Beautiful Lights. Cheerful Music. Christmas is indeed here

Less than 100 days and it’s Christmas. Homes, offices, establishments, malls, etc. are getting ready with their grandest decorations that they can think of to show this season. Christmas songs fill the air, some are singing their heart out along side with the best instruments of danelectro 12 string.  This is the season to be festive, colorful, fun and full of love and appreciation in our hearts, it's the joyous season to celebrate our Saviour’s birth.  

 

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My hometown Zamboanga showcases one of the brightest Christmas decorations. The classic city hall holds thousands of lights and beautifully lit at night. Hah! I’ll be traveling to my hometown next week, I hope the lights are already set up. I miss my hometown and hope to visit during the Christmas.

Trip to Divisoria

After the Venetian Moments at Grand Venice Canal, the three of us headed to Divisoria. Aside from getting the stainless jewelries from my supplier, hubby went for something we can get for our kids, while Jef also went on his way to find the items he been looking for. We thought of getting a toy guitar from the guitars center  if any, but unfortunately we found none. Nevertheless, we’re still able to buy something, wooden toys to be to sell online.

The Venice Grand Canal in Taguig

Landed at NAIA Terminal 3 at 11:45PM from Cagayan de Oro, the 3 of us went directly to booked dormitory in Quezon City. Still, thinking we’re to spend our whole day the following day. 

 

The next day, with the trip to the beach cancelled, the three of us decided to spend our whole day in the Metro Manila. Jef wanted to shop at Divisoria, while Jessie and I were waiting for feedback as to where to get the auto parts in Banawe. Since, it’s too early to do both we decided to visit the newest picture perfect destination in Metro Manila. 

Getting to Venice Grand Canal Mall, into McKinley Hills is pretty much easier, thanks to the detailed directions in the internet. As much as we wanted to take the easy ride by “taxi”, we opted to take the cheapest public transport, the MRT + the jeepney. 

We strolled our way to the nearest MRT station, the Quezon Avenue Station after a quick breakfast at the Seven Eleven (easiest and cheapest place to find something clean and decent to eat). Way back, MRT is the best transport when you want to go places quickly, but this time around, we waited for 30 minutes before the lady guards allowed us to go inside, and waited another 10 minutes for the first train to arrive which unfortunately was fully loaded, we waited and waited and the area became crowdeswith so many commuters, good thing an empty train came was sent to our station, and all of us currently in the area were able to get in. 

We disembarked at the Guadalupe Station and rode a jeepney enroute to AFP Housing. Not really sure we’re going to, I switched “on’ the GPS tracking our location at the same time looking for pokestop to gather pokeballs. J

The Venice Grand Canal Mall is easy to find, all you have to do is follow the alleys and read signs, 2 hours after our very long travel, we arrived at the entrance of the mall that’s due to open in 10 minutes (11AM). The sun was pretty harsh, but still we positioned ourselves anywhere possible, trying to get the best photographs. Though I haven’t been to Venice or in Macau, I believe this place is stunning just like the original. 

There are gondolas too, but there were all parked under the bridge, I think the gondola rides are open at night, not really sure. 

It was a good decision, to visit the place before heading for a cheap shopping spree in Divisoria, it felt like we’re in a romantic setting. I even posted this photo in my instagram, and some even thought that we actually went to the real place. Cool to daydream!

Lunch? Nah, the restaurants in the area are quite expensive and we don’t have the budget for an expensive food tripping. J

So if you are in the Metro, take time to visit the Venice Grand Canal in Taguig.

About Folk Music

Who loves Folk Music? Though, I am not that musically inclined, but I love to hear some. I love to hear the folk songs of our native land that runs in our blood way back from the 19^th century. Produced from ordinary to unique musical intruments that I have not known, including also the distinctive sounds from irish tin whistle. Folk songs are usually heard during small community gatherings and are passed down orally from one individual to another.

Bad Weather: Cancelled Trip

The time has finally come, that we have to fly to the Metro and enjoy the promo air fare that we have booked months earlier. 

