Lakan Diwa: October 2011

Travel on a Boat

I love long weekends!

Its great to have extra days to do the sweetness of doing nothing

At the comfort of my home,

to cook and eat special recipes,

to read and completely understand my Accounting Books

Or to have a movie marathon with my brother

Or perhaps visit the places I've never seen before

and meet new friends along the way.

This is a wonderful time to reconnect with relatives

that I rarely seen.

Travel on boat
Submitted by: Rome Diwa
Taken by: fay Esteban
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Entry Title: Sail Away

I'm loving the long weekend!

Today I'm leaving...

Before I leave going to Baler, Aurora later today

to try surfing,

I'm leaving y'all with these photos I've submitted

to Sports Unlimited's facebook fanpage.

Travel on boat

Submitted by: Rome Diwa

Taken by: Rome Diwa

Location: Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas

Entry Title: Catamaran Crew Cruises

I wont be able to watch the episode this Saturday.

Most probably,

I'll be very busy catching up with cousins Mike and Brother Ramil.

So, please let me know if these images will be picked.

Travel on boat

Submitted by: Rome Diwa

Taken by: Sharlene Palma

Location: Coron, Palawan

Entry Title: Water Mark

Switching to NET 10 this Holiday Season

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Every holiday season, out of my 13th month pay / bonus, I make sure to pull out at least 30% to purchase a gift to myself as a reward for a year of real good job. This year's holiday season, I'm thinking to upgrade my postpaid cellphone because I'm no longer satisfied with the services of my carrier.

Out of numerous offers online, I listened to What Rob has to say and I've decided to switch to Net10 Unlimited plan. Well, as what Rod said, here are my reasons why I chose NET 10.

• Net10 Unlimited is a great deal. You get nationwide coverage and unlimited talk, text, and data, for $50 a month.
• There are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. Finally, Net10 only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.
• How it works?
1. BUY AND ACTIVATE YOUR NET10 PHONE
2. Make a test call, send a text message or Download a ringtone.
3. Buy and add an Airtime Card before the Service End Date displayed on your phone screen to keep your NET10 service active.
4. HOW TO ADD AIRTIME When you need more Minutes, you can buy from their website or from your phone.
• Very affordable, I'll have unlimited talk time! Suits my need to communicate with my family who are living in the countryside. Plus, unlimited text and data which are very important to my line of business. I could still do my job while on vacation! yeah!
Real NET10 customer were very satisfied, I figured.

With wide array of customized Monthly Plans, simple and latest Phone Selection, and International Long Distance:

Monthly Plans:

• The Easy Minutes Plus plan is an automatic minutes plan that starts at $15.00 for 200 minutes.

• With Pay-As-You-Go Plans, your minutes carry over with active service.

• Unlimited Minutes, Text and Web for $50.00/month.

• Switch between plans each month to suit your budget and airtime needs, without penalties or fees.

• Airtime can be purchased online, at a nearby store, or directly from your phone.

International Long Distance:

• Long Distance Service is available to over 75 countries, for about 15 cents per minute on calls originated in the US.

• International Neighbors program is currently available to Canada and Mexico. This program gives you a special phone number that your family and friends can use to reach you at your NET10 number.

Phone Selection:
• Simple phones for simple needs, calling and texting capabilities for under $15.00

• Phones with essential features, such as camera, video recorder, blue tooth capability, mobile web and more for under $40.00

• Full QWERTY keyboard phones, slider phones, and touch screen phones, with all the basics plus great app capabilities, camera and video recorder, web access, etc., available for under $60.00

Check out more good news on their Facebook and Twitter Accounts. What Rob has to sayReal NET10 customerReal NET10 customerReal NET10 customerReal NET10 customerReal NET10 customer

Let's Create a Drown-Free Beaches in Zambales

How would you identify drown-free beaches?

If you see two yellow-orange flag planted at the beach area,

it means the water is safe to swim between the flag area.

It symbolizes that lifeguard’s patrol the area.

Source: Department of Tourism

Zambales Resort Owners Association, Inc. (ZROA) and Philippine Life Saving Society (PLS) have now launched a revolutionary program to train Life Savers (Lifeguards) to patrol the popular beaches of Zambales and other areas for Summer 2012. The main objective of ZROA and PLS, is to achieve a Drown-free Zambales and the current training will act as a catalyst all over the country to lower the estimated 40,000 fatal and near fatal drowning incidents that occur annually in the Philippines, of which more than 6,000 are children.

