J: 10 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE I DIE

La Sagrada Familia (Spain)

Photo Source: http://www.historvius.com/images/original/La-Sagrada-Familia-2179.jpg

I have been fascinated by the facade and architecture of the “La Sagrada Familia” church since I was in elementary. I guess it’s the first foreign location I have ever dreamt of going to ever! I even dreamt of getting married here or at least live to see it finally finished. The construction of this church has been going on for over a century now and its original architect is Antoni Gaudi. It possesses these very intricate image details on its façade. It’s really wonderful, romantic and most of all sacred. I have always dreamt of being proposed to and getting married in this church since I can remember. It has that mystery and elegance that will just leave me in awe every time I see even just its pictures.

You can visit the Basilica virtually here: http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/docs_instit/vvirtual.php?vv=4

The Vatican

Photo Source: http://www.funonthenet.in/articles/vatican-tour.html

Since the reign of Pope John Paul II and with the conclave happening now as Pope Benedict XVI stepped down, I have never wanted more to go to the Vatican! To see as everything happens, to attend a mass in the ‘Holy City’ and to being able to feel the blessing to be in its presence. Everything I need to know about Christianity or Catholicism can be found here. It’s like the Muslim’s Mecca for the Catholics. I am not a highly spiritual person but this place has always been one of my dream destinations because I believe that a trip here can define my spirituality.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Photo Source: http://www.peru-machu-picchu.com/pics/machu-picchu-1.jpg

I’ve been introduced to different ancient civilization (such as Incan and Mayan civilization) in middle school and it has left me curious since then. I actually thought of being an archaeologist or historian because of it, but I don’t know any school in the Philippines that offers those courses. So, I was inclined to take up Communication Arts because it has a photography subject and I decided that I may never be an archaeologist or historian but I will make sure that when I get to go to Machu Picchu I’ll take tons of wonderful images of this Incan ruins! I know these ancient civilizations aren’t really a child’s play or even humane and can be a bit depressing and gore, but it’s inevitable that their structures are really fascinating. Well, I am yet to go there, hopefully in this lifetime, and when I do I’ll be sure to explore it like a child in a maze! ;)

Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

Photo Source: http://gohawaii.about.com/od/societylodging1/ss/best-overwater-bungalows-in-tahiti_19.htm

Aaaaah! And then, there’s Bora Bora!! Just the thought of this place makes me feel good; it’s like a little slice of heaven on Earth. Its clear waters and its breath taking sceneries will just let you take that much needed R&R and just forget about the world. I have no words left for this place other than “aaaaaaah!”, it’s like my safe place, haha. I imagine being there when things get rough. And, I will go there, hopefully in this lifetime as well, and I will swim into that clear waters and have the best vacay ever.

Amanpulo (Philippines)

Photo Source: http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/picturetour.aspx

Of course, this Philippine gem is in a private island and can only be accessed thru a chartered plane. Going there is like having an island ready to be of service just for you. You can do all sort of water sports and most importantly soak under its exclusive glory. I first heard about Amanpulo when I was in elementary and I haven’t been to any white sand beach that time, so Amanpulo has been my greatest dream destination within the Philippines. Going there, just like my other entire dream destinations are really expensive, but a girl can dream, right?

Paris (France)

Photo Source: http://www.coastalrivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/paris_night1.jpg

Of course I want to go the Eiffel tower, of course I want feel the warm welcome of Paris by going through the Arc de Triomphe and of course I want to watch fashion week in Paris! It has been said the most romantic place in the world and the fashion capital as well. What else can a woman, like me, ask for? Paris had gotten my heart a long time ago! I want to just walk its streets and watch how Parisian women dress and make it an inspiration until I find my own Parisian style. I dream of just going around Paris and watch the people pass me by like the streets are their runway. And the Eiffel Tower is their proud and glorious backdrop ;) I feel like there’s just so much to see in Paris to enrich my cultural knowledge; very artistic and historical.

New York

Photo Source: http://slowbuddy.com/photography/new-york-pictures/

So I’ve watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s way too many times and the Sex and the City and FRIENDS episodes over and over again and I want to be where they are; ‘that concrete jungle where dreams are made of, NEW YORK!’

I want to have my breakfast in tiffany’s moment, to go to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library, to experience their subways, to hear the noise of the big apple and stand in the middle of Time Square! And, if I am lucky watch the Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week as well. I always dreamt of being a writer of some sort, and watching Carrie Bradshaw, New York seems to be the perfect place to be that.

