Kookie Kulasa

new year goals

2012-01-20T01:14:00.003+08:00

At the start of each new year, I set goals that I aim to accomplish. I don't really expect to do everything in just a year, which is why my list of goals seem to just get longer and longer (haha!). It's okay, that just means more things for me to do and to aspire to accomplish.

so instead of saying that these are my 2012 goals, I'll just declare the following as my life goals in general.

1. Travel to the different provinces in Region 1 and 2.

- Okay, this is going to be a bit easy for me to accomplish since I'll be based in Isabela for 7 months. I can easily take a bus and go on an adventure anywhere in the northern part of the country.

2. Go on an out-of-the-country trip.

- I was supposed to visit my friend Annick in Sydney, Australia this April. However, my forever erratic work sched sorta ruined my travel plans for the year so I'm thinking of moving my trip to later this year or early next year. Also, I've started planning a few trips abroad to be spread out in the next 2-3 years..

3. Make my 'Tricycle Chronicles'.

- Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao -- the tricycles all over the country have very different looks. I've been thinking of recording the trikes I've seen during my trips but didn't really do it since it was just an idea swimming in my head. Now, I've decided to finally do it. I find that the differences in tricycles are affirmations of how different each region is from one another. I mean, it's like Filipino cuisine. We all know what adobo is, and we all cook it, but the adobo in Manila is different from the adobo in Ilocos--the texture, the taste, the way it's cooked. So yeah, maybe tricycles all over have the same purpose but are different in built and style.

4. Food trip

- I don't think I need to explain this. I mean, who wouldn't want to go on a food trip?!

5. Continue working for the betterment of the country, and to be able to do more.

6. Be financially stable and financially wiser.

- Being a woman, this ain't easy hahaha! But, I must learn to spend wisely and save more.

These are just a few of the things I'm aiming to accomplish, the rest are a bit more personal hehe. Mind you, the goals listed down are not in order of importance.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-08T23:20:00.004+08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! It's been more than a month since my last post. I'm back in Manila, but I'll be leaving by the end of the month or mid of February. Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful 2011. I know I did :) Life in general was pretty awesome last year. Things are looking up for me in 2012, and I hope it'd be the same way for everyone.

Why not start this year's post with a food entry?! :) I want to share with you my experience at Yabu - The House of Katsu. I first heard about it from my brother a couple of weeks ago. Then just last week, I had a reunion dinner with my former colleagues and our resident planner Richmond informed us that it'd be at Yabu.

I was the first one to arrive so I was able to get our group the largest table. Good thing, because by the time the 4th person arrived the place was packed already. Was so excited to order already since I was so hungry and having browsed through the entire menu my mouth was watering already. Tonkatsu is not something I'd normally go for in a Japanese restaurant, but since I was in an all-katsu place...err...no choice, haha!

I got the Rosu (pork loin with trimming of fat) Tonkatsu set. In one set you'll also get Japanese rice, a bowl of miso soup, unlimited shredded cabbage, and a bowl of fruit. Awesome!

Seriously, I've never had tonkatsu that good--considering it's all pork and breading. I will definitely go back, because I honestly think that the only place I'd eat tonkatsu in is Yabu. Comparing the katsu in Yabu and in the Japanese restaurants I've had katsu, the ones at Yabu are by far the best. Duh. It obviously should serve the best considering it is the house of katsu.

If you want to try the katsu at Yabu, it's located at the 2nd floor of the Megamall Atrium. For big groups, I suggest you reserve ahead because there is only one big table large enough to accommodate a group of more than 5.

hello from the Philippines' rice bowl!

2011-11-25T00:57:00.005+08:00

Not sure if that's the exact title, but yeah hello from Isabela--the Philippines' largest rice-producing province! :) I'll be based here for a year for work. We have a really big project, and (still) work's going to take up most of my time but what the heck I'll be able to go on more adventures! ;) I haven't been able to go out and explore much, though. Been here for 3 1/2 weeks already but it's been raining a lot. My car's not here yet so I've been taking the public transport. Yay because everything's cheaper in Isabela--from transport cost to food to rent. Thing is, the day ends sooooooooooo early here! I mean, you don't see a lot of people out on the street as early as 7 p.m. I have discovered three coffee shops I can hang out in, heehee. The nearest one is about a 2-min. tricycle ride from the house I'm renting which is in the old centro of Ilagan. The farthest one is about 8.2 km away, haha! I'd love to share more about my stay here, but I can't because there isn't much to say hehehe. Well, I was able to visit a few old churches. Hired a trike to take me around like a local turista.

the world's largest butaka (a local type of chair. apparently you'll find one in every household here, haha!)

St. Rose de Lima Church, built in 1726, is found in Gamu, Isabela

there are A LOT of cows here..

I'll try to post more pictures as soon as I'm able to go out and really explore the province. I am going back to Manila next week because of course I'll be spending the holidays with my family and friends. I'll be back in Isabela by January and will basically be based here for almost a year 0_0 Crossing my fingers about my trip to Singapore this January to visit my girlfriends Esther and Tin :)

random

2011-11-15T19:21:00.003+08:00

Again it took me a month to blog again, haha! Anyway, just to update everyone I'm not in Isabela province, waaaaay up north in the Philippines. I'll be staying here for a month to start setting things up for one of our projects at work. I have loads of time to make blog posts, but the internet connection sucks :| I'm literally in farmville country.

hello!

2011-10-13T00:53:00.003+08:00

God knows how many times I've had to say this but I'll say it again *sigh*.....People, I'm still alive!! I haven't had time to blog because work's been keeping me really busy. I do have the weekends for myself, but I'm too tired or lazy to get up from bed and write haha! Anyway, yes I just dropped by to say hi to everyone and let you guys know I'm still here. I really want to be able to blog again because I've gone to quite a few places already and I'm dying to share these with y'all. Crossing my fingers I'll be able to blog this weekend....till then! :)

waterfall weekend

2011-08-30T09:18:00.005+08:00

Visited four waterfalls last Saturday to get away from work and the city. So fun!!!

Bunga Falls

Majayjay Falls

Daranak Falls

Batlag Falls

buti na lang maganda ako ngayong araw (pls don't take this too seriously...)

2011-08-10T23:28:00.006+08:00

Translation: It's a good thing I looked good today.

Hayayay, today was quite upsetting. Got so mad at my staff, plus all the not-so-good news I've been receiving about a few field people I had a semi-meltdown. Of course I didn't let anyone see me. Still, rough day. Good thing I even bothered to dress up for work today even if I wasn't feeling well (and still).

dress: thrifted

belt: Zara

Just to share, I've had this fascination with locally crafted bags for the longest time. Thanks to a Tita Angie, a good friend of my mom, I was able to get this nice, big sturdy bag from Bukidnon. It's made by the Binukid tribe (I think), and from what I know is that they also make other types of bags like purses, laptop bags, etc. These aren't cheap, though. I think they're made to be exported. Not cheap, but definitely worth every penny :)

lunch on a rainy Thursday

2011-07-31T10:28:00.007+08:00

Haven't seen Patty in ages so we decided to meet up for lunch at the Empire Deli & Restaurant at the Venice Piazza last week. I first found out about the place from my friend Nabs, I think she saw it being featured in a television show before. Anyway, to understand what all the buzz was about I recommended to Patty that we have lunch at Empire Deli to try out the place.

