:  http://kelly2sim.blogspot.jp/

Patrick said I was a witch but I did not take offense. I thought, I’d rather be a witch who has powers and go after what she wants than a helpless princess waiting for her prince to rescue her. I think witches are the ancient “women-power” incarnate.  And I realize that they’re not necessarily evil just like how those fairy tales portray them. They’re just people who know their powers and are not afraid to use them. Unlike with princesses, witches don’t wait for things to happen. They make things happen not only for themselves but also for a lot of people. In Snow White, the stepmother used her powers to get what she wanted- to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Maybe it didn’t really happen because Snow White did not die but at least she tried. I’d rather be her than Snow White who seems idiotic singing with the birds and the bees. She didn’t have a drive or a goal in her life. 

Photo Credit:  http://www.aroundcrownsville.com/category/for-children/

Witches are also products of how people treated them. They seem to be evil because the other people think of them as such. In Sleeping Beauty, the “evil” fairy put a curse on Princess Aurora because she was actually bullied. She was not invited in a very important event when all other fairies were invited. If I were her, I would also feel isolated. When you come to think about it, her curse was not that bad. She just put a sleeping curse and she made sure that her curse will happen. She showed up on Aurora’s 16^th or 18^th birthday sewing with a needle. If she didn’t show up in the story, Aurora’s life would be boring and she wouldn’t have met her Prince Charming. The witch in Beauty and the Beast had also the same issue. She was mauled by Beast so she retaliated. She wasn’t still that cruel. She still gave Beast a chance to find someone to love him no matter how ugly he was. He should be thankful because he met Belle who saw past his appearance.

Photo Credit:  http://www.fanpop.com/spots/beauty-and-the-beast/images/6260125/title/beauty-beast-wallpaper-wallpaper 

And then there’s Ursula in the Little Mermaid. She wanted to be the ruler of the sea and I think she was pretty straightforward about it for a woman. She did not try to seduce or manipulate the king. She has always been open about her ambitions which the king did not like. Maybe she would not be a good ruler because she seems cruel. But I think the king is afraid of her because she has powers that he didn’t have. He should have placated her and won her support or at least try. The thing is the king is not exactly decisive about her. If Ursula is that evil, she should have been banished. But for some reason, the king kept her in a forbidden place of the sea which is stupid I think.

Photo Credit:  http://www.fanpop.com/spots/disney-villains/images/9586464/title/ursula-wallpaper 

These things about witches and princesses make me realize that when I’ll have a daughter in the future, I won’t encourage her to be a fairy tale princess. Sure I would encourage beauty, elegance and finesse but not helplessness and passiveness. Women should be beautiful but strong, elegant but firm. Women should be able to take care of themselves and be able to help their men. Women should make things happen not only in their lives but also to the lives of others- in a good way.

Budget Hotel in Quezon City: Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast

Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast is an ideal place for those who have some business around the Quezon City Area. It's near EDSA and Quezon Avenue making it accessible to various places. It's in the heart of Timog Avenue which is known for a wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafes. Convenience stores are just about everywhere for just about everything you may need. There's also some salons, spas and massage centers within walking distance. 

Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast facade

I stayed in one of their Garnet Rooms. It's worth P1500 inclusive of buffet breakfast for two. The room was spacious, It didn't feel like they just cramped the room with the basic necessities.

The bed was comfortably wide for two people and can even accommodate 3, I think. The mattress and pillows were firm. 

The air conditioner model is old-fashioned but it cools the room well. It's a bit noisy though.

Cable TV was available. Wifi was not free though. You have to pay about P200 for a 24-hour wifi access.

The toilet is also of average size. It has no hot water, no toothbrush, no toothpaste and no shampoo. The soap is too small for a refreshing bath. So make sure to bring your own toiletries although you can also buy them from the front desk.

Stonehouse staff

The staff is friendly and prompt. This is a family lodging so it doesn't have the feel of a some shady motels posing as a bed and breakfast. 

Parking can be a problem though. Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast doesn't have a wide parking lot. My fiance had to get up three times to drive out and drive in the car again since the only space available for us is the space blocking the driveway. The guard took pity on him and volunteered to drive the car should anyone needs to drive out again.

If you're also for a totally quiet place, Stonehouse may not be for you. The noise of the passing cars can be heard throughout our stay. But it's not really disturbing as to keep you awake at night. Make sure to request a room far from the road. 

Stonehouse has a roof deck garden but we didn't get the chance to go up.

So if you're looking for an affordable and accessible stay in Quezon City, give Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast a try.

How to Get International Driving Permit in the Philippines

Getting an international driving permit is not a difficult process. Forget the high fees that driving schools collect to process your international driving permit. Forget the one-week waiting time that driving schools ask of you. An international driving permit is the fastest document you can get in the Philippines as long as you have a drivers license that's valid for at least a year.

Here's how to obtain an international driver's permit. 

Things to Bring:

1. Drivers License, valid for at least 1 year. 

2. OR of the Driver's License

3. 2x2 picture on a white background

4. P1800

The Process:

1. Go to any AAP Branch. This is the only company in the Philippines that can 

officially release international drivers permit. I processed mine at EDSA-San Juan AAP. Their main branch. 

2. Get an application form from the reception. They will give a number once you have filled up the form. 

3. Once you have a number, submit your paper at the Receiving Section. (Window 2 in their Main Branch)

4. Wait for your name to be called. Once your name is called, you have to pay the P1800 at the Cashier. 

5. Give the receipt to the Releasing section and pronto you have your driver's permit!

Based on my experience, it only takes an hour to get an international drivers' permit. I hope the driving schools will cut their crap of collecting sky-high fees.