Rolling Greeneries of Scotland

Photo Source: http://studyworldonline.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/scotland-landscape1.jpeg

Have you seen those kilt-wearing men with their bagpipes on maybe the TV or in different films? I want to see them in person. I want to explore the rich greeneries of their ‘old country’, as they call it, and taste their malt whiskey! I watched this movie called “Angel’s Share” and apart from the greeneries that are very well featured in this film, I also want to hear that Scottish accent, I just love it. I may have a hard time understanding them but I am willing to listen to that accent while I am there. I also want to see a real life castle and even explore those spooky ones like the Roslyn Chapel or the Edinburgh castle, but I never meant to explore these places alone haha, because I am too scared!

Pyramids of Egypt

Photo Source: http://famouswonders.com/wp-content/gallery/pyramids-of-egypt/the-sphinx-at-gizacairo-in-egypt-with-the-pyramid-of-chephren-khafre-in-the-background.jpg

As I said earlier, I dreamt of being an archaeologist, I dreamed of being able to find a rare piece of history through a major exploratory dig in the midst of Egypt’s mysterious pyramids. I watch various Discovery Channel shows about the great pyramids of Egypt and my interest and curiosity grows more and more each time. Isn’t it fascinating to know how manual workers were the ones who made these pyramids that stood the test of time that it’s still perfectly still up to this day? It’s just amazing!

Disneyland (USA)

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sypix/2270224100/sizes/o/in/photostream/

The happiest place on Earth! I feel like everybody transforms back to childhood once they stepped in here and doesn’t that feel good? To be able to meet the Disney Princess and even get makeovers to be just like them ;) It’s every girl’s dream!  And to watch that parade of characters that we all just seen animated in the movies. And, of course the spectacular fireworks after! Everybody wants to get away sometimes and be a kid again without any worries and I guess this place can do that for anybody ;)




- J!

A&J: Boys and girls, we present, THE ULTIMATE LIST OF MUST-HAVES!

You see something in the supermarket, you know you may need it but you still think twice about buying, you then leave the place without it. The following day, you find yourself in need of the product you thought twice of buying, but now, there isn't anywhere you can go to purchase one. Don’t you just hate those moments?

Sometimes, taking a visit on the health and beauty section of department stores wouldn’t hurt, and yes, we’re also talking to you, boys. Sometimes those things that we should have in our shopping baskets are the ones that go unnoticed.  

We’d like to share with you the things we make sure we always have at our dressers and in our purses. Products we use/apply before leaving the house, and things we carry around with us. Aside from the usual shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush toothpaste, and bringing our wallets, mobile phone, IDs with us, here are our other must-haves.

Bebi A's 5 Purse Must-Haves

There are things that I think one should always have ready, either on his/her car or purse. These are very easy-to-find and very affordable things that will never be useless once you get to know them.

1. Wet tissue / Facial tissue

No matter how careful we are, there will always be times when we will get our hands on something gross or we will have something dirty accidentally stick to us.And while wash rooms can be found available on many places, there can be chances when we will be left without an option to wash the nasty dirt off with water. And at times like those when wet tissues or facial tissues can come to your rescue.

I personally think that everyone should have wet tissues or facial tissues readily available for use. And this is regardless of the gender. These things are not only helpful whenever nature calls, you can also use them on your face to freshen up after walking under very humid weather condition, on wiping dirt off your mouth, keeping your hands clean, and the list goes on. Let us let experience tell you what kind of scenarios wet and facial tissues can be used on.

I do not have personal favorites when it comes to wet and facial tissues, but I  have been using these kinds. I find the packaging very cute, so I always just go for it (and they’re very affordable), plus the wet tissues in the purple packaging have a light hint of lavender, and that smells really nice.

2. Breath freshener

Bad breath is a total turn off. We all know that. And although we all (I really hope) spend ample time going up and down and in circles with our toothbrushes while dealing with our teeth, it cannot guarantee that we will have fresh breath the entire day. Eating and not eating can both cause bad breath. When you don’t eat, the gases from our stomach will escape from our body through the mouth (that is the explanation that I know, if I’m wrong, please feel free to correct me on the comment box below), and that can cause bad breath. With eating, and I think all of us already know this, depending on the food that you ate, your breath can smell Mexican, Italian, American, and if you’re even luckier, you’ll have that garlic breath scent. 

