Weekend Getaway in Baler, Aurora

On October 15-16, 2016,  Grace, her boyfriend, Kenneth and I headed to Baler, Aurora. After 6 long hours, we arrived in Baler. First stop at Maria Aurora to see the 600-year old Balete Tree, the oldest in Asia.

Then, we had our breakfast at Kainan ni Bro before we started our trek to Ditumabo Mother Falls.

After breakfast and short siesta, our driver, Kuya Edwin brought us to Brgy. Ditumabo where the trek to the falls would take around 30 minutes.

Here we are:

My first time to take a dip and swim in a falls. Darn! it's too cold, maybe because of the rainy weather , but it's fun! A great experience indeed! We spent at least 30 minutes in the place, swimming and taking selfies together with the "joiners" of the tour. Then we had our lunch at "Kusina Luntian". A small nipa hut, japanese style eatery. We were told by our office mates that their meal is exquisite! So here we are:

Quite disappointed though that it took them forever to serve. Ours were served after an hour, while for the other group, almost after two hours. We were all starving by the time we ate our lunch. So, I couldn't say that their meal is scrumptious, really!

We were scheduled to tour around Baler, but due to the weather, we changed plans. If we wanted to surf, we should be surfing at 2pm coz they won't allow us to surf on Sunday because of the incoming typhoon. So we headed straight to Sabang Beach and started with our surfing lessons.

Here's the pic of the resort where we stayed at. The owners are very kind. Beachfront resorts are always best when staying at a beach. I'm sure you all know why!

Due to "Karen", the typhoon that made a landfall at 11pm, Oct 15 until 5am, Oct 16, we just stayed at the resort. Had a little beer, lots of chit chats and magic tricks during the night with the joiners!

Day 2: Road cleaning due to the typhoon, so we were not allowed to tour the city anymore for safety reasons. We waited until 2pm to check out from the resort, then headed back to Manila. We still managed though to drop by this Baler signage to take selfies.

The "joiners"

Overall, it's a great experience and I want more of Baler! I'll definitely go back here in the summer in the coming years. Lol!

Package tour was arranged by Grace Nogra at 0928-136-7811

Steep & Grind Coffee Shop

I soo love coffee! I have tried almost all brands of coffee in the market, but I'm still in search of that coffee I have tasted when I was in high school vacationing at my sister's house. It's a well-known brand of coffee but it's not available in the market and was just a gift to her. She didn't care where it came from. She's not a coffee lover!

Coffee is so addicting. I could give up on other desserts such as blueberry cheesecake, but not coffee! So, when I've heard that one of my office mate just opened a coffee shop, I dragged along two of my close friends to try. They are coffee addicts too!

Here are some of our photos in the shop:

Just a few poses before our orders were served! The place is a great place to unwind, with free wifi of course!

I tried their Salted Caramel Blend Mocha and hmmm, it tastes good! Not too sweet!

My friend, May ordered carbonara, it's good too! Since we just had our dinner at home, we asked for 4 saucers coz we'll be sharing on the pasta! LOL!

Grace, who is also a coffee lover, meticulously scanned the menu, asked the barista which one is their bestseller and here it is: Oreo Green Tea. Grace said it tasted soo good, she's in love!

We stayed in the shop just before it closes! We had a great time catching up after a busy week at the office. I would say, this coffee shop, although still NEW in town, is a MUST-TRY! You won't be disappointed.

Oh the price? please check it out at: https://www.zomato.com/manila/steep-grind-caf%C3%A9-san-isidro-para%C3%B1aque-city/menu

Location: Unit A-6, Wincel Building, Filipinas Ave. Brgy. San Isidro. Parañaque 1700 (Near Iglesia ni Cristo in YP)

One of the best Kojic soap brand in the market - Royale Kojic Papaya Soap

When Kojic soap came out of the market years ago, I won't deny, I'm one of the first to try it. After Likas Papaya, kojic became an overnight sensation. Yes, I love soaps. Aside from using Safeguard to wash my hands after 'poopoo', I use different soaps for my body, usually a liquid soap like Johnson's. Then, I'll use another soap to wash my feet and another soap for my face.

