tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41069574212283121462024-03-14T10:40:43.384+08:00Kat's MusingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-53726328482765706032013-03-17T16:07:00.000+08:002013-03-17T16:07:36.164+08:00Photo Op: The Pacific Cebu Resort<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Located in the island of Mactan, the Pacific Cebu Resort is a decent alternative to high-end and pricey resorts such as the Shangrila, Crimson and Plantation Bay. Offering basic accommodations and amenities, its simple and rustic features appeal to a different kind of crowd. It is marketed primarily in Japan as a dive resort since Mactan Island offers a rich variety of marine life and dive spots, fast becoming a favorite among diving afficionados.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">During my quick visit last week, I walked around and took some shots which I would like to share with you.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The restaurant, as viewed from the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Villa rooms.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Standard rooms.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The pool.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Very fine, but not so white sand.</span></div>
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Currently, they have special rates for local tourists. Check out their affordable rates, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For more information, visit their website by clicking </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.pacificceburesort.net/acco/acco.php?headmenu=&mainmenu=room&acco=rates" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 23px;">.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-20708240631241510692013-03-09T19:00:00.000+08:002013-03-09T19:00:27.926+08:00The Original Is Still The Best<br />
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On our way to Pampanga for the 18th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta a couple of weeks ago, the hubby thought that our girls ought to try the original sisig recipe concocted by Aling Lucing. He decided against take-out as he thought that the girls must try the dining experience as well.</div>
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Fine dining, it was most definitely not. This was not for the faint of heart. Smoke wafted in the dining area but the patrons of Aling Lucing's Sisig did not seem to mind at all as this added to the authenticity of the ambiance.</div>
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Photos of diners, including celebrities and famous personalities were hung on the wall. I recognized Filipino celebrity talk show host, Boy Abunda, among the sea of faces. But what caught my attention was the framed pictures of a smiling Anthony Bourdain. No doubt, he too was enamored with the taste of the original <i>sisig</i>.</div>
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We arrived at 11:30 am and thought we got in ahead of the lunch crowd, but boy, were we wrong! Already, the place was packed and we immediately grabbed the first of only two vacant tables. We were told that the sisig ran out and the staff was still preparing the next batch. We prepped ourselves for a long wait. Nonetheless, this gave me the opportunity to see the tedious process in the preparation of this dish.</div>
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These are the pig cheeks which are the main ingredient of sisig. The pork slabs were grilled right out on the street. Note that these have been previously boiled and seasoned until tender.</div>
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Then came the task of chopping.<br />
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Finely chopped onions were mixed with the pork. Finally, the <i>sisig</i> was served on a hot plate.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3EtORwvP60/UTsNhclWJcI/AAAAAAAADIE/Nlo6y2-tQts/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3EtORwvP60/UTsNhclWJcI/AAAAAAAADIE/Nlo6y2-tQts/s640/DSC_0293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I must say that this was worth the wait! It still is the best tasting <i>sisig</i>, passionately prepared by the trained staff of the late Aling Lucing. Her legacy continues and the horde of people who flock in to partake of the dish she originated should be the best testament of all.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-24303797548130087932013-02-27T10:14:00.001+08:002013-02-27T10:14:44.158+08:00Hot Air Balloons Plus More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yi-WADyJsFY/US1riKTZ9xI/AAAAAAAADFE/s-aVDCtQAsw/s690/Photo%252520Feb%25252025%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yi-WADyJsFY/US1riKTZ9xI/AAAAAAAADFE/s-aVDCtQAsw/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252025%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A57%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361931281383.414" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Dubbed as "a weekend of everything that flies," the 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta was indeed more than just hot air balloons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> There were kites in all shapes and sizes ...</p>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">... a propeller plane doing air stunts ...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: justify;clear: both; ">... a number of paramotors, which wowed the crowd with their colorful canopies ...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: justify;clear: both; ">... and jet planes which dazzled the crowd with their air maneuvers.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Still, the soaring hot air balloons were the most anticipated.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "><span style="text-align: justify; ">The activities lasted until evening with the "night glow" as the highlight, with the balloons glowing against the darkness.</span></div>