I wasn't able to take pictures of the interior, but I have to say that it is quite small inside. I like that the design etiquette's a bit minimalist. Honestly though, I didn't really notice all the details of the interiors because I was distracted by how cold the AC was haha!

On to the food, Patty had the Fried Chicken Fingers served with rice and honey mustard dipping sauce while I had the Reuben Sandwich (fresh corned beef, sauerkraut, cheddar cheese, thousand island dressing) served with a side of fries and salad. Wasn't really able to ask Patty how her food was. My sandwich was actually good, not amazing, but really good. Then again, maybe it was too cold in the restaurant for me to fully enjoy and appreciate my food. Will definitely have to go back to give a better review. Anyway, taste-wise the Reuben's not bad. I love the melted cheddar cheese. The sauerkraut was not overwhelmingly sour and it actually enhanced the taste of the corned beef. The balance of different tastes was spot on. The side salad was also good, although I would've preferred if they didn't put any olives in it. I mean, I'm obsessed with olives but I don't think it should be added in all salads.

My Reuben Sandwich served with salad and fries

See the melted Cheddar Cheese? :) soooo yummy

Patty's Fried Chicken Fingers

I want to try the other items on the menu, specifically the Truffled Carbonara and the Stuffed Cuban Sandwich ;) I will definitely go back to Empire Deli & Restaurant. But please, do turn down the AC a bit heehee :)

* Empire Deli & Restaurant is located at the ground floor of the Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. It's right beside Blackwood Bistro. You can also check its website here

yummy yummy ramen

2011-07-30T11:24:00.007+08:00

The first time I've had ramen (EVER) was at the HK airport back in 2009. Yeah, I know loser-ish. Anyway, finally gave in to my ramen cravings yesterday when my friend/diyosa-mate-at-work (haha!) Ren and I had lunch at Ramen Bar at the Venice Piazza in Upper McKinley. We got there just in time before the place got packed, since the piazza's surrounded by offices and everyone's out for their lunch breaks.

I must say, the food's really good! I'd definitely go back and bring my family/friends there. Of course Ren and I had the big bowls. I mean, what's the point of going to Ramen Bar and then end up not eating ramen? Helleeeew. Okay, so I ordered the Shoyu Ramen (Soy infused Tonkotsu Ramen, topped with tamago,naruto, negi, and chasyu) while Ren had the Sapporo Miso Ramen (Miso infused Tonkotsu Ramen, topped with tamago, naruto, negi, chasyu, butter and corn). The only criticism I have isn't really about the taste, it's more on how sorta messy eating it can be. I guess it's because of the chopsticks, since these weren't made of wood. The chopsticks you use are the washable ones, and it's hard to properly get a hold of the noodles because they slide off the chopsticks and soup ends up getting splashed on your clothes. If you're thinking of the price, I can say the food's reasonably priced. A big bowl of Shoyu Ramen costs about 280 pesos, while a big bowl of Sapporo Miso Ramen costs 320 pesos.

my Shoyu Ramen

Ren's Sapporo Miso Ramen

If you're in the Taguig/The Fort area, you can drop by Ramen Bar at the Venice Piazza, Upper McKinley. I think the first branch is in Eastwood, Libis Quezon City. You can also check out Ramen Bar's facebook page.

nothing like sweets and coffee to perk you up on a cold, rainy day

2011-07-28T23:23:00.004+08:00

A typhoon just passed by Manila so it's been raining cats and dogs the past two days. Before going home, my brother Coby and I decided to drop by Chocolate Kiss near the Tomas Morato area (yes, there's a branch there right beside the main branch of Papemelroti). We had the Chocolate Kiss Suite, which has three sample slices of any cake flavor you want. We had Kahlua, Devil's Food Cake, and Carrot Cake--all three are TDF! I had a cup of cappuccino to satisfy my caffeine craving.

After Chocolate Kiss, I dragged my brother to the Papemelroti shop and I must say it's a really pretty store. Definitely eye candy! Papemelroti's main store deserves a post of its own and I will have to go back to take pictures of all the lovely items there. Of course I had to buy a few things, and I'll share this with y'all soon.

The week's almost up and I feel sad because I really don't want it to end, mainly because things have been happening so fast and it's as if I'm running out of time to accomplish the endless list of things I need to do. Workaholic, tsk tsk. Oh well, I'll be having a bit of fun this weekend. My friend's a member of the Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club (ACGC) and they have concert this Saturday which I'll be watching. I miss singing! Watching the concert will make me miss it even more. Hopefully former chorale friends will be able to watch as well.

I hope this week was awesome for everyone :)

-untitled-

2011-07-25T22:03:00.003+08:00

Work's been such a blast, but it seems like I've been obsessing over making sure things are running smoothly before I fly off to another project that I haven't been able to really go out and have a bit of fun. I have been able to go out for dinner or coffee with friends, but no out-of-town trips....yet ;)

So many things I miss doing! I miss:

- eating out every month, trying a new restaurant

- cooking

- having spontaneous Tagaytay ukay trips

- the beach!

- spa days, spending literally half a day in the spa getting a massage,facials, and what-not

- photo walks!

- doing laps on the pool; my body's aching for a bit of work out (harhar)

- blogging everyday

Work's been so awesome and inspiring that I've consistently been dressing up for work. Considering I can just go to the "office" wearing jeans, a plain shirt, and slippers haha! I'd like to think that I'm trying to influence my staff that dressing better for work influences how you do your job and how you feel about what you do. I seriously believe that what you wear affects the dignity of work.

It just started to rain, and I'm worried about tomorrow. I'll be surprising people on field tomorrow, so wish me luck that it won't be flooded in the area where I'll be visiting 0_0

silky smooth

2011-07-19T20:17:00.003+08:00

The blouse, that is ;) I bought this lovely top during one of my thrift shop adventures a few weeks ago with my cousin. The fabric's silk and I just love the fact that even if it was disgustingly hot the day I wore this, I still felt fresh and not icky. The fabric of one's outfit does make all the difference as to how you'll feel the entire day. The only thing not thrifted in my outfit are my shoes and the bag (nude pumps from Lady Rustan's and ze bag's from Zara...me and my obsession with huge bags haha).

To explain my absence from the blogging world for the past two weeks, I have been extremely lazy to post about anything. I guess I've been so busy and tired with work lately that the creative side of my brain's a bit pooped as well. I am planning to go on a mini-vaca maybe two weekends from now as I really think I need to disconnect myself from the city and just relax. Am thinking of spending a night or two at the T House in Tagaytay or maybe just lock myself in a hotel room. Or maybe I could spend an entire day at the spa, haha! What do you suggest I do to relax on a weekend?

such a rarity

2011-07-01T21:53:00.004+08:00

As most of my friends would attest, the color palette of my daily outfits would consist of white, gray, black, or brown. I've been trying so hard to inject a bit more color in my wardrobe, as I don't want people to think I'm old(er).

Here's the thing, my new job doesn't really require me to dress up. I can just wear jeans, a decent blouse, ballet flats, a pair of pearl earrings and I'd still look overdressed. Haha! Since I'm (sort of) the boss, I need to look presentable and respectable. Not really the type to care about what other people think about what I wear...so I decided to wear this to work just this Monday...

