Jakersfakers

Manila Ocean Park

2011-02-22T00:03:00.000+08:00

Lately, Hubby and I seem to be enjoying spending our weekends doing short trips out of town or exploring famous tourists spots in Manila. Dinner-movie combo has taken a backseat (or weekday seat in our case) cause there's just so much of Manila, and the Philippines in general, we haven't discovered. And so last Saturday, you find silly couple conquering the vast Manila Ocean Park.

Oceanarium. Ok, so I adore colorful fishes. And this was the perfect place for me to come and marvel at the different aqua marine creatures - from a safe tank distance.

Fish Spa. I've wanted to try this for the longest time. Especially since Dear Hubby has an old man's feet and he desperately needs to feed Dr. Fishes his dead skin cells. While they can't claim any real therapy or medical relevance, there has been recorded incidence of Dr. Fishes' eating of the dead skin cells hastening the healing of a wound. Plus, seriously Hubby's feet afterward, was silky smooth! Definitely worth the Php120 bucks we paid for 20 minutes.

Costs:
Oceanarium: Php 400 (you get 10% off if you live in the Manila area)
Fountain Show: Php 300
Sea World Show: Php 200
Jelly Fish Museum: Php 160
Fish Spa: Php 120

There's some combo promotion but we didn't avail of them as we only wanted to see the Oceanarium and try the Fish Spa.

Wakeboarding at Nasugbu

2011-02-20T20:14:00.001+08:00

For Dear Hubby's 28th birthday, I decided that it's high time for some good clean adrenaline-rushed filled fun. And so we drove the short drive from Manila to Nasugbu, Batangas and got ourselves some beginner's lessons in wakeboarding.

It was a Wednesday and traffic was super light, thank gawd, because we were starving already.

Lunch at the in-house restaurant. Oddly enough, for a place that has unwashed table linens, prices were surprisingly high, I thought at first. We both had the steak and it was delicious. So I berate myself silently for my earlier snooty judgment.

We mistaken thought that as beginners we would be able to do the ramps, and fly 360 degrees off the air. Umm, yeah. Maybe, next time.

Having a dinner to rush to back in Manila, we decided that it be best we just take the hour trial/tutorial. It costs about Php 350/hour, wake boarding gear included.

I was able to stand after the second try, which I thought was pretty awesome of me (my blog, my rules!) Most everyone who tried it the first time commented about sore arms afterwards and having done it for an hour and half I thought mine would certainly have the not-so-desired sting effect, but nothing of the sort happened.

I'm not as good as the Hubby, who not only was able to stand immediately, but was able to finish an entire loop without falling flat on his face.

Some helpful tips:
1. Wear a rash guard.
2. Lago de Oro is a man made water park. Hence, the lake floor is a bit gooey when you stepped into it. Best to take aqua shoes with you.
3. Slather some UV45 at least. Unfortunately, there are no trees to block the ray of the sun.
4. Parking is free
5. From SLEX, take the Sta Rosa exit and just drive all the way to Nasugbu Batangas. Lago de Oro is a good 45 minutes after the Nasugbu arc.
6.) 1 hour of wakeboarding session costs about Php 350

30 Before 30 Checklist: the Dolphin Encounter

2011-02-20T19:06:00.002+08:00

Most everyone I know, who has a proverbial bucket list, counts swimming with the dolphins pretty high up on their Things-To-Do-Before-I-Die or any similar less grimier version... And why not, the dolphins are one of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. You look at them and you are instantly transported to kid-like state of happiness.

Last Monday, Dear Hubby gave me the greatest sweetest surprised since, well, his last greatest sweetest surprise. He took me to Subic Ocean Adventure at Subic Bay, Olongapo City for some much desired swim encounter with the dolphins.

Swimming with the dolphins is fast becoming a popular travel activity in the area. However, reservations are still ideal since the park usually only accommodate a handful of lucky participants. On weekends, swim encounters are suspended due to huge tour group, mostly Korean visitors at the Park.

Subic Ocean Adventure offers a number of ways you can enjoy the dolphins company.

There's the Beach Encounter for only Php 2,800, where your dolphin adventure starts with a big dolphin greeting by the beach shore. Then you have a chance to touch, hug and even kiss this friendly mammals. And of course, there's plenty of time for some photo ops. (adventure: 30 minutes)

Second, is the Swim Encounter, which is what the Hubby and I did. For only Php 4,200 you have direct water interaction with this lovable creatures. A 20-minute swim encounter, plus some dolphin training and a handful of other activities (i.e. dancing with the dolphins) Truly a once in a lifetime experience, worth every centavos. (adventure: 45 minutes)

Dear Hubby and I were just all smiles all throughout. The trainer gives a 5 minute briefing about the different types of dolphins at the beginning of the session. There we find out that ours is named, Cito, a bottleneck dolphin rescued in the bay area. Excited as I was I tried very hard to listen to the instructor, but I was more worried about who will take our pictures. (Professional photographers at the park charge Php500 for the first 15 shots they will take) And finally our session was about to start. We walked towards the beach and saw two dolphins making their way into the shore. *dies of happiness* The instructor tells me to just grab onto to the fins and lay my body flat on his back. It was pure awesomeness, I tell you. Better than bungee jumping and cliff diving combined, IMO. (2 activities I had previously checked off my list, 2 equally exhilarating activity yet still manages to just come in second or third next to the dolphin encounter)

Third, for the dive enthusiasts, there's also the Dive Encounter at Php 5,500+. Dive instructors will take you to one of the bay divisions for an intimate underwater experience with Flipper. (adventure: 30 minutes)

And lastly, there's the Photo Encounter, if you're like some and all you're after is a photograph and not the actual experience then for Php 500 you get your close-up time with the dolphins.

Total Adventure Cost: Php 6,000/person (includes tickets, meals, snacks, gas, and tollway fare)

2nd Annual Pyrolympics

2011-02-13T22:10:00.011+08:00

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Katy Perry. Fireworks

I have this huge suspended disbelief look whenever I'm in the presence of great fireworks display. Maybe it's a bit silly, but I never get tired or get any less amazed watching even the cheapest Chinese firecracking powder being lighted up. But last Saturday, cheap was definitely not on the vocabulary of the competing countries. For our pre-NON-valentine's date, Dear Hubby and I came face to face with a truly awesome show.

The Pyromusical Competition runs til the end of March with the Philippines and United Kingdom performing the final curtain show. The actual fireworks display last for a good 20 minutes per country, before that, there's a string of performers from the host country. In our case, a violinist from Korea and a dancer from Spain. Spongecola also performed, but like a kid not getting her candy at once, I decided to tune them out and just prayed that the person in charge of lighting the fireworks is as excited as I am and start lighting those damn things ahead of schedule.

Show starts at 7. But hey, we're in the Philippines, and we're nothing if not consistent, with being late. Waited until 30 minutes past 7 before we heard the national anthems played.

I absolutely got goosebumps especially towards the end of Spain's show. It was unbelievable, in the immortal words of Black Eyed Peas, BOOM BOOM POW!

Tickets are sold: Php 1500 (VIP w/ dinner) Php 500 (VIP), Php 250 (Gold) and the cheapest at Php 100 (Silver)

Bounce: Laundry and Dry Cleaners

2011-02-04T15:15:00.001+08:00

Bounce Laundry is a Full Service Laundromat located at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Our professional laundry and dry-cleaning services offer our customers the convenience and hassle free domestic services enjoyed by even the most stressed executives in Manila, to give them a peace of mind.

Bounce Laundry uses only top grade powder and liquid detergents that ensures the quality of your clothes. This means our detergents go through numerous testings to avoid any premature fading or damage to the fabric.

STORE HOURS: Mondays to Fridays – 7AM to 8PM
Saturdays to Sundays – 9AM to 7PM

SERVICES OFFERED:
Wash-Dry-Fold
Wash-Dry-Press
Dry Cleaning
Pressing Service
Stuffed Toy Cleaning

ADDRESS: Unit 2M Kensington Place 29th Street corner 1st Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
CONTACT #: 0917-8822269 or 5867906

30 before 30 checklist

2011-01-21T13:08:00.000+08:00

My To-Do-List Snapshot

#4 Bungee Jumping: Macau Tower

The free fall took all but four seconds. But hanging in there, upside down, 61 floors high, for what seemed like eternity, sure gave silly blogger a much needed heart jolt. The look on my face during the brief interview says it all, "What the f*@$ am I doing here?"

Tips:

1.) No, it's not a life changing experience. It's a jump. A freaking HIGH jump, but let's get real, it won't cure cancer. I won't deny, it's pure awesomeness at its best, especially the feeling you get afterwards, but don't go into it thinking it will change anything after. No, I'm still as silly & scared as ever.

2.) It's 261 meters high. You're bungee jumping not from a cliff but from a tower that you can smack right back into if you're not careful, so no to showy jumps, you just need to lean off the edge and let go.

3.) Befriend other jumpers. More importantly, befriend the AJ Hackett staff.

4.) Total cost for this adventure is around Php 12,000

Trip to Shanghai, China

2011-01-14T21:46:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year!!!! The following post is way overdue. Been swamped with a million and one things last quarter of 0-10 that I totally neglected this blog. Sorry readers! Anyway, enjoy some of the highlights from our trip to Shanghai.
-------- . . . -------- . . . ----------
Out of sheer whim, a friend asked me to go to China for the 2010 World Expo and silly blogger logged onto her computer and bought herself a plane ticket to Shanghai that same minute. Months later, I wanted to clobber myself for once again being such a spontaneous neurotic. First off, I was worried that the timing was all screwy 'cause I had just started in a new job (which I will eventually quit, thank gawd) Second, I keep on forgetting that I'm supposed to be on saving up mode after all the trips the past month over.

But as soon as we touchdown at Shanghai International Airport, I knew the right choice was made.

First stop of the night was our hotel along Nanpu Bridge. Two reasons for checking into the hotel; 1. Cheap nightly rates 2. Vicinity was close to the World Expo.

After safely tucking in all our belongings, we hailed two cabs and headed out for a really really late dinner (or very early breakfast, depending on how you see it)

Yang's Fried-Dumplings. Famous Xaio long bao place. The line was way too long, but the taste of yummy Xiao long bao's definitely worth the wait.

On our second day in Shanghai (well, technically, it was our first day), we were able to visit a number of famous tourist attractions. Here are some of my favorite:

1. Xin Tian Di - is a very famous resto/bar district where the old and new collide. The place effectively utilizes traditional Chinese architecture through its Shikumen buildings (red and gray 2-3 storey buildings) while at the same time bringing in modern pubs and clubs in the mix.

Drinking at a famous German pub, there was even a Pinoy band performing that night.

2. The Bund - Looks absolutely breath-taking at night. Reminds me of Hubby's previous trip to London. Shanghai's famous waterfront district makes me think that I was anywhere but in China. All of the building has a very distinct European touch to it, and this is maybe/largely due to the fact that the French had previously formed settlement around the area.

Look, there's even a replica of New York's Times Square ball.
Oriental Pearl Tower - the highest tower in China and the third in the world.

Jin Mao Tower - the second highest tower in China at 88 storeys high.

Shanghai World Trade Center - Hey, if it was good enough to be featured in a G.I.Joe's movie, then it's good enough for me.

3. Taikang Road (or as we like to refer to it, the "art-arts place") an almost kilometer street that showcases a wide range of boutiques, wi-fi cafe, kitchy stores, tattoo parlors and artsy fartsy studios. Very Bohomian spirited. In fact, Lonely Planet describes this as Shanghai's premiere art center. How to get there by cab: just tell the driver: Tiánzǐfáng Lu

4. People's Square - Is actually along Nanjing Road but it deserves a separate mention on my list because silly blogger thinks its a self contained shopping mecca. High rise malls, specialty boutiques, factory outlets, and the likes adorned the area. The Madame Tusseud's Wax Museum is also within walking distance.