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<p>Personally though, this sight on the ground - of my girls bonding with their cousins and an uncle - is the most beholden one of all.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-peoosEnHX7Q/US1sDvollAI/AAAAAAAADGc/60p30GtD5yE/s708/Photo%252520Feb%25252025%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-peoosEnHX7Q/US1sDvollAI/AAAAAAAADGc/60p30GtD5yE/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252025%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A10%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361931281403.935" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="428" alt=""></a></div>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-4257987775007620512012-12-02T08:53:00.001+08:002012-12-02T08:53:13.497+08:00Blogging with Blogsy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ipad.appstorm.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/2011/05/Screen-shot-2011-05-17-at-11.46.48.png" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="http://ipad.appstorm.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/2011/05/Screen-shot-2011-05-17-at-11.46.48.png" id="blogsy-1354409493243.235" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="200" height="200"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blogsy</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I know I've been remiss with my blog posts. I haven't even shared our Northern Mindanao family adventure. I promise to write about it soon. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Blogging on the iPad is not as easy as I thought it would be. The Blogger App was just too much of a hassle and full of limitations. I've done my homework and concluded that the Blogsy App is the best blogging tool for the iPad. I bit the bullet and purchased it for US$ 4.99.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">My previous post was done using Blogsy and all I can say is that the cost is definitely worth it. I should have gotten it sooner and saved me a lot if headache shuffling from drafting my post on the iPad and working on my office computer or borrowing the husband's laptop to add/edit photos. Sheesh.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So there, now I have no more excuse not to blog. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Except that the Christmas Holidays are fast approaching and I've barely started on my shopping. Already, the littlest kid is saying (well actially, bordering on the nagging) that she has at least 20 friends from school that she will give gifts to. Parties and get-togethers are sure to abound as i've got a brood of three girls and a husband with a number of extra-curricular activities. Life will continue to take over but I'm not complaining.</p>
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<br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-27772375144253050862012-11-28T21:15:00.001+08:002012-11-28T21:15:20.827+08:00All I Want For Christmas<p style="text-align: justify;">A couple of weeks ago, the husband asked me point-blank what I wanted for Christmas and I wasn't able to reply. So now, allow me to dwell on some fine material things as I take time to write down my wish list.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31MVY69YGsL._SY300_.jpg" target="_blank" style=" " title=""><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31MVY69YGsL._SY300_.jpg" id="blogsy-1354108051810.0537" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="300"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Sabo charm</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><span style="text-align: justify; ">First on my list is this charm to add to my Thomas Sabo bracelet. This particular charm is called "Hope, Love, Faith" and will remind me of my girly girls who never fail to give me hope, faith and love in more ways than one.</span></p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stuffgeekswant.com/images/nikon18-200.jpg" target="_blank" style=" " title=""><img src="http://www.stuffgeekswant.com/images/nikon18-200.jpg" id="blogsy-1354108051818.1396" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="450" height="328"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nikon 18-200mm AF-S DX VR II</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">My dream lens for my Nikon DSLR. This is the lens I'd take anywhere and everywhere to capture more than just our family's precious moments. With this, I would have no need to change lenses and risk letting a perfect moment slip by without getting a shot.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> And lastly, the ultimate wish for this year,</p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/galleries/automated/868/iPhone_5_1st_slide_full.jpg" target="_blank" style=" " title=""><img src="http://twimgs.com/informationweek/galleries/automated/868/iPhone_5_1st_slide_full.jpg" id="blogsy-1354108051830.29" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="590" height="456"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">I can dream, can I? ;)</p>
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<br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-28427510203223125542012-09-22T13:28:00.001+08:002012-09-22T13:28:35.179+08:00Beauty Sale Loot: Guerlain Cosmetics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8JbRlGOXzck/UFz6i4BmnlI/AAAAAAAAC4s/8N5HbEYioG0/s640/blogger-image--308461670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8JbRlGOXzck/UFz6i4BmnlI/AAAAAAAAC4s/8N5HbEYioG0/s640/blogger-image--308461670.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://everythinginbudget.blogspot.com/2012/09/luxasia-pre-christmas-sale-in-pioneer.html" target="_blank">Photo credit </a></div>
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At least every quarter, Luxasia, a distributor of high-end perfumes and cosmetics, holds a sale in various parts of Metro Manila. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">For several years now, my friend L and I anticipate Luxasia's booth at the lobby of the Pacific Star Building in Makati. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">On various occasions, I got Shiseido liquid and powder foundation and tinted moisturizer at 40 to 60% off. </span>Last December, the hubby and I chanced upon their annual warehouse sale at the FMF Compound along Pioneer in Mandaluyong. Even he didn't go home empty-handed. Last summer, L and I chanced upon them at a bazaar in World Trade Center and I scored Guerlain Kiss Kiss lipsticks for 500 bucks.</div>
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And so when I found out about this Pre-Christmas Warehouse Sale last Thursday, L and I didn't hesitate and trooped over to Pioneer. We were there at around 3 pm and to our utter shock, some of the sales assistants whom we knew by faces informed us that a number of items were immediately sold out earlier that day. Buyers lined up outside that morning and hauled off the most coveted scents and shades.