...so...so...colorful! :) I've had this red skirt since I was a junior in college so you can just imagine how long this has been with me. It used to be 4 inches longer, and I could have worn it before without having it trimmed but risk looking like a hobbit. Kidding. Anyway, I decided to wear the skirt with a plain, cream colored shirt. To add a bit of pizzazz (whatevs), I also wore my pink scarf which I got from H&M in HK almost 2 years ago. By the way, I have not worn those nude pumps in 2 years! Those babies have sentimental value as they were a gift from my late grandfather, Capt. Jake to many of his friends and colleagues, but Lolo Jake to me and my cousins.

It's been a while since I did an outfit post. Been quite lazy to post any, to be honest. Lots of outfit post-worthy get ups, but I haven't really been as patient with blogging as of late.

...I suddenly just realized I have quite a few backlog posts 0_0

Shout out to my fabulous friend Annick! ;) Please do check out her (mis)adventures in the land down under in her blog Annick in Aussie & Then Some :)

An Open Letter From Girls Like Me To Guys Like You by Eliot Rose

2011-06-13T23:28:00.002+08:00

I just HAVE to share this with you all. I saw the link on my aunt's facebook page and I clicked it because the title of the article caught my eye. After reading it, hay... ♥ ♥ ♥ I could just hear Beyonce's Run The World (Girls) playing in the background, haha.

An Open Letter From Girls Like Me To Guys Like You

JUN. 13, 2011

By ELIOT ROSE

As always, I blame the mother. No, not mine. Yours. All of yours. Apparently Freud was right. Apparently you do want a girl who feels like home. But I am not your mother. I am not descended of those hungover from the Tupperware Generation. My grandmother was the only woman in her Master’s program; my mom has routinely told insurance companies to go fuck themselves while her children were in intensive care. But your mothers were not the ones burning their bras and making fits of passionate love behind the concert hall. Instead, they were at home, fixing your spaghetti and living off of the bacon your dad brought home.

So the girls you like are the ones who depend on you. The ones who whine when they have to eat alone. The ones who defer to your opinion because to speak up would be to risk you thinking she might one day reason her way out of the banal life you’re building together.

There’s nothing like a hot guy to make a smart girl stupid. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve been the stupid girl, too. And I can’t promise I won’t be her again. But I won’t let her linger. Every now and again I’ll look over my shoulder to see if some hot guy invited her back to the party, and if so, I’ll kick her ass out.

And this is why we never last. Because I don’t defer—not to you, not to your opinions, not to a belief system based on anything but coexistence. Because I won’t tell you I love you so you can clasp that love around my neck and use it to take me for a walk around the block. Because I have opinions, goddamnit, and you’re not always right. Most of the time, I am.

I know it’s ballsy to make such claims to empowerment when you’ve seen me on my knees. You know that I have been the modern day courtesan—more than once—and though I’m not necessarily proud of it, at least I wasn’t the girl on the other side of that toppling pyramid. I won’t be made a fool, and even less, even never, your fool. I am restless, reckless, relentless. I feel more at home with the Adele who’ll lay your shit bare than the one who’ll turn up out of the blue uninvited because, for her, it isn’t over. I’m at peace with over. And though I know it never should have started in the first place, I’ll never regret it. You were what I wanted, and being what you wanted was also what I wanted. But there’s a difference between want and need, and you’re scared of the girl who wants you but doesn’t need you because she may just decide one day that she wants something else.

You like the needy girls because need makes girls bend, acquiesce. And what could be more alluring than a girl who is bent to your will? And though, at heart, I’m still the kind of girl who will whip up a lasagna and answer the door in an apron and stilettos because I want to make you happy, I’ll never be the girl who does any of that because you told me to or have come to expect it.

So, take issue with my unwillingness to acquiesce. Find yourself caught off guard by a girl who knows what she wants and gets it because she works for it. Go on, make fun of my grammatical vigilance. Call me uptight. I don’t care. I’m sure there are things that matter to you for much less rational reasons, like whether or not the Yankees win tonight. I won’t copy edit your love letters, nor will I think less of you for writing “that” instead of “who,” or “who” instead of “whom.” These are my quirks, and if you can’t find them endearing, we really don’t belong together anyway.

~Eliot

P.S. I’m sure your mother is a lovely woman.

You can find this here

Goodbyes and Hellos

2011-06-12T09:59:00.013+08:00

Yesterday was a fun-and-food-filled day for me. I met up with Annick and Sidelle for lunch at Casa Feliz in Marikina first, then had dinner and dessert with my college friends in Serendra--with one whom I haven't seen in almost 3 years! Why Goodbyes and Hellos, then? It's because Annick's leaving for Australia in a few days and Nabs, one of my college girlfriends, and I are finally going to see each other after a few years.

Anyway, started my gustatory (semi) adventure at Casa Feliz with my FICsters (hehe). Sidelle already ate there before and told us what was good to order. As always, we were initially worried that we'd end up not finishing our food but of course we devoured almost everything. The only thing left was just less than half a plate of Mongolian Rice, haha!

What I liked about Casa Feliz is that it has this homey feel to it, and since the weather was pretty good yesterday it wasn't humid nor hot. Good thing there were a few fans set up just in case. Delle and I weren't feeling the tents, though. The set up would have been nicer looking if they used better tents.

We ordered Mongolian Rice, Pork Sisig, Rosemary Chicken, and Rosemary Broccoli and Cauliflower (not sure if this is what it's really called). For dessert, we ordered a slice of Pistachio Sansrival and a slice of Strawberry Cheesecake -- both are to die for! I couldn't really say if I preferred one over the other because both were so so soooooo yummy! In general, the food's actually pretty good, and very affordable. I do have a few comments: I didn't taste the Rosemary in the Rosemary Chicken heehee :p It was swimming in the butter sauce and was a bit salty. I'm guessing they used salted butter then still added a bit more salt. Personally, I don't like food that's too salty. But as I said, all-in-all the food's yummy and the price is very pocket-friendly. I'd go back to Casa Feliz just for the dessert, haha!

the Broccoli and Cauliflower dish

Mongolian Rice

Pork Sisig

Rosemary Chicken

Heaven on Plate #1: Strawberry Cheesecake

Heaven on Plate #2: Pistachio Sansrival

FICsters :)

After lunch, dropped off Nick and Dellie at their house and headed to Serendra for coffee, dinner, and dessert with my college girlfriends. While waiting for Raiz and Kten, Nabs and I had coffee first and did a bit of catching up. She and I are both working in the public sphere--with Nabs working in Congress while I'm part of a group doing consultancy and a bit of leg work for one city in Metro Manila. Hurrah for public service! :p

After coffee, we went to Balducci for dinner. Just have to say, thank you Nabs for the treat :) Twas her birthday and she wanted to treat us to something nice so yay to awesome friends :p I wouldn't expect anything less than delicious at Balducci. The food's always good and the ambiance is really sophisticated but simple--such a nice place to have dinner and wine with your girlfriends ;)

We each ordered a glass of wine (forgot what kind though). Was supposed to order a bottle, but since the four of us aren't really drinkers we opted to order a glass each instead. For dinner, we had Insalata Rucola (Rucola, Gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh pear salad), Margherita-pomodoro Mozzarella and basilico pizza, Cannelloni della casa Ricotta e spinaci (Classic Cannelloni with Ricotta cheese in bechamel sauce), and Carre d' Agnello alla Griglia con Salsa alla Menta (French cut rack of lamb, grilled, with homemade mint sauce, accompanied by roast potatoes, grilled vegetables and polenta).