5. Nanjing Road - Stretching for what seemed like 100 kilometers, this street is famous for one thing and one thing alone: SHOPPING. From cheap hard to find trinkets to over the top high end brands, Nanjing Road has its all.

Other notable mention:

Plenty of Caucasian foreigners visit this place because of good fabric deals. Hey, even our friend was able to buy 2 duvet set complete with pillow and bed spreads for only 600RMB!

Next stop, St. Petersburg Russia! Woot!

9th Italian Film Festival

2010-10-20T10:55:00.000+08:00

Yay! It's back, the 9th Italian Film Festival officially kicks off today! Admission is free once again so the usual long lines are to be expected. But hey, from the looks of the screening list, I must say it's got to be worth it. See you all at Shangri-la Mall.

SCHEDULE:

October 20
7:30 p.m. - Three Men and a Leg (by invitation only)

October 21
1:30 p.m. - If I Were You
4 p.m. - Hard Boiled Egg
6:30 p.m. - The Girl by the Lake
9 p.m. - Good Morning Heartache

October 22
1:30 p.m. - We Can Do That
4 p.m. - Ginger and Cinnamon
6:30 p.m. - Different From Whom
9 p.m. - Unsane

October 23
1:30 p.m. - Almost Blue
4 p.m. - Ask Me if I'm Happy
6:30 p.m. - The Stendhal Syndrome
9 p.m. - Such is Life

October 24
1:30 p.m. - Night Before the Exams
4 p.m. - Unsane
6:30 p.m. - Ginger and Cinnamon
9 p.m. - Three Men and a Leg

October 25
1:30 p.m. - Good Morning Heartache
4 p.m. - The Stendhal Syndrome
6:30 p.m. - If I Were You
9 p.m. - Ask Me if I'm Happy

October 26
1:30 p.m. - The Girl By the Lake
4 p.m. - The Feast
6:30 p.m. - Such is Life
9 p.m. - Almost Blue

Schedule taken from: spot.ph

Shanghai World Expo 2010 (part 3)

2010-09-27T14:11:00.004+08:00

Day 2. Country Pavilions. Finally! Here are some of my favorites:

China Pavilion

"The roof is made of traditional dougong or brackets, which was widely used in 770 BC-467 BC. In the dougong style, wooden brackets are fixed layer upon layer between the top of a column and a crossbeam. The result is interlocking wooden brackets"

Yes, that entire tidbit is brought to you by your friendly neighborhood Wikipedia provider. *claps* Despite not going inside we were still able to appreciate the massive 7 story Pagoda style structure by China. After the Beijing Olympics, they are truly screaming to the world how much they've arrived. I love how they managed to integrate the traditional style with such a sleek design.

Canada Pavilion

It is said that the pavilion is about the size of 2 1/2 NHL ice hockey rink. And, that Cirque de Soleil will be performing. Me thinks, the overall pavilion design was plain awesome. Very nice architectural details, clean straight lines with a monochromatic light color that showcases the every inch of the design even more.

Germany Pavilion

The entire structure occupies a 6000 square meter area. Said to be the largest pavilion for Germany in its entire participating expo history. With a theme of "Balancity", I just think it's cool how the structure's irregularly shaped and unique corners are perfectly 'balanced' out.

Taiwan Pavilion

Very sleek and modern, looks like something straight out of the Sci-Fi Channel. Too bad you need advance special passes to get inside. Conspiracy theorist in us think that this is China's way of regulating people coming into Taiwan's pavilion until they drink the China Koolaid. heehee.

United Arab Emirates

Shaped like the sand dunes that can be found abundantly in their country, the UAE pavilion looks pretty awesome especially at night. (sorry guys, didn't bring shutter clicker for longer camera light exposure)

United Kingdom

This to me spells World Expo. Such an odd ball structure built for no other reason but for the World Expo. Reminds you of a porcupine, right? (Again, sorry guys. Was chasing after the light, unfortunately this image fails to showcases the awesomeness that is the UK pavilion)

(this is what it really looks like!!! photo cred: Billionaire boy's club)

Saudi Arabia Pavilion

This is how our friends from Saudi Arabia interpreted the theme. Uber modern half moon boat structure with around 150 Palm trees planted on top.

Spain Pavilion

There's just something mystical about Spain's Pavilion. It prol'ly has a lot to do with the mysterious material draping itself around the steel structures. I can't be too sure, but it looks almost like our Pinya cloth.

Serbia Pavilion

Always missing from people's list. But silly blogger here thinks the stacked up plastic box crates from Serbia deserves a spot on my Top Favorites.

France Pavilion

Simple design. Loving the mesh detail going on in the structure

Philippine Pavilion

Special entrance for Filipinos. That means zero queuing time for yours truly. Not much happening inside though. Displays of traditional musical articrafts, instruments, costumes and the likes. There was also a Filipino band playing that entertained the expo goers. But hands down, the best thing to do inside the Philippine Pavilion: get a traditional Filipino massage.

By this time, our legs have decided to form a strike group and leave our bodies momentarily. It was sheer will and an obvious desire to see more pavilions that brought it back to life.

USA Pavilion

Reportedly costing around $61 million to construct, staff and create the overall presentations, the USA Pavilion is one of the best we've visited in terms of content. Not so subtle Audio Visual Presentations uplifting the US but nonetheless it works. Simple themed and film showcase but never lacking in impact. (Even Kobe Bryant and Pres. Obama made an appearance) Structure-wise, it's another story altogether. The building was very uninspired for an expo of this magnitude.

Australia Pavilion

Upon entering the OZ Pavilion, we are immediately serenaded by the National Boys' Choir of Australia. It was super crowded inside, with people pushing and shoving that getting a decent picture was next to impossible. Main attraction is the cinema presentation with 3 revolving large screens.

Portugal Pavilion

I don't know if we came in late, but pretty much the inside of the pavilion was for a cinema presentation of life in Portugal. And after seeing all the pastries, bread and wines, this silly blogger just might take up residency there!

More Pavilions...

Morocco Pavilion

Czech Republic

And of course, it would be wrong for me not to include my all time favorite country based on a novel, Russia. See you soon St. Petersburg! :)

For those who haven't seen it yet, there's still time. The World Expo officially closes until October 24, 2010. Better book those tickets now, less you wait for another 5 years to experience such a treat.

Shanghai World Expo 2010 (part 2)

2010-09-27T12:39:00.002+08:00

It took us a little under an hour to get to the expo. Trying to hail a taxi cab successfully during Mooncake season in China is almost as likely as me seeing Brad Pitt in person any day of the year. And so, walk we did to the nearest bus station. Unfortunately, the bus took us to the Gate 1 stop, which as previously mentioned is home to the Corporate Pavilions. After recovering from the initial shock of not seeing any familiar Country Pavilions, we decided best to just take everything in and go back the next day for more.

Corporate Pavilions, according to my trusty Expo booklet, are participating enterprises with good solid reputations. Located in the Puxi section, they occupy around 110 square meters of the entire expo and has around 16 showcase pavilions that are either sponsored by their industry association or independently built. Mostly, they showcase hardwares, product commercials and such. I took solace in the fact that I was extremely loving the interplay of lights on the structures.

The Expo Axis at night

Japan Industrial State Pavilion

I just really love the interplay of light on the structures.

Read more about our expo experience on the next post,

Shanghai World Expo 2010 (part 1)

2010-09-27T11:44:00.003+08:00

First things first, let's get two things out of the way: Yes, the pavilion lines, at times, feel like it's about as long as the Great Wall, and yes, rude China men can make anyone scratch their heads in bewilderment. But if you can get pass such minor cultural inconveniences then you just might find yourself enjoying one heck of a spectacular architectural treat before your eyes.

The 2010 Shanghai World Expo happens but once every 5 years. With such lofty "Better City, Better Life" theme, it was being held in a neighboring Asian country again after 2005's Aichi Japan World Expo. Having over 1 billion in population, China finds itself as this year's host. Me thinks, every one of those billion rushed to buy their expo tickets, hence the crazy lines.

Over 190 countries & 50+ organizations participating in about an almost 6 kilometer radius, and yes, it gets pretty daunting at times. Suggest, that you guys mapped out which pavilions you want to check out first based on past reviews or your own preferences. Silly blogger and friends found themselves being "stuck" on the Corporate Pavilions side our first night when what we really wanted to do is to check out the Country Pavilions

Expo Axis - main building - has the world's largest membrane construction built by SBA architects Knippers and Helbig

Tips:
1. Best to go at night, were the lines are shorter and the heat is manageable.
2. Day passes cost about 160RMB while night passes cost about 90RMB. (No bulk discounts are given for 3 day/7 day passes)
3. Water bottles or the likes can't be brought into the expo. A friend learned this lesson the hard way; rather expensive cosmetic water found the trash bin its new home.
4. Most of the European Pavilions are located at Zone C.
5. The expo site is massive, hence you have to specifically instruct your cab drivers which gate to bring you to (i.e. Gate 1 is for the Corporate Pavilions; Gate 6 is for the Country Pavilions)

More Expo images and anecdotes on the next post.

Location: Nanpu bridge and Lupu bridge along Huangpu River in Shanghai, China

This Week in Manila: Film Festivals all around

2010-09-14T22:36:00.001+08:00

My former film student self is salivating over the wide array of fabulous movies coming out this week. And there's just so much to choose from. If you're into European Cinema, there's currently the Cine Europa Film Festival at Edsa Shangrila Mall. Tickets are free but you have to be there 2 hours before the screening, cause lines tend to go a little crazy, and they only give out 1 ticket per person. So no mooching friends asking you to line for them.

Hubby and I were fortunate enough to get tickets to last night's screening of An Education (United Kingdom), starring Peter Sarsgaard and Carey Mulligen. Just as I expected, I loved it. I'm so thankfully I get to be married to someone who is starting to share my passion for cinema.

Somewhat predictable, what elevated the movie from being a typical suburban melodrama was the well written screenplay by Nick Hornby (who incidentally is one of my favorite British writers), and spectacular performance by the cast, most notably Mulligen (who was nominated for an Oscar for this role) and Molina.

Cine Europa runs from Sept 10 - 19.

For more information, checkout clicktheycity

If Asian classic is more your taste, you can head over at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for the Kurosawa Film Festival. I personally want to catch High and Low, Sanjuro and Drunken Angel.

Screening Schedule

Throne of Blood (Invitational) - Sep 14, 2010 - 7:00pm
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail - Sep 15, 2010 - 10:00am
The Bad Sleep Well - Sep 15, 2010 - 1:00pm
Ikiru (To Live) - Sep 15, 2010 - 4:30pm
Judo Saga (Sugata Sanshiro) - Sep 15, 2010 - 7:00pm
The Most Beautiful - Sep 16, 2010 - 10:00am
High and Low - Sep 16, 2010 - 1:00pm
The Hidden Fortress - Sep 16, 2010 - 4:30pm
Drunken Angel - Sep 16, 2010 - 7:00pm
Sanjuro - Sep 17, 2010 - 10:00am
Red Beard - Sep 17, 2010 - 1:00pm
Stray Dog - Sep 17, 2010 - 4:30pm
In the Woods (Rashomon) - Sep 17, 2010 - 7:00pm
No Regrets for Our Youth - Sep 18, 2010 - 10:00am
Seven Samurai - Sep 18, 2010 - 1:00pm
Yojimbo (a.k.a. The Bodyguard) - Sep 18, 2010 - 4:30pm
Judo Saga Part 2 (Zoku Sugata Sanshiro) - Sep 18, 2010 - 7:00pm
One Wonderful Sunday - Sep 19, 2010 - 10:00am
Dodes'kaden - Sep 19, 2010 - 1:00pm
The Lower Depths - Sep 17, 2010 - 4:30pm
I Live in Fear - Sep 19, 2010 - 7:00pm

Photo creds: IMDB, Clickthecity

30 before 30 Checklist

2010-09-04T00:55:00.003+08:00

My To-Do-List Snapshot

# 9 Climb a Mountain: Mt. Makulot.

Back in 2003, I was finishing my internship for Unilever. My boss was a mountaineer of sorts and unwittngly invited us over for a weekend climb. Being a total newbie, I, of course wore the wrong things and brought the tiniest un-sporties backpack you can find in the planet.