But now, I only use Royale's kojic soap for my entire body and face. It is non-drying, unlike the kojic soaps that you can buy in the supermarket, Royale's  kojic soap is not only a whitening soap, it will also keep your skin moisturized. I have tried different brands of kojic soap like Kojie san, Silka, kojic by professional skin care, etc. Most of these brands will leave your skin feels tight and dry. You would still need to apply a lotion or moisturizer after you shower. Royale's kojic soap is different and i'm loving it. More economical than using different kind of soaps.

Oh, about the smell? I'd say, the smell is very light not as sweet and fruity just like other soaps but you'll love it for its purpose.

Relaxing at Senses Spa

It was Saturday, but a day before that i did my laundry and my back really ached. Then, I was surprised came Saturday night. Tody said let's go relax somewhere, my treat. Of course, should I say no? How could he guessed that I really needed to relax. I told him let's go to a spa for a massage. Since Senses Spa is so near our place in Paranaque, we went there after we ate a light dinner. I was told by my officemate not to take a heavy meal if you are going to be massaged.

When we arrived at the place, two receptionists greeted us and presented their spa packages, I said we only want an hour massage. She automatically said, Ma'am, it's 1390 for both of you. After paying, she gave us a number each for our locker. Then we were ushered to the shower room. Of course, they have a separate shower room for male and female. The shower room is huge. There are i think 6 shower rooms with curtains and all are equipped with hot and cold shower with liquid soap and shampoo from Watsons. They also have a wet and dry sauna. Since i already tried the dry sauna before in a spa in our province, i tried the wet sauna this time. I was alone when I entered the sauna, but I didn't dare to remove my towel, though I was tempted. Kidding aside, I think the wet sauna is much better than the dry sauna. Well, I won't tell the difference, it's up for you to find out guys!

After an almost 30-minute shower, the attendant guided us to our room, a two-bed room with a dim lighting and a flat screen television. Afterwards, two masseurs came in and massaged us for an hour. I won't give details about the massage but, I find it good and relaxing. After the massage, they asked us if it's alright to sign. I signed in a small paper where their names were written. I think it's for the tip. Should I give  a tip? 

Overall rating for this Spa: 8 out of 10.

I forgot to mention, they serve meals and it's free, but only simple viands like stir-fried tufu, chopsuey. 

A day trip to San Anton, Guagua, Pampanga for Lumanog Guitar

November 10, 2012. I woke up at 5am, feeling excited for this short trip. Cooked and ate a little breakfast, sipped a cup of coffee (can't seem to live without one in the morning), and dipped a wheaten loaf bread in it and I'm ready to go. By 7:20 am, I'm at Victory Liner terminal in Pasay, saw a bus already leaving for Olongapo, I told the conductor to wait for me, I'll just take a minute to the restroom and he said,"ok, faster". After coming out from the restroom, the bus is already at the gate, and the conductor signaled me to run. (Amp! hate this guy). Soon as I'm in the bus, I told him to drop me at San Anton. He said, sorry ma'am, but we're not going to pass there, we'll be passing by SCTEX, you'll have a hard time picking up other buses going to S. Anton P. You better take the next bus. Okay! Very well said, so I jumped off the bus while whispering to myself, "Damn, he got me sweating off running after his bus and arrrghh..hmp! So, i took the next bus leaving at 8am. Still excited for the trip though.This time, i told the conductor to drop me at San Anton, near PMHS (pretending i'm familiar with the place)  and he said, "okay".

During the trip, i kept texting my friend who lives in pampanga, she's giving me instructions where to drop off,   very detailed that i don't need to ask direction from the driver or the conductor. Two hours later, i'm in front of the Lumanog store that my friend has told me about. I was saddened when i saw the store. Their signboard is fading, i can't barely read their surname, LUMANOG. Stared at it for a moment, and realized, "what? it's closed"?

Well, i took the courage to ask from a lady in the nearby canteen, if the store opens on Saturdays, and she said, "sometimes". What? i came all the way from Paranaque, and I'm going back without a lumanog guitar? This can't be. And then, she said, "but there are still a lot of guitar stores in the the nearby street. Then, my face lit up. So, to cut the story short, here are my pics and was happy to buy one.