Complementary bread and spreads (butter, patte, and tomato/basil/olive oil)

Insalata Rucola (Rucola, Gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh pear salad)

Margherita-pomodoro Mozzarella and basilico pizza

Cannelloni della casa Ricotta e spinaci (Classic Cannelloni with Ricotta cheese in bechamel sauce)

Carre d' Agnello alla Griglia con Salsa alla Menta (French cut rack of lamb, grilled, with homemade mint sauce, accompanied by roast potatoes, grilled vegetables and polenta)

Before heading home, we had dessert and more chika time at Miss Dessert (also in Serendra). We each had coffee and shared a slice of Red Velvet Cake, Belgian Choco Chip Cheesecake, and the Chocolate Earthquake. Am not really a fan of super sweet cakes, so the Chocolate Earthquake was a bit overwhelming for me. I did love the Belgian Choco Chip Cheesecake and the Red Velvet Cake :p Just to note: to all diabetics out there you're in luck because Miss Dessert also offers sugar-free cakes! :)

Am so happy that I spent the day with good food and great friends. Here's to an awesome weekend! :p

For more details about:

Casa Feliz, you can check http://www.casafelizcakes.com/

Balducci, you can check http://www.loperagroup.com/

Miss Dessert, doesn't have a website but you can check online reviews here and here

am back (sort of)

2011-05-24T23:48:00.002+08:00

Okay, I know this is the nth time I've made an entry saying that "I'm back". Again, I've been extremely busy. Started at my new job almost 4 weeks ago and loving every second of it. Honestly, compared to my previous work my load now is like times 10 but I'm enjoying everything since I'm really passionate about what I'm doing now. There are deadlier deadlines and crazier "is-that-even-possible" reports to be made but I'm living in the moment and on a high. I sound insane, I know. It's just that when you're really passionate about what you do, even more so now that my job is geared towards good governance and social development, you don't really feel the stress of it all. I mean, you only feel stressed when you don't really like what you're doing or the situation you're in right?

Anyway, I have to keep this post short since I have to be up and about by 6 a.m. Hopefully I'll be able to post about fun stuff soon. So excited to go thrift shopping with my friend Annick this weekend. So sad, she's leaving for The Land Down Under real soon and will be gone for a year or two to take up further studies. Really happy that she'll be starting her blog when she's there. Huhuhu I'm going to miss her! Annick's been a really great friend, thrift shopping buddy, and fellow foodie! We always eat when we're together. So funny, when I went to Davao a few months ago I remembered her and Sidelle (her sister, another foodie) while eating in the restaurants I tried out there. Okay, I'll cut this entry short....now.

rant mode

2011-05-01T12:45:00.001+08:00

just about one thing....feeling uncomfortably bloated today. ugh. hate days like this...and yes, I'm being such a girl by ranting about this hahaha :))

A Happy, Blessed Easter to everyone!

2011-04-24T00:45:00.001+08:00

via

Dumaguete Trip 2011: Let's take it to the streets

2011-04-23T23:50:00.003+08:00

Hahaha, corny title I know. Anyway, while in Dumaguete Diwa and I were able to walk around a bit. I must say, Dumaguete really is such a chill town. It is called the Philippines' 'sleepy town' because it's so quiet and peaceful. Dumaguete's one of the places in the country you can retire in.

Dumaguete Trip 2011: Food Galore!

2011-04-23T14:20:00.007+08:00

One of the things I always do when I go on trips is to enjoy the food in the places I visit. Dumaguete definitely did not disappoint. Although what I tried were mostly non-local food, what I love about the things I've tried is that they were all really good and pretty affordable. I wish I spent maybe 2 or 3 more days to just try all the restaurants along the boulevard and the hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the side streets. I will definitely visit Dumaguete again! Besides the food, I have to visit Casaroro Falls and Pulang Bato.

Day 1- Breakfast at Gabby's

Day 1 - Dinner at Kri

Day 2 - Early dinner after wind surfing at Mike's Dauin Beach Resort

Day 3 - Breakfast at the public market--tsokolate't suman with fresh mango! :)

Day 3 - Coffee at Cafe Mamia

Day 3 - Dinner at Hayahay

Day 4 - Coffee and Date & Walnut Dacquiose at Sansrival

Day 4 - Lunch at Mifune Japanese Food and Bar

Day 4 - Coffee at Cafe Antonio

Day 4- Dinner at Casa Blanca

Dumaguete Trip 2011: Apo Island

2011-04-22T12:04:00.006+08:00

Working backwards as I mentioned in my previous post, on our third day in Dumaguete we went to Apo Island and spent more than half of the day there.

What is Apo Island? Apo Island is a small island off Dumaguete City. It's known for its pristine waters, snorkeling and dive spots, and the diverse marine life you can see without having to go far from the shore.

To get to Apo Island, you take a motorized bangka. There are bangkas that can seat a group of 4 or a group of 8. The rate per person's pretty affordable. We were able to rent our boat for Php 1,700 (that's Php 425/person). The bangka's driver will bring you to Apo Island and you just have to tell him what time to pick you up. Not bad, eh?

Anyway, this post will basically be full of pictures sharing with y'all the beauty of Apo Island. Actually, I think I need to go back because we weren't able to fully explore the place. We only stayed in the marine sanctuary area so we could go snorkeling and play with the fishies :)

Dumaguete Trip 2011: My Birthday!

2011-04-18T22:19:00.008+08:00

Hey hey hey, finally making my post about my trip to Dumaguete last week. A quick background, my cousin Diwa and I have been planning this trip since last year so we decided to book our tickets to Dumaguete last December so that the seats wouldn't be that expensive ;) We spent my birthday weekend there, and I am so happy about it. This travel entry will be a bit different, as I'll be starting from the last day (well, second to the last since we didn't take any pictures on our last day because our flight to Manila was so early). Why? Because I want to share with you guys how special my birthday was this year :)

For 2011, I decided to spend my birthday with the girls of Casa Esperanza. Casa Esperanza is a shelter for abused women and children (all girls) in Dumaguete--mostly from the remote areas. Apologies if you can't see their faces clearly as I had to blur their eyes for security reasons.

the Casa Esperanza girls during their activity

I brought cake and goodies for the girls :) Diwa and I also met my aunt's YATTA girls. YATTA is my aunt's youth theatre group in Dumaguete. Her YATTA girls were the ones who conducted the fun activities for the Casa Esperanza girls. Kudos to these young ladies!

I was fighting back tears in this shot. The girls suddenly sang happy birthday to me. They even offered a prayer for me, so touched. Truly truly blessed to have met these girls and to have seen how much they're really trying to recover from the unimaginable things they've gone through. You wouldn't think that they've experienced so much, especially when you see them laugh and smile.

I've decided to try helping out Casa Esperanza since the shelter's not getting much from the city. I asked my aunt to send me the list of housekeeping items the shelter needs so that I'll send a box every month or every other month. Not a lot, but it's my way of giving back. We have so much and we often don't realize that there are so many people out there who need our help, most of them not so far from where we are.