Nonetheless, I wasn't disappointed with what I got:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg1oxbpBAmY/UF0Bh8PD9-I/AAAAAAAAC5g/lkUCaxB0WCQ/s1600/blogger-image--889988823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg1oxbpBAmY/UF0Bh8PD9-I/AAAAAAAAC5g/lkUCaxB0WCQ/s400/blogger-image--889988823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"If there were a dictionary devoted to beauty, listed under the word 'classic' you'd find Guerlain. This purveyor of luxury fragrance, makeup, and skincare has consistently defined—and redefined—our standards of beauty for over 175 years. Since 1828, Guerlain has guided us through a remarkable series of firsts, including industry standards like lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, and scientifically based skincare. And that's just the beginning: Their fragrance house has created over 700 perfumes, several of which are considered masterpieces. An enduring symbol of style and innovation, it's nearly impossible to imagine life before lipstick—or Guerlain." (</span></i></span>source: <a href="http://www.sephora.com/guerlain" target="_blank">Sephora</a>)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNMH8GrnYS0/UF0BZaw68DI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/Xkv6xWPZ-0g/s1600/blogger-image--2004543035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNMH8GrnYS0/UF0BZaw68DI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/Xkv6xWPZ-0g/s400/blogger-image--2004543035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation and Concealer with SPF 20</div>
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Original Retail Price: Php 3,900</div>
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Sale Price: Php 1,200</div>
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Guerlain Ecrin 6 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette</div>
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Original Retail Price: Php 4,200</div>
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Sale Price: Php 1,000</div>
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Great discounts, don't you think? Now go and <span style="text-align: justify;">check out Luxasia's Warehouse Sale, ongoing until 7pm today. It is worth your while.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-64674849116638218412012-09-14T07:24:00.001+08:002012-09-14T07:24:55.072+08:00TGIF Laughs: It's Friday!As happy as this monkey can be :D<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NtHxlSpO-1U/UFJrQuC9RfI/AAAAAAAAC4I/rTAdBIG0SZw/s640/blogger-image-1546984420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NtHxlSpO-1U/UFJrQuC9RfI/AAAAAAAAC4I/rTAdBIG0SZw/s640/blogger-image-1546984420.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-85169566895550233752012-08-17T16:44:00.000+08:002012-08-17T16:44:08.651+08:00When In Subic ...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUy1CB2CDXw/UCnwvJ1415I/AAAAAAAAC2w/-mV8rYDNdi0/s1600/royal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUy1CB2CDXw/UCnwvJ1415I/AAAAAAAAC2w/-mV8rYDNdi0/s400/royal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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... I never fail to drop by Royal Subic, where I buy my <i>pasalubong</i> for my brood. As in most duty free shops, prices are quoted in US dollars and the conversion rate to our local peso is dependent on the current exchange rate.</div>
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I got sweets for my sweet girls.</div>
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Chips, a.k.a. junk food. I know, my bad.</div>
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skin food</div>
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The Burt's Bees lotion and hand salve were at $ 8.10 apiece. These are steal deals as these stuff are sold for more than double in most shops in Metro Manila.</div>
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Do share your must-buys and other shopping loot when in Royal Mall. I'm interested to know ...<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-18789931619490794422012-08-17T16:23:00.000+08:002012-08-17T16:23:20.723+08:00Photo Op: Alta Vista de Boracay<br />
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Owned and managed by DMCI Homes, Alta Vista de Boracay is located in Barangay Yapak in the northwestern part of Boracay Island. We had a quick opportunity to visit the resort during our trip last month. Alas, we didn't have time to tour the vast four-hectare property. We had a glimpse though of a number of cluster buildings which house a total of 500 rooms.</div>
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Immediately upon entering the lobby, I was drawn to the resort's infinity pool set amid the hilltop. </div>
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The resort's secluded ambiance is a perfect foil for the maddening crowd in the island's White Beach area. Lounging by this poolside is sure to relax one's mind and soul. Just order a refreshing drink at the nearby restaurant and you're set ;)</div>