You’re lucky if you have a place where you can whip out your toothbrush and toothpaste and eliminate the bad smell in your mouth by brushing your teeth, or if you have a place where you can use your mouth wash to gargle. But for worse scenarios when you want fresh breath and you don’t have a place to brush your teeth or gargle, then mints can help do the trick.

My work dictates for me to either be in the office or in the field for some training. I am lucky because most times, I am able to have some teeth-loving time after lunch in the office, but during days when training are scheduled one after the other, then I go for the aid of my mints.

I always carry Clorets Actizol Plus Cool Mint Tablets. I personally like this one because its cool effect is felt until the tiniest bit of mint. It keeps your breath smelling minty for a sensible amount of time.

NOTE: There is a difference between fresh teeth and clean mouth. Mints are not a replacement for brushing our teeth.

3. Loose change

Have you ever had those days when you just wanted to buy something but it can’t be sold to you because the money you're using to pay is just a single bill and is of a big amount? I hate those moments too. And it’s because of those moments that I have learned that it is important to always have coins and bills of smaller amounts in your wallet.

If you’re in the Philippines, then it is likely that you will not be able to purchase an item worth Php15 with your Php500 bill. You will get that strange look from the person at the counter. Haha! And if you’re in Singapore, then you can say goodbye to your $2 or $5 when you left your EZlink card (the card we use to pay for public transpo) at home because the machines in buses wouldn’t give you change.

I like putting my $1 in my piggy bank, but I still always make sure I have at least three $3 coins plus couple more coins of smaller value in my wallet, and of course some bills.

4. Portable charger

Gone are the days when the only “features” a phone has is the ability to connect to another person through call or text messaging. Now we can watch movies, listen to music, take photos, play games, read e-books, among many others through these small pieces of technology. And although we are all thankful that we can now do all those things with the use of a small gadget, we all dread to see a red mark on our phone battery. We all have, one time or another, made a sad sigh upon seeing the low battery symbol on our phone. And that is not a good icon on our phone especially when our day is just starting or when we have to make or are waiting for some important phone calls or text messages.

All the worrying can end, and we can all say goodbye to phones with drained batteries, thanks to portable chargers. A portable charger, for me, is a life saver. I had found myself worrying about my phone’s battery life way too many times, until I got tired of trying to find a free phone charging area in all kinds of places.

I have the Sony Cycle Energy portable charger in black. I like it because it’s light, and it’s not bulky, so I can fit it in a small purse that I put in my bag. Although this portable charger can only charge my phone another 100% battery life before the charger drains its own battery life, I still find it helpful. I carry my portable charge fully charged, and I make sure I charge it (using my laptop) at home after I have used it.

5. And for my girls, our holy grail; makeup kit

I don’t think I need to even type anything on here. It’s already understood. I cannot even begin to describe how I used to panic whenever I would forget my makeup kit at home. There was even a time when I was already in school when I realized that I forgot my kit. My school is roughly an hour and fifteen minutes away from my home, and you think that stopped me? Hell no. I went back home, took my kit, and traveled back to school. It was THAT important. Hahaha! I don’t panic so much anymore, but I do get sad when I forget to put my lipstick or pressed powder in my kit. When my things aren't complete, I feel a like I’m half-naked.

In my kikay kit are the basics. If you can carry your makeup brushes and palettes around, then good for you. I, however, prefer a smaller bag. I have my compact powder from The Body Shop in shade no. 04. I apply a very thin layer of this one, and it’s always enough for that fresh and natural look. For my cheeks, I sometimes use this Clinique color surge eye shadow duo and blushing powder, in twilight mauve / braided plum and smoldering plum shades respectively. Another essential item in my kit is my lip balm; The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care SPF15, which I love so much because it’s not sticky, and really moisturizes your skin. I've tested this in autumn/winter weather, and it helped me not have chapped lips. ;) And of course my two lipsticks, NYC Ultra Moist Lipwear in Retro Red shade, and Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suade lipstick in Couture. Both lipsticks are red shade, but what can I say, that's how I like 'em! And last but not the least is my eyebrow pencil, which is from a local brand; Ever Bilena Original in brown shade, I definitely cannot leave the house without it.