Early morning call time. We met at Unilever parking area aroud 530am. And promptly reached Cuenca, Batangas town proper some two hours later. I really didn't know what to expect. Standing at 600m high, this mountain can be seen all the way from Mindoro. It was believed that it used to form part of Taal Volcano rim before continuous eruptions tore it into three different parts.

The climb was tough. And not just because I was a beginner. Most hikers would tell you that Mt. Makulot is no easy feet. The terrain is steep and you need both hands to grabbed onto the roots of the plants. Not only is it steep, the trail in itself is very slippery. Plus, I was wearing my bowling shoes, which apparently was no good for hiking. Seriously, who does that?! Right! Note to other newbies, need sturdier shoes that have much more grip for this particular activity. After all those miscalculation, actually making it to your end destination, was well worth it. Mt. Makulot gives a spectacular view of Taal.

The trail begins near a mountaineer's store of some sort. Where you can buy and stock up on mineral water/softdrinks. It took us about 4 hours to get to our half way mark and another 5 hours to hike back to our car.

Be sure to bring your own lunch.

You can take it at the mid-peak level about 4 hours from the starting point

Taking a break.

Silly blogger is about to pass out from exhaustion.

The Shoulder Campsite over looking Taal

After building a mini camp site and marveling at the surrounding,

we went trekked back for another 5 hours

Tips:
1.) Best time to trek is during the summer to avoid even more slippery slopes and super chilly winds.
2.) Wear comfortable clothes. Dry fit shirt is best + Jogging Pants. DO NOT wear shorts like silly blogger, because much of the trail would be on a forest setting and the grass can cut through your skin.
3.) Bring mini-sized chocolate bars. And NOT a whole bar of Nestle Crunch.
4.) Wear sunscreen. The entire hike took about 9 hours. It's bound to get sunny.
5.) Bring a jacket just in case.
6.) Load up on H20

# 9 Hike all the way to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

White Water Rafting in Davao

2010-09-01T17:05:00.000+08:00

One of the highlights from our Davao trip for sure. Water was raging and paddling was hell, but all in all everyone had an amazing time. We started the day rather early, around 8am. Good friends Ed, Tong and Lloyd dropped us off at Davao Crocodile Farm, where our adventure would soon begin.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the friendly staff of Davao Water Adventure . We picked our life vests and helmets and were asked to create a circle around the TV. Little did we know, we were about to watch the dangers of whitewater rafting, the what-to-do's and what-not-to-do's. Look at our friend, Eben's face (the one in black on the far right). Watch it change from excitedly smiling to worriedly depressing.

After that terrifying albeit educational video *hee* we were asked to sign a waiver that basically purges DWA from any wrong doing should we topple over to our deaths.

Off to our awesome adventure. Since we were a big group, we got one whole jeepney for ourselves. Each jeepney carrying a maximum load of 12 people inside. Our rafts were strategically place on top.

We departed around 930am from the Crocodile Farm and arrived about an hour later at the Put-In Area in Tamugan. Last minute instructions and guidelines were given by the staff.

It was definitely hard at first. More so for our raft, since one friend kept on sliding inside, because he was too afraid he was going to fall off. Note to future riders, pick your raft mates well! Such imbalance causes the people sitting on the front to topple over. Poor me then.

Part of the package includes lunch at one of the pitstops. And after an hour of hard paddling, we sure did work up an appetite. Everything just tasted delicious, even if truth be told, it was just your average adobo and rice meal. Lunch was for an hour then back to rafting we are.

The waves were absolutely raging by the time we got back to the water. I got myself kicked out of the raft twice. Once, hitting my back on a rock. I don't know, maybe it was the rush of the moment, but hard as that hit was, I didn't really feel any immediate pain then. There were a lot of rapids along the way, a couple of "whirpools" and "washing machines" as our guide would say. These are pockets of raging water that is almost impossible to pass through unscathed. I should know, I got toppled yet again during our attempt to paddle our way out of it.

The whole experience took about three hours before we took the hour road trip back to Crocodile Farm.

White water rafting package: Php 1,400/pax (2008 rates)

Includes the following:

Picture/Video CD

Rafting equipments (helmet, paddle, vest)

Raft rental

Guided tour

Locker rental

Packed lunch with soft drinks

Souvenier T-Shirt

Tips for those who've never done it before:

1.) Wear a rash guard or a light longsleeves.

It tends to get hot for those three hours that you are exposed to sun.

2.) Bring sunblock and reapply during lunch time

3.) Aqua shoes is the way to go.

4.) No electronics (cameras, cellphones). It will definitely get wet!

Contact details:

63-8-3012020, 63-8-286-1055

www.waterrafting.psdgroupph.com

NBA Oldies vs PBA 2010

2010-09-01T10:34:00.002+08:00

I got dragged into the NBA Asian challenge show by Dear Hubby. One of his friends backed out at the last possible minute. And not wanting to waste a perfectly good seat he unwittingly brought his silly wife along. Truth be told, I was never not a fan, in fact back in the 90s, NBA was huge in our household. I remember watching the playoffs year after year with my dad, each of us rooting for our own separate teams. So come Friday night's game, I wasn't totally clueless about the identities of the oldie NBA guys playing in Araneta Coliseum. However, I was in for a not so pleasant shock when I saw them versus my 90s recollection of their: A. physique B. skills C. overall appearance.

Case in Point: Gary Payton

THEN

NOW

it's like he swallowed his former self *meanie me i know*

It was a fun night nonetheless. I especially love the mascot from Maimi Heat who I kept mistakenly referring to as a chicken. He danced and mocked his way to huge applause from the crowd.

Dance off with the PBA KFC mascot.

Hands down, Burnie brought the house down with his Shakira-eqsue "Hips-Don't-Lie" moves.

NBA Asian Challenge 2010 Highlights:

1.) Atoy Co, who my dad would later tell me is pushing 65 already, stole the show with his lackluster basketball skills. Hee. He got incredible passes from Gary Payton himself, unfortunately none seem to work. It took awhile before he made any shot. Even fake pleading to the heavens and kneeling on the court in mock stance for the universe to just give him even 1 basket. He finally made one, too bad it was after the buzzer. LOL

2.) Allan Caidic. Now, this was the real show stopper! Imagine making 52 points in 1 game, majority of which coming from the 3 point range. And he's in his 50s!!! Even the NBA oldies were in awe of his rather awesome skill.

3.) Absolutely gorgeous former PBA player drafted in the NBA. He's mostly a bench player there, but last Friday, he played like a true pro that could handle just about any basketball player, here or abroad. Plus did I tell you, he possesses an unbelievably ruggedly handsome face. *melt*

That's him #24!!!

Hubby paid Php 2120 for lower box tickets. They were good seats and all but silly blogger here still thinks it's expensive. The Coliseum was half full only. With the patron seats and lower box occupied by fans while the upper box and general admissions area was mostly left empty.

Other notable players in the game, well at least the ones I know of:
(PBA) Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, Rico Maiehofer, LA Tenorio, Dondon Hontiveros, Ronnie Magsanoc (who Dear Hubby kept on raving about!)
(NBA) Chris Webber, Mitch Richmond and Glen Rice.

Topgainer Shoot

2010-09-01T10:20:00.000+08:00

A few months back, I was given the opportunity to shoot for the 2010 catalogue of Topgainer, a local men's clothing company. Here's your first look:

Photography: Jake Pua-Kaw

Styling: Jake Pua-Kaw

Location: Paco Park

Chelsea Market at Serendra

2010-08-30T15:38:00.000+08:00

Hubby took me to Chelsea Market, along Fort Bonifacio, for my birthday last June. Being a complete newbie to the place I was pleasantly surprised to see that it's not a fancy little American/Italian restaurant that I have come to associate it with for some reason, but a quaint little gourmet food market/deli type of place. I've read somewhere that Chelsea, Manila was inspired by a one stop food haven in New York aptly called NY Chelsea.

A bit pricey for everyday dining but definitely worth it, with its humongous serving size that is always good for sharing (for couples, at least). Heard some not so good reviews regarding the quality of service, but we didn't encounter anything unpleasant that evening. Drinks and food arrived not to long after we ordered it, plus Hubby made reservations earlier that week so we were able to get a good table for the night.

Yummy focaccia bread served as appetizer

We ordered the following dishes:

Seabass

Chicken Cordon Bleu

And my personal favorite, lemon glazed prawns

Because we had three main course for that night, we were too stuffed to try from their dessert menu. Maybe, next time.

Total meal $$$: around Php 2,500.00 - Php 3,000 (We used our Enjoy card privileges to score an extra main course dish)
Chelsea is located at G/F Serendra Piazza, Mc Kinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio
Contact: 909-7011

MassKara Festival 2010

2010-08-23T23:42:00.001+08:00

Festival Schedule

October 1, 2010 Opening of the Festival Site ( * Public Plaza * SM MassKara Village)
October 9, 2010 Bacolod MassKara Queen (* University of St. La Salle Coliseum)
October 15 & 16, 2010 Electric MassKara (* Tourism Street, Lacson Street.)
October 16, 2010 MassKara Street Dance Competition 2010 – School Category (* Araneta St. to Public Plaza)
October 17, 2010 MassKara Street Dance Competition – Barangay Category (* Araneta St. to Public Plaza)
October 18, 2010 Countdown to the Charter Day Giant Street Party Celebration (* New Government Center)
October 19 73rd Bacolod Charter Day Anniversary

I just checked Cebu Pacific and they have flights ranging from Php 2300 ++ to Php 3400++ depending on when you plan to arrive. I'm looking at October 16 to 19 though as that seem to be when most of the action will happen.

Photo cred: Out of town blog

Philippine Street Food

2010-08-23T23:11:00.001+08:00

I'm super excited for our upcoming trip to Shanghai this September. Having been to China only once before and traveling to a not so well known small town of Chong Sun, which is few hundred kilometers away from the bright lights of their famed progressive city, gives me even more reason to look forward to this trip.

While waiting for the chance to scour the city for great cultural finds and gorge on sumptuous Chinese food, here's a compiled list of equally yummy Filipino street food. I shall try in the next few weeks to document my attempt of feasting everything off the list.