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Going back to the lobby, I appreciated the use of indigenous material like the bamboo reeds which lined the entire sloping ceiling. This provided a soft visual texture which contrasted against the tiled floor. In addition, the capiz panels allowed natural light to come in, giving a bright and airy feeling to the huge lobby. The lighting fixtures also made use of our native materials. Notice the capiz chandelier hung in the middle, anchored by a tree trunk adorned with more capiz lanterns. Native reed lanterns were also lined above the reception desk.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C62fz16K7Nc/UA39twPjrHI/AAAAAAAAC0o/a46mXPXC8rM/s1600/Alta+Vista+de+Boracay+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C62fz16K7Nc/UA39twPjrHI/AAAAAAAAC0o/a46mXPXC8rM/s640/Alta+Vista+de+Boracay+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Here's a closer look at the juxtaposition of the indigenous materials. My compliments go to the designer for imbibing the tropical theme and making good use of locally available decor materials.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDPlGjzZqko/UA395_rishI/AAAAAAAAC0w/_dwa3GBWQvk/s1600/Alta+Vista+de+Boracay+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDPlGjzZqko/UA395_rishI/AAAAAAAAC0w/_dwa3GBWQvk/s640/Alta+Vista+de+Boracay+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For more information about Alta Vista de Boracay Resort, view their website by clicking <a href="http://www.altavistadeboracay.com.ph/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-13006419274590442402012-08-17T10:53:00.000+08:002012-08-17T10:53:39.635+08:00TGIF Laughs: Weekend is Coming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOrmcNkYALc/UC2v8594rlI/AAAAAAAAC3k/LMfN_Ey9Iao/s1600/weekend+is+coming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOrmcNkYALc/UC2v8594rlI/AAAAAAAAC3k/LMfN_Ey9Iao/s400/weekend+is+coming.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://jokideo.com/weekend-is-coming/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photo credit</a></i></td></tr>
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And it's a four day weekend at that ... woohoo :)</div>
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Hope this bright and sunny weather stays until next week. Enjoy, everyone!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-19129689458204392782012-08-09T16:31:00.000+08:002012-08-09T16:31:29.887+08:00Against All Odds<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank heavens for Mr. Sun is finally out! </div>
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We are quite thankful too that our family and friends were spared from the onslaught of rain and flood. We pray for those who were affected and may they find strength, courage and incessant faith during this trying time.</div>
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Over the past couple of days, my Facebook wall was filled with posts ranging from the gravity of the situation in Metro Manila and in other parts of Luzon to rescue efforts and prayer requests for deliverance. Then too, a number of posts showed our people's uncanny ability to make light of the catastrophe befallen us. </div>
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Take this, for example:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmjKw8uSTyA/UCNlb2yUUWI/AAAAAAAAC14/8qxYnssu1eY/s1600/students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmjKw8uSTyA/UCNlb2yUUWI/AAAAAAAAC14/8qxYnssu1eY/s640/students.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZefDbfzd3M/UCNlVCx9lSI/AAAAAAAAC1w/JeBNvStQXf8/s1600/Drinking+more+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZefDbfzd3M/UCNlVCx9lSI/AAAAAAAAC1w/JeBNvStQXf8/s640/Drinking+more+fun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHy6AzknFjE/UCNxTaOL9bI/AAAAAAAAC2U/6qe0nM5yTRE/s1600/scuba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHy6AzknFjE/UCNxTaOL9bI/AAAAAAAAC2U/6qe0nM5yTRE/s640/scuba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seriously, I am amazed at our resilience. Amidst tragedy, we, Filipinos, are always ready with a smile (and a joke) to ease our burdens. No amount of rainfall could dampen our spirits. As a parting shot, this last one says it all.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HtGJSqKJm3M/UCNh16AoYkI/AAAAAAAAC1U/bo2SuX3HBJI/s1600/filipino+spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HtGJSqKJm3M/UCNh16AoYkI/AAAAAAAAC1U/bo2SuX3HBJI/s640/filipino+spirit.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-19489949955470896832012-07-23T15:40:00.000+08:002012-07-23T15:40:10.208+08:00The Other Side of Boracay<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv9dexjkfZY/UAZwUWC8qNI/AAAAAAAACz4/YZiYP5Z0PEg/s1600/Station+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv9dexjkfZY/UAZwUWC8qNI/AAAAAAAACz4/YZiYP5Z0PEg/s640/Station+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had mixed feelings when I read recently that Boracay was <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/225610/boracay-named-top-beach-destination" target="_blank">named as the top beach destination</a> by the Travel + Leisure Magazine. Having just visited the island a couple of weeks ago <span style="background-color: white;">for a 3-day business trip, I was actually disappointed when I saw </span><span style="background-color: white;">the stretch of Stations 1 to 3 now fully dotted with commercial establishments and teeming with quite a number of tourists on what is supposedly an off-peak season. While this is a boon for our travel industry and local business owners, it dampened my soul a bit as I looked forward to a less crowded island in July.