I contacted Bakasyonista a travel agency and booked for a special tour to Anawangin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales. We have a lot of beautiful beaches in Mindanao but we wanted to try and see for ourselves the known travel destination facing the South China Sea. With booking deposit paid + all the research I have done, gathering all information we needed to know, we’re basically all set. However, 5 days before the much awaited trip, the travel agency called us that Anawangin Cove is not fit to visit until the weekend, due to big waves in the area per coast guard advisory. Huh! Bad luck! 

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We have no choice but to look for another alternative and booked ourselves to the Fortune Island Day Tour in Nasugbu, Batangas. I did all the research as well as to how to get there, and we’re pretty much excited to see the Ancient looking Greek style structure on the island. But luck was really not on our side, because a day before our trip the travel agency contacted us again and told us that the island will be closed on that particular weekend due to bad weather again. What! Heartbroken!

The much awaited trips were really not meant to be. We decided to refund our initial payment, since the reason was due to bad weather and it was the agency that cancelled the trips. Bakasyonista was indeed very accommodating and wired the payment to my bank account a few days later. I do hope to be able to avail their services in the future. And this time I’ll make sure to schedule trips during summer, when the weather in the Philippines is very ideal for beach tripping.

Drums Sets for Toddlers

One of the playhouses that I brought my kids to have a drum set for children to play pretend that they are drummer, or musician. It’s actually a great idea to engage the kids to musical instruments as early as possible. That way we can determine if the kid has an inclination to music. 

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One of the music instruments that I am eyeing to buy for my kids is a cocktail drum set.  But since they are still kids, I’ll settle for a kiddie drum set for toddlers for now. Who knows in the future, they will become great drummers or musicians.

Live With the King

The first smartphone that I had was an android. From then on, I consider myself as a loyal android user. I may have switched phones a couple of times, but have never considered shifting to other with different operating system. I just love android, the simplicity, the usability.

Now I am in search of a smartphone, a new smartphone that is different from what I have now. A smartphone that will make me appreciate an all-in one technology. Huawei Nexus 6p leads among the bunch of smartphones in the market today that I have searched on in terms of the following;

Iconic Hardware Design

 

Built with full metal uni-body using an anodized aluminium, thus improving wear resistance and prevents body color fading. Designed and molded with 3D curved glass and diamond chamfers, giving it an elegant and stylish feel.

Faster-than-ever Performance

Huawei Nexus 6p is equipped with Octa-core Qualcomm^® Snapdragon^™ 810 v2.1 processor for an innovative mobile experience. Imagine streaming a 4K Ultra HD video or downloading with a download speed of up to 450Mbps, wow that is truly something! This powerful technology is paired with Android 6.0 Marshmallow for fresher and faster-than-ever performance made to handle today’s tough mobile usage.

Longer Battery Life

Of course, with that power specification, it definitely needs a battery to compensate them all. Thus, Huawei Nexus 6p comes with 3450mAh battery, one of the largest today, for a long and great battery life. And here’s more, worry not, because when the battery went dead, it only takes 10 minutes of charging for you to be able to use it again, the benefit of fast charging capability brought by the USB Type C port.

Best Google Experience

I am a person that uses Google a lot. In fact, I simply can’t live without it. Knowing how Huawei Nexus 6p teamed up with Google, I think I found the best mobile phone I ever wanted. Google Search for research,  YouTube for video streaming, Google Play to download children’s apps for the kids,  Google Maps to take me to places I’ve never been, and of course Gmail to check my personal and  work related emails anytime, anywhere.

Powerful Camera

The best feature for me is the powerful camera that can capture more light. Most of the android mobiles that I have tried really suck when it comes to the camera capture during low-light. It usually gives dark and grainy results, just disappointing. But with Nexus 6p, it step up to 1/2.3-inch 12.3MP image sensor (rear camera) resulting to 1.55micron pixels, thus, allowing it to collect more lights to produce superb picture quality.