Abnoy - unhatched incubated duck egg or bugok which is mixed with flour and water and cooked like pancakes
Adidas - chicken feet, marinated and grilled or cooked adobo style
Arroz caldo - rice porridge or congee cooked with chicken and kasubha; see also Lugaw
Atay - grilled chicken liver
Baga - pig's or cow's lungs grilled or deep-fried and served with barbeque condiments
Balat ng manok - see Chicken skin and Chicharon manok
Balun-balunan - grilled chicken gizzard
Balut - hard-boiled duck egg with fetus
Banana cue - deep-fried saba (banana) covered with caramelized brown sugar
Barbeque - marinated pork or chicken pieces grilled on skewers
Batchoy - miki noodle soup garnished with pork innards (liver, kidney and heart), chicharon (pork skin cracklings), chicken breast, vegetables and topped with a raw egg; origin traced to La Paz, Iloilo
Betamax - curdled chicken or pork blood, cubed and grilled
Bibingka - glutinous rice flour pancakes grilled with charcoal above and below in a special clay pot
Biko (also Bico) - glutinous rice cake with grated coconut topping
Binatog - boiled white corn kernels, sugar, grated coconut and milk
Bopis - minced pig's heart and lungs sauteed with garlic and onion and seasoned with laurel, oregano, bell pepper and vinegar
Botsi - chicken esophagus, deep-fried or grilled
Calamares - deep-fried squid in batter
Calamay (also Kalamay) - glutinous rice cakes; varieties all over the country
Camote cue - deep-fried camote (sweet potato) covered with caramelized brown sugar
Carioca (also Karyoka, Karioka) - deep-fried glutinous rice flour cakes served on skewers
Cheese sticks - deep-fried cheese wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper
Chicharon baboy - pork skin cracklings, made from pork rind boiled and seasoned, sun-dried and deep-fried
Chicharon bituka - pork or chicken intestine boiled, seasoned and deep-fried
Chicharon bulaklak - pork omentum boiled, seasoned and deep-fried
Chicharon manok - chicken skin cracklings
Chicken balls - balls made with chicken meat, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Chicken skin - chicken skin battered and deep fried
Cutchinta - see Kutsinta
Day-old chicks - literally day-old chicks deep-fried to a crisp, served with sauce or vinegar
Empanada (Batac) - pork longganiza, egg and grated green papaya in a rice flour shell, deep-fried and served with vinegar
Fishballs - balls made with fish meat, most often from pollock, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Goto - rice porridge or congee cooked with beef tripe
Halo-halo - translated as "a mix of many things" or "an assortment," it is a dessert topped with shaved ice that may contain sweetened saba (banana), camote, macapuno (young coconut), kaong, nata de coco, pinipig (rice crispies), gulaman (agar), sago (tapioca balls), brown and white beans, garbanzos, ube (purple yam), and leche flan (creme brulee), with milk and sugar; Pampanga has three popular versions in Guagua, Arayat and Angeles which may include pastillas, crushed white beans and corn
Helmet - grilled chicken head
Hepalog (also Toknonong) - hard-boiled duck eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried
Isaw - collective term for different types of grilled chicken and pork innards; varieties include isaw manok, isaw baboy, atay, goto, botsi, balun-balunan, and tenga ng baboy
Isaw baboy - grilled or deep-fried pork intestines on a skewer, served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Isaw manok (aslo IUD) - grilled or deep-fried chicken intestines on a skewer, served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce; also referred to as IUD because it resembles an intra-uterine device
Iskrambol (also Scrambol) - frostees; shaved ice, diced gulaman, sago and condensed milk
IUD - see Isaw manok
Kakanin - collective term for snacks made with kanin (rice), particularly malagkit (glutinous) rice; varieties include puto, kutsinta, calamay, sapin-sapin, suman, palitaw, biko or sinukmani, and espasol among many others
Kalamay - see Kalamay
Kamote cue - see Camote cue
Kikiam - the special ones are made of ground pork and vegetables wrapped in bean curd sheets, deep-fried and served with sweet, sour or spicy sauce; those in the street are seafood-based, usually made of fish meat and cuttlefish
Kudil - deep-fried pork skin
Kutsinta - steamed bahaw (boiled rice) with lye and brown sugar; has a gelatinous consistency
Kwek kwek - see Quek quek
Lomi - noodle soup made with thick fresh egg noodles or lomi
Longganiza - pork sausage grilled or fried on a skewer
Lugaw - rice porridge or congee; varieties include arroz caldo (with chicken and kasubha) and goto (with beef tripe)
Lumpia - spring rolls; varieties include lumpiang basa; lumpiang hubad - fresh spring rolls wothout the wrapper; lumpiang prito; lumpiang sariwa - fresh srping rolls; lumpiang shanghai; lumpiang ubod; and turon
Mais - boiled sweet corn seasoned with salt, butter or margarine
Mais con yelo - sweet corn, milk and sugar topped with shaved ice
Mami - noodle soup
Manggang hilaw - green mango served with bagoong (shrimp paste)
Mani - peanuts either boiled, roasted or deep-fried and seasoned with garlic and salt
Maruya - banana fritters
Nilupak - mashed kamoteng kahoy (cassava) or kamote (sweet potato) with brown sugar and served with butter or margarine
Palitaw - glutinous rice flour pancakes topped with grated young coconut, sugar and roasted sesame seeds
Panara - deep-fried crab and grated green papaya empanda sold in Pampanga during Christmas season
Pancit - noodles; varieties are batchoy (Iloilo) - see Batchoy; batil patung (Tuguegarao) - local noodles topped with hot dogs, chicharon, ground meat, fried egg, and vegetables; pancit bihon; pancit canton - a kind of pancit guisado flavored with ginger and soy sauce; pancit guisado, pancit habhab (Lucban) - sautéed miki noodles served on and eaten straight from banana leaf sans utensils; pancit lomi - see Lomi; pansit luglog (Pampanga and Tagalog Region) - it has a distinct orange shrimp-achuete sauce and is topped with chicharon, tinapa, wansoy and shrimp; pancit malabon (Malabon) - made with thick rice noodles tossed in shrimp-achuete oil topped with shelled oysters, squid rings, suaje or hipong puti and wansoy; pancit molo (Iloilo) - clear chicken broth with wonton, garlic and crushed chorizo; pancit palabok; pancit puti (Manila); and pancit sotanghon among many others
Pandesal (also Pan de sal) - breakfast roll; rounded bread
Pares - translated as "pair," means the pairing of rice with beef; beef pares is characterized by very tender meat, usually with a lot of litid (ligaments)
Penoy - hard-boiled duck egg without fetus
Proven - hard portion of chicken entrails that is either marinated and grilled, battered and fried or cooked adobo style
Pusit - squid grilled on skewer
Puto - steamed rice cake
Puto bumbong - purple glutinous rice snack cooked in a special steamer
Quikiam - see Kikiam
Quek quek (also Toknanay) - hard boiled chicken eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried; also used for quail eggs but some say the correct term for the quail egg version is tokneneng; the balut version is sometimes referred to as hepalog
Sapin-sapin - layered glutinous rice and coconut milk cake usually topped with grated coconut and latik (residue from coconut oil extraction); different flavor per layer such as ube (purple yam), macapuno (young coconut), kutsinta and langka (jackfruit)
Scrambol - see Iskrambol
Sinukmani - see Biko
Siomai - steamed pork dumplings
Siopao - steamed pork buns
Sisig - roasted pig's head, chicken liver, onions and chili, chopped and flavored with calamansi served on a hot metal plate
Sorbetes (also Dirty ice cream) - street ice cream made with local fruits and ingredients; common flavors include ube (purple yam), mango, avocado, queso (cheese), chocolate, langka (jackfruit), buko or macapuno (coconut); strawberry is common in Baguio City
Squid balls - balls made with squid or cuttlefish meat, deep fried and served in skewers with a sweet, sour or spicy sauce
Suman - glutinous rice snack steamed in banana or coconut leaves; varieties include binagol (Leyte) made with glutinous rice, gabi (taro), coconut milk and chocolate; budbod sa kabog (Tanjay, Negros Oriental) which uses millet instead of glutinous rice; Taho - bean curd snack topped with arnibal (liquefied raw sugar similar to molasses) and sago (tapioca balls)
Tenga ng baboy (also Walkman) - marinated pig's ears grilled on skewers; see also Kudil
Toknanay - see Quek quek
Tokneneng - hard boiled quail eggs dipped in orange batter and deep-fried; also called kwek kwek by others
Toknonong - see Hepalog
Tupig (also Itemtem) - glutinous rice, grated mature coconut, coconut milk and molasses rolled in banana leaves and grilled; varieties in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte (Batac) and Isabela
Turon - saba (banana) with with sugar and sometimes langka (jackfruit) wrapped in lumpia (spring roll) wrapper and deep-fried
Walkman - see Tenga ng Baboy

Photo cred + Info Source: Ivan Henras blog

Forever 21 in the Philippines

2010-08-12T23:14:00.002+08:00

Finally! I made it to the doors of Forever 21. It took awhile. I know! I blame hectic work schedule for ruining my shopping life. But all is well now that I have officially made my first purchase at this oh-so-cheap retail Nirvanna.

A trend I will not follow!

Jeggings, anyone?!?

Shoes shoes and more shoes!!

I shall post new sky high stilettos that I got from these wonderful shelves.

With over 34 fitting rooms, 11 cashiers, 60 sales assistant covering a span of 2,200 square meters, I must say, very impressive Mr. Henry Sy. Very impressive indeed.

Cats the Musical

2010-08-12T22:56:00.003+08:00

Last week, Hubby and I watched one of the longest running musical of all time, Cats at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It was pouring hard and parking was shit as hell, but we did manage to get in before the 8pm curtain call.

Lights out. Show about to start, I heard my stomach grumble. Crap, I knew I should have eaten dinner before everything else. Oh well, too late now.

Honestly, try as we might to act all culturish we had a difficult time understanding the lyrics. Cherrycles? Angelicals? Ano daw? Jelicle!! We made sure to wikipedia-ed the entire story of Cats prior to start of Act II. Love the performance more than the actual story. There's very little of that to begin with, a huge part of the play was introducing the different members of the Jellicle Tribe. Good thing, I was already forewarned by my brother that Cats has almost zilch plot development and more brilliant ballet movements to look forward to.

Lea Salonga, of course, received the loudest applause from the audience. She did a fantastic job belting out Memories. But don't expect to see her for a long time. She was there for a good 10 minutes or so only. Overall, Rent is still the best, but this one's definitely worth the orchestra tickets as well.

Tip for those yet to watch:

Be sure to step in five minutes before curtain call for the second act. The Cats cast will be all over the first few rows, perfect way to get your close-ups and papparrazzi shots.

Usher in Manila

2010-07-21T00:24:00.002+08:00

Hubby was more into Usher's music than yours truly, truth be told. But I did have a fantastic time. Save for that not-so-wise decision of wearing my red high heeled boots to the concert. But hey, we got our tickets for free there's no way I could possibly not enjoy myself. Illogical fashion decisions aside.

The crowd wasn't as responsive as the last concert I've attended, but I thoroughly loved Usher's performance and energy. Ibang level talaga! Plus he sang all his oldie hits, which made silly blogger loved him more.

Some of the songs included in his set list: You make me Wanna, You Remind Me, My Boo, Yeah, Confessions, Nice & Slow, Let it Burn, and of course the oh-so popular OMG.

One of the highlights of the week definitely.

Christopher Nolan's # 1 Fan

2010-07-17T20:59:00.006+08:00

I've decided to dedicate an entire page for Christopher Nolan. Why? Because he's my director crush and he deserves that and so much more!

Last Monday, Hubby and I were fortunate enough to get free tickets for the advance screening of Inception (thank you, universe!) And let me tell you, this movie was MIND BLOWING! A definite must-see in anyone's list.

Just like all of Christopher Nolan's movie.

Inception, stars Leonardo Di Caprio as Dom Cobb, a highly trusted dream extractor. He is hired by fantastically rich guys to do corporate espionage in the most "creative" manner. By stealing their deepest darkest secrets hidden in the one place supposedly safe from any kind of treachery, their subconsciousness. He is the best in this uber unique profession but it has costly him dearly. The price tag of which has made it impossible for him to see those that he love, except in the dream realm. So when a new opportunity presented itself, a chance meeting with Ken Watanabe's character (ok, not so much a chance, but more of an attempt to steal information gone wrong), gave him a last job that can make everything right once again, he blindly grabbed at it, regardless of the consequences.

The movie although really just a very complex heist film, is given a very intelligent treatment. Right from the start you know, you're in for quite a ride (sometimes a very exhausting one at that, right jean?) The way, Nolan, constructs and deconstructs reality is like watching a master working at his craft. And just like in Memento, Dark Knight and The Prestige, the style of how the movie unfolds has everything to do with what the movie is all about. A stroke of genius, really. That's why Christopher Nolan is my # 1 director crush!

From Backpacker to Briefcase

2010-07-17T18:28:00.001+08:00

I'm back! Sorry I haven't been able to blog the last couple of days. I just recently started work again after a year and half of hiatus from the corporate world.