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98PXJpeQpCs/UAZv4vd2hBI/AAAAAAAACzo/3Y3mg6m6UTw/s1600/Sol+Marina+2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98PXJpeQpCs/UAZv4vd2hBI/AAAAAAAACzo/3Y3mg6m6UTw/s640/Sol+Marina+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Luckily, we were billeted at the Sol Marina Boracay Resort located in Baling-hai Beach in the northwestern portion of the island. This was the former Club Panoly Resort and the property is now owned and managed by the same company which owns Zest Air. Already, plans are underway to build a 500-room structure to maximize the vast property.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkAHWbF8BzU/UAZvXgZ9XMI/AAAAAAAACzU/ybE1CqnXdP0/s1600/Shangrila+Boracay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkAHWbF8BzU/UAZvXgZ9XMI/AAAAAAAACzU/ybE1CqnXdP0/s640/Shangrila+Boracay.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the elite and classy Shangrila Resort as its neighbor, the resort's beach cove remains pristine and exclusive. And this for me is what Boracay is all about. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jvqWK14Icg/UAZwDVn7IlI/AAAAAAAACzw/TSOtv99zlgI/s1600/Sol+Marina+Beachfront+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jvqWK14Icg/UAZwDVn7IlI/AAAAAAAACzw/TSOtv99zlgI/s640/Sol+Marina+Beachfront+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I felt like I was transported to paradise when I saw the wide expanse of sand still unencumbered with commercial developments. I hope that this remains as it is for travelers like me who enjoy nature's undisturbed glory. There were moments when I had this whole unspoiled beach all to myself and those were pure bliss.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-38659065640792018802012-07-13T11:40:00.001+08:002012-07-13T11:40:42.620+08:00TGIF LaughsIt's my favorite day of the week once more ...<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lJNhIR1gTy8/T_-Yt9YztUI/AAAAAAAACzE/7fhaVVG5lcs/s640/blogger-image-2109878566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lJNhIR1gTy8/T_-Yt9YztUI/AAAAAAAACzE/7fhaVVG5lcs/s640/blogger-image-2109878566.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-35003065015686870012012-06-15T10:27:00.002+08:002012-06-15T10:27:39.885+08:00TGIF Laughs: Hang On!<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a few more hours until the work week ends ...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp3K1vZPGuU/T9qcXtCNKtI/AAAAAAAACys/LEpMmlFzWY0/s1600/Hanging+On.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp3K1vZPGuU/T9qcXtCNKtI/AAAAAAAACys/LEpMmlFzWY0/s400/Hanging+On.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/250723904225349571/" target="_blank"><i>photo credit</i></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-35748468844121460712012-06-08T08:41:00.004+08:002012-06-08T08:41:47.040+08:00TGIF Laughs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The most joyous day of the week has come!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWhrpXSohUE/T9FJzh6LCrI/AAAAAAAACyg/SpkKPkQsYM4/s1600/friday+funny3-300x197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWhrpXSohUE/T9FJzh6LCrI/AAAAAAAACyg/SpkKPkQsYM4/s400/friday+funny3-300x197.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://gamentrain.com/2011/12/friday-funny-brocks-dub-friday/" target="_blank">photo credit</a></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-51479908829952757512012-06-03T09:30:00.001+08:002012-06-03T09:30:48.733+08:00Just Finished<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few days after I got the iPad 2, I purchased a "Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson" ebook on eBay. I thought it apt to read about the man behind this device. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzcJJ27NylU/T8nyV-01EQI/AAAAAAAACyU/uyrUGt4G7WU/s1600/blogger-image--697722603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzcJJ27NylU/T8nyV-01EQI/AAAAAAAACyU/uyrUGt4G7WU/s640/blogger-image--697722603.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is why I've been quiet on the blogosphere. Steve Jobs' biography is an absorbing read, albeit it took me more than a month to finish. I found myself cringing at his numerous idiosyncrasies but my heart leaped in delight at the part where he returned to Apple. His story may not be that of a saint, but his legacy is unmistakably lauded by his peers and rivals.</div>
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Steve Jobs' saga is best summed up as follows (p. 922-923):<br />
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Some leaders push innovations by being good at the big picture. Others do so by mastering details. Jobs did both, relentlessly. As a result he launched a series of products over three decades that transformed whole industries:</div>
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• The Apple II, which took Wozniak’s circuit board and turned it into the first personal computer that was not just for hobbyists.</div>
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• The Macintosh, which begat the home computer revolution and popularized graphical user interfaces.</div>
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• Toy Story and other Pixar blockbusters, which opened up the miracle of digital imagination.</div>