Both ZROA and PLS are extremely grateful to the Surf Life Saving Society of Australia who are sending their most experienced Instructor, Mr. Murray Copas, to the Philippines to oversee and assist in making sure that the training is of the highest International standard.

For the past 5 years, Philippine Life Saving, a full member of the International Life Saving Society spearheads the campaigns in Drowning Prevention, through the standardization of Water Safety, Pool and Beach Lifeguarding in the country through our Bronze Medallion programs - the internationally recognized minimum standard for lifeguards.

The training is designed to train Filipinos in the areas of surf and general water safety, with the additional advantage that a number of those who will undergo the stringent 12 day training course will be certified as Instructors, so the program can continue and expand in the Philippines.

it was learned that despite the financial setback, the training must have to go ahead; this was due to the unprecedented efforts of ZROA members, the mayors of the municipalities of Botolan, San Narciso and Subic, plus a number of Zambales professionals who, along with Surf Life Saving Australia, offered financial assistance they could, to make sure the program would push through.

The main objective of ZROA and PLS, is to achieve a Drown-free Zambales and the current training will act as a catalyst all over the country to lower the estimated 40,000 fatal and near fatal drowning incidents that occur annually in the Philippines, of which more than 6,000 are children.

ZROA is currently looking for SPONSORS who are civic minded to help fund this worthwhile project over the next 5 years to achieve its vision of some 400 (or more) fully trained and equipped voluntary Life Savers on the Beaches of Zambales by 2015 thus achieving our mission of Drown-free Zambales. This project will surely attract local and foreign tourist to visit Zambales as the beach province center in central Luzon to enjoy its beautiful beaches. This will surely boost the province tourism industry through additional employment, increase sales of souvenir and miscellaneous products, food, and enhance occupancy of resorts and hotels in the province.

For more information, please contact Arch. Quin Sajorda, President of ZROA, Mobile 0930-180 6248 Email: qsajorda@yahoo.com or Roger Bound, ZROA director for Life Saving, Mobile 0918-922 2863

It Doesnt Hurt to Ask Permission

Yesterday,

I knew I'm just a normal person.

A commoner.

I am not an endorser of a resort.

Nor capable of endorsing a brand, service, whatsoever.

Until today,

I was told that my picture was used for the below promo, lol.

The photo below was posted on my travel website Gest to Utopia.

Actually, the owner of that picture is my cousin Anney of Blog ni Ako.

My cousins and I wrote good reviews about the resort

because we were satisfied of what we've experienced last summer.

When I learned about this photo stealing.

I feel robbed.

I'm not pleased at all.

I'm not expecting to get money out of it.

I just want to share to y'all

(in case you don't know yet)

Stealing images is one of the cyber crimes.

Bloggers or website owners, I'm sure,

Are not innocent about this fact.

I'm not selfish.

I'd love to share.

But hey, it doesn't hurt to ask permission.

More Halloween Party Foods: Burger Patty Mummies and Ghost Hot dogs

Burger Patty Mummies

Happy Wednesday!

Are you all set for your little kids Halloween Party?

I guess, your little princess and pirates are very excited.

If you are still looking for Halloween party food ideas

These Burger Patty ~~Ninjas~~ Mummies are cheesy and healthy with just few ingredients.

And the ten-minutes ~~Octodog~~ Ghost Hot dogs are very easy to prepare.

Ghost Hot dogs

Ghost Hot Dogs

Ingredients:

Jumbo Hotdogs

Cooking Oil

Mayonnaise

Cut the hotdogs into two and cut 1/2 inch in the middle of each hotdogs to stand.

In a frying pan, pour your oil. Fry hotdogs in a low heat until cook.

Let it cool.

Draw ghost faces using your mayonnaise.

Arrange in a plate. Serve.

Burger Patty Mummies

Burger Patties
Butter or Cooking Oil
Cheese
Black Candy or Olive for the eyes.

In a frying pan, pour your cooking oil and fry the burger patties.

If you wanna use butter, it will take longer because you have to do it on low heat since the buter will scorch.

While waiting for the patties to cool down,

Cut strips of cheese and lay across the pizza for the mummy wrappings

Put a small piece of olive slices or any black/brown candies for the mummy eyes.

Serve.

Stand Out Beauty on Sports Unlimited

Last week

On ABS-CBN's

travel, sports, and adventure TV show

Sports Unlimited

I shared two

Of my favorite travel pictures on facebook.

Orange Oasis

Submitted by: Rome Diwa

Taken by: Faye Esteban

Location: Fort Barton, San Vicente, Palawan

The theme was "STAND OUT BEAUTY!"

Out of the numerous entry

30-40 quality images were picked

Both of my pictures were selected

And was shown on TV last Saturday's episode.