I don't know but my feet brought me to this store. The oldest of all the stores in the street.

First 3 are junior guitars for ages 7 and up. 1200 each. I didn't ask for a discount since, i'm not buying one yet.

After choosing a guitar, I asked Cilinio Lumanog, the owner of the shop if has some guitar made of Mahogany and he proudly pointed to this guitar (the middle one, in pink shade). He said you better buy this, it's only 3500! What? 3500? It maybe worth buying because guitars made of this wood lasts really long, maybe a lifetime (really) and has a good sound, but i don't have that budget.

Me!

The guitar maker itself and the owner of this shop, Mr. Cilinio Lumanog. Very kind enough. We shared some life stories for an hour before he got me convinced to buy his guitar. On the lower left photo is his mother who is already 101 years old. Okay, will guitar lengthens my life? Sure it did to this old lady and his son.

Lucky Hermit - Cocoy's wish granted

Yesterday, September 6, I rushed to Mall of Asia to buy a hermit crab. It was already 7:30 pm, thought the stall was already closed, luckily it was still open at that time.

I didn't buy at once, I observed the crab first and asked a few questions from the seller. She said, the crabs came from Cebu. I asked her to give me a crab that has arrived just recently. Well, she said, they don't have new stocks yet. Poor crabs, I think they've been there long enough waiting for buyers/hermit crab pet lovers.

The least I could buy is the one that is not yet going to molt or change shell. So, she gave me this little hermit crab painted in green as my son loves the color green. Anyway, I'm not buying this for myself, but for my son. He's been wishing to have this for a couple of months now and this time I couldn't resist saying no.
I just wish he'd be able to take care of it so that little "Lucky Hermit" will live a bit longer.

By the way, a piece of hermit crab costs 180 pesos.

Warning: Do not ride this taxi. Plate # TXR 248

Last Friday, May 25 was a rough day for me. It's all because of the taxi I rode going to Five Star bus terminal in Tramo, Pasay City. I didn't notice the heavy traffic ahead when I rode this taxi, but as soon as I got in, I told the driver my destination, then I saw him readied his taxi meter with a flag down rate of 40 pesos.

The driver started asking me questions like, "san ka ba galing mam?", "san ka pupunta". I told him, "galing ako sa bahay at sa office, pauwi ako ng probinsya ngaun". Then, he blatantly told me, "250 pesos po papunta dun kasi matrapik". My reaction was, "Ha, ang mahal naman, akala ko ba metro lang?". He insisted on the 250 pesos fare, I told him I can't pay that much. Going there usually costs me only around 100-120 pesos. He said, "Okay, how about 200 pesos?". I told him, "No, I won't be paying that much". Then, he said, "Cge, 50 pesos na lang idagdag mo sa metro".

The driver was really annoying and kept on muttering words that only made me angry, so I decided to alight from his cab. I told him to drop me off and I'll be taking another taxi instead or better yet I'll take a jeepney. He said, "Umandar na po ang metro". That annoyed me more. I said, "So what? am I not allowed to complain and tell you what I want, I don't want to ride in your taxi anymore! Just drop me off now! At first, he didn't listen to me, he continued driving but since the traffic is heavy, he couldn't drive fast (Blessing in disguise). I told him again to drop me off now and I'll just pay whatever is in his taxi meter (I was already actually panicking because he doesn't want to stop driving and I can't open the door). Then, when I told him that, he immediately obliged. Damn this taxi driver! Mukhang-pera!

As soon as he stopped by the roadside, I tried to open the door from my right, but couldn't open it. I was already imagining things like, maybe this driver is a psycho, is he going to kill me? Oh know! but I didn't see any gun or a knife. Then the driver got out from his seat and went to open the door. He uttered, "it's broken". Then, I told him, "Here! ( I handed him 50 pesos), Mukhang-Pera!". I was really furious at him that as soon as I got out from his cab, I tried running, but I can't because my bags were heavy. I took the jeepney, ignoring the heat instead of negotiating to a "mukhang-pera" taxi driver.