Wow, with that camera, I have no worry everytime I go on personal or business travels. I only have to take this 178g gadget with me, snaps and memories will definitely be recorded.

Huawei Nexus 6p #MakeItPossible and is truly the #KingOfAndroid, and I certainly want to #LiveWithTheKing. #LiveHuawei, #HuaweiXGoogle

8 Tourist Spots to Visit in Camiguin Island

The last time I was in Camiguin, was like 10 years ago. I already forgot how this beautiful island looks like, until last week when we had our division’s in-house seminar at Villa Paraiso Apartelle.

It was a two-day seminar, that we squeezed everything in one day, stayed until 11PM, just to finish all scheduled activities and topics to be discussed, to make room for an island tour the following day and visit the Eight (8) Must See Spots in Camiguin. 

1. White Island

The most awaited day for all of us, after our hard work the previous day, started at 5:45AM. We went directly to Barangay Yumbing, where the boats are located to take us to White Island or the White Sand Bar. Since, we are a group of 16, we were divided into 3 sub-groups. The small motor boat with katig that will take us to the island can only carry maximum of 6 passengers. Juggling which boat to take, I decided to go with the youngsters. Yep, it is good to be surrounded by younger generations once in a while, I felt younger too.

Ten minutes later, we’re on the island. As expected, tourists were already everywhere, because the best time to explore and enjoy White Island is between 6AM – 8AM, when the heat of the sun is still bearable. Yep! Lucky enough to catch the sunrise and have a photographed taken.

There were also a few vendors on the island. Some sell, coffee, sweet potato or egg for breakfast, while some also are selling freshly caught sea urchins. If you haven’t tried sea urchins, then you must. Best eaten with vinegar, but you’ll appreciate the real taste behind when eaten raw.

The remaining one and a half hour was spent swimming in the clear water. With the water level only to my waist on the far side of the island, it was indeed perfect for swimming even for a non-swimmer like me.  We swam and posed non-stop searching for that perfect pose using the GoPro action camera of one of our colleagues, yet failed. Haha!

2. Walk Way to the Old Volcano

Two days more, Camiguin Island will be jam-packed with devotees and tourists for the Panaad 2016. Along the slope of the Old Volcano also known as Mt. Vulcan are the life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross,the sacred destination during the holy week.

As of this time, the foot of the Walk Way was still calm, with few busy locals, preparing for the much awaited yearly event. Souvenir items were everywhere.

We decided to just take some snaps on the spot above, then, went for a refreshing fresh buko juice. Thanks boss for the free treat!

Next stop is the

3. Sunken Cemetery

Approximately 5 minutes ride from the Walk Way to the Old Volcano, is the Sunken Cemetery. The devastating eruption of Mt Vulcan in 1871, submerged the coastal area of Catarman (now known as Barangay Bonbon) undersea including the old cemetery. It can be seen, though during low tide, but after a series of volcanic eruptions in 1948 to 1953, the Sunken Cemetery was pushed down further, it is now said to be 20 feet below the surface. As a reminder of the destructive past, a giant cross was built in 1982 marking the spot of the Sunken Cemetery.

Summer + El Niño, the heat of the sun was already too much, thus, we decided only for some photo ops from the viewing area without bothering getting across to the giant cross.

4. The Guiob Church Ruins

Also located at Barangay Bonbon in Catarman and another remnant of the destructive eruption of Mt. Vulcan in 1871 is the Guiob Church Ruins or better known as the Old Church Ruins. Built in the 16^th Century, these remains (Church, Bell Tower and a Convent) are some of the oldest structures in Camiguin.

The old ruins are most of the time covered with moss, refreshing greenery, but because of the El Niño phenomenon, the place was brown and dry. But still cannot hide the fact that these structures are worth seeing and photographing.

Oh wait, beside the remains of the convent is the towering century-old tree. This tree really did stand the test of time, after all the catastrophe it has been through.

Because of its height one cannot take a photo of the whole tree in on snap. Thanks to technology today, equipping our smartphones with panoramic mode, look, we were mesmerized how the branches and leaves sway from afar.