I'm now part of the country's top telecoms company. And while I surely miss the family friendly atmosphere of working for a health and wellness corporation, it's starting to get really exciting now especially with all the new developments that we're about to come out with. So I do hope you forgive my absence for almost a month.

But upcoming post shall include: bobbing to Usher's music in his recent concert here in Manila, how Cebu Pacific sucks big time and how incredibly fantastic Inception is!

Surfing in La Union

2010-06-25T16:10:00.004+08:00

On our trip to Hawaii, Happy Feet and I relish the thought of hitting the waves and standing on those damn long boards. Fortunately we were able to cross this one off our bucket list. So on our just concluded road trip to La Union, I made sure that Hubby gets to experience the same awesome feeling that is surfing.

San Juan, La Union

If you're coming from Manila, you have to make that choice, do the whole 5-6 hour drive or take a sweet 1 hour plane ride to La Union. I much prefer the latter truth be told, I have a very delicate butt cheeks that can't stand prolonged seat exposure, maybe next time. Hee. And so after almost 300 kilometers, 4 bathroom breaks, 2 lunch stops and 1 gas refill we finally reached our destination.

Iamsimmy and Poletsky decided to sit this one out. And so it was down to just the three of us. For a mere Php 200 you get to rent out the long boards + a surf instructor. That's a good $46 short from what we paid in Hawaii *hmp!*

Hubby learning how to stand on the board

The kids there relayed that during November & December season, the swell of the waves reach all the way to 7 feet. Whoa! That should be amazing! But for that particular Monday, we were treated with its mini wave counterparts. I actually preferred the La Union setting than in Hawaii. Why? Simply because lazy blogger here hates the paddling part. And in Hawaii we were super far from the shore before we tried to ride the wave, paddling played a major role in the whole activity, which my lazy arm muscles did not approved of.

At first, good friend, Mae was a bit wary to just let go and stand on the board. The fear was making her wipe out even more. But after a few minutes of wiping out and finding out that the eventual fall on the water really wasn't that hard, she got the hang of it and was able to catch good waves with ease.

Mae, looking like a pro!

Here's some more snapshots:

Wiping Out

Almost falling...

Good thing, I found my balance

I'm really loving this summer, all the travelling is making me a true-blue junkie!
Cebu: Check, Japan: Check, Boracay: Check, Poro Point: Check
Can't wait for Pearl Farm and Shanghai!

Trip to Poro Point

2010-06-25T16:00:00.005+08:00

Another one of those on a whim kinda trips. After seeing the gorgeous photos of Thunderbird Resort from a friend's Facebook page, we immediately fell in love with this Greek-inspired paradise nestled in a scenic cliff in La Union and decided to book ourselves a 3 day getaway.

It's been a long time since we've had a real road trip (anything less than 5 hours on than road is just considered a less than average butt sore joyride) And I really appreciate seeing the countryside once again. Plus it gave us a chance to sing our hearts out for 5 hours. "And I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more..."

Points of Interest:

1.) Albeit super commercialized by now, the Palaisdaan in Tarlac is still kinda worth the stopover. Just be sure you are not running after a certain time because service tends to get more than just a bit blah when it's full. Bad service = annoyed road trippers!

2.) Numerous San Juanico bridges you'd pass by. We jokingly call it that because it seems it's the only name of a bridge in the Philippines that we were able to retain from social science class.

Thunderbird Resort: Poro Point, La Union

We actually tried in vain to get a room for the last week of May (all in hopes that dear sun gods will not be hiding out on us) unfortunately they were always fully booked until just recently. So we had to pray that the universe conspire with us and give us ample time for some sun worshiping activities.

I love how the resort only has 36 rooms. It makes it that much more private. Rooms are very spacious with top notch amenities (they have jacuzzi baths! Pretty sweet!). What's fantastic was there was a weekday promo when we got there. Lucky us!

Imagine, getting this for only Php 4,800 per room with complimentary breakfast buffet to boot.

There are two main dining areas in the place, the Olive and the Santorini Lounge. Prices are very reasonable for such sumptuous treat, around Php 300 - Php 750 per meal.

We lounged around the pool for the most part. But there's also a stretch of white sand beach in the resort. There's no water sports available here though, unlike in Shangrila Mactan or other resorts but if you want to just chill by the pool with a drink on your hand enjoying a fabulous view, then Thunderbird Resort is the place for you.

Lucky Hubby got the best of both worlds. Poro Point not only has the perfect Mediterranean Santorini-inspired resort architecture that his Wifey loves, but more importantly it has a nearby Fiesta Casino that HE loves! Unfortunately his Wifey has always been his perennial unlucky charm in casinos. Next time, I promise to go on a major hideout when he's playing the tables.

We were supposed to hit a few balls in their driving range, but sky high rental prices made us changed our minds altogether and opt to head to nearby San Juan La Union for some surfing action.

More on that on the next post.

Helpful Tips:

1.) Thunderbird only accepts Visa credit cards, so either use that or bring enough cash to last you for the duration of your stay.
2.) You can constantly check your emails, as the entire resort is wi-fi capable.
3.) Ice delivered to your room is NOT free. Hee. Damnit, their service water is a bottle of Absolute Mineral but dare ask for ice, you get charged Php 55 bucks per bucket.
4.) There's a shuttle that can take you to San Juan Beach for some surfing but it'll cost you. Best still to take your own car, it's a mere 15-20 minutes away from Poro Point.
5.) If you're having dinner at the casino, make sure to order the Phad Thai for SHARING! At Php 300 I mistakenly assumed it's only good for one person.

Contact Info: Thunderbird Poro Point
(6372)-888-7777 look for Gladys

Best Travel Movies

2010-06-23T12:47:00.019+08:00

I have been bitten by a serious case of the travel bug. And while I have always loved to travel especially with Hubster and friends, this year the Hubby and I have been exploring different countries, cities and provinces on an almost monthly basis. And it has given silly blogger yet another wishful dream for a life occupation: Lady World Traveler.

And so in memory of our recent road trip to Poro-Point, La Union, here are some of my favorite backpacking/travel movies.

1. Lost In Translation - The ultimate finding-oneself-in-a-foreign-land movie. I love how even the most sublime of encounters is given a hint of subtlety by Coppola. I was a huge fan of Japan way before the film was released but seeing all the different craziness in that country from this movie made me fall in love with the Orient of the Pacific even more.

Like a good dream, Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation envelops you with an aura of fantastic light, moody sound, head-turning love, and a feeling of déjà vu, even though you’ve probably never been to this neon-fused version of Tokyo. Certainly Bob Harris has not. The 50-ish actor has signed on for big money shooting whiskey ads instead of doing something good for his career or his long-distance family. Jetlagged, helplessly lost with his Japanese-speaking director, and out of sync with the metropolis, Harris (Bill Murray, never better) befriends the married but lovelorn 25-year-old Charlotte (played with heaps of poise by 18-year-old Scarlett Johansson). Even before her photographer husband all but abandons her, she is adrift like Harris but in a total entrapment of youth. –Doug Thomas

2. Motorcycle Diaries - similar to another Gael Garcia Bernal vehicle, Y Tu Mama Tambien, this movie, although tackles Che Gueverra's carefree life from would be doctor to revolutionary icon, is ultimately a buddy-road movie. It takes you for a ride to amazing South American landscapes. Gael Garcia Bernal always makes silly blogger drool, add to that all that fabulous scenery, sigh, can't wait to go to South America one of these days.

3. The Beach - Yes, I have heard numerous fans of this Alex Garland novel bash Danny Boyle's take on this beloved backpacker's journey relentlessly. But silly blogger thinks all the bad press was blown way out of proportion. True, I love the book more, but Leonardo diCaprio's search for the ultimate paradise in Thailand ain't half bad either. Plus seeing Thailand's fantastic 'virgin' beach made me want to rush pack my bikinis in trusty Jansport and go find myself a Daffy's map.

After receiving a not-so-secret map to a secluded island from a stoned-out loony (Robert Carlyle, full of dark portent and spittle), Richard sets out to find the hidden paradise with a young French couple (Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet). What they find is a tropical commune existing in delicate balance with Thai pot farmers, and before long–as always–there’s trouble in paradise. There’s trouble in the movie, too, as DiCaprio is reduced to histrionics when the plot turns into a muddled mix of Lord of the Flies and Apocalypse Now, with shark attacks tossed in for shallow tension. –Jeff Shannon

4. Into the Wild - At first I was a bit turned off because nothing seemed to be happening. Alascan landscape wasn't doing it for me But I watched it again with a different perspective and suddenly I just got it. Emile Hirsch plays every backpacker's god here.

This is the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch). Freshly graduated from college with a promising future ahead, McCandless instead walked out of his privileged life and into the wild in search of adventure. What happened to him on the way transformed this young wanderer into an enduring symbol for countless people — a fearless risk-taker who wrestled with the precarious balance between man and nature. - Amzon.Com

5. The Good Year - It always has to be an obsessive-competitive corporate slave driver who gets changed by a beautiful bohemian woman in a foreign country. I love seeing the French countryside. And it's a solid romantic comedy film, not too much crazy plot lines even if Ridley Scott did try to put a surprise twist in the end.

A Good Year provides a languid, gorgeous viewing experience. Based on Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence, Crowe plays Max, a workaholic London bonds trader who doesn't know the meaning of vacation. When his uncle dies, leaving him a picturesque estate in the south of France, Max views it as an opportunity to cash in the vinery and pocket the profits. The scenery plays as much of a role in this film as its characters. The lush vilalge adnstreaming sunlight portray Provence as an idyllic, magical place. Even Max falls under its spell. - Jae Ha Kim

Synopses and images c/o Amazon.com

SEAIR now flies to La Union

2010-06-16T18:10:00.005+08:00

Friends and I are going on our much awaited Poro Point trip this weekend. We're doing the whole 5 hour drive to get to La Union. The blow of butt aches from prolonged car seat exposure is being cushioned with the thought of the awesomeness that is Thunderbird Resort. However, while web surfing, I found out that there is a better/faster way to get there. SEAIR is now offering direct flights to the following locations:

Wowowie! For surf afficionado this means saying bye bye to 5-6 hours worth of leg cramps and hello to sky high swells in just an hour. They have three schedules that leave in a week, every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Although interesting enough it seems their flight timings are better suited for laid-back wanderers than corporate slaves. Friday departure is set at 10am and Monday arrival at 11:35AM, meaning you still have to take a leave from work if you want to do a weekend getaway. Either way, still a great news!

Just 3 more days, can't wait!

30 before 30 Checklist

2010-06-15T11:19:00.008+08:00

My to do list snapshots

#18. Roadtrip abroad with a friend.

With no planned itinerary in mind, Happy Feet and I decided to book a flight from Oahu to Hilo while in Hawaii. All in the hopes of seeing hot magma flowing at the Volcanoes National Park. Upon touched down, we rented a Chevy from Alamo (just outside the airport exit) for roughly $50 and took as much guide maps as humanly possible.

The day was much young when this video was taken. We have yet to get lost, make an illegal u-turn, call the state police, meet a supposed Homeland Security agent and thankfully, marvel at the fantastic view that is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Completing the crater rim trail

inside the Lava Tube

Mauna Loa - World's largest active volcano.

31,000 feet above the ocean floor

Highly recommend spending a day in Hawaii's only World Heritage Site (1987) while in Hilo. We were also on the lookout for the world's most famous black sand beach, Punalu'u, which was supposedly just a few miles away from the Volcanoes National Park. However after an hour and so of driving up north with no shore in sight, we decided to head back to the airport. Next time!

Check out the rest of the 30-Before-30 Project

Trip to Penang, Malaysia

2010-06-08T20:37:00.022+08:00

My very first trip to Malaysia back in 2007 was not to their world-famous capital, Kuala Lumpur. Instead, my friends and I spent a whole day discovering the much low keyed city of Penang.

Arriving at the pier from Thailand

Taking a trikshaw, their local transportation.

Although to go around, best still to take the cab.

