Before and After Picnik Application



Yep, I've took advantage of the FREE picnik premium application.

Because 'twll be closing on April, premium apps is free until the website closes.

Never tried it before, 'twas a big regret.

I never knew that it could transform your pics...

blemish free...

wrinkle free...

Flaw free....skin

Plus,

whiter teeth...

And brighter eyes...

there's more!!!

Enjoy the premium apps until April 19

Halo-halo by the Beach



What you see is just shaved ice peeking from the tall plastic containers...

Seducing you with what's inside...

You wouldn't know what's inside until you mix it...

Here in the Philippines, this is summer's regular indulgence.... Halo-halo!

Ingredients Includes;

Sweetened, boiled  kidney beans;

Nata de coco (coconut gelatin), 

kaong (sweet palm fruit)

Sago (pearls similar to boba)

coconut sport (macapuno), 

chickpeas,

plantains caramelized in sugar

gulaman, tapioca, and nata de coco

All of the above will be placed inside the tall container or bowl, followed by the shaved ice. 

This is then sprinkled with pinipig ( pounded crushed young rice ) and topped with either (or a combination of) leche flan, purple yam (ubeng pula), or ice cream. 

Evaporated milk is poured into the mixture upon serving.




Indeed, this is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack. 

I feel refreshed when I had this after a long swim on the beach of Puerto Gallera when I went there for  my pre-summer getaway.

There are many variations of Halo-halo but the best is from Razon's. I think they are using fresh carabao's milk. 

This dessert continues to evolve with different concoctions from different restaurants in the Metro. 

Last summer, I tried one with honey puree on it. It was superb! Plus, it's healthy too. I hope that they could incorporate healthy ingredients on this favorite dessert not just sweets and sugar. Like adding Nopalea, It contains rare and potent antioxidants that are SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN to help the body REDUCE INFLAMMATION, helps your body neutralize its inner toxins, and promotes optimal health when you take it daily. Well, why not drink Napolea directly instead.  It is a tasty wellness drink sourced from the fruit of the Nopal cactus (Opuntia Ficus Indica). The healing properties of the Nopal cactus have been relied on for centuries by native peoples, and they’re now available in Nopalea. Each 32–ounce bottle of Nopalea brims with the health benefits of the Nopal fruit. If you suffer from  inflammation, you may want to try Nopalea for free (only pay $9.95 for shipping) by calling 1-800-203-7063.

Elements of Four "S" Perfectly Blended at Silk Thai Cuisine, Serendra

Thai Style Beef with Oyster Sauce, Black Fungus and Bamboo Shoot

Sweet, Spicy, Salty and Sour...

the four fundamental flavors of Thai Cuisine,

Allows me to taste it's perfect balance stylishly,

At the cozy Silk Thai Cuisine located in the high-end Serendra Lifestyle Mall, Fort Bonifacio.




Because I was 30 minutes late to the event,  I've got limited pictures. 

On my plate:

Seafood Satay - Marinated Squid, Shrimp and Snapper Fillets on skewers.

Tung Tong - Crispy Shrimp and Coriander-Filled Pastry. Crisp pastry filled with chopped prawns and coriander paste.

Vegetable Filled Roti - Crisp unleavened flat bread filled with melange of vegetables with a Thai Curry Dipping Sauce.

Thai Style Apple and Mango Salad - Som tam style salad composed of grated apple and green mango dressed in a sour vinaigrette.


Vinegar and Chili Sauce, Cucumber Dipping Sauce, Peanut Sauce

Apart from their well known Thai curry dipping sauce,

I would need to give a big round of  applause to the above sauces,

The sauces tasted like of Filipino, but more refined though. 

Our vinegar is the sourest, the more sour, the better. In Thai cuisine, there's balance.



Chicken Khao Soi / Chiang Mai Curry Noodles


Chicken Khao Soi / Chiang Mai Curry Noodles is a popular dish in Thailand made of noodles in a freshly made curry soup, topped with tender pieces of chicken, crispy fried egg noodles, coriander, onions, and peppers.

Silk has a pleasant wine selection that pairs well with flavors of Thai Food.. Cocktails include Pandan Martinis, Lemongrass Martinis, and Silk's own Ginger Zinger.