April 11, 2011 truly was a happy birthday for me :)

birthday weekend preview

2011-04-14T15:11:00.002+08:00

spent my birthday weekend in Dumaguete...

so excited to share it with y'all....

but before I do, here's a preview :)

Bukidnon 2011

2011-04-06T23:30:00.006+08:00

I don't remember in which post I mentioned that I was going to Bukidnon for the Kaamulan Festival. Anyway, the festival was last month and I went home to Bukidnon to join in the festivities. It was way more fun this time because my good friend Val joined me in this trip! This post will cover our first two days in Bukidnon :)

on our way up to Malaybalay, we had to take a few shots of the beautiful scenery and the alalum waterfalls

after resting, we walked around the festival grounds...

lovely local handicrafts

...decided to just chill out on our first night and have coffee at my family's cafe (which is right in front of our house!)

day 2 was spent visiting our family's rubber tree farm...

...and the Transfiguration Monastery of the Benedictine Monks

I have a lot of things to share about our 3rd day because that was the day of the Street Theater/Dancing. So fun! Watch out for my entry on that ;)

If you're interested to visit Bukidnon, it is going to be quite a long trip. The fastest way is to take a plane from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City, then either rent a van or take a bus to Malaybalay City (which is the capital of Bukidnon). But if you really want to go on an adventure, you can take the Super Ferry and the ship will dock in CDO ummm...after 4 days. Hahahaha! I have yet to gather information on where to stay because I'm not familiar with the hotels and bed & breakfast inns there, but I will definitely try to get as much info from my friends there. Bukidnon is a place you go to if you just want to relax and get away from the city. Main objective of the trip is to REST. Believe me, that's what Val and I mostly did in this trip, haha! After every activity we'd take a nap and feel so rested and rejuvenated after even if we only had like an hour or two of shut eye. Yup, our sleep was that deep.

3 days to go!!

2011-04-04T22:08:00.004+08:00

Dumaguete check list:

1. Bikinis - check!

2. Tanning lotion - check!

3. Sun dresses - check!

4. Sunnies - check!

5. On vacation mode - double (even triple) check!

These aren't the only items on my checklist :p I have yet to buy the goody bags I'll be giving to the kids and teens at the shelter where I'll be holding a party in. Yes, I decided to spend my special day with very special people. I asked my aunt who's based in Dumaguete to help me look for a community where I could spread a bit of cheer. She suggested I host a party at a shelter that was home to abused kids and teens. I have about 2 1/2 days to prepare everything. My aunt, who is also a theater professor in the prestigious Silliman University, and her class will be hosting a small workshop at the shelter so I'm sure that day will be awesome. I am so excited already! My birthday's about a week away but I feel like I'll be celebrating beginning Friday.

For my birthday this year, I'm also sponsoring the school supplies of five kids in Marinduque through the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. I started sponsoring just last year and I plan on doing this for a long time. I love that this organization aims to provide school supplies to kids that will last for a year. I'm thinking of doing the same thing for next year, but more focused in Bukidnon. My grandmother suggested this, actually.

I love birthdays. I don't really have a problem getting older. I know it sounds cliche, but age really is just a number. I won't say I may be (turning) 24, but I'll always be 18. Nope. I'm owning the age! Being (almost) 24 means being a year wiser, happier, and hotter hahahaha! Kidding aside, I think we should all be proud of how old (or young) we are. Like the rings inside a tree's trunk, each year we experience adds and enriches who we are now.

in less than a week, I'll be here...

2011-04-03T13:34:00.001+08:00

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To Japan, with love from Manila

2011-03-31T16:22:00.002+08:00

An officemate of mine suggested we send this to our colleagues in Japan. This was the idea of our colleagues in the other regional offices of our company. We wanted to send our love and support to our Japanese colleagues. My officemates wrote down the message and some of us had our pictures taken with the words written on sheets of paper.

Let's J.A.P.A.N (just always pray at night) for Japan. Cheezy, I know. An officemate of mine made this up. Okay, it is a bit cute.

counting the days (or weeks)

2011-03-29T23:02:00.004+08:00

My last day at work will be on April 20 and I seriously can not wait for that day to come! I just want to be done and over with everything that needs to be accomplished now at the office. The past 2 weeks have been so hectic and I do feel like my remaining weeks will be packed with rush items to finish. I am SO SO SO looking forward to my trip to Dumaguete on the 8th with my cousin. We'll be staying with our aunt (who's also our godparent :p) who has been living there for the past 5 years (or more, I think). I can't wait to hit the b-e-a-c-h!

For now, I'm struggling with trying to get myself to be motivated to work because my mind and heart are in "goodbye mode" already. Although, the sadness is slowly sinking in. I mean, I've been working in ____ for more than 2 1/2 years. Right after college, I started working there so you can just imagine that the career chapter of my life started in ____ so it is understandable why I'm starting to be a bit sentimental.

I'm thankful for starting my career life with research. I've learned so much and I continue learning even now that I only have less than three weeks left. My time in market research has really been fruitful and I'm so excited to apply the things I've learned to my new career. I'm more excited because I'll now be in a field that I'm really interested in. My heart has always been for service and doing social development & governance-related work. My "official" first day in my new job will be on April 25, so wish me luck ;)

Davao Food Trip (2)

2011-03-29T02:32:00.000+08:00

I know this post is almost two months delayed, and for that I'm truly sorry my dear readers. Anyway, I will try to remember the details for each restaurant. I'll be editing this entry everytime I remember something, haha :p

To remind you a bit about my Davao Trip this January, I went there to do something for work. Spent three days in Davao, but I made it a point to go out and explore a bit. On my second day, I tried a few restaurants. The first restaurant I tried was Tiny Kitchen, which you can read abouthere.

After lunch, I went back to the hotel, then I went to Aldevinco where I bought a few things to bring home to my family and officemates.

After spending most of my moolah on pasalubong, I headed went back to the hotel to drop off my things then I went to Kangaroo Coffee Company to work a bit and to have my much-needed caffeine fix. I wanted to try something new so I ordered KCC's ice blended durian coffee. I actually liked it :)

Kangaroo Coffee Company has been open since May 2008. It's a family owned business and so far it only has one branch. I asked the baristas if they were open everyday, but was told that they're usually closed on Sunday. The full days are Friday and Saturday, and the usual customers are students and businessmen. KCC believes in promoting Mindanao products which is why the coffee beans they use are from General Santos (I got this bit of info from one of the baristas, forgot his name though :p).

I like the interiors of KCC because it's not like the typical coffee shop. First of all, the colors are loud. You don't usually enter coffee shops with bright green walls and huge light bulbs as lamps :p I also love the bar area where you can chat with the baristas.

I wasn't able to try the Civet coffee--the most expensive coffee in the world! I forgot why it's so expensive, but what I know is that it's harvested from the poop of Civet cats :p Gross, I know, but there's something about the coffee that makes it special but I hope it's not the poop factor hahaha!

After working a bit at KCC, I headed to Yellow Hauz for light dinner before I decided to head back to the hotel. The place is really cozy, and I love the homey ambiance. I don't have a lot to say about the place because I only stayed there for an hour and I wasn't able to take a lot of pictures. Plus, I was only able to try their pizza so there's not much for me to share :p Maybe next time when I go back to Davao I'll drop by Yellow Hauz and try more items on their menu.