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• Apple stores, which reinvented the role of a store in defining a brand.</div>
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• The iPod, which changed the way we consume music.</div>
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• The iTunes Store, which saved the music industry.</div>
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• The iPhone, which turned mobile phones into music, photography, video, email, and web devices.</div>
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• The App Store, which spawned a new content-creation industry.</div>
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• The iPad, which launched tablet computing and offered a platform for digital newspapers, magazines, books, and videos.</div>
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• iCloud, which demoted the computer from its central role in managing our content and let all of our devices sync seamlessly.</div>
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• And Apple itself, which Jobs considered his greatest creation, a place where imagination was nurtured, applied, and executed in ways so creative that it became the most valuable company on earth.</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-55639742917323147272012-05-25T14:39:00.000+08:002012-05-25T14:39:55.362+08:00TGIF Laughs<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/headphones_on_world_off/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=16943380"><img alt="headphones on, world off" border="0" height="600" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/y/tid/16943380.jpg" title="headphones on, world off" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/headphones_on_world_off/thing.outbound?.embedder=0&.svc=copypaste&id=16943380">headphones on, world off</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-34197706334400653972012-05-14T21:13:00.001+08:002012-05-14T21:13:48.250+08:00Monday Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether big or small ...</div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kOe2Q8-P7o/T7EDpjWinkI/AAAAAAAACyE/gt_zdtBcHZU/s1600/counting+blessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="634" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3kOe2Q8-P7o/T7EDpjWinkI/AAAAAAAACyE/gt_zdtBcHZU/s640/counting+blessings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /><a href="http://notsalmon.com/eCards/counting-blessings/" target="_blank">photo credit</a></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-60124733059937515692012-05-14T14:22:00.000+08:002012-05-14T14:22:04.282+08:00Happy Mother's Day!<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vml5Z2_yJ3A/T7CPI7QAmJI/AAAAAAAACxc/vccRTFMVdCU/s1600/blogger-image-499614285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vml5Z2_yJ3A/T7CPI7QAmJI/AAAAAAAACxc/vccRTFMVdCU/s640/blogger-image-499614285.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday's Mother's Day celebration was a simple but special one. My girls greeted me as soon as the clock struck midnight.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8vi-zsLvto/T7CPJRZr98I/AAAAAAAACxg/2-KCIHmuU94/s1600/blogger-image--568732378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8vi-zsLvto/T7CPJRZr98I/AAAAAAAACxg/2-KCIHmuU94/s640/blogger-image--568732378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were no handmade cards this year. Times have indeed changed. But I am nonetheless appreciative of their efforts. They gave me chocolates after breakfast. Much better than roses, I thought. And the hubby cooked Wagyu steak for lunch.</div>
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Life is good and I am so grateful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-84270245457520692542012-05-11T16:26:00.002+08:002012-05-14T14:18:09.193+08:00Cagbalete Island Camping<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever since I watched an episode about camping on Oprah about a couple of months ago, I "obsessed" about taking our family on a camping trip. Since then, I searched the internet for nearby camping sites. I considered Anawangin in Zambales but got too scared when I read about horrifying boat mishaps on the rough sea to get to the island. An office colleague then suggested Cagbalete Island, off Mauban in Quezon province and when I saw the reviews and the availability of resorts on the island, preparations for our "roughing it up" experience was underway.</div>
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We reserved a hut at Villa Cleofas Resort in case the girls won't sleep in the tents. And also to make sure that we would have a proper bathroom. (Let me get ahead of myself by saying that the hut didn't have its own bathroom and we had to use the common restrooms and shower stalls.) I bought tents, an additional sleeping bag and a rechargeable light with fan. I also packed our cooler and portable stove.<br />
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The "obsession" became a reality last April 28.<br />
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The drive from Manila to Mauban took about 4 hours. We passed by the towns of San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya and Tayabas before finally reaching Mauban. We easily reached the port with plenty of time ahead of the 10am boat departure.