Quest for the Perfect Orange-y Belt is Over with PabDer Belt



According to fashion media, online, print and tv, pastel colors will be the "in" colors for this year.

As for me, in my effort to create my own style, 

I'll choose White, Brown, Royal Blue,  Black and Orange.


I have a handwritten list of my things to purchase,

Most are gadgets, clothes and accessories.

Orange-y belt that would complements denim, khakis, corduroys and chinos was I think listed January last year.

My plan was: look for authentic leather, durable, fashionable, and timeless belt. Not to mention a belt that wont be out of fashion no matter what the trend would be.

Budget: Php 1500, that was January 2011.

I've searched on the high-end and local fashion boutique...

to the malls, relief store, market, tiangge, online...name it

I wasn't able to find one that would meet my personal requirements,

It's either, more than my allocated budget or I think it would quickly goes out of trend.

Until one day in December while shopping for my holiday gifts,

I came across  this perfect-for-my-fashion-taste belt in PabDer store in Trinoma....




It was a little bit pricey, Php 1380. Still in my allocated budget.

I decided to wait for my bonus to purchase it.

When I came back on the 15th of December, this Pabder belt was on SALE!

50% off ?!! I bought it immediately.

However, 32 size wasn't available. So I bought the 38 size and had it cut.

Pabder store have that machine to cut belt according to your size.

Tip: If your size is 30, have your belt cut to 32 inches.

Here, take a look how it complements my Memo denim.

Oh, its not actually Orange-y but red as they described on the package. But this is the color I was picturing out for less than a year of searching...




Sail Away with Puerto Galera Yacht Club

Destination: PHILIPPINES, Mindoro Island, White Beach



Picture this! Me, sailing in a white catamaran, wearing solid white, stylish yachting clothes, while sea breeze blowing on my face on a sunset cruise.... Socializing in beautiful, tropical Puerto Gallera with like minded individuals, reveling the pleasures of sailing.....

Oh yes, my mind was sailing away when I told you that I'm planning to revisit Puerto Gallera.

You know what?  I did! But I didn't go cruising  :-(



---------ooOoo---------


'Twas my second time to visit the jewel of Mindoro province later last year with my favorite travel buddies Peachy and Anney. Our cousin Joff , CIL Beck, and niece Shy joined us to celebrate Ykaie's Hawaian themed Birthday Party.

We took a bus from Buendia terminal to Batangas pier, about three hours ride. Ticket was Php 170 per person. When we reached Batangas Port,  Father and Son Lines crew arranged our transfers to and from Puerto Gallera.I forgot how much it cost but what I remember was we also paid P50 environmental fee and the P30 terminal fee each.




I would say that it is the most favorite destination of the residents of Metro Manila because of its proximity to the City. During long weekends and holidays, local and foreign tourists flocks to this beautiful destination. Im sure, rates are kinda high during those seasons.

I've found out, there are many reason to revisit Puerto Gallera if you hoped for water sports activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and my ultimate dream....cruising.

Puerto Gallera has three ports, Sabang , Muelle, and White Beach. Anney, picked White Beach the farthest of the three. Our first stop was Sabang, the ferry  needed to drop and pick-up passengers. Argh... the long wait was killing me. Next time, I'll DIY my transfers so that I could save time to enjoy my trip.

Next ferry stop was at Muelle, located on the northeast coast of Mindoro Island.

Inside a historic, natural typhoon shelter.....




.... there lies all the glory of Puerto Galera Yacht Club at approximately N13° 30.75' E120° 57.25' 

Look! a parade of  white and blue yachts! 

The yachts were very shy, unaware of the their beauty capturing my soul...

My growing desire to cruise was haunting me again when I saw these beautiful yachts silently seducing me,   but sailing was out of the picture when we planned this three day vacation. 

On other day in paradise perhaps, I convinced myself.

I wish I could print it like the way I see it in my naked eye. 

So here, I made this post to remind me of this personal goal. 

Plus, I made a little research on how much would it cost. 

Puerto Galera Yacht Club offers sailing courses (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced) cover three days of full time tuition with maximum time on the water. Sailing courses are supervised by a full-time instructor, safety boat and crew. All safety equipment is provided as part of the course fee. Click here for the rates and thorough information.