So I ended my second day in Davao with a full tummy. I hope that the next time I get to visit Davao it won't be for work anymore. I want to explore the city even more and try the other restaurants I listed down :) My food adventure in Davao didn't end in Yellow Hauz, though. The following day, I had lunch at Grub and then I had dinner at Cafe Andessa before heading back to Manila. My experience in these restaurants will be for another entry :p

If you want to go pasalubong shopping you can drop by Aldevinco Shopping Center, located at C.M Recto corner Roxas Ave., Davao City. If you're up for durian coffee, drop by theKangaroo Coffee Company at Tionko Ave. corner V. Mapa Street, Davao City. Or if you want a more homey cafe, visit Yellow Hauz also along V. Mapa Street. Most cabs in Davao are familiar with these places so if you're up to do a bit of exploring, just hail one and ask the driver to take you around. The cabs I've taken in Davao had really nice drivers, maybe because it was quite obvious I was a Manilena and had no idea where I was going :p

it's the most wonderful time of the year (not Christmas, though :p)

2011-03-28T14:15:00.004+08:00

baby that's it, I quit, I'm moving on

2011-03-15T22:33:00.003+08:00

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Yes yes yes, I can FINALLY share the big news with everyone...I've tendered my resignation from the company I've been working for the past 2 1/2 years (effective 30 days from today...so my last day will be on April 15). YAY!!! The decision to resign is something I've been struggling with the past year and a half, but I guess God was just telling me to wait for the right time. I have an awesome job waiting for me, and I can't wait to start! I'll be working for my mom. Hahahahaha! I'm so excited because the type of work I'll be doing is something very dear to me-- government and development. I'm still doing a bit of research, but the purpose is for something more significant. Actually, I've been doing part-time work for my mom since last year but she only decided to get me full time now since the work load's getting a bit heavier. SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!

untitled

2011-03-10T23:57:00.002+08:00

I'm sleepy, but I can't get myself to go to bed. I feel like there are still tons of things to do and I haven't started on anything yet. Aaaack I'm stressing out on something that's not even supposed to be stressful...at all. I can't elaborate further and as I mentioned in my previous entry, I can explain everything after the 15th....and that's 5 days from now.

Anyway, to brighten the mood a bit I'd like to share with you a picture of me that my friend Val took while we were in my family's rubber tree farm in Bukidnon. As usual, I have backlog entries and the Bukidnon 2011 trip is one of those posts.

still alive

2011-03-10T18:23:00.002+08:00

Hallooooo everyone! Been MIA for almost a month but am back :) So many things have happened and I'm super duper excited to share everything with y'all but I can't, well, at least not until after March 15 :) Any guesses?

I miss my blog and I'm dying to write again but I have so many things to do in the next few weeks so hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in a bit of blogging time.

Summer's almost here and I'm excited to hit the beach soon! My second vaca for the year will be to Dumaguete, a province in the southern part of the country. I have an aunt based there so my cousin and I will be staying with her. I'm so excited to go snorkeling, island hopping, touring the province, etc. CAN'T WAIT!!!

My entry, unfortunately, ends here. I have to get back to work (yes, am still at the office) :|

♥ ♥ ♥

2011-02-14T00:33:00.002+08:00

Happy Hearts Day, everyone!

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just a few things

2011-02-07T00:59:00.002+08:00

I'm at it again---'quickie' posts. That sounded bad. Anyway, I am beyond, beyoooooond excited because something's come up and it has occupied my mind the past few days. I can't say what it is, for now :) Also, the past week has just been overwhelming because I've had quite a few 'a-ha!' and 'in-your-face' moments. And I didn't expect that the simple dinner my friend Mishi and I planned would turn out to be something more. We talked about career, what we really want to do with our lives, making things finally happen, and tons more. I also didn't mean to make Mishi cry, haha! I wasn't mean to her, though. I just said things that made her realize that she should stop settling and being lazy. I'm not saying she's lazy in general, more of lazy in doing things that she knows she wants to do but can't seem to find the motivation to do so. Anyway, this is turning out to be a long entry. I'll stop here. I will say one more thing, though.... Let us all bask in the awesomeness of life.

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2011-01-31T22:55:00.004+08:00

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another bag

2011-01-27T00:52:00.011+08:00

Yes, this post is about a bag. Again. In my previous entry, I shared that I went to Davao City for work. Of course, I did find time to do a bit of thrift shopping while I was there ;) It was fate that led me to this lovely bag. You see, right after I did a bit of fieldwork I hailed for a tricycle and asked to be brought to wherever it would be easier for me to get a cab. It was a long trike ride, but the driver brought me to Ag-Dao market. While in the trike, I couldn't help but notice the ukay ukay stalls beside the market. I was quite torn if I should go down and check them out or go back to the hotel and start packing for my flight back to Manila. Decided to do the ultimate shopping sacrifice...I asked the trike driver to drop me off where the cabs were :| Thinking that I was being a responsible shopper by saying no to temptation, I was quite proud of myself. This didn't last, haha! I crossed the street since most of the cabs passed by the other side. As I hopped on the side walk (to dodge an approaching trike), of all the luck I'd see a sign saying "BAGS FOR SALE". I was in front of an ukay ukay store selling bags. Just bags. I took it as a sign that I really did need to buy something. Well, I was still trying to convince myself that I'd just look around. After just five minutes of browsing through bags of different colors, materials, and sizes, I found this....

I've been looking for a bag like this for sooooo long I just had to buy it the moment I saw it. I love the color, I love how simple it is, I love the price too :p I got it for Php 200 (roughly US$ 4). I was also able to buy another bag, but I'll post about that some other time. This baby is the star of this entry. I'm trying to keep my brother from getting this bag. He couldn't believe it that I bought this from a thrift store. He's been reminding me that his birthday is just 3 months away. Whatever. I told him he'll never get this bag and I'd just find him something similar in my next ukay trip. Crossing my fingers that I will find another one as nice as the one I got in Davao.

In case you didn't notice ze blingage on my shoes (haha!), the ballet flats I was wearing are blue, and fabulously sparkling! My aunt gave me those for Christmas and I've only worn them twice. They're really nice, yes? Yes! I'll try to get better shots of these fab shoes next time :)

sorry, I don't understand why it's sideways even if the original picture isn't :|

top: thrifted

pants: Giordano

bag: thrifted

ballet flats: gift from my aunt

Davao Food Trip (1)

2011-01-24T13:32:00.012+08:00

I was at Davao City last week for three days, not for vacation though. Even if I was there for work, I made it a point to explore the city a bit. I decided to go on a mini food trip. On my first night, I searched the net for restaurants to try while in Davao. I was able to list down a few places I could go to, and considering I only had about a day to spare, I opted to keep my list simple.