From those entries, they raffled 5 Sports Unlimited T-shirts

I got one!

Preview of Paradise

Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan

Submitted by: Rome Diwa

I've submitted my pictures for this week's theme already.

I'll post the photos later this week.

I wish one of my three entries would be picked.

Instead of t-shirts, I hope, ABS CBN would raffle AH-D5000 headphones.That would be awesome!

Thank you Sports Unlimited for the cool t-shirt!

I'm going to wear it on my next trip.

You probably wonder where will I be this coming weekend.

Well, I'm planning to go to Baler, Aurora in Quezon

to try surfing.

I heard,

It's the surfing mecca of the Philippines.

I'm so excited!

Halloween Party Foods: Ghost Milk Shooter and Pretzel Spiderweb

Everyone is so excited

For the upcoming Halloween

Mommies are busy getting a nice Halloween costume

For their kids

And planning what Halloween foods to prepare on the party.

Here are some affordable and cute Halloween party food for you, party planner.

If you are lazy,

but want to prepare healthy foods for the kids,

these Halloween Party Foods are easy to prepare.

Ghost Milk Shooter

What you need are:

Tall Shot Glasses

Milk

Orange Sprinkles

Melted Dark Chocolate

White Chocolate Spread

Dip the rims of your shot glasses to a white chocolate spread, followed by the orange Halloween sprinkles.

Draw little ghost faces on your shot glasses using melted dark chocolate.

Pour in the milk and serve them up to your little ghosts with the Pretzel Spiderweb below.

Pretzel Spiderweb

What you need are;

Pretzel Sticks

Melted Dark Chocolate

Arrange the pretzel sticks, radiating out in a circular pattern.

Starting from the center, slowly draw a spiral onto the pretzels, gradually working your way out to the edges of the pretzel sticks. The spiral of melted dark chocolate should look like a spider web.

Draw the spider in the center of the web or put a non-toxic, lead free, spider toy.

Refrigerate the web for about 10 minutes and serve with Ghost Milk Shooter above.

Thank you, Blog ni Ako for the sprinkles, plate, place mats, and pumpkin toys.

A Dole a Day, an Apple Gadgets Everyday!

Do you want a MacBook Pro, iPad 2, iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPod Nano for FREE?

Well, I have good news for you!

Dole Philippines is giving everyone the chance to take home their own Apple products!

Here's how:

Register your mobile numbers by texting DOLE REG name/ region (GMA/Luzon/VisMin)/ gender/ age to 2948 for Smart, Globe, and Sun subscribers for free;

Purchase a specially marked Dole products. ( Dole Pineapple Slices, Chunks, Titbits, Crushed, Dole Tropical Fruit Cocktail, Dole Fruit Juices, Dole Fruit Jars, and the NEW Dole Fruit Bowls. )

Look for the special promo code found on the label and text DOLE <code> to 2948, standard texting rates apply – one promo code is considered as one raffle entry.

********************

Winners will be randomly selected on 6 raffle dates; 21 winners will be selected for the first 5 weeks and 36 for the final week – winners per week will be equally selected from Greater Manila Area, Luzon, and Visayas-Mindanao regions. Open to all residents of the Philippines.

Good Times at Pancake House

Blueberry Pancakes

Serving choices: 2pcs. PhP 147.00 ( $ 3.39 )

3pcs. PhP 173.00 ( $4.00 )

I know

you are all waiting for our traditional Saturday brunch.

Me too.

So, here it is.

After a week-long argument and assuring satisfaction to Gemma

who, by the way,

For some undisclosed reasons,

Doesn't want to dine at any Pancake House Restaurant.

Finally, she agreed.

"just once", she said

We thought of but escaped the Ayala Gardens

because most of the restaurants are opening very late.

At the Pancake House in Salcedo, we went.

My Ayala Triangle Project is still waiting

in vain, I thought.

Coffee

The fruity and fluffy blueberry pancakes

were delicious

with its golden brown crusts,

light and spongy texture,

And its rich and tangy flavor

with the sweetness of the real blueberries filled in.

Perfect for a cup of

rich, thick, and dark brewed coffee.

That was Tanty's choice.

Beef Tapa, PhP 196.00 ( $ 4.53 )

Nathalie

who celebrated her 30th birthday that day,

who prefer to munch over savory than sweet food

Ordered Beef Tapa (Cured Beef)

Served with garlic rice,

Fried egg ,

And atchara,

She didn't like it because its sweet.

I ate half of it and I double liked it!