5. Sto. Niño Cold Spring

It was already midday, we were all very hungry. Carrying with us our packed lunch, we headed to Sto. Niño Cold Spring for a two-hour lunch break and cold swim.

Camiguin is blessed with springs, whether cold or hot, the island has it. The Sto. Niño Cold Spring is a favorite picnic destination of locals. Tourists are also welcome to take a dip in this 20°C crystal clear water coming from the ground.

Lunch done, it’s time to go to the inland...

6. Tuasan Falls

Katibawasan Falls was originally in our itinerary but since the group agreed to take it out off the list. The waterfalls might not be that great this season because of El Niño so we decided to go to Tuasan Falls instead.

About 9.8 kilometers from Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Tuasan Falls is very much accessible because of the ongoing road construction. Only 30 meters from the dropped off point which previously took about 30 minute walk to reach the waterfalls.

Though the drop is not that high, Tuasan Falls is a beauty that Camiguin can also offer, surrounded by rocks and greeneries, definitely a must see. Oh, wait until you dip in the clear cool water, it was totally refreshing.

7. Soda Water Swimming Pool

Also located in Catarman, an extraordinary spring water that can only be found in Camiguin, the Bura Soda Spring. Developed with large pools, the Soda Swimming pool is inviting and refreshing, I was tempted to splash in the water, but hesitated, instead, I satisfied my curiosity by tasting, rather drinking the fresh soda water at the side. 

The taste, well, it was different of course compared to fresh spring water, it somewhat tasted like a diluted Sprite or a flavored mineral water. According to the locals, the water used to taste sweet like those well-known soda drinks, but the soda source underneath the pool has degraded over time.

8. Ardent Hot Spring

Because more than half of our team are already of age, the hot spring pool was saved as our last stop for the day. They wanted to take a dip in the hot spring water at the foot of Mount Hibok Hibok. Not much have developed in The Ardent Hot Spring since the last time I’ve been here, though, there are few cascading pools (I think) than before, and each pool has different temperature, tourist has the option to choose which one they like.

Just like before, Ardent Spring maintained the laid back atmosphere, with trees and greeneries in the area, soothing and relaxing.

Overall Camiguin is one of the best places when you want to get away from the busy city life. There are a lot of memories to remember in our 2-day stay in this beautiful island, though there were issues during the seminar proper, but were peacefully resolved, after all we are all professionals and no stored grudges, separating work related issues to personal life.

Camiguin has gained popularity not only to local tourists but as well as foreigners, in fact, there were a group of Canadian missionaries on the same boat we’ve boarded to the island. 

And this 100 passenger, Cruise Ship was welcomed by the locals on the day we left the island.

Camiguin has so much to offer, the 8 listed above were the only places our group managed to visit in just a very short time. Although it was short, yet overflowing with photographs and memories.

Cagayan de Oro Visita Iglesia 2016

This is our second year in the tradition. Just like last year, we did the visitation without the kids. The weather was too hot with city temperature ranges from 32 to 34 degrees Celsius. Umbrella, hat, sunblock lotion is a must to protect ourselves from sun exposure.

Except for the 3 major churches we visited last year, this time we went to four other churches found in the city that we skipped in last year’s Visita Iglesia. We started a little late yesterday at 10AM, since hubby just came home from his graveyard shift and we need to complete the visitation as early as possible, for hubby still had another graveyard shift later.

Still using the Visita Iglesia Guide, Reflections and Prayers booklet that we got last year, we’re off to our Cagayan de Oro City Visita Iglesia 2016.

Church No. 1, The Sanctuario Eucaristico – Sacred Heart Parish, located at RN Pelaez St., Kauswagan

The Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist

Gospel: Mt. 26:26-30

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Reflection

The Lord gave us the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, for us to remember Him and his ultimate sacrifice, to share us with the food of eternal life, so that we will no longer go hungry or thirsty.

