A Great Start to a Year!

Okay, I have to admit that receiving invitations to do stuff in your email is pretty rad.

Anyway, I would like to greet you guys first with a very Happy New Year! How's your first week of 2013 going? Mine's going good and I hope yours is going great too. :D

My first 2013 weekend was graced with a little staycation, not extravagant or what but it was a nice way to recharge my self to be ready to embrace the awesomeness that 2013 is going to bring. And it was a great bonding time with D too. *say cheeeeze, lol* We pigged out (our favorite thing to do) at RUB Ribs in Kapitolyo, marathoned History Channel shows, shoot light trails in Edsa, eat our favorite Chicken Katsu Curry from Yabu and capped it off with a great massage from NuLiving Spa Studio!

I wasn't able to experience a real Christmas Holiday vacation. Yes, the only days I didn't go to work was during the 25th and the 1st (it sucks, but hey, travel funds baby!) so getting a little pampering and especially a massage will do its wonders on an overworked mind and body.

NuLiving just opened last December 2012 and they are a great addition to the roster of spas and massage places around D. Tuazon area. I haven't really tried the surrounding spas but I can say that you can't go wrong with NuLiving Spa Studio.

read more " A Great Start to a Year! "

Meet Me In Magalawa | DIY trip

Remember that scene in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind where Clementine whispered to Joel to meet her in Montauk? Yes, I've been thinking about it for the past weeks while I was planning my quick getaway to Magalawa.

I longed for another moment on the road. I missed the sweeping view of trees, endless concrete roads, those moments where you can drift off into nothingness and just be happy to be away. Being on the road, on a plane or threading across the waters is my kind of escape from the crazy world.

The Cancelled Trip

 All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go. Just a few hours until our 4AM departure to Magalawa, the bad news came.

We have to cancel. Imagine my dismay and disappointment. I felt like crying, hitting someone with the tripod and tent I have with me and sulk in the corner.

My spirit crashed and burned.
I guess we all know the feeling of such disappointment? Nakakadepress no?

The rest of the night was spent stress-eating (as always).

Fast forward.

Meet Me In Magalawa

read more " Meet Me In Magalawa | DIY trip "

Puerto Princesa, Palawan in GoPro Hero2's Lens

All What I want for Christmas is the GoPro Hero 3.

Don't we all wish we own one, yes?

I was able to borrow one (Yeah-yuuuh!) and it is even equipped with the Wi-Fi BacPac & remote and casing! I took it with me on our family trip to Puerto Princesa last month and it was the hardest to not fall in love with it. *swoons*

Can you hear the GoPro calling out your name?

If you're someone like me who loves adventure, travel and photo/videography, the GoPro is the perfect companion for you.

read more " Puerto Princesa, Palawan in GoPro Hero2's Lens "

More Magic at Enchanted Kingdom!

We've always known Enchanted Kingdom for where the magic is and how time flies fast, they are now celebrating their 17th anniversary for the whole month of October!! (I do sure feel old! Haha!)

The Magic is Here!!

D and I were lucky to be able to visit Enchanted Kingdom on the day of launch of their new ride called the Disk-O-Magic! The launch was scheduled later that day so we decided to enjoy the park and the rides first since they have revamped the park and its facilities as part of their 17th anniversary celebration.

A sudden timewarp to our much younger years (we are talking about highschool years fyi, we're not THAT old!)

The weather was fine that day and the sun is ablaze. I actually gave up from the heat. -__-"

I didn't have too many photos because we were too busy going around and deciding what rides to try (again!)

Passed on the Anchor's Away because we just came from lunch. I have no plans of spewing out what I just had. We were supposed to ride the Wheel of Fate but we needed to head to the press con already. *boohoo*

A confession: Never tried the Space Shuttle YET. I have had plans but I get scared because the SS didn't really have an error-free history of safety. So yeah, it had become my concern ever since. D was insistent and I already said "let's go" but the next dilemma was, who would watch over our belongings. So, maybe next time.

After a round at the Dodgem (bump cars), the Roller Skates and the Rialto, we decided to skip the rides primarily because the lines were getting long and our patience is of a fireworks' wick and the heat was starting to get unbearable.

Hello there! Y U LOOK SO HAPPY DINOSAUR?! Hahaha!!

After the press con, it was time for the Disk-O-Magic launch but too bad we have to head our way home (due to Sunday family duties).

The Disk-O-Magic!! It reminds me of the ride in Toy Story Park in HK Disneyland!

The Disk-O-Magic is a state-of-the-art and award-winning ride that is recognized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). It uses a special seat design that allows both arms and legs to move freely for riders to enjoy the dash.

This 24-seater giant offers unique action and weightless sensation for the passengers. It starts its wild run along the trail dished section that would dart to the other side and goes back to its entry point, rocking and spinning all the while. 

We'll surely go back to Enchanted Kingdom to try the Disk-O-Magic!

You might be wondering what else is new at Enchanted Kingdom now that they are on their 17th year, Eldar (yes, I can still recall the name of the wizard mascot) lists down the 17 new reasons to visit Enchanted Kingdom!

This only means MORE MAGIC at ENCHANTED KINGDOM!!

So what are you waiting for? 17 is already a loooot of reasons for you to visit Enchanted Kingdom again! 

For more info on their new promo/events, visit the newly redesigned http://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/!

I've heard that they are hosting the 3rd Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition, so you might wanna check that out! :)

read more " More Magic at Enchanted Kingdom! "

Kapitolyo Food Trip #1: Ramen Cool and Lia's Cake in Season

Last Saturday's Indieket also turned into an impromptu foodtrip.
We're in the vicinity of Kapitolyo, Pasig and I've been targeting the area already for a foodtrip. I thought it's far and the commute is not friendly, but turns out it isn't.