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Suffice it to say the the port administrators need more organizational skills. On top of the boat fare, an "environmental fee" was also charged per passenger. At around 9:50 am, a local lady presented an alternate option to hire a private boat. It seemed that there were more passengers that could no longer be accommodated on the regular passenger boat. I immediately spoke to the other passengers who were to stay at Villa Cleofas Resort. In the end, we split the P 2,500 one-way fare with two other groups. (This option saved us from a 1.5 kilometer trek from Sabang Port to the resort which I read in other blogs.)</div>
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This was the banca which took us to Cagbalete Island. I almost backed out when I saw that there weren't even decent seats available. But I just took a deep breath and told myself that this was exactly what I signed up for. All 20 passengers Indian-sat on the deck, carefully distributing our weight to keep the boat balanced.</div>
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After 30 minutes on the boat, we saw a first glimpse of Cagbalete Island. Even from afar, the sand glimmered under the bright blue sky. </div>
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Getting off the boat was another adventure in itself. As the tide was low, the boat could not reach the shore to unload us. We all got down on thigh-deep water, lugged our belongings, supplies and rations and walked about 750 meters to reach the shore. Under the scorching heat of the sun, I must add. But then again, I shut my mouth and did not dare complain. I just took it all in and summed it all up as part of the "roughing it up" experience.<br />
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Up close, the sand wasn't really pristine white and powdery. But the blue sea and sky were more than enough. We were finally on the island and away from the city jungle.</div>
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We set up our camp after we ate our prepacked lunch. The littlest one was our "tent master." Daddy just assisted her in setting up the tents.</div>
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Once settled, these two wasted no time and scoured the beach for shells ...<br />
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... and delighted at the abundance of hermit crabs. Again, the littlest one bravely picked up the crabs while the <i>ates</i> freaked out.</div>
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After a quick nap, we all trekked to Bonsai Island. It was just a few meters off the shore of the resort. Though the tide was very low, the corals made the walk very uncomfortable. Halfway there, the husband and I almost gave up and wanted to turn back. The littlest one exclaimed: "We're Sulits! We never give up!" And so we trod on.</div>
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A number of photo shots later, we headed back to camp.<br />
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Dinner was grilled pork and fresh squid. We let the girls roast hotdogs. Too bad though that we didn't get to light a bonfire because the wind was very strong. Entertainment was provided by the littlest one (yet again) as she sang and danced. As I laid inside the tent that night, I heard my girls exchanging stories with each other. That put a contented smile on my face.</div>
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The morning greeted us with a glorious sun rise. Waking up to this was pure bliss.<br />
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This was our humble camp. I have no qualms in doing this again. And I vow to buy portable chairs and a table for our next camping trip. Perhaps another of that sun dome tent because it had more ventilation.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NC2v-H5MjfQ/T56LjaMmuSI/AAAAAAAACwc/2mu3nCkX-9M/s1600/PICT0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NC2v-H5MjfQ/T56LjaMmuSI/AAAAAAAACwc/2mu3nCkX-9M/s640/PICT0095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't care much about my disheveled hair. I more than survived our adventure. Fact is, I actually enjoyed it. That smile on my face is enough proof that I live for bonding moments like this with my family.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-73878833459248505042012-05-04T19:31:00.002+08:002012-05-04T19:31:26.967+08:00TGIF Laughs<div style="text-align: center;">
Have a happy weekend, everyone!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-35297845829853806972012-04-30T19:49:00.000+08:002012-05-14T21:00:59.637+08:00Monday Inspiration<div style="text-align: justify;">
A two-day weekend seems never enough. A break from work is always a welcome treat for corporate slaves. </div>
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Tomorrow, May 1, is Labor Day, a national holiday. Yey!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://teammanilalifestyle.tumblr.com/post/332627713" target="_blank">photo credit</a></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-35005496953631610392012-04-20T09:46:00.000+08:002012-04-20T09:46:19.787+08:00TGIF Laughs<div style="text-align: center;">This particular work week has been really busy. Thank God that it's finally ...</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PM_s0eei8mU/T5C-koipwqI/AAAAAAAACuQ/LKwBnWVZY8Q/s1600/friday+garfield.