I think, I'm gonna revise my bucket list and put cruising on the top list of the things I need to do before I die...hmmm..




Puerto Galera Yacht Club

P.O. Box 30450 Sto Niño
Puerto Galera
Oriental Mindoro
Philippines

Email: clubhouse@pgyc.org
Telephone: +63 43 287-3401
Facsimile: +63 43 287-3401
Mobile Phone: +63 917-520-5874
Twitter:@pgycnews

Healthy Living with Walgreens

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

The biggest hindrance in traveling is sickness. You won't be able to enjoy your vacation if you are suffering from terminal illnesses or even simple diseases like migraine. A lot of people agree that prevention is more better that cure. That is why I am taking careful steps to a healthy living so I could travel more, explore more places, meet more people, learn more ideas, and gain more experiences.

In my effort to continuously living in good shape I am pleased to share with you the latest discovery I found online. This is about an online pharmacy, Walgreens. The website has a wide range of  programs that won't only teach you healthiest methods but will also lead you to healthy rewards.

Think!

-Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
-Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizer and diabetic supplies
-Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photo finishing services

The biggest health news never ends there, because Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club:Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens . For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $5. Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions.

I would say that this is another brilliant and innovative healthy ideas. On behalf of Walgreens, I'd like to welcome you to a more healthier lifestyle! Join Walgreens on Facebook and Walgreens on Twitter  to learn more!

Membership Discount on Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
"Sickness is not allowed in our family", my father's number one commandment.

Like you do, Security and Wellness are the most important for me and my family. Our parents motivates us to maintain a fitness program that offers life-long health benefits. They never failed to remind us to stay fit and healthy. Little portion of the family income is being allocated to vitamins and other healthiest methods to stay our family members in good shape.
Yesterday, while browsing the net, I discovered the benefits of an online pharmacy, Walgreens. A program where healthy steps lead to healthy rewards. Benefits include savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications, Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizer and diabetic supplies,Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens and Nice! brand products and photo finishing service.

Its very expensive to get sick. Diseases like diabetes, asthma, allergies, cancer and AIDS requires life-long medication. I could not imagine how much it would cost us for the entire lifetime of supplement maintenance. If you are you locked up to a long term medication because you are suffering from terminal illnesses, I have good news for you too!
Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Prescription Savings Club: Walgreens Prescription Savings Club . For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $5. Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions.

With their free online pharmacy account, you can: Review your Prescription Savings Club transactions, Set up auto refills for the medications you take regularly and Pick up prescriptions in store or through free shipping.
What else could you ask for? Register now and Join Walgreens on Facebook and Walgreens on TwitterWalgreens on Facebook
Visit Sponsor's Site

Discovering. More Fun in the Philippines

***This post has been revised.

Yesterday, this post title was "Chasing Rainbows. More Fun in the Philippines"

The Mitra's Ranch picture has been deleted.

The image owner, through a common friend, requested to delete it because she'll be selling it.

Sorry Marj, seems that your "love omen" will be sold soon.

So I made one to replace it....





Seems that every travel blogger have their own "More fun" slogan.

Here's my take on the Department of Tourism's "Its more fun in the Philippines" slogan.


Here's another one from Marcial Bolen...



And one from Faye Esteban, taken in San Vicente Palawan one summer day.




Join! Pimp My Cube Contest and Win Approximately $1200 Office Makeover

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contest Factory for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
You and your team did not meet the deadline last month-end because of the poor internet connection and outdated software.

You are sipping the worst instant coffee from the vendor machine to keep you awake.

You are tired to see the clutter surrounding around you because your company doesn't even have a garbage can for your department.

You want to move to another company but you can't because you love what you do, you love the people around you and you are committed to the organization you are working with.
You definitely need an Office makeover!
This is the time to make a big difference!  Join the Pimp My Cube Contest!
The contest has a total grand prize value of approximately $1200. The prize is to upgrade your office with one of three prize packages.

Think!
New high end computer system, New Desk, Chair and Decorations, New Entertainment Package with high end stereo, espresso machine etc.