Low exchange rate makes it very affordable.

Weld Quay Floating Village

Something unique to Penang is the survival of water villages. Originally intended as a water settlement for Chinese migrants in the early 1900s they have now become a popular tourist staple for the city.

Despite the fact that these houses were built on water stilts,
lookie here they have air conditioning. Hee

Reclining Buddha (Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Temple) along Burmah Lane, Penang

Malaysia is the land of temples. And a definite must-see when in Penang is the Reclining Buddha. A 33-meter long statue that represents Shakyamuni Buddha at his death. I was a bit uneasy to cam whore right away seeing that the place held some sort of sacred religious meaning for others. Some urges were hard to control but we tried to maintain a certain level of decorum and avoid taking photos of some areas.

Coming from the courtyard, two ginormous green guard statues will greet you.

Inside, you will find the 33-meter long reclining Buddha, along with other Buddhist artifacts.

Behind the temple is a small Thai village and a Thai cemetery.

Dharmikarama Burmese Temple

And just around the corner from the Reclining Buddha you will find this famed Burmese Temple, which is also worth the very short side trip. (Hey you're already there, might as well, it's right next door) The temple, built by Nyonya Betong, is dated all the way form 1803.

Dharmikarama is the very first Burmese temple in Malaysia. There are numerous points of interests: the pagoda Sime Hall (with the gigantic Lord Buddha's statue inside), the Shrine Hall and a rather difficult-to-shoot-at wishing well.

Entrance to both temples were free of charge.

Off to some shopping along Penang Road

One of the things I really loved there was the fact that our cab driver took us to one of the malls near the pier and they had the vastest VNC (Vincci) shoes I have ever seen. At one third the price. Me and the girl friends of course did what any sane woman would do in such a situation. HOARD! HOARD! HOARD!

15th French Film Festival

2010-06-05T14:01:00.011+08:00

Yay. It's back. The 15th French Film Festival officially kicked off last June 3 at the Shangri-la Cineplex. Admission is free for those planning to watch it, just be sure to be there a few hours earlier. It's on a first come first served basis. Since there's a serious drop in Hollywood summer blockbuster films coming out this week, the festival is such a welcome relief for movie buffs like yours truly.

Planning to catch this two rather polar opposite film.

1. L' Amor c'est mieux a'deux (The Perfect Date) - "Michel dreams of the perfect encounter, one that happens completely by accident like the way that his parents and his grandparents met. Meanwhile, Vincent has only one thing on his mind: sex. Friends from childhood with diametrically opposed views about women, they discover the limits of their respective reasoning when they meet Angèle and Nathalie." - Spot.ph

I didn't understand a single word! :O

Screening schedule: June 3, 7:30 p.m. June 7, 6 p.m. June 10, 9 p.m.

2. L'Immortel (22 Bullets) -"Charly Mattei has turned over a new leaf and left his criminal past behind. For three years now he has been leading a peaceful existence dedicated to his wife and their two children. However, one winter morning, he is left for dead in a parking lot in the old port of Marseille, his body riddled with 22 bullets. To everyone’s general astonishment, he doesn’t die. Based on real facts, the story has been reinvented within the Marseille gangster underworld." - Spot.ph

Screening Schedule: June 10, 12 noon June 12, 6 p.m. June 13, 3 p.m.

June 10, 2010 Update: Finally saw L'amour c'est mieux a deur last night. It was absolutely hilarious. Nothing mind boggling, in fact it had a refreshingly simple plot, but definitely a very well made romantic comedy film. Truly must-see. The line was 3 loops long but heck it was worth it. I feel bad for the people who were waiting outside the cinema hoping to still get in despite tickets being sold out (mga chance passengers daw)

For more screening details check out spot.ph

30 before 30 Checklist

2010-06-05T13:33:00.005+08:00

My to-do-list snapshots

# 10. Surfing Safari. When in Hawaii, you must hit the waves. I think even I was surprised that I got to stand up on the board. Awesome feeling while riding the waves, not so much when your face hits the water upon wiping out. For only $50, the whole experience was definitely worth it.

#11. Scuba diving. There was a little pressure on my ears on the first dive. Good thing, we tried it again the next day. Really made me appreciate all the wonderful under the sea sights.

Check out the rest of the 30-before-30 Project.

Sex and the City 2: On the Red Carpet

2010-05-30T17:03:00.006+08:00

This week is going to be Huge for the ladies! Sex and the City 2 will officially open in Manila this Wednesday. Me and the girl friends will no doubt be there come opening day. But while waiting, here's a little something to get us by: hot fashion from the stars at the world premiere of SATC 2.

I love Sarah Jessica Parker's yellow assymetrical Valentino gown.

So romantic

And look at the detailing on the back. Super sexy!

Kristin Davis, in a classic Jesse Desses strapless gown.

Kim Catrall looked stunning in this 1920s inspired Naeem Khan creation. Love how she didn't accessorized too much except for her diamond bracelet paired with subdued earrings.

My least favorite would probably Cynthia Nixon's Carolina Herrera piece.

photo creds: NY post

Dashboard Confessional Live in Manila

2010-05-30T16:56:00.006+08:00

There's just something absolutely thrilling about seeing one of your favorite bands perform. If you've ever been a fan you would get this. You stand in line for the longest of time, you stand some more for the duration of the entire show, you glow buckets of sweat, but in the end, when they come out, you pump your fist up in the air like everyone else and scream as loud and wildly as you can.

I remember watching Incubus a few years back. I got my phone stolen by the end of the night, but it didn't really matter, it never diminished the music-high I got from Brandon Boyd's oh-so-hot performance.

So last night, the Hubby and I rushed to Trinoma grounds to get us some Dashboard loving. Silly blogger's fan-mania was at its highest. Having just listened to their songs in the car on the way to the concert grounds, Hubby and I were definitely ready to pump it up.

Side note: I got a little ticked off that the security guys wouldn't let me bring my Canon G9 camera inside. It's apparently a "professional" camera in their standards. *Sheehs* Thank gawd my parents live close by and were sweet and awesome enough to bring an extra digital camera for yours truly.

The crowds behind us, the placed was packed!

Chris Carrabba finally emerges on stage! Girly shrieks ensued!

He sang most of the hits from their past 9 albums. Including: Belle of the Boulevard, As Lovers Go, and of course their 3 most mainstream songs.

For some strange reason, I couldn't upload the videos I took onto Youtube. The file's too big or something :O Argh, so posting with links from some other concert goer's camera. Enjoy.

Here's a clip of them playing an OST from Spiderman, Vidicated.

Watch them perform the always crowd pleasing "Stolen"

Hands Down. I absolutely got goosebumps when I heard this. "Breathe in for luck..Breathe in so deep..."

Conquering Pinatubo

2010-05-26T22:02:00.007+08:00

Since I'm on house arrest tonight (damn you stomach cramps!), thought it best to post some much overdue past trips. This one was taken over a year ago. One of Hubby's friends organized a hiking trip and probably didn't know any better than to invite sloth-like Wifey.

There was a 4:45am call time. And obviously, being the only sane couple in the group, we were the last to arrive. NO ONE should be perky at this ungodly hour. But whatdoiknow, I remember Hubby's friends acting like a bunch of Energizer Bunnies, in stark contrast to my very own Dead Man Walking, that morning. Where do they get all the energy? I wonder.

It was a three hour drive to get from Manila to lahar zoned Pinatubo. Good thing though, got to spend the entire time sleeping in the car. And most likely cursing self for agreeing to hike at this hour!

Upon arrival, we were divided into groups of 4-5 in order to board a 4x4 that was the only salvation to pass the absolutely rough roads before reaching the starting point.

Awesome view and cool rock formations along the way.

Cabusilan Mountain ranges

We took the "skyway" path. Which our guide, Dino, mentioned was the shorter SMARTER one to take. Ok, so I might have added/invented the last bit. Apparently the other route takes an entire day *sheehs* to hike up and requires an overnight stay in Pinatubo. On the way to the summit, we would pass by random strangers, all of them seemingly like very honest people. But behind the friendly smiles are LIES LIES LIES. I remember asking not just a couple of strangers how many more minutes to the top and everyone kept on saying "10 minutes away!" Well their watches seem to be waaaaaaay too slow compared to the rest of the watch wielding population.

Finally, after what seemed like a gazillion of 10 minutes, we successfully reached the top. Ok I must admit, for all the ranting, reaching the summit and seeing the breath-taking view makes me want to eat all my bitchy words. It was just pure awesome.

After taking a dip at the crater lake, we began our hike back to Mt. Pinatubo Spa. Great idea by the way to put up a spa at the foothill of Pinatubo. Of course, I didn't pass on the chance for Ms. Professional Massues to rub away hiking sores.

Hey, even the Hubby enjoyed some mud bath. How awesome is that?!?

On a sad note, that was the day I had to officially lay to rest my trusty Nike Presto after years of loyal service. All the mud walking and dirt fighting had finally driven it over the edge.

Contact Info: 0919-2059050 or 8864632

Photo cred: friend's camera.

Dining at 7 Corners

2010-05-26T21:15:00.006+08:00

I'm all about buffets. More so, if it's a hotel buffet. Lately, despite constant ranting of unwanted pounds, the Hubby and I have been on a rather regular foodfest schedule. And so 2 weeks ago, we were treated to another pound-worthy meal at 7-Corners, Crowne Plaza.

Before the night was over, 7 Corners has been elevated as one of my top 3 best hotel buffets, next to Circles at Makati Shangrila and Spirals at Sofitel. The selection isn't as wide as Spiral but they more than makes up for it with uber yummy steak choices. Actually there are more than just steaks at 7 Corners, it boasts of international buffet selection from presuming 7 different corners of the world. There's: Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Indian, Japanese, American, and of course Filipino food.

I was too stuffed to try, but my brother was able to enjoy their DIY pizza. It's perfect for people who have their own peculiarities when it comes to their pizza-liking. You know, triple cheese, no olives, no anchovies and such. If you're a fan of Cold Rock, then you'd get a kick out of their dessert station.

Also, if you know anyone with a Privileged Card, best to borrow it. The card gives you 50% off on Mondays. That means all these yummy treats for just a little under 800 bucks. Wow!

Location: 3rd flr. Crowne Plaza, Galleria Manila
Contact Info: 633-7222

Note: sorry guys, no food pics this time. My camera is on its last dying breath hence I haven't been able to take pictures lately. Boo!

Week in Review

2010-05-24T15:07:00.007+08:00

Random stuff that made me smile this week.

1. Yummy-won't-break-the-bank shabu shabu at Thousand Cranes. They have individual shabu shabu sets for only around Php 280.00.

2. Hanging out with friends at Pammy's 25th redux.

3. Discovering a new must-see TV series. V, a remake from a 1983 mini series, is what's keeping me and the Hubby sleepless for the past few days.

4. Going back to yoga finally after a month of vacation. Need to get back into shape for #5.

5. Planning for our next beach trip. Fell in love at first sight with Thunderbird Resort. How could I not, it's an absolute Mediterranean paradise. Good thing I have kaladkarin friends I could just drag anytime for this one last summer outing to La Union.

6. To-die-for Shrimp puffs laced with wasabi at Eat Well. *salivating, yum yum* It's unbelievably awesome I swear.

7. Girl's night at Member's Only. Nothing beats going to a Nicole Wisenhunt's show with the words OPEN BAR in everyone's vocabulary.

Gorgeous gorgeous pieces

8. Catching Shrek Ever After with the Hubby. It's still funny!

9. Getting my new purple booties from CMG at half off! Sigh, happiness! (pictures to be uploaded)

10. Getting my monthly magazine rations. Finally monthly fix of Real Living, Entrepreneur, Cosmo, Preview, Yummy, Topgear, OK, & Yes magazine arrived at our doorsteps. I am one happy silly blogger.

