Wakeboarding at Nasugbu

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

Trip to Shanghai, China

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!

Shanghai World Expo 2010 (part 3)

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.

Shanghai World Expo 2010 (part 2)

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

Shanghai World Expo 2010 (part 1)

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.

Surfing in La Union

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.

Trip to Poro Point

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.

Trip to Penang, Malaysia

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.

Conquering Pinatubo

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!

Siquijor: Mystics and Magic

 

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.

Trip to Dumaguete

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.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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.

Fun in Boracay (part 2)

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.

Looking Forward: Pearl Farm

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

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!

Some Rootote Loving

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

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!

Trip to Tokyo (part 3)

Ahhh. Tokyo.  Our last stop to this whirlwind of a trip.  We were glad to be given another go at Tokyo since there were still loads of places we haven't been to despite our first 4 days stay here.

First silly blogger was super thrilled to discover that our hotel booking worked once again.  And Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome was worth every penny.  *Hmm, me thinks we were super lucky to get it at a really good rate*  It was within walking distance from the sites we wanted to visit, Ginza, Tsukiji and 1 train ride away from Harajuku. *ahhhh love!*

Trip to Himeji

Except for Himeji-jo there's really nothing to see in this place. Heehee.  On our way back to Kyoto from Hiroshima, we decided to make a brief stop to Himeji (about an hour or so away from Hiroshima using the Shinkansen - thank you Japan Rail Pass!)  Dear Hubby and I were laughing the entire time because the moment we stepped out of the train, everything in the city served to highlight it's number 1 attraction, Himeji-jo.