Maybe, that was the driver's style of negotiating to his clients. He would prepare the meter, but as soon as they're inside his cab, he would tell him his price. And if his client disagrees, he won't drop them off unless they'll pay whatever has shown up in his meter.

Lesson learned: Do not ride in this cab anymore! Here's his plate number: TXR 248. The driver is a thin, old guy, maybe in his late 40's.

A week stay in Singapore and a day trip to Kuala Lumpur.

May 5, 2012, Singapore Changi International Airport. We are on board Airphil Express airline from Manila. Together with my high school friend, Farah Querimit, we reached Changi airport at around 9:30pm and we were met by another high school friend, Melodia Martinez. We stayed in their place at Compassvale Lane, Sengkang Road with her family. Her daughter, Marian is so adorable and her husband is so kind. I'm already excited to begin our tour, but since we arrived late and already past dinner time, Odie served us Chili crab and cereal prawn bought from a restaurant for our dinner. It's Singapore's best cuisine! My first taste of Singapore! Can't wait for the next day. Excited much!

May 6, 2012, Sunday. I'm already ready to start our tour. First thing first, we went to St. Annes Church to hear mass. Awesome! Air-conditioned church and most people were from different countries. Indeed, Singapore is a multi-racial country. Another thing, you may leave your bags and other valuables in your chair unattended during the Communion rite. Isn't that a sign enough to show that people in Singapore are honest and well-disciplined? After the mass, we are ready to start our tour. After a 20-minute drive from Sengkang which costs around 20SGD via taxi, we arrived at Singapore Zoo. If you will take the bus, it would take an hour to get to the place. Here are our photos:

It rained so hard, we were not able to roam around the place. After lunch, we waited for the Animal show at around 2:30 pm. The place was flocked by lots of tourists, mostly, Indians. I enjoyed the show though, especially when one of the orangutans competed with a male tourist to open a coconut. Of course, the orangutan won. Are you expecting otherwise? Duh! Then, we watched the Elephant show at around 4pm. The elephants are well-trained, but I feel sad that they're confined to a zoo. After the tour, we headed straight to my friends place for another free dinner (whew! such a blessing!).

May 7, 2012. Our next stop, Chinatown. We rode the SMRT. It is located underground at least two levels below. Their MRT is well organized and tourist won't get lost even if it's your first time to visit Singapore so long as you know where you are going of course! Here are our photos taken in Chinatown:

Crispy baby squid:

 Pork satay:

I bought some keychains and mugs for "pasalubongs". Just like in Divisoria, most of the merchandise are cheap and affordable, and you will not find any pirated or imitations of big brand names. Bought also a t-shirt for myself and for my son:

After lunch, we went to Marina Bay Sands, the most popular five-star hotel in Singapore. We just took pictures outside of the hotel. Only booked visitors could tour the place and see the beautiful and popular infinity pool where a one-night stay would cost around 300SGD. That's awfully expensive!

As the sun is still up, we headed to the world's tallest ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer. Another popular tourist spot in Singapore which costs 30SGD for the 30-minute ride. It was thrilling! Up in the flyer, you will be able to see the view of the city. I have acrophobia so after we took pictures, I just sit there, watched the view and waited to disembark after 30 minutes (haha!). Next, we went to the Merlion park, the popular symbol of Singapore. Across the park, is the Raffles hotel, one of world's most famous hotel. See our pics:

After the tour, we went home to relax and prepare for the next day tour.

May 8, 2012. Universal Studio, Sentosa. This is a tourist attraction that you shouldn't miss when you go visit Singapore. We endlessly took photos from anywhere. The place is just awesome. Like a scene from a movie that came to life.

We were both so tired after the rides and we decided to go back to Chinatown to have dinner at the Hawker Centre. I am no Chinese, so I'm not well-accustomed to eating chinese foods that are new to my palate. I just love noodles and siomai. Well, the foods are not that bad. I could live with it if I'm to stay in Singapore for good. No kidding! After a non-stop ride day, we went home to recharge for another day tour.