More Prizes!
A second sweepstakes prize of a $200 gift card will be awarded to the registered user chosen by random drawing at the end of the contest period.

Here are the mechanics;

1) Upload a video showing your worst, most pathetic and messy  workspace and explain the details about why it is horrible and why it is so important that Contest Factory come in to ‘Pimp’ your cube.

2) Invite your friends, family and coworkers to register at (Pimp My Cube Contest) and vote for your video. You will get sweepstakes entry points for registering, voting, commenting and inviting others to register for the contest.

The grand prize of your cube being ‘pimped’ will be selected by CF judges based on various criteria including for the most votes, best (really worst) video and most compelling story.

The contest period is from 12/5/11 at 12:00 PM to 1/31/12 at 12:00 PM. Right now no one has uploaded a video yet so the chances of winning are very good.

Remember,  your video should be fun and witty – anything goes!!  Be very creative! The better the story, the funnier the video – the better chances of winning.
So what are you waiting for,  go register on Pimp My Cube Contest!

Matcha o' Love



I know,

Numerous times,

I already told you about my favorite Starbucks fix, Iced Green Tea Latte.

But very few were aware that this was my personalized mix.

Perfected according to my liking after years of sipping.

I just hope that whenever I order this personal creation of mine,

they would give me a pleasant smile, and not that fierce look.


To My Dear Tommorow's Barista,

Please don't get mad at me.

Kindly fix this for me.

Iced Green Tea Latte
8 cubes of Ice
Venti Size
Additional 2 scoops of Matcha Powder
Strawberry/Hazelnut Syrup

Please don't stir the Matcha. I want to taste bits of it.

Thank you for your patience.

Matcha o' Love,

Rome



PS: Today's fix was courtesy of my girl, Cy (middle). A send off Starbucks fix. She'll be transferring to another location.


When You See it ....

My day is incomplete without viewing the last post I had viewed the last time I checked on 9gag.

Like my image below, the website have full of.....

Funny and Amazing pictures.

Great graphics designs made by members.

And hilarious statements.

For me, its a total online entertainment......

......when you see it.



Festive Chinese Flavors and Ultimate Abundance Exclusively at F Restaurant

Lechon Macau 

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Let the good fortunes of  the dragon year begin with vibrant perspective filled with utmost joy, bountiful events, and ritzy Chinese Cuisine for the table.

Look no further, get into the spirit of the Chinese New Year as Best Western Premier F1 Hotel mark the beginning of this year with fortunate tradition and ultimate abundance for the whole family.

From today to January 31, 2012 "F" Restaurant will make Lunch and Dinner buffet extra bountiful, featuring a spread that is bound to satisfy the most discerning foodies.

Indulge the whole family for only Php 998++ per person from Chinese appetizer to dessert.

Main course sends a feel good shivers to the taste buds as the selections are not only bountiful but also meaningful.

Imagine:

Peking Duck - symbolizes fertility


Steamed Marlin with Soya Sauce -  Symbol of prosperity (serve as whole)


Deep Fried Pork Ribs with Salt and Pepper  - Strength, wealth, abundant blessing.



Szechuan Chicken - Prosperity, togetherness of the family. Presenting a ‘whole’ chicken with its head, tail and feet symbolizes completeness.




Szechuan Beef 



Steamed Asparagus with X.O. Sauce - Close family ties 


U.S. Prime Rib with Gravy


Hainanese Chicken


On January 23, 2012, don't miss the much anticipated highlight of the Chinese New Year, the Majestic Dragon Dance!

Look back with thankfulness and get thrilled to another best year to come.

"F" Restaurant is nestled on the 5th floor, an ambiance conducive to get relieved from the roaring fireworks from the brand new city.

These starters will definitely  tickle your appetite....


Jelly Fish


Beef Kimchi


Boiled Peanut


Cucumber with Garlic and Chili Sesame


Cold Pork Knuckle



Soup

Crab and Corn Soup and Seafood Spinach



Noodles in Chinese cuisine symbolizes long, prosperous life.

 Since noodles do symbolize long life, it is considered very unlucky to cut up a strand.


Fried Noodles with Sliced Pork, Bokchoi, Carrots, Mushrooms and X.O. Sauce


For dessert,

Mango Sago.