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PM_s0eei8mU/T5C-koipwqI/AAAAAAAACuQ/LKwBnWVZY8Q/s400/friday+garfield.gif" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eternalsunshinequest.blogspot.com/2011/11/its-friday-and-i-could-not-be-more.html" target="_blank">via BreAnn's Into The Sun</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-71302228324344750402012-04-14T20:50:00.000+08:002012-04-14T20:50:15.213+08:00No Spooks on Friday the 13th<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4SQ6dTox9E/T4jEwFbNfmI/AAAAAAAACtI/SfBVoqN81v4/s1600/friday13b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4SQ6dTox9E/T4jEwFbNfmI/AAAAAAAACtI/SfBVoqN81v4/s400/friday13b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://thecornishkitties.blogspot.com/2012/01/frootbat-friday-13th.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">photo credit</a></i></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was definitely not an unlucky Friday the 13th for my second daughter who is currently very much into the Milk Tea craze. After tweeting her passion for Moonleaf Tea, I convinced her to try the other milk tea offerings sprouting all over the metro. To date, she has tried 4 brands and declared last night that Gong Cha's Wintermelon Tea is now top ranked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaWB3ZEajTE/T4jHFKjsZHI/AAAAAAAACtQ/GaYySKmt6ks/s1600/Gong+Cha+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaWB3ZEajTE/T4jHFKjsZHI/AAAAAAAACtQ/GaYySKmt6ks/s400/Gong+Cha+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>no more trace of the Gong Cha Wintermelon Tea</i></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We capped Friday the 13th with a trip to the grocery store and a cold treat for the girls. Whatever lurking bad omen there was was surely driven off by the happy chatter of our contented girls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope your Friday was not spooked too and I wish you all a fun weekend!</div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/286/1AEA521022F8F981B74886F57E8D47A1.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106957421228312146.post-55398962361850484872012-04-14T08:12:00.003+08:002012-04-15T18:39:45.414+08:00Precious Moments<div style="text-align: justify;">Ooops, been quiet for quite some time. As they say, life got a little busy and took over. The past couple of weeks were filled with work and mommy duties. Allow me to recap the noteworthy events and activities which transpired.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">While most families spent the holidays out of the metro, we stayed home during the Lenten Holidays, except for an overnight trip to Talisay in Batangas last Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. HB's side of the family gathered together and celebrated the graduation of a nephew and 3 nieces, including our own <a href="http://katsulit.blogspot.com/2012/03/graduation-day.html" target="_blank">Trish who graduated from high school</a>. <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">It was a joy to see the cousins bond together.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cc9BXYMO5E/T4jOQjsH57I/AAAAAAAACtY/unwIhdPeEaE/s1600/Talisay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cc9BXYMO5E/T4jOQjsH57I/AAAAAAAACtY/unwIhdPeEaE/s640/Talisay.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That overnight trip was capped with a 45-minute boat ride to Taal Island and a simple but wonderful lunch hosted by our very kind and generous family friends from Talisay. I truly appreciated the fresh breeze, the serenity and the simplicity of nature. The trip was quite a nice breather from the grueling hustle and bustle of the city life. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The rest of the holidays were quietly spent at home. I caught up on some much needed zzzzzzs. Plans to tinker around the house and organize were shelved as my body needed to recharge. I figured that I could live with the happy chaos that continuously rules our home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivzaPJczMzw/T4mWQFt2UGI/AAAAAAAACts/-69xU8hxU1o/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivzaPJczMzw/T4mWQFt2UGI/AAAAAAAACts/-69xU8hxU1o/s640/photo+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Easter blessed me with an iPad 2 - to the delight of all my girls. I swear that I barely held my newest gadget for they went gaga over Instagram and Temple Run. I, on the other hand, love Flipbook. (While I have downloaded a number of other Apps, I have yet to utilize the iPad for blogging. Right now, I am still typing away on my old and badly battered netbook.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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Another Easter Blessing that came our family's way was our youngest daughter's "special award" in school. She received a certificate for "being the Outstanding Member of the Story Telling Club," for spontaneously weaving a story about an elephant chef out of some pictures that were provided during one club activity.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBJ8tIFo5jI/T4pd38LEXHI/AAAAAAAACt0/eTLw-1Qujag/s1600/Fiona+@+Halili-Cruz+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBJ8tIFo5jI/T4pd38LEXHI/AAAAAAAACt0/eTLw-1Qujag/s640/Fiona+@+Halili-Cruz+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The past week also saw the same kid start her summer classes at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet. Luckily, in spite of a busy work day and in between meetings, I managed to drive her and pick her up on the first day of her ballet class. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Indeed, memories were made. The days flew by like a whirlwind and I am aware that it will continue to do so. Again, as they say, life goes on and more precious moments are to be made and there would be more to be thankful for.</div><br />
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