Let us always thank the Lord for this heavenly gift that we receive everyday: the food that sustains and nourishes our soul; the food that will continue to carry us to a life with the Father.  

Said the prayers and proceeded to the Second Church.

Having A Bad Day?

Do You Know That Playing Guitar, can help relieve stress?

Stress actually originates from our mind. Once triggered, it sends signals to the rest of our body cells, thus, the feeling of exhaustion, irritation or even depression follows.

photo not mine, credits to owner

Studies show that music generated from guitars and other musical instruments help soothe the mind from over thinking, calm emotions brought by anger and despair, likewise, lower the blood pressure.

So if you are having a bad day, pick up that Rx6 guitar and start playing your favorite piece. Don’t let stress take over your day.  

Kogi-Q Luto Luto Ta!

On February 19, hubby and I decided to go out again, a post Valentine’s date just the two of us (I supposed). This time we headed to Limketkai Center also to check out what’s the latest in the area. As expected, the parking areas at Limketkai were already full, hence, we headed to Shopwise, hoping for a vacant space in their high-tech parking area. We were willing to pay for the parking fee though. The good thing is it’s still free. Nice! J

There are a lot of food haven in LKK but hubby and I have already decided for a Luto-Luto and Eat-All-You Can Experience that Kogi-Q can offer. Yep Kogi-Q Luto Luto Ta is actually a sister company of Choobi-Choobi, we do not know that fact until that day. Ha-ha! Why did I mention Choobi-Choobi? Well, we just had our first try in that same week at Centrio Mall. Coincidence!

Anyway, Kogi-Q is a Cebu originated restaurant that arrived in Cagayan de Oro late last year. Their concept is to allow customers to cook their food right in front of them, using a griller installed in every table.

The bonus part is, with just P350.00 you can cook and eat all you can from the different meats/viands to choose from. Marinated pork belly, bacon, marinated squid, atay sa manok and batikulun (chicken liver and gizzard), soy and garlic chicken, tahong (shell) etc. are some of them, shrimps and beef are also available with P100.00 additional charge.

Hubby and I got portions of all of them, plus rice and lettuce. Yep! Lettuce for those who are on a diet and still want to eat-all-you-can. The fun part was, the picture taking while grilling.

raw

almost cooked

ready to eat

Some of the meat took some time to cook, but you can start munching those that easily cooked and an additional twist by dipping in the sauce. They also have a specialty sauce, but since it was sweet something, I opted for our favorite soy sauce + calamansi + chilli.

condiments station

Our Kogi-Q experience was indeed fun and fulfilling. The meats were perfectly marinated and really suit my taste. At P350.00, Kogi-Q is surely a hit for food lovers out there.

Kogi-Q LutoLuto Ta is located on the second level of Limketkai Mall East Annex Building just across Shopwise beside Choobi-Choobi.  

7 Reasons to Love Summer

Due to the presence of El Niño, Philippines is already filled with summer air since late last year. We’ll probably have the longest dry season + summer to last until June, that’s according to the ENSO Outlook. With the current weather condition in this part of the world, why not make the most out of it. Find your reasons to love Summer.

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Hit the Beach

While the sea is calm, it’s time to enjoy aqua sports activities. Many beach resorts now offer different water sports activities such as, banana boating, jet-skiing, kayaking, kite-boarding, snorkelling, etc. But don’t forget to apply sunscreen protection with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to guard your skin from excessive exposure to the sun. If the sun is too much to bear, you can always find a good spot along the beach. Enjoy the scenery or relaxing with a book in hand.

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Explore Inland and Climb Mountains

If you’re not a beach buddy, how about exploring the inland, summer is also the best time to go hiking and climb mountains. This is one activity that will make you appreciate nature. It will give you a different perspective and rewarding feeling. So take that hiking gear and follow the trail with your friends and of course the guide.