Sugared fruits are supposed to sweeten one’s upcoming year and creamed to smoother way through.

Fruits symbolize life and new beginnings.


Mango Sago



Reserve now and call +632 928 9888 or +632 908 7888
Best Western Premier F1 Hotel is located on 32nd Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

A Different Brew at Moonleaf Tea Shop



 Wintermelon Milk Tea, Php 75.00

Fast track to today.

Everyone was so gaga to grab a cup of Moonleaf tea at the pantry when I arrived earlier.





Y'all knew me, I'm married to Starbucks matcha.

But my love affair with tea never stop with the famed iced green tea latte.


Me and my girls, Gemma and Nathalia, tried it.

I ordered their best seller,   Wintermelon Milk Tea, Php 75.00

And added pearls, Php 10.00 and Nata Php, 10.00




According to the crew,

Moonleaf's tea drinks and mixes are made from freshly brewed, top-quality tea leaves imported from the best tea-growing regions of  Taiwan.

The tea is brewed, steeped and served in authentic Taiwanese tradition-- no machines.

We were assured of a drink expertly handled with a human touch, hmmmm...

'Twas a different brew indeed.

It's my brand new love I would say.




BTW,  I met a fellow blogger, Extra Sexy.

She's very bubbly!




Holiday Treat from Shakeys




IBM's Deal Hub Management served us dainty lunch from Shakey's.

Who am I to say no?

I admit, 

like you, gluttony is also my favorite sin.lol!

That day was our "National Diet Holiday", we all agreed! ha ha ha!




Our lunch was almost the same with what we had earlier.

A bit of leveling up though. 

Dishes were little bit tastier and creamier.

Shakey's Managers Choice Pizza, their number 1 flavor was loaded with ham, beef, Italian sausage, green bell pepper and onions.




I think, the organizers ordered Shakey's Wholesome Combo's,  Bunch of Lunch and replaced the Classic Spaghetti with creamy Carbonara.

Their mojos, as always, never failed to satisfy me.

Garlic Bread was fresh, not too toasted and crisp, it was soft, the way I always wanted.

Yep, 'twas carbo overload day for us.

I love it.


My Plate: 2 Pieces Fried Chicken, Pasta, Garlic Bread, a Slice of Pizza, and Mojos
 

Meet my girls, Nath, Gemma ang Shobe...



Gadget Giveaway and a Chance to Win a Trip for 2 to South Korea at the One Hyundai Club Life in Style Event



Get a chance to win a Trip for 2 to South Korea with the One Hyundai Club Life in Style Event and a Gadget Giveaway at the One Hyundai Club Life in Style Event. Happening on January 14, 2012 at Glorietta Activity Center, from 12 nn to 9 PM.

The “Gadget Giveaway” promo is open to all One Hyundai Club (OHC) members who will register at the event microsite on or before January 10, 2012 and complete the required event passport stamps on the day of the event. Non-OHC members who are Hyundai vehicle owners can also participate by becoming a One Hyundai Club member.


The “Win a Trip for Two to South Korea” promo is open to all One Hyundai Club (OHC) members who received their Loyalty Card Numbers by January 10, 2012. Non-OHC members who are Hyundai vehicle owners can also participate by becoming a One Hyundai Club member.


Visit www.onehyundai.com.ph to become an OHC member, and register for the event at www.ohclifeinstyle.com.ph on or before January 10, 2012.


See you there!

Utopia 2012 Preview

At the break of dawn,
I'll see you in this shore.


The beach,


the lakes,


the mountains,


the waterfalls,


Are my brothers...

Stories about them will be told throughout my adventures this year.



My Gest continues,

I will never stop until I reach my destination, Utopia.




The birds,

the wild flowers,

the fish,

Are my friends and companion through this journey.




This year's gest will be the best of local destinations, 

Let's  re-explore the Philippines' top summer destinations, Puerto Gallera and Boracay.

Hopefully, trace my footsteps going back home, Palawan. perhaps on the 2nd Quarter.

I'll show you the best way to El Nido at the end of this year.

Almost definite, I'll be your personal attendant in Bellaroca this merry month of  May.

I'll buy Human Services books for this.




Let's Go!