First place on my list was the T'boli Weaving Center. Obviously it's not a restaurant, but I wanted to visit it to check out the products. It's a small shop, but I was blown away by how the products were beautifully made. The details were intricate, from the patterns to the beadings. I learned that the material used, tinalak, is actually abaca (also known as Manila hemp), but is called such because it's made by the T'bolis. Another cool thing about the store is that there's an actual tinalak loom! And there was a T'boli lady working on something. She was having lunch, though, so I wasn't able to ask her to demonstrate :p

After buying a few coin purses, wrapping paper, and other items (haha!), I decided to have lunch at Tiny Kitchen. When I got there, the place was packed. I decided to just come back after an hour but Donna, the owner of Tiny Kitchen who was working behind the counter, offered to set up a table for me. She told me they have an inside joke that a table would just suddenly appear on some random spot in the restaurant whenever a customer would walk in when the place is full :p

What I like about Tiny Kitchen is that the people who work there are so nice and accommodating. I sincerely enjoyed the short time I spent in Tiny Kitchen because Donna and her husband Vince were so nice, plus the food's awesome! I have to tell you, I rarely order seafood pasta because restaurants usually scrimp on the seafood. My experience in Tiny Kitchen was different. I love it that they didn't scrimp on the mussels! I finished my entire plate of Catalonia Penne. I could see that the red sauce wasn't made from store-bought tomato sauce, which is good. I love it when restaurant owners really invest in good, fresh ingredients so as not to sacrifice on the quality and taste. Donna treated me to dessert (yay, thanks so much Donna! :p), and she made me choose from their wide array of yummy sweets. I had so much to choose from, but she recommended I try their Frozen Chocolate Brazo de Mercedes. It was actually one of the Philippine Daily Inquirer's 25 Best Desserts of 2010, and I can understand why. I love brazo de mercedes, and I love chocolate. Both tend to be really sweet and if you combine the two one would think you'd end up having diabetes after eating a slice. Tiny Kitchen's Chocolate Brazo is so good because it's not overwhelmingly sweet. The chocolate ice cream's homemade, which is why I think they were able to control the sweetness. Chocolate Brazo is ♥. I wanted to take home an entire box, but by the time I'd arrive in Manila the cake would've melted already. I'd go back to Davao just for Tiny Kitchen's Chocolate Brazo! I'm so excited to go back because I want to try out the other items on their menu.

Another plus factor about Tiny Kitchen are the pasalubong items. I bought three jars of gourmet tuyo for my mom: garlic tuyo in olive oil, garlic and daing bits in corn oil, and maya maya in oil oil. ♥ ♥ ♥. My mom just arrived from Bukidnon last night and when she saw these, she wanted to eat them already. I could just imagine these served with hot rice. Mmmmmmmm :)

I highly recommend Tiny Kitchen to anyone visiting Davao City. If you're already from Davao but haven't tried it there, I encourage you to do so.

I actually tried two more restaurants that same day, but those will be for my next Davao entry :)

heehee, my 'tiny' spot :p

my yummy Catalonia Penne

lots of mussels!

no, I wasn't hungry. hahaha!

the oh-so-good Frozen Chocolate Brazo de Mercedes

Venus Raj is truly influential! 'Major Major' Rocky Road :)

small space, but awesome food :)

T'boli Weaving Center details:

You can find the T'boli Weaving Center near the wharf going to Pearl Farm. You'll reach it by taking the road going to the Davao Beach Park.

Tiny Kitchen:

Located at Torres cor. Mabini streets, Davao City

Contact number - (082) 305-9232

Tagaytay family getaway

2011-01-20T17:25:00.010+08:00

I forgot to make my entry about T House in Tagaytay! Anyway, since I'm too lazy to do anything for work now I might as well share with y'all my family's stay at T House.

T House is a bed and breakfast place in Tagaytay perfect for those who just want to get away from the city but not spend so much time on the road. The ambiance is very relaxing and calms you the moment you walk in. The room designs are very simple, but modern and chic. While at the T House, you can get different spa services. It's quite obvious that T House was well-thought of--from the facilities to the food served.

After checking in at T House, my family and I did a bit of ukay hopping (thrift shopping) before heading to The Firelake Grill at Cliffhouse for dinner. The food's a bit pricey, but sooooo worth it! Chef Paul Huang even goes out of the busy kitchen to talk to guests.

My order: Roast Frech duck breast set on a warm couscous salad with Pedro Ximenez sauce and apricot batons

Asparagus and mushroom risotto with Luganigue sausages

Joaqui's order: Cilantro-cardamom marinated US Angus beef kebab with capsicums and onions

Coby's order: Braised Australian lamb shank with grain-mustard gnocchi and garlic-infused lamb stock reduction

Dad's order: Grilled Norwegian salmon fillet with butter-glazed vegetables, warm couscous salad and Dalandan butter sauce

Rare tuna tataki slices with a Niçoise-style salad in lime-cilantro dressing

Oooooh I must not forget our yummy breakfast at T House the next day!

Joaqui's breakfast: Chocolate Ganache Pancake

Dad's breakfast: Hawaiian Chicken Tocino

Coby's breakfast: Smoked Beef Tapa

My breakfast: Chef's Signature French Toast

Classic American Breakfast

T House details:

website's here

contact numbers -

Sun: +63922-8THouse

Smart: +63908-8955-431 / +63908-8955-430
Globe: +63917-4642-867
Manila Landline: (02)788-7356

address - 3195 Calamba Road, Tagaytay City, Philippines (at the end of Sta. Rosa road, turn left and watch out for T House on the left side of the road)

Firelake Grill details:

website's here

contact number -

(046) 483 2069 / (927) 914 4604

address - Unit 3 Cliffhouse Tagaytay General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Cavite (Take SLEX to either the Southwoods, Carmona or Sta. Rosa Exit. Head on towards Tagaytay and the Tagatay Rotonda. Fire Lake Grill is only 2 km from the Tagaytay Rotonda going towards Nasugbu on the lake side)

hello from davao!

2011-01-20T17:03:00.003+08:00

I'm currently in Davao City for work. Actually, I've been here since yesterday but I'm leaving for Manila tomorrow. Today's sort of a free day for me so I decided to go out and explore downtown Davao a bit. I'm now in Kangaroo Coffee Company, a really nice coffee shop here. Love the coffee (they have durian coffee!!!), love the interiors, and love it that there's wifi haha! :)

I'll post another entry later this day, since I have to do a bit of work now...

I like big bags and I cannot lie

2011-01-19T23:14:00.005+08:00

I really love big bags. I've always been one to carry around a lot of things when I go out. I dunno, I feel like I always have to be prepared for those 'just-in-case' situations. To list what I normally have in my bag:

- my wallet

- my card case

- 2 pencil cases. YES. I have two -- one for pens, pencils, highlighters and the other one for my fine tipped colored pens

- a bottle of perfume

- makeup bag

- emergency kit--which contains band-aids, sanitary napkins, medicines, wet wipes, fem wipes

- bag organizer--this contains my cellphones (I have three...don't ask why), two small notebooks, post-it pads, empty envelopes,

- my planner

Yeah yeah, I bring around A LOT of stuff. To each his (or her) own :) I'll devote an entry about my bag's contents tomorrow. I know it's weird that I have a lot of things in my bag, but I feel like I always need to be prepared for whatever situation. I wish my bag was like Mary Poppin's so I could just dump my entire room in it.

For Christmas, my parents got me this gorgeous gorgeous goooooooorgeous bag from Zara. Well, we bought it a month before Christmas and I had to pretend to be surprised when I got it (for photo-op's sake). I love it because a) it's BIG; b) it's made of real leather; c) the bag's so chic; d) it's a statement piece. A few of my friends are coveting it already so I'm trying to keep it from prying hands ;)

surf's up!

