March 17, 2013

Photo Op: The Pacific Cebu Resort





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.

During my quick visit last week, I walked around and took some shots which I would like to share with you.

The restaurant, as viewed from the beach.



Villa rooms.


Standard rooms.



The pool.


Very fine, but not so white sand.


Currently, they have special rates for local tourists. Check out their affordable rates, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.



For more information, visit their website by clicking here.



March 9, 2013

The Original Is Still The Best






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.





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.




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 sisig.

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.





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.




 Then came the task of chopping.




One knife wasn't enough.




Finely chopped onions were mixed with the pork. Finally, the sisig was served on a hot plate.




I must say that this was worth the wait! It still is the best tasting sisig, 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.



February 27, 2013

Hot Air Balloons Plus More

Dubbed as "a weekend of everything that flies," the 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta was indeed more than just hot air balloons.

There were kites in all shapes and sizes ...

... a propeller plane doing air stunts ...

... a number of paramotors, which wowed the crowd with their colorful canopies ...
... and jet planes which dazzled the crowd with their air maneuvers.
Still, the soaring hot air balloons were the most anticipated.


The activities lasted until evening with the "night glow" as the highlight, with the balloons glowing against the darkness.

 

Personally though, this sight on the ground - of my girls bonding with their cousins and an uncle - is the most beholden one of all.

 

December 2, 2012

Blogging with Blogsy

Blogsy

 

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.

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.

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.

So there, now I have no more excuse not to blog.

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.

 

 

November 28, 2012

All I Want For Christmas

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.

Thomas Sabo charm

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.

 

Nikon 18-200mm AF-S DX VR II

 

 

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.

And lastly, the ultimate wish for this year,

 

photo credit

 

I can dream, can I? ;)

 

 

 

 

 

September 22, 2012

Beauty Sale Loot: Guerlain Cosmetics




At least every quarter, Luxasia, a distributor of high-end perfumes and cosmetics, holds a sale in various parts of Metro Manila. For several years now, my friend L and I anticipate Luxasia's booth at the lobby of the Pacific Star Building in Makati. On various occasions, I got Shiseido liquid and powder foundation and tinted moisturizer at 40 to 60% off. 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.

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:




"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." (source: Sephora)



Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation and Concealer with SPF 20
Original Retail Price: Php 3,900
Sale Price: Php 1,200




Guerlain Ecrin 6 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette
Original Retail Price: Php 4,200
Sale Price: Php 1,000



Great discounts, don't you think? Now go and check out Luxasia's Warehouse Sale, ongoing until 7pm today. It is worth your while.




September 14, 2012

TGIF Laughs: It's Friday!

As happy as this monkey can be :D

August 17, 2012

When In Subic ...





... I never fail to drop by Royal Subic, where I buy my pasalubong 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.



I got sweets for my sweet girls.



Chips, a.k.a. junk food. I know, my bad.



skin food

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.


Do share your must-buys and other shopping loot when in Royal Mall. I'm interested to know ...