Bebi J's 5 Dresser Must-Haves

I have to admit I have a lot going on in my dresser. It’s filled with so many different things from my toner and moisturizer to my makeup palettes, brushes, and scrungees! This list can go on forever. Well, not forever because I have my 5 key things that my dresser can never be without (in terms of makeup and skin care)! These are the things that girls (and also boys) must have, never mind if you ran out of the other stuff, but these 5 you must stock up!


1. Sunscreen (Coppertone Sunscreen SPF50/VMV Hypoallergenics’ Armada Face Cover 30)

Sunscreen is the key to escape those nasty chapped skin and early guesting of your wrinkles!! I use the Coppertone Sunscreen as a lotion for my body. It’s not sticky at all! In fact, the skin absorbs it very well and quick too. Sunscreen basically has the same elements a lotion does, so weigh which one you need more, sunscreen or lotion? It’s really useless to double up the coverage because the other one will just absorb the other and will just reduce the SPF, hence useless.

For my face, I use the Armada one but only when I won’t use a foundation or a BB cream with an SPF on it. Because using it with a foundation that has an SPF will just pack on the heat in your face resulting to a quicker makeup meltdown and besides just like what I said earlier, it’s useless to have two products that both have an SPF.

The Coppertone Sunscreen SPF50 costs Php450/tube and the Armada Face Cover costs Php1,350/tube.

2. Moisturizer (L’oreal Hydrafresh)

Okay, people! You must know that the secret behind anyone with that glowing, beautiful skin is MOISTURIZER! This must be everyone's mantra: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! We need this to maintain or atleast prolong our skin’s elasticity to prevent it from the early star appearance of wrinkles! So we must choose our moisturizers wisely, like our lives depend on it!

And, I just simply adore this moisturizer! It’s specially designed for people with oily skin and God (sorry for using God, but that’s just to emphasize) knows I have a very oily skin. What’s so nice about it is that it’s in a gel form, thus, faster absorption and lighter application, it also cools the face when applied. It’s really refreshing and highly effective as well.

Each jar of L’oreal HydraFresh cost Php395.

3. Perfume (Annick Goutal Petit Cherie/Clinique Happy Heart/DKNY Be Delicious)

This should be a staple on anyone's dresser! It doesn't matter if you're a boy, girl, bakla, tomboy. LOL. One must always have a perfume or atleast a cologne. I don't think I need to justify this one so I'll just share my top3 signature scents. I interchange them by week! Hehe. This is where the girly bit starts so boys, look away! Or if you're thinking of getting you girlfriend or wife a perfume, here are some suggestions:

First one is my Annick Goutal Petit Cherie Eau de Parfum. Fancy!! That's why I rarely use it. I use it on special occassions and stuff. It smells lovely. It has that subtle scent of flowers and citrus in perfect harmony! This one's kinda pricey but my mom got it for me in Doha at around QR450 and I found it here in the Philippines at Rustan's Makati, they sell it at around Php6000.

Second is the Clinique Happy Heart, I bought it from Doha as well. Clinique Happy Heart may not be as famous as it's predecessor, Clinique Happy, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't smell as good. I love it so much. I got it for QAR300 (Php3300)

The last one has been my perfume since my college days, DKNY Be Delicious Green Apple! It's citrus-y but not too strong that it stings your nose. Out of the 3, I can say this one really is my signature scent, just because I've been using it the longest plus the bottle is cut as well! ;)

4. Deodorant (J. Thomas No Sweat Deo-Spray)

I can't emphasize enough how this should be present at all times, especially if you're aware that you sweat a lot, as I admittedly am!! Sweaty armpits can cause bad odor and bad odor can cause major inconvenience and annoyance to the person beside you or, worst, AROUND YOU! Haha. So, please always put on a deodorant. This is a Public Service Announcement, really! Haha.

I just recently found out about this J. Thomas deo-spray and I am telling you it does wonders to your armpits hehe. I noticed minimal sweating in that area the moment I started using it.

5. Qtips a.k.a Cotton Buds

Cotton buds is mainly used to clean your ears or nose, but did you know that if you're a woman struggling with those nasty mascara getting into your eyelids, qtips can be you BFF? You can use it to wipe away those mascara transfer from your eyelids or you can put the qtip against your lid before putting on the mascara to prevent smudges.

These are our top 5 list of must-haves, if you also have the same list, but have a different kind of use for them, please feel free to share it with us on the comment box below. Or if you think we left out some other essential stuff or have your own must-have list, we would love to know what they are! :)



Happpppinesss! - J and A

J: I’ve got to go…AGAIN! + Basic packing tips for long haul flights!