Relax Outside Home

When summer comes, summer brownouts also are infuriating the consumers, especially in areas where the majority of the power sources are from hydroelectric plants. Rotating brownouts had become a part of our lives here in Mindanao, since 30 to 40% of our power sources are dependent on water. Instead of getting annoyed, why not enjoy the outside (literally). Inflate those rubber pools, fill with water and have a refreshing dip. It’s more relaxing and stress free.

Stay Cool in the Mall

If you hate summer heat, why not spend time in shopping malls. This is one of the places where air conditioning units are at full blast, and you get to enjoy it for free. The hitch is you get tempted to shop and eat while you’re there. No problem with people with a lot of money to spare in shopping and still have room to gain weight.

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Learn New Things

Summer is also the best time to learn new things. Summer classes like, piano lessons, dancing, painting or even entrepreneurial seminars are being offered. Who knows during this short period you’ll get to realize that there is an artist hidden inside of you.

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Sweet Seasonal Fruits  

Fruits, fruits, fruits. When you are living in a tropical country like in the Philippines, fruits like mangoes are quite abundant. So better enjoy them, while they are still in season and usually very cheap.

Spend Time with the Kids

And most importantly, summer is vacation time. The kids are free from school and that means we have more time to bond, play and enjoy each other’s company. After all, parents are the kids’ best friends, so make the most out of it while they are still young.

These are the reasons to find summer more exciting than any other season. While you are at it don’t forget to keep hydrated. Always bring with you a bottle of water and of course your beauty regimen like your favorite shampoo and conditioner. Tresemme shampoo and conditioner is always with me not only during the summer, but all throughout because Tresemme always gets me my salon-gorgeous hair even under the heat of the sun.

Thanks for reading. I hope you will also find your reasons to enjoy the summer. 

Choobi Choobi, Lingaw Lingaw Kaon!

On February 15, 2016, Monday, a day after Valentine’s, a working day, hubby fetched me at the office for a quick trip to the grocery. After which we decided to have dinner at one of the diners at Centrio Ayala Mall, an instant post Valentine’s date with hubby and the little girl.

The choice for the night is Choobi Choobi Lingaw Lingaw Kaon, a Cebu-based native restaurant that had opened its doors to Kagay-anon last year. Looking at their menu, I have realized that their specialty of the house called the “Shrimp in a Bag” has the same concept like those at Redtail. I wanted to try it, but opted not because we have a toddler with us. Instead, we chose something that the little one can eat.

According to the menu, the Lola Pepang’s Fried Chicken is a family recipe that was passed on for four generations. Hmm quite interesting huh! Checked! We added another one, something fromTanny’s Garden called the Choobi Chopsuey, because according to the menu “veggies are supposed to be delicious”. Let’s see and taste… + rice and iced tea, off to the waiter our order for the night.

A few minutes later the foods came out from the kitchen.

The Lola Pepang’s Fried Chicken was already chopped when served. You’ll probably think that the chicken was a little burnt because of the color, but it was not, just maybe because of the spices used. The taste was something a little different yet tasty, our little loved it too. But the sauce that comes with it was just beyond my taste, because it was very salty for me but just fine with husband. Since, a whole chicken is more than enough for us, we wanted to take home the leg or wing part for our little boy who loves chicken. But surprisingly, there was only one wing; I wonder where the other one was. Hmmmm Anyway, the one whole chicken for P300.00 was already a good deal, I just hope they serve it in one piece para naman may challenge to dig in, unless the customer will ask to have it chopped.  

What I love about local restaurants are the vegetable choices.  Chopsuey is our favorite veggie dish, hence, we did not hesitate to choose the “Choobi Chopsuey”. The phrase in their menu, didn’t fail us, their version of chopsuey was indeed appetizing. The baby girl also loved the sauce when mixed with the rice. It’s definitely a must try for veggie lovers for only P135.00 per serving.

Considering also the place, ambiance and service, overall, it was a good dining experience. If I am to rate from 1 – 5, with 5 the highest, I’ll rate it at 3. Though, I need to try the “Shrimps in the Bag” next time and make another review who knows the myrating will go up.

Until my next foodie adventure… Ciao!