American Idol: Lee DeWyze

2010-05-20T11:15:00.003+08:00

I've said it before, I'll say it again, this year's batch of American Idol hopefuls seem a tad short of that star-making quality previous season's contestant like Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, heck even Anoop Desai just bring to the stage. But for the past few weeks, one particular Idol hopeful has been making this silly blogger one of his biggest fan.

And last night, with his rendition of Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah, Lee DeWyze has cemented himself and his raw raspy voice as my American Idol bet for this year.

I almost got a little teary eyed in the end too! Love it!

Rafe's Dream Weaver

2010-05-10T23:22:00.002+08:00

I am loving Rafe's 2010 Spring Collection. Dream Weaver boasts of sophisticated handcrafted bags and totes that showcases the work of a Philippine ethnic tribe T'boli. According to Rafe Totengco, this particular tribe is known for their craftsmanship in brass casting and traditional weaving, which creates a unique fabric called Tanilak.

The Katherine, $275

The Karolina, $275

Gorgeous!

"The fabric is characterized by rhythmically repeated geometric patterns of

highly stylized human and animal forms, some of which are said to

represent human figures in traditional housing structures.

The T'boli weaves this cloth using fibers from the abaca plant,

a variety of the banana family. The fibers are extracted from the inner

section of the wild banana plant, dried and separated into strands,

then joined into long threads needed for weaving."

Photo creds and info: Rafe Totengco

Election 2010

2010-05-10T23:11:00.002+08:00

Our very first semi-automated election in the Philippines. Woot! I am super happy that many friends and acquaintances have exercised their right to vote and took part in this historic event. According to ABS-CBN news, this year's election had the most number of voter registration EVER with 57 million strong not including overseas registration. Glad to see that people are excited for a change. And yes, there were long lines and some confusion but that's expected. And really now, what is a few hours compared to the next 6 years of our lives right? Hee. Although my lucky sister voted late in the afternoon and it took her only 15 minutes. Drats, mashado kasing excited e.

Hubby and I voted on separate precincts. It took us just a little under 2 hours to vote. Ipod and magazine helped.

Poll watcher: Natapos mo na basahin yung magazine mo noh
Jakers: (carrying two magazines) Pangalawang ulet ko na po tong binabasa
Poll watcher: *shouts to other poll watchers* Sabi ko sa inyo e dalawang beses na raw nyang nabasa!

I thought it was rather awesome when I inserted my ballot and the machine said "Congratulations, you're vote has been counted."

Hey, maybe next 2014, we could have the registration automated as well! Here's hoping!

Hilarious Rumor

2010-05-05T11:02:00.004+08:00

After waking up at an ungodly hour for a friend's engagement party, it was pretty much a lazy Sunday afternoon for the Hubby and I. But of course, this silly blogger couldn't let her Hubby sleep in peace. While watching The Buzz I saw the picture of my oh so cute newly-born nephew splashed across the screen. *My low pitch shrieks wake up the Hubby* Before happy fingers began speed dialing my sister's number.

Turns out, a picture of my brother-in-law's friend carrying his baby was picked up by news agencies and totally run with the "whole" story despite shall we say, umm, lack of an actual story.

Totally hilarious and gave my nephew his 20 seconds of fame.

Here's the clip from The Buzz of Iya Villania clarifying the nature of the photo.

Update: Today a friend emailed me that Baby Cody's on the front page of Yahoo.Com.Ph.. Totally bananas!

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/abs/20100504/tel-iya-villania-denies-giving-birth-336e25d.html

Siquijor: Mystics and Magic

2010-05-05T02:06:00.006+08:00

When I was young, I heard a lot of scary stories told about this enchanting island. Mainly by silly maids, who if memory serves me right wanted nothing more than to scare the living daylights out of prepubescent teens. *sheesh* A decade later, that memory still haunts me. The maid's, not her wild stories.

But true enough, growing up I would hear countless more tales about the island's supposed eerie-ness, the home to mangkukulams, sorcery and other Regal Films inspired B-movie plot line. Fortunately, we were traveling with someone from Dumaguete, who branded silly tall tales as nothing but utter myths and such.

There's no airport in the island and anyone who wants to visit this enchanting place up close needs to go to Dumaguete and take a boat from the pier.

And of course, best to rent a van or jeepney for the day to tour you around the city. First stop: Mt. Bandila-an Peak.

Unfortunately, I was not dressed for the occasion. Our driver took us to Mt. Bandila-an, said to be the highest point in the island at 557ft above sea level. He said and I quote "mga five minutes lang po yan". He said this over and over that despite my no-exercise-while-on-a-vacation policy I was happy to go along with the trek. He apparently had a waayyy too slower watch than all of us combined, 'cause his 5 minutes turned out to be a good 30-40 minutes to everyone else. Long trail aside, absolutely cool view once we reached the top. (I almost slipped a number of times, too slippery ~~slopes~~ trails)

Point of Interest: Unable to miss the 14 stations of the cross on the way to the top.

Viewing Tower

After our "5-minute" trek, we were taken to Cambugahan Falls. Some people might appreciate the rough roads as part of the adventure, too bad my ass didn't/will never see it that way.

Cambugahan Falls has become one of the main attractions in Siquijor, mainly because of its rather cool multi-tier waterfalls! It's also not to high up that a little diving and cliff jumping isn't out of the question.

Of course, Little Ms. Show Off runs off to jump...

And last stop on our day trip to Siquijor is Coco Grove Beach Resort. I got a little bit excited 'cause on the way, I heard some chitter chatter that this is rumored to be the place where Brad Pitt vacationed at. Hehehe, naah, what are the chances right?!!?

Some of the photos were taken from: Rye Matignas' cam

Trip to Dumaguete

2010-05-05T01:16:00.010+08:00

While waiting to reach our next travel destination this June, please indulge this silly blogger as she takes a look back at some of her past exploits.

Dumaguete. Negros Oriental. February 2009.

Far away from civilization, we arrived ready to bask in the sun's tranquility at Antulang Beach Resort. Located just over an hour's drive from Dumaguete City, Antulang offers world class amenities and accommodation in a sprawling 10 hectare lot area. It is the only resort in the area that understands the overwhelming desire of crazy folks to have private pool villas on top of cliffs. Nice!

Infinity pool over looking the ocean.

At night, you can enjoy drinking by the bonfire on the beach
(sana hindi nga lang alunin)

Annabel Lee. "Yatch" for rent courtesy of the resort. Glad that despite initial apprehensions (the hype was to ride a yatch kasi), the group all agreed to treat ourselves with a little cruise that took us over to the famed Apo Islands for some lunching, snorkeling and of course cam-whoring.

Apo Islands has been lauded as one of the top dive sites in all of Asia. According to Wikipedia, marine life in the area is tightly guarded under the National Integrated Protected Act, with the help of the government such prestigious citations might be preserved for future generations. Apo Islands is the known home to over 650 documented fishes and 400++ species of coral

That's someone else's doing the snorkeling hee

Places to Eat:

1. Lab-as - One of the most popular seafood restaurant in the area. The word Lab-as means "Fresh" in Cebuano. I guess it goes to show the amount of confidence the owner has in claiming their restaurant has the freshest (yummiest) catch the whole town over.
Location: 2-1 Flores Avenue, Piapi, Dumaguete City.
Contact: (6335) 226-3677

2. Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries - Has the best Sans Rival (cakes) and Sylvanias (cream cookies) Dumaguete has to offer. Owner Trining Teves Sagarbarria had so much success over San Jose that she even opened an international branch all the way in California. There was an absolute long line when we visited this place. And some officemates even had to pre-order to get their pasalubongs in check.
Location: 3 San Jose Street, Dumaguete City

Contact: (6335) 225-4440 / 422-94

Antulang Beach Resort

Tel: (63) (35) 225-88
99, 422-2600
Some of the photos were taken from: Rye Matignas' cam

Dashboard Confessional's LIVE

2010-05-02T21:04:00.005+08:00

Finally! The band who sang my all time favorite "Hands Down" and uber emo alt/love song, "Stolen" is coming to Manila! *dances like a school girl!*. Dashboard Confessional will be performing live this coming May 27, 2010, 8pm in Trinoma, Mindanao Open Parking. Thank gawd it's a holiday tomorrow. It gives silly blogger and the Hubby plenty of chances to go to TicketWorld and hoped that the reserved seats are still available!

For more info go to Ed Arevalo's blog,

EARLY BIRD – Get 20% Discount (Until May 3, 2010 only!)

Available on internet purchase and over-the-counter outlets at TicketWorld.

Ticket Prices:

EARLY-BIRD (Until May 3, 2010 only)
VIP PhP 3,256.00 (Reserved Seating)
Gold PhP 2,432.00 (With Seats – FCFS)
Silver PhP 1,236.00 (Standing)
Bronze PhP 580.00 (Standing)

REGULAR (Starting May 4, 2010)
VIP PhP 4,070.00 (Reserved Seating)
Gold PhP 3,040.00 (With Seats – FCFS)
Silver PhP 1,545.00 (Standing)
Bronze PhP 725.00 (Standing)

Update: Woohoo! got our tickets! See you guys on the 27th!

BSG Fanatic Alert

2010-05-01T12:01:00.002+08:00

I finally got Dear Hubby to watch Battlestar Galactica! *Hooray* For months now, piles and piles of BSG dvd's have been sitting by their lonesome self, unattended in our game-room, waiting for that fateful day when Dear Hubby finally succumbs to his silly wifey's pressure. That or take pity on the pile that's starting to accumulate dust from neglect. Either way was acceptable to me.

And THAT day has arrived, when silly blogger is no longer the only one in our household to understand the meaning behind the words: Frak, Brig, Starbuck, Caprica, and Number 6! He's still in episode one but I'm seeing signs of early addiction syndrome developing. I've considerably mellowed from the BSG pow-wows while trying to ease him into the whole BSG phenomenon.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect as well. Because after months of chasing after the BSG gameboard in Hobbes and other toy shops, I was finally able to get a hold of a set last March. I (literally) had to pry it away from some random stranger's hands. I know I sound way too geeky, but I promise BSG rocks!

Can't wait to play BSG!
Need to "bribe" girl friends.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

2010-05-01T01:09:00.007+08:00

Two years ago, I flew to Palawan to oversee an event for Nestle. It was my second week into a new post and dare I say, no matter the headache the rush requirements gave me, I have no complaints whatsoever over this particular assignment.

Puerto Princesa. One of the best things that I have ever seen in my life was the underground river or the Puerto Princesa Subterrenean River National Park, safely tucked in the town of Sabang, a good 2-3 hour drive from the city proper.

We rented a jeepney to take us to Sabang

Where we took a boat ride

All the way to the entrance of the Underground River

The Underground River was/is in the running as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. In fact it reached the Top 5 when voting was opened to the general public last 2008. According to their official site, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or St. Paul Subterranean River is the longest underground river in the entire universe (ok, maybe just in this planet). It was inscribed last 1999 by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site because it's a testament to PURE AWESOMENESS! Ok, ok, so that's just silly blogger's reason for loving it, but the real reason behind the inscription has more to do with the amazing limestone formation beneath the 8.2km underground river, 8.2km of unspoiled natural beauty that flows directly into the sea.

Some highlights:

1. Awesome stalactite and stalagmite formations

2. One formation in the shape of the Holy Trinity, even

3. Our tour guide served dual purpose, part boatman, part comedian. Me thinks though that he has practiced all his lines to each and every tourist that come the river's way.

Entrance costs: About Php 150.00

I had a really lousy point and shoot camera back then

And it couldn't take good pictures amidst the darkness inside the cave.
Photo cred: diane limjoco

Places to Eat:

Thankfully, we were joined by our local counterpart who was from Puerto Princesa. He took us to the best/most famous places to hang out and enjoy local cuisine.

1. Ka Lui - Yummy seafood + specialty shakes!

Location: the Eastern end of Rizal Avenue.