How time flies! It feels like I just came back home (from Qatar) yesterday, and now it's time to leave The Philippines again. But I can't say I am not excited to leave, I am very thrilled, and I cannot wait to get the hell out of here!

Don’t get me wrong, I love coming home to the Philippines, but I am always excited to go back to Doha every time, mainly because my mom is there and it is there where our family can be complete. I have said this before; Doha feels more like my home now. It doesn't matter which country we're in, what's most important is that we're (physically) together. For me, that's all that matters.

We came home December 2012 for the holidays and also for the renewal of vows of my mom and dad. They just celebrated their silver wedding anniversary! That was really exciting not just for me, but for the whole family as well. Valentine’s Day came on a December for us ;)

March is just around the corner, but before that 9-hour flight to Doha, my dilemma is always how to fit my things in my luggage, haha! I’m a lady and travelling light is a huge problem for me! But years of going back and forth from Doha to the Philippines has taught me a thing or two when it comes to packing my stuff properly and these techniques, I am going to share with all of you. Say goodbye to the troubles of packing the wrong way.

For my Clothes:  I never fold my clothes, I roll them. With this, I can fill the space of my luggage more efficiently and then layer them. This means I can fit more clothes in, and then just fold my jeans and delicates then lay it over after.

I normally have tops and dresses that has a sheer and cotton material so it's easier to roll. But this trick does not apply for jeans or sweaters because these are too thick, it might take up more space when rolled, so it's much better to fold them and lay them over the rolled clothings.

After a few layers of rolled clothes, this is how your luggage should look like! Very compact and efficient.

For my Shoes: The last time we went to Doha, I weas literally in tears while I bid adieu to some of my shoes. But then, I am not planning to go through all that this time. I decided to pre-select what shoes to bring and then put them in a hygienic plastic wrap so I can squeeze them in my luggage and then some on my carry-on bag. ;)

I got this vacuum storage bag kit from Avon. I love it because it's super sealed and it allows the shoes to be mixed with my clean clothes.

For my Make-Up and Fragrances: I have a small hard case luggage for my makeup and perfumes, because I am more convinced that nothing bad will happen to my makeup when they’re in a tough luggage, haha! But I don’t just throw them in there, I also wrap them in a bubble wrap, because I am OC like that and to prevent leakages for the liquid and cream ones, it’s also a perfect excuse to play with those bubble wraps. ;)



I have a small luggage for my makeup, brushes, fragrances and some pieces of clothings and delicates

For my Brushes: I’ve got tons of makeup brushes at this point and I pack them a little different. I put brush guards on them to protect their bristles and then put them in a separate pouch to keep them safe because they’re like my babies and quite pricey as well! So better keep them safe, right? ;)

I got the brush guards from Suesh Makeup Toolkit and the pouch came free with the Suesh Smokey Eye Brush Kit.

For my Gadgets: I always try to bring my gadgets in my carry-on luggage but they can be too bulky, like my DSLR or my hair dryer, so I put them in my check-in luggage. I strategically put them in between clothes so they’re quite snuggled in, because we know how rough the luggage handling in the airports could be.

Among my gadgets, My DSLR and my Laptop are the most bulky. I tend to squeeze my DSLR inside my luggage or let someone else carry it for me. As with my other little gadgets, I put them in my shoulder bag :)

For the Pasalubong/Baon: My aunts/uncles and grandmas always make sure that I bring a slice of home as a pasalubong to my inay. This means tons of Goldilocks polvoron, dried mangoes,  pastillas, etc. I usually just let them do the packing for these yummy treats, and how they usually do it is by the "classic" way; wrapping them whole with packaging tape and then squeeze them in our luggage. Believe me, it works all the time! ;) The pasalubong are the last ones to get inside the luggage. :)

The very yummy pastillas

Giving the classic polvoron to anyone we know that's leaving the country is almost like a tradition in our family. It's a staple pasalubong or pabaon.

Banquet of all sorts of native knick knacks

And that is it for now. If you’re travelling anytime soon, I hope this helped and enjoy! :)

-J




Photo Sources:
http://sartoriography.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/04_rolling-clothes.jpg
http://www.prolificliving.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Folding_Clothes_in_Luggage.jpg

A: How I made the most out of my vacay in the Philippines!