2011-01-19T17:29:00.005+08:00

I can finally cross this off my bucket list.... I went surfing last weekend! :) A friend invited me to go surfing in Real, Quezon. I figured I might as well try it before I make up reasons not to. So glad I did it! I'm hooked and I want to go back. I'm even thinking of taking surfing lessons at Club Manila East, where they offer lessons with 3-hr sessions. Excited!! And no, I'm not the person in the picture (obviously). My arms still hurt like h*ll, but it was so worth it. Now, I've isolated which parts of my body to work on. I seriously have to work on my upper body strength, especially my arms!!

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pretty pretty pretty

2011-01-09T03:20:00.013+08:00

Let's start the year with lots of pretty pictures!

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2011-01-01T00:05:00.002+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

May you all have an awesome 2011!

2010-12-29T10:31:00.003+08:00

It was only last night that it dawned on me that I'd be having a relaxing 2-day spa trip with my family to Tagaytay. Days before, though, I was sulking (deep inside) that our trip to Sorsogon was replaced by a trip to place that I can't even consider as an escape since it's relatively near Manila. And I would've loved it if we were at the beach right now. I really don't understand where I got my love for the Sun, Sand, and Sea. Both my parents don't like going to the beach. My brothers aren't beach lovers as well. Anyway, I'll be getting spa treatments later which is making me a bit excited now since I also love going to the spa and getting massages, facials, and what not. And ooooohh...I convinced my mom that we should also go thrift shopping in Tagaytay as well. I love the thrift stores (ukay ukay as we call these) in Tagaytay because there are a lot of good items there. Most of my fab finds are from the thrift stores in Tagaytay, actually.

Later, my family and I are off to this place....

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I'll post pictures when we get there :) I've heard good reviews about the place and I'm dying to get a massage already. Oh!!!! I haven't packed yet! I must cut this entry short or else I'll end up just packing things I don't need.

iWant!

2010-12-29T00:05:00.004+08:00

Hopefully before my family and I run off to Tagaytay for our 2-day spa trip, I'll be able to buy these babies (not this exact pair, but something very similar) tomorrow morning. Although...if Santa's still willing, I'd really be happy if he gave me these instead :) I'm a size 8, heehee.

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2011 wedding bells

2010-12-28T00:08:00.002+08:00

I just found out another friend is getting married next year, as she just got engaged very recently. My goodness! Is it just me, or are there really more younger people getting married? Anyway, I think it's great that love is abound and good friends are getting hitched, and there are also a few friends who are expecting new additions to their families next year as well. 2011 is going to be an awesome, love-filled year :)

Sorry for the very short post (again), but I can't seem to get myself to write about the things I'm supposed to blog about--like...what the heck I've been doing the past weeks, food posts, what not...I'll get to writing lengthier entries maybe before the new year (which is just 4 days away).

'Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la la la la la la

2010-12-25T00:38:00.003+08:00

Happy Holidays, everyone! :)

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I love to rap...err...wrap

2010-12-23T12:41:00.004+08:00

I have this weird thing for wrapping paper, ribbons, twine, boxes...all sorts of things you can use to wrap gifts. Is it just me who thinks that wrapping gifts is fun? Hahaha

5 days till Christmas!

2010-12-20T10:24:00.013+08:00

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excited much? haha

10 days before Christmas

2010-12-15T13:07:00.005+08:00

and definitely excited.

I like pretty, inspirational pictures.

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obviously bored

2010-12-10T02:23:00.001+08:00

...and can't wait for Sumer 2011!!

can't wait for summer by kookiekulasa featuring moccasins shoes

christmas dresses

2010-12-10T02:12:00.002+08:00

I don't have a dress yet!!! I need about....4, haha! One for Christmas Eve, one for Christmas Day, and one for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day! Yes, I am very much addicted to dresses. For now, I have to find the perfect dress for December 24th and 25th.

christmas dresses by kookiekulasa featuring a slip on dress

♥

2010-12-09T22:22:00.002+08:00

I'm such a giddy fan-girl.

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BUT...I love him more. HAHAHA I am being such a dork right now, but Joey Richter is ♥.

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it's gonna be (a) totally awesome (weekend)

2010-12-04T08:48:00.005+08:00

Am being a dork again, case in point my blog title. I've been a fan of A Very Potter Musical ever since it came out on youtube. Being a Harry Potter fan girl, I figured the play would be just okay. AVPM just exceeded my expectations. It really was (and is) 'totally awesome'. God knows how many times I've watched it and the sequel and I laugh every time. Seriously. As my friend Mishi pointed out, it's as funny (if not funnier) than Avenue Q (which we both love as well). Obviously, only HP fans would be able to come up with such a witty, hilarious parody on the book series. It's so comforting to know that there are relatively old(er) HP fans who're crazy, and may I add smart, enough to make a musical. I guess they're just like me and my HP fangirl friends--we grew up reading the books and watching the movies. Yes, we're all working now and supposedly mature adults but when it comes to Harry Potter we all transform into giddy teenagers and gush over how awesome the books are and pore into the details which can sometimes make us seem like we're obsessed.

I'm getting sidetracked from the original purpose of this entry, haha! Damn it, Harry Potter! Hahaha! But seriously, if you guys haven't watched the play I highly encourage you to do so. It's easy, search for "A Very Potter Musical" on youtube oooooor, to make your lives easier click this link.

So what was I supposed to write about? Oh yeah! Well, it's gonna be a totally awesome weekend because a) my high school BFF and I are going to spend the entire Saturday together hanging out, going to the spa, and driving off to Tagaytay just for the heck of it; b) my mom is actually going to take me shopping this Sunday and I'm going to see my cute little cousins again after; and c) I just feel like this weekend's going to be a blast. Haha!

I haven't really posted anything on what's been going on in my life. I'm trying to organize everything in my head before I write about the recent and not-so-recent happenings. Let's just say I'm happy but also nervous about major decisions and risks I'll have to take in the near future. This part deserves an entirely new post, which I promise I'll make, but now I have to run and prepare for my awesome Saturday.

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

not gonna bring me down

2010-11-26T22:38:00.004+08:00

Quick post. Got extremely upset today because of unexpected news. Don't really want to go into the details. I was hopeful about something, then that bit of info just clarified everything. Great.

Feeling better now, though :) Just glad I found out now before...yeah, not gonna divulge anything anymore. Haha!

let's try to smile on a dreary Thursday morning

2010-11-25T11:46:00.002+08:00

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2010-11-25T00:06:00.002+08:00

"...like a cup of coffee on a rainy Saturday morning"

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exactly what you were telling me

2010-11-24T13:27:00.002+08:00

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bizarre bazaar

2010-11-20T20:10:00.003+08:00

My bazaar isn't bizarre, but the name just got stuck because a friend said my bazaar's name should be bizarre. Weirdo. Anyway, if you're in Manila and in the mood for a bit of Christmas shopping--please do visit my booth in the following bazaars (A. Venue, La Vista, and Greenmeadows). Bazaar dates are on the announcement below :) It's actually not just mine, am sharing the business with a couple of my friends. This is actually our second time to do a bazaar together, and I love love loooove working with them because we're always on the same page on all aspects of the business.

Again, please do visit us on any of the bazaar dates listed! YAY GREAT THAAAANKS! :)