I was on the lookout for Milky and Sunny but I wasn't in the mood for breakfast food, so we ended up in Ramen Cool for a late lunch. 

The place looked really nice and cozy. Plus there were only a few people inside when we got there, I sometimes like my quiet and personal time when eating.

This place could pass up as a coffee shop with its interior. And I love the couch type set-up. Well, I always like places that have this homey feeling. And good ambient lighting! :) 

Unique fixtures never fails to get my attention.  

Their menu was nicely illustrated and kudos for the photos! You don't know how important photos are in menus. 

The only thing is that their menu is salvaged by tape to hold it together. So I think they should do something about it. Sturdier material, perhaps?

Very pop and modern japanese illustrations. 

Now for the food verdict! 

Katsu Curry Rice 

This was D's order. He said he liked it. I gave it a taste and I should say that they got their curry good. A bit spicy and the pork serving was generous. (Php 215)

Spicy Chicken (Php 185)

I personally liked their Spicy Chicken (I'm really craving for spicy food that day) and their serving is big.

Seafood Ramen (Php 205)

Well, it is a Ramen place so trying their ramen is a must. We went for Seafood Ramen (yes, I love my seafood), it was good and again, the serving is good for 2 already. Ingredients-wise, they are really generous with it. Taste-wise, it was good but nothing that makes it stand out.

Verdict: The shark gives RamenCool a rating of 3.5/5 sharkbites.

Next up -- Lia's Cakes in Season!

This place was already on my To-Go list for D-related reasons, well, he likes loves Avocado. Cakes, mochi, shakes, the fruit itself and anything really. And scouting for Avocado treats for him already became a part of my nature. Lia's Cakes is supposed to be hidden from him until his birthday as I initially planned on giving him their Avocado cake on his birthday. But since we're on the area, I might as well take him there. Too early for the surprise, but oh well.

Specialty of Lia's Cakes -- their Avocado Cake! (sorry I forgot the price)

D's reaction upon tasting this was priceless. :) 

Oh, the joys you get when you know someone will appreciate what you did. 

This is my advance Happy Birthday to you! Haha!

I'm in good terms with avocados except when we used them for our thesis on college that I grew weary on them. Haha. I've lost my liking for avocado (imagine extracting oil from kilos and kilos of Avocado, I can even smell it in my sleep back then) but this cake might be the saving grace. What can I say, I actually liked it. :D

Chocolate Avocado Cake (Php 80)

Hm. What can I say about this one. I prefer the plain Avocado cake over this one. The chocolate-avocado has that roasted taste. Idk, maybe it's just me.

Banana Caramel Cake (Php 50)

It's cheap and it tastes good, what more can you ask for? I love that there are actual bananas on it and it's not so sweet. I love my desserts but those treats that are heave-laden with sugar sets me off. Nakakaumay.
But Lia's cakes -- superb!

I can't wait to go back to Kapitolyo to try the other restos!

ETA:
How to get there by commute: Take the MRT and alight on Boni Station. There is a tricycle terminal beside Robinson's Pioneer and from there, take a trike and just say you're heading to (say the street) in Kapitolyo. :)
You can walk from Ramen Cool to Lia's Cakes, just go straight to East Capitol Drive (if I remember it right).

read more " Kapitolyo Food Trip #1: Ramen Cool and Lia's Cake in Season "

Birthday Getaway Snaps

I'm back from the dead! Jk. My work welcomes me back and the reality that I am now a year older and hopefully, wiser. Can you guess my age? Haha! :P

My birthday getaway was nothing short of awesome. The whole trip was humbling and it made me more grateful for what I have. How nature never fails to amaze me and the kindness of strangers we've encountered along the way. :)

I can't wait to share with you my Sagada-La Union Birthday Getaway!

read more " Birthday Getaway Snaps "

A weekend that was.

I am now in deep gratitude for the weekend that've passed. :)
The weekdays were quite stressful but the last two days were spent in good company and in serene disposition. Thank you. It was all worth it by the end of the day.

I'm thankful for my bestest group of friends who are always there. I'm glad that you guys are happy with how things are in the present. I'm happy myself as well. Who knows, right?


Spent my Saturday with a dear friend, you know who you are.
Brunch at Binondo that literally turned into a foodtrip-slash-fiesta. Buttered chicken, miki guisado, beef and shrimps and a lot of rice (and when I mean a lot, it really is a LOT). Then had desserts at Noriter Cafe. Oh how I missed Noriter. It's my 4th return and I still haven't got my grubby hands on their halo-halo. *I WAAAAAANT*

Later that night we went to the Mall Of Asia in hopes to watch the pyrolympics but failed due to traffic. We were still able to watch it from afar though and had fun, yes? :) Meet another friend afterwards and they gave me a gift! Sankyoo wonderful people!! ^__^

Sunday came and it was spent with some of the Superfriends -- we came in a semi-formal wear (except my shoes). I wore the bowtie finally! And looked like a waitress. Hahaha!! Had lunch at Bon Chon Chicken in Ayala Triangle Gardens and watched a movie (Red Riding Hood) after.

I had the best time, I should say. I got tired, had allergies, ate a lot, laughed a lot, spent time with the best people in the world and I am really really thankful for it.

Weekends like the last will be something I will look forward to in the coming days. Thank you universe for approving. :) See you soonest SFs!

read more " A weekend that was. "