If thinking happy thoughts would really make you fly, then am pretty sure I would’ve been up in the air after I booked our flight going to the Philippines. I have gone back home twice since I started working abroad, and the amount of excitement coming home is the same if not even greater this time.

I had everything planned right away. Well, I can say that the "planning"  part is easy; you choose the dates, book flights, buy pasalubong, and pack your bags. It's  making the most out of my limited time back home that gets quite challenging. But having learned many lessons from my first trip back home, I now know the to-dos and not-to-dos when coming home for a vacay. 

So many loved ones, so little time? Not anymore. Here are some tips on how you can maximize your time when visiting home:

Tip #1: Make a schedule

Coordinate with people you want to meet. Create a time table for all the meet-ups you will have, and this should include the place. 

If you are going out with a group of people, make sure everyone is aware of and have agreed to the date and time of meet-up, this way there will be no room for sudden changes in plans.  If you have a group of friends who prefer to chit chat while eating, and another group who prefers to do just the same but over a couple of drinks, then set a lunch date with the former, and a dinner date with the latter. With schedules starting quite late, you can even inject some shopping time in the morning. Find those filipino goods you missed while you were away from home. 


Tip #2: Too much of anything is bad

Unless you are meeting friends over their 1-hour lunch break, then the tendencies are you all would want to stay and chitchat longer and enjoy more food or more drinks. And this is why it is not advisable to schedule a meet-up with three different groups of people in a single day. The last thing you want to do is check on your watch every minute and worry that your other friends might already be waiting for you.


Tip #3: Location location location!

Ask your different sets of friends to meet you in places that are near each other.  This gives you enough time to enjoy every second you have with your first “date” and not worry that there could be heavy traffic on your way to your next meeting place.

Plus, I bet the people you will want to meet are your really close friends, and with that being the case, am sure they’d be willing to compromise. 


Tip #4: Take the level of drunkenness to a 0!

Remember that time when you went out drinking with friends, you had so much fun you downed all the alcoholic drinks you got your hands on? Then the following morning you woke up perfectly fine, all energetic, and ready to go malling? Yeah, neither do I.

We all know how bad hangovers can get after a night of all-out partying. And although letting lose with friends can be a lot of fun, it will not be so entertaining while you try to drag yourself in to the bathroom so that you can start preparing for another day out with friends. It also can be heartbreaking when you know you will not get to leave the house because you're still dizzy from last night's drinkathon and you cannot leave your bed.

Depending on your alcohol tolerance, a couple of bottles should be okay. None of us wants to be that KJ (kill joy) balikbayan who only wanted iced tea, right? Have a good time, but make sure you will still be strong enough, if not sober enough for the following day's agenda. 


Tip #5: Always be on time

It’s simple, if you get to your first schedule on time, then the chances of you becoming late on your next meet-up is very small. If you really want to spend enough time with people you want to see, then you should stick strictly to your schedule.
 
These are the tricks that worked for me on my last trip in the Philippines.We would also love to hear how you make the most out of your time when you go back home or when you visit places. Please feel free to share them with us on the comment box below.

Now this is the part that I'm excited about the most. This is how it all went down during my 7-day vacation in my country.

HELLO PHILIPPINES!

Flight back home: We booked the 1:20AM / February 7, 2013 flight and we were happy that we landed on time. Smooth flight and comfy seats. Thank you, CEBU PACIFIC!


Day 1 / Feb.7.2013 Thursday:

Sunrise!

Our first stop was of course, at that fast food chain with a red-and-yellow-striped bee! :D Popo’s mom and dad had no idea he was coming home, so needless to say, they were both surprised to see us early morning in their house, with Jollibee breakfast meals!

Teatime!

We went to SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) later that afternoon and did a little shopping. Oh I missed looking at that globe. We also finished what needed to be done at BDO. They really find ways! Special thanks to Mr. Ryan Bautista.

All the walking got us tired. How about some merienda? RAZON’s! Ooohh you got to love their halo-halo!

Sunset!

And of course, what better way to end our first day back home but by having dinner with our families at Seaside Dampa! Julie’s Ihaw-ihaw provided a wide variety of grilled meals and all-Pinoy dishes. We savoured their Sinigang na hipon, buttered shrimp, ensaladang mangga, baked tahong, grilled liempo, and calamari. Oooohh just typing these meals makes me hungry. And for dessert? The White Hat Italian fro yo and Chatime milk tea!