Classic Pan Chicken, PhP 215.00 ( $ 4.97 )

Gemma and I chose the Classic Pan Chicken

Served with 2pcs. deep fried, pan chicken

with the welcome taste of homemade gravy,

tuna macaroni salad,

buttered toast and iced tea.

My perennial favorite,

every time I visit Pancake House.

House Specials Set, PhP 215.00 ( $ 4.97 )

The delicious mix specialties of the house,

House Special Set,

was Cy's choice.

with 1pc. pan chicken,

Spaghetti with garlic bread,

taco and iced tea.

She seemed so happy and fulfilled

when she finished.

She headed to the restroom quickly, lol!

L-R: Nathalie, Gemma, Cy, Tanty, and Rome

Well,

that was another Saturday full of different flavors.

with great food, funny gossip, and laughter.

that's a good time.

Really.

Nothing beats our traditional Saturday brunch.

US - Canada Word War

Back reading friends' updates

On my facebook wall

I found this document shared by someone

Just when i thought that USA and Canada were strong allies

On the verge of financial collapse

And political turmoil...

Banapple's Best Birthday Cake: Blueberry Chessecake

The secret of staying young

is to live honestly,

eat slowly,

........and lie about your age.

Like when you thought that this cake is just beautiful

And it doesn't taste good.

What I tasted was otherwise.

Sure

The cake was undecorated with candles

Nor adorned with pink sugar flowers.

So we put on some M & M's

to celebrate Nathalie's 30th year milestone

like the way she wanted.

Php 950 ( $ 21.94 )

Among the birthday foods

Birthday cake is another reason

why I love celebrating birthdays

because birthday cake

is the only food you can blow on (lol)

everybody rushes to get a piece.

Nathalie,

your birthday

is the day the earth was graced with your presence!

Happy Burfffday!

“Time and Tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty. “ -Robert Frost

Occupy the Philippine Wall Street

A friendly follower told me in an electronic mail that my previous posts were politically incorrect.

I agree.

My posts were always like that.

And will always be.

Those were my PERSONAL experiences, observations and opinions to begin with.

*************

Literally,

I occupy a small space in the Philippine Wall Street.

Yes, Im working in Ayala Street in Makati, the Philippine counterpart of Wall Street.

Where the millionaire corporate jet owners prestigious office towers are located.

who, by the way, DON'T pay their fair share of tax (which they patently do)

Working in the country's financial district made me aware of the present situation about the world's economy.

Noticing the huge difference between poor and rich,

the over-concentration of wealth around Wall Street

And its outsized influence in politics

Which put big bosses and politicians live in luxury

For just working 2 hours per day, 3 days a week

While we, the middle class

Are working 8-10 hours per day 5-6 days a week

who pay taxes religiously and accurately

Still live in chaos and uncertainty.

The former Godfather's Pizza CEO said, "Don't blame Wall Street, don't blame the big banks, if you don't have a job and you're not rich, blame yourself. It is not someone's fault if they succeeded; it is someone's fault if they failed" ( from here )

I work in a multinational company,

with above average paychecks.

but still,

I belong to the poor.

But I never give up hope

that a better world is possible

Through this post I am joining a modern day hippie movement, they say.

the protest demanding a stop on state and federal tax breaks for the rich,

An end to budget cuts and for jobs to be restored.

Lets join hands in Occupying the Wall Street of the world.

What Can We Live Without?

We are living each day with fast-paced technology.

Trends nowadays are based on what we see on different social networking sites.

Today, on my facebook wall,

I saw their updates on whose the most important....

GOOGLE: I have everything.
FACEBOOK: I know everybody.
INTERNET CONNECTION: Without me, you all are nothing.
ELECTRICITY: Keep talking bitches!

Catching Up with Josh at T.G.I. Fridays, Trinoma

Mushroom Chicken and Mushrooms

Regular, Php 395 ( $ 9.12 )

To share, Php 595 ( $ 13.74 )

At T.G.I. Fridays, al fresco area in Trinoma,

the best place to catch up with friends

Over a deep fried, boneless chicken,

topped with mushrooms and mozzarella cheese,

I had the opportunity to meet up with an old friend,

Josh.

That was her treat

because she arrived late

like she always does.

I pushed her to treat me

that was my punishment. Har har har.

Served with corn on a cob and our choice of rice.

This dish is a must try according to their menu.

So we chose it

I agree.

The dish was exceptional.