Contact: (48) 4332580

2. Kinabuch Bar and Grill - Famed night spot in the city. I was forced to eat a Tamilok (worm) upon much egging (I call it peer pressure) from my officemates. Surprisingly it only tasted like jelly fish *hee*

3. Badjao Seafront - Fantastic landscape. It was said that the Duke of York (Queen Elizabeth's son) once visited and ate at this particular restaurant. Not much a mystery here, seeing the rather splendid atmosphere it offers. It was a little hard to find (very deep into one of the streets)

Location: Barangay Bagong Sikat,

Contact: (048) 433-9912

Fun in Boracay (part 2)

2010-04-30T11:55:00.010+08:00

Been to the beaches of Hawaii, Phuket, Samal Islands and yet still nothing beats the warm powdery white sands of Boracay shores. And so for the 8th time around, you found silly blogger with Hubby parading around stations 1 to 3 this summer.

Last month, I posted my top 5 activities to do when in Boracay, asides from of course drowning yourselves in excessive liters of Jonas shakes and Illusion shakers *note to self: high time to start regulating alcohol consumption level, first signs of aging are seeing the light of day*

We have already done 1. Reef Walking, 2. Parasailing, & 3. Flying Fish and so this silly blogger is glad to report that after this trip, Hubby and I have finally completed our to-do-list with 4. Zorbing & most especially 5. Cliff diving.

Ride the Zorb!!! In my previous blog post I mentioned the two ways to enjoy zorbing! First is for the zorb guys to quarter-filled your giant inflatable plastic ball with water and roll you over the 20m-high hill at a 130m long ramp. Speed aside, the water inside makes you glide smoothly downhill (umm, yeah unless you're Hubby and Dupree then bumps and elbowing ensues) The other option is to wear the harness on each side of the zorb, thus allowing you to feel the zorb's movement when it's down and scarily enough when it's up.

I have to give a huge shout out to Hubby's friend, Dex, for accompanying me inside the zorb. You see, there's apparently a weight limit for the harness option (around 70kgs) and Supportive Delusional Wifey me thinks my sexy man of a Hubby was conned by the Zorb guys when they said he didn't make the cut. Umm yeah, regular trips to the gym pro'lly made his muscles way too heavy for this activity *NOT a wishful thinking*. Anyway, Hubby's friend had these final words of encouragement to say to silly blogger before we were rolled down the hill, praying for dear life. "I blame you for this, Jake!!!" *sheesh, way to build up my confidence there, Dex*

I admit it got pretty scary, especially since I couldn't close my eyes (mamang mang-zozorb said it'll make you a whole lot dizzier if you shut your eyes tight) and I kept seeing myself being tumbled up and down, up and down. But after awhile paranoia of death leaves and I start to really get into it.

No, we're not (night) sunbathing.

Crazy kids with nothing better to do!

We were waiting for the big pile of zorb,

carrying my Hubby and Dupree to crush our tiny a$$ bones

Nasa huli ang lahat ng pagsisisi.

In tears. Who knew it was THAT heavy?!?

Single person inside the zorb (Php 500), Doubles (Php 380), Triples (Php 300)

Located at Ilig-Iligan Yapac Boracay.

Contact: zorbboracay@gmail.com/ 0927 9085191 Look for Shirleyn Capula

Cliff Diving. You'd think after jumping 233m (760+ ft.) high in Macau Tower, this would be an easy task for yours truly. But NOOOOOO! Once a scaredy cat, ALWAYS a scaredy cat. I have given up trying to make sense of my desire to do extreme-sports activities at this point. I always end up giving myself either A. a heart attack B. a blow by blow imaginary account of my death C. an honest-to-goodness cryfest.

Afew minutes before we actually arrived at Ariel's Point, all of us were even making fun of the jump points. Because a mere 3 meters away from the boat, it looked a tad too low, very much like something a 5 year old can do. Big Mistake!

Silly blogger did two jumps. One at the 45 feet level (my very first one) and the second one at the 7 ft. level. Was supposed to do the 35 ft mark for my second jump but after standing there for over 10 minutes, all sorts of death defying crippling images have popped whatever miniscule of courage I was mustering.

It was purely awesome just the same! Plus, Marc Nelson was there. Cliff diving + Marc Nelson + Him without his shirt on = one hell of a hot fantastic time.

Ooooh Yeah! His abs alone was worth every penny!

Located at Buruanga Islands
Contact: Ariel's Point at 036-288-4853

Photo creds: Nicholson Ong, WhenInManila & Boracay Beach Club

Looking Forward: Pearl Farm

2010-04-29T21:05:00.004+08:00

Coming soon this July!!!

I know we just got back from Boracay, but I can't wait for our next trip to Davao. Resort has been booked and packages have been settled (me thinks). Albeit the summer season would be over by then, silly blogger cum beach bum can't hardly wait to parade around in her not-so-tiny bikini over at Pearl Farm. Hopefully, the Nestle 14-day challenge and other hunger-busting-to-die-for diet tricks would pan out nicely by then.

Photocred: Pearlfarm

Food tripping in Japan

2010-04-29T17:16:00.007+08:00

Our very first taste of Japanese food came straight out of a bento box. No kidding. On our way to Odaiba, our oh-so-polite tour guide handed us nicely wrapped bento box for merienda (snack).

Umm yeah, if this is what they're trying to pass off as merienda,

it's no wonder I keep gaining those unwanted lbs!

Right after we checked in on our hotel, we were treated to Salmon Sashimis at a near-by restaurant in Shinjuku. I wanted to get its name, but it was written in Japanese and silly blogger can't even master remedial Chinese after 12-years of schooling, so any lame attempt to learn a new tongue twisting vernacular on this trip was immediately met with a resounding Hell-No!

Super fresh salmon sashimis make my heart melt!

I was a bit wary at first, but the squid was way too yummy to resist.

Sake!

Despite gorging on the yummy spread in front of us, Dear Hubby grew restless about an hour or so after dinner. Evil Wifey me thinks I should have his stomach stapled soon! *schemes schemes* But for now, EW took pity on his tummy and we headed over at Piss Alley also within walking distance from Shinjuku Station. Here you'll find rows and rows of ramen, yakitoris and other deliciously grilled street foods at rather affordable prices (Y500-Y1000).

Hotel breakfast at Hilton, Tokyo. (At least we get a break from Japanese foods during breakfast, cause Hilton mostly served American/Chinese foods)

The next day, after random tourist activities, the Hubby and I proceeded with our favorite past-time: trying out local Japanese cuisine over at Nakamise Dori. Nakamise Dori is a convenient five steps away from two famous tourist attractions in Tokyo: the Sensoji and Asakusa Kennon Temple. Everything was mostly around Y200 or a hundred pesos. Definitely worth going around and tasting the many street concoctions their crazy minds have thought of.

Too bad that we were on our way to lunch just a few minutes after our side trip to Nakamise Dori. Silly blogger had a field day with all the street food that its hard to make more room for anything else. To top it all off, our lunch at a local restaurant in Ginza (near Shiodome SIO-site) was yet another Eat-All-You-Can type of restaurant. Yikes. *1 pound, 2 pound, 3 pound....*

The only time I ever regretted spending my Y$Y in Japan was when we ate at upscale Takashimaya Times Square (hmm reminds me of a very tall and much swankier Greenbelt 4) . Sheer exhaustion from way too much walking has left my cheapo-guard down, hence I agreed to eat at Sushi Gen inside the mall.

But it was definitely NOT worth the money.

Imagine paying Y5,100 for just this?!?!

But for that one bad meal, karma food gods decided to pay us back with a multitude of satisfying sumptuous 'Edo style' (authentic taste) sushis that now forms part of our new standard of measurement for any Japanese restos.

Dinner Cruise at Shinigawa Pier that'll give you a sweeping view of Tokyo Bay

Dinner at Yatsugate Royal Hotel in Hakone.

Geisha show + traditional Japanese dinner = heart melt

Over at Hiroshima, you need need to try their famous Japanese Pizza Pancakes or Okonomi-yaki's. This represents Hiroshima's culture and is a definite MUST-TRY! Just downstairs from Hiroshima Station, you will find a food theme park with over 860+ stores where you can enjoy delicious okonomi-yaki sizzling on the iron griddle.

Over at Nikko Edomura, we were treated to a D-I-Y lunch meal courtesy of Okariba Restaurant

It was excellent. Really yummy. But I'm pro'lly one of those lazy-a$$ people that want their food served to them when eating out. The whole Yakimix/Cooking-your-own-food concept is not for this silly way gluttony not to mention a tinsy bit lazy blogger.

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Osaka is the place to be for those searching for the perfect Japanese bite. With over 10 gigantic malls lining up one area (near Osaka Station) one can just go a tad crazy from restaurant-choosing.

In Kyoto, there's The Cube and Porta for yummy, affordable yakitoris and omu rice fixes. Most meals are around Y990 - Y1200 per plate.

We were able to eat at a local rotating sushi place in Ginza (just a block from H&M and near Yurakucho Station). We thought everything was Y100 per plate. Turns out only one colored plate was worth that cheap. Go figure. Since we couldn't understand Japanese we just replied on the plate-price decoration they had going on their wall.

Pepper lunch spotted near the Godzilla Statue (Ginza area)

Something funny. Hee hee. Japanese-English translation sometimes take on the very literal forms!

Some Rootote Loving

2010-04-29T13:56:00.003+08:00

I seriously need to buy me one of these stylish totes! Hee. Loving their Campbell Soup design :D It really is high time to retire my plain-'ol Envirosax even if it was a gift from dear friend. Time to upgrade!

Rootote is locally distributed by Limebasil. Check out her site for more info.

Location: Hakone

Kitkat on my Mind

2010-04-29T13:30:00.007+08:00

In between being psuedo-culture vultures, Hubby and I were also on a major Kitkat prawl all over Japan. As part of our Kitkat police duties, we made sure to head over to whatever convenience store that comes our way. If only to stumble upon the weird-weirder Kitkat flavors the Japanese have come up with.

Knowing my food issues, it has become a major challenge not to roll my eyes and gag at the sight of some of the flavors their overly creative mind have dreamed of, but of course dear Hubby took this time as an opportunity to act as the perfect/ideal Marketer's Dream that he is and buy each and every flavor.

Surprisingly despite the name, I kind of like this one.

It just tasted like white chocolate!

Assortment of weird:

Soysauce, Intense Roast Soybean, Wasabi, Green tea + Cherry blossom flavors

Green tea + Cherry blossoms (and yes, you won't taste the cherry blossom),

Wasabi (the feeling after every bite, really goes straight to your nose)

Framboise flavor. Hubby and I haven't gotten around to trying this one.

It's still safely tucked in our ref, away from my gag-ilicious reflexes

Royal Milk Tea. Finally! Something that resembles what chocolate flavor should be!

We didn't get around to buying this,
it was a special edition Kitkat chocolate.

But way too expensive at Y1,500

Talk about weird, how about some KitKat Sweet Potato??

KitKat Kobe Pudding. Yummmmmmmm

Green Tea Flavor.
I was a bit surprised that I didn't see more of this flavor there.

Fortunately we spotted one at the airport duty free just before leaving.

We also tried KitKat Banana, which again reminded silly blogger of white chocolate with just the tinsiest taste of banana to it. And finally KitKat Soy Bean, which, come on let's be honest is as weird as it gets! (forgot to take pictures of their wrappers before Hubby's stomach beat me to it yet again *sadness*)

Al Gore in Manila

2010-04-23T11:08:00.003+08:00

We are so there!!! Mark your calendars guys, June 8. Happy fingers are already speed dialing Ticketnet for our reserved seats!

Platinum (Reserved Seating) Php15,840
Gold (Reserved Seating) Php 10,560
Silver (Reserved Seating) Php 5280
Bronze (Reseved Seating) Php 1056

For more info, contact Ticketnet at 911-5555

update: boo! Hubby and I were unable to get tickets for this. Apparently they have been sold out weeks before.