Day 2 / Feb.8.2013 Friday:

Sunrise! 

I woke up Friday morning feeling really happy. I'M HOME, B%^#CHES! :D For breakfast, mom bought some creamy pandesal.Yuuuummm! I started to finally unload the things inside my luggage before I prepped for another day of gala.

Teatime!

We made sure we pay our "college mommy" a visit. We stayed for a couple of hours, and just did some catching up over ice cream and juice. Haha! Here's our photo with our mommy Chil in Letran. Love her!


Sunset!

After Letran, I went straight to Greenbelt to meet my drop dead gorgeous high school girl friends. We enjoyed our dinner at Gerry's Grill Greenbelt 3. Our dinner was followed by a few bottles of beer, and then some coffee. I have never, in years, laughed so hard, and had much fun as I had with them. We met around 8PM and were in Greenbelt area until 3AM. I am crazy about these girls!  

(Notice that I changed my outfit? I met my mom at Glorietta first and bought a different top before I went to see my girls. Haha! I can’t help it.)

 
Day 3 / Feb.9.2013 Saturday:

Sunrise!

Usually, I get grumpy when I only get 3 hours of sleep, but not this time. I got home from my Fridate past 4 in the morning, slept around 5:30, and I was up prepping around 8:15.

I visited some some friends from my previous work in Mandaluyong. It felt weird to wear a visitor's ID. Haha! We headed to Hap Chan after some chikahan in the office. :) 

Teatime!

I spent the entire afternoon with another close friend, my ate Tine. I enjoyed this part of the day so much. We had so much catching up to do, and we did that over shopping. Even more fun huh? I got to buy so many items for very reasonable prices, all thanks to Fashion Market at Market! Market! If you live near the mall’s area, you should drop by and visit their four floors of all-affordable goodies; native delicacies, clothes, gift items, house displays, and furniture. You can find many nice items with good quality, and practice your bargaining skills at the same time! 

Sunset!

My amigang Yka would have seriously demanded we go to a bar in Timog had I not explained to her I really have somewhere I need to be early morning the following day. Haha! She loves me! So instead, we enjoyed dinner and a few bottles of beer at Giligans Glorietta 5.

I have one question though, Giligans. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? We had this old metal table that leaned to the side and wobbled. So you can just imagine how careful we tried to be when pouring pork sinigang in our bowls. The place was dead quiet. It was nothing like how it was before. 

Good thing the girls I was with were anything but boring. I love these girls, and I will always have a day/night dedicated to being with them when back home. It's funny how we "attacked" the mangga't bagoong served to us? Hahahaha!

Day 4 / Feb.10.2013 Sunday:

Sunrise / Teatime! 

We were at Jollibee SLEX a few minutes after the sun rose on my 4th day home. After munching in on our breakfast meals, we were back on the road. Next stop: Tiaong, Quezon; home of the Dipasupils!

My lola (grandmother), native chicken, and fruits picked from our trees backyard, are just some of the many reasons why I always visit Tiaong.

 
Sunset!

And as if we haven't had enough Chinese food in Singapore, dinner at Chowking! Well, Popo and I still enjoy Chinese food cooked the Filipino way.

Day 5 / Feb.11.2013 Monday:

Sunrise / Teatime!

Remember our first joint entry? That would fall under this day. Bebi J and I spiced up our Monday.

Photo taken at Conti's Greenbelt 2. Love that Mango Bravo!

 
Sunset!

With my college/org friends that night for some good old peer bonding.

Day 6 / Feb.11.2013 Tuesday:

This day is specially for my mom. I really miss going shopping with her, so this day is for some mother-daughter bonding.   

Sunrise!

Photo not taken in the Philippines. Just wanted to show you my mom! Haha!

We went back to Market! Market! and shopped a little, then waited for my cousin, kuya Joel before going to Max’s for our (late) lunch. 



 
Teatime!

With time still in our control, we went back home first to drop all the things we bought and freshen up before leaving again for Makati.

Sunset!

It was our last night in the Philippines. After buying all we needed at SM Makati, we headed to Conti’s Greenbelt 2 for our family dinner.

Day 7 / Feb.13.2013 Wednesday:

Ensaymada, caramel bars, happy peanuts, dragon sid, Oishi Cracklings, Tomi sweetcorn, sour sampaloc, and some processed goods. Yes, our bags are packed. Bound for Singapore.

- A (02.24.13/11:00PM)