Mocha Mud Pie, Php 285 ( $ 6.58 )

In between puff of our cigarettes

between every bite of our dessert

Made in rich chocolate-almond mousse and coffee ice cream

Frozen in a chocolate crumb crust

topped with hot fudge and toasted almond slices

the Mocha Mud Pie

We had the opportunity to spend a few hours together

to catch up with what’s going on in one another’s lives.

That was a night well-spent.

I enjoy all my friends’ company

It is always great to get outside with friends

It takes little stints like this to remind me

how out-of-touch I’ve become with even my closest friends.

I realized, I can begin taking steps to correct that.

Thank you for the treat, Josh!

lets do this more often

And be late!

Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

The Ayala Triangle Gardens in the heart of the Makati's Central Business District.

Bordered by Ayala, Paseo and Makati Avenues is the Philippine counterpart of Central Park in New York City.

A distinct and surprising hub of lush gardens

Amidst the country’s busiest business district is a refuge after a week of fast-paced Makati life.

Surrounded by the most prestigious office towers in the Philippines.

The Ayala Triangle Gardens is a separation spot

between business's concrete infrastructure, and verdant natural landscaping.

Behind the Philippine wall street is an ideal spot for people like us

who want to distance ourselves from the everyday hustle bustle

to relax,

to unwind,

And to get in touch with nature for a while.

to breath the fresh air,

to gossip,

to enjoy a diverse mix of cuisines in a cluster of unique & exceptional restaurants on the other side of the park.

to complete my Ayala Triangle Project.

This place is simply

pretty.

cozy.

with Wi-fi hotspots that can be used for emplyoyee meetings and or team buildings

enjoyable for jogging,

brisk walking

Or people-watching.

There are different events and activities in the park

Attracting unique visitors

....and oh, The Symphony of Parols at the Ayala Triangle Gardens

is one big attraction this holiday season that I'm looking forward to witness

Auring's: A Taste of Authentic Pancit Malabon

Php 70 per serving ($1.61)

Pancit Malabon, a stir-fried noodle dish with the freshest seafood ingredients originated of course in Malabon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its toppings draw heavily from the fresh seafood that is available in the area and may include smoked fish flakes (tinapa flakes), fresh shrimp, squid, oysters, and hard-boiled duck or hen eggs, as well as pork. It has a yellow-orange color due to a sauce that includes patis (fish sauce) and alegue (crab fat).

Auring's Pancit Malabon seems like a complete seafood sampler. It is because of the restaurant's proximity to the major fish markets. The quaint restaurant is just a few steps away from the huge fish ports of Navotas City. "21 taon na kami (we're 21 years already) ", owner said when I asked how long they were serving Pancit Malabon. "Authentic Pancit Malabon consists of fresh cashew fruit", she added.

Php 10/each (0.23)

Pancit Malbon has a pleasing combination with puto (steamed rice cakes) or pitsi-pitsi (steamed cassava cake) . I love their, soft and savory puto. I guess it's Puto Mamon. I think, the best tea that would compliment this dish is the Christmas tea. Speaking of tea, I'm planning to purchase Christmas tea gift set this coming holiday season, hmmm, I'm so excited!

Unlike dull and tasteless commercial Pancit Malabon, this is the real deal, the authentic and ancient Pancit Malabon of Auring's.

Auring's Special Pancit Malabon

Tel 282 1681 -7104029

Adore: One Tagaytay Place

Adore.

That was the name that welcomed us.

The name of our penthouse on the top of One Tagaytay Place when we celebrated Sissy Peachy's nth birthday last year.

Our airconditioned room: complete with inspiring medley of posh amenities.

Welcome drinks were delivered when we arrived.

2 LCD TV with cable channels, Mini-bar, Wi-Fi, Coffee/ tea maker, IDD/ NDD phone with voicemail, Safety deposit, and Daily newspaper.

DVD player and microwave oven were also available upon request

Our adorable room room was painted in soft hues and soothing brown shades with interiors that mirror the calming ambiance

Invites us for a long rest or a massage or perhaps acupuncture That Works.

The stylish and trendy suit was equipped with electronic door lock system and Private balcony with panoramic view of Taal Volacano which Tagaytay is famous.

A stunning scenery of Taal Lake was a promise of a real good morning...

The luxurious bathroom was clean, comfortable and smells good.

Among the facilities that are available like Game Room, Business and Fitness centers, and Spa, my favorite place are the adult and kiddie swimming pools.

For

One Perfect day of Photo opt.

One Perfect day of no worries.

One Perfect day of sumptuous comforts.

One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites

Barrio Sungay, Tagaytay City

Philippines

Phone Numbers:Tagaytay Reservations Office

(+632) 584 4111

Manila Sales Office

(+632) 477 7111