May 9, 2012. Another Sentosa tour. This time we went out late for our day tour in Sentosa where we will meet with another high school friend coming all the way from Australia together with her husband coming from Manila. We ate lunch first in Food republic, where I ordered grilled salmon, my favorite:

Afterwhich, we purchased tickets for the cable car ride. Another ride to challenge my fear of heights. Whew! I was so scared to ride but what the heck, it's a once in a lifetime trip so I have to try it. It took us only five minutes to get to Sentosa via the cable car ride and costs a hefty 26SGD. I think that's overpriced!

So, we're back in Sentosa, but this time at the Imbiah Lookout for the Skyride, Luge and Songs of the Sea tour. We roamed around the place and endlessly took photos again while we waited for our friends. See our pics:

Finally, Madz and Arvin arrived, "the Honeymooners in Singapore". We didn't waste a minute and we went straight to the Luge Adventure. The ride was fun, you would want to do it again. The sun was so hot we decided not to take the Skyride just yet. We proceeded first to Siloso beach for another endless picture taking.

Just as we are about to take the Skyride, rain falls down so hard we have to stay inside McDonalds' and grab some snack instead. The rain finally stopped around 6pm, thought we could no longer watch the most awaited Songs of the Sea night show.

It was a great night show! The lightings and fireworks are both awesome and beautiful.
To end the day, Odie and her husband treat us to a Swiss restaurant, Marché. My first time to dine in a Swiss restaurant. I have fallen in love with the ambiance. Unfortunately, picture taking was not allowed inside the restaurant except in our table (sighs =< ).

May 10, 2012. 2:30am. Terminal 1. Changi International Airport. We arrived at the airport as early as 2:30am for our first flight to Kuala Lumpur scheduled at 5:55AM. We are on board Air Asia airline, the cheapest and earliest flight to KL. We are fortunate enough to book a cheap flight and have not experienced any delays and problems contrary to the negative reviews in the internet about this airline. At around 9:30am, we arrived at the lobby of Petronas Twin Towers. I could not believed it myself that I'm really there. Seeing one of the world's tallest building. I'm feeling euphoric. Again, another endless picture taking of the breathtaking skyscraper.

We only have a day to tour the city. After our journey to the Petronas Twin Towers, we tried to find some souvenirs from their Central Market, another chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. They say, merchandise here are cheaper than in Singapore, but because of our limited day tour, we only bought a few souvenir items. We have no time to check out the malls. At around 9:30pm, we were back in LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) for our flight back to Singapore. So tired, that we just grabbed sandwiches from Burger King at Changi Int'l Airport and ate it while on board a taxi going back to our friend's place in Compassvale Lane, Singapore.


May 11, 2012. Joy ride day! It seemed we already have had enough of Singapore (hahaha!). Farah and I were already well-acquainted with the place. So what we did during this day was, we rode a double-decker bus just to know how it feels like to ride a double-decker bus. There's no such bus here in Manila. The trip was short as it stopped at the nearest bus station. We didn't know that (Damn! hehe).  After that, we rode another bus (not the double-decker this time) going to Singapore Expo. We were told that Crocs are on sale, at least 80% off. That's a great deal. I planned to buy one slip-ons for myself, one for Cocoy and one for Tody. After we arrived in Singapore Expo, crocs were no longer available (Sigh :< ).  I just bought a lime-green shoulder bag. It's a great deal anyway. We went home as early as 5pm as we will be having a little party that night with the honeymooners, Madz and Arvin. Another high school reunion. This time in Singapore!

May 12, 2012. 10am. Sentosa. We are all back again to Sentosa since we were not able to ride the Skyride last May 9 because of the heavy rainfall.

After the skyride, we saw a snake keeper where we took photos with the snake around our neck. That costs 5SGD. Odie paid for us (She's such a generous friend!). My first time to hold a snake. I'm a bit scared actually...Here's our pic:

Madz and Odie on the sides hehehe.

May 12, 2012. 5:30pm. Singapore Changi Int'l Airport. Time to go back to Philippines!!! My one-week stay in Singapore and a day